Love electric scooters or hate them? We are going to take a look at electric scooters and what you need to know about them. Now electric scooter ownership has been on the rise for years, but it seems as though they have taken over the market in recent months with their popularity explosion.
People love electric scooters because they are a convenient, eco-friendly way of getting around town without having to worry about traffic congestion, parking fees or gas prices. This article will be your guide to everything about electric scooters: how they work, where you can find one near you and why people love them so much!
The history of Electric Scooters
In 1996, Peugeot released the first electric scooter for purchase by consumers and it revolutionized transportation. The 3 horsepower Direct Current motor was powered by three nickel-cadmium batteries which could provide a total of 18 Volts at 100 Ah.
However, the idea behind manufacturing the first electric scooter came way before 1996.
What is an electric scooter?
An electric scooter is an electric-powered two-wheeled vehicle that uses electric power to accelerate the scooter and human power to brake, steer, and regulate speed by twisting the handlebars.
They are considered a low-emission alternative to automobiles for short-distance commuting. All electric scooters are powered by electric battery packs.
The difference between electric bikes and electric scooters
Electric bikes and electric scooters are not the same things, although they can be used for similar purposes.
The main difference between electric bikes and electric scooters is that electric bike riders may pedal while electric scooter riders do not! This means electric bikes require more effort from the rider whereas electric scooters make things easier by letting you just sit back and enjoy the ride!
How is an electric scooter manufactured?
Unlike most other motorized vehicles, electric scooters are made from a variety of materials that undergo several processes in order to be assembled. The main parts include aluminum frames and motors which have copper wiring. Other material types like plastic, rubber, silicone also make up the rest of the product’s body as well as its wheels – all different!
An electric scooter is manufactured by first welding a steel frame to the base and then creating an electric motor with wheels.
The electric battery pack is also created in order for it to propel through the movement of the electric engine. The battery powers electric motors which are connected directly to the wheel axle, providing power when needed while driving on flat ground or downhill.
To get a better overview, it would rock if we study a couple of electric scooter parts and how they function.
1) The motor
The electric scooter motor is the electric engine that runs on electricity. It operates by converting electric power into mechanical motion and then to kinetic energy which can move a vehicle.
It converts stored chemical energy into batteries. The most common types of electric motors for scooters are brushless DC electric motors.
2) Electric scooter batteries
Electric scooter batteries are rechargeable electric accumulators and store electric energy.
In order to keep the electric motor running, you need a battery pack that’s charged up with electric power. The most common types of electric scooter battery are Lithium-ion which can be recharged by plugging into an electric outlet or electric charger.
Depending on the model, the electric scooter batteries can run for up to 90 miles before needing a recharge which takes a couple of hours with the help of an electric charger.
3) The deck
The electric scooter deck is the platform where you stand and lean into turns.
It’s made of a strong material that can hold your weight and has a surface to stand on.
The deck is covered by rubber cushions in order for it not to be slippery when wet, such as after rain or snow.
4) Electric scooter Handlebars
The electric scooter handlebars are used to steer and control the electric vehicle. It’s controlled by twisting of the handgrips, which varies torque onto the steering mechanism.
The electric scooter handlebars are designed in a way that you can mount the electric scooter on your shoulder for carrying.
5) Suspension
The electric scooter suspension system is used to dampen the impact of rough terrain and ensure a smooth ride. It’s made of springs in order to absorb bumps and vibrations from the road or track you’re driving on, just like your car has shock absorbers for bumpy rides.
6) The stem
The electric scooter stem is used to connect the front wheel and handlebars. Basically, it is the long tube that extends from the front motor.
It’s mounted to a front fork that has front wheels and it connects them together when steering or turning while driving on flat ground or downhill in order for you not to have to turn sideways like with bikes which makes electric scooters more convenient.
The stem is made of metal but some electric scooters are equipped with a telescopic stem which allows for a more upright electric scooter ride.
7) Brakes
The electric scooter brakes are what stops the electric scooter.
Brakes can be controlled by a hand lever, foot pedal or handlebar grip operated by twisting your wrist to use the rear brake and turning the wheel in order to engage the front brake.
Some electric scooters also have regenerative braking which turns kinetic energy into electric power when you brake. These are referred to as electric braking systems.
Mechanical electric scooter brakes depend on a physical stopping mechanism to stop the e-scooters. These comprise the disc, foot, and drum electric scooter brakes.
Braking is achieved by reducing electric power supplied to the electric motors, which causes a torque reaction in order for it comes to a complete halt.
8) E-scooter Lights
The electric scooter lights are used to make the electric vehicle visible at night.
Electric scooters have two types of headlights: a headlight and a tail light, with both working in conjunction with each other for better visibility on roads or tracks that you’re driving on.
Headlights are usually mounted onto the front handlebars while tail lights are usually mounted onto the electric scooter frame. The electric scooter lights are operated by a battery pack and controlled with an electric switch or handlebar grip on some models.
Some electric scooters also have turn signals to warn other drivers of your intention to change direction. The brake light is used for safety reasons, but can also be used to signal other electric scooter riders of your intentions to slow down.
Other electric scooters also have fancy deck lights which are used to signal other electric scooters of your intentions to turn.
9) Wheels
The electric scooter wheels are the part of the electric vehicle that propels it forward. There are two types: front wheels and rear wheel, with electric vehicles having either one or both depending on the design.
Front electric scooter systems have a single front-wheel for steering while rear electric scooters possess dual or one back tire which provides more stability and electric power.
The electric scooter wheels are usually made of rubber. Other electric vehicles also use solid or pneumatic tires for better performance on rougher terrain.
10) Controller
The electric scooter controller is the electric system responsible for supplying electric power to your electric motor.
The electric scooter speed controller is a rectangular, metal can-shaped component that hides deep within the scooter and controls how much electricity will flow from your battery to the motor. It has many wires connecting it with other components of the machine.
The enclosure also functions as heat sync since there are high levels of electrical current running through this part of your device. Its job is to receive inputs on where you want to go (accelerator) or stop (brake), then translate them into an appropriate level for power going outwards towards its destination: Your wheels!
Turn your electric scooter On or Off: A step-by-step guide
When you get your new electric scooter, the first thing you want to do is learn how to turn it on and off. Thankfully, this isn’t a difficult process at all! If you’re getting ready for your next ride, here are some helpful steps that will have you zipping around in no time!
How to turn on an electric scooter:
To turn on an electric scooter, it is as simple as pressing the power button. Depending on your model of scooter and what type of battery you have (lead acid or lithium ion), it may take a few minutes for the lights to come on when you press this button.
To start up your electric scooter,
- Put the key in and turn it to on.
- Press and hold the power button for 2 seconds to get started. Once you are moving at greater than 2 mph, push down on this little bar (the ‘throttle’) with one finger – but don’t touch anything else! This is a safety mechanism so that when you stop pedaling or kick-pushing, there’s no sudden jolt of electricity running through your body.
How to turn off an electric scooter
To turn off an electric scooter, press the power button for at least one second. Once you’ve done this, it will start to slow down and eventually stop moving all together.
Restarting your Electric Scooter: If your battery is lead acid or sealed lead acid type, then restarting should be as easy as waiting a few minutes for the lights to come on. If your battery is a lithium ion, then you’ll need to plug it back in and wait an hour or two before attempting to turn it back on again.
Factors to consider when selecting an electric scooter
1. What you want to achieve
What you want to achieve with your electric scooter should be the first consideration when you’re selecting one.
For example, if you want to use it for commuting purposes then a long-range electric scooter would suit best since they have more power and can go faster than their counterparts.
A different example is if you are buying an electric scooter to have fun. In that case, you may want to consider electric scooters with a large deck or electric scooters with bright and flashy colors.
2. Your budget
Electric scooters can be expensive, so it is important to set a budget before you start looking.
If you have a low monthly income then there are electric scooters that cost less than $1000 which may work for you while if your income is higher then electric scooters costing more than $2000 will suit your needs better.
This is, of course, a no-one-size-fits-all approach as your budget needs to align with your taste and preference.
3. Your weight
Are you a heavy adult, light, or medium-weight? Your weight plays a critical role when settling for a specific e-scooter.
For electric scooters with two wheels, the larger wheel should be in front to give you more stability; and for electric scrollers with one wheel per side then heavier people are advised to get electric scooters that have a wider deck.
4. Your height
Electric scooter’s handlebars can usually only go so far up or down by design.
So if you are taller than the electric scooter’s handlebars, then it may not be a good fit for you. This is because electric scooters have limited adjustability and can’t go lower or higher so that people of various heights will feel comfortable using them.
5. The weight of the electric scooter
You don’t need to buy that electric scooter that will never give you peace of mind as you go up the stairs.
Electric scooters that weigh more than 100 pounds are hard to carry up and downstairs, so electric scooters under 50 pounds would be a better option depending on if the other factors are kept constant.
6. Your age
Are you a child or an adult? Again, this is another factor that will influence your electric scooter buying decision because electric scooters for children have features like rear brakes and electric scooters for adults have more power and speed.
7. Your personal preference
You can’t go wrong with electric scooters that are stylish, fun, classy, or bring out your inner child’s imagination.
Each electric scooter has a unique design so you’ll find something to suit every personality type in the market today!
8. Brakes
Electric scooters use either a foot or hand brake to stop the electric motor from spinning, which in turn slows down your electric scooter.
The most common foot brakes have an activation lever that you step on with one of your feet and twist back for more pressure. These types of electric scooter brakes are often found on urban commuter electric scooters.
The electric scooter brakes on the other hand can be activated with either your hands or feet depending on what you find comfortable.
Hand-activated electric scooter brakes are usually found in electric scooters meant for children or adults who have a disability that prevents them from using their foot to brake an electric scooter, although this electric scooter brake is not as common.
Factors to consider before you ride an electric scooter for the first time
Electric scooters are made for fun and to make your commute better, but before you ride an electric scooter for the first time here are some tips:
- Be mindful of pedestrians or people on bicycles.
- Use electric scooters in a way that is safe and does not obstruct traffic or pedestrian paths.
- Wear safety gear like helmets, knee pads, elbow pads and wrist guards.
- Stay off electric scooters in bad weather because most electric scooters should not be ridden when wet or icy to avoid electric accidents such as electrocution due to faulty wiring which could harm you for life.
- Don’t ride an electric scooter while intoxicated with alcohol or drugs.
- Don’t let electric scooters get wet or dirty which could lead to electric accidents such as electrocution due to faulty wiring and hurt you for life.
- And finally, always wear a helmet when riding your electric scooter! It can save your life and it’s the law in many states so make sure you are compliant.
What are the advantages of wearing safety gear before riding an electric scooter?
Wearing safety gear like helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards is important to avoid electric scooter accidents such as electrocution due to faulty wiring.
This can harm you for life because electric scooters use electricity that could give electric shocks or even kill someone if not handled properly.
These gears will also protect your skin from abrasions, electric burns, and other injuries when you fall off an electric scooter.
It makes sense to wear gear before riding electric scooters because it can save your life and the more safety gear you wear the better!
The How-To’s of Electric Scooters
How to fold an electric scooter
If you are not going to be using your electric scooter for a while (this is particularly important if it’s winter, and the battery has gone cold), then make sure that you fold it up. This will help insulate the motor from freezing in cold temperatures, as well as prevent rusting or corrosion from water exposure.
Folding a scooter is also helpful when you would like to keep it in the trunk or in the house.
Step 1: Release the Locking Levers
Step on an electric scooter with one foot. Make sure the area around your feet is free of any puddles that might cause you to slip and fall, then release the lock mechanism once it’s stable enough for you to stand up straight again. Spread out your other leg so both are in-between the wheels before grabbing onto either side of a handlebar (this will help create more motion). Now press down hard using all fours if possible so as not to move too far back or forwards unexpectedly – this should ensure stability while folding process has been initiated.
Step 2: Adjust the Clasp
Reach for the clasp at your steering column, and adjust it to a comfortable height. Remember that you can use this metal lever halfway down the handlebars so be sure not to forget about it!
The controls of your scooter are actually in one easy-to-reach place: on or near the steering wheel. Grab onto an adjustable clasp located there (or maybe even just below!), then proceed with adjusting as desired—you’ll find levers closer than ever before now too, which makes them easier to get hold of without needing assistance from another person nearby.
Step 3: Slide the Grips
Slide the handles to remove them from one side of your scooter. To release and take off the handle, you will need to press down on a small button located at the back of each grip. Slide it backwards so that there is enough space for both hands behind it (the other hand won’t be needed).
With two fingers up against each part, make sure they are holding tightly before releasing pressure with their thumb or index finger which was previously keeping tension in place. Repeat this process starting with another set of grips until all sides have been loosened.
Step 4: Hold the steering column
After releasing the clasp, you can adjust the steering column. To start folding your scooter up to store it away or move it more easily around a house (or other tight spaces), use one hand to press down on the handlebars while holding onto both parts of the column with another.
The part will gradually lower itself into place as if by magic! Once that’s done, simply close and fasten back up again in order for everything to stay put – this is important so that when you’re ready later on, all we’ll need to do is grip hold of either side before pulling them apart once more.
Step 5: Flip the electric scooter
You need to be careful with how you turn over the scooter, because one wrong move and it could eject the steering column from its socket. Flip your vehicle slowly so that if anything starts moving out of place, you can fix it right away. Gripping onto either a handlebar or an area on yourself will keep everything in balance as long as something doesn’t slip free!
Step 6: Use the Joint-Release Lever
Hold the scooter with your hand, and push down on the joint release lever. Once you’re able to move it easily without much effort (which sometimes takes more than one try) get a hold of either side of this mechanism using both hands for balance as some people might find they need help releasing their grip from these levers.
Turn them in opposite directions, making sure that once you’ve released all fingers’ pressure from holding onto any part of this machine then let go quickly so everything can fall into place like magic!
How to Unfold an Electric Scooter
Step 1: Hold the T-Tube
To unfold a scooter, you must first hold the T-tube of the Scooter. This is step one in a threefold process that will take a couple of minutes to complete if done correctly and with care. Ensure you have enough clarity on how to proceed so as not to damage or injure yourself at any point during this procedure by following these steps carefully: -Grab either side of your E-scooters frame where it meets up with its wheel’s base (the part just below)
Lower down until there are no more joints left for fingers; then grab both handles firmly while pulling them apart from each other Separate your hands all the way outwards towards their respective sides without losing contact between them and the handle.
Step 2: Gently Apply force to the Footrest
The next phase is to press down the footrest. Carefully use whichever hand you prefer, and gently apply force when starting before gradually increasing it as needed.
Remember there are delicate scooters out there so be careful! Make sure that once pressed up, your scooter unfolds neatly for a clean finish – then move onto Phase 3 of this tutorial with confidence!
Step 3: Carefully Tug the Release Lever Upward
To achieve success in unfolding an electric scooter, the last step lies in pressing the release lever up. You will need to practice for quite some time to make it seamless.
How to Charge an Electric Scooter
Electric scooter batteries are electric and charge up just like your cellphone. After you buy your electric scooter for the first time, ensure that you charge it until the display shows the battery is full.
It’s also important to recharge electric scooters as soon as they start running low on battery because electric scooters that run out of power can not move.
So before riding an electric scooter, turn it off, then plug the charger into a socket or extension cord with alligator clips at one end and attach them firmly onto the battery terminals in order to transfer electricity from the wall outlet or extension cord into your electric scooter’s battery.
Charging time will vary depending on if you use a 110-volt household circuit or 220-volt commercial circuit but most often takes from a couple of hours.
Are you wondering how long does it take to charge a scooter battery? The straightforward answer is that it depends. There are electric scooters that take as little as 1 hour to fully charge such as the Mico Eagle X3 and others that take as long as 25 hours such as Dualtron X.
How to Turn an Electric Scooter On and Off Effectively
Turning electric scooters on and off is easy!
To turn the electric scooter on, you will need to press the power button that is mostly located in the handlebar’s middle part until a beep sound gets heard.
To turn it off, you will need to press and hold the power button for a couple of seconds until you see the display tab is off. Always switch off your e-scooter to ensure that you save battery power.
How to clean an electric scooter
Electric scooters are electric vehicles and because of this, they require more maintenance than a normal bicycle. But don’t worry, electric scooter care is simple to do!
The first step in electric scooter care is to regularly clean your electric vehicle’s tire treads with water-diluted dish soap and a brush or sponge until any dirt or debris has been removed.
Next, you’ll want to remove any dust or dirt that may have collected on the electric scooter’s electric motor with compressed air and dry cloth before spraying an electric vehicle lubricant onto your electric scooter’s chain and other moving bicycle parts for protection!
Finally, you want to wipe down your electric scooter’s body with a damp cloth and dry off any excess moisture before storing it.
How much do electric scooters cost?
The electric scooter price will depend on the electric scooter’s quality, brand, and other factors that you should consider before purchasing an electric vehicle.
When buying electric scooters to avoid paying more than what is necessary, do your research! Electric scooters range in prices but some of the most expensive electric gadgets are $2500+ while others can be as low as $200.
It is important to remember that electric scooters should last for years, so the price you pay now will be worth it in the long run!
What are the best electric scooters?
Different electric scoter brands have different electric scooters and there are many electric scooter reviews to help you pick. Some brands focus on electric scooters for adults, others electric scooters for adults, while the other offer seated electric scooters.
The best electric scooter for kids
The overall best electric scooter for kids is the Yume H10 electric scooter. It has a weight limit of 220 lbs and has a weight of 35 lbs. Kids won’t struggle to get going with the beauty as it also has a top speed of 15 mph and an 18 miles range.
The best electric scooter for adults
The Yume X7 scooter is unbeatable in this range. Though it starts at a premium price (from $2599), explore the notable features below:
Top Range: 90 miles (145km)
Top Speed: 55 miles per hour (89 km/h)
Motor: Dual – 4000W X 2
Weight: 120 lbs
Weight Limit: 330 lbs
Wheel Size: 13 inches
Braking: Hydraulic and Electronic Blackout.
You can determine if Yume electric scooters are for you and if yes, read more Yume electric scooters reviews on this post.
The best seated electric scooter overall
The Voro Motors Orca Mark I has no competition in this category. Below, see its features:
Top Range: 35km (20 miles)
Top Speed: 15 miles per hour (28 km/h)
Motor: 48V, 240W
Weight: 42 lbs
Weight Limit: 260 lbs
Wheel Size: 12 inches
Braking: Front and rear disc.
Are electric scooters legal?
Electric scooters are electric vehicles and in most of the United States, electric vehicle laws have been passed.
In some states, electric scooters may be illegal to drive on sidewalks, while other electric cars require a driver’s license or helmet! It is important that you check your state before riding an electric scooter as it can save time and trouble.
There are six states in the United States that do not have electric scooter regulations, with Alaska being one of them. These include South Carolina, South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska, and Hawaii.
The foldability of an electric scooter
Electric scooters can be folded for easy transport and the folding varies.
Some electric vehicles fold in seconds, while others require the use of a manual to understand how they are assembled!
Before you buy an electric scooter it is important that you know if it is portable or not as this will affect where you can store it.
The folding mechanism is something that has to be given some thought. Of course, it’s important for the scooter to fold up in a way that makes sense and will make you happy, but there are also other things such as weight limiters that can really affect how well this device performs when folded – don’t forget about those!
The Folding Mechanism: There have been plenty of ideas thrown around with regards to what shape or form should an electric scooter take on so people decide whether they want one at all. One thing often overlooked is the question of how easily your gadget folds down; if someone wants their product easy-to-transport while still giving them opportunities for motion, then considering different types of folding mechanisms needs more than a passing thought.
Foldable electric scooters are the only type of electric scooter that can be easily stored in a closet or under your bed.
What are the advantages of Electric Scooters?
- Electric scooters are environmentally friendly because they do not pollute the air, unlike cars that use gasoline which is harmful to people and animals.
- Electric scooters require less effort than normal bikes or electric bikes because you don’t have to pedal as much! You just need a little push off from your feet. This means it’s easier to go for a long bike ride with electric scooters.
- Electric scooters are more versatile than electric bikes because they can be used in both urban and rural areas! Electric bikes will struggle on dirt roads or bumpy terrain whereas electric scooter riders don’t need to worry about that.
- Electric scooters require less maintenance than normal bicycles or electric bikes because they are electric and do not need to be tuned up.
- Electric scooters cost less than electric cars! This is a big bonus for anyone who wants to buy an electric vehicle but can’t afford one.
What are the disadvantages of Electric Scooters?
- Electric scooter riders must wear a helmet at all times because some do not have a seat so your head is close to the ground and you are more likely to get hurt when you fall off or even risk death.
- Electric scooters require electricity – this means that if the electric grid goes out then electric scooter riders will also be stranded!
