Now everywhere in our cities, the electric scooter represents the new fashionable means of transport.
Ecological and silent , it will accompany you with ease in all your daily trips. Whether in addition to or replacing your usual transport, the electric scooter brings the pleasure of driving smoothly in the middle of traffic.
Are you planning to buy an electric scooter in 2023, but are lost among all the models and different features?
Here are 10 questions to ask yourself when choosing an electric scooter.
1- What is the intended use of the electric scooter?
First of all, to choose an electric scooter, it is important to define the use that we are going to make of it.
Are you planning to buy an electric scooter for children or an electric scooter for adults? How often will you be using your scooter? Should you wear it when using public transport?
The answer to these questions will allow you to define the characteristics of the electric scooter to buy.
For a journey of less than 6 km per day, it is sufficient to use an entry-level scooter.
On the other hand, for a longer journey, it is advisable to opt for a more powerful and more comfortable model.
2- What budget for my electric scooter?
Prices typically range from $120 for kids' scooters to $3,000 for high-end adult scooters (like the Dualtron Thunder ).
It is possible to find entry-level electric scooters for adults from 200 euros. However, if you are looking for a reliable and powerful model, it is necessary to plan a budget of more than 600 euros .
Prices generally vary depending on several factors: type of battery, materials used, equipment and options, etc.
This does not prevent some electric scooters that sell for less than 500 euros (such as the Xiaomi M365 electric scooter ) from displaying good value for money.
3- Does the manufacturer offer a quality after-sales service?
The quality of after-sales service is a decisive criterion to take into consideration when buying an electric scooter.
Generally, serious brands are distinguished by the large size of their distribution network and authorized repairers. Before buying an electric scooter, first make sure that the manufacturer has a repair center that is not too far from where you live.
A quality after-sales service implies the availability of spare parts , the speed with which warranty files are processed, the quality of reception, etc.
It is also smart to favor a seller with a strong presence on social networks and electric scooter forums.
Thus, you will benefit from both the information shared by the manufacturer and that collected by users, and you will easily find solutions in the event of a problem.
4- What are the characteristics of the electric motor?
The drive system is the heart of the electric scooter. Its characteristics largely determine the performance of the vehicle, in particular its speed, its acceleration, and its ability to climb a hill .
Almost all new electric scooters are driven by a brushless motor built into one of the wheels. When buying an electric scooter, pay particular attention to three main characteristics: power, torque, and maximum speed.
Expressed in Watt, the power indicates the quantity of energy supplied by the motor for one second. A motor with a power of 750 W, for example, provides 3 times more energy per second than a 250 W motor.
Torque represents the force of motion generated by the motor as it rotates. It is expressed in Nm. As a general rule, the more torque an engine has, the more it is capable of driving the scooter uphill.
In addition, the higher the motor power, the higher the maximum speed of the scooter and the faster the battery will tend to discharge.
It is therefore not always advantageous to choose the fastest electric scooter. The main thing is to opt for a good compromise between motor power and battery life.
5- What are the characteristics of the battery?
Whatever the performance of an electric motor, it is worth nothing without a good battery! The performance of the electric scooter is therefore largely conditioned by the characteristics of the battery:
- Technology
- The capacity
- The voltage
- Autonomy
- charging time
Electric scooter battery technology
In terms of technology, there are two types of batteries for electric scooters: lead-acid batteries and lithium batteries.
From an old design, lead-acid batteries are still mounted on children's scooters. They are heavy and require a long charging time (up to 12 hours!).
New foldable scooters are usually equipped with Lithium batteries (Lithium Polymer Li-Po or Lithium ion Li-ion), which are lighter, more durable, and faster to charge.
Battery capacity
The capacity represents the amount of energy that the battery can provide, when fully charged, during a complete discharge cycle. It is expressed in Ah. The voltage corresponds to the voltage in the electric circuit of the scooter.
The higher the capacity and voltage, the longer the battery life. A battery with a capacity of 7.8 Ah and a voltage of 36 V can thus offer a range of 25 to 30 km.
Battery life
Be careful though! the autonomy announced by the manufacturers corresponds to a value simulated in the laboratory. The actual autonomy depends on several factors including the user's weight, driving style, speed, type of road, etc.
If your electric scooter battery has lost its autonomy and you want to regain these previous performances, find on our website all the battery models for each electric scooter on the market!
But still, you can choose 4 different methods to solve the autonomy problem here they are:
By answering this questionnaire, you will be put in direct contact with our experts to suggest the product you need, all very quickly!
Last criterion to consider when buying an electric scooter: the charging time! On average, the ideal charging time for an electric scooter is 2 to 3 hours.
6- What are the dimensions and weight of the electric scooter?
A compact and lightweight electric scooter is perfect for long journeys, especially if you have to carry it on public transport or up stairs.
Several factors affect the weight of the electric scooter: the materials used to make the frame, the type of battery, the braking system, and the type of motor.
It is therefore advisable to choose a light and compact scooter. Ideally, the weight should be less than 18 kg.
7- Is the electric scooter comfortable?
This is a basic question! Obviously, a scooter should be comfortable, especially if you plan to use it on long trips.
For a comfortable ride, opt for a scooter with the following features:
- A damping system.
- Large inflatable wheels (8 inches or more).
- A height-adjustable handlebar with ergonomic handles.
- A wide deck with a non-slip coating.
- A quick and easy to handle folding system.
- Comfortable brake control.
8- Is the electric scooter safe?
As a mode of transportation in its own right, driving safety should never be taken lightly. Make sure that the vehicle is equipped with an effective braking system to avoid the risk of accidents.
While entry-level scooters are equipped only with mechanical friction brakes, premium models are also equipped with a more powerful magnetic brake generally integrated into the rear wheel.
Ideally, you should choose a scooter that has a front and rear disc brake system and a magnetic brake. The frame must also be strong enough to support the weight of the user and to withstand the weather conditions.
9- What are the accessories supplied with the scooter?
In addition to the basic equipment, some scooters are equipped with very practical accessories:
- A kickstand for parking.
- A cruise control to fix the speed throughout the journey.
- A display screen to view information relating to driving: battery life, instantaneous speed, ambient temperature, distance travelled, total mileage, speed mode, etc. Some models are also equipped with a Bluetooth interface.
- Front and rear LED lighting system.
- An anti-theft system.
The more the standard endowment is rich in equipment, the more the scooter is practical and efficient.
10- What does the law say about the use of electric scooters?
Before buying an electric scooter , it is good to find out about the legal aspect of using this type of vehicle. Since July 2020 , new rules have come into force for the use of Personal Motorized Transport Vehicles (EDPM). It is therefore important to stay informed on the subject in order to avoid a fine during your electric scooter rides.
Take the cycle paths
To date, the driver of an electric scooter must therefore travel on cycle paths in an urban environment . If there are no tracks, you must use roads with a maximum speed of 50 km/h or pedestrian areas provided you drive at a very moderate pace (6 km/h) so as not to disturb pedestrians.
If some municipalities however allow access to the sidewalks of electric scooters always at low speed, we advise you to avoid their use to avoid exposing yourself to checks and fines.
The helmet is still not mandatory when writing this article, but is strongly recommended . It is important for your safety, especially since the majority of injuries observed on electric scooters are to the head (40%).
The latest regulations relate more specifically to your machine. This must be equipped with a braking system . If all models on the market have them, the law does not specify the number or type of brakes to have.
Good visibility, day and night
The horn is part of the new mandatory equipment, as are the front and rear position lights , as well as reflective strips on the sides ( reflectors ).
The compulsory horn must be fitted with a bell or a bell fixed on the handlebars, the sound of which can be heard 50 meters away. The electric horn is therefore not accepted , unless it sounds like a bell. If you do not respect this rule, you expose yourself to a fine ranging from 11 to 17 euros.
The front light of your electric scooter must emit a glare-free yellow or white light, while the rear light must be red . To increase your visibility to others on the road, orange reflective strips should be present on the sides of your electric scooter.
If you are missing certain equipment on your machine, contact your dealer to have them installed without further delay. Note that adhesive reflectors are accepted.
The reflective vest was already mandatory in low light or at night.
Compulsory insurance to drive serenely
Finally, be aware that the user of an electric scooter is required to have civil liability insurance . This compulsory insurance covers damage caused to others and is dedicated to a single vehicle. That is to say that as with cars, each electric scooter must be insured . We therefore advise you to contact your insurer to adapt your home insurance contract, for example, or to take out a specific contract for a new electric vehicle.