It’s a new year, ladies and gentlemen.
It means some of you will be working hard on your New Year’s resolutions—like hitting the gym more regularly or practicing mindfulness and meditation.
Others might have more specific resolutions, such as buying an e-scooter, and they could have many reasons for doing so.
For starters, e-scooters reduce carbon footprints.
Secondly, they help you save money on gas.
And last but not least, using an e-scooter provides mild exercise.
Whatever your reason, it’s a good choice.
But which one to get? Now, that’s where things get challenging.
There’s so much information out there, and YouTube videos, websites, and brands make everything more confusing.
Fortunately, this is the only guide you’ll ever need to purchase an e-scooter. We’ve made things really simple for you to understand. So, hopefully, by the time you reach the end, you’ll know exactly which one to buy.
Factors to Consider Before Purchasing an E-Scooter
- The Type
There are different types of e-scooters, each with varying purposes.
Let’s start with the most basic one, an entry-level e-scooter. It has all the basic functionalities, making it ideal for those who want to learn or have just started riding an e-scooter.
An entry-level e-scooter has gentle power and lower speed, allowing beginners to ease into the experience before purchasing one with advanced functionalities.
Once you’ve learned to ride an entry-level e-scooter, you can move to a commuter e-scooter. It’s designed for daily use in urban or suburban environments, particularly for short to medium distances (10-30 miles on a single charge).
They can achieve a top speed of up to 25 kph, which is enough to comply with local laws and regulations.
The third type is an off-road e-scooter. As the name suggests, it’s for experienced riders who are looking for thrills and adventures. These e-scooters have powerful motors and enhanced suspension systems, allowing them to reach higher speeds and cover longer ranges.
There are also other types—performance, seated, and all-rounder—but since we’re keeping things basic for now, the above-mentioned three are all you need to know.
- The Battery
The battery is one of the most critical components of an e-scooter. It determines the scooter’s performance and power, in addition to its range.
Most e-scooters have lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, known for being lightweight, having a longer lifespan, and fast charging capabilities.
The capacity is measured in watt-hours (Wh), and it directly impacts how far an e-scooter can travel. Larger batteries allow for longer trips but take longer to charge.
Full charging can take 4-8 hours, though some scooters offer a fast-charging option.
- The Weight
Most people opt for e-scooters because they are lightweight and, thus, portable. So, if you plan to travel frequently using the e-scooter, make sure the one you purchase doesn’t weigh a lot.
While most, if not all, e-scooters can fold down and be carried, the level of portability depends on the rider. For example, 30 kg is portable for some, while others prefer something in the early 20s kg range.
An e-scooter can weigh anywhere between 9-32 kg, depending on the model.
- The Speed
Next up, we have the speed of an e-scooter.
Seeing videos of high-speed e-scooters may look enticing, but remember, they are for experienced riders and are harder to control.
High-speed e-scooters are not the best option if you’ve never ridden one before. That’s why you must opt for beginner-friendly e-scooters.
To summarize, choose an e-scooter with motors capable of producing 350W to 500W of power and achieving 40 kph on average. However, just because they feature low power doesn’t mean you can’t get where you want to go.
- The Brakes
Although all components of an e-scooter are essential, the brakes are especially important for your safety.
E-scooters feature two types of braking systems—mechanical and electronic. Some are equipped with both, while others feature only the former.
Mechanical brakes rely on a physical mechanism to slow down: foot brakes, drum brakes, and disc brakes.
On the other hand, electric brakes rely on the motor itself, which generates a stopping power.
- The Budget
For beginners, you can easily find an e-scooter for under $300. As you move up to the $300-$600 range, you’ll discover commuter scooters that are perfect for everyday use.
In the $600-$900 range, e-scooters typically offer enhanced power and longer ranges, making them ideal for more frequent or longer commutes.
For those willing to invest between $900-$1200, you’ll get e-scooters with advanced features like larger batteries, dual motors, and superior suspension systems.
Finally, high-end e-scooters priced above $1200 are built for serious enthusiasts. They come with cutting-edge technology, including exceptional speed, range, power, and superior braking systems.
The Bottom Line
The best e-scooter for you, ultimately, depends on your budget, required power, and the distance you’ll cover. It’ll be much easier to decide once you narrow down these factors.
Remember, different e-scooters have different purposes. So, don’t spend too much on features you will not use. Just keep the points mentioned in this blog in mind to make a well-informed decision.
