5 Things to Think About When Buying an Electric Scooter
After taking root in Asia and Europe, the electric scooter is gaining traction in North America and the rest of the world. It’s not surprising though considering it ranks up there when it comes to the best personal transport.
It’s not only an enjoyable way to get around but is also practical and economical. Nevertheless, when buying an electric scooter, you have to be sure that what you are buying is exactly what you need. Here are some of the things you should look out for.
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Where You’ll Use It
Different electric scooters are built for different uses. Before you start shopping for one, note down the reasons you are buying the scooter and in what environments you expect to use it. Many scooter owners already own a car so the scooter won’t be their primary mode of transportation.
Once you have a clear picture of the circumstances in which you expect to ride it, narrow these down into a basic list of requirements that you’ll refer to when comparing scooter models.
What’s the Scooter’s Range
Range is the distance an electric scooter can go with a single full-charge of the battery. The ideal range will be determined by what and where you intend to use the scooter. If you are looking to do long distances or steep climbs, then you want a scooter with an above average range.
On the other hand, if you’ll use the scooter mainly in your neighborhood or for short errands, then there’s no need to buy an expensive one with longer range when a more affordable one will serve the purpose.
That said, go for a scooter with a range that’s significantly higher than what you need. That’ll not only make it possible for you to remain mobile when you unexpectedly have to go further than you usually do but also takes care of the gradual drop in range that will accompany the scooter battery’s aging.
Price
None of us has an infinite budget. So price has to be a factor when choosing an electric scooter. The right price will vary from person to person. Like every other product, it comes down to striking a balance between how much you are willing to pay versus how much functionality you need.
As you’d expect, the most sophisticated electric scooters tend to be the most expensive. Once again, your reasons for buying the scooter come into play here. Avoid buying a scooter with features that you’ll likely never use.
Zero in on the basics first: good braking system, excellent suspension, robust frame and readily available spare parts. That will allow you to define the basic minimum model that would be acceptable to you. From that point, you can spend more for the extra features on the higher priced models if your budget allows you to do so.
Test It
Just like a car, you don’t want to commit to an electric scooter purchase before you have established how riding it feels. Salespersons are primarily driven by closing deals and the model they recommend won’t necessarily be the one that’s best for you. In addition, a scooter may tick all the right boxes on paper but feel disappointingly different when you get it on the road.
A test-ride is an opportunity to prove specifications, reviews and your research. Where possible, test it in an environment similar to the one you’ll be using it in.
Warranty
Electric scooters don’t come cheap so you have to do all that’s necessary to ensure your hard-earned money is protected. A manufacturing defect or a quickly worn out part could set you back a couple of hundred dollars to fix on your own.
As long as you have a warranty, you can put your mind at ease knowing that many of the repairs and replacements needed in the first year or two will be borne by the manufacturer.
Buying an electric scooter shouldn’t be difficult even if you’ve never done it before. If you follow the above tips, you are likely to make the right decision from the get go.
About the Author
Sunit Nandi I'm the leader of Techno FAQ. Also an engineering college student with immense interest in science and technology. Other interests include literature, coin collecting, gardening and photography. Always wish to live life like there's no tomorrow.
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