Everything You Need To Know About E-Scooters

To start with, can you explain what an e-scooter is and how it works?
An e-scooter (where ‘e’ stands for electric) looks much like a traditional push scooter with two wheels and a deck to stand upon. The difference is that an e-scooter is fitted with, and powered by, an electric motor (or two) inside the wheel. These motors range in size, with 250W-500W the most common. 
 
What’s interest been like recently? 
Interest levels and sales of e-scooters have gone up phenomenally since Covid-19 became widespread in the UK. This is partly driven by a decreased level of available public transport, but more importantly by the desire to find a hygienic mode of transport that maintains our new-found clean air quality and doesn’t cost as much as an e-bike or electric car. Travelling by e-scooter offers no shared touch points (if it’s privately owned) and no shared enclosed air space – it’s ideal for a short urban commute. Plus, most e-scooters can be folded up and easily carried, which is ideal for riders who want to cut time spent on trains or tubes. 
 
Are you allowed to use one on the road and pavement?
Privately owned e-scooters are currently illegal to use on UK roads, cycle paths and pavements. They must be used on private land with the owner’s consent. However, since the beginning of this year the government has made a number of announcements regarding the introduction of e-scooter trials, saying they would be fast-tracked as part of the fight against Covid-19. In its latest announcement this week, the government has said rental e-scooters from companies such as Voi and Spin are legal for road use from this weekend. 
 
How safe are they?
When ridden on the roads and cycle paths, e-scooters are just as safe as bikes. They are not designed to be ridden on pavements. We encourage riders to wear high-visibility clothing and helmets, plus use daytime running lights to be extra safe. 
 
Do they need to be charged? If so, how regularly? 
Yes they do. The motor is powered by a hidden lithium ion battery which allows the scooter to travel long distances on electric power alone. It’s charged via your home wall socket, just like a phone. We recommend that your first charge should be for eight hours in order to fully ‘prime’ the battery cells. Although your e-scooter doesn’t need to be charged after every use, consider putting it on charge at the end of each day, even if your battery is only partly discharged. Doing so will help make sure the battery retains as much of its capacity as possible through its lifetime, reducing the likelihood of needing to replace it in the future.
 
What type of brakes do they use? 
Braking on an e-scooter can be via a disk brake or drum brake, like those found on a bicycle. Some models have a rear foot brake like a traditional scooter. Many e-scooters even use an electric brake, which slows the scooter using the same electric motor that powers it.
 
Are there different types of tyres for different models of e-scooters?
Like push scooters, e-scooters can come fitted with air-filled tyres or solid rubber tyres. The former makes for a significantly more comfortable ride, but the latter ensures your e-scooter is puncture free. Air tyres need to be pumped to the required amount regularly (we suggest weekly) to keep your scooter performing as it should.
 
What speed can they reach?
The best-selling e-scooters can reach approximately 15mph, as that’s where most European countries set their speed limits for these kinds of devices. There are models that go up to 40mph but, just because it can go that fast, doesn’t mean you should drive it at maximum speed everywhere. 
 
How lightweight are they?
The smallest e-scooters can be as light as 10kg, then as motor size, speed and build quality increase they can go up to 32kg. Typically, the best-sellers that achieve reasonable reliability, speed and range will be approximately 12.5-15kg. The weight you opt for will depend on your build plus what you’ll be using it for. 
 
What’s the maintenance like?
Looking after an e-scooter is much like looking after a car – you can leave it until something goes wrong or you can have it regularly looked at. The latter will generally mean you get more life out of your e-scooter. We recommend a six-monthly service for those who use their e-scooter regularly. These are available via our service centres in our 12 nationwide stores. 

Interested in investing in an e-scooter? Tom says...

DON’T skip a warranty. The best warranties are supplier-held but backed by the manufacturer, so were your retailer to not be around in the future, your e-scooter would remain protected. Look for a two-year warranty if possible.

DO take your height into account. If you are particularly tall, consider an e-scooter with adjustable handlebars.

DO consider wheel size. The bigger the wheel, the easier it is to safely navigate through a pothole. We recommend an 8-10in wheel size.

DO check your weight against the load capacity and take it into account when choosing what motor size you opt for. Some smaller, cheaper e-scooters will have a lower weight limit and small motor, which can result in a heavier or taller rider struggling to reach maximum speed. If you are larger or taller than average, consider a motor greater than 250W in size. Also, most e-scooters have a maximum load capacity – stick to it otherwise your ability to climb hills will be compromised. Warranties can also be voided if you are over the maximum weight.

DO consider how you will use it. If you think you might need to carry it up flights of stairs, for example, instead of parking it in a hallway or garage, choose a lightweight model you know you can lift comfortably. Test how easily you can fold the model you’re considering. This is especially important for those taking it on part of their commute.

DON’T forget about range. If your e-scooter is for a specific, regular journeys, consider the distance and whether many hills are involved, and check the range specification in relation to this. The further you go and the hillier your journey, the greater the range you will require.

DO buy official UK stock – that is, an e-scooter made to be sold here in the UK. Your warranty needs to be UK-based and your charger needs to be designed for use here. Shop with an electric mobility specialist that stocks a large range of e-scooters. If the retailer has the required expertise, they can comfortably guide you through your decision process.

 
Check out our roundup of the best e-scooters on the market right now below...

For more information, visit PureElectric.com