6 Features To Look For When Buying An E-Scooter

The e-scooter has been trending for a while, with all of its unparalleled perks of being practical, economical, and more efficient than other modes of public transportation. Now that the trend is gaining even more global popularity, you might be considering the idea of getting yourself an e-scooter. Not sure where to start? Here are 6 factors you’ll have to take into account.

Safety

There are many aspects to check out when looking for a good e-scooter, but everything else comes second to safety. The fastest and more alluring e-scooters won’t be of any good if you can’t pull the brakes in a life or death situation. You want to choose an e-scooter with efficient brakes, preferably those with hydraulic disk features. If not, then the mechanical brakes will do. While you’re at it, be sure to understand their maintenance needs and frequency. In addition to the brakes, you’ll want to check the scooter’s weight limit, as well as the positioning and luminosity of its lights.

The Scooter’s Dimensions

There are three aspects to discuss regarding the scooter’s dimensions. First, you’ll need to look for a handlebar that compliments your height. After all, you don’t want to spend the whole ride either scrunched over or hanging your arms high. If the handlebar is perfect for you, then that’s great! If not, check for a height adjustment option. Second, be sure to check if the standing deck and its material suits the size of your feet. You don’t want to go slipping around your scooter now, do you? The third aspect is the scooter’s portability. If folding and storing it are important for you, you’ll need to check how practical, light, and easy it is to do so.

Performance

Now that we’ve covered the basics, we can finally start talking business. Just how fast and how far will you be able to go with the scooter? For the most part, electric scooters can start from 8 mph and go up to 50 mph.

You’ll want to factor in your experience and commuting needs to find one that works for you, though, on average, 15 to 20 mph is suitable for the daily commute. However, the scooter’s range may even be more important than its speed. You’ll want a long range electric scooter if you’re planning to travel long distances. Be mindful of the fact that this will largely depend on the battery. Before buying a scooter, be sure to check the battery’s specs – keeping in mind that the actual range is usually shorter than the one described.

Riding Conditions

There are a few things that can affect the range and speed of the scooter, all of which can be encompassed under the umbrella of road conditions. You’ll want to consider these factors while looking at the scooter’s power outage, and that will be the real measure of a scooter’s performance.

Factors like your riding style, the road conditions like going uphill or rocky ground, and your weight, will certainly affect how the scooter’s power plays out. Generally speaking, 250 watts can only endure a daily commute, but you’ll want 1000 watts or more for off-road fun. 500 watts is a good middle ground although you’ll also find some scooters exceeding the 5000 watts in power. Remember that uphill roads will require even more power and most scooters aren’t even waterproof so beware of rainy days.

The Rider’s Comfort Level

When you think about an e-scooter, it’s safe to say you’re willing to throw any thoughts of comfort out of the window. However, that doesn’t have to be the case. There are three things you can adjust in the scooter to obtain a higher level of comfort: the seat, the wheel chain, and the tires. Some scooters are already equipped with a seat, while others provide an option for installing one. Meanwhile, you can look for wheels operated by a belt rather than a chain for a more silent ride. There are a lot of options when it comes to tires, but a flat-free tire with a good suspension should be plenty comfortable and practical.

Cost vs. Features

After all is said and done, the cost will always be a deal-breaker. The real argument presents itself when weighing between the features and the final price. You’ll have to sacrifice something if you’re on a tight budget, but it should never be one of the aforementioned points. From this point forward, you’ll be surfing through the design, material, and any additional features you want to consider.

When it comes to buying an electric scooter, there are a lot of things to consider. For starters, its safety plays a big role in determining how responsible of a rider you’ll turn out to be. You’ll also need to consider the scooter’s dimensions and performance, then factor in the road conditions and your desired comfort level. Only then can you weigh the cost versus additional features.