E-Scooter Buying Guide for Christmas

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Electronic scooters (e-scooters) are an excellent method of transportation for those who hate getting stuck in traffic and are conscious of their environmental impact. They don’t exude emissions, harmful gases, and noise pollution as they are quiet.

In addition, they are a more cost-effective option than cars due to the low maintenance cost, they don’t require petrol, and you can reduce parking costs. E-scooters are an excellent option for short trips, making them ideal for inner-city travel and a quick trip to the shops or a friend’s house.

We have put together a buying guide of what you should consider, whether buying an e-scooter for yourself or a Christmas gift.

Weight

Can you easily carry it? If you ever need to carry your e-scooter upstairs or if you run out of battery, weight is an important consideration. Electric scooters have a big difference in the weight range, so it’s essential to consider whether you can comfortably carry them. In many cases, the longer the travel range, the heavier it’s likely to be.

Maximum speed

Speed limits vary, but in most Australian states, they are capped between 10 and 25km/h when used on public roads and footpaths. If this is your only consideration, most e-scooters will reach a maximum speed of 25km/h. The maximum speed of most e-scooters is 32km/h; however, you’re unlikely to go that fast due to speed limits.

Design

The design is a personal choice, but we recommend paying attention to details like the sleek design, tidy wiring and easy-to-read dashboard. Make sure the controllers are at your fingertips and that your scooter includes features like:

• Clock
• LED Tail Light
• Speedometer
• Odometer

Motor

The size of the motor is measured in watts, generally starting at 200 watts and reaching over 1000 watts. The wattage of the scooter you choose must be in line with the laws in your state, as most states have a maximum power limit of 200 watts to ride on roads and footpaths in Australia.

Tyres

There are two types of tyres on e-scooters, solid tyres and pneumatic tyres.

Solid tyres don’t require much maintenance and are ventilated for minimal shock absorption; however, you’ll likely experience a bumpy and uncomfortable ride travelling on uneven surfaces.

Pneumatic tyres are filled with air, requiring more maintenance, and you risk encountering a flat tyre. However, even with the added maintenance, many prefer pneumatic tyres as they provide better shock absorption and a more comfortable ride on any surface.

Safety features

Safety features on a scooter are arguably the most crucial factor to consider, especially if you’re planning to travel on roads and in heavy traffic areas. We recommend doing your research based on how you plan on using your scooter, but here are some things you should consider.

Brakes

You will need to be informed about brakes, as scooters have a variety of brake systems. If you are planning on riding on flat surfaces, you will have a wider choice of brakes; if your commute sees you travelling down hills, you will need a more powerful braking system:

• Regenerative brakes – an electronic brake that converts energy lost from braking back into the battery and is activated by a button or lever.
• Hydraulic disc brake – a hydraulic fluid is used to push the brake pads together.
• Mechanical disc brakes – these are operated by a cable that pushes the two brake pads together against a disc.
• Electric brake – this system works similarly to regenerative braking; however, it doesn’t charge the battery.
• Drum brakes – enclosed entirely within the wheel, they work by having ‘feet’ that push against the inside rim.

Lights

Like bikes or motorcycles, lights are an essential safety feature for your scooter. The purpose of lights on your scooter is to make your path more visible and make you visible to others on the road. Most good quality scooters will come with lights; alternatively, you can purchase additional lights to attach to your scooter. Check that you have the following lights on your scooter for optimal safety:

• Main headlights
• Brake lights
• LED strips
• Turn signals
• Reflective stickers

Other factors to consider include waterproofing, suspension and warranty. We also recommend that you research the laws in your state to identify whether you can ride an electric scooter with a standard driver’s license or if you’ll need to undergo specific training. Finally, regardless of where you live, you will always need to wear a helmet.

How we can help

There is a lot of information to consider to ensure you choose a suitable and safe electronic scooter this Christmas. If you would like some further guidance, we’re here to help. We can also assemble your electronic scooter and test it to ensure you or your loved one is safe on the roads.