Electric scooters are a fairly new arrival to the market, and are quickly becoming the ride of choice. The first reason is the ultra low running cost as compared to a car, and even to a gas powered scooter. Secondly -it is 100% pollution free, and very easy to maneuver even in tight traffic jams. As an added bonus, many find that when traveling within the downtown areas, it is actually faster than driving a car!
Q. How do I find the best one for me? A. Reviews, Reviews, Reviews …
There’s the manufacturer’s review, and then there’s the consumer reviews. The manufacturer review is best for learning features and benefits of each model. Of course each manufacturer will be biased towards their own product. So we look to the end user who has purchased and is currently driving the electric scooter, to find out about value for our dollar, durability, ease of maintenance, and performance, – most notably battery life between charges, and hill performance.
If you are going to have hills to contend with, it would appear that a 500 watt model is the way to go. There are more powerful models as well. Check with your local Highway Patrol or Department of Transportation for information on local regulations before buying your scooter. Each area has limits on top speed and power ratings.
A customer review is the best way to quickly find out about the performance of an electric scooter that will best suit your particular needs. When reading a review, look for outstanding benefits and also problems the owner may have faced. Avoiding a problematic model or brand will save you time and money.
Getting value for your money
As a potential customer it is your personal responsibility to obtain as much information as you can before you put your money down. Avoid purchasing an electric scooter that does not have available reviews or info on it. Unfortunately, like in everything else, you get what you pay for. It is best to buy a brand name with good warranties from a company with a solid past and a long firm future. It is possible to find a scooter that will run well when new, yet because of the way the unit draws power, if built cheaply, it can soon cause damage to the battery and the motor.
The good, the bad, the ugly
To be on the safe side and ensure a long lasting product, you are best to buy from a company that has been around and backs their products. This includes: Razor Electric scooter, MSBL sports, Schwinn, and Xtreme electric scooters who all have a larger presence and are more likely to back their product than a no-name brand product. My best advice is find the oldest dealers in your city and go in to look at what they have, and find out what makes a good long lasting unit that you can count on for years to come. Ask about warranties and service packages.
Apart from these, there are many small brands of electric scooters selling on the Internet. Some are very inexpensive. If you are planning to buy one read carefully the features and exactly what you get when you buy the unit. Whenever possible have a test ride from someone who is already using an electric scooter, this can save you valuable time and money too.
