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Your Guide to Electric Scooter For Kids and Adults

Posted by Dina Llabore on

An electric scooter, also known as an e-scooter, is a convenient and quick way of getting around. With many manufacturers on the market, those looking for scooters have plenty of options.

Featuring impressive speed and motor power, scooters are a great mode of transportation for all ages. Whether you’re an adult or not, you can find an e-scooter that fits your needs. 

In this article, we’ll discuss how to get an e-scooter, what they’re used for, and how to care for it. 

What Is An E-Scooter?

Electric scooters are plug-in vehicles that work off of a charge. They often feature two or three wheels depending on the model. Each e-scooter has a rechargeable battery that powers the motor. 

An e-scooter is an excellent way to get from point A to B. There are models for both adults and children, and they allow for easy and quick transportation. Unlike manual scooters, e-scooters feature a motorized component that takes work away from the user. 

E-scooters can often get going quite fast and are a perfect option for commuting to work. Choose between performance or commuter scooters depending on usage desired.

History of the E-Scooter

An e-scooter is an improvement on the ever-loved mechanical scooter, which was introduced in 1915 when the Autoped was born. The Autoped was the first mass-produced electric, or motorized, scooter. It was constructed with an engine over the front wheel of a child’s scooter. Some reports claim that the Autoped could reach speeds of over 35 miles per hour. 

Manufacturers of the Autoped claimed that it was best used for short-distance traveling. They did not differentiate on the gender, class, or use of travel, stating that it could be used for shopping, business, or errands. 

Over the years, the design and marketing behind e-scooters has changed drastically. There are now many companies with scooters designed for different needs and users. 

How Does An E-Scooter Work?

E-scooters are relatively easy to ride. This makes it a friendly option for both kids and adults. The design behind the e-scooter isn’t overly complex, which makes manufacturing and use easier than other motorized vehicles.

An e-scooter is made of the following components:

  • Handlebar
  • Stem
  • Folding latch
  • Hub motor in the wheel
  • Charging port
  • Battery
  • Deck
  • Fender 
  • Brake
  • Rear light
  • Tire
  • Wheel
  • Throttle 
  • Screen
  • Brake lever
  • Headlight 
  • Suspension 

When a user gets on the e-scooter and presses the throttle, signals will transfer to the control to release energy throughout the transportation device. The motor will begin to work and propel the scooter forward. 

The two most important factors of the scooter are the battery and the motor. The battery stores the voltage, charge, and energy storage. It will determine how far the scooter can go and how long the battery will last. On the other hand, the motor determines the performance of the scooter. Depending on the motor used, speed, torque, and range will be determined. Both the battery and the motor are connected through wires and controlled by the user.

The main components used in building a scooter are plastic and silicone. However, there is sometimes aluminum alloy or carbon fiber included. There are many working components to an e-scooter, even though they are relatively easy to use. Understanding each component and knowing how your scooter works are the best way to ensure a safe ride and do repairs if needed. 

Charging Your E-Scooter 

There are some general rules that a user should follow when charging a scooter. This will ensure that the battery has a long lifespan. We recommend:

  • Only use the charger that came with the scooter 
  • Let the scooter cool off completely before charging the battery
  • Charge the scooter in a dry area
  • Don’t let the battery die completely while in use 

Charging your scooter is a huge part of owning one! Understanding how to effectively charge it is important. When you purchase one, read the manual fully.

To charge:

  • Plug the charger into the wall. You want to do this before plugging in the scooter
  • Connect your scooter
  • Allow your scooter to charge. If you can let it get to full battery, that’s preferred. 

Don’t leave your scooter plugged in once it reaches full charge. Disconnect the scooter immediately. Letting it sit on the charger will wear away at the battery life. 

Choosing an E-Scooter

There is a lot to consider when purchasing an e-scooter. With so many different options on the market, there is a lot to consider. Each scooter will feature different speed capabilities, rider weight, and other factors. Preparing yourself and building knowledge is the best way to find the perfect e-scooter for you. 

E-scooters vary greatly in price. For example, some scooters can cost as little as $600. Some can reach as high as $2,500. 

Some of the features that you’ll want to consider during your shop include:

Price

As with most things, the quality of your e-scooter will likely increase as the price does. There are different categories of scooters that can help you narrow down the price (we’ll get into that later).

The best way to begin your purchasing experience is to set a budget. Understand the quality and purpose you want for your e-scooter. From there, you can set a fair budget and compare the best features for each price.

Weight and Portability

If you live in a walk-up apartment or drive your scooter to work every day, the weight will be a major factor in your purchase. Many scooters are foldable, which makes transporting easier. However, if you value portability, a scooter weighing 40+ lbs should be out of consideration. 

However, sometimes with lesser weight, you lose off-roading capabilities. Determining your needs before purchasing is the best way to avoid any problems down the road.

Range

The range of your e-scooter refers to how far it can move until the battery dies. The range will vary slightly depending on weather, speed, and terrain. However, having a good idea of how far your scooter can take you is essential to avoid being stranded.

As the battery begins to age, it will lose its integrity. You can expect to see your charge lasting for a shorter amount of time with age. You may also consider purchasing an extra charger to use while you’re at work to ensure a fully charged battery on your commute home.

Depending on the make and model, an e-scooter can often travel anywhere between 12 and 50 miles on a single charge.

Speed Capabilities

Compare the top speed of potential e-scooters while you’re shopping. Most scooters feature an adequate top speed, especially if you’re traveling in a city setting. In fact, many laws permit scooters to travel over 15 mph. So, if you’re riding in town, ensure your scooter can go at least that fast. 

If you’re looking for an extreme performance scooter, you may want it to reach a higher speed. We recommend wearing safety equipment when traveling on these scooters, as a misstep could cause serious injury. 

Motor Power

The motor power of your scooter will determine how well you go up hills and how quickly you get up to speed. Most e-scooters have a motor power anywhere between 200 watts and 6300 watts. For driving to work and scooting in town, 300 watts is usually enough for flat surfaces. However, as you begin to climb larger hills, you’ll likely want to invest in more motor power. 

Some e-scooters will have one motor and the heavy-duty ones will feature two motors. 

Rider Weight

If you’re going to invest in an e-scooter, it’s important that it will work with you. To make sure of this, consider rider weight when shopping. Most scooters will hold a rider between 220 lbs. and 265 lbs. However, if you exceed this weight, you’ll want to make sure your scooter caters to that. 

If you weigh more than the average rider, increasing motor power can also help your scooter get to its goal speed quicker and more efficiently. 

Suspension 

Without good suspension, you’re in for a bumpy ride. Suspension ensures that your ride is smooth and high-quality. When shopping for an e-scooter, there will be three suspension types to choose from: air piston, rubber suspension, and spring. 

For commuters on rough terrain, consider getting an e-scooter with good suspension and a combination of spring and piston. This will ensure the smoothest ride on the block. 

Tires

Choose between solid tires and air-filled tires. Solid tires aren’t as good as air-filled, with the exception that they don’t require maintenance. Air-filled, though you will have to maintain them, make for a smoother ride.

Depending on the make and model of the scooter, the wheels will either be solid or air-filled. 

Brakes

A high-quality braking system is vital for your scooting safety. The brakes will keep you in control as you ride, and slow you down when you run into hazards. There are two types of brakes for e-scooters: mechanical and electronic. 

Mechanical brakes refer to any physical movement that causes the scooter to slow down. This might include foot brakes, drum brakes, or disc brakes. On the other hand, an electronic braking system uses a mechanism in the motor to stop the scooter. 

Knowing what type of brake you want and what your expected stopping distance is essential to your purchase. Mechanical brakes often have a significantly lower stopping distance, which is better in city riding. 

Warranty

Does your scooter come with a warranty? Will maintenance or parts be covered? Knowing the warranty process, length, and inclusions can cut down the cost in the future. 

Maintenance 

Get ahead of any type of maintenance your e-scooter will need. Knowing the upkeep and time and energy required can save headaches in the future. Some e-scooters can be fixed at home, whereas others will have to be sent in for maintenance.                           

How often are you planning on tuning up your scooter? Are you willing to fill the tires periodically? When shopping, ask these questions to be better prepared. 

E-Scooter Safety

Being safe on your electric scooter is imperative. Because they can move quickly, injuries can be extensive. Therefore, taking the time to operate it safely is important. We’ve narrowed down a handful of safety tips for your e-scooter. 

1. Wear Your Safety Gear 

Your safety gear will likely depend on how fast your scooter goes and where you’re riding it. If you’re riding your scooter in rough terrain, more gear is recommended. However, gloves, footwear, and eye protection are always a good idea with your e-scooter. 

Most importantly, keep your head safe with a reliable helmet. 

2. Know Traffic Rules

If you’re riding in a city, knowing the traffic rules is necessary. Often, e-scooters aren’t allowed on sidewalks, so you’ll be driving in the streets with vehicles. Maintaining good communication with other drivers is imperative for your safety. 

Make sure to use hand signals and obey regulated traffic signs. Ride with the direction of the flow of traffic to ensure that you’re visible to other drivers. 

3. Ride Alone

It can be tempting to try and fit another person on your scooter. An e-scooter is a one-man show! Putting an extra person on it causes too much weight and can result in injuries or scooter damage. 

4. Check Your Scooter Before Driving

Don’t get behind the handlebars of a broken or malfunctioning scooter. Checking to make sure that the brakes and tires are good before getting on can save you a headache later. If you know the scooter is malfunctioning at all, take it in for service. 

5. No Stunts

We’ve all seen cyclists performing stunts. However, a scooter isn’t a place for stunts. Scooters are serious modes of transportation that can cause injury to the rider if used recklessly. Stunts may also cause irreparable damage to your scooter, so ride safely and smartly. 

6. Know How Your Scooter Works

A scooter is a complex mechanism! Knowing how everything works, understanding the wiring, and reading the manual are important. The more knowledge you have, the safer you’ll be when riding it. 

Categories of E-Scooters

There are different categories of e-scooters, based largely on price. Choose between different capabilities, speeds, and purposes. Knowing the type of scooter you want will narrow down your shopping process. 

Budget Scooters

A budget scooter is the most inexpensive category, with most falling under $300. Budget scooters are meant solely for recreational use, as the wiring and mechanics aren’t as complex as other options. If you’re a beginner or don’t want to spend much, a budget scooter is a great option. 

Commuter Scooters 

Do you need an e-scooter to get to and from work? If you aren’t scooting in heavy terrain or steep hills, commuter scooters are a good option. They feature decent quality and performance that will get you from point A to point B. 

Your commuter scooters can vary greatly in price depending on how much you want to spend. The highest-end commuter scooter will often have suspension and a larger motor. 

Performance Scooters

If you’re looking for speed and range, a performance scooter is the best for you. They have premium features but are often quite heavy. If you want to go up steep hills or ride amongst heavy terrain, this is a good option. 

Extreme Performance Scooters

An extreme performance scooter will put you out over $2,500. They are quite the investment, due to their dual-motor design. Some extreme performance scooters can reach as high as 40 mph. With large tires, you can take these scooters off-roading. 

E-Scooter Types 

After determining what price point you want your e-scooter to fall in, you can opt for different types. This will determine what kind of control you want of your scooter and what use it has for you. 

If you’re willing to spend time practicing, you might opt for a self-balancing e-scooter. However, if you want a reliable and comfortable ride, an electric moped might be a better option. 

There are three ways to categorize scooters:

  • Electric kick scooter
  • Self-balancing e-scooter 
  • Electric moped

Electric Kick Scooter

An electric kick scooter is the most simple of the three designs. It features handlebars, a standing deck, and two or three wheels. An electric kick scooter is easy to ride and the easiest to maintain. They often have a power of 250 to 6000 watts, which offers a broad range of terrain styles. 

Choose between two or three wheels. Two wheel electric scooters are lighter and more compact. However, they aren’t necessarily as stable. 

You might want to upgrade to a three-wheeled electric scooter, they will stand by themselves and brace the impact better. However, they are heavier units and take up more space in traffic. 

You may also consider an off-road electric kick scooter. They are an expensive version, but they allow for off-road fun. Off-road electric kick scooters feature larger tires, impressive suspension, and a powerful motor. Take your scooter over rough terrain and have some fun with it. 

Self-Balancing Electric Scooter

Self-balancing electric scooters require some practice. However, they are a fun option for those who are dedicated to learning it. There are three categories of self-balancing scooters:

  • Hoverboards
  • Unicycles
  • Self-balancing personal transporters

A hoverboard features two wheels, batteries, and a motor. It often is ridden upright and can get up to an impressive speed of 13 mph. A hoverboard may also offer some cool features such as lights, off-road tires, and Bluetooth speakers to add to your riding experience. 

Secondly is the unicycle, which has only one wheel. Due to its design, it is narrow, which makes it good for crowded streets (if you can properly drive it). They often feature a 350 Watt electric motor, but they aren’t an easy feat. 

Lastly is the self-balancing personal transporters, commonly known as the Segway. These devices are strong with 800 watts of power. It is an easier product to ride than other self-balancing e-scooters. 

Electric Mopeds

The last type of e-scooters is an electric moped. The seat of a moped is often large and can accommodate two people. The tires are large, which offers a smooth and comfortable ride. 

Due to the complex design and unlimited features, mopeds are often the most expensive of the e-scooters. Some people may even opt for an electric moped instead of a car. 

How To Lock Your E-Scooter

If you have a heavier e-scooter, you might not want to bring it up and down the stairs at work. In this case, you’ll want to lock it to keep it safe. Our favorite lock is a complex U-lock that is difficult to cut off. 

To lock your e-scooter, do the following:

  • Find a secure place to lock it. Often there are bike racks that are secured to the ground. These should feature sturdy metal poles. 
  • Identify a secure locking point on your scooter itself. This is often around the stem and through the folding mechanism. Make sure that the locking point cannot be accessed from another way, such as by a weak point on the scooter. 
  • Find a lock that fits. Your lock should be sized appropriately and leave plenty of room to accommodate your scooter. A U-lock is often quite heavy and comes in many different sizes. 
  • Once you’ve identified a secure place to lock your scooter, put the U-lock around the scooter and the bar and make sure it’s secure. 

The bike rack or permanent fixture that you’ve used should be in a visible place and protected from the elements. After all, you don’t want your scooter caught in the rain. If you place it in a busy area, thieves are less likely to try and steal it. 

Conclusion

If you’re looking to obtain an electric scooter, do it with as much knowledge as possible. Knowing what to look for when buying is imperative. Choose between different kinds of e-scooters to meet your unique needs and budget. With such a complex market, there are plenty of eco-friendly, strong options to choose from.

Looking for a e-scooter? Checkout our complete selection of brand names at the best prices! https://www.ebikejoy.com/collections/recreational-electric-scooters


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