What is an Electric Scooter?
An electric scooter is a personal device that has two to three wheels on it and is charged by a battery. Electric scooters differ from other motorized vehicles in that they require the user to push off the ground routinely rather than being ridden straddled like an e-bike or motorcycle.
Is it Legal to Ride an Electric Scooter?
Yes, an electric scooter is legal to use. However, some states treat it as a vehicle while others do not, and age limits vary to operate an e-scooter, with the most common age being 16 years old.
Electric Scooter vs Electric Bike
You’ll need to be able to differentiate an electric scooter from other motorized vehicles. An adult electric scooter and an e-bike are both traditionally made of manual equipment that has been enhanced with features to make them faster, more efficient, and more compact.
An electric scooter, however, uses both a motor and involves a person pushing off the ground, versus an electric bike, which a person rides. Both have their own benefits, such as an electric scooter being more compact. But an electric bike can handle rougher terrains better. Whether an electric scooter or electric bike is better for you depends on your lifestyle and how you plan to use the mode of transportation.
Features to Look for in an Electric Scooter
When looking for the best electric scooter for adults, you may want to learn more about all the features before deciding to purchase. Listed below are some of the most common features to keep in mind.
1) Range and Motor Power
Range and motor power are two key factors to look out for when purchasing your electric scooter. The range is the distance the electric scooter can travel before it runs out of battery. Motor power, the weight of the scooter, weather, rider weight, and mode all impact the range.
All adult electric scooters contain hub motors, which are built directly into the hub of the wheels. The motor power of an electric scooter can vary, ranging anywhere from 200-6270W. To put this in perspective, the average adult using an electric scooter for daily commuting should have at least 250W of power. If you’re in a hilly area, 350-500W would be ideal.
2) Weight and Portability
The weight and portability of an electric scooter are also important to look into before purchasing. You’ll need to take into consideration a few things, such as:
- How often you’ll be using an electric scooter
- Will you need to carry it up and down the stairs?
- Can you lift it into your trunk?
- Do you have a place to store it in your workplace and home?
In the case of bad weather, you might also need to take into consideration storing your scooter in a rideshare or on public transportation. Because of all these factors, it’s important to make sure you check the size and weight of the electric scooter you’d like before purchasing.
3) Electric Scooter Price
The price of your electric scooter is going to depend on what features you’re looking for overall. A basic electric scooter will typically start at around the $200 range. However, more top-of-the-line electric scooters can cost up to $1000. The price of the scooter you want will depend on what you want to use it to do.
For example, if you want one for leisurely rides now and then, it’s probably best to stick to the more basic model. But, if you want to use it for daily commuting or rocky terrain, it’s better to invest in a more expensive model with higher-end features.
4) Electric Scooter Speed Limit
Lots of people enjoy the speed that electric scooters have to offer over traditional scooters. Electric scooters can reach speeds of anywhere from 12mph to over 50mph, with the most common speed reaching around 15mph. To give some context as to how fast this would be, 15mph is about 5 times faster than walking, so it’s definitely a good speed if you’re using it for commuting around the city.
What Are the Benefits of Owning an Electric Scooter?
While an electric scooter comes with many benefits, undoubtedly, one of the greatest is that it’s a lightweight, compact commuting tool for big-city dwellers. Some additional benefits include the following:
- Compact and lightweight for easy storage and portability, as opposed to a bike or motorcycle
- Provides an easy way to commute at high speeds
- Is an affordable commuting option compared to a car or motorcycle
Are You Ready to Find the Best Electric Scooter?
An electric scooter can make your commute faster and more enjoyable, allow you to explore the city, and gives you another way to explore the great outdoors. If you’re interested in finding the right electric scooter for you, Rack to Door has tons of electronic gear and accessories to help you with your needs.