Electric scooters have become increasingly popular among commuters and enthusiasts because they’re efficient, eco-friendly, and great for city life. However, selecting an electric scooter can be daunting, as there are 469 manufacturers in India with plenty of models available. So, knowing what you should consider while buying an electric scooter, you will be able to narrow down your search and make the right decision.
Which electric scooter for me?
To find the electric scooter that is best for you, be sure about the purpose behind buying an electric scooter so that you can prioritize what to look for.
- If it is for leisurely or casual rides, then you should prioritize looking for comfort, range, and additional features such as Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, etc. for added enjoyment and convenience.
- If it is for commuting to work or college, prioritize looking for range, speed, and brakes.
- If it is for delivering goods or services, then prioritize looking for models with range, durability, fast charging, and load capacity.
- If it is for an off-road activity or frequent group rides, then you should prioritize looking for build quality, powerful motors, battery life, and tires.
After you have decided for what purpose you are going to use it, let’s move on to things to check for while buying an electric scooter.
Range
If you have ever searched for an electric scooter, you might have seen the certified range, which is the distance an e-scooter can travel when fully charged.
It is very crucial to determine the range because the longer the distance you need to travel, the more range you will need.
It is wise to go for a slightly longer range than required, as the e-scooters certified range is not the actual range.
The range of e-scooters varies between models and different riding conditions as it is dependent on various factors such as speed, battery capacity, motor efficiency, roads, weight, etc.
Speed & Riding Modes
In terms of speed, consider looking for the maximum speed that aligns with your needs. There are usually three types of scooters available:
- Low-Speed Electric Scooters: These scooters typically have a maximum speed of around 25 km/h or less.
- Medium-Speed Electric Scooters (speed ranging from 25 km/h to around 45–50 km/h).
- High-Speed Electric Scooters (speed exceeding 50 km/h to 80 km/h or more).
Also, make sure to take advantage of riding modes; most electric scooters provide different riding modes, such as Eco mode, Sport mode, and so on.
You can ride on eco mode for smooth, energy-efficient commutes and switch to power mode when you need an extra boost.
Battery
When it comes to batteries, there are two types of batteries used in e-scooters: lead-acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries.
Usually, batteries used in e-scooters are made of lithium-ion batteries, as they offer lighter weight and longer lifespan, providing better performance and range.
So, when it comes to choosing the heart of your electric scooter, you need to ensure the scooter you are considering comes with a lithium-ion battery and look for warranties.
A longer warranty period shows the manufacturer’s confidence in the battery’s quality and provides you peace of mind every time you hit the road.
Additionally, some e-scooters provide detachable batteries so you can consider them if you want to charge it in the comfort of your room.
Charging Time and charge stations
When your e-scooter is out of juice, you will need to charge it, and it’s not only once; you need to do it again and again, so keep in mind the charging time of the scooter.
Generally, electric scooters take between 4 and 7 hours to fully charge, but it also varies depending on factors like battery capacity and charger specifications.
Understanding your e-scooter’s charging time can help you plan when to charge it and ensure your e-scooter is always ready for your next ride.
Though charging stations don’t matter much as you can charge it at home, but you still need to know whether charging stations are available where you need to travel frequently and if they provide fast charging capabilities, as it can save you time. If you need to travel some extra kilometers, you can complete your ride.
Motor
Motors have various types and each serves specific functions. But the most commonly used motors in electric scooters are BLDC (Brushless DC Motor), PMSM (Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor), and IPM (Internal Permanent Magnet Motor).
BLDC motors are used in e-scooters due to their efficiency, reliability, and precise speed control capabilities. It is suitable for those who want to use it for urban commuting and casual riding.
PMSM and IPMM motors are found in high-performance electric scooters as they offer high torque density, high power density, and efficiency, contributing to improved range and performance.
Brakes
When selecting an electric scooter, it’s crucial to consider the type of brakes it has. Disc brakes are known for their superior braking power and effectiveness in diverse conditions.
Drum brakes, on the other hand, are commonly found in many electric scooters for their reliability and minimal maintenance needs.
Additionally, some e-scooters feature regenerative brakes, which utilize the motor’s energy to generate electricity while slowing down, thereby enhancing overall efficiency.
Different types of brakes offer different benefits, so choosing the right type of brakes depends on your preferences and usage requirements.
Load Capacity
In general, all-electric scooters have a load capacity ranging from 100kg to 150 kg, which can safely carry two people. Besides this, some models can carry a weight of up to 250 kg, so it depends on the purpose for which you are going to use them.
Considering the load capacity is crucial to ensuring safe operation and optimal performance of electric scooters, especially for those who use them for delivering goods or services.
Features
There are lots of features available in electric scooters and a lot more will be available in the future but some of the most useful ones you can consider are:
- Boot space: In e-scooters, you will be able to see more boot space compared to conventional scooters but it varies between models so you can compare and find the right one.
- Diagnostic Alerts: some electric scooters provide diagnostic alerts for maintenance needs, helping users stay informed about the health of their vehicle.
- OTA Updates: Over-the-air (OTA) updates enable manufacturers to remotely update the scooter’s software, adding new features or improving performance, without requiring a physical visit to a service center.
- Navigation: Some e-scooters come with built-in GPS, allowing you to get access to your location and helping you navigate where you want to go.
- Bluetooth connectivity: It enables you to connect your smartphone to the scooter’s display wirelessly so that you can access your phone’s notifications.
- Security Features: Some electric scooters offer security features like anti-theft alarms, geo-fencing, and immobilizers to enhance protection against theft.
Build quality
When analyzing the build quality, consider looking for e-scooters built with sturdy materials such as aluminum or steel, as they offer better durability and resistance to wear and tear over time.
Additionally, you can also check for some scooters with water-resistant components and seals that can safeguard critical electronics from moisture, thereby increasing the scooter’s lifespan and ensuring good performance even in different weather conditions.
After-sales support and maintenance
You should do proper research on the company from which you are planning to buy an e-scooter to assess how good their after-sales support is, whether they are effectively resolving issues for their customers, and how long it takes for them to resolve these issues.
It doesn’t matter how good the vehicle is or how many features it has; what matters is whether you can get your problems solved when needed. After all, it is a vehicle that will require proper maintenance over time.
Additionally, your preference should be to consider brands that have a good network of service centers. If something goes wrong with your e-scooter, from the motor to the tires, a roadside mechanic will not be able to fix it; it will require a skilled professional.
Warranty
When it comes to warranty, it varies among brands and models, but in general, you need to make sure about the duration of the warranty and the specific components that are included. Key components often include the battery, motor, frame, and electronic parts.
And it doesn’t end here; you should also make sure about both the duration and the distance it has traveled. For example, if a scooter has 3 years of warranty or 50,000 km, it means your warranty won’t be for 3 years if you have already covered 50,000km in 2 years.
Also, check for the extended warranty if it’s offered and what are the conditions to be eligible. Some manufacturers may require registration within a specific timeframe or additional fees.
Price
After considering all the things you should look for in an electric scooter, comes the price, which also becomes the deciding factor in the journey of buying an electric scooter.
Though electric scooters are eco-friendly and they’re equipped with several other benefits, their upfront cost is comparatively high compared to petrol scooters.
But if you look deeply, in the long run, it can save you lots of money that you would have spent on petrol and maintenance.
Meanwhile, one of the reasons for the high price of electric scooters is the lithium-ion battery that is being used in them.
Wrap Up:
Choosing the right electric scooter is a significant decision that requires careful consideration of multiple factors to ensure a satisfying purchase. When evaluating factors such as range, battery capacity, speed, load capacity, motor, brakes, and build quality, every aspect plays a crucial role in selecting the ideal electric scooter.
In conclusion, by thoroughly evaluating the various factors and considering the aspects mentioned above while purchasing an electric scooter, you can confidently select the best scooter that suits your needs, preferences, and budget.