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We all remember growing up and seeing someone whizz by on their electric scooter and waiting for the day when we are old enough to get one of our own. Scooters offer so much freedom and independence that when the day comes when we finally get one of our own, it is a life-changing event. Being able to travel quicker than walking or biking is an obvious bonus, but more than that, they are so much fun to ride. Electric scooters are environmentally-friendly and easy to operate, so they make the perfect run around vehicle.
However, making the leap and purchasing your first electric scooter is difficult, with so many different models and manufacturers available. However, with the right knowledge and a little homework, choosing the right scooter for you can be simple (and fun!)
If you are looking to buy an electric scooter but don’t know where to start, don’t worry, because we have you covered.
Here are the qualities to look for in an electric scooter.
1. Speed
Electric scooters do not have the top speeds of a car or a motorbike, but they can still pack a punch, and can even be used in busy cities where there is a lot of traffic. Electric scooters’ speeds vary from 8 mph to 25 mph, but models that top 20mph are rare. The best thing to do is to look at MyProScooter reviews best electric scooters or another review site so you can choose the right model. A reasonable top speed is perfect for urban commuters, and if you are buying an electric scooter for your children, make sure that its speed can be restricted for safety reasons.
There are multiple factors that will influence your electric scooter’s speed, such as the weight, the level of charge in the battery, tire pressure, and road conditions. Typically, what is listed as the maximum speed for an electric scooter is tested under ideal conditions, so you should take all those factors into consideration when making a choice.
The best way to truly know a scooter’s speed capabilities is to try it yourself! Take it for a test drive to see for yourself. Real experience is the only way to tell how fast your scooter can be, and if you feel like it doesn’t do the job you expect it to perform, then that is not the one for you.
2. Battery Life
The fact that electric scooters run on batteries gives them a big advantage over other means of transportation in terms of being environmentally-friendly, but this does come with certain disadvantages as you will need to charge your scooter fully to ensure its maximum performance. It is not that fun to be in the middle of an amazing ride to find out that you are about to run out of battery – and it can be extremely frustrating and embarrassing breaking down in the middle of traffic. Therefore, it is important to stay prepared by charging your battery fully before a ride (maybe even bring a charger with you on the road) – but the most important step is to do your research before purchasing anything.
A quality electric scooter should have a long battery life to eliminate the risk of unexpected and inconvenient breakdowns. The battery capacity will go hand-in-hand with its maximum range (somewhere between 40 minutes and several hours). Most of the time, your manufacturer should provide the details about the battery based on ideal conditions, and all decent models will have a battery level display to let you know your power level on the road. In general, the higher the battery capacity is, the longer the maximum range will be – so do not go cheap on this aspect, as you will only end up regretting your decision later.
Also read: What You Can Do With Your Old Gadgets
3. Maximum Weight Limit
The sturdiness of the frame will determine the weight limit that you can put on your electric scooter – and standard ones will certainly be able to carry the weight of an adult (with a maximum weight of 100kg). However, not all electric scooters are built the same – and there are some which are more durable, which can carry more weight than others. It is very important to take into consideration your weight requirements to figure out which electric scooter suits you best.
However, you should also keep in mind that you can overwork your electric scooter by putting too much weight on it all the time. This can be dangerous and could also cause you to invalidate your warranty in the process. Take it easy on your scooter, and you will have a longer-lasting vehicle that has better battery life.
4. Portability
Having an electric scooter that is portable to carry around is not only beneficial for frequent users, but also for people who don’t have too much room for storage. Many models can be folded down or even taken apart so you can store it in the car or under the desk. Look for models that have an easy folding or detachment process that doesn’t require tools or excessive effort. These are often smaller models, but they still have optimum handlebar height, width, and deck size, so you should be good to go!
Earlier models of electric scooters had complicated assembly and disassembly processes, which made them very inconvenient, but newer models are easy. All manufacturers will enclose a manual of instructions along with the scooter, so it will be easy for you to follow and store your electric scooter when you are not using it.
Quality should be your number one priority when considering which electric scooter to purchase, but with hundreds of different options on the market, it can be overwhelming to just get started in the process. The easy option in this situation is to just go for the cheapest option, but this will often leave you with a scooter that isn’t fit for purpose and will only need replacing at a later time. By doing your homework and following this guide, you will be able to figure out the best option when it comes to buying an electric scooter. After that, it’s time to hit the road!
