An electric motor immediately does all the things it is installed on, much cooler. But there are a number of subtleties and nuances in the device of the electric scooter with a seat, in its positive and negative sides, in the choice and even use, which must be taken into account.
Advantages and disadvantages
It is clear that an electric scooter with a seat will definitely be heavier than a non-electric counterpart. After all, the motor itself, the battery, as well as the seat, are by no means weightless. But this drawback is not too significant - engine power allows you to "stretch" the vehicle without unnecessary effort. True, carrying an electric scooter through barriers (rail tracks, borders, underpasses, escalators), as well as raising or lowering it up the stairs will be harder. Such a device will take up more space both in the apartment (house) and in the trunk of the car.
In addition, a conventional mechanical device is universally - you can ride it even where there is no power supply, or it works with big interruptions. But this does not mean that electrical equipment must be abandoned in principle. Nevertheless, in most of the territory of Russia, the electricity supply is pretty good so that such a scooter displays all its advantages.
So, sedentary electrified vehicles can travel as fast and as far as even a world champion cannot ride on an ordinary scooter. For transportation of goods and in case of severe fatigue, an electric scooter with a seat is an ideal choice.
Such a device may be equipped with sophisticated electronic control systems for maximum flexibility. It makes no sense to say how nice it is to use such a technique. But much caution will have to be observed, carefully avoiding skiing in damp terrain and in rainy weather. And no one canceled the requirements of electrical safety. But the electric scooter is able to withstand a rather large load (over 100 kg).
Even if the readers of this article obviously weigh less (which is very good), this property is valuable anyway - after all, it will be possible to take along a rather voluminous and heavy load. By maneuverability in the city, the ability to travel to rather narrow places and bypass traffic jams electric scooter is ahead of any cars and even motorcycles. An undoubted advantage of the device will be that it does not create any toxic exhaust.
As for the obvious disadvantages of the electric scooter, it can be noted:
- difficulty folding;
- lack of folding handles (in most models);
- low suitability for skiing in spring, autumn, and especially in winter;
- quite a high price (after all, the production of engines, batteries, electronics is not cheap).
Species overview
The conversation about electric scooters with a saddle is appropriate to start with the fact that there is a clear difference between adult and children's models. Their mass and size can vary significantly. After all, even a landing site for an adult will be noticeably larger than when riding a child. But the point is not only that some devices are light and others heavy, there are much more significant nuances. So, structural strength of "adult" models should be higher.
Even the most active and restless children cannot create such a strong load as other adults. We recall physics - the pressure on the surface depends on the mass of the pressing object.
An adult electric scooter is able to develop a higher speed. Versions traveling at speeds up to 20 km / h have become quite commonplace. Such modifications can be used not only for leisure and entertainment, but also for purely practical purposes.
Many adult scooters can ride both on the street and inside various rooms. The bulk of the models can withstand a load of 120 kg. But the most “hardy” designs are designed for loading up to 150 kg. Of course, they are a little more convenient for practical purposes - however, the cost of such scooters is invariably higher. It's all about thicker metal and other precautions.
Many people face a problem - how to determine how many wheels a scooter should have. Of course, the simplest children's models are available in three-wheeled designs. But already starting from a certain age, boards placed on 2 wheels are actively used. Two-wheeled versions are the most universal. They can be used:
- for walks;
- for sports races;
- for extreme travel.
You can quickly gain speed and make sharp maneuvers without the risk of losing balance and falling. Models with three wheels are more in demand in the children's and teenage segments. They are good because guarantee greater stability. However, maneuvering and accelerating will be harder. However, these shortcomings of 3-wheel scooters are not too important for those who have just started to learn riding.
A four-wheeled scooter is very rare. Yes, it is especially stable and stable when moving. But his speed will be less than that of any other modifications.
But the difference concerns not only the number of wheels, but also their parameters. So, models with large wheels are unlikely to be suitable for a sporty riding style. It is most convenient to go in for sports when the size of the mover is about 0.1 m. As for ordinary skiing in the city, the “average” indicators are most appropriate - about 0.18 m.
Recommendation: it’s worth trying a few “close” sizes in order to better understand what is really needed.
Some people prefer scooters with wide wheels. They are as stable as possible and easily overcome even quite complex barriers.However, the increased area of contact with the surface means that a lot of forces will be spent on an elementary forward movement. True, very narrow movers have a significant drawback - it’s convenient to ride them only on a specially prepared and leveled platform. Collision with any stone, any branch will immediately cause a strong concussion.
The question may arise whether the models are better on thick wheels or with thin tires. There is no and cannot be a universal answer to this question. A lot depends on how it is planned to operate the scooter. Significant tire thickness improves the driving performance of the vehicle, allowing it to overcome almost any off-road. However, at the same time, the mass of the structure itself grows, and resistance to movement increases.
Similarly: thick tires on fat bike type bikes are used to ride in particularly difficult road conditions. However, this does not mean that such models are unsuitable for driving on the most ordinary city road. For a comfortable ride there is enough to increase the pressure in the tires.
As for folding electric scooters with a seat, this option is very valuable. Thanks to it, you can safely transport the device in a car, on a bus, on a train, and so on, without fear that its dimensions will create any problems.
Finally, it is worth mentioning and About versions without a motor as standard: These are electric scooters for experienced riders who can easily find the best engine on their own.
Rating of the best manufacturers
One of the most powerful devices in terms of capacity is now Eltreco Uber ES04-E. This electric scooter works well on both urban and country roads. With it, you can transport up to 110 kg of cargo. In this case, the pressure on the seat should not exceed only 70 kg. Thanks to its strong (0.7 kW) motor, the Eltreco product steadily rises along a relatively steep slope.
This model got to the top because it can safely ride an adult and a child together. All-wheel drive design provides long-distance driving comfort.
However, it is worth noting the weaknesses of the model: the battery charges for a long time, and the scooter itself is very heavy.
Alternative can be considered Zaxboard Rider. Its designers have provided a 3-step waterproofing, which allows, albeit with caution, to ride even in winter.
Zaxboard Rider equipped with 8-inch motor wheels, whose power is 0.35 kW. An ultra-modern integrated computer is used to control the movement parameters. Riding comfort is provided by spring-type shock absorbers placed in front and behind. The battery is rated at 12,000 mAh.
However, due to it and a number of other features, the electric scooter is significantly heavier.
It is quite popular. Kugoo light 350W. This electric scooter has a battery capacity of 8.8 Ah. Designers argue that the product will perform equally well on asphalt and on the primer. There is a high speed of climbing uphill and easy acceleration from a standstill. The front wheel is shock absorbed well and completely suppresses all the bad sensations of driving.
The soft seat also has a cushioning function. Wheels with a diameter of 8 inches are relatively well passable. The design of the frame and the quality of the connections allow you to ride safely with a total load of 130 kg. The lithium-ion battery is highly reliable. The scooter has a speed of up to 30 km / h and will easily travel 35-37 km on a full charge.
At the request of the consumer, the height of the steering wheel and seat are individually regulated. Front set LED headlight high brightness. Yes, and the rear brake light can not be called faded. Thanks to drum brakes, maneuvering even in heavy traffic is simplified. The display of key indicators when driving is implemented using the built-in computer.
Other parameters are as follows:
- Net weight 18 kg;
- charging the battery from scratch in 240 minutes;
- necessary network voltage 220 V;
- optimal operating mode from +10 to +30 degrees Celsius;
- a footboard is provided.
Attention deserves and even more powerful Kugoo Max Speed 500W 48V. A battery with a capacity of 13 ampere hours is placed on this scooter. Engine power is 0.35 kW. When the battery is fully charged, a scooter weighing 20.5 kg will travel up to 45 km. At this point, the load can be up to 130 kg maximum.
Other parameters are as follows:
- 10 inch wheels
- top speed of 40 km / h;
- allowable slope of 20 degrees;
- battery filling in 5 hours;
- ideal temperature from +10 to +30 degrees;
- the maximum allowable temperature values are from –10 to +40 degrees Celsius.
Among adult models of electric scooters with a seat, it is worth paying attention to Eltreco Iconic L. This modification is thought out to the smallest detail and created with great care. The dimensions of the device are 1.15x0.2x0.55 m. The frame is made of aluminum, and the product as a whole weighs 15.3 kg. However, it is designed with a load of up to 110 kg and is suitable even for insecure sedentary eaters.
Curious that the center of the platform was made of cast aluminum sheet. It was bent so that the strength of the metal did not change. In reviews of the Eltreco scooter, the absence of any backlash and the very quick responsiveness of the control to any rider manipulations are invariably noted. Carefully tested disc-type brakes were put on the front and rear. Rubber manufactured by special order at Kenda facilities is resistant to rainy and snowy weather.
Xiaomi m365 differs little from the model just described, since it occupies the same niche. Also used are 10-inch wheels and Kenda tires. Therefore, the reviews noted amazing depreciation even in difficult conditions. The seat is quite wide and soft, so you can safely go on a long journey.
Note: for an additional fee, the electric scooter will be equipped with a front trunk.
Thanks to the motor reinforced in comparison with the Eltreco product (0.5 kW), it was possible to increase the driving speed to 32 km / h. The designers took care, of course, to minimize the backlash. Disc brakes are used, so stopping if necessary is very easy and simple. On Xiaomi electric scooter, the maximum load is 110 kg. The total mass of the device itself (minus seating space) is 16 kg, 5 different speed modes are provided.
But some riders prefer Eltreco Uber ES07-1200W 48V. And such a choice is quite reasonable. This model is attractive for residents of large cities with their intense pace of life. The design of the ES07 also matches the modern lifestyle. The maximum speed of 35 km / h is provided by a 1.2 kW motor. The current is supplied to it from a battery with a capacity of 12 ampere-hours; voltage is 48 V.
Criterias of choice
The choice of an electric scooter with a seat for the elderly and children, paradoxically, is subject to general requirements. It is imperative to ensure maximum safety and stability. It is by this criterion that you will have to evaluate:
- steering;
- brakes;
- wheels
- shock absorbers.
As for the country of origin, there is practically no choice. Only 1% of electric scooters or slightly more are produced outside of China. It is only necessary to give preference to proven, well-known brands for a long time, rather than dubious crafts of little-known firms. Then, most likely, there will be no reason to be disappointed in your choice. Be sure to check and certificates of conformity.
Reading the attractive numbers of speed and range in the descriptions, you need to consider that in reality these parameters are also affected by:
- temperature of the air and the scooter itself;
- road slope;
- coating quality;
- degree of wear;
- weight of driver and cargo;
- pumping wheels;
- frequency and duration of acceleration;
- driving style.
In very adverse circumstances mileage may be 40-50% less than the stated performance. Therefore, it can be taken into account only as a general guideline, and not have too high expectations.
Important: the description should contain information not only about the battery capacity, but also about its voltage. Otherwise, there is an attempt by the manufacturer to hide the current indicator.
A common recommendation is to try on a scooter and test it in motion.
But not even all “physical” stores provide this opportunity, not to mention e-commerce. To buy a quality product, you need to pay attention to other indicators. And above all, on the type of battery. Yes, almost all modern models are equipped with lithium-ion batteries. However, lead-acid batteries, despite the greater severity and memory effect, are good because they almost do not lose capacity in the cold.
If the lightness of the device is very important, you need to give preference to models with motor wheels. With identical driving characteristics, they are 2-3 kg lighter than scooters equipped with separate electric motors. As for the size of the wheels, the diameter of 8-10 inches is considered sufficient in the city. However, overcoming pavement curbs with a wheel section of less than 10 inches is very difficult.
Where there is a lot of tile, pneumatic wheels made of polyurethane are great. They are also recommended for trips on dirt roads.
Important: you must not forget about the properties of the suspension. Maximum cushioning is achieved when the scooter is equipped with pneumatic wheels, and they are both cushioned. Note: very often electric scooters have a suspension on only one wheel.
Operation tips
But the electric scooter was bought, and the owner has everyday problems. The right approach will help to soften them or even completely eliminate the appearance. It is imperative to avoid draining the battery completely. Riding until the charge is completely exhausted can only be justified by very serious reasons, and not by a desire to have fun. As in the case of mobile phones, laptops, they first connect the charger to an electric scooter, and only then to a current source.
If the battery begins to emit a strange odor or becomes very warm, it must be replaced immediately. The same thing happens when some kind of liquid pours from the inside. Connecting the scooter to wet connectors is prohibited. It is extremely undesirable to store it in cool rooms, as well as where humidity is high.
As for trips in the winter, in principle they are permissible. but you must wear warm clothes and thermal underwear. Dress before leaving as if the real temperature is 10-15 degrees lower than indicated by a thermometer. Given the wind and fast movement, this is likely to happen. You should definitely take care of protection against splashes and snow.
Important: on any electric scooter, unless absolutely necessary, you should not leave if the air is colder than -10 degrees.
You need to choose the right way. Even on packed snow is not as dangerous to ride as on ice. If the ice is common, and this is common for autumn and early spring, it is advisable to cover the wheels with spikes. It’s not necessary to go somewhere — you can do the same yourself.
Important: in the cold season, wheels made of polyurethane or solid rubber will be better than inflatable counterparts.
For an overview of the folding electric scooter with a Kugoo M2 seat, see the next video.