Electric scooters: features, manufacturers and selection tips

Nowadays, on sale you can find not only ordinary, but also more convenient electric scooters in operation. Such a technique is enviable in popularity; it is chosen by many people who want to drive on a more economical transport than a car. In this article, we will take a closer look at modern electric scooters and find out what their characteristics are.

Before acquiring such an interesting form of transport, you need to understand its structure. The electric scooter itself is a traditional, simple model, but complemented by a powerful frame, battery, electric motor, electronic controller. The braking systems in these devices may be different. Manufacturers produce models that have disc, tick or drum brakes.

In the device of modern electric scooters, various kinds of useful additions may also be present. Due to the presence of such parts, transport becomes more convenient and functional. Scooters with the following components are on sale:

• folding or stationary seat that allows you to travel long distances with a scooter in comfort;
• necessary measuring instruments, such as an odometer, speedometer and the like;
• light alarm, which can be represented by a headlight, brakes or a turn signal;
• rear view mirror (as in cars);
• roomy trunk with a basket, where it is possible to carry various cargo;
• wheel suspension on shock absorbers, making the ride on an electric scooter more convenient and comfortable.

The characteristics of scooters of different modifications and from different manufacturers may vary. Choosing such an "iron horse", special attention should be paid to the main parameters.

• Battery capacity The range of the device directly depends on this characteristic. The more capacious the battery, the further you can ride the scooter. On devices for adult users usually install batteries with a minimum capacity of 10 Ah. Such a detail will allow you to cover a distance of about 35 km. But remember that the more capacious the battery, the longer it takes to mimic it.
• Maximum speed. This characteristic is related to the power level of the engine. In adult devices, motors of 500 watts are often installed, and their speed can be 35–40 km / h. On sale you can also find more powerful, faster copies that can be dispersed to 50 km / h.
• Wheel diameter. The specified parameter is directly related to the level of patency and speed of the electric scooter. The larger the diameter of the wheels, the more convenient the ride and fast transport. But large wheels have a bad effect on the maneuverability of the scooter. The optimal parameter is 8 inches.

The principle of operation of these vehicles cannot be called too intricate. Such a technique works due to the implementation of the energy accumulated in the battery, that is, electric motors of such devices with indicators set by the controller are driven.

The controller is responsible for determining the specific mode based on the distinguishing characteristics of its internal equipment. The specified part can be activated not only with the user's command. The main command is presented in the form of the position of the accelerator handle, and at the same time with it the necessary information from the angle sensor to the road.

Next, the torque of the electric motor is transmitted to the wheelbase. Wheels allow the device to move. Today, models are popular in which feedback is provided. Simply put, during movement from physical impact or downhill, when the wheels spin freely, the engine performs the same functions as the generator - it charges the battery (recovery models).

Progress does not stand still, and simpler models of scooters have been replaced by more modern and thoughtful electrical devices. Such a technique is becoming more and more popular every year, as many people try to transfer from cars to more budgetary modes of transport in order to save money.

They have such positive qualities.

• These are economical and affordable modes of transport. They are often compared with mopeds, which in these parameters cannot get ahead of an electric scooter.
• This technique is highly maneuverable. This is especially true of high-quality devices having wheels of the corresponding diameter.
• Most modern scooters can be used in the rain. Their design provides for good waterproofing, which protects the battery, controller and motor from moisture. However, it is still not recommended to check the depth of puddles on such vehicles.
• Electric scooters are affordable means of transportation. To ride the same moped, you must first unlearn and get rights, but for the movement on a scooter, this is not necessary.
• Such devices are famous for high traffic. You can safely ride them in almost any area for pedestrians. This may be a square, and a simple sidewalk, and a park area, and a residential yard. A moped will not give such freedom of movement.
• Fast devices that can travel long distances in minimal time are on sale.
• This type of transport can be called universal. On an electric scooter, you can not only ride for recreational purposes, but also go shopping, to work, for business. With devices you can freely visit shopping centers, go down the subway.
• Using this technique, you can travel long distances with comfort, especially if the scooter is equipped with a seat.
• Electric scooters are presented in a large assortment. They differ not only in terms of power and design, but also in design.

The disadvantages of these modern devices are few.

• This technique is often expensive.
• In repairing electrical models can be problematic and complex. In the event of a breakdown, the original spare part can be quite difficult to find.
• The problem may be a short time. This is especially true for low power devices.
• In terms of speed, electric scooters are inferior to mopeds. But this minus is relative, since there will be enough riders in the city of 20-30 km / h.
• Electric scooters are weather sensitive. In cold weather, it is not recommended to use the devices, and they will not function at full strength - the batteries are not designed for use in winter or cold autumn.

When buying equipment, it must be borne in mind that it is equipped with a shortened base. Electric scooters are distinguished by a shifted center of gravity. The use of equipment with such features dramatically increases the risk of falling forward with it, performing braking. You can fall off the electric scooter in other unforeseen situations where you have to make decisions and act as quickly as possible.

Some manufacturers, in order to reduce the risk of a fall in the rider, do not supplement the manufactured designs with front brakes. Thus, the user is deprived of the opportunity to sharply slow down, which can lead to unpleasant consequences in dangerous situations.

In addition to the risks associated with the brakes, there are other problematic things that relate to the design features of the scooter with a motor. When an electric model hits an obstacle or brakes sharply, the load applied to the steering rack increases. As a result, such events can lead to serious damage to the steering wheel and injuries to the rider.

Using such equipment, one must also remember the danger of breaking the fasteners of the saddle or folding mechanism. In order not to encounter these troubles, you must always keep under control the technical condition of the scooter with a motor. It should be inspected before each exit from the house.

There are many models of electric scooters. They differ by different criteria.

More often on sale there are two-wheeled scooters with an engine. They are presented in a wide assortment, have an affordable price. They are distinguished by good strength characteristics, a high level of wear resistance. Usually it is compact and lightweight specimens, characterized by high efficiency and versatility in operation.

Two-wheeled models have one significant drawback - when driving on them, the user always has to keep his balance. For beginners who have little experience in “communication” with such vehicles, this may seem like a big problem. You can’t put additional removable batteries in this design - there is no place.

Tricycle electric scooters are widespread. They have 2 rear wheels. The design of these products is complicated and more heavy, but they can be driven more and with comfort. These models are second only to two-wheeled vehicles in terms of impressive mass and bulkiness. However, their power level is higher, and these models are available with a large power reserve.

Three-wheeled options can be complemented by a wider deck and seat. These devices can be bought for skating in the country. Often, products are complemented by a compact auxiliary wheel, which is placed to maintain and unload the frame.

Usually an extra miniature wheel is placed between the wheels at the rear and automatically becomes 4 in total. With such an element, the three-wheeled model easily turns into a more stable and convenient one - four-wheeled.

Three-wheeled scooters with 2 front wheels are also available. Such models are rare. To control these devices, you need to have certain skills. These are hybrids of a segway and a simple electric scooter.

In different models of scooters with a motor they put different rechargeable batteries. The most common products with lithium-ion batteries. There are also options with lithium-polymer batteries. These varieties have much in common, but polymer elements are rarely used in scooters - they are not designed to shake during operation.

Constructed with lithium ion batteriesare more common than other options. Scooters with them have a relatively small mass, are durable and hold a charge for a long time. But such a technique usually costs more. Lithium-ion batteries are not designed for use in low temperature environments.

Rarely on sale are electric scooters with lead batteries. These items are cheaper than the rest. They can also serve at low temperature values ​​(though not very long), but the listed advantages are too few in comparison with the disadvantages.

Adult scooters also vary in type of drive.

• With rear chain drive. In such models, the torque is redirected from the motor, which is located in the front, to the rear wheels.
• With a single. In these structures, the wheel is mounted together with the engine. It is fixed both in front and behind. Devices with the specified drive type are very common.
• With all-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive scooter with an electric motor is a kind of all-terrain vehicle in which both wheels are supplemented by engines. This affects the higher battery consumption, but increases the passability of the device.

Today, electric scooters, in which folding mechanism. These copies are considered one of the most convenient and practical to use. When folded, they do not bother anyone, they can be easily stored in a city apartment. You can also meet double option. These varieties are produced, for example, for mother and child.

In most cases, electric scooters are made of aluminum or steel. Models with an aluminum case are lighter, but steel specimens are more reliable and stronger than them.

Electric scooters may vary in design.There are laconic options with a minimum of additional decor, as well as brighter specimens that attract more attention to themselves. Designs can have different colors and color combinations. There are black, gray, green, purple, red, white, silver and many other attractive models - each consumer has the opportunity to choose the best option for himself.

Depending on the specific type of battery, a scooter with an electric motor can fully charge in about 6-8 hours. There are also such models that charge in just 2.5 hours. Typically, the duration of such devices is measured not in time, but in kilometers traveled. Thus, low-power specimens rarely can travel more than 5 km. Experts recommend giving preference to such scooters, whose battery will allow them to overcome at least 25 km.

In the current market, many large and well-known brands have been established, producing reliable and demanding varieties of electric scooters. Take a look at the list of current companies and the most popular models.

• Citycoco. The most popular and famous model is the Seed Citycoco with an unusual design, large wheels and high-quality brakes.

• Nextbalance. The Chinese brand offers low-cost, but multi-functional, easy-to-use electric scooters. The adult model KV-950 is especially popular with a small weight of 15 kg and a power reserve of 30 km.

• Zaxboard. Russian brand. The Zaxboard Titan model is recognized as extremely popular, which can overcome 50 km on a single charge. The maximum speed of the device is 55 km / h, available with inflatable wheels with a diameter of 10 inches.

• Yokamura. Well-known Japanese brand that produces expensive, but high-quality electric scooters. One of the most popular is the RX1 scooter with a folding mechanism, disc brakes, LED headlights.

• Xiaomi A sought-after brand constantly releasing fresh new products for both simple skating and extreme drift. A very popular model with increased engine power is the M365 Electric Scooter Pro.

There are many more famous brands whose products are in enviable demand. These include brands Kugoo, Airwheel, Ninebot and others.

If you want to get a really good and quite powerful scooter with an electric motor, you should pay due attention to several basic criteria.

The device must have a high-quality and reliable battery. It is recommended to choose scooters with lithium-ion batteries. It is desirable that its power was not less than 200W. Note that batteries that are too weak will only be designed for a small power reserve. As mentioned above such devices usually last no more than 5 km (although sellers will overestimate this figure to 15 km).

It is equally important to consider the size of the wheels of the scooter. Experts advise giving preference to devices equipped with tires with optimal dimensional values ​​- 8-10 inches. On too small and modest wheels, long distances cannot be overcome. Off-road scooter with wide tires rides very well, but the impressive weight of such structures should be taken into account.

The choice of the best electric scooter is also affected by its mass. The device should not be excessively heavy. The optimal weight can be from 10 to 20 kg. The equipment must be such that it can be easily brought into the apartment or managed independently if the battery runs out.

On sale you can find models that accelerate to a maximum of 10 km / h - for an adult, this may seem very small. A speed of 15 to 30 km / h is considered more suitable. At such speeds, it will turn out to drive both safely and comfortably.

If desired, you can choose a more powerful option, accelerating to 50, 60, 70, 77, 90, and even 100 km / h. But these scooters are harder to manage, but they are almost always designed for a serious load of 120 to 150 kg.

It is desirable that the wings of the spray be present in the design of the scooter. They protect the user from dirt that flies from under the wheels. It is worth choosing models in which the suspension comes with shock absorbers, so it will be much more comfortable to ride. The on-board computer and reliable, folding steering handles will be useful.

There are many elements of tuning that can make the electric scooter more convenient, functional and beautiful. Often the device is supplemented with such useful elements:

• additional batteries and charge devices;
• sound pneumatic signals;
• additional buttons (e.g. steering wheel);
• minibus computers;
• mud flaps;
• backlight;
• locks;
• lighting lanterns;
• gadget holders.

Devices are often equipped with parts such as a stand for a child and a child seat. These items should be bought at specialized stores.

It is not recommended to intervene independently in the electric component of the scooter if you do not have the appropriate knowledge.

Riding on such a technique follows, adhering to a certain algorithm.

• Both hands should be put on the handle of the steering wheel. They need to be compressed and click on the start button.
• One foot should be placed on the platform of the scooter, and the second should be made several shocks from the ground (this is the starting speed).
• Next, you can rearrange the platform and the second leg.
• Further acceleration of the equipment will be carried out by smoothly pressing the accelerator lever.
• To turn left or right, you need to turn the steering wheel of the device.
• Braking / stopping is done using the brake lever. It must be squeezed all the time during braking, until the scooter accelerates or speeds up.

Before buying an electric scooter, it is worth considering several recommendations.

• The selected device must be tested. This will let you know if the model is right for you.
• You should always inspect the condition of the scooter before any trips. Its design must be in perfect condition.
• Black scooters are considered optimal - scratches and other defects on them are almost invisible, do not catch the eye.
• Whenever possible, the device’s battery charge should be full (100%). To do this, the connection to the electrical network must last as long as indicated in the technical documentation.
• Such equipment should be charged exclusively from the original charger.

See how to choose the best electric scooter for city driving in the next video.