Have you ever thought about buying an electric scooter? If you haven’t already, read this e scooter buying guide to choose the best one. Electric scooters are five times faster than walking and extremely cheap to operate, making them an excellent mode of transportation for short ranges. Buying an electric scooter may appear simple at first glance, but there is much more to it than meets the eye, so do your homework.
Whether you’re new to the world of electric scooters and want to learn everything there is to know about buying one, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll provide you with all of the relevant data you need to get started with electric scooters.
Purchasing an e scooter may be a quick decision for some – it all depends on whether you are technologically savvy or recognise the significance of various aspects of scooter ownership, such as ride quality and ride range. Electric scooters have distinct characteristics and technical specifications that set them apart from other vehicles, like cars, motorcycles, and pedal bikes. So, before you buy your first electric scooter, keep the following points in mind:
The ride’s performance, the strength of the scooter motors, whether the scooter has one or two motors, the battery capacity and charging time, the maximum load the scooter can withstand, and more! This e scooter buying guide will go over the most critical specifications you must think about.
Factors to Consider When Purchasing an Electric Scooter
When you’re unsure how and where to buy an electric scooter, looking into the ride quality is a perfect way to start. Some e-scooters have such poor ride quality that they can’t be ridden for more than a mile on anything less than an ideal surface. Here is some e scooter buying guide to look at if you’re having trouble deciding which one to get.
1. Tyres
There are two types of tyres: pneumatic and solid rubber. Air-filled tyres provide a smoother ride because they absorb shock and provide excellent handling, but they are susceptible to punctures and require regular maintenance.
If you choose air-filled tyres, we strongly advise you to purchase ‘puncture protection fluid.’ If you do this before your first ride, you might not need to change your tyres at all.
You will also need to check your air pressure regularly and top it up if it falls below a certain level. Tyre pressure is essential for safety, braking effectiveness, and grip. Under-inflation causes wear, reduces battery range, prevents you from reaching top speeds, and makes you more prone to punctures.
2. Brakes
When choosing an electric scooter, your security must always come first, and brake systems are essential. In this e scooter buying guide, there are three types of brakes:
Electric/Regenerative Braking Systems
These are low-maintenance but less efficient in stopping you quickly. It will be the least efficient if you plan to travel at 15 mph or more and have to stop instantly.
Disc Brakes and Drum Brakes
Drum brakes are surrounded by the wheel hub and require less maintenance than other types of braking. They also provide solid results in damp conditions. Disc brakes have the most stopping power and are lightweight than drum brakes, contributing to lighter factors and faster speeds. While drum and disc brakes are the best, they will wear out over time and, like a car, will need to be repaired.
Foot Brakes
Foot brakes are powered up by pressing your foot against the rear mudguard. Unless you’re used to riding a child’s scooter, this will take some practice. They have more stopping power but are not as comfortable or efficient as the drum or disc brakes.
3. Water resistance
Most electric scooters are not water-resistant, which is a simple truth. As a result, riding most e-scooters on wet surfaces, through muddy water, or in the rain may cause them to fail. Furthermore, getting your e-scooter wet could very well void the warranty, forcing you to pay for the replacement yourself, as stated in the fine print of several warranties. If you want to ride in the rain, a waterproof scooter is your best choice.
4. Allowable Maximum Weight
Since not all e-scooters are designed to hold the same massive amount, you must consider this when purchasing. E-scooters designed for Europe typically have a maximum weight capacity of 100kg. Each day, many people weighing more than 100kg ride these e-scooters. However, you should be aware that doing so will void your warranty and is potentially dangerous. When you ride an e-scooter that isn’t appropriate for your weight means you are unlikely to achieve the vehicle’s top speeds and will struggle more with hills.
5. Range
It is essential to know that the distances stated by manufacturers for e-scooters are usually better scenarios. Most are based, like speed, on a light person (70kg) riding on a smooth, plain, flat ground with a battery pack. Be aware that lower-priced e-scooters have lower-quality battery packs, and the quantity of charge they can hold decreases with each charge.
The majority of e-scooters have a range of 15 to 20 miles. Ranges of 20 to 30 miles are also relatively common, and some more luxurious (expensive) models can have distances of up to 40 or even 50 miles. A longer-range necessitates a larger battery, which is also wise to consider because it will make the e-scooter heavier and raise the price.
6. Speed
Most electric scooters have top speeds of 15mph, which is more than enough for many people to get a thrill. Other models can reach speeds of around 18mph, but if you want to experience the wind in your skin, there are a few models that can reach speeds of up to 40mph.
It’s worth noting, however, that heading at such high speeds on a vehicle with such small wheels can be incredibly dangerous. At that rate of speed, it would be very easily available off or lose control over uneven terrain. It’s also worth noting that the fastest electric scooters necessitate larger batteries and more powerful motors, which are both usually much more highly-priced. The speed of an e-scooter is determined by several factors, including motor power, rider weight, tyre pressures, and the terrain on which you ride.
7. Motor Force
The average ‘rated’ power and maximum energy output of an electric scooter motor are the same. The higher the wattage of the motor, the more power it can generate, resulting in better acceleration and hill-climbing capacity.
Most ‘budget’ scooters start at 250 watts and have top speeds of 15 miles per hour. If you weigh more than 80 kilogrammes, these models will struggle to reach their maximum speed and will be unable to climb hills.
We suggest that you consider upgrading to a model with at least 350 watts and that you consider powering up further from there if you intend to start tackling hills continuously or if you are more extensive than average.
