Nowadays, it seems like the ride that everyone wants, regardless of age, is an e-scooter! This is so much so that they have the potential to replace the likes of bicycles for those quick trips around the neighborhood or running errands, thanks to how convenient, fun and compact they are. A bonus is that because they’ve become so popular, there are so many different options to choose from, and there really is an e-scooter for almost everyone.
Today, we’re going to take you on a quick journey through the different types of e-scooters and help you choose which one would be the ideal choice for you.
Why buy an electric scooter?
To say that e-scooters are taking over transportation is an understatement, and while they still have a while before it’s legal to use them as a formal mode of transportation in some countries, many people have fallen in love with these cool carriers. Here are a few good reasons why people are buying e-scooters:
● They’re lightweight and easy to transport
● They’re more environmentally friendly
● They’re fun to ride
● They’re easy to store
● They have low running costs
● They’re relatively cheap to buy
Interested in finally getting yourself one of these nifty little machines? You can find a deal on electric scooters at iScoot, here!
Top tips to consider when choosing an e-scooter
When buying a scooter, don’t just settle for the first one, but take the time and do the research to find out which one is going to be exactly what you want and need. Here are some tips to remember when you’re on the lookout for your ideal e-scooter:
Know what motor power you need
One of the first things you need to look at is motor power. Motor power for electric scooters is listed in watts. Deciding on the motor power needs to depend on who will be riding it and the terrain on which it will be used. Adult riders need to look for a scooter with a minimum motor power of 250 watts – this is great for smooth, flat terrain with small hills. If you plan on
riding in areas with steep inclines, you’ll need more power, and anything with a motor with 400 to 500 watts should be sufficient.
Most of the e-scooters on the market will have a brushless DC motor attached to the wheels, and either features a single or dual motor design. If you want something with more power and rides faster, then opting for an e-scooter with a dual motor will be more your speed. For the fastest e-scooter, go for one with 1000 watts or higher.
Pay attention to tire type and wheel size
When it comes to tires, most e-scooters have either solid (airless) or pneumatic (air-filled) tires. Each tire type comes with its own benefits and drawbacks, so you need to know what you want first.
● Pneumatic tires – great for those who want a smooth ride and don’t mind doing regular maintenance like check tire pressure and tread wear
● Solid tires – these tires offer significantly longer distance than pneumatic tires and you will not have to do much maintenance, but do not offer the same level of cushioning therefore will not be as smooth a ride.
As far as wheels go, the bigger the wheel, the better the grip tends to be when it comes to e-scooters. Many wheels also feature integrated hub motors, which provide extra power, so keep an eye out for that if you want maximum power and speed.
Suspension is essential
There are three different types of suspension systems to choose from when buying an electric scooter: Spring, rubber and hydraulic (air piston), but it’s possible to get a scooter with a combination of two systems. If a long, comfortable ride is what you’re after, them your ideal suspension system would be a combination of hydraulic and spring suspension.
Brakes
One of the most important features you need to base your purchase on is the braking system. There are four different types of braking systems that e-scooters could have which include, disc brakes, drum brakes, foot brakes and electric brakes. For the most reliable brakes, you’ll want to go for an e-scooter with disc brakes, but the electric braking systems are low-maintenance and regenerative braking.
Consider scooter weight and weight capacity
The heavier your e-scooter the more difficult it will be to transport and maneuver, but this also means that they feel more stable when you’re riding. If you’re after a e-scooter than you can pick up and take wherever you want to go with ease, then it’s best to find a lightweight and foldable model.
The weight capacity of your e-scooter will determine the maximum load that it can carry. Most will have a weight capacity of 100kg to 125kg. Generally, the more weight a scooter carries the slower it will go, so you need to consider this when choosing one. Should you weigh more than this amount, it’s best to look for a scooter that has been specifically built to handle more weight.
Look for an e-scooter with a good range
The range of an e-scooter refers to the maximum distance that it can travel before its battery runs out of power. Here are the main factors that will determine the range of a scooter:
● Weight
● Motor power
● The average speed you drive
● Weather conditions
Final Thoughts
With the wide range of electric scooters on the market, your choice can be more challenging, but at least you’re not limited to options. The most important factors to consider are power, range, and weight capacity, and you can customize the rest to fit what you need.
