9 Things To Consider When Buying An Electric Scooter

Electric scooters are becoming more and more popular because they provide users with a convenient way of getting around. They are small and light enough to be carried around, and they can go up to 20mph, which is more than enough to get you around town. Aside from being convenient, the scooter, an electric vehicle, advocates environmentally-friendly transportation. 

If you live in the city, it is best to consider an electric scooter as a viable option for transportation. There is so much more to it than meets the eye when buying a scooter. It has two wheels, and an electric engine means that it is the scooter for you. Like cars and motorbikes, electric scooters also have their own qualities and technical specifications that set each other apart. 

That said, it brings us to the question, what should you look for before buying an electric scooter? Don’t worry. This guide covers the consideration of the aspects and specifications when purchasing a scooter.

Price

There will always be better and worse values in purchasing electric scooters. But basically, quality and features improve with a price. So if you decide to go the cheaper route, you’ll likely end up with a weaker, less durable machine. Electrics are pretty enticing until they have issues. This is not something you want to deal with while you’re out on the road. You should be sure that you have the latest and greatest in a model, quality, and price point if you want to be sure to get something that will work well for you.

Range

Suppose you’re shopping around for a new electric scooter. In that case, it’s essential to know that one of the most important factors to consider is the range of the scooter. The range is the distance it can travel on a single battery charge. That said, the range of an electric scooter depends on many factors, including battery capacity, power of the motor, rider weight, and scooter’s weight. 

Other factors, such as the weather, terrain, and mode of transportation, also impact the range of your scooter. So if you plan to regularly commute to work on an electric scooter, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the range of your scooter.

Weight

Weight is a big consideration when shopping for the best electric scooter. This is particularly true if you need to regularly fold and carry your scooter. The scooter’s weight directly impacts your ability to fold and carry it and also affects the scooter’s storage abilities. The lighter the scooter, the easier it will be to fold and carry. 

On the other hand, the scooter’s weight will directly impact its ability to carry your weight and its ability to drive on various surfaces. A heavier scooter will be more challenging to carry. Still, it will also be much slower to drive, especially on a slick hard surface.

Speed

When looking for a scooter that you plan to be your primary form of transportation, you should find one that can do at least 24 km/h. This is important because the average speed of traffic is around 16 km/h. To give you an idea of how fast this is, a typical car speed is approximately 25 km/h. While there are exceptions, this speed is a standard across cities worldwide and gives you a sense of how important top speed is in your daily commute.

Rider Weight

The maximum load or rider weight is the maximum amount that can be safely supported by an electric scooter. For most scooters, this limit ranges from 100 kg to 120 kg. If you weigh more than this, you should make sure you’re looking for vehicles that suit your needs and can support your weight comfortably and safely. 

While it’s essential to consider a weight that fits both yourself and your vehicle, keep in mind that it will take longer for a heavier person to reach their destination compared to an equally powerful yet quicker lighter rider due to the extra strain placed on its motor over time on bumpy roads.

Suspension

The suspension in spring, hydraulic, or air piston types of electric scooters can smooth out bumps and indentations in the road and improves ride quality. Without it, and when using solid tires, you will feel every bump you travel over. If your commute is longer or has rough terrain, strongly consider buying a scooter with good suspension. 

Front and Rear Lights

Scooters, like bicycles, have white front lights and red rear lights. In fact, they are required to have both a front and rear light if you plan on riding this form of transportation after dark. If you aren’t able to do that, it is essential that you at least add some flashing red rear lights to your helmet or backpack so drivers can see you coming from behind.

Brakes

A good set of brakes is a must when it comes to electric scooters. This is because they are much faster and extremely powerful. Suppose you are not confident in your ability to stop this rapidly going vehicle. In that case, it’s best to invest in a good and reliable brake system. There are two categories of electric scooter brakes: mechanical and electronic. 

Mechanical brake systems rely on physical mechanisms to slow the scooter down, including foot, drum, and disc brakes. While electronic braking systems rely on the motor itself for braking and include strictly electric and regenerative braking systems. If you compare the two systems, mechanical braking systems offer much stronger than electronic systems. The only advantage electric braking systems have is that it doesn’t require maintenance and periodic adjustments, unlike their counterpart system.

If you have trouble choosing, don’t worry. There are electric scooter models that combine both electronic and mechanical braking systems. Therefore, for safety reasons, experts recommend investing in a scooter with at least two braking systems if one fails. 

Tires

Scooter tires come in two types: Solid (airless) and pneumatic (air-filled) tires. Between the two, many recommend having pneumatic tires because they give better ride quality (with or without suspension). As a rule of thumb, you need large, air-filled tires to be more flexible in your road riding. Also, regularly check your air pressure to ensure safety, braking effectiveness, and grip.

Key Takeaway

As you’re looking into getting an electric scooter, there are a few things you should consider to make an informed decision. The first thing to consider is whether or not you need a scooter at all. If you live in a city, you’re probably better off getting a bike or a motorcycle, as they’re faster and more convenient for traveling. 

However, if you live in a rural area or want a convenient way to get around the city without dealing with traffic, an electric vehicle may be the way to go. When you start looking for a scooter, you’ll discover there are many different types to choose from. Keeping the things listed above in mind can help you next time you browse for an electric scooter.