More and more people use an electric scooter as a mode of transportation mainly because it is cheaper compared to regular vehicles. Since it does not require gas, there are no burning of fuels or fumes in the engine. With this, you are reducing carbon footprints. Aside from these, electric scooters are easy to use and easy to maintain.
Certainly, there are many advantages to owning one If you decide to buy one, you need to do your research so you can understand the nuances of electric scooters. To help you get started, here’s a quick guide to choosing the best adult electric scooters:
Determine the price range
The price will depend on the category you pick. Categories and their prices include the following:
- Budget scooter: the cheapest kind is a budget scooter. It is ideal for minimal or light recreational use. The price for budget scooters is under $300. However, you should expect low capacity batteries, underpowered motors, and weak brakes.
- Budget commuter: these scooters are ideal for traveling short distances. You can consider this for your daily commuting. What’s more, these scooters are light enough that you can fold and carry them easily. The price for a budget commuter is anywhere from $300 to $600.
- Premium commuter: these scooters have better brakes, added suspension, and larger motors. It has also bigger batteries that have a reasonable range. While the ride will be safer and more comfortable, there will be increased size and weight. The price for a premium commuter is anywhere from $600 to $1200.
- High-performance: this is by far the best performing electric scooter in the market. It has everything except portability because it tends to be heavy. The price for a high-performance electric scooter starts at $1200.
Check the range
Range refers to the distance an electric scooter can travel before the battery dies. When deciding, think about your daily commute and how far you need to travel on a typical day. Do not fret because when the scooter runs out of power, you can still kick to push it.
Pay attention to weight
Weight is a big factor especially if you need to fold and carry the scooter. Most scooters with more than 15 miles of range typically weigh over 25 pounds. If it is more than 30 pounds, it will be difficult to carry for longer durations.
Determine the top speed
If you are traveling on roads, speed of 15 mph will suffice. However, if you are after extreme performance, 18 mph is considered fast enough. If it comes to this, you should at least wear safety gear.
Think about motor power
In general, motor power starts at 200 watts. When choosing the motor power, the road for daily commuting matters. For instance, a 250 watts scooter is enough for flat surfaces. If your area has steeper hills, you should consider 350 to 500 watts.
Learn about the suspension
Suspension can help smooth out bumps as well as road indentations. Without it, you will feel every bump along your way. If the terrain is rough to cross, you should consider buying a scooter with suspension.
Check tires
There are two types of tires – pneumatic and airless. Pneumatic tires have shock absorption feature plus it is better at handling or traction. Airless tires are interior but they have no maintenance required.