Guide for Electric Scooter Buyers
Electric scooters meet the needs of two-wheeler enthusiasts through their ease of use. Unlike their thermal equivalents, these have the advantage of being perfectly ecological and economical. They thus tend to replace the latter in the urban landscape. In addition to being non-polluting and silent, electric scooters allow you to escape the ever-increasing traffic jams. We have thus condensed our buying guide before buying an electric scooter.
Find out if the electric scooter that fits your needs
Choosing an electric scooter depends on several factors: the need to move, ecological motivation, fuel economy, driving comfort, value for money, etc. Each user has clear motivations that push him to opt for this alternative mobility solution. But each user also has specific needs which should be taken into consideration before purchasing an electric scooter. In general, you should assess the economic benefit of buying an electric scooter or another based on three main factors:
1. The daily or weekly trip.
2. The average cost of the energy to be consumed throughout the planned period of ownership of the electric scooter.
3. The budget, or the investment to be made for the electric scooter.
Engine: go for efficiency
Electric scooters classified in the 50 cc category usually have power between 1 and 4 kilowatts. They have a brushless electric motor often integrated into the rear wheel. This is a good choice if you plan to drive around town most of the time. On the other hand, for extra-urban use, it is necessary to opt for the 125 ccs electric scooter category with sufficient power and torque
Battery: check the technology and autonomy
Almost all new electric scooters feature Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery technology. This technology is favored over previous technologies, in particular lead-acid, nickel-cadmium (NiCd), and nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) because it offers greater energy density and makes it possible to reduce the weight and size of the unit battery. It also facilitates recharging and increases the range of the vehicle. When buying an electric scooter, choose a battery with at least the following characteristics:
- It works with Li-ion technology.
- It offers good autonomy.
- It is supplied by a manufacturer recognized for the quality of its products (Samsung, Panasonic, LG, etc.)
- The number of charge cycles is quite high.
- Also, pay attention to the electronic management system BMS (Battery Management System) used on the e-scooter as well as the charging process.
- If you plan to use your e-scooter intensively, then preferably opt for a removable dual battery and a fast-charging system.
Watch out for safety equipment like braking, wheels, and Headlight
In case you are buying an electric scooter, pay special attention to safety features. Preferably opt for hydraulic disc brakes at the front and rear with ABS function and regenerative braking function. It is also important to take into consideration the dimensions of the wheels especially if you plan to drive on extra-urban roads. Most conventional scooters have 10 to 12-inch wheels. For better handling, you can choose an electric scooter equipped with larger size wheels. Not to mention, of course, the lighting system, which must be efficient enough to allow you to drive safely in poor visibility.
Check the build quality
The build quality of the frame is an important element that you should take into consideration when purchasing an e-scooter. Depending on the desired performance in terms of rigidity and weight, the frame can be made from heavy-duty steel alloys, chromium-molybdenum alloys, aluminum alloys, or composite materials. The welding quality and the build quality of the fork should also be checked properly. Electronic components that are very sensitive to water must be protected by a fully waterproof coating (level IP65). While the level of finish of the plastic and decorative elements does not directly affect the road performance of the electric scooter, it is an important detail to assess the price/quality ratio.
Focus on driving comfort
For a comfortable ride, it is advisable to choose an electric scooter equipped with hydraulic shock absorbers and swing arms at the front and rear ends. Some manufacturers offer adjustable suspension elements that allow the driver to adapt the handling of his scooter to the load and the condition of the road to reduce road vibrations more effectively. Tire width and fork shape also influence driveability and road performance.
Evaluate the equipment list
Premium electric scooters come standard with a few state-of-the-art accessories:
- A connectivity system integrating Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and 4G functionalities
- A high-performance on-board computer that manages all the electronic systems of the scooter
- An anti-theft system connected to a mobile application allowing the scooter to be tracked and deactivated remotely in the event of theft
- An infotainment system with GPS function and touchscreen.
- These electric scooter accessories are more or less optional on entry-level e-scooters. Prices increase depending on the performance and equipment offered.
Wrapping up
To conclude this electric scooter buying guide, it is important to first define your travel needs before purchasing an e-scooter. Based on these needs, you will be able to more easily define your selection criteria. Ultimately, regardless of the model chosen, it is necessary to favor a professional reseller and a brand offering an irreproachable after-sales service.
Who are we?
At Kazam, you can find every possible assistance about Electric vehicles and their charging stations in India. We also take care of our EV buyers and give them customized EV solutions as per their needs. From battery and charging solutions to the range and cost of electric vehicles, this is the one-stop-shop for every EV requirement. For more information, please visit Kazam EV at https://www.kazam.in/, or write to us your concerns on our social media handles Kazam EV, and we will try to respond to your queries at the earliest. Book an appointment today!
