Basic Scooter Information
Finding the
Scooter That's Right For You
Standard Features
and Specifications
Electric Scooters
and the Environment
Electric Scooters vs.
Gas Scooters
It's time to join the latest craze; Electric Scooters! You can find them everywhere these days. On TV, in the movies, kids zipping up and down the block on them. Even their parents use them to run local errands to the store, post office, etc.. People commute to work or the local bus, train or subway station on electric scooters. Students and Professors zoom across campus on electric scooters. Vacationers keep electric scooters on board their RV or boat. Active seniors use electric scooters to help them get around town. As a matter of fact, you find people young and old having a ball riding electric scooters for all sorts of reasons.
Finding the Scooter That's Right for You!
The electric scooter that's right for you is out there and our goal is to help you find it. This section outlines key factors to consider when purchasing an electric scooter.
QUALITY: Quality is the number one factor to consider
when buying an electric scooter. Unfortunately, there are hundreds
of overseas factories flooding the market with poor quality off
brand scooters, no brand scooters and clones. Poorly manufactured
electric scooters aren't built to last. They break down shortly
after purchase, repairs are expensive, parts may not be available,
safety can be a concern and ultimately these scooters find
themselves in an early grave. Sadly, too many people have been
ripped off by unscrupulous vendors selling poor quality scooters.
You'll even find these cheap scooters sold in normally reputable
establishments! You can save yourself much heartache and frustration
by doing your homework and steering clear of poor quality electric
scooters.
Here are a few tips to help you avoid poorly manufactured electric
scooters:
● Stick with brand name electric scooters (avoid off-brand, no brand and clones).
● Avoid vendors who sell off-brand scooters, no brand scooters and clones.
● If the price sounds too good to be true… it is!
● Buy electric scooters that offer at least a 90 day warranty.
● Purchase from a reputable vendor.
PRICE: There is a big price range among electric
scooters, but generally speaking electric scooters for kids sell for
about $200 - $400 dollars and electric scooters built for adults
sell for $300 - $1,000 and up. The better the specifications and the
more bells and whistles the scooter comes with the more it will
cost.
SPEED: Electric scooters vary in speed from 8 mph to
25 mph, however electric scooters that hit speeds over 20 mph are
rare. The speed of an electric scooter is affected by several
factors. The weight of the rider, the level of charge in the
battery, tire pressure, inclines, hills and rough terrain can all
influence an electric scooters speed. Typically the speed rating the
manufacturer lists for an electric scooter is its maximum speed
under ideal conditions.
RANGE: This is the distance an electric scooter will
take you on a single charge. Electric scooters vary in range from 8
miles to 20 miles per charge. Electric scooters that offer a range
of more than 15 miles are rare and more costly to purchase. The
range of an electric scooter is affected by several factors. The
weight of the rider, tire pressure, extreme temperatures, inclines,
hills and rough terrain can all influence an electric scooters
range. Typically the range rating the manufacturer lists for an
electric scooter is its maximum range under ideal conditions.
CARRYING CAPACITY: This is the maximum amount of
weight an electric scooter can carry. Keep in mind that the heavier
the rider the slower the acceleration and top speed of an electric
scooter. Heavier riders will also reduce an electric scooters range
and decrease its hill climbing ability. Riders under 180 lbs. can
typically ride any electric scooter out there and achieve maximum
performance.
RECOMMENDED AGE: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission recommends that children under the age of 12 not ride
motorized scooters (see
http://www.cpsc.gov/pr/prscoot.php). Local laws may require a
rider to be a certain age to operate an electric scooter as well.
The manufacturer will post a recommended riding age for their
electric scooters. Manufacturers tend to recommend a riding age from
12 & up to 16 & up depending on the specifications of the electric
scooter.
TERRAIN: The ideal riding surface for an electric
scooter is a relatively flat street or road. If you plan of taking
your electric scooter off-road, climbing hills or scooting through
rough terrain you will want to purchase a scooter with a high watt
motor. For a 180 lb. rider a motor rating of 300 watts or above will
do the trick. Generally speaking, the higher the watt rating of the
motor the better your electric scooter will tackle demanding
terrain. Riders heavier than 180 lbs. will want to compensate by
purchasing a scooter with an even higher watt rating.
PORTABILITY: Will you need to carry your electric
scooter around? If so, then portability is a big factor to consider.
Check the weight of the scooter and its dimensions when folded.
Electric scooters can weigh anywhere from 30 lbs. to 100 lbs, so
you'll want to make sure it's light enough for you to carry. You'll
also need to check the folded dimensions of the scooter to make sure
it fits in the trunk of your car or wherever you might need to store
it for travel.
CLIMATE: Do you live in sunny California, the snow
covered North or rainy Seattle? Wherever you live you'll want to
make sure your scooter can handle the local weather patterns.
Temperature will affect the battery of an electric scooter.
Extremely hot or extremely cold weather will decrease a scooters
range. You will typically want to avoid the rain. Electric scooters
tend to offer some resistance to wet weather and your scooter will
probably survive a real light rain. However, if water gets into the
motor, the motor will short out and need to be replaced. Some Currie
built scooters (Currie, Schwinn, Mongoose and GT) come with weather
resistant motors and can handle wet weather. High winds will also
affect the performance of your electric scooter. Traveling against a
high wind will decrease your speed and range.
Standard Features and
Specifications
MOTOR: An electric scooter motor or engine is rated by
its output in watts. Electric power is measured in watts; 746 watts
are equal to 1 horsepower (hp). Electric scooters with a watt rating
under 300w are not recommended for use on steep, hilly, or rough
terrain, or with riders over 180 lbs. Generally speaking, the higher
the watt rating of the motor the better your scooter will handle
demanding terrain and a heavier load. Unless the electric scooter
comes with a weather resistant motor, the motor should be kept away
from water and wet weather. If water gets into the motor, the motor
will short out and need to be replaced. An electric scooter motor is
regulated by a controller. For more information about how an
electric scooter motor works, visit
HowStuffWorks.com.
DRIVE TRAIN SYSTEM: The mechanism that moves the
scooter. Most electric powered scooters are chain or belt driven.
Some brands and models come with a direct drive system. Chain and
belt drive systems usually consist of a sprocket (chain wheel) on
the motor and on the rear wheel with a chain or belt running around
them. The motor turns its sprocket which moves the chain/belt and
turns the rear wheel. Direct drive systems usually consist of wheel
type device on the motor which is directly in contact with the rear
wheel. The motor turns its wheel which turns the rear wheel. Most
scooters are hand throttle controlled with either a twist
(motorcycle style) or thumb (ATV, Jet Ski style) controller.
BATTERY: The power storage device of an electric
scooter. The standard electric scooter battery is a sealed 12 volt
rechargeable lead acid battery. Electric scooters will come with 1
to 3 batteries depending on the brand and model. The range of an
electric scooter has much to do with the quality and power rating of
the batteries. A heavier rider, low tire pressure, extreme
temperatures, inclines, hills, rough terrain and high levels of
speed will put extra demand on the battery and drain its charge
quicker. The life span of a battery tends to run 300 – 500 charges
and varies by brand and model. When fully drained a battery will
take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours to recharge depending on the brand
and model of the electric scooter and the quality of the battery
charger. Some models offer a quick change battery feature that let's
you swap out your depleted batteries for a fresh pair. It's
recommended that you always keep lead acid batteries charged. Lead
acid batteries do not like being completely drained. For longer
battery life always charge your scooter immediately after riding it.
BATTERY CHARGER: The charging system for the scooter.
Some electric scooter brands and models offer smart chargers which
will not over-charge the battery and quick chargers that power an
electric scooter faster than a regular battery charger. Always place
battery chargers on a non-flammable surface!
BRAKES: The stopping system for the scooter. Brake
types vary by brand and model. The most common types are drum, hub,
disc and caliper (cantilever). Most scooters will come with any
combination of the above brake types. Some models offer rear brakes,
others offer front brakes and some offer both front and rear braking
systems. Some models will come with an automatic throttle shut-off
system. This is a safety feature that keeps the engine from engaging
while the brakes are being applied.
FRAME, BODY & DECK: The overall construction of the
frame structure and body of the scooter. The frame is typically
constructed of steel. The body covers the frame and the deck is the
area you stand on. Bodies and decks can be constructed of steel,
aluminum, plastic or any combination of the three materials. Plastic
bodies and decks are more susceptible to cracking and breaking. A
rear suspension system may be built into the frame which will
cushion the scooter and increase the handling characteristics. Rear
suspension models will usually show the type of suspension and the
amount of travel the suspension offers; measured in millimeters
(mm); 25.4mm is equal to one inch; so a 50mm travel fork has just
under 2 inches of travel.
FORKS: The system holding the front wheel on the
scooter. Most brands and models come with a solid front fork but
some brands and models are offered with a suspension fork setup.
Suspension forks add travel to the front wheel. This cushions the
scooter and increases its handling characteristics. Most fork
suspension systems use metal springs, elastomers (rubber springs) or
a combination of both. Most fork suspension travel is measured in
millimeters (mm); 25.4mm is equal to one inch; so a 50mm travel fork
has just under 2 inches of travel.
WHEELS: The entire part that includes the axle, hub,
spokes and rim. Wheels come with wire spokes, solid spokes or a
spoke-less solid design. Wheels come in steel, aluminum and
reinforced plastic.
RIMS: The outside part of a wheel that holds the tire.
Aluminum rims offer superior quality in terms of look and wear.
Steel rims are a cheaper alternative. They can be found at lower
prices, but typically, they don't last as long or look as good.
Steel rims are more prone to rusting and paint chipping. Alloy rims
are also available.
TIRES: Most tires are made of rubber, foam rubber or
polyurethane. Styles vary from pneumatic with an inner-tube to
pneumatic tubeless to solid and can come with a smooth, semi-smooth
or knobby surface. Tire size will have an effect on the performance
of the scooter. Taller tires will generally increase the top speed
of a scooter but will lower its hill climbing ability. Taller tires
will also increase a scooters ground clearance. Enhanced ground
clearance helps the scooter handle speed bumps, pot holes, curbs and
off-road terrain better. Shorter tires generally increase the hill
climbing ability of a scooter but will lower the top speed. Shorter
tires decrease ground clearance. Tire width will also have an effect
on the scooters ability to grip the road, wide tires will increase
traction and skinny tires will decrease traction.
ACCESSORIES: Some electric scooters offer a host of
accessories and other stick with the basics. Here's a list of some
of the accessories you might find when looking for an electric
scooter; A removable seat, adjustable height handlebars, handlebars
that fold, key ignition, headlights, taillights or brake lights,
reflectors, turn signals, horn, rear view mirrors, battery indicator
gauge, speed indicator gauge, kick stand, basket or cargo box, tool
kit.
Electric Scooters
and the Environment
Automobiles emit over 300 million tons of carbon into the atmosphere
every year in the United States. These emissions contribute to a
global warming trend that threatens our entire planet. When you buy
an electric scooter, you're doing your part to help end global
warming and harmful emissions in the air.
Since electric scooters run on batteries, they don't burn fossil
fuels to propel the motor. Therefore, when you switch from a gas
based form of transportation to electric you're helping reduce
pollution in our atmosphere. Making the switch to an e scooter helps
by decreasing the amount of harmful emissions in the air and by
supporting an environmentally friendly industry that's in direct
competition with the gas and oil industries. Many environmentally
conscious people buy e scooters for these reasons alone.
Electric scooters are a fantastic alternative to the automobile for
people who have a short commute to work or to the local metro
station. Electric scooters are great for running local errands.
Electric scooters are compact and portable, so you can take them
into the office and store them under your desk or in the closet.
People use e scooters for local transportation when traveling by
car, bus, subway, train, RV, boat or plane.
Clearly, the more we use e scooters as a means of transportation the
better off our environment will be. Electric scooters represent a
terrific alternative to other forms of transportation, save the
environment, and provide their riders with many other benefits.
Electric Scooters vs.
Gas Scooters
It's the question on everyone's mind… do I go gas or electric! There
are many factors to consider when purchasing a motorized scooter.
Whether you buy a gas scooter or an electric scooter is one of the
first decisions you'll want to make. This section outlines the pros
and cons of each type of motorized scooter.
COST: Electric scooters win the prize in the
affordability category. As a general rule, an electric scooter that
offers the same specifications as a gas scooter will be less
expensive.
SPEED: Dollar for dollar, gas scooters have the
advantage. You'll find electric scooter models that vary in speed
from 8 mph to 25 mph, but electric scooters offering a speed in
excess of 20 mph are very rare. On the other hand, gas scooters will
zip along at speeds ranging from 16 mph to 30 mph.
NOISE: Electric scooters are the clear winner in this
category. Gas scooters are quite loud and their noise level can be
compared to a motorcycle, lawnmower or leaf blower. If noise is a
concern, you should probably get an electric scooter. An electric
scooter is very quiet and usually gives off a low humming sound
rather than the high volume sound produced by gas scooters. If you
must have a gas scooter and noise is a concern, try a gas scooter
built with a California C.A.R.B. Tier 2 exhaust emission compliant
motor. Gas scooter motors built to California C.A.R.B. standards are
quieter.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: And the winner is by unanimous
decision… electric scooters! If your goal is to help save the planet
by reducing harmful emissions, then electric is the way to go.
Gasoline scooters burn fuel which give off emissions that are
harmful to our environment. However, gas scooters do produce fewer
harmful emissions than your car. If you plan on keeping your car in
the garage and commuting by gas scooter instead, then at least
you're headed in the right direction. Gas scooters with motors built
to California C.A.R.B. Tier 2 exhaust emission standards are cleaner
burning than standard gas scooters.
USABILITY: There's no clear winner here although
electric scooters do have an edge. While electric scooters get their
power supply from an electrical outlet, gas scooters require the
handling of fuel. Typically gasoline is mixed with two stroke engine
oil to properly fuel a gas powered scooter. If you're uncomfortable
handling flammable liquids then gas powered scooters are probably
not for you.
DURABILITY: Gas scooters tend to have the advantage
here. Generally speaking gas scooters are more durable because they
must handle higher speeds and are more likely to be used off road.
RELIABILITY: Neither electric scooters or gas scooters
have an obvious advantage here. The key is to stick with a quality
brand name motorized scooter and to avoid off-brand scooters, no
brand scooters and clones. Off-brand scooters, no brand scooters and
clones generally offer extremely poor reliability.
SAFETY & LEGAL ISSUES: Both electric scooters and gas
scooters require attention to safety guidelines and local laws. Laws
regarding motorized scooters vary from state to state and it's best
to contact your local DMV or law enforcement agency for the laws in
your area. Gas scooters that don't comply with California C.A.R.B.
Tier 2 exhaust emissions standards are illegal for use in the state
of California for other than closed course competition purposes.
IN CONCLUSION: The type of motorized scooter that's
best for you depends partly on how you plan on using the motorized
scooter and partly on personal preference. To help make your
decision a little easier, consider the following information:
Electric scooters are much quieter than their noisy counterparts. No
warm-up time is required when starting an electric scooter. Electric
scooters are easy to use and don't require the handling of fuel.
They only cost about five cents per day to charge. Electric scooters
are allowed on public transit, such as buses, trains, and planes,
whereas gas scooters are typically not allowed by law. Electric
scooters are environmentally friendly and don't have that 'gasoline
smell'.
Gas scooters offer more power and speed. They are lighter in weight
and usually have a smaller frame and higher carrying capacity. Gas
scooters tend to have greater range and outperform electric scooters
on hills and rough terrain. A gas scooter is more convenient than an
electric scooter in that you can simply fill it up at your local gas
station and get back on the road. An electric scooter must be
recharged through an electrical outlet and charging can take from
four to eight hours depending on the scooter.
There you have it, the basic pros and cons of buying an electric
scooter versus a gas scooter. Simply weigh the advantages and
disadvantages and decide which type of motorized scooter will best
suit your needs.
