Electric scooters are designed to help commuters find a reliable scooter to get around on crowded streets. Our selection of two-wheeled electric scooters offer a number of advantages as an alternative mode of transportation. Not only are these two-wheeled wonders considerably more environmentally friendly, but they also make it easy to get around congested major cities like New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles, making them popular with all age groups. NYC scooter rental services always give New Yorkers the option of renting an electric scooter.
Electric scooters allow you to avoid pedestrians and slow-moving traffic, they’re portable, versatile and a lot of fun. Most can be folded up for carrying and storage when they arrive at their destination, and their compact size means they can even be carried on public transportation.
When buying an electric scooter, the following factors should be considered:
- Range
Electric scooters are essentially electric cars, so range is an important factor. Range is affected by battery capacity, engine power, engine management, pavement, tires, weather, and many other factors. The most obvious one is that the greater the battery capacity, the greater the range.
The range advertised by dealers is 20-40 miles, but this is a theoretical value under very good road conditions and constant speed. In practice, it’s almost a 20 percent discount, and actual usage is highly dependent on road conditions. Of course, weather also affects range, and obviously the battery drains faster in the winter.
- Speed
Small wheel size means short reaction times and long braking distances. Unless road conditions are perfect to zero, the most advanced driving skills won’t be able to handle many contingencies.
For example, California law states that the maximum speed of an electric scooter may not exceed 15 mph, and you could face a $250 fine if you exceed the speed limit. Check the state laws before you buy a scooter.
- Tires
Wheels on the market are mostly 8 and 10 inches in diameter for safe travel and good handling. The smaller the wheel, the more likely you are to fall when turning. The smaller the wheel, the more likely you are to fall. The smaller the wheel, the more likely you are to lose your arm on the sidewalk.
There are four types of tires: solid tires, honeycomb solid tires, inner tube pneumatic tires, and vacuum tires (tubeless pneumatic tires). For small wheels, it is not recommended to choose pneumatic tires because they deflate too easily. 10 inches and up are recommended to choose pneumatic tires, which provide better cushioning and greater riding comfort.
The downside is that they require regular maintenance, and if you are unlucky enough to get a flat tire, you will be in trouble.
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- Weight
The main reason electric scooters are the most popular means of transportation is that they are small and light enough to be moved anywhere. It’s not that much of a difference, but every extra pound makes a difference to your body. If you are a girl, it will affect you more.
There are also some states in the US that have a maximum weight limit for scooters, for example, in New York State the limit is 100 pounds. In addition to your body weight, you also need to consider the maximum payload: the average electric scooter has a weight limit of 220 pounds.
- Brakes
Brakes are the most important part of electric scooter safety. Many accidents caused by electric scooters are due to unresponsive brakes. Brakes on electric scooters are much more complex than on conventional scooters, and the best ones usually use dual electronic and mechanical brakes to provide proper protection.
Some electric brakes also have a power recovery function. Some top-of-the-line electric scooters also have disc brakes, which are more sensitive and, of course, more expensive.
Electric Scooter FAQ
- What are the advantages of electric scooters compared to electric bicycles?
Electric scooters are easier to store and easier to take on buses or trains. Many venues allow electric scooters to be brought indoors, but not bicycles.
- How fast can I ride an electric scooter?
Most electric scooters are so-called “scooters of the last mile” – they are only suitable for short trips to work. The top speed of scooters of different makes and models with very little standing room and wheels can range from 15 to 25 miles per hour.
- Do I need a driver’s license to ride an electric scooter?
You don’t need a driver’s license to ride an electric scooter. However, it is important to note that electric scooter riding in different parts of the US is regulated by different state laws, such as California: only on bike lanes and no more than 15 miles per hour, minors must wear a helmet, etc.
- Should I buy electric scooters?
An electric scooter is relatively light, practical, easy to ride, and allows you to get to your destination at a faster speed during traffic jams. However, even though they sound so perfect, they have some drawbacks, including price and safety. The advantage of a bicycle is that it avoids traffic, costs much less than a car or motorcycle, and is a lot of fun to ride.
