A few short years after the electric scooter was introduced to the local scene, they have become a practical alternative for public transportation, particularly amid the coronavirus pandemic that struck us ill-prepared.
And now, a persistent question lurks since borders are open and ‘it’s business as usual.’
Going to college? Sick and tired of queuing at the bus stop, waiting for the bus that’s often late in arriving? Always caught in a traffic jam? Put an end to your transportation worries. Be proactive. Elevate your expectations and get rid of future hassle.
Quality electric scooters are here to stay with over a million scooter sales annually. Did you know that electric scooters are five times quicker than getting around on foot and are also extremely economical to ride for short distances?
Like cars, electric scooters have their qualities, as well as technical specifications which set them apart.
When buying your first electric scooter – the key things you should consider are the brand, quality of ride; how powerful the scooter motor is; the scooter’s battery capacity and charging time, and the maximum load (or weight) the scooter can take, and more! To the uninitiated, being new to the world of electric scooters, you need to know the ins and outs before purchasing your own. You need to consider the most important specifications — and it’s all right here. Read to know the most important factors before you take the plunge.
This quick, practical guide will help you in finding the best electric scooter fit for your riding eds.
Which brand of scooter to buy?
It’s a vehement NO to unbranded, cloned, re-branded, or generic electric scooter brands. Even if your closest buddy recommends it, don’t take the plunge. These unknowns aren’t likely to have the same level of support if things go wrong, and you might suffer from quality control issues and difficulty in getting parts. A lot of generic scooters that are re-branded do not go through the same level of quality control. Unbranded scooters are often made of poor quality, have untested components, and thus, are very dangerous to ride.
The brand of the scooter is important because it points out the electric scooter’s degree of quality, ease of repair, getting spares, warranty, after-sales, service, maintenance, and more. Buying from an established and reputable brand like Mearth is your best bet.
Mearth is a widely known electric scooter brand, and it manufactures a range of high-quality electric scooters that are affordable. For starters, the Mearth S electric scooter is ideal for beginners and it only costs $699. — very suitable for general all-around riding in the city.
Next, what’s your budget?
Here are 5 categories based on price range – budget and midrange at $500 – $700; premium at $800 – $999.; performance is at $1,500 to $ 2,100; and extreme (for the very experienced riders) at $2,500 and above.
For city commuters, midrange to premium electric scooters like Mearth S and S Pro would be a good starting point. A long-range electric scooter like Mearth RS and RS Pro, meanwhile, can give you more power and battery life, which include 10-inch pneumatic tires, disc brakes, LED display, and 2W front lights, if you want to go farther or climb higher terrain.
What about the battery size?
The technical specifications per model give an accurate gauge.
Mearth S is the ideal, affordable model for a first-time rider. Its maximum range is between 15-25 Km, while the maximum speed is 32Kph. The maximum weight of a rider is up to 100 kg. Mearth S Pro, a notch higher has a maximum range between 30-45 Km., reaching a maximum speed of 32Kph and the maximum weight is up to 100Kg. With the long-range e-scooter, Mearth RS, the maximum range is 65Km., while the maximum speed can reach up to 40 Kph. To achieve maximum speed and range, the weight capacity must not go beyond 100 Kg. Mearth RS Pro, another long-range e-scooter has a max range that peaks at 100 Km. While the maximum speed is at 40Kph. Weight capacity is up to 100 Kg only.
How important is the motor size?
Electric scooter motors are measured in watts. The size of a scooter’s motor is important because it basically dictates how much power the scooter has. This affects an electric scooter’s ability to accelerate and climb up hills. For example, 350 watts is usually sufficient for traveling over flat ground.
Why does range matter?
The range is the distance that a scooter can cover on a single charge. The further you plan on riding, the higher the range you will need. You should aim for a higher range than you expect to use. A scooter’s range is affected by the distance traveled over flat ground, bumpy roads, and uphill climbs. As the range is to battery life, don’t forget that the battery should be fully charged every time.
Go for the maximum speed!
All scooters have a maximum speed. It is typically around 25 kph and is fast enough for general city riding errands and purposes. If you are traveling in a city, you will probably spend a lot of time driving slower than that. Most areas have a speed limit for scooters. Don’t go beyond the speed limit, so you don’t fall off.
Rider weight determines speed and range
Electric scooters support a certain weight. This is typically between 100 and 120 kg. Capacity per model is 100 kg for MS, S Pro, RS, and RS Pro. If you weigh more than this, choosing a scooter with a higher limit is important. It’s between 100 to 150 kg for Mearth GTS and GTS Max. Remember, an overloaded scooter won’t reach the highest speeds, as it won’t accelerate properly, nor reach the maximum range, and may cause you difficulties while riding.
Efficient brakes translate to your overall safety
Brakes are an important safety feature on electric scooters. Disc brakes are the most effective option, consisting of a metal disk attached to the tire. To activate the brake, just press a hand lever on the handlebars.
Ask for the Warranty.
On warranty, all well-designed scooters need regular maintenance. An electric scooter must come with a warranty. Mearth provides liberal warranties and top after-sales customer support. Be careful, though, as there are electric scooters sold from abroad that do not come with any type of warranty.
Now, that you’ve read the undeniable advantages, you are better informed on making the best choice. Buying a reputable, well-respected, and established electric scooter brand like Mearth from reputable stores for the first time yourself will invariably give you a sense of freedom from ‘headaches.’ Assuredly, it is a truly worthwhile long-term investment, the best decision you will make.
