With all the brands and models of
electric scooter available today, it’s easy to get lost! You see them everywhere in cities and it has become a mode of transport we love: eco-friendly, quiet, and super practical for daily trips. Whether to complement public transport or completely replace it, you enjoy a smooth and pleasant ride amidst traffic. If you are thinking of buying one but don’t quite know which model to choose, there are some simple guidelines to pick the one that really fits your needs.
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 intended use.
Are you considering buying an electric scooter for a child or an electric scooter for an adult? How often will you use your scooter? Will you need to carry it when using public transport?
The answer to these questions will help you define the characteristics of the electric scooter to buy.
For a trip of less than 6 km per day, an entry-level scooter is sufficient.
On the other hand, for a longer trip, it is advisable to choose a more powerful and more comfortable model.
2- What budget for my electric scooter?
Prices generally range from 120 euros for children's scooters to 3000 euros for high-end adult scooters (like the Dualtron Thunder).
It is possible to find entry-level electric scooters for adults starting at 200 euros. However, if you are looking for a reliable and powerful model, you should budget more than 600 euros.
Prices generally vary depending on several factors: battery type, materials used, equipment and options, etc.
How much does an electric scooter cost? Good news: there are models under €500, such as the Xiaomi M365 electric scooter, with a solid quality/price ratio.
3- Does the manufacturer offer quality after-sales service?
The quality of after-sales service is a decisive criterion to consider when purchasing an electric scooter.
Generally, serious brands stand out 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 not too far from your place of residence.
A quality after-sales service implies the availability of spare parts, the speed of warranty claim processing, the quality of customer reception, etc.
It is also wise to favor a seller with a strong presence on social networks and electric scooter forums.
Thus, you will benefit both from the information shared by the manufacturer and that collected by users, and you will easily find solutions in case of problems.
4- What are the characteristics of the electric motor?
The drive system is the main component of the electric scooter. Its characteristics largely determine the vehicle's performance, especially its speed, acceleration, and hill-climbing ability.
Almost all new electric scooters are driven by a brushless motor integrated into one of the wheels. When buying an electric scooter, special attention must be paid to three main characteristics: power, torque, and maximum speed.
Expressed in Watts, power indicates the amount of energy supplied by the motor per 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 movement generated by the motor when it turns. It is expressed in Nm. As a general rule, the more torque a motor has, the more it is capable to drive the scooter uphill.
Moreover, the higher the motor power, the higher the maximum speed of the electric scooter and the more the battery tends to discharge quickly.
It is therefore not always advantageous to choose the fastest electric scooter. The essential thing is to opt for a good compromise between motor power and battery range.
5- What are the characteristics of the battery?
Whatever the performance of an electric motor, it is worthless without a good battery! The performance of the electric scooter is therefore largely conditioned by the characteristics of the battery:
- Technology
- Capacity
- Voltage
- Range
- 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.
Of an older design, lead-acid batteries are still mounted on children's electric scooters. They are heavy and require a long charging time (up to 12 hours!).
The new foldable electric scooters are generally equipped with Lithium batteries (Lithium Polymer Li-Po or Lithium ion Li-ion), which are lighter, more durable, and faster to charge.
Battery capacity
Capacity represents the amount of energy the battery can provide when fully charged during a complete discharge cycle. It is expressed in Ah. Voltage corresponds to the tension in the electric circuit of the electric scooter.
The higher the capacity and voltage, the greater the battery autonomy. 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 autonomy
Be careful though! The autonomy announced by manufacturers corresponds to a value simulated in the laboratory. The real autonomy depends on several factors, including the user's weight, driving style, speed, type of road, etc.
If your electric scooter battery has lost autonomy and you want to regain it Previous performances, find on our website all battery models for every electric scooter available on the market!
Moreover, it is possible for you to choose 4 different methods to solve this 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!
The last criterion to consider when buying an electric scooter: 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 trips, especially if you need 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 lightweight and compact electric scooter. Ideally, the weight should be under 18 kg.
7- Is the electric scooter comfortable?
That's a basic question! Obviously, an electric scooter must be comfortable, especially if you plan to use it for long trips.
For a comfortable ride, preferably choose an electric scooter equipped with the following elements:
- A suspension system.
- Large inflatable wheels (8 inches or more).
- An adjustable height handlebar equipped with ergonomic grips.
- A wide deck with a non-slip coating.
- A quick and easy-to-handle folding system.
- A comfortable brake control.
8- Is the electric scooter safe?
As it is a full-fledged means of transport, driving safety should never be taken lightly. Make sure the vehicle is equipped with an effective braking system to avoid accident risks.
While entry-level electric scooters are only equipped with mechanical friction brakes, premium models also feature a more powerful magnetic brake generally integrated into the rear wheel.
Ideally, it is advisable to choose an electric scooter equipped with a disc braking system at the front and rear and a magnetic brake. The chassis must also be sturdy enough to support the user's weight and withstand weather conditions.
9- What accessories come with the electric scooter?
Besides the basic equipment, some electric scooters come with very practical accessories:
- A kickstand for parking.
- A cruise control allowing you to set the speed throughout the trip.
- A display screen to view driving-related information: battery autonomy, current speed, ambient temperature, distance traveled, total mileage, speed mode, etc. Some models also feature a Bluetooth interface.
- An LED lighting system at the front and rear.
- An anti-theft system.
The richer the standard equipment, the more practical and efficient the electric scooter is.
10 - What are the rules to follow to use an electric scooter?
Before buying an electric scooter, it is good to inquire about the legal aspect of using this type of vehicle. Since July 2020, new rules have come into effect for the use of Personal Motorized Mobility Devices (PMMD). It is therefore important to stay informed on the subject to avoid a fine during your electric scooter trips.
Use the bike lanes
To date, the electric scooter rider must therefore travel on bike lanes in urban areas. In the absence of lanes, you must use roads with a maximum speed of 50 km/h or pedestrian areas provided you travel at a very moderate speed (6 km/h) so as not to disturb pedestrians.
Although some municipalities allow electric scooters on sidewalks at low speed, we advise you to avoid their use to avoid exposure to controls and fines.
The helmet for electric scooter is still not mandatory at the time of writing this article, but is strongly recommended. It is important for your safety especially since the majority of injuries observed in electric scooter accidents are to the head (40%).
The latest regulations concern your vehicle more specifically. It must be equipped with a braking system. While all models on the market have one, the law does not specify the number or type of brakes required.
Make sure you have good visibility both day and night
The sound warning device is part of the new mandatory equipment, just like the front and rear position lights, as well as reflective strips on the sides (reflectors).
The mandatory horn must be equipped with a bell or a ringer fixed on the handlebar whose sound can be heard at 50 meters. The electric horn is therefore not accepted, unless it sounds like a bell. If you do not comply with this rule, you risk a fine ranging from 11 to 17 euros.
The front light of your electric scooter must emit a non-dazzling light of yellow or white color, while the rear one must be red. To increase your visibility to others on the road, orange reflective strips must be present on the sides of your electric scooter.
If you are missing certain equipment on your vehicle, contact your dealer to have them installed without delay. Note that adhesive reflectors are accepted.
The reflective vest was already mandatory in low light or at night.
Insurance is mandatory for riding with peace of mind
Finally, know that the user of an electric scooter is required to have liability insurance. This mandatory insurance covers damages caused to others and is dedicated to a single vehicle. That is to say that just like for cars, each electric scooter must be insured. We therefore advise you to contact your insurer to adapt, for example, your home insurance contract or to subscribe to a specific contract for a new electric vehicle.