Electric kick or push scooters have become ubiquitous. If you want to join in on the fun, you’re probably on the quest of finding your first push electric scooter. And you’ve come to the right place! You’ll learn everything you need to know before purchasing to make sure it’s the right one.
From features to consider, price classes, tips for raiding and more, you’ll be equipped with enough knowledge to buy the right push electric scooter for you.
Contents
The Different Price Classes
Budget
Most budget-friendly models that fall under the $300 range aren’t recommended for light recreational and minimal use. At this price, you shouldn’t expect a powerful motor that can go for hours on end. However, there are still some great and functional rides in this category if your budget is limited. Commuter scooters fall within this category, and they’re decently balanced in terms of performance, quality and features.
As long as you travel short distances and won’t put it under much abuse, you can get away with a budget commuter pushy. You’ll have to perform occasional repairs and part replacements now and then, but as long as your commute doesn’t include too many steep hills you’ll be fine.
Mid-Range
Mid-ranged models generally come with a stronger battery for more range, and more motor power. There aren’t many dual-motor rides in this range, but some feature a suspension. These range in price anywhere between $300 and $1200. Some models come with better brakes and large motors that provide for a safer and more comfortable ride, but they’ll be slightly heavier than budget products, so carrying them upstairs or loading them into your car can be more difficult.
Performance
A performance push electric scooter will typically have long-range or serious speed capabilities. Many of them come with dual motors and large batteries. Some of these can deliver up to 50kms of range. Of course, you’ll have to pay somewhere between $1200-1600 for these models, and some of them come with pneumatic tyres, semi-hydraulic or hydraulic brakes, turn signals and powerful lights.
High-Performance
These scooters will generally cost more than $2000, but they excel in every way besides portability. They come with powerful dual motors and can reach speeds up to 60km/h and have a range of over 50kms. On top of this, they’ll generally come with hydraulic disc brakes, top-notch suspension and larger tyres. This makes them suitable for commuting as well as off-roading. As a result of all the features, they can be difficult to carry.
Features to Consider
Range
The range refers to the distance the electric unit can travel before the battery runs out. The range depends on various factors, including motor power, rider and ride weight, weather, mode and speed. As a rule of thumb, take whatever range the manufacturer advertises, and divide it by two. Most manufacturers overestimate their products’ range claims by at least 30%.
Moreover, as time goes by, the battery will degrade in quality, so your ride will lose its range slowly over time. Most batteries retain their integrity for about 500 charging cycles. That being said, think about how long you want to ride your push before you resort to kicking to push it. Of course, you can always buy an extra battery or a charger to leave at work to extend its range.
Motor Power
Electric models generally come with brushless direct current hub motors. Some have one, while more powerful ones have two. The motors are rated based on power consumption, which is expressed in watts. More wattage, more power.
Typically, models start at about 200 watts and go all the way up to about 6500. Average scooters will have anywhere between 250 and 500-watt motors. A high-performance scooter will have at least a 1000-watt motor. For the average commuter, a 500-watt-sized motor will be enough. However, if your commute includes going uphill, you might require a more powerful motor.
Suspension
The suspension works similarly to how it does in other vehicles – it smoothens up bumps on the road to improve ride quality. Without it, you’ll feel every bump you go over. If your commute is longer and includes driving over rough terrain, consider getting a scooter with a quality suspension system.
Generally, scooters incorporate either spring, hydraulic or rubber suspension. Quality scooters will have a combination of piston and spring suspension, something known as coil-over-hydraulic or coil-over-air. Some scooters only feature front suspension, others feature only rear suspension, while premium products can have front and rear suspension.
Warranty
Find out whether the scooters you’re considering come with a warranty. You want the brand you’re buying from to stand behind the quality of its product, and its parts. It helps if they also have an easy-to-reach and responsive customer support line to assist you with anything you may need during the buying process and after it.