Electric scooters are a simple, eco-friendly way to get around town. Use it to commute, run errands, or just for fun. There are many benefits to owning an e-scooter, but if you’re looking to buy your first one, you may not know where to start.
Here’s what to look for when choosing a scooter from an electric scooter store.
What To Focus on When Choosing an Electric Scooter
There are several things to consider when choosing the best electric scooter for your needs, from safety to comfort and price.
Safety
Safety is one of the most important things to consider when buying an electric scooter. An unsafe scooter can be dangerous at best and deadly at worst.
Here are a few things to consider on the safety front:
Brakes
The average e-scooter travels at 15 mph, but you can also find models that go much faster. If you’re riding around the city, you’re traveling at about the same speed as cars on the road. It’s important to be able to stop quickly and reliably when needed. Otherwise, a collision at 15+ mph can lead to severe injuries on a scooter.
Several types of brakes can be used on scooters (caliper, drum, band, regenerative, etc.), but disc brakes are the preferred choice by many riders. In addition, some scooters have a multi-tier braking system that helps you stop more quickly.
Lights
Whether you plan to ride during the day or at night, it’s important to make sure that the scooter has lights. Lights make you visible to other people and vehicles on the road.
At the very least, the scooter should have a light at the front or along the sidebars. Brake lights will let others around you know that you’re stopping and further improve visibility.
A scooter without proper safety lighting is a hazard, so make sure you choose a model with adequate lights.
Weight Limit
Electric scooters have weight limits, and these limits shouldn’t be ignored. Exceeding the scooter’s weight limit can put excess strain on the brakes and force you to travel at a slower speed.
When choosing a scooter, check the weight limit to ensure that it will be a good fit for you or whoever else may be using it.
Comfort
Along with safety, you should consider how comfortable it is to use the scooter. Do you feel comfortable using it? Some scooters are stand-up models, while others have built-in seats. Which option would you prefer?
Consider how you’ll use the scooter and where you’ll be traveling to. For short distances, you may not want or need a seat. For longer distances, you may want to sit down. Ultimately, this is a personal preference, and there’s no right or wrong choice.
Dimensions
The scooter’s size is another important consideration. If you’re buying an electric scooter for adults, you’ll need a larger model that’s designed for adults.
But even adult scooters can come in different sizes. Consider your height. You may need a larger standing deck if you’re taller than average. What about the handlebar – will it be the right height for you? If you’re on the taller or shorter side, you may find that some handlebars are too high or low for comfortable use.
If you’re using your scooter for commuting or running errands, you need to consider portability. Large, heavy and bulky scooters will be challenging to transport.
Price
When choosing a model, one of the first things you’ll probably consider is the electric scooter price. A cheap electric scooter may get you from point A to point B, but how long will it last? Will it have the safety and performance features you need?
Look for scooters that fit into your budget but also include the features you want and need. Buy the best quality you can afford.
The Advantages of an E-Scooter
You know what to look for when buying an electric scooter, but why should you buy one? There are many advantages of owning an e-scooter.
- They’re convenient. Charge them up, and you’re ready to start riding. There’s no need to worry about fuel.
- They’re an eco-friendlier option compared to cars. In addition, E-scooters don’t contribute to air pollution.
- They’re easy and relatively inexpensive to maintain.
An electric scooter is a hassle-free way to get around town. A quality scooter will give you years of use and can be a reliable form of transportation.
