How to Choose the Best Electric Scooter
Looking to buy an electric scooter? In this guide you will learn about features and components, and then choose the right Electric Scooter for you.
Buying an e-scooter could be a challenge, especially if it’s your first time. There are a few things that you should consider before deciding which electric scooter is your perfect match.
Price:
The price range in the electric scooter determines the features that your micro-EV vehicle will have. If you want more speed and range, the price will increase for sure.
Range:
The range is basically the distance that you can ride before your electric scooter runs out of battery. You should consider what is your typical travel and the ride mode of the scooter (typically, an electric scooter has an eco mode -which consumes less energy-, regular mode and performance mode -the highest energy consumption-).
Battery and replacement:
You should ask if the electric scooter has the possibility to change the battery yourself (a typical battery maintains the integrity for the first 300-500 charging cycles). Internal battery replacements should always be done by a professional technician. Also, there’s a lot of scooters that have the chance to add an extra battery, this way the scooter increases their range.
#VeneTip for your electric scooter:
You can always buy an additional charger so you keep your electric scooter charged in your home, office, and in your final destination.
Top speed:
The first thing that you should know is that some cities in the US have regulations that limit the electric scooter’s top velocity, and are not permitted to ride in pedestrian walking paths. Almost all commuter scooters have an average speed of 15 mph, while in the market you could find scooters that reach a 50mph top speed. For your safety, when riding an electric scooter, always wear a helmet and other accessories such as extra lights to avoid accidents and injury.
In fact, the speed is defined by the motor’s power (more watts = more power) and battery energy capacity.
Motor power:
The motor power (the wattage) will define the speed, acceleration and overall performance of your electric scooter.
For kids, a 150w motor will be great but for adults you should find an electric scooter above 350w for a daily commute, those one reaching 500w maintain a greater performance (especially if you live or travel in hills areas).
In conclusion, more power in the motor will help in hills areas and power up to the top speed.
Brakes:
Staying in control is elemental when riding an electric scooter. The brakes will reduce speed and will help maintain control on the ride.
The most common brake systems are mechanical, hydraulic, or regenerative. Mechanical brakes require a steel brake cable from the handle to the brake on the wheel. Hydraulic brakes use a closed system of hoses and reservoirs with hydraulic fluid to operate the brakes. Regenerative brakes use the motor power to slow down the scooter and even use some of that energy to put back into the battery system.
IP Rating:
If you are going to use the electric scooter as your daily commute, think about a greater IP rank.
Those scooters that actually have an IPx0 rank will not be water resistant. An IPx3 scooter will resist water and an IPx7 is completely submersible.
Read all the technical specifications, in the market you could find electric scooters with different kinds of protection for each part (the motor and battery are the most important things to protect against the water and weather).
Tires:
The tires are essentials for the performance of the electric scooter. You could find solid tires and pneumatic tires, with better riding quality especially in adverse road conditions.
Pneumatic tires: Include tires that require air inside for proper use. Pneumatic tires types include tubeless tires, or tubed tires. Pneumatic tires are the best for traction, performance, and comfort during your ride.
Tubeless: Tubeless tires are a single piece of rubber which hold pressure with the outer bead of the tire pressing on the edge of the rim. These tires are similar to standard car tires which don’t require an inner tube. Tubeless tires are lighter but may require more maintenance if a puncture occurs. Tire sealant is a good method for reducing punctures that can leave you stranded during riding.
Tubed: Tubed tires require an inner tube to hold air pressure. These tires may last longer than tubeless as punctures can be solved by repairing or replacing the inner tube. Tubed tires are standard in bicycles.
Solid tires: Solid tires, also known as non-pneumatic tires, do not require air and cannot have punctures. Solid tires can create a bumpy ride but have the benefit of minimal maintenance. These tires are great for city riding as debris can cause punctures to pneumatic tires.
Lighting:
When riding along the streets, we need to communicate with the other vehicles about our ride. Scooters like the Vene City S1 will alert drivers about our turns.
At night, a strong LED light will help you drive especially in dark areas or streets.
Our staff choice:
Vene's team choose some electric scooters based on the tier of usage.
Base commuter:
Inexpensive and Ultra-Portable
Commute and fun:
Segway Ninebot KickScooter E22
Great value, short range, lightweight
Performance:
A True Workhorse
Top performance and our curated scooter:
Mid-range robust daily commuter
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