How to Buy the Best Electric Scooter for City Riding
Electric scooters may seem daunting to shop for, but it is an easy process if you know what you are looking for. And what are those factors? Find out below.
What is the range?
Among the biggest concerns when buying a scooter is its range. This is because people want to know how long the electric scooter will go before requiring a recharge. Most electric scooters have a range between 15-20 miles, but some models can exceed 60 miles.
The range of a scooter is affected by the battery capacity, the user's weight, the terrain, and tire pressure, among other micro factors.
The higher the battery capacity, the more juice you have to travel long distances. Make sure to check the manufacturer's specifications to get a good estimate of the range to expect according to the model you want to purchase.
Those seeking to travel short distances can settle for short-range electronic scooters, while those seeking to go further will appreciate scooters like the Segway ZT3 Pro Electric Scooter.
This lightweight scooter offers a range of 40.4 miles with a maximum speed of 18.6m/h. It only takes six hours to recharge, providing enough power for a trip from Palo Alto to the San Francisco Bay Area.
Budget
Understanding how much you are willing to spend helps narrow down the choices you have for less confusion. You cannot buy a cheap scooter and expect it to last as long as a high-end scooter. It does not necessarily mean you break the bank but get an electronic scooter that gives good value for money.
A scooter intended for daily use needs to withstand constant wear and tear compared to a scooter used occasionally for short distances. If you want a model that lasts for a number of years, you have to pay attention to the quality.
It is easy to find models that are of good quality, and that are affordable, just like the Glion Dolly Foldable Lightweight Electric Scooter.
Its 250W motor supports a top speed of 15m/h and a 15-mile range, making it perfect for errands around the neighborhood. To make matters better, it features foldable handles to create a compact size for transportation and storage.
Speed
When you think of riding your scooter, how fast do you imagine yourself going? If you prefer to travel at safe speeds, then a scooter with a maximum speed of 15 m/h is ideal. If you are looking to go a little faster, why not try the YUME D4+ Dual Motor 2000W Foldable Electric Scooter?
The 52V scooter can go as fast as 40m/h, and it only needs about five hours to recharge fully. You can travel long distances with this scooter, and it comes with a removable seat in case you get tired of standing.
Weight limit
When looking for a scooter that is powerful and still comfortable to ride, you have to consider its overall weight and the maximum weight of a user it can support.
You can carry a lightweight scooter easily, especially when folded into a compact form. Scooters with foldable features permit easy portability when accessing crowded areas like subways.
Electronic scooters have a weight limit that they can support comfortably and not stress the motor. Always refer to the weight limit set by the manufacturer to avoid any safety issues.
An excellent example of an electronic scooter that supports more than average weight is Magnum Premium S1+ Adult Electric Scooter.
This model supports an impressive user weight of over 500 lbs, and even at its size, it has a foldable design for simplified maneuverability.
Safety features
Whether you are riding your scooter at night or during the day, you need capable brakes to prevent accidents. Most of the electronic scooters are fitted with a foot, disc, drum, or electric brakes. Drum and Disc brakes are more popular because they are practical and easy to maintain.
However, you will find that drum brakes are suitable for wet terrain, while disc brakes are lighter and offer more stopping power for commuter scooters.
Electric brakes are not the strongest, but they are affordable and work well with foot brakes to provide adequate stopping power.
Another feature you need for safety is the front and rear lights. These LED lights should be bright enough to offer some illumination and notify other road users of your presence, specifically at night.
Waterproof rating
Scooters are generally for the outdoors, and because of this, they need to have protection from the elements. The materials used should be rustproof and offer some form of water resistance. Before you purchase the scooter, always look for a waterproof rating so that you don’t end up wasting money.
How high the waterproof rating tells you what level of moisture the scooter can handle without damage. An electronic scooter with a waterproof rating of less than IPx3 should not be exposed to rain.
If you are riding in areas with constant heavy rain, it is safer to work with an e-scooter with a waterproof rating between 1Px4 and IPx7.
Pneumatic vs solid tires
Electric scooters can handle different terrains depending on the wheels the manufacturer chooses. Pneumatic tires are adaptable to rough terrain because they are great shock absorbers and provide better handling. Their only downside is that they require maintenance since they are prone to damage.
Solid tires are suitable for smooth terrain, and they require little maintenance compared to pneumatic tires. Their disadvantage is that they give poor handling in rough terrain. Depending on your budget and the general terrain of your excursions, choose wisely.
FAQs
What is the best way to keep your electronic scooter clean?
Keeping your scooter clean is an easy job. If you use your scooter daily, make time to clean the dust off the surface once a week. All you need is a bucket of warm soapy water, a soft bristle brush, and some clothes to wipe the surface dry. Be careful not to soak the electric components of the scooter to avoid moisture damage.
Once the scooter is cleaned, please leave it in an open area for the wind to dry any areas that the cloth could not reach. Afterward, take the bike to storage, in readiness for the next adventure.
Do I need a driver's license to ride an e-scooter?
This solely depends on the state you live in because different states have different regulations. For example, in Iowa, electronic scooters are sometimes classified as mopeds, which require the user to be at least 14 years of age. The state's laws also require the user to apply for a license to operate in public areas.
To be safe, look at your local laws to understand any stipulations set in place and avoid unnecessary fines. You don't need to go to the physical offices to inquire; just check online before purchasing the scooter.
Are they environmentally friendly?
Electronic scooters are healthier for the environment than scooters that run on gas. They produce fewer emissions, and their parts can be recycled for the good of the planet. There is some debate on the batteries used being bad for the environment, but environmental pollution is avoidable with a proper recycling chain of these batteries.
Is it okay to ride an electronic scooter in the rain?
Each scooter has a different waterproof rating; therefore, it is good to check first. In most cases, the electronic components are protected from light rain, and some can be submerged in water with no problems. If you want a model that can survive harsh weather conditions, an electronic scooter with a rating of IPx4 and above is ideal.
Final Thoughts
Riding freely on your e-scooter is a liberating feeling hence; you have to put in some effort to find the best electric scooter for your money.
Are you still undecided about which model to buy? You can easily settle for the 350W Segway Ninebot KickScooter. It has a long range of 40 miles, a decent speed of 18. 6 m/h, and it supports a maximum weight of 220 lbs.
Furthermore, it is foldable for easy storage and possesses a built-in charger for convenience. Alternatively, if you are looking for a fast e-scooter with speeds of 40m/h, the YUME D4+ Dual Motor 2000W Foldable Electric Scooter is available, and it is among the easiest models to operate.
Those trying to cut down costs will appreciate the Glion Dolly Foldable Lightweight Electric Scooter. It is an affordable, lightweight model that you can carry around for short distances. It features rubber tires to handle different terrains and a foldable design for easy storage.
With that said, we hope the information presented above made you realize the best electric scooter is within your grasp. Don't be shy; pick your favorite model and enjoy the liberty of having an electronic scooter.
