A Guide to Buying an Electric Scooter: Things to Consider

Electric scooters have become all the rage in the past few years. They offer a way to travel 5 times faster than walking, while being fun, affordable and environmentally friendly. Unlike bicycle commuting, using an electric scooter to get to work will ensure you aren't sweaty. So if you're contemplating getting your first e scooter, whether it's for recreational purposes or to use it as a means for transport, you'll find that there are many different types of scooters available to choose from. Size, speed, range, weight, cost and reliability are some of the factors you'll need to consider before you start looking for electric scooters for sale.

The ride quality of electric scooters depends on three main factors. Some models can't be ridden for more than 2km on anything less than an ideal surface. These scooters may look great on the internet, but many people stop using them rather quickly as they're "bone shakers". The three main factors that affect ride quality include:

• Wheel Size - You should avoid wheels with a smaller than 8" diameter. Smaller wheels make for a rougher ride and are more likely to get stuck in potholes
• Air-filler or Solid Tyres - Air-filled tyres provide for a better ride, but you have to use puncture protection fluid as these tyres are more likely to get punctured. Additionally, electric scooter tyres are harder to get on and off than bicycle tyres, for example, which makes fixing punctures more difficult. Solid tyres, on the other hand, don't get punctured as easily, making them ideal if you're riding in less-than-ideal terrain
• Suspension - Proper suspension takes out the jarring from large bumps. Scooters equipped with air-filled tyres that don't have suspension provide for a smoother ride, but solid tyres with smaller wheels require some suspension

The speed of an electric scooter is determined by the rider's weight, motor power, the surface you ride on and how hard you pump up your tyres. Specified speeds are typically based on a 70kg rider using a smooth, flat surface with properly inflated tyres. You shouldn't chase maximum speed. A speed of about 30km/h is more than ideal. The average walking speed is about 7-8km/h, so you'll be going 4-5 times as fast on an e scooter than you would on foot.

The brakes are the most important safety feature of electric scooters. There are three types of brakes - electric, disc and drum brakes and foot brakes. Electric brakes are low maintenance, but they aren't as effective at stopping quickly. Disc and drum brakes are the best out of all brakes, but they wear out over time, and you'll need to service or replace them. Lastly, foot brakes require you to stand on the rear mud guard, just like on conventional scooters.

Since e scooters are still relatively new, it's best you stick to well-known manufacturers. These manufacturers will offer warranty on their products, giving you peace of mind that if something goes wrong with the scooter, you can bring it back and get a replacement or at least get replacement parts and free service. And if your scooter does come with a warranty, where will you have to send it for repairs? If you encounter a minor fault, will you have to send the scooter overseas and wait for months before you get it back? That's why it's important to buy from a reputable Australian vendor or brand that covers their products by an Australian warranty.

Picking the right scooter size is important for multiple reasons. Is the scooter the right size for your to ride comfortably? Is it compact enough to store conveniently? Most scooters can be folded so you can easily store them in your car, at home, or right under your desk. Some things to consider are bar width and height, fold down size and deck size. The weight of the scooter is also something to consider, as you may have to carry it around every now and then. Most scooters weight around 15kg, some more, some less.

There are a few scooter accessories that every beginner rider should consider getting for safety and extra convenience. For example, you'll want a helmet, since electric scooters can go as fast as bicycles. You'll also want a lock so you can make sure your scooter is safe and sound when not in use. Extra lights can make night riding much safer, not only because you'll be able to see more clearly, but they will also make you more visible to others. Puncture protection fluid, as aforementioned will protect your air-filled tyres from punctures. A phone holder will let you focus on riding and the roads instead of holding your phone. Additionally, a phone holder will let you use the navigation on your phone while it's mounted on the handlebar.