If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to commute or you’d like a fun way to cruise around the streets, an electric scooter is a great choice. The latest electric scooters have advanced features that make them the perfect mode of transportation to work, school, and everywhere in between. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about electric scooters, including their types, key features, safety aspects, and necessary accessories. Let’s dive in!
Table of contents
- What is an electric scooter?
- Types of electric scooters
- Key features of electric scooters
- Safety features on electric scooters
- Accessories for electric scooter
What is an electric scooter?
An electric scooter, also known as an escooter, is a scooter that’s powered by electricity. They look just like a kick scooter, with a deck to stand on, handlebars for steering, and wheels for movement, but electric scooters have a motor with a rechargeable battery.
These scooters are typically lightweight and compact, making them a popular choice for urban commuting. They offer a convenient alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. The motor provides an effortless ride, allowing you to travel longer distances without exerting physical effort. Most electric scooters also feature a range of modern conveniences such as LED lights, digital displays, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Additionally, electric scooters are generally quiet and can be charged using a standard electrical outlet, making them easy to maintain. Whether for short trips or daily commutes, electric scooters present a flexible and efficient mode of transport. For more information, you can read this article: explore the best electric scooters available at Best Buy.
Are electric scooters waterproof?
Because an electric scooter runs on electricity, most escooter manufacturers will recommend you avoid wet or rainy conditions. Some brands like Segway do offer some models that are water-resistant. They have an IP5 rating, so you can ride your scooter in light rain and not have to worry about driving through the occasional puddle.
Do you need a driver’s license to ride an electric scooter?
In Canada, the requirement for a driver’s license to ride an electric scooter varies by province and municipality. Generally, e-scooters are classified as bicycles or similar to e-bikes, meaning no license is needed for most adult riders. However, specific regulations, such as speed limits, helmet use, and age restrictions, may apply.
Check local regulations: Always verify local laws and regulations regarding electric scooters to ensure compliance and safety. Check municipal websites or consult local authorities for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Types of electric scooters
Electric scooters come in various types, mainly categorized into adult e-scooters and kids’ e-scooters. It’s important to understand that different scooters cater to different needs and age groups. Let’s explore each type in more detail.
Adult electric scooters
Adult electric scooters are designed with higher weight capacities and advanced features to accommodate adult riders. They typically offer higher speeds, longer battery life, and robust build quality. With the rise in popularity of e-scooters, more and more adults are finding them to be an exciting and eco-friendly mode of transport. These scooters are ideal for daily commutes, recreational rides, and even short trips around the town.
The adult e-scooters offer higher speeds, typically ranging between 15 to 25 km/h. They can travel longer distances, with a range of up to 40 km on a single charge. These scooters are usually built utilizing durable materials such as aluminum or carbon fiber. Additionally, they come equipped with advanced safety features, including improved braking systems, lights, and suspension, ensuring a safer ride.
Kids’ electric scooters
Kids’ electric scooters are built with safety and simplicity in mind. They have lower speed limits, lightweight frames, and are easy to operate. These scooters are perfect for kids who want to enjoy the thrill of riding in a safe manner.
Kids’ e-scooters are designed with lower speed limits, typically capped at 10-15 km/h, to ensure safety. They are lightweight, making them easier for children to handle and control. The scooters feature simple controls with a user-friendly interface that provides basic functionality. Additionally, they come equipped with several safety features, including a sturdy kickstand, reliable brakes, and bright colours for visibility.
Key features of electric scooters
When you’re buying an electric scooter, the first decision you’ll need to make is what you’ll be using it for. If you’re using it primarily for commuting, the features you’re looking for will be slightly different than if you’re using it for recreation.
Motor watts and range of an electric scooter
When choosing an electric scooter, the term ‘range’ refers to how far you can travel before the battery needs to be recharged. Depending on the model or brand you choose, you’ll find a wide variety of ranges on electric scooters. In general, the max distance you’ll be able to travel on an electric scooter before recharging is approximately 55 km.
Motor output will influence the range of your electric scooter, and you’ll find escooters with motor output ranging from 300 to 350 watts up to 500 watts. Some electric scooters have dual motors to give you higher speeds, fast acceleration, and power to motor up hills and rugged terrain.
Top speed of electric scooters
Depending on the brand of electric scooter you choose, your top speed will range from 35 km per hour up to 45 km per hour.
Foldable escooters are easy to transport
One of the best parts of having an escooter is portability. If you use it to commute to and from a bus stop or take it with you in a vehicle, be sure to look for a foldable electric scooter.
Price range vs your budget
Electric scooters are an affordable mode of transportation. They charge via electricity so they don’t require gas, and the motors have enough power to get you to your destination quickly and easily. The price range of electric scooters vary, and you’ll find entry-level models for less than $200. Electric scooters with more powerful motors, longer range, and features like Bluetooth connectivity and optional seats are priced at approximately $1,000 and up.
Charging time and battery life
Depending on your battery type, it can take anywhere from four to 20 hours to charge your electric scooter. The battery life and range will depend on how fast you drive your escooter, the distance travelled, and the terrain you’re riding on.
Weight of the escooter
The weight of an escooter depends on the materials the frame is made out of. Some escooters have frames made of steel, while other high-end electric scooters have frames made from carbon, titanium, aluminum, or a mix of those materials. Rider weight will vary on electric scooters as well. The max weight averages around 100 kg (220 lbs) with most average electric scooters having a weight restriction of 125 kg (275 lb).
Tires/wheels on an electric scooter
You’ll find electric scooters with varying types of tires. Some electric scooters have solid tires while others have pneumatic tires. Solid tires are very hard, heavy, solid all the way through, and cannot go flat. You’ll never have to worry about a flat tire leaving you on the side of the road, but a solid tire doesn’t absorb shock or bumps in the road.
Pneumatic tires are wider, lighter, and are inflated with air. Because they have air inside the tire, they absorb bumps and ridges in the road and that results in a smoother ride.
To further reduce vibration, some models of electric scooters have suspension built into the front fork. With suspension and pneumatic tires, you’re assured of a very smooth ride as you cruise over different types of terrain.
Lights on escooter
Lights are important when riding your electric scooter at night, and you’ll find escooters with front headlights or multiple points of light to offer you visibility in dim conditions.
Electric scooters with Bluetooth
When shopping for an electric scooter, you’ll want to consider whether or not you’d like your scooter to work with a compatible brand app. Some models of escooter connect via Bluetooth to an app that shows your riding speed and remaining battery life.
Having Bluetooth onboard also makes it easy to upgrade your scooter’s firmware when needed. You can add an attachable phone holder to your electric scooter so you can have your escooter’s app open and available in your line of sight when riding.
Safety features on electric scooters
It’s important to practice safety precautions when riding your electric scooter, and there are features built in to ensure every ride you take is as safe as possible.
Brakes on an electric scooter
Electric scooters are available with different types of brakes. You’ll find escooters with cable brakes that are connected to the back tire via long cable. Cable brakes use two small pads on either side of the tire to slow and stop you.
Hydraulic brakes use a series of tubes and cables attached to a set of discs. The discs work to slow you and stop you. Hydraulic disc brakes have the best stopping power on all types of terrain.
Integrated handlebar display and controls
With an integrated display on your handlebars and handlebar controls, you can easily see what speed you’re going and have an estimate of your remaining battery life.
Accessories for your electric scooter
You’ll find riding your escooter safe and fun when you add a few accessories. Helmets are a must-have when riding an electric scooter, and there a variety of different helmets to choose from to keep you safe. You can also wear other protective gear including knee pads or elbow pads.
Some models of electric scooters offer an add-on seat so you can sit during long commutes, and there are different types of phone holders you can choose for different brands of electric scooters.
An additional battery and charger is a great add-on for an electric scooter. When one battery runs dry you can swap out your other battery and keep cruising. You may also wish to add on extra tail lights or a front light to increase your visibility at night. A lock is another accessory with considering.
Brands to look for when choosing an electric scooter
There are several big brands dominating the escooter market. Segway offers several different models of electric scooters as well as an add-on that converts your electric scooter into a go-cart. Gotrax is another big escooter brand that offers fast, foldable electric scooters in a variety of colours and styles.
Take the next step
Charge it up and take a ride. Whether just for fun or as a practical form of transportation, escooters are quickly becoming a mainstay alternative to cars and bicycles. Shop for an electric scooter on Best Buy.
This article was drafted using AI technology and then reviewed, fact-checked, and revised by a member of our editorial team.
