What to Look for When Buying An Electric Scooter
Top Things to Look For When Buying an Electric Scooter
Looking for a more economical way to get to work? Want to explore a fun new hobby offroad or take scenic distance rides? An electric scooter might be right for you.
But how do you go about buying the right one? Here’s what you need to know about what to look for when buying an electric scooter.
Why buy an electric scooter?
Electric scooters work in much the same way that mechanical scooters do except that they are powered by a small motor (or motors) above the back wheel rather than by pushing off with your foot. This means that learning to ride one is relatively easy. They’re compact, making them easy to bring with you on a daily commute, and quicker than walking, making commutes easier and faster overall.
These machines are highly economical; they cost much less than a motorcycle or car and have a minimal impact on electricity costs due to ever-evolving efficient charging methods. They’re also great for the environment; electric vehicles offer convenient transportation without the use of fossil fuels or other pollutants.
What to look for when buying an electric scooter
When looking to purchase an electric scooter, there are a few factors that you should take into consideration. Begin by thinking about what you want to use your scooter for - daily commuting, casual hobby riding, sports, or some combination of those purposes. This can help you decide what features and factors are the most important to you and what you need to prioritize for both quality and safety.
Price point
Electric scooters vary in price from around $500 for the most basic models to upwards of $4,500 for high-performance machines.
Decide what you are willing to spend based on the features you will need. A simple commuter scooter will usually be less expensive than a high-end sporting scooter, so make sure that your budget matches your use intentions.
Design and Features
The overall design of your scooter should also be taken into consideration when looking to purchase. Most scooters have the same basic design, but you’ll want to pay attention to specific aspects such as the height of the bars, the width of the footboard, the wheel size, and the maximum weight capacity, to ensure you’re getting a comfortable, safe ride.
Always look for a safety rating that matches your intended use of the vehicle. For commuting, look for a safety rating of IPX4 or IPX5. For hobby or sporting use, look for a rating of IP54 or higher.
You might choose to look for special features depending on how you intend to use your machine. For example, if you know you will frequently be riding at night in high-traffic areas, consider looking for a scooter with a built-in headline and tail light or reflector. Sports and hobby riders may opt to look for stronger suspension.
You might also look for an electric horn and additional features like speakers for playing music.
Speed and range
Most electric scooters have a comfortable speed threshold of about 15-20 mph, with top speeds between 20 mph and 30 mph. Some performance models can reach incredibly high speeds, up to around 60 mph, though it’s not usually recommended to attempt to sustain them.
Additionally, most electric scooters’ range on a single charge is around 35 to 40 miles, though this is usually determined under factor conditions rather than road conditions. When considering the range you need, it’s wise to add padding to ensure that your realistic range is long enough to suit your needs.
Portability
Most electric scooters weigh in between 25 and 50 lbs, which is quite heavy but still manageable. Remember that if your battery dies mid-commute, you can still roll an electric scooter, but you’ll be moving it under your own power, and the heavier it is, the more tiring this becomes. You may also want a lighter machine if you frequently have to lift it for storage or transportation between rides.
You’ll also want to consider the compactability of the scooter. Some electric scooters have handlebars that can be folded down while others do not. If you need to store your scooter in a tighter space, look for a machine that can be folded.
Conclusion
Electric scooters can be a great alternative for commuting or a fun hobby to pick up outside of work. As long as you know what to look for, you’re sure to find the right machine for your needs.
Interested in using an electric scooter? Alien Rides has a selection of the best e-scooters on the market today from the top manufacturers in the industry. Whether you’re looking for extreme performance or a daily rider, Alien Rides’ wide lineup has options for you to explore.
Read More: How to Choose the Best Electric Unicycle for Your Commute
Read More: Electric Unicycles: The Complete Maintenance Guide