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Choosing the eScooter That's Right for You – Electric Scooter
The concept of the escooter has been around since as far back as the early 1900s. But the early years of the 21st century seemed to have laid the groundwork for its shot to commercial popularity. Now we see electric scooters almost everywhere, and they come in various interesting forms. But before we talk about the different types, let’s get a better understanding of how electric scooters work.
eScooters in a Nutshell
Simply put, an electric scooter is a small vehicle powered by electricity; no oil, no fuel involved. Electric scooters are usually 2- or 3-wheeled, but it’s not unusual to spot 4-wheeled types too. Its availability in different forms makes it suitable for a variety of uses and which may very well account for its fast-growing popularity.
At the heart of each of these tiny rides is a tandem made up of a rechargeable battery and a small motor which work together to provide motion. You need only a power outlet to plug the battery in when it runs out of charge and your electric scooter is good to go rolling again.
Once on the move, you can speed up, slow down or go to a full stop using the usual handy controls at your disposal making the electric scooter riding experience an easy and convenient one.
Different Escooter Types
As mentioned earlier, electric scooters come in various forms. Each type sports a design that makes it suitable for certain purposes, like recreational or medical. We’ll take a look at each of them and bolster our discussion by citing specific product models available in the market.
Photo Credit: huler.eu
Hands down, this type is the hottest when we speak of electric scooters as recreational and fun-time vehicles. People of all ages just love cruising around on these tiny rides which come in many colors that cater to both kids and adults, although this electric scooter type is seen generally as a hit with the younger generation because of their free-spirited ways which they can express in their quick and fun travels.
Electric kick scooters are safe to use having max speeds of just 10 to 12 mph.
A good example that comes to mind would be the Razor E300 Electric Scooter. Made by an industry-famous and trusted brand, the Razor E300 offers excellent value for an affordable price.
With a sturdy frame and a large deck, both kids and their parents would enjoy taking turns giving this electric scooter a spin.
Fully charged and under normal circumstances, the Razor E300 gives 40 minutes of fun ride courtesy of its 24v seal battery system. Battery charge duration may vary, of course, depending on factors like weather and maintenance, so it’s always best to keep these things in mind when planning for a cruise.
Speed-wise, you get a few notches more than usual with the Razor E300 at 15 mph max, attesting to its excellent performance rating which satisfied users have come to love. You’re also in total control with a highly-responsive throttle twist grip and hand-operated rear braking system, plus you get good traction from its 10-inch, extra-wide tires.
The only thing working against electric kick scooters, which is also the case with the Razor E300, is that it takes a while to get a full battery charge. If you’re good with this, then electric kick scooters just might be the right type of escooter for you.
Photo credit: discount-mobility.co.uk
You’ve probably never given this much thought, but did you know that electric wheelchairs are actually electric scooters? Or is that stating the obvious? At any rate, let’s take a closer look at this type of electric scooter as exemplified by the IMC Heartway Rumba HP4 Power Electric Wheelchair.
People in wheelchairs always long to be able to move around like normal; like they’re on their feet. This is what the IMC Heartway Rumba aims to provide its users.
Powered by two 12-volt rechargeables spinning its motor to 4,600 RPM, this rear-wheel driven electric wheelchair scooter for the medically disabled can get you as far as 22 miles with batteries full. The fastest you’d go would be 4.5 mph as these things weren’t designed for the fast lane, and it can accommodate a maximum load of 300 pounds.
The IMC Heartway Rumba is made of an all-metal frame and rolls 10-inch rear wheels and a couple of front 8-inchers. Also, you have 2 seat colors and 3 body colors to mix and match to your taste.
Safe stopping and slowdown is provided by self-generating brakes and tipping over is out of the question with rear anti-tip casters installed.
Photo Credit: cochusa.org
They may look like electric wheelchair scooters but electric mobility scooters are of a somewhat different breed having a design that’s not as strict as the former – and that’s because electric mobility scooters are used by those who can actually walk but need assistance and get tired easily. We see a lot of this electric scooter type being used by customers shopping at large general stores.
Let’s learn more about electric mobility scooters looking at the Drive Medical Bobcat 4 Wheel Compact Scooter.
The Bobcat is a compact electric mobility scooter powered by 2 easy-to-remove 12A batteries. And it’s not just the batteries, but the whole machine provides easy tear-down and easy build options: very handy when you have to bring the scooter with you on travels.
The Bobcat, like the IMC Heartway Rumba, is ideal for slow to regular motion having a top speed of just 4 mph. Its charge, however, lasts long at 7.5 miles.
Comfort went to mind with the design of the Bobcat as evident from its arm rests and adjustable seats with flip-back feature, and shopping in this electric mobility scooter gets a great deal more convenient with its own carry basket.
Safety features include anti-tip casters and flat-free tires.
Photo Credit: ecomento.com
Now we come to that type of electric scooters that don’t even look like scooters: the electric motorcycles or electric dirt bikes. You really wouldn’t know the deal with these machines until you get a hold of how they operate: via rechargeable batteries.
To best illustrate, let’s take a look at Razor’s MX650 Dirt Rocket Electric Motocross Bike.
Before we even start with features, the brand “Razor” alone should be enough to make us expect good things about this electric scooter. Scooter technology owes a lot to the brilliant minds at Razor for coming up with the best rides, and this 650-watt MX650 is yet another masterful product, this time catering to those with an appetite for what’s beyond the sidewalks: the dirt and the off-roads.
The Razor MX650 Dirt Rocket dons a Supercross-inspired styling with its authentic dirt bike frame geometry one might mistake for the real thing. It comes with tires rugged enough to withstand high-power performance delivered by its high-torque 650-watt electric motor and allows speeds of up to 17 mph at an average operating time of 40 minutes. It takes about 8 hours to fully charge the cells.
Dual suspension ensures you get a comfortable ride while riser handlebars take care of smooth handling. The Razor MX650 operates silently so you can enjoy looking cool off-road without the usual engine roar.
The only thing that might hold you back from owning one of these machines is its short operation time; but then again, we’re disregarding reality if we expect more.
Photo Credit: electricbikereport.com
This type of electric scooter is pretty much the same as the previous one, minus the Evel Knievel aura of course. Electric bicycles are usually seen on streets for quick nearby supermarket trips or the usual stroll within towns and are meant more for fun and enjoyment than necessity.
A good example that comes to mind is the Yukon Trails Xplorer Sport Hybrid Electric Bike, so let’s see what it’s about.
Gorgeous is how many would describe this electric bicycle, and I’d say the same thing about it too in the belief that being gorgeous isn’t just about the looks but also about practicality and convenience. But of course, the Yukon Trails Electric Bike looks cool and stylish in its available colors of black and white and 26 x 1.75 Kenda tires on double-wall alloy rims.
It’s a 7-speed electric bike running on a 250-watt motor and powered by a removable 36V/10AH Lithium Ion battery pack which makes indoor charging possible. A full charge can take you as far as 31 miles.
Top speed is marked at 15 mph with extreme acceleration guided by a 36V brushless Pedal Assisted System speed sensor controller which ensures your speed doesn’t get out of control. Braking system employs Tekro V brakes on both front and back for safe slowdown and stopping.
Things to Keep in Mind When Shopping for Electric Scooters
So you now have an idea about the types of electric scooters on the market. Sure, all the above helped, but don’t part with your cash just yet. Let’s boost your wisdom some more so you end up truly getting the escooter that’s right for you.
- First things first. Know the type of scooter you need by figuring out what you need it for.
- Electric scooters, like other types of vehicles, have designated weight limits or load capacity. Ensure that these limits meet your needs.
- Pay special attention to a scooter’s run time and battery charging duration.
- Safety should be a primary concern especially if you’re getting a scooter for your kids, so be very particular about safety features and mechanisms.
- Compare speed in relation to the type of electric scooter you’re purchasing so you don’t end up getting a machine that’s either too slow or too fast for your needs.
- Check and study unit assembly and tear-down to avoid frustration trying to keep up with complicated and confusing instructions. This is especially important when you’re going to transport your electric scooter a lot.
To Recap
So, there you have it: the essentials you’d need to be an informed escooter shopper! Feel free to go over all the info in this article as often as you please. We want the right electric scooter for your needs and we’re confident that this article will help you sift through the many choices with a smarter mindset while having fun. Shopping, after all, should be a pleasurable activity.
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