There are so many different Electric Scooters on the market, which always make deciding which one to purchase a tough decision that requires a lot of comparing and researching. In this blog I’ve put together some points and questions to help you with your decision.
Price
Electric Scooters are usually placed into four groups based on their price.
- $0 to $500 – These usually are basic Electric Scooters with only the necessary features, they’re best if you have never ridden a two-wheel vehicle, though they don’t always have the best headlights, no suspension, no turn signals, roughly 15mph top speed, 15 miles per charge and usually come with disc brakes but they are small, light and portable.
- $501 to $1000 – Electric Scooters in this price range are almost always upgrades from those in #1; 15-19 mph top speed, 15-19 miles per charge, most come with disc brakes (some with hydraulic brakes). Most will have basic suspension. and headlight but no turn signals. They can be used as beginner scooters as well.
- $1000 to $2000 – This price range is the most popular because the prices are ideal: Not too Expensive. but assures the buyer that they’ll be getting a good to great Scooter. These will almost always have hydraulic brakes, good tires, good to great suspension, Turn Signals, great millage and insane top speeds. In this group portability is not a strong point because most of these will be at least 70 pounds and bulky.
- $2000< -The best of the best, the luxury of Electric Scooters. Here is where you’ll find the big names, Each great in some way or another; Insane top-speeds, the best dual spring suspensions, Excellent headlights, the best hydraulic braking systems, best tires and motors. Portability isn’t an option though. and these are not recommended for beginners.
Portability
The weight and size of each Electric Scooter should be taken into account base on the Answers to the following questions.
- Would you be climbing stairs with the scooter ?
- what’s the max weight you can lift comfortably for a duration of time ?
- Where would you be storing the Scooter ?
- Would you ever need to carry it in your car?
Weight Limit
Weight limits for electric scooters are set to ensure safe operation and optimal performance. Exceeding the weight limit may strain the scooter’s components, affecting stability, speed, and battery life. Adhering to these limits helps prevent accidents and maintains the scooter’s longevity.
If you will be carrying additional load occasionally, take this into account too.
Distance Per Charge
Distance per charge in electric scooters refers to the maximum travel distance a scooter can cover on a single battery charge. It’s a key metric indicating the scooter’s range before needing to recharge its battery.
This lets you know if the scooter will successfully get you to and from your desired destinations be work, school or wherever you will be travelling with your scooter.
Location/Terrain
where would you be traveling most with the scooter? what are the roads like? is there a lot of hills?
The Electric scooter you choose should be able to comfortably handle the terrain you’ll be using daily. Hilly terrains will require a scooter with powerful dual-motor, Bad bumpy roads will require a scooter with good suspension, unpaved roads will require a scooter with off-road tubeless tires. These are important to avoid falls and damage to the scooter.
Max Speed
The Max Speed is the fastest speed the scooter can travel under ideal circumstances and is typical measured in Miles per Hour or Kilometers per Hour. this is usually a highlighted stat because it determines how fast you can get to your destination and a lot of riders love the trill of going super-fast.
Visibility and Lighting
Visibility on an electric scooter is crucial for safety, it’s very important to be seen and to be able to see where youre going. Many scooters have built-in lights, including headlights and taillights, to enhance visibility during low-light conditions. The headlight on your electric scooter should be very bright and well mounted if you’ll be doing a lot of night riding.
Some scooters are created with a strip of light in the stem and/or on the sides of the body, with makes it much easier for you to be seen by other road users.
Good After Sale Customer Service
Its often overlooked, but this should be an important factor in your decision. if something goes wrong with the electric scooter; being able to talk to someone from the company can make things so much easier and less stressful, regardless of the method of communication.
Imagine ordering an electric scooter online and it comes with a broken display, you call and e-mail the company for two months with no response. how would you feel as the customer?
To avoid this scenario:
- Take time to read the reviews on the Electric Scooter from past customers, this lets you know what to expect.
- Choose a scooter brand that has a distributer in your Country of residence, this will also ensure shorter delivery times for equipment and replacement parts if needed.
Phrases and Abbreviations you might come across while looking at electric scooters.
- Regenerative Baking – Regenerative braking is a technology used in electric and hybrid vehicles to recover and store energy normally lost as heat during braking. It converts kinetic energy into electrical energy, which is then fed back into the vehicle’s battery for later use. This enhances overall energy efficiency and extends the vehicle’s range.
- Lumens – Lumens are a unit of measurement for the total amount of visible light emitted by a light source. It quantifies the brightness of the light as perceived by the human eye. The higher the lumens, the brighter the light. It is commonly used to compare the brightness of different light bulbs or lighting devices.
- Steering Dampener – A steering damper, also known as a steering stabilizer, is a mechanical device used in vehicles to reduce vibrations and oscillations in the steering system. It helps control and stabilize the movement of the steering wheel, especially in off-road or high-speed driving conditions, enhancing vehicle handling and reducing the impact of road irregularities on steering.
- I.P. Rating – The IP rating, or Ingress Protection rating, is a standard used to define the level of protection provided by a device against the intrusion of solids and liquids. The IP rating consists of two digits; the first indicates protection against solids, and the second indicates protection against liquids. For example, an IP68 rating means the device is dust-tight (6) and can withstand immersion in water up to a certain depth (Higher numbers generally represent better protection.
- Sine Wave Controller -A sine wave controller, often associated with electric motors and motor control systems, uses a sine wave modulation to control the electrical current supplied to the motor. This type of controller provides smoother and more efficient control compared to other methods, resulting in quieter operation, reduced motor heating, and improved overall performance in electric vehicles or machinery. Sine wave controllers are commonly used in electric bikes, scooters, and other electric vehicles.
- Disc Brakes -Disc brakes, also known as disk brakes, are a type of braking system commonly used in vehicles. They consist of a rotating disc attached to the wheel, and when the brake pedal is pressed, brake calipers squeeze brake pads against the rotating disc to create friction, slowing down or stopping the vehicle. Disc brakes are favored for their efficient heat dissipation, better stopping power, and durability compared to traditional drum brakes. They are widely used in modern cars, motorcycles, bicycles and Entry Level electric scooters.
- Hydraulic Disk Brake – Hydraulic brakes use a fluid, typically brake fluid, to transfer force from the brake pedal to the brake calipers, which then apply pressure to the brake pads or shoes. This hydraulic system amplifies the force applied by the driver, providing efficient and responsive braking in vehicles. It is widely used in cars, motorcycles, and newer electric scooters.
- MPH – Miles per Hour
- KMPH – Kilometers per Hour
