Electric Scooter Beginners Buying Guide

Scooters can be an enormous amount of fun, and they are a great way to travel around. Many manufacturers make scooters, and each one will have something different to offer. Having a dependable resource into what you should be looking for is advantageous. It can help ensure that you pick the perfect scooter to enjoy recreationally or to use throughout your daily life.

There is much to learn when it comes to purchasing an electric scooter. Different classes and features need to be looked at before deciding which is going to be the best fit for you and your lifestyle. Additionally, you should get familiar with the different components that make up an electric scooter and the maintenance required to keep it in good working order. Once you figure out the maintenance, you will need to have a solid understanding of the required tools to keep your scooter performing at its top level.

As we work through the categories of electric scooters, we will discuss different options. We’ll give you a good look at what you want, whether you are on a budget, looking to use your scooter to commute, or if you’re looking for one that offers excellent performance.

Differences in Scooters

If you have started looking into scooters, you’ll realize that there are a lot of choices. Not only are there electric scooters, but there are also manually propelled scooters. Manually propelled ones are more for recreation than for daily use or commuting. This article is going to focus on electric scooters.

You’ll be making a reasonably decent purchase when you decide that you’re going to buy a scooter. When you start looking at the technical aspects, categories, prices, and where you can buy them, it can feel quite daunting. There are many suitable scooters available on the market. However, you need to know what you’re looking at to ensure you buy one that is safe and reliable. This is especially true when you plan on using your scooter frequently.

4 Electric Scooter Categories

Electric scooters can fall into a variety of different categories. From budget scooters to extreme performance scooters, you will have a lot of choices to make. We’ll go through the various types of electric scooters and their subcategories. We will give you the details of each scooter, so you can make a decision that’s fit for your lifestyle.

Budget Scooters

When we talk about budget scooters, we ‘re talking about $300 or less. They are used for recreational purposes more often than not. If you plan on using a budget scooter daily, you will have to do a significant amount of maintenance, and you may need to replace it more frequently. The price point is going to fit into most budgets reasonably easily. The motors won’t be extremely powerful, and the batteries won’t last very long. Budget scooter’s braking systems won’t be excellent either. You can find very functional electric scooters in the budget scooter category. Taking a look at them, especially when finances are incredibly tight, may be advantageous. If you are simply looking to have some fun rolling around on a scooter, this could be the perfect fit.

Commuter Scooters

You will find more options in the commuter series of scooters than in any other category. The price points on commuter electric scooters will range quite drastically. We have broken the commuter scooters down into three different subcategories. Each one will be in a varied price range, and you will also find that the features, performance, and quality also vary based on the amount of money you are willing to spend.

• Budget Commuter Scooters: The first subcategory that we have broken commuter scooters into is the budget commuter. The average cost for these scooters will be between 300 and $600. If you are only traveling short distances, this is a suitable choice. Their range is better than a standard budget scooter and can even be used for frequent short commutes. You will have more repairs with a budget commuter over its lifespan than you would with a more expensive model. When using a budget commuter scooter, you will want to travel on flat smooth surfaces. It will not have the power to manage steep Hills or rough terrain. One significant advantage of a budget commuter scooter is that they are lightweight, and you can typically fold them. Taking it with you to and from work is no big deal.
• Mid-Ranged Commuter Scooters: If you can allot $600 to $900 in your budget, you can purchase a mid-ranged commuter scooter. This electric scooter will have larger batteries, which will provide you with a better range. Additionally, the motor will likely be more powerful on a mid-ranged commuter, which will allow you to handle Hills more easily. You will be unable to find a dual-motor scooter in this price range, but some of the other features of higher-end scooters can be found. Frequently, you will see excellent suspension systems found in higher-end models used in the mid-ranged commuter scooters.
• Premium Commuter Scooters: You’ll be making a rather significant investment if you go with a premium commuter scooter. They range between $600 and $1200 dollars. Many users love the Zero 9 premium commuter scooter because it offers excellent range and power and has some pretty cool lighting effects. Premium commuter scooters will have larger Motors, improved suspension systems, larger batteries, and good brakes. You will be more comfortable when writing this type of scooter than with many others. They are also safer and will handle longer or bumpier commutes with ease. They are heavier than other commuter scooter options. This can make them difficult when you are loading them on or off a bus or carrying them upstairs.

Performance Scooters

Performance scooters offer a variety of components and features that you don’t see in other types. They provide higher rates of speed and are longer-range during use. Dual Motors and large battery packs are things you will find once you start looking into performance electric scooters. You can expect ranges of up to 50 miles when you invest in a performance electric scooter. You’ll be making a fairly significant investment as they tend to range from 1200 to 1600 dollars. However, when you start to look at the features they offer, it makes sense why they cost more money. They will have larger pneumatic tires, hydraulic braking systems, turn signals, and powerful lights to keep you safe when riding after dark.

Extreme Performance Scooters

Extreme performance scooters are going to offer more at every level than other types of scooters. Their biggest downfall is probably their portability. They use large dual motors, which are heavy. You could be looking at weights up to 70-pounds. They have larger batteries, top-rated suspension systems, and disc brakes, which are reliable for stopping at fast speeds. If you invest in an extreme performance scooter, you will likely spend more than $2500. You’ll also be able to use your scooter for daily commuting. Extreme performance scooters excel when you want to take your scooter off-roading. They have large tires and handle uneven terrain easily.

Electric Scooter Features

Now that you’re familiar with the different categories of electric scooters, you will be able to figure out which one will best fit your life. After figuring out which category of scooter you then need, it’s time to decide which features are the most important to you so that you can find a scooter that has everything that you need.

We’re going to discuss of variety of different features. These features include range, price, speed, weight, tires, suspension, power, breaks, and lighting. Each of these features will play a major role in not only how comfortable you are while riding your scooter but also how safe the experience is.

• Range: When discussing range, we’re talking about how far your scooter can go before the battery dies. You always want to be careful when looking over what the manufacturer has to say on this topic. They’re going to give you results that are the very best-case scenario. To play it safe, you should divide the amount of range they say the scooter has by two. This will ensure that the battery does not die in the middle of a long excursion. You must also keep in mind that an Azure battery is not going to last as long. So, consider your daily commute before deciding the range that your scooter is going to need. If your battery dies by chance, you will still be able to ride your scooter the rest of the way manually.
• Price: As you can see from working your way through this article, the price range for electric scooters is vast. The more features you are looking for means, the higher price you’re going to pay. Additionally, quality machines are going to cost more money. If you buy a $200 scooter, it likely won’t compare to one that requires a couple of $1000. So, saving up your money and investing in a top-rated scooter rather than an inexpensive one can ensure a pleasurable experience on a scooter that will last.
• Speed: If you use your scooter for commuting, speed is going to play a role. Many areas have laws against riding a scooter more than 15 mph, so finding one that cruises along at a maximum of 15 mph works for most riders. While 15 mph may not seem fast, it’s fast enough to travel across roads or in the bike lane on your way to work. If you’re looking for a scooter that provides higher rates of speed, you would need to look at the extreme performance scooters. They will go much faster. Keep in mind if using an extreme performance scooter, you should wear safety gear. Anytime you are riding a scooter, you should wear a helmet, regardless of where you are riding or how fast you are going.
• Weight: When you use your scooter for commuting to and from work, how much it weighs will play a role in determining whether it will be a good fit for your lifestyle. You need to consider whether you’ll be carrying it upstairs, on and off a bus, or if you’ll have to throw it in the trunk of your rideshare. Many scooters will be reasonably lightweight, ranging between 25 and 30 pounds. This isn’t so bad if you’re only carrying it for a short amount of time. However, if you’re going to have to take it in inclement weather or for more extended periods, you might want to look for something less than 30 pounds. Some scooters will offer shoulder straps or carrying handles to make lugging them around a bit easier. When you purchase an extreme performance scooter, it will be more substantial, and using them for commuting is very difficult. If you are unsure about how much additional weight you will be able to carry comfortably, you can head to a store where they sell dumbbells and pick one up so you can have a good idea of what carrying your scooter will be like.
• Maximum Weight: The weight of your scooter and maximum weight are two different things. When you start to consider the maximum weight, you need to think about your weight as the rider and any belongings you may be carrying with you. Most scooters are rated to carry up to 220 pounds, but some options can carry more. If your bodyweight alone is more than 220, you will need to consider that before choosing a scooter. You should not exceed the manufacturer’s suggested weight limitations for safety reasons. You could cause damage to the scooter or end up having an accident if you exceed the maximum weight restrictions that are limited for the model that you are looking at.
• Tires: As you start looking at tires for the scooters, you’ll see that there are two different varieties. The first is pneumatic tires. These offer better shock absorption, and they handle more seamlessly. More maintenance will need to be done with this type of tire, and they are prone to punctures. You will also have to keep an eye on the tire pressure as they frequently succumb to low pressure issues. The other type of tire you will run into is airless tires. They’re not as good as pneumatic tires. However, they will require almost no maintenance. They wear out more quickly, and they don’t handle surfaces that aren’t smooth. Overall, pneumatic tires are the way to go.
• Suspension: The suspension on your scooter will determine how bumpy of a ride you’re going to experience. The systems used in scooters are very similar to those that are used in cars. If you do not have decent suspension, you will definitely notice it as you travel over the smallest bumps in the road. Your tires will also play a role in this. You will want to buy a scooter with a top-rated suspension when you have a long commute or a rough road ahead of you. You’ll find that suspension systems are attached to the front, back, or on both wheels.
• Power: When you start looking at the motor power with electric scooters, you will find that it ranges between 200 Watts to more than 6000 Watts. If you are using your scooter for a daily commute, you should look for power over 250 Watts. 250 Watts is good when traveling on flat surfaces and can handle minimal hills. If you are dealing with steeper slopes, you should look for something between 350 and 500 Watts. A medium-sized hill will still slow your scooter down even when working with a 500-Watt motor. Many people find that 500 Watts is plenty, and if the scooter needs a little help, all they need to do is kick to help it along the way. You can invest in scooters with larger motors to help you get up hills and provide you with higher rates of speed. However, these motors will be heavier and may make lugging it to the office with you a bit more complicated.
• Breaks: When you’re riding an electric scooter, having the ability to stop is critical. You will find four different types of brakes used in scooters. The brake types are electric, drum, foot, and disc brakes. Electric or regenerative brakes are the weakest type of braking system. If you’re traveling quickly, they will not have the power to stop you on their own. When we say quickly, we mean 15 mph or more. You will need to use your foot to help stop the scooter. The next type of brake is the foot brake. These are activated by pushing your foot down on the back fender. This will cause the Fender to rub against the tire and slow the scooter down. It offers an okay amount of stopping power, but it’s not nearly as effective as disc brakes or drum brakes. Drum brakes are on the inside of the wheel hub and typically don’t require much maintenance. They perform well in wet conditions and offer enough power to stop the scooter completely, even when traveling reasonably quickly. The best type of brake is a disc brake. Disc brakes give you more stopping power than any other type, and they are lightweight. Premium commuter and high-performance scooters typically sport disc brakes. They are the highest quality and are preferred by daily scooter users.
• Lighting: The last feature that you need to consider is lighting. Scooters tend to have a white light on the front and a red light on the back. If you’re riding after dark, these lights are necessary. The rear lights are typically not very visible, and that needs to be remembered while riding. Wearing reflective clothing or adding flashing lights to the back can keep you safer when you’re riding after dark. You can also attach lights to your helmet, backpack, or other areas to ensure that people can see you regardless of the time of day.

Maintenance of Electric Scooters

Just like all pieces of equipment, your scooter is going to require some maintenance. More often than not, finding replacement parts can be a bit difficult, but it’s definitely possible by contacting the manufacturer. If your scooter does not offer replacement parts, you will need to speak directly with the manufacturer to see what can be done about it. Purchasing a scooter with a warranty can help ensure that you can ride your scooter whenever you want. Repairing your electric scooter means that you will likely be handling the replacement of tires and brakes. Additionally, broken fenders are a typical problem that will need attention when you ride your scooter frequently.

Repair shops will handle your scooter problems, but learning to do it yourself is typically the most advantageous way of handling electric scooter maintenance. If you’re not mechanically inclined, it may seem intimidating to think about handling a flat tire or replacing your disc brakes. However, there are a significant amount of tutorial videos and information available to you via the Internet that can make maintaining your scooter a breeze.

Many scooters will come with some sort of warranty. If so, you should utilize it if you run into any maintenance issues. You can also take the time to read through the user guide of your scooter, so you understand all of its components. Most people do not experience a lot of issues with their scooters and may only need to do maintenance every couple of years. On average, you can ride a scooter for 600 miles before it’s going to need any maintenance attention.

Conclusion

When you’re getting ready to invest in your first scooter, finding one that offers at least a 15-mile range is going to work in your favor. You also want to pay close attention to the type of braking system that it uses. Remember that using a motor that offers at least 250 Watts will give you the power you need for a decent ride. Pneumatic tire systems are also an advantageous investment because they will provide you with a smoother and more comfortable ride.

Finding a scooter in your price point is not going to be difficult. The price range is vast. You should do some research before you start investing in a low budget scooter to ensure that it can handle the weight of you and the things you are carrying along. Check out the details to ensure that you find the perfect fit for your scooter adventures, whether they happen daily, weekly, or a few times a year.

Riding a scooter can be an enjoyable time, and it’s an effective way to get to and from tasks without investing in a vehicle. You should understand the safety requirements and gear needed to maintain a pleasurable ride. That way you won’t end up in an accident, and succumb to injury. Always wear a helmet and make sure to take standard precautions when riding after dark.