Electric scooter sales are rising. You have heard about them many times and now you want one too. But which one to choose?
Choosing the best electric scooter for adults depends on your needs. Additional features should also be considered. The budget you set also plays an important role when choosing the right e-scooter. Well, if you still don’t know which one to choose, don’t fret! This guide will help you find the best electric scooter for you.
What Is An Electric Scooter For Adults?
An electric scooter or e-scooter is a vehicle powered by an electric motor. It uses batteries that need a recharge. The two-wheel also has floorboards on which you stand while you ride it. Some heavier designs have a saddle along with a frame to rest your feet. It is a plug-in electric vehicle with a 250 or 500 watt-hour lithium-ion battery. An e-scooter requires charging only from time to time. Therefore, it is best to always use it at 30% to 70% of their battery capacity.
The batteries provide power to the wheels which drive the electric scooter forward. They have a weight capacity of around 220 lbs (100 kg). Therefore, these e-scooters are not suitable for heavy adults. This style is the best “last-mile” mode of transport. It allows you to travel quite quickly to your destination while doing zero effort.
The Desired Features
Electric scooters comes in different designs and models. How to choose the best one? Well, there are some features that you need to look out for:
1. Design
There are many designs on the market that are guaranteed to suit your preferences. These designs might include safety features, storage compartments, and seating areas. The speed of the scooter will also depend on its aerodynamic layout. Have a look at the different designs to fit your needs before settling on one.
2. Battery Life
The battery life determines how many miles you can go before charging your scooter again. Using an e-scooter to commute daily often means recharging every day. However, a good battery life means a longer all-electric range. Lithium-ion batteries are the best type of batteries in the market. Electric scooters with lithium-ion batteries perform better.
3. Lighting Features
Riding in the dark without headlights can be dangerous. Hence, opting for a scooter that comes with headlights might be the way to go. Some models also have tail lights. Additionally, you can also add other lighting features to the handlebars. This way, you can have night visibility, making your daily commute safer.
4. Tires
Smaller tires are less desirable as they can get stuck in between pavements. Instead, you should look for scooters with medium-sized wheels. Tires are either pneumatic or airless. Both are great choices, but pneumatic tires require more maintenance. In defense of pneumatic tires, they absorb shock better than airless tires. The choice of tires depends on where you will ride your scooter.
5. Brakes
Most e-scooters come with electric brakes. But, foot brakes are also available for certain models. However, foot brakes have a high maintenance cost because of wear and tear. Other types of brakes include drums and disc brakes. Usually, disc brakes are the more effective type of brakes. Some models use a combination of different braking systems.
The Average Price
The price of e-scooters varies depending on different factors. Speed, features, and distance per charge determine the price.
Cheaper models:
- Offer decent features but less distance per charge
- Charging time is also greater
- Overall cost is greater in the long run. These models often use lead-acid batteries instead of lithium-ion ones. They require more electricity, thus increasing the bill greatly.
Higher price electric scooters:
- Better quality and durability
- Weigh less and are more robust
- More features, including important safety properties
However, it is good to remember that higher prices do not always mean a better product. Prices range from $300 to $3,000. Therefore, there is something for everyone. The key is to choose one that fits your lifestyle and budget.
How Long Do I Need To Charge The Scooter?
Charging time depends on the type of battery used in your electric scooter. Some batteries take 2 to 4 hours to charge and others up to 20 hours. A 10.4 Ah battery charging with a current of 2A will take around 5 hours to fully charge. If you want to estimate the charging time of your e-scooter, first read the instruction manual.
The charger also plays an important role in the charging process. It is best to always use the charger given by the factory. Otherwise, it can damage the battery of your e-scooter. If ever your charger breaks, some vendors can repair them for you or sell you a new one. Charging overnight is a better option as it gives you a full battery to ride during the day. Making it a habit will prevent running low on a journey.
Should I Wear A Helmet?
Using a helmet depends on where you are riding. However, wearing a helmet guarantees your safety everywhere. While there are no universal laws about the use of helmets, after all, you will need one to protect your head in case of accidents. Electric scooters might not reach Formula 1 speeds, but they are fast enough to cause you serious injuries in case of accidents.
Hence, helmets offer a layer of protection. According to a study by the World Health Organization (WHO), helmets help to reduce the risk of brain injuries. What’s more, you should also check your local legislation about the use of helmets for e-scooters. In the end, the choice is yours. But, it is best to wear a helmet. Better be safe than sorry.
Are They Worth It?
Owning one indeed seems fun, but it has both pros and cons. The key is to find a scooter that is worth your investment. Choosing the best electric scooter for an adults is a bit of work. You should first assess the need for an e-scooter to know if they are worth your money.
Common questions to ask yourself are:
- Do I really need it? If so, why?
- What is the price I am willing to pay for it?
- What are the features I want my electric scooter to have?
- Are there other alternatives?
These questions will help you choose the best scooter that suits your needs. Also, you should count the additional cost of maintenance and charging. Only then will you be able to find the best electric scooter for you.
Electric Scooter Vs. Bicycles
While both standard bicycles and e-scooters are environmentally friendly, they provide different benefits. The major advantage of the e-scooter over a regular bike is that it does not tire the rider. The ride is easier whether the road is uphill or bumpy. Also, scooters are faster than typical bicycles due to their motorized nature.
As for the safety profile, both a bicycle and the e-scooter are safe to use on the road. In fact, as per the International Transport Forum, e-scooters can even be safer. However, electric scooters can be less reliable compared to bicycles. Your battery may die before you reach your destination if you did not charge properly.
However, bicycles are cheaper than electric scooters. Sometimes, the price of some high-end bicycles can be greater than that of certain scooters. Overall, scooters are good for your wallet. Plus, people are getting more familiar with them. Moreover, bicycles take a lot of space compared to e-scooters. Storing them might pose a problem.
Advantages Of An Electric Scooter
The hype around electric scooters is real. They have many advantages as a mode of transport.
Here is a list of some advantages of the e-scooter:
- It is convenient for everyday use
- You can travel between 5 and 40 miles on a full charge. Pretty impressive, right?
- An electric scooter is better for the environment as it does not burn fuel
- It has a low operating cost. With only an electricity bill as an expense, it is cost-effective transportation.
- It is easy to park and store due to its smaller size
- Never be stuck in traffic jams again
- It does not cause noise pollution as the motor is not as strong as a motorcycle
- It is safe to use
- E-scooters are affordable methods of transport with their low price and maintenance.
- Suitable for commuters, as you will not be stuck in traffic for hours
- It is faster than a bike
- Moderate maintenance needed
They are also ideal when the distance is too long to walk but too short to drive.
Safety Precautions
Due to their higher speed, you may severely injure yourself and other people on the road.
- Wearing helmets is a must when riding your scooter. While its speed does not compare to a motorcycle, falling from an e-scooter can have a strong impact on your head and neck. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), head injuries are very common after a road accident.
- Another safety tip is to check your brakes often. A brake problem can be fatal for you and others.
- Adult electric scooters can carry one person at a time. It is vital to avoid tandem rides as it puts both of you in great danger.
- Installing lighting features on your e-scooter is a must. People will then see you coming from afar.
- You should stay in the bicycle lane on the road to minimize your risks of accidents
- Avoid slaloming among people on the pavement at full speed since it will likely cause accidents
How Fast Are They?
Electric scooters are not that fast. However, speed depends on numerous factors. The maximum speed for an adult scooter is usually 20 mph (32 km/h). Some models have higher top speeds up to 30 mph. This maximum speed can vary. A heavier scooter is slower than a lighter one. Powerful batteries can also increase the top speed. The average speed produced by a 500 watt battery is 25 mph. The higher the wattage of the motor, the greater the speed.
The speed of the e-scooter also depends on the brand. Different brands choose how fast their electric scooter will go. Additionally, tire pressure influences speed. A deflated tire will reduce speed. It will have a hard time carrying you. Its performance then decreases. Rough terrain also affects the speed of the electric scooter. Your speed on a level road will be higher. This is because of friction at the wheels. The scooter will need more power to keep moving.
Can I Ride Them On The Road?
The legal status of electric scooters will depend on your country’s laws and policies. We recommend that you research the legality of e-scooters before getting one. However, It is legal to ride them on the road in the US as long as you are going under 25 mph. They use batteries to operate. Hence, they are not viewed as “motor vehicles". For this reason, the laws for motor vehicles do not apply to e-scooters.
Conclusion
E-scooters are ideal options for rapid, cost-effective, and low-maintenance transport. While there is only a small learning curve required for you to use them, this method of transport is worth the investment. You will also save a lot of money as you won’t have to spend it on gas.
This method is also ideal for a daily commute. By riding through the bicycle lane, you decrease your time to work by half!
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