Power-up: Board riders
Paul Jones
STACK Editor-in-Chief
From our urban centres to our suburban streets, the electric scooter (e-scooter) is fast becoming the vehicle of choice for riders of all ages. So why are so many people adopting e-scooters as a preferred mode of transport?
Easy does it
For city dwellers looking to avoid congested streets, owning an e-scooter is an excellent alternative to a car for the commute or a trip to the shops or café. And for public transport users, the last run to the office or home is made significantly easier with an e-scooter. The foldable and lightweight design means they can comfortably fit on a bus or train.
Savings to be made
Aside from the purchase price and the cost of charging (the canny rider will charge their e-scooter at work or during off-peak night rates), there’s very little financial outlay aside from a bit of maintenance. You don’t need to worry about insurance, registration, or those horrific petrol prices.
Keeping it green
Outside of the manufacturing process and the production of the electricity used to power them (not so if you’re on solar), there are zero emissions with e-scooters. And they help reduce traffic congestion too.
The fun factor
The inner child is unleashed when you pull away on an e-scooter. Riding one is not only addictive, but also fun; even a trip to the shops can be an adventure.
I’m in! What’s next?
Like anything in life, you get what you pay for. You want your e-scooter to perform consistently and last the distance. Think about the terrain. A city environment with tarmac roads will suit solid tyres.
Looking to take it on trains and buses? Then weight needs to be a consideration. Are you going off-road? Inflatable tyres will cushion the bumps. And if you live in an area with hills, a motor with high torque is a must. Battery life and range are also important factors.
Finally, it’s worth remembering that while most e-scooters are splash and rainproof, they’re not waterproof, so riding through deep puddles will never end well.
Are you ready to roll? Try these on for size.
Things to check before you buy
Before you stump up the readies and secure your new e-scooter, it’s worth taking a squiz at the legals. Like any mode of transport in Australia, e-scooters are governed by a set of rules that do differ across states and territories. Including where e-scooters and e-boards can legally be used and whether e-scooters and e-boards need to be registered with the relevant road traffic authority. Any user of this product must ensure that they check and abide by their local by-laws and use responsibly. Ride with caution and always wear a helmet and protective gear when riding your e-scooter.
Check the rules for your state
^Discounts apply to previous ticketed/advertised price prior to the discount offer. As we negotiate, products will likely have been sold below ticketed/advertised price prior to the discount offer. Prices may differ at airport stores.
