For good reason!

They’re compact, environmentally friendly, and don’t require as much work as riding a traditional scooter.

Running on batteries instead of gas, electric scooters are perfect for those who want a more cost-effective way to travel. However, some may wonder about the basic information behind these scooters.

That includes one very important question:

How far can an electric scooter go on a single charge?

This post will break down how electric scooters work, how long it takes to charge, mileage, and some of the best electric scooters you can check out for purchase right now.

How Do Electric Scooters Work?

A traditional scooter requires the occasional “kick, push” method with riders using their leg and foot to get momentum on the scooter.

That momentum will eventually run out, though, and riders will have to use their leg and foot again to move the scooter forward.

Electric scooters, just like electric bikes, run off of battery power so there isn’t as much work required by the rider.

Photo Courtesy: [Mearth Technology/Pexels]

The Motor Propels The Scooter

The electricity from the battery is transmitted back to the motor, allowing the scooter to move on its own.

Based on the type of scooter purchased, the motor will either make the front wheel or both the wheels rotate to push the scooter forward.

Rechargeable Right From Home

As previously mentioned, the electric scooter, like an electric bike, runs off of battery power. These batteries are rechargeable right from your home through any power outlet.

Some e-scooter models have built-in batteries where you’ll plug the accompanying charger right into the scooter. However, most models have removable batteries that come with an LED indicator light to detect the charge level.

Standard Speeds

The standard speed for a typical e-scooter is normally around 20 miles per hour, the top speed that can be used in the bike lane.

However, with recent changes in technology, more models are able to go up to 30 miles per hour.

For additional speed, you would need to purchase an electric scooter that resembles a gas-powered one with a full seat and deck to rest your feet. Those types of e-scooters can go up to 40 miles per hour.

How Far Can An Electric Scooter Go On A Single Charge?

You can always charge electric scooters on the go but you should know how many miles you can travel on the road between those charges.

Depending on the model, electric scooters can go up to 35-40 miles on average without charging.

However, other variables factor into how long your battery charge will last based on how much energy your scooter will be expending.

• Weight

Weight is a significant factor in how much energy your e-scooter will use.

The weight of the scooter itself, the weight of the rider and any additional cargo will impact how much work the scooter has to do. The total amount of weight can decrease the range of the battery.

• Terrain

The terrain where the rider goes on an electric scooter will factor into how much of the battery is used and how quickly.

Riding an electric scooter up a steep hill or other rough terrains will put more work on the e-scooter and, therefore, the battery.

If your ride is fairly smooth, you have a higher chance of the battery’s charge lasting a bit longer.

• Speed

Another factor is the average speed that the rider is going.

Again, if a rider goes at the maximum speed of the e-scooter, that will impact how much energy the scooter is using and how quickly the charge will decrease.

• Condition Of E-Scooter And Battery

Another important factor in how far the battery will take a rider is the condition of the battery and e-scooter themselves.

Researching good battery manufacturers will help you to find batteries that will last longer and give you a better range out on the road. A great motor matters in this regard as well.

Other things that will impact your ride and the overall charge of the battery includes the quality of your tires and the tire pressure.

Types Of Batteries That E-Scooters Use

Each e-scooter charges and travels differently based on the type of battery it uses.

Some of them take only 2-4 hours to fully charge while others may take 7-12 hours, all due to the battery. Below is a chart that breaks down the pros and cons of each.

Charging Tips For Your E-Scooter

• You can charge your electric scooter directly after a short ride. However, if your ride was longer, you had a long ride, let the battery cool down for about 30 minutes and then charge it.
• Do not leave your e-scooter’s battery without a charge for too long. Three months without a charge will wear down the battery. It is suggested to charge it at least once every 30 days, even if you don’t ride it as often.
• Use the original charger that is designed for your electric scooter. Do not try to use knock-off chargers that could end up damaging or overheating the battery.
• When charging, store your scooter or battery away from other items and potentially flammable materials.
• Regularly check the charger that comes with your electric scooter for damage to the cord or the plug.

Considering Long-Range Electric Scooters

If you plan to ride an electric scooter into work, around your city, or across other long distances and are looking to get the most bang for your buck, you may want to consider purchasing a long-range e-scooter.

Long-range electric scooters can travel up to 70 miles, providing users with a longer ride time without having to be charged as regularly as normal e-scooters.

Depending on the model and range of the e-scooter, long-range scooters can be a bit pricey but they are certainly worth the investment.

Below is a breakdown of some of the best long-range electric scooters out on the market right now!

If you live in a metropolitan city or a safe area to ride electric scooters, you should definitely consider purchasing one.

They are environmentally friendly, less work to ride than a regular scooter, and take up less space on the road.

And, most of all, they’re fun to ride…even if you are commuting in for another dreary day at work!

As long as you keep these facts and tips in mind for your e-scooter’s battery, you should be able to maintain your scooter for the long haul.

Thank you very much for taking the time to read this article.

We hope that it has been beneficial in learning more about electric scooters and the batteries that help power them.

Before you go, be sure to leave a comment you have on the information you read.

You can also check out some of our favorite electric bikes and get more information on how much of a charge they typically get as well.

The post How Far Can An Electric Scooter Go On A Single Charge? appeared first on eRide Guides.

However, knowing which e-scooter to buy can be challenging, especially when you don’t know if a better price equals better performance, or if the company is playing off its brand name recognition.

There are a few ways to determine if an electric scooter is worth the money. Specifics like speed and distance, overall quality of material, extra features, battery quality, and riding software are the most common features to consider become purchasing an e-scooter. Regardless, the average price of an e-scooter is $300 – $600.

If you want a high speed, long-distance scooter – you can expect to pay a pretty penny for it.

Let’s look at the difference between a cheap and expensive e-scooter, as well as an explanation of features to help you make an informed choice on your shiny new ride.

Cost Breakdown

Categories of Electric Scooters

E-scooters are considered power-assisted vehicles that don’t require a license in most of the United States, with many cities already implementing a ride-share pilot program. However, unlike e-bikes, there isn’t a class system applied at a federal level. Check the laws in your state before purchasing an e-scooter to ensure you’re following the law.

Budget Electric Scooters (<$300)

Anything less than $300 is considered a budget electric scooter. Many kids scooters cost around $100, while adult e-scooters start at $190 to incorporate taller frames. At this price point, you can expect low capacity batteries, underpowered motors, and sub-par braking. If this is your first time using an e-scooter, or you have a small budget, consider this category. You’d be surprised how many functional and excellent models fall in this category.

Budget Commuter ($300 – $600)

Commuters are the most popular class of e-scooter because they serve a general function of getting to and from work by either using the road or sidewalk. Commuter scooters are balanced in quality, performance, features, and price.

The budget commuter takes you short distances, but is more likely to fall apart after a few rides and won’t take steep hills.

In one of our previous posts, we listed out the best electric scooters for under $500. I definitely suggest you checking that out if a commuter scooter sounds right for you.

Mid-Range Commuter ($600 – $900)

Photo Courtesy: Zera Li/Unsplash

For a few dollars more, the mid-range commuter can do everything the budget commuter does but with more range, more mortar power, and a significantly larger battery.

However, you won’t see a duel-motor variety at this price. Expect to see suspension incorporated into most, if not all, mid-range commuters for comfort and stability.

Premium Commuter ($600 – $1300+)

Although you can find premium commuters for $700 – $900, the best e-scooters fall in the $1000 bracket on average. These models will always have suspension, great brakes, big batteries, and large motors. Although premium commuters are safer, they can weigh a hefty 40 lbs or more, so expect a lot of back pain if you plan to carry it around.

Performance E-Scooters ($1200 – $1600)

Performance e-scooters aren’t necessary for short commuting, but they offer super-long ranges and impressive speeds for anyone with a long ride to work. It’s common to find long-ranged scooters in this category that deliver 40 (63 km) or more miles on a single charge. Performance e-bikes offer premium features like turn signals, hydraulic brakes, and tubeless tires.

Improved Performance E-Scooters ($2000+)

Only the best of the best have a position in this category. Although they are heavier compared to other e-scooters (60+ Lbs or more), the features more than make up for it. Improved performance e-scooters typically have great suspension, long-range (50+ miles or 80+ km), dual motors (speeds above 35 mph or 56.33 km/h), and hydraulically-activated disc brakes.

E-Scooter Features vs. Price

A more expensive e-scooter will come with more features, but some features are more costly than others. When deciding what to purchase, consider the range, weight, max weight, top speed, motor power, suspension, brakes, lighting, tires, and IP rating.

Range

Range plays a large roll in pricing because this feature is determined by the weight of the scooter, your weight, and the size of the battery. As time goes, this number will diminish with an older battery, but most e-scooters, even the budget ones, will see top speeds of 18 mph (29 km/h) and 15 miles (24 km) on a single charge.

Weight

Many commuter scooters are foldable to allow you to carry them on busses or store them in the trunk of your car. Heavier scooters aren’t as portable, but that usually means there are more features (like a bigger motor). Compact, lighter scooters (25 lbs) have fewer features but are more comfortable to use daily.

Max Weight

The max weight listed on an e-scooter is how much the device can take without breaking or slowing down significantly. Most scooters have an upper limit of 220 lbs (100kgs). Anyone heavier than 220 lbs should consider a performance or premium commuter scooter with at least a 500-watt electric motor.

Top Speed

E-scooters can’t exceed 20 – 28 mph (32 – 45 km/h) in the United States to legally ride on sidewalks, and most scooters don’t exceed 15 mph (29 km/h) unless they’re in the premium or performance category. As a rule, high-top speeds are more expensive. For anything above the legal limit, we recommend safety gear while traveling.

Motor Power

It’s uncommon to see motors above 500 watts. Budget commuters usually sport a 250-watt motor, which is more than enough for a daily commuter who rides on flat surfaces. For medium-sized hills, we recommend upgrading to 750 watts or more, unless you’re okay with kicking the scooter with your legs. 

Suspension

A suspension smooths out the road by molding to cracks and hills, leading to a more comfortable ride. With airless tires, a suspension-less budget e-scooter will vibrate your body and become uncomfortable. For both front and rear suspension, you’ll have to at least invest in a premium commuter class, but mid-range commuters usually have front suspension.

Brakes

Photo Courtesy: Sergey Lapunin/Unsplash

There are four brake types on an e-scooter listed in order of least to most effective: electric, foot, drum, and disc. Electric and foot brakes are always found on budget scooters because max speed is low, but drum and disc are available on premium scooters for better-stopping power on wet roads or high-top speed commuters.

Lighting

It’s only necessary to have lights on your e-scooter if you commute at night. Regardless, lights aren’t very visible in the rear so, use caution when you’re traveling at night to avoid accidents. Premium e-scooters will come with lighting, but to keep yourself safe, opt for installing flashing red lights on your helmet to better alert drivers.

Tires

Both pneumatic and airless tires are found in all e-scooter categories. Airless has virtually no maintenance because you don’t need to check air pressure, while pneumatic tires offer better traction and shock absorption. What you choose is based on preference and how much time you want to focus on maintaining tires.

IP Rating

An IP rating on an e-scooter determines the degree of protection against dust, intrusion, accidental contact, and water. Not all scooters have an IP rating, but ideally, your commuter will have a rating of IPx4 or higher (considered suitable for riding in the rain). IPx4 has enough protection to ride in the rain for 10 minutes.

Buying Domestic vs. Foreign

Where you buy your e-scooter can make as much of a difference as its features. Buying domestic is expensive, but shipping is typically faster, and you have better support after purchase from online retailers. As an alternative, buying from China is cheaper, but the support is lacking, and you may accidentally purchase a very convincing knock-off brand.

In my opinion, it’s better to buy from a trusted domestic distributor because you gain more value in troubleshooting support. Local retailers are also more likely to offer better parts, an extended warranty, repair, and potential replacement if the e-scooter is faulty.

Additional Costs After Purchase

You can purchase multiple accessories for your new e-scooter for cosmetic or safety purposes. We recommend getting a helmet for any e-scooter that exceeds speeds of 28 mph (45 km/h) for safety purposes. It’s possible to crack your head open at lower speeds than that, but you can still step off of the e-scooter between speeds of 20 – 28 mph (32 – 45 km/h) but not higher.

Storage is another additional cost if you require a backpack or bag to transport your scooter. For colder months, you can store your e-scooter long-term in your home or garage as long as the space doesn’t dip below freezing. Anything below 32F (0C) could cause the battery or motor to freeze and lead to irreversible damage.

A repair kit is another excellent investment to make for monthly maintenance. You can choose to keep a small repair kit on your person during rides as well. Finally, a water bottle holder can create a hands-free, better riding experience for the daily commuter. They’re inexpensive and attach to the neck of your scooter.

Repairs and Maintenance

Photo Courtesy: Mika Baumeister/Unsplash

E-scooters don’t require a lot of maintenance, but the parts can be challenging to find when you’re in a pinch. Think about ordering a few spare parts like nuts, bolts, screws, tires, and brake pads to save yourself the headache of tracking them down once they’re broken.

Unfortunately, there aren’t many repair shops that off maintenance on e-scooter, so most of the repairs will be conducted by yourself. Although this means you save money on general maintenance, you also have to spend more on a repair infrastructure in your home.

The best course of action is preventative maintenance, especially on your tires. Although airless tires don’t require a pressure gauge or upkeep, they can still puncture.

For all other air-pumped tires, you must check them at least once a week to ensure you have significant traction on the road during rainstorms or harsh terrain.

Besides your tires, e-scooter riders will find that mid-range commuters are sturdy and are only likely to have issues twice per year or every 600 miles (965 km). The brakes, tires, and fenders are the most common parts to break or become loose.

Are you an e-scooter enthusiast?

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Before you go, leave a comment about your thoughts on e-scooter pricing and features, or read one of our other articles.

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