How to choose the best electric scooter and which one to buy with the best quality/price? Buying Guide 2022

The Transportation is an essential aspect of our daily lives.regardless of our objectives in the course of the day, the being able to move from one point to another quickly It helps us with the management of our time.

Unfortunately, not all of us have access to cars to get around, for which we see ourselves in the need to find cheaper alternatives. This is where electric scooters come in, like a very viable personal transportation option.

Surely you wonder Will be worth? Well, that is the question that we will answer for you in this article, in which You will see all the aspects that you should know, both from a technical and legal point of viewto make the best decision on how to acquire an electric scooter.

What is an electric scooter and what is it for?

An electric scooter is a two- or three-wheeled vehicle powered by an electric motor, in which the driver usually goes standing. This type of vehicles became very popular in the late 2010s. It was intended as an alternative to combustion engine vehicles and functions as a means of traveling short distances fairly quickly.

For example, from your residence to your workplace. Speaking of the distances that an electric scooter can travel, These may vary depending on the autonomy of your drums. The most common case is to find 8,000mAh scooters, allowing a distance of about 20KM.

Top 10: Best-selling electric scooters

How to use an electric scooter safely?

The use of any type of vehicle represents a moderate risk for the physical integrity of the driver, so it is necessary to emphasize safety measures when driving an electric scooter. These scooters fall into the classification of “personal mobility vehicle” and require the same level of responsibility as any car or motorcycle.

For this reason, there are certain factors that the driver of an electric scooter must keep in mind:

• Attention to the road: In the same way as when driving any vehicle, when riding an electric scooter you must be completely focused and aware of the road, in order to avoid accidents with pedestrians or other vehicles.
• Braking distance: Although the braking system of scooters is well developed, it is not a good idea to wait until the last second to brake. This action will damage the tire’s surface layer, which could in turn cause skidding.
• Transit rules: Being a motor vehicle and being classified within this category, electric scooters are subject to the same regulations as any vehicle that travels on the road. Although these rules vary by region, the driver should be aware of the basic universal rules of the road.
• Vehicle maintenance: The part of an electric scooter that requires the most maintenance is the motor and tires, so you should do routine checkups on your vehicle to make sure it is in optimal condition.
• Safety equipment: An electric scooter does not have the same protection that a car would provide, so it is necessary to equip yourself with basic safety accessories, that is, a helmet, elbow pads and knee pads, in order to avoid injuries.

Types of electric scooters, which ones exist and how are they different?

Since the end of the 2010s, electric scooters have had an exponential expansionwhich is why a large number of models and types of vehicles of this class have emerged that adapt to different user profiles.

We will now show you what are the most common models and types of electric scooters, and the pros and cons of each of them:

light scooters

these models are the most viewed and usedsince it is a two wheel scooter in a row, with a handlebar to control the direction, and driven by a medium power electric motor.

Advantage

• They are light and manageable: The quality lightweight scooters are made of light and resistant materials, and their handlebar design will allow you to adjust the direction of the vehicle in a very simple way.
• Economic: for the advantages it offers, they are cheaper than other models.
• Practical for traffic: Its compact size allows it to slip easily through the lines of ground traffic, easily outperforming gasoline-powered vehicles in this regard.

Disadvantages

• Fragile: Regardless of their resistance, light scooters are among the most fragile electric vehicles, since an impact with sufficient force could damage both the handlebars and the motor.
• Potentially risky: it does not offer any type of impact insulation, so an accident can cause serious damage to the user, in addition, the speed at which it moves makes it a potential danger for unsuspecting pedestrians.
• Problems with the slopes: Depending on the steepness of the slope, the scooter can reach a point where its motor just won’t cut it, making it impossible for you to climb it. This problem varies depending on the brand and type of scooter engine.

electric scooters

What a modification to the concept of the electric scooterthe design was changed to emulate the gasoline one, but keeping the electric motor, making it a more ecological version, with its own pros and cons

Advantage

• More powerful than light scooters: electric scooters have more space, which allows them to store a higher power motor. Although this statistic varies depending on the model and brand.
• Greater comfort: the scooter model has a seat, which allows the driver greater comfort to move. Some models even have space to store objects.
• Increased autonomy: Higher quality scooters have a larger battery, giving you longer life and distance.

Disadvantages

• They take up a lot of space: electric scooters are much bulkier than most vehicles of this type, so it is not possible to carry them with you as it is with other vehicles.
• Longer charging time: In general terms, the electric scooter has a larger motor that requires a longer duration in the current to be able to fully charge, between 6 to 8 hours.

Hoverboards

is the more compact version of this type of means of transportsince it simply consists of a platform with wheels on the sides and a auto balance system. It is one of the most requested electric scooters thanks to its compact design and great performance.

Advantage

• Sustainable means of transport: hoverboards are a very practical method of transport, being able to reach a speed of 16 km/h.
• Fairly compact: The standard size of hoverboards can go up to 6.5 inches, small enough to fit in a backpack. The largest models range from 8 to 10 inches.
• Ease of control: to drive this vehicle, all you need is a slight tilt of the body to change directions.

Disadvantages

• Loading time: Although the best models can reach 2 hours of charge, the general standard is approximately 3.5 to 4 hours.
• Battery Sensitivity: The batteries of this type of vehicle can be damaged relatively easily, so it is not recommended to disconnect it from the power supply before the charge reaches 100%.
• Requires some practice: Although it is easy to control, the trick is to learn to control it, since the first few times you can take a few falls before you can master it.

segways

Of design similar to hoverboardbut with a broader platform, and a handlebar to control directions more easily. In addition to this, it is one of the most popular short-distance transportation methods on the market.

Advantage

• Completely ecological: Being an electric vehicle, its use does not generate any type of emission, so it is environmentally friendly.
• Different levels of use: the best models have a setting that allows you to modify the speed for different users depending on their experience. Lower levels have lower movement speed.
• Insurance for new users: once adjusted to the user’s level, those inexperienced in the use of the segway will be able to enjoy the experience safely and without risk.

Disadvantages

• Relatively low autonomy: It offers a range of 25 km at a maximum speed of 25 km/h, slightly less than some of its equivalents.
• They are not compact: At 1.1 meters tall and weighing approximately 12.5 kg, a Segway is a fairly large vehicle that, while it fits into some spaces, takes up quite a bit of space.
• Very quiet: if it comes this could seem like an advantage, the truth is that this represents a risk for unsuspecting pedestrians, since there is no way to hear the movement of the segway.

electric unicycles

It is a very popular means of short distance transport with one of the best autonomies in this type of vehicle. Yes ok does not exceed 25 km distancethis model runs through them with a lower battery amperage.

Advantage

• Easy to handle: After a few hours of practice, the electric unicycle is as easy to control as a hoverboard, requiring only a slight tilt of the body to change the direction of movement.
• Great performance per Km: It requires a charge of 4 to 5 hours from 0 to 100% and allows a range of between 20 and 40 km depending on the model.

Disadvantages

• Constant wheel spin: The unicycle’s wheel rotates constantly, so when you get off it, you must make sure it is turned off to avoid accidents.
• You must be aware of the battery level: On some unicycle models, low battery may cause power failure. operation, so it is necessary to be aware of the load of the vehicle
• Hard to find accessories: parts and accessories for this type of vehicle are usually only found in specialized stores for this type of vehicle.

electric longboards

It is a method of transportation works for both urban settings and more rustic settingssince it has increased traction and a more powerful engine to move over different types of terrain

Advantage

• Excellent autonomy: the most expensive models can have a range of up to 20 km at a speed of around 30 km/h.
• Rugged Designs: They are built with high-quality materials and a streamlined design that allows them to withstand the punishment of rustic environments.

Disadvantages

• Load speed: its standard design includes a 4,000 mAh battery and will only reach 100% charge after 3 hours.
• Requires a lot of maintenance: To ensure the optimal functioning of your longboard, it is necessary to carry out constant checks of both the motor and the structure, since lack of maintenance can cause quite problematic failures.

What differences are there between an electric scooter and a Scooter?

The main difference between a scooter and a scooter is his design. While scooters have a wider frame, with a seat to give you comfort to the user while driving. On the other hand, a scooter is a vehicle with a handlebar and a base on which the driver stands to control directions. It is generally more compact and lighter than a mopedbut it has less autonomy.

What is the European regulation on the use of electric scooters?

The legislation on the use of personal mobility vehiclesspecifies the rules that the owners and drivers of electric scooters and other vehicles of this type must follow in order to circulate legally. These regulations vary slightly from country to country.and in most cases many countries of the European Union share the same regulations regarding the circulation permits of electric scooters.

In most cases, the rules could be summarized in this list:

• Circulation permit for all urban roads, including routes 50 and cycle paths.
• Prohibited on sidewalks, even with the engine off.
• Prohibited driving a vehicle that does not have a speed limit of 25 km/h.
• Minimum age allowed 16 years.
• Mandatory use of front and rear lights, rear side reflectors (reflective), bell.
• Use of mandatory helmet.

Variations occur in countries like Italyfor example, where the electric scooter You are allowed to drive on sidewalks at a maximum speed of 6 km/h.and in Portugal, where scooters operate under the same regulations as bikes. These regulations exist to guarantee the safety of both pedestrians and electric scooter drivers, and in various countries, non-compliance with these regulations can lead to fines from 150 to 1,500 euros.

What aspects should I take into account when choosing the ideal electric scooter?

As with all major purchases, There are a number of factors to take into account when selecting an electric scooter personal use only. Thanks to the diversity of devices that exist and the difference in their specifications, it is possible to find a suitable scooter for each user.

This choice depends largely on factors such as the distances you need to travel, the different prices at which they can be found, ergonomics and user comfort, among many others:

What will you use it for?

Being a device designed for ground transportation, it is important to determine what purpose do we use our scooter. Since the most common ones cover approximately 20 km with its 8,000 mAh batteryyou have to know how to use this autonomy.

The constant use of the scooter to move from one place to another, throughout the day, requires a more powerful battery, since it is more demanding. It may also be the case that you only need it for punctual transport, that is, from your home to your workplace, or to the nearest store. This method of use is much less demanding, so does not require such a powerful scooter.

Compliance with the regulations of use

In the same way as any combustion engine vehicle, such as cars and motorcycles, the circulation of electric scooters is governed by a regulation to which its owners must adhere. This regulation deals with points such as the routes through which an electric scooter can circulate, the speed at which you can move and who can drive one. Y Failure to comply with these regulations can result in severe penalties and fines.

power and speed

The speed that a user may need in a vehicle of this type is determined by the activities you want to performor the earrings that you may have in your day to day.

As usual, the most powerful scooters are preferred by people who need to move quickly from one place to another. For this reason, it is better to consider your needs to choose the correct power since, the faster and more powerful a scooter is, its price will be higher and also You have to remember the legal speed limit established in your country to avoid future problems.

Comfort

In the realm of comfort, smaller electric scooters are ideal, since they take up very little space when folded, allowing you to lift and carry it very easily. Usually, the price of comfort when loading a scooter is power, since bigger scooters are more powerful, but harder to carryso you should carefully assess what aspect of these types of vehicles you value most.

Weight and measurements

The weight of an electric scooter is crucial when it comes to moving it when we are not moving on it. The scooters can be folded and carried on the shoulder, so their size and weight are factors to take into account Electric scooters vary very slightly in size, and this variation is mainly focused on the electric motor, being able to reach a weight of between 7 and 20 Kg, and a size of approximately 115 x 110 cm.

Maximum weight it supports

At this point, more than the performance of the scooter, you have to take into account the load weight that you will apply to it. Usually, these vehicles are designed to carry one person, and if you plan to exceed that amount, you should be very aware of how much the scooter can support. electric scooters can support a weight between 100 and 120 kgand being designed for single-person transport, supporting this weight range is no problem.

Autonomy and battery life

The autonomy of any battery-powered device is measured in amps, and the higher amperage a battery has, the longer it will last. In the case of electric scooters and other battery-powered vehicles, it is one of the factors that define the use to which they are intended.

In general, the data that a company offers about the autonomy of its devices is slightly misleading, since this measurement is taken under ideal conditions. It is for this reason that, If you plan to make daily trips of 20 km, find a scooter with greater autonomy.

Energy consumption

This aspect is intrinsically linked to the size and power of the battery. Larger batteries require more charging time and, although this also represents a greater autonomy, can influence how much energy the scooter consumes when charging.

Another factor to take into account is the type of use that is given to the vehicle. Basically, the more you use the scooter, the faster it will discharge and it will be necessary to charge it more constantlythus increasing its electricity consumption. To solve this aspect, it is a good idea set a middle ground between usage and battery size. A relatively powerful battery that is not overused will last longer before needing to be charged.

battery quality

Unlike other factors, this is not an option to consider, but rather a warning to verify the brand and type of battery used by the vehicle you wish to purchase. The best options in terms of batteries are lithiumsince you are can last about 3,000 charge cycles, against the 500 or 600 that other types can last. In addition, these types of batteries are the most stable and widely used.

Material quality

The materials with which it is built influence many aspects of the quality of a scooter. to get started the most expensive are built with carbon fiberwhich makes them lighter and stronger, while the cheaper ones are made of plastic. At a midpoint, we can find the scooters built in steela material that, although it negatively affects the weight of the scooter, is cheap and resists a wide range of bumps and falls quite well.

Brakes

At the speed at which these vehicles circulate, and at the be admitted on busy urban roads, necessary take extreme measures to guarantee the physical integrity of the driverand among the main mechanisms of this security, we can mention the brakes of the scooter.

There are several types of braking mechanisms, from discs to lever applied to the rear wheel. Among these types of brakes, we can mention those of motorcycles, which are present in most models and, in general, It is usually enough to stop the vehicle, although it is not superfluous to have other brake mechanisms.

Spare parts cost

The cost of electric scooters is limited to what you pay for the product, but also includes future expenses for spare parts when, inevitably, a part of the vehicle fails. Although it is not impossible to obtain the spare parts, the brand of the scooter plays an important role in this, since some are easier to obtain than others.

From the moment you buy the scooter, it is a good idea to start investigating, and locate a parts store for your model as quickly as possiblein order to have this aspect covered as soon as possible.

Additional accessories

During our time of using the scooter, we will most likely find ourselves in the need of purchase products to make life easier, such as chargers or a carrying bag. For this point, it is a good idea to have a store with compatible accessories that allow you to enjoy your scooter for a long time.

As usual, it is easy to locate stores specialized in the sale of scooter accessoriesdepending on the model and the region where you are, and acquiring these accessories will make the experience with your electric scooter much more bearable.

Warranty

The guarantee is a fundamental part to ensure the quality of the product. When it comes to vehicles, It is not a good idea to skimp on quality, since any failure when traveling on an urban road can have serious consequences. For this reason, you should make sure that the guarantee of your scooter covers, at least, factory defects. It’s also a good idea to do a few test rides to make sure the scooter works as it should.

Value for money

This is one of the most sought after factors when purchasing practically any product. It’s all about getting the best possible quality for a reasonable price.and when it comes to personal mobility vehicles, it is necessary to inform ourselves quite a bit about this aspect.

For starters, you need to make sure that your scooter is made from quality materials, and that your battery is as durable as possible. While scooters come in a wide price range, the best thing you can do for your finances is to do a little research before making a decision.