The variety of electric scooters and bikes can be overwhelming to anyone trying to choose one.
There are models solely for the little ones through to models that should only be for the disabled and elderly.
Many of these scooters (bikes are generally exempt anyway) do not require you to have a license, insurance or registration.
From Brands You Recognize
The common stand and stand/sit models like the Razor, GoPed and Super Turbo series are fun and easy to ride for anyone with a bit of balance. They are simplistic in there make up and are really just electric versions of the original kick scooter.
Honda, Yamaha, SYM, Kymco and a whole host of other brands are making their electric scooters based on many of their current gas powered step through’s. In fact if you don’t know what to look for it is hard to distinguish them apart.
Need For Speed?
The cheaper stand up versions are powered by brushed electric motors using sealed lead acid (SLA) batteries as there source of power. The range and travel speed of these models is very short and not that fast. Range for most is 15 – 20 miles (25 -35km) and speeds from 7 – 25mph (12 – 40km)
The larger sit down/step through models are more often powered by some of the latest technology brushless motors drawing from lithium (LiPo, LiFe)batteries, with capacities unheard of a few years ago.
These models easily achieve speeds of 35 – 50mph (50 – 80km) and can achieve ranges up to 100 miles (160km).
Affordable to All
As technology has advanced and become more readily available, the price to produce electric vehicles has dramatically reduced.
The cost of buying an electric scooter now matches or beats their fossil fuel burning counterparts. Or if comparing the kick type electric scooters, these are often cheaper than a cross country mountain bike.
Don’t misunderstand, I’m not a tree hugger but technology really has to move past the internal combustion engine. Electric may not be the replacement but it is a good stepping stone.
Prefer to Exercise?
In the same category as electric scooters, there is electric bicycles. The real difference is the bicycle still has pedals and when the battery goes flat you still have a means of transport.
Alternatively thinking, you can still get your morning exercise by pedaling but opt for the electric cruise home in the evening.
Electric scooters and bikes are popular in many countries and are welcome in bike lanes and pathways.
When you consider your purchase think of things like where you live, do have to lift it and where will it be stored. If storage is tight there are many folding electric scooters and bikes available.
For me my Super Turbo 800 Watt Elite is the perfect balance of fun and commuting.
