Want to get around without spending a fortune? Then consider buying an electric scooter. These delightful little machines are capable of hitting up to 15 mph (some even faster!) — and are the perfect way to go for an adventure.
Whether you're commuting to work or school, or taking it out on the weekend, an electric scooter is a great way to experience the joys of getting around by yourself.
Electric scooters are a relatively recent innovation in transportation that have quickly gained popularity. They’re affordable, environmentally friendly, and — most importantly — a ton of fun. If you’re thinking about buying one for yourself, you’ll want to read our complete guide to electric scooters. From how they work, to selecting a quality electric scooter, we’ll help you make an informed purchasing decision so you don’t waste your money.
What is an electric Scooter?
An electric scooter is a personal mobility device that individuals can use to move from place to place. They’re lightweight, easy to carry, and simple to charge. Electric scooters give people the freedom to explore their communities, commute to school or work, or travel from one destination to the next.
Recently, there has been an enormous surge in interest for scooters; driven by a rapid introduction into cities by scooter sharing companies such as Lime and Bird.
This has increased public awareness further, and the rise of micromobility (in turn driven by congestion, the environment and of course, Corona virus) has driven growth and interest in the personal electric scooter market even further.
This explosion of the personal market has led to the import of hundreds of different models of electric scooters by a huge number of different brands.
Though most companies are making electric scooters for adults, some companies — notably Razor; are targeting the kids and young teen market.
Although sales of electric scooters have exploded over the past year, they are still relatively new, so it’s hard to know who is best to get a scooter from. There are many factors to consider such as price, range, and build quality. This article is a complete guide to buying an electric scooter in 2021 and beyond.
Batteries
Electric scooter battery packs are made up of many smaller individual batteries called ‘cells’ that are assembled together.
You can think of the battery in an electric scooter like the “petrol tank” in a car. Batteries store the energy that is consumed by the electric motor and other accessories, including lights.
Most electric scooters will have a battery pack that is made of lithium-ion battery cells, (though you may find some older electric scooters for kids and other inexpensive scooters actually have lead-acid batteries).
Not all batteries are created equal. Batteries are rated in watt-hours, (Wh), which is a measure of their capacity. The bigger the capacity, the further you can go. But scooter and rider weight, terrain and speed all play their part.
Battery capacity is one of the important factors that determine electric scooter range. A typical budget scooter will have a capacity of around 250 watt-hours while larger, more expensive scooters can have capacities of almost 3,000 watt-hours.
There are many factors to consider such as price, range, and build quality. This article is a complete guide to buying an electric scooter in 2021 and beyond.
Commuting
Commuting by electric scooter is all part of the new trend in micromobility that solves the so-called last mile problem, which is likely to be exacerbated by the Coronavirus sweeping the world. Meaning public transport is not a place people want to spend much time.
The last mile problem refers to the last leg of a trip — whether it be walking from bus station to your office or exiting a motorway in a car to go to a specific destination.
Ironically, this part of a trip tends to be the slowest and most difficult despite being the shortest. This is because public transit systems and roadways are best suited for connecting big population centers separated by larger distances.
This is where electric scooters, bike sharing, electric skateboards, etc — all forms of micro-mobility — come into play. They make traveling those last miles of your trip faster, easier, and more environmentally friendly.
If you have to commute just a few miles to work or have to walk from a bus stop or transit hub, then an electric scooter is the perfect option for you.
Here are the 5 best Electric Scooter brands to buy in 2021
If you’re just looking to get from point A to point B a little faster, there are plenty of options out there such as a bike, car, or even public transportation. However, if you’re doing it for the convenience factor, then electric scooters are definitely the way to go. These little creations are the fastest means of transportation you can find.
With the rise of electric scooters, more people are discovering the joys of getting around town without breaking the bank. Why not try it yourself? Get an electric scooter and start exploring the world.
We’ve compiled a list of the best electric scooter brands that we think you should check out:
List of top 5 Scooter brands (with links)
Electric Scooters and the Law
The UK Government’s transport committee has recently published a report to support the legal use of electric scooters (e-scooters) in the UK. Committee chair Huw Merriman said;
‘E-scooters have the potential to become an exciting and ingenious way to navigate our streets and get from place to place. . . If this gets people out of the car, reducing congestion and exercising in the open air, then even better.’
This will come as welcome news to many who are looking for a socially distanced, eco-friendly way to commute.
However, right now, although under review, it is illegal to use an electric Scooter on public land in the UK. So you must follow all UK laws and regulations regarding e-Scooters when operating them in public places. It is the riders responsibility to ensure that they operate their electric scooter in a manner that conforms to all applicable laws and regulations.
You should check out this recent article for further information: UK Government support the legalisation of Electric Scooters.
