Looking for an electric scooter? Here's what you need to know
Paul Jones
STACK Editor-in-Chief
Have you considered buying an electric scooter but don’t know where to start? Well, we’ve got you covered. Here are six reasons why we think it’s a good idea.
1. Leave the car keys at home
How often have you driven to the train station only to spend 20 minutes trying to find a park? Or spent hours in urban centres stuck in traffic jams trying to get home? Electric scooters are the ideal alternative for traversing city and suburban streets or adding convenience to the daily commute. Relatively light, these rideables are designed to easily fold down so they can be carried and stowed on a train or a bus. So, the next time you think about grabbing the car keys to drive to the station, pick up milk from the corner shop, or pop down to the local café for a cup of coffee, consider taking a scooter.
2. Cost cutting
No one needs reminding about pinballing fuel pricing, and this alone makes an electric scooter a sound investment. Yes, you still have to charge it, but there are ways to save in that area, too, especially if you have solar panels on the roof. Sans solar? Then it’s worth taking advantage of off-peak nighttime rates (just add a smart plug to set the time before bed), or even better, charge while you’re at work at the bosses’ expense! With no annual rego payments and only occasional maintenance costs, an electric scooter makes good financial sense.
3. Easy as
Yep, one of the best bits about owning an electric scooter is the ease of use. These rideables are designed to be used with minimal operation. Users start the ride by kicking off with a foot like a traditional scooter. A throttle lever on the handlebar will kick the electric motor into action when in motion. Push down to go faster or pull back to slow up. Brakes are either mechanically operated via a lever like a traditional bike or hydraulic.
4. Planet wise
This also ties nicely into the first point. It stands to reason that an electric scooter won’t create the same volume of toxic fumes as fossil-fuelled vehicles, making them a good option for people looking to reduce their carbon footprint. Taking a car off the road in the city and replacing it with an electric rideable also lessens the burden of traffic congestion and helps reduce noise pollution. Aside from the initial manufacturing process device and the cost of producing electricity (unless you’re on solar), going mobile on an electricity scooter is a smart choice for the environment.
5. Space savers
You don’t need a garage or a carport to park your scooter, and it doesn’t matter if you live on the seventh floor of a building, either. Once folded, an electric scooter will fit just about anywhere in a house or apartment. And you can avoid costly car parking fees if you work – or play – in the city.
6. Thrill of the ride
Yes, electric scooters offer all of the above, but it’s easy to forget that riding them is so much fun. Gliding through streets evokes a real nostalgic spirit, and you’ll find yourself heading out simply for the thrill of the ride. Be warned: they are addictive!
Top tips on how to buy an electric scooter and what to watch out for
You’ve probably noticed an abundance of electric scooters on the market. You’ve also probably heard some of the spontaneous combustion horror stories, too. Our advice is look for a brand with a safe track record and a good reputation.
Think about the conditions where you’re going to use the scooter. Will you be riding predominately on hard road surfaces? If so, an electric scooter with solid wheels will suit. Are you going off-road occasionally? Then, for a comfortable ride, pneumatic tyres would be a better fit. Protection from water is important, too. This will vary from brand to brand, but most good scooters can handle a rain shower. However, avoid riding in torrential rain or through deep puddles – electrical components and water are not friends. If you must leave your scooter in the garden or on a balcony, ensure it’s well-covered.
As mentioned, weight is also a consideration for train and bus travel. And you don’t want to carry a heavier model up six flights of stairs. Choose your weight wisely.
Torque is another significantly important factor. In layperson’s terms, torque is the scooter’s oomph. It’s the difference between conquering hills from a gentle start or getting off it to push. If you live in a hilly suburb, the bigger the torque number, the better suited your scooter will be for the conditions.
For obvious reasons, range plays a part in the buying decision-making if long-distance forms part of the daily commute. All scooters will come with a generous manufacturer’s range projection, but this doesn’t account for hilly terrain or off-road conditions; both will affect how far you’ll get out of a single battery charge.
Electric scooters also have rider weight limits, so that’s worth checking out before you buy.
Please note
Things to know before you ride
Ride with caution and always wear a helmet and protective gear. Each state and territory in Australia have different rules and regulations for using your product, including where you can legally use such products and if you need to register them with your state’s road traffic authority. Any information provided by JB Hi-Fi is general in nature only and may not take account of your specific circumstances. It is the responsibility of each user to check their local laws before riding.
^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.
