How can you choose an electric scooter with the best combination of price and quality? In this article, all of the details of selecting the right electric scooter for adults are carefully dissected: what the wheels, battery, and suspension should be like, how to calculate mileage and battery power, and more.
How to Choose an Electric Scooter
Choosing an Electric Scooter Based on Country of Manufacture
Does the country of manufacture matter? 99% of scooters are made in China. The country of import can be determined from the certificate of origin, the original of which should be available with the seller. Since 2014, the authenticity of a certificate can be verified online using the chamber of commerce’s seal. If the price of an electric scooter is significantly inflated and the seller claims the product is made in the USA or Korea, ask them to show this certificate.
Electric scooters come with an impressive range of specifications. The technical characteristics of this mode of transport are so diverse that anyone can find a scooter that suits them:
- Maximum load capacity from 40 to 200 kg
- Wheel diameter from 3" to 26"
- Motor power (hub motor) from 100 W to 5400 W
- Speed from 10 km/h to 85 km/h
- Range per charge (distance traveled on one charge) up to 150 km
- Full charging time from 2 hours
- Weight from 6 kg to 60 kg
- Frame material: aluminum, steel, carbon
- Optional features: seat, mudguards, lights and headlights, three wheels, tires with treads, onboard computer, telescopic steering column, suspension, various types of electric drive, folding mechanism, different braking systems, and more.
Mileage Per Charge or Range
This parameter should be taken seriously. The range of an electric scooter on a full charge depends on the combined weight of the rider and the scooter, the power of the hub motor, speed, frequency of acceleration, battery quality and capacity, tire inflation, terrain, and air temperature (battery capacity is stated at 25°C; the lower the temperature, the less available capacity). A combination of factors can reduce the travel distance by up to 50%.
The key parameter that determines the range of an electric scooter: the battery’s capacity (Ah - ampere-hours) and voltage (V - volts). Power in watt-hours (Wh) is calculated by multiplying V x Ah. The specs should indicate both values—voltage and capacity. If one of these characteristics is missing, the electric scooter is a “wild card,” as these parameters are essential for calculating realistic range.
Off-road electric scooter model
How to Calculate the Range of an Electric Scooter per Charge?
An adult electric scooter with a lithium battery and hub motor uses 10 to 13 Wh per kilometer (an average value derived from extensive testing by electric transportation enthusiasts). Divide the battery’s power (Wh) by 10 and then by 13 to estimate the average range at a moderate speed.
Lead-acid batteries are checked by weight. If the declared capacity does not match the battery’s actual weight on the scooter, you might be getting scammed.
Another way to calculate range: the distance traveled at a speed of 25 km/h equals the battery capacity divided by 10 (500 Wh:10 = 50 km range at 25 km/h). The higher the speed, the shorter the distance traveled.
When selecting an electric scooter, estimate the approximate distance you need to cover on a single charge to the nearest outlet. This way, you can save money on an unnecessarily powerful battery and reduce the scooter’s weight.
If the scooter isn’t flashy enough for you, try riding a unicycle .
Battery Type
The type of battery in an electric scooter determines several key characteristics: weight, range, and the ability to operate in certain temperature ranges. Almost all modern models are equipped with Li-Ion (Li-Pol) batteries, while lead-acid batteries were more prevalent in the past.
Lead-acid batteries weigh a couple of kilograms more than lithium ones, are sealed (maintenance-free), but can operate at subzero temperatures with a slight capacity drop. These are still installed on heavy-duty off-road models.
Volta Mad 1300, equipped with a lead-acid battery and motor, weighs 57 kg.
Lithium-ion Batteries at -7 to -10°C lose half their capacity and can discharge fully within an hour under maximum load, especially in hot weather. Before a long seasonal standstill, lithium-based batteries must be fully charged. Overall, lithium-ion batteries have more advantages compared to lead-acid ones, although there are no ideal power types for lightweight electric transport yet.
Lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries for electric scooters.
The higher the battery capacity on an electric scooter, the longer it will last due to less strain on its cells, and the loss of resource will also be slower.
Comparison of lead-acid and lithium-ion battery parameters:
| Criterion | Lead-acid | LIB |
| Capacity (Wh/kg) | 25 | 110 |
| Discharge current(at which the battery delivers its full capacity) | 0.1C (10% of capacity current) | 3C (300% of capacity current) |
| Efficiency | 80% | 97% |
| Number of charge-discharge cycles | 700 | 5000 |
| Expiration date or lifespan | 3.5 years | 25 years |
Power
Power depends on the motor-wheel or electric engine. The power, in turn, determines the maximum speed and payload of the transport. Urban electric scooters are equipped with motor-wheels, while off-road models cannot yet give up engines and chains. For example, the maximum speed of a 250W motor is 25 km/h, while a 1000W motor accelerates up to 50 km/h.
Motor-Wheels
The latest models of motor-wheels reach a power of 1800W. In all-wheel drive models, two such wheels accelerate dynamically and climb hills effortlessly. A motor-wheel does not require specific maintenance and does not increase the overall weight of the electric scooter. An engine, on the other hand, will add 2–3 kg to its weight.
Concept of a motor-wheel 'Three in One'.
Electric Motors
Electric scooters predominantly use brushless (sensorless) electric motors. These motors lack a brush-commutator assembly, which increases durability and efficiency. The first electric scooters even featured belt drives, but nowadays, these are considered vintage and only a source of hassle.
Motor for an electric scooter.
How to Check the Real Power of an Electric Scooter
The power of an electric scooter is one of the specs often exaggerated by sellers, significantly affecting the price. To verify the power, use a GPS navigator or a navigation app for your smartphone, but avoid relying on the onboard computer of the scooter: cruise control can be “fine-tuned” for various wheel diameters, a trick that unscrupulous manufacturers use to overstate its capabilities and cost.
When selecting a city scooter, it’s better to opt for a motor-wheel. For medium-performance off-road models, choose all-wheel drive (2 motor-wheels). Top-class off-road electric scooters are better replaced by motorcycles.
Optimal Wheel Size and Type
Urban electric scooters generally feature wheels sized 8–10 inches, but sidewalk curbs mock anything smaller than 10 inches. Very small wheels are a nod to fashion and envy for professional trick scooters . Riding them on dirt paths, uneven surfaces, and cracks common to most urban sidewalks will deter any desire to scoot around the city except for freshly paved park paths. The advantage of small wheels is reduced weight. The larger they are, the heavier the scooter. You’ll need to find a compromise, carefully considering the primary purpose of the scooter in your specific case.
Choose a wheel for an electric scooter.
The larger the wheels, the easier it is to control the transport. This is one of the reasons why off-road models are equipped with wheels starting from 12 inches in size. These are always pneumatic, as they provide a smooth ride over any surface and make climbing inclines easier.
Solid (cast) wheels are suitable for ideal road surfaces in parks and freshly laid European sidewalks.
Pneumatic (air-filled) wheels provide natural cushioning, unlike solid ones. A pneumatic polyurethane wheel is indispensable on dirt paths and tile surfaces. Their only drawback is the possibility of punctures in the inner tubes, which can be avoided in 90% of cases by maintaining the proper air pressure inside them.
A deep tread pattern is a must-have for off-road models, as are wider tires.
Suspension or Shock Absorption
An often overlooked yet crucial detail is suspension or shock absorption, which mitigates uneven road surfaces. Electric scooters are equipped with two types of suspensions: pneumatic and spring-based. The ideal combination is pneumatic tires and suspension on both wheels. Often, suspension is only installed on one of the wheels.
Suspension and Shock Absorption in Electric Scooters
Mobility of the Design and Weight
Light urban models usually feature a folding mechanism, but not all of them can be rolled when folded. Some models come with foldable handles, but keep in mind: the more moving parts, the less reliable the structure. Heavy-duty off-road models have a minimal number of connecting joints and welded seams, so folding mechanisms, aside from a removable seat, are not commonly included.
One of the folding mechanism options for an electric scooter.
For tall or petite riders, a telescopic steering post that can be adjusted in height might come in handy.
The weight of an electric scooter is determined by the frame material, the size and type of wheels, the battery, and the motor (or motor wheel). A steel frame combined with a lead-acid battery will weigh 3-4 kg more than a lithium-ion battery with a carbon fiber frame. It only makes sense to compare the weight of scooters within the same category.
Here is a quality video guide on how to choose an electric scooter for a more comprehensive understanding. It includes visual examples and a few nuances that I didn’t cover in the article.
Additional Features and Equipment
Many models are equipped with removable seats that are height adjustable. It’s important that the scooter’s wheels are shielded with fenders to protect the rider from dirt and splashes. Headlights, rear brake lights, and reflectors are also essential features.
The type of brake system isn’t of major importance, although many prefer disc brakes. A display showing parameters such as trip distance, speed, and battery charge is a useful feature. Pay attention to models that can be rolled while folded and offer vertical storage options.
Choose an electric scooter that is truly repairable. Check in advance whether spare parts, batteries, wheels, and tires are available for the selected model. Purchasing an electric scooter is one of those cases where it’s better to turn to a specialized store with a good reputation. There, they can help you navigate the technical specifics and might offer you a test ride.
