This post contains affiliate links, we'll earn compensation if you make a purchase using them at no additional cost to you 😊
Getting to know the product before using it is the safest option you can go for because precaution is better than a cure. Hence, we have brought A Shopping Guide for Electric Scooters which for our E-scooter lovers.
This guide is a compilation of aspects that should be considered while buying an electric scooter, especially now that more people have turned to electric scooters.
When selecting your gadget, consider its size, speed, dependability, range, weight, and pricing. We outline everything you need to think about so that you may choose the best e-scooter for your requirements.
Finally, to learn about electric scooters in detail, let’s get into the Shopping Guide for Electric Scooters.
The Shopping Guide of Electric Scooters (2024)
After looking at the many types of electric scooters available in various price ranges, we will learn about the other elements determining an electric scooter’s quality.
When purchasing an electric scooter, you should consider these more important aspects of the scooter.
1. Price
Although there will always be electric scooters with higher and lower prices, quality and features generally improve as prices go up.
For $200, you won’t be able to purchase a severe off-road beast scooter. For price ranges, see the categories for electric scooters.
Using the comparison database, you can establish minimum and maximum price ranges to meet your needs.
This will list every scooter choice that falls within that price range.
2. Range
The range is the maximum distance an electric scooter is able to cover before its batteries die.
The engine’s power, user’s weight, scooter’s weight, weather modes, and average speed are just a few of the elements that will affect the range of your electric scooter.
We put every scooter through an actual-life range test for a realistic review of its range.
Hence, according to that, the 74-kilogram rider tops through the scooter’s throttle and rides until the battery dies.
3. Weight
The weight of an electric scooter matters a lot if you are someone who carries your electric scooter around when not using it.
Most scooters with a practical range (>24 kilometers) weigh more than 11 kg. Long-distance carrying of scooters weighing more than 14 kg will be challenging.
A handle or shoulder strap will support the weight better. Some scooters, like portable and commuter-friendly ones, feature additional wheels or fold into a position that makes rolling possible.
Scooters will still need to be lifted into a car or carried up flights of stairs when being transported.
Even a very portable scooter can be difficult for certain people to carry if it weighs more than 12 kg.
However, if you enjoy riding beastly scooters and rough rides, the weight is not an issue.
Plus, the scooter’s build quality should be the top priority of such riders rather than the scooter’s portability.
Nonetheless, again, if you want a long-range electric scooter, you should consider its weight before buying.
4. Max Speed
When we are talking about the maximum speed of an electric scooter, it is better to buy one as per the traffic rules in your city.
Some cities don’t allow electric scooters to go above the speed of 24 km and restrict riders to wearing the safety gear mandatorily.
Furthermore, if you plan to ride your electric scooter in an urban area, a scooter with good acceleration and high speed will be helpful. It will help you in avoiding obstacles like traffic.
Plus, you can get an expensive scooter if you like ultra high-performance electric scooters with top speeds like 80 km or above. However, we recommend you wear full safety gear to avoid any injuries.
5. Loading Capacity
The loading capacity of the scooter or rider’s weight is an essential factor to consider for an electric scooter.
The maximum weight that an electric scooter can support is known as the maximum load or maximum rider weight.
This restriction is often between 100 and 120 kilograms for scooters. If your weight is higher than this, be sure to look into scooters that will fit your weight.
You shouldn’t exceed the manufacturer’s recommended weight limit for safety reasons.
Remember that even though you are at the maximum weight for the scooter and it is rated for your weight, it will still move slower and have a shorter range than a rider who weighs less.
Consider whether you’ll be wearing a backpack or carrying anything else to increase the total weight the scooters must support.
Focus on electric scooters with a minimum 500-watt motor for riders who are close to or over 100 kg.
6. Motor Power
Hub motors are brushless direct current (BLDC) motors built into adult electric scooters’ wheel hubs. Every electric kick scooter has at least one motor, and those with more power will have two.
On the basis of their power consumption, which is measured in watts, electric motors are rated. (e.g., 600 watts). More watts correspond to more powerful motors.
Precisely, an average budget commuter scooter has a 250-watt motor, a mid-range one has a 500-watt, and a high-performing e-scooter has a dual motor of 1200-watt.
However, we do not advise anything less than 250 watts for daily commutes for adults. For level surfaces and extremely small hills, this will be plenty.
Consider switching to 350 or 500 watts if you reside in a region with steeper slopes. Your scooter will slow down even with 500 watts of power on moderate climbs.
Larger engines will be more effective at propelling you up slopes and will accelerate you to top speed rapidly.
7. Suspension
Similar to the suspension in an automobile, suspension lessens the impact of bumps and holes in the road and boosts riding comfort. Without it, every bump you travel over will be felt, particularly if you have solid (airless) tires.
Strongly consider getting a scooter with suspension if your commute is lengthy or requires you to travel over uneven ground. Electric scooters normally have one of three suspension types: rubber suspension, hydraulic or air piston, or spring suspension.
The ideal scooter suspension will consist of a spring and piston combination known as coil-over-air or coil-over-hydraulic.
You can attach the suspension to the front, back, or both wheels. Premium commuter class scooters ought to have both front and rear suspension.
8. Lightings
Similar to bicycles, scooters may feature a white front and a red rear light. Either a front or rear light is required if you ride after dark.
Electric scooters often lack highly visible rear lights due to their construction. Consider including extra bright red rear lights on your headgear or bag if you plan to bike at night.
9. Braking System
A good braking system is necessary for safety and control while operating an electric scooter.
The brakes on the electric scooter work similarly to those on a vehicle or bicycle to slow it down. There are two types of electric scooter brakes: mechanical and electrical.
Foot, drum, and disc brakes are mechanical brake systems that use a physical mechanism that slows the scooter down. Mechanical systems’ usual 24 km stopping distance is 6 meters, with the ideal stopping distance being under 3 meters.
Electronic braking systems, including fully electric and regenerative braking systems, rely on using the motor.
The least effective brakes are electric and regenerative. These won’t be sufficient if you need to stop fast when moving at a speed of 15 mph or more. When using an electronic brake alone, the normal stopping distance at 15 mph is 30 to 40 feet.
10. Tires & Wheels
There are two types of tires: pneumatic (air-filled) tires and solid (airless) tires.
Solid Tires: There are a few different types of airless tires, including solid, polymer-filled, and honeycomb tires. Pneumatic tires are superior in every manner to solid tires, with the exception that solid tires require almost no maintenance.
You may even trip over painted lines on the road when you have firm tires because you are more likely to notice every bump.
Pneumatic Tires: We always advise pneumatic tires since they provide a higher ride quality (either with or without suspension) and have soft rubber that performs considerably better in difficult driving conditions.
Other air-filled tires are tubeless, while some air-filled tires feature inner tubes that can be changed if they are damaged. Pneumatic tires benefit from stress absorption and improved handling. (especially in bad weather).
11. Waterproof Rating (IP certification)
We concentrate on the second of the two digits that make up the IP rating because it is how water-resistant the scooter is. The more the number increases, the more moisture- and water-resistant it is.
Scooters vary in their IP ratings. You should get a scooter with at least IPx4 water resistance if you intend to use it in all weather conditions.
The Shopping Guide of Electric Scooter: Maintenance Guide
When buying an electric scooter, considering future maintenance expenses is important to avoid regrets later on.
For example, electric scooters can cause expenses like parts replacements, wiring, battery issues, etc. These maintenance repairs can be done at the manufacturer’s workshop or at a local repair shop, whichever solves the issue.
Moreover, even the most durable scooters require maintenance at times. Plus, studies over the years show that e-scooters usually require maintenance after reaching a certain number of miles.
Furthermore, the parts that need maintenance and repairs more often are brakes, tires, and the fenders of both wheels.
Maintenance in advance: You can avoid a lot of trouble in the future by performing proactive tune-ups. Although the majority of electric scooter parts don’t need routine maintenance, you might need them for your tires or specific bolts.
Also, remember that you have another option called the DIY repairing tool. This tool can be used in repairing minor fixes at home. The user itself can do it.
Distributing Channels: Where To Buy An Electric Scooter?
It is important to decide beforehand where you are planning to buy an electric scooter. Multiple ways avail multiple electric scooter options for you to choose from.
Hence, let’s take a look at some of them.
Store Outlets
If there are any nearby, local personal electric vehicle (PEV) dealers are a good choice. Scooters may be seen in person, and dealers provide the greatest after-sale service.
However, they have the shortest selection of scooters and are sometimes the most expensive alternative.
Basically, you get benefits like fast shipping and post-purchase support after buying from a store outlet or a brick-and-mortar shop.
Online Portals
Since it is an online business, Amazon will offer quick shipping, simple returns, and a large selection. After the return window closes, you are obliged to rely on the manufacturer for support, though. (typically 30 days).
If you want to purchase an electric scooter from a certain brand, specialized wholesalers are also available.
Online merchants known as specialty distributors import, offer for sale, and assist after the sale of electric scooters. Each of these stores often focuses on one particular brand.
The Shopping Guide of Electric Scooter: Warranty With Customer Support
Find out if the scooter has a warranty for the gadget, its individual parts, and/or the scooter itself as you shop for the finest scooter for you.
Along with a strong warranty, dedicated and responsive customer support is an excellent benefit and advantage to purchasing an electric scooter.
You might have concerns or questions about properly maintaining and fixing your new equipment as you get more accustomed to it.
Understanding the benefits is critical because not all distributors offer extraordinary after-sale customer assistance.
Electric Scooters Categories According To Price Range
Buying an electric scooter is a big decision to make as you’re spending a lot of your money on it.
Hence, there are many things that you should consider before choosing the range and type of electric scooter suitable for you.
Generally, a good quality e-scooter will cost you between $500 to $1700. However, to help you understand more deeply, you will find their price range categories, features, and maintenance expenses for electric scooters.
Budget Electric Scooters: Below $300
Budget electric scooters are typically not advised for anything other than mild enjoyment.
Expect inadequate brakes, low-capacity batteries, and inefficient engines at this low price range.
However, this category includes a number of great and highly useful electric scooters. If this is within your price range, they are worth looking at.
Budget Commuter Electric Scooters: Between $300 to $600
These scooters have an excellent range, are well-built for daily commuting, and are excellent for shorter trips.
Over the course of the expected lifetime of a few years, expect a few repairs. Budget commuter scooters work best when your commute involves mostly flat terrain and a few major hills.
They are light enough for you to fold and bring them upstairs occasionally.
Mid-range Electric Scooters: Between $600 to $900
Compared to a cheaper model, a slightly bigger battery and a more robust motor are characteristics of a mid-range commuter electric scooter.
At this price point, dual-motor scooters are unavailable, but some models feature suspension.
Premium Commuter Electric Scooters: Between $600 to $1200
The mid-range and budget scooters in the premium commuter class often come with superior brakes, larger motors, and suspension.
These improvements will make the trip safer, more comfortable, and have a greater range.
The trade-off is that the added weight (around 18 kg) makes it more challenging to put into a car or carry upstairs.
High-Performance Electric Scooters: Between $1200 to $2000
Performance electric scooters start to offer either great speed or ultra-long range. Many of these scooters incorporate dual motors and sizable battery packs.
The longest-ranged scooter in this category can deliver up to 81 kilometers of real-world range.
At this price point, which ranges from $1200 to $1600, you will also start to see some premium features, including large tubeless pneumatic tires, semi-hydraulic or hydraulic brakes, powerful lights, and turn signals.
Ultra-High Performance Electric Scooters: Above $2500
These kinds of extreme scooters are the best in every aspect except portability.
They have powerful dual motors, some of which can travel over 64 kilometers per hour, long battery lives for long ranges (>64 kilometers), excellent suspension, and hydraulically operated disc brakes for stopping quickly.
Their wider tires are the only ones designed for off-roading, yet they are still adequate for daily travel.
These high-performance scooters are also the heaviest (usually +32 kg), so if you have to fold and carry them, be sure you can handle the weight.
Recommended Accessories
- Helmet: Because an e-scooter travels at biking speeds, we strongly advise always wearing a helmet.
- Lock: Having a compact, portable lock can assure the security of your electric scooter, which is a valuable possession.
- Puncture Protection Fluid: Using puncture protection fluid to lessen the danger of punctures which is beneficial if your tires are air-filled.
- Lights: You can add more lights to your e-scooter to make it more visible and safer to ride at night. Some electric scooters include lights inside. Others include reflectors. If you want to ride your e-scooter a lot at night, it is an easy modification to install advanced bicycle lights.
Related Reads :
Conclusion: Electric Scooter Buying Guide (2024)
Now that you have your own shopping guide for electric scooters, you have all the necessary information about the e-scooters before you buy them.
It’s very easy to find the best and most suitable electric scooter for yourself when you know what you are looking for.
Moreover, before buying an electric scooter, make sure it is legal and can be used freely in your state or region to make your ride worry less.
FAQs
A good quality electric scooter can average costs between $1000 to $3000. Plus, dual-motor electric scooters can also be included in the same category.
About 250 watts of motor power is better suitable for an electric scooter. A scooter with 250 wattages can provide a comfortable ride on flat and slightly hilly roads.
For a more customized experience, you can just measure the distance between your waistline and the ground where and then select an electric scooter that fits the same height distance.
The 24V and 48 V batteries are usually used in electric scooters; hence, that much voltage is suitable for electric scooters. However, the battery voltage differs in categories like cut-offs, nominal and full.
