Electric scooters are a great and convenient way to go around, but the process of selecting one can be pretty intimidating, especially if it’s your first time.
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Because there is so much to choose from, it is hard to pinpoint just one brand or model that perfectly suits your needs. So, instead of making a single recommendation, we have listed all the best features you must consider when shopping for an electric scooter. For comfortable rides, especially if you’re planning on taking your e-scooter with you on out-of-town trips, you need to consider a good suspension system. This will improve the quality of your ride by absorbing shock from uneven roads and rough terrain. A healthy number of electric scooters are equipped with a variety of suspension setups. Some may have just front suspension, while others have front & rear. This is well-suited for daily commutes on paved and well-maintained roads. If you have to deal with rough or uneven surfaces, look for an e-scooter with triple or quadruple spring suspension systems. These advanced suspension setups are specifically designed to handle challenging terrains, providing enhanced shock absorption and stability. Model Suspension Price Segway Ninebot G2 MAX Front Hydraulic + Rear Double Spring Suspension $1,699.00 Apollo Ghost Adjustable Dual Spring Suspension $2,499.00 Apollo Phantom V3 Quadruple Spring Suspension $3,199.00 The next thing you need to consider is the e-scooter’s climb ability, or its capacity to ascend inclines or hills. It is an important factor, especially if you live in an area with hilly terrain or if your route includes uphill drives. Fortunately, it’s not that difficult to find electric scooters that can conquer steep inclines of 25% and above. And even though a typical commute within the city doesn’t involve intense hill climbing, it’s worth noting that the average climbing capabilities of commuter e-scooters have increased. You can now find regular scooters that can conquer angles of 15 to 20%. Remember, a percentage incline isn’t the same as an incline measured in degrees (°). For context, a percentage incline is approximately double the angle incline in degrees, so a 40% climb percentage is roughly the equivalent to 20°. Here’s a handy online calculator if you want to see what a percentage incline actually is when converted to degrees. As electric scooters are becoming more commonplace on public roads, it’s now more critical than ever to prioritise safety and visibility, especially at night. To ensure a safe experience on the road, make sure to buy a scooter adequately equipped with bright front and rear lights. Aside from these, you also need to consider indicators. Also known as signals or blinkers, indicators allow a rider to communicate with other drivers, which reduces the likelihood of accidents. Model Lighting Indicators Price Pure Air³ 60 Lux Front Light + Rear Brake Light 180-Degree Handlebar $1,199.00 Pure Advance 60 Lux Front Light + Rear Brake Light 180-Degree Handlebar + Footpad Indicators $1,899.00 Segway Ninebot MAX G2 Front 2.1W High-Power Headlight + Rear LED Lights Front and Rear Integrated Turn Indicators $1,699.00 Apollo Phantom V3 High-Mounted 1000 Lumen Headlight Front & Rear Turn Signals in the Deck $3,199.00 Another essential feature that your new electric scooter should possess is puncture-proof or puncture-resistant tyres. Through increased thickness or the addition of a thick protective lining, these tyres resist punctures from sharp objects like thorns and nails on the road. They are reliable and will save you from the hassle of dealing with flats. Most e-scooters require minimal maintenance, and typically, you may only need to replace the tyres and brakes over the course of your e-scooter’s lifespan. However, daily usage is bound to have some effects on the device. Thus, aside from learning the basics of taking care of your electric scooter, it’s helpful to choose one with the following: And when you buy your scooter, also consider joining online communities to get troubleshooting advice, maintenance tips, and recommendations from experienced users. Most e-scooters have a maximum rider weight capacity of 100 kg, but some models can accommodate up to 150 kg. An e-scooter’s rider weight limit is not a mere suggestion but a rule that users must respect. Overloading your scooter will affect its acceleration, braking system, and overall performance. This will eventually damage your device and may even cause accidents. When looking at weight limit capacities, don't forget to add an allowance of 10%. This extra margin accounts for any additional load or items you may carry while riding. For instance, if you weigh 90 kg, you should get a scooter that can support 99 kg. Model Rider Weight Capacity Price Segway P100SE 120 kg $2,799.00 Apollo Phantom V3 136 kg $3,199.00 Segway GT 2 150 kg $6,499.00 Aside from weight capacity, you also need to consider the size of the e-scooter deck and the length of its handlebars. These factors directly impact the comfort and stability of your ride. Consider your shoe size when evaluating the deck size of an e-scooter. Look for one that is at least 127 mm wide, although it is always a good idea to go for an even wider option. Next, choose an e-scooter that has handlebars that are slightly wider than your shoulder width. For example, if your shoulder width is 500 mm, you would want a scooter with a 525 to 560 mm wide handlebar. If you are unsure, err on the side of caution by choosing a model with wide handlebars. They will be easier to manoeuvre than handlebars that are too narrow. Model Deck Length x Width Handlebar Width Price Segway P100 457.2 mm x 220 mm 634 mm $2,999.00 Apollo Phantom V3 508 mm x 215.9 mm 690.88 mm $3,199.00 With competitive price and timely delivery, nedong sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner. To minimise downtime and make the most out of your e-scooter, also remember to get one that charges quickly or has a fast-charging option. For regular commuter electric scooters, a charge time of around 4 to 5 hours is ideal. However, please note that more powerful scooters, like dual motor electric scooters, will take a longer time to charge. There are a lot of cheap electric scooters available online, especially on foreign e-commerce websites. But don’t forget to consider the potential drawbacks before making a purchase solely based on price point. While the prices of these scooters may seem appealing, carefully weigh the costs of the absence of warranty coverage and the possible unavailability of spare parts. So, choose an e-scooter that comes with a reliable warranty policy. Take time to study the details of the warranty coverage and duration. This way, you can be sure that you have proper protection and support in case any issues arise with your device. Also, please be aware that e-scooter repairs are only doable as long as spare parts and service centres are available in your area. Thus, we recommend investing in a reputable brand and buying it from a store with its own service centre. Electric Kicks takes pride in its team of e-scooter repair and servicing specialists. Our services are open to all, regardless of whether they purchased their ride from our store or not. We have one of the strongest repair networks in the country, and we can service most of Australia’s biggest brands like Apollo, Segway-Ninebot, Pure Electric, AnyHill, and more. Relevant laws and regulations on e-scooter usage vary per locality and are constantly being updated. As a responsible buyer, it is your duty to stay informed about the latest recommendations regarding e-scooters in your city. Consider these laws when choosing your e-scooter. For example, while privately owned electric scooters are legal in the state of Victoria, you cannot own one that is capable of achieving speeds higher than 25 kph. This means that even if you follow the speed limit (20 kph), you still cannot use a high-speed e-scooter on public roads. Keeping your local laws in mind when getting your e-scooter will ensure that you can safely – and legally – enjoy it. Water and electricity don’t mix well, and neither does water and untreated metal such as that found on the inside of an electric scooter. Moisture ingress in electric scooters can cause a variety of damage that may take weeks to show up. The damage itself can vary from short circuiting, unusual behaviour in electric components, or an e-scooter that just won’t work. Water damage isn’t covered by warranty either, and it’s inevitable you’ll eventually be caught short in the rain, so it’s important to factor in water resistance when buying. Fortunately, more and more e-scooters come with higher water resistance (IP) ratings today. While no electric scooters is considered truly waterproof, you can find several with good IP ratings that make your scooter more accessible year-round. It can be difficult to find one e-scooter that has all these features. Realistically, you should expect to encounter a few trade-offs in your search. For instance, you might have to prioritise a stronger motor and better hill climb ability over quick charging capabilities. Alternatively, you might opt for a more portable e-scooter, even if it means sacrificing a wider deck. It's about finding the right balance that suits your priorities. Still, this does not mean that you wouldn’t find an excellent electric scooter that aligns closely with your requirements. We advise that you take this guide as your reference to study the features that matter most to you. Then, consider our recommendations and suggestions as you navigate the market. In the end, as e-scooters become more widely legalised and adopted across the country, we should expect more growth and innovation. The future looks promising, and we eagerly anticipate the arrival of a broader selection of models with amazing features – and fewer compromises – to allow riders to find their one perfect ride.1. Suspension
2. Good Hill Climb Ability
3. Full Lighting and Indicators
4. Puncture-Proof Tyres
5. Ease of Maintenance
6. High Rider Weight Capacity
7. Wide Deck & Handlebars
8. Quick Charging Feature
9. Warranty and Availability of Spare Parts
10. Legal Compliance
High Water Resistance Rating
Finding the Right Balance
Helmet
It is not a question of if you should get a helmet... but rather which one you should get. I wouldn't put a helmet down as an accessory either, more like a lifesaver. Riding without one is extremely reckless if not stupid.
Make sure to get a proper one and don't buy the cheapest option to avoid serious injuries.
And if you ride a proper fast e scooter, like the Mantis, a full-face helmet is the only way to go.
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Front and rear light
Most electric scooters don't have a bright enough headlight for proper visibility in the dark. Adding a proper one will not only help you see better but you will also be more visible by other road users.
A taillight is also important if you plan on riding in the dark. It prevents getting hit from behind.
Fluorescent vest
A supereffective way to be seen for scooter riders from far away is the fluorescent vest. Easy to bring with you as it is light and folds into a very small package, so no excuses. You will be seen front and back as they wrap around your torso. This is one accessory you should invest in asap. Reflective clothing at its best.
Armor Jacket
This is what you will see on motorcycle riders. They take their safety features very seriously. You might think this is a bit too much. But if your electric scooter does 30 mph (50 kph) and you fall at that speed...well. If someone told you to jump out of a car at 30 mph, you would want an armored jacket on you. They protect your front, back, shoulders, depending on which one you get. They also provide good arm protection.
Knee and elbow pads
Two parts of your body that usually take a big hit if you should hit that unexpected pothole, knees and elbows. The more protection you have, the better. We have a great all-in-one protective gear set at Fluidfreeride.
Gloves
I never ride without gloves, whether it is on my e scooter, or on my mountain bike. The hands will automatically brace for impact in a fall, and to not be skinned alive, riding gloves are a must. For a slower scooter, max 15 mph (25 kph) thinner gloves similar to bike gloves or summer gloves are ok. For high speeds, nothing less than motorcycle gloves are to be recommended.
It also helps keep you warm when riding in chillier temperatures.
Eye Protection
Ever got a bug in your eye at 15 mph (25 kph)? It only happens once, after that, you will get some eye protection. The bright sun is not the only thing we want to keep out of our eyes, but foreign objects such as bugs or flying dirt as well.
There are many cycling sunglasses that work fine.
Storage Bag
Electric scooters have no natural storage space on them. Carrying something with you means you will have to use a backpack or, get a smaller bag that you can attach to the handlebars. More like a pouch. This is for smaller objects only but a very practical option.
Alarm
If possible, get an aftermarket alarm to keep the long fingers away from your e scooter. The noise might put them off and choose another object.
Lock
There's no way around it, get a lock if you plan on parking in public spaces. There is a wide range of locks at varying prices. Chain locks, cable locks, folding locks, and U locks. Make sure to get a secure lock that is properly sturdy and chunky.
Bell or Horn
The e-scooter is a relatively quiet vehicle that moves quite swiftly. A bell or a horn is a must to warn other people that you are coming up from behind. Take into consideration that many people are not concerned too much about road safety. They have headphones at full blast when in traffic so are only paying attention to themselves. A horn might be the best option. A loud one!
Mirror
It is proper scary to crane your neck and look behind you on an e scooter. Many accidents happen when you do exactly that. Even professional bikers tend to do that mistake. Just watch the Tour de France and see how frequent it is even with experienced riders. You travel faster than you think and even the slightest shift in balance, and you are in the ditch.
A couple of mirrors will sort this out. After all, you will turn a lot and you must check behind you before committing.
Phone Holder
We can't live without our cell phones. It can be a distraction when riding though and steering with one hand on an e scooter is not like on a regular bike. It is super scary so don't even think about it.
A proper phone holder will make it possible to use GPS or see notifications without risk of falling and damaging yourself as well as the phone.
It is safe to say that it feels like one of the essential accessories.
Tire sealant
Riding frequently and on pneumatic tires will mean the inevitable puncture will happen. Flat tires are part of the game. Tire slime or tire sealant prevents as well as seals leaks. Easy to bring with you and a definite must on longer rides.
Wrap up
The list of scooter accessories can be made very long as there are many items to add to your e scooter.
A good tip is to focus on the "need to haves" rather than the "want to haves".
A proper helmet, and maybe a full-face helmet depending on how fast your electric scooter is, should always be at the top of any such list. Other safety gear like gloves, eye protection, safety vest, high mounted rear, and front light is a definite must. Tire sealant, phone holders, and a lock will make you prepared for any issue.
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For more information, please visit e-scooter tires manufacturer.