Electric Scooter Shopping Guide

Electric scooters, or e-scooters, certainly aren’t a new invention, tracing their origins to New York City as far back as 1915. But with the rise in demand for eco-friendly transport modes and commuters constantly finding ways to beat the heavy traffic, the popularity of electric scooters is higher than ever. Manufacturers have introduced faster, more compact, and intuitive models to cater to riders of different ages and needs. 

Comfort, performance, and cost are three of the things you want to look out for when searching for the best electric scooter for kids or yourself. Read on for general information about electric scooters to help you evaluate which one you should buy. We’ll go into detail about the different specs and additional features that you can opt to have when you buy your e-scooter.

 

Performance

How well an electric scooter performs would be dictated by speed, comfort, and safety. Of course, you can expect a different ride quality on a scooter that’s built to withstand the rigors of the daily commute than one that’s designed for kids. Some things you should look at if you want to gauge an electric scooter’s performance are: 

Speed 

Motor capacity would be a factor in how fast a scooter could go. Speed would also factor in the road surface,  your weight, and how hard you pump up on your tires. As a general standard, speeds quoted by manufacturers are based on a 70kg weight on a smooth and flat surface. With scooters, faster isn’t always better. A long-range electric scooter doesn’t always have to run the fastest. Electric scooter models feature up to 40mph speed but unless you have an obstacle-free space to ride it on, you’re not likely to enjoy its potential. Speeds of around 15mph would serve well in most conditions. 

Power

Motor power in scooters is defined according to watts. Motor output on electric scooters can be as low as 250W to up to around 2000W. You may consider getting more power on your e-scooter if you plan to use it for medium to long rides regularly. An electric scooter for hills, steeper inclines, or long, straight roads of smooth asphalt where you can ride at top speed would be built with a high-powered electric motor.

Range 

Battery performance would speak to an electric scooter’s range. If you need an electric scooter to ride longer distances, you need one with a more power-packed battery. Also, if you ride daily, a battery that charges faster would serve your needs better. More expensive scooters generally have more solid battery power. A 300W battery pack that charges within 3-4 hours would make for a decent electric scooter for daily use.

When looking at battery power specs on e-scooter models, you may also consider other important factors such as how much load you’re going to carry, rider weight, terrain inclines, surface quality, and speed.
 

Comfort 

You ride scooters in a standing position with constant kicking and directional driving. Comfort is thus a vital factor when you go shopping for the best electric scooters. Which features would determine the comfort an electric scooter provides? Here are some: 

Weight & Size

The weight and size of your scooter should fit your physique for you to be able to carry it around and ride it comfortably. Most of the best-performing electric scooters weigh just a little over 25lbs. Some high-powered e-scooter models can weigh up to 40lbs. Depending on your needs and riding style, you can take your pick from the different weights and sizes available. 

Would you be carrying your scooter up the stairs or lugging it around for a few minutes on steep slopes or rocky terrain before you start riding? Do you need an electric scooter for heavy adults? Your feet should fit comfortably on the board of the e-scooter you’re buying. You also want a scooter that’s big enough to carry your weight or light enough to drive based on your weight. 

Wheels 

The latest electric scooter models either feature solid wheels or air-filled wheels. Pricier scooters often feature air-filled wheels, which have better shock absorption and are easier to handle on slippery surfaces. They are prone to puncturing, however, and require more maintenance. Solid wheels, on the other hand, are zero maintenance. But you’d have to decide if you can put up every bump and jerk as you ride.

Wheel size can also affect ride quality on an electric scooter. As a bit of general advice, bigger wheels are more comfortable and a lot safer to ride. Small tires can get stuck in potholes and result in bumpier rides. 

Suspension

A suspension system absorbs shocks and stresses from the rest of the scooter. This feature might not always be necessary. For example, a scooter with large, air-filled wheels may give a smoother ride than an electric scooter with suspension and small, solid wheels.

 

Safety

Some U.S. states have e-scooter laws for the protection and compliance of a growing number of riders. For your safety, make sure to check the laws in your state. You can also check for the safety features when you shop for electric scooters. You may look at the type of braking system used and how each differs from the others: 

Disc Brakes/ Drum Brakes

If you’re buying an electric scooter for kids and want to get the safest one, you may opt for models with this type of braking system. Disc and drum brakes allow for greater ease of control. The disadvantage, however, if they wear out over time and require periodic servicing.

Electric Brakes

Electric brakes are less reliable if you need to make an abrupt stop. These, however, require low to no maintenance.

Foot Brakes

Foot brakes are a bit tricky and may not be suitable for beginners. When you need to stop, you will have to stand on the rear mudguard to activate the braking system. 
 

Other Considerations

Some other features you’d want to have or check on an electric scooter include: 

Portability 

Aside from a compact weight and size, a folding electric scooter for adults would be convenient for storing in closets, at the trunk of your car, or taking the scooter with you on subways and inside elevators. 

Lights

You can buy lights as an accessory for your electric scooter, but some models have these built-in as an added safety feature. 

Noise

The noise the motor makes when you ride can be a dealbreaker to some buyers. Some e-scooters make a loud, whistling noise when you start on the motor. If you have kids riding their scooters in a small space all day, you may want to look for something quieter. Dig deeper into customer reviews for useful feedback. 

Smart Features

Some manufacturers have released so-called “smart scooters” with nifty features such as Ride Mode settings, lighting controls, and motor lock functions. These smart scooters can be connected and managed through an app and feature intuitive displays. 

Water Resistance

Some e-scooters feature IP ratings for water resistance. If you’re looking for a waterproof electric scooter, the lowest standard IPX4 rating would mean the model can withstand water splashes from all directions. An IP57 rating would mean that the e-scooter can withstand water depths of anywhere between 15cm and 1m.

Warranty

You want to make sure you can get repairs or parts when you need them. Be sure to buy from a trusted electric scooter manufacturer with comprehensive warranties and coverage in your area.