Ask Yourself These Questions Before Getting an Electric Scooter

More commuters are getting an electric scooter as it continues to prove its convenience and efficiency for travelling. Because of this growing popularity, the global electric scooter market is expected to reach US$ 34.2 billion by 2026. If you are considering buying an electric scooter for your daily commutes, this electric scooter buying guide will help you think about what electric scooter suits your lifestyle and if getting an e-scooter is right for you. Ask yourself these eight questions first before getting an electric scooter.

1. What is your purpose for getting an electric scooter?

Electric scooters for adults offer many benefits to commuters. So, start by asking yourself “Why do you need an electric scooter?” Most e-scooter riders bought an electric scooter for daily commutes to work or school, getting around the city easier and quicker, and travel and leisure.

However, if you just want to have an electric scooter since it’s on-trend, then you might not reap the benefits of an electric scooter and find the right e-scooter for you. Knowing why you need an electric scooter will help you narrow down the right kind of e-scooter for you. So, think about this question carefully.

2. How far do you need to commute every day?

Knowing how far you need to go will help you determine the kind of specs that you need for your electric scooter. If you will be travelling over 20 km every day, consider getting an e-scooter with a higher range and battery capacity. Long-range electric scooters like the Mearth RS Series offer up to 65 km of range for a single charge.

However, if you are travelling longer distances than what typical commuter electric scooters offer, then you may want to consider comfort. After all, it can get tiring or uncomfortable to ride e-scooters for a long time. Fortunately, many long-range and off-road electric scooters offer a comfortable riding experience for riders, especially for long rides.

3. Do you need to carry your electric scooter?

If you need to use public transportation before or after your commute, then you should be able to bring your electric scooter inside buses and subways. The best electric scooters for commuting are usually lightweight and foldable electric scooters since they are easy to carry and will not take up much space.

For example, the Mearth S Pro from the Mearth S Series, only weighs 12.5 kg, making it easy to carry when taking the stairs. Moreover, its foldable stem and compact size allow riders to bring them inside buses and elevators. So, if your daily commute requires you to take the stairs or ride public transportation with an e-scooter, then consider getting a lighter commuter electric scooter.

Also, here are some tips that you should know when bringing an electric scooter on public transportation.

4. What is your size?

For riders who are on the heavier side, you may need to consider your weight when looking for an electric scooter since they have maximum load capacities. The maximum load of an e-scooter is the maximum weight that it can carry. Most commuter electric scooters have a max weight limit of 100 kg.

The best electric scooters for adults over 100 kg are off-road electric scooters like the Mearth GTS Series. Off-road electric scooters are built for durability, so they offer a higher maximum load. For example, the Mearth GTS Series has a max load limit of 150 kg. These kinds of electric scooters also offer a longer range and a more comfortable riding experience, which will make riding better and easier for heavier riders.

5. How much can you afford?

Buying an electric scooter can cost from $200 to $2000, depending on the type of electric scooter that you need. Even though electric scooters are significantly cheaper than cars and motorcycles, they still cost a lot for most commuters. So, ask yourself “What is your budget?”

When you buy an electric scooter, just keep in mind the quality that you will get at certain price points. While there’s nothing wrong with buying the cheapest electric scooter available, just expect to have less performance and more compromises. In the end, as long as you get the e-scooter that will cater to your needs and suit your lifestyle, then you don’t have to buy the most expensive e-scooter in the market.

6. Does your city or state allow electric scooters in public?

When you have narrowed down the kind of electric scooter that you need, make sure to check if your city actually allows electric scooters in public. Most cities in Australia still do not allow electric scooters and other personal mobility devices on public roads, footpaths, and spaces. Violators caught riding in public will be fined, so make sure it’s legal to ride a mobility device in public before getting an electric scooter.

If you are not sure if your state allows e-scooters, here’s a summary of the electric scooter laws in Australia. Here are also frequently asked questions on the electric scooter laws.

7. Do you have the commitment to maintain your electric scooter?

Electric scooters are low-maintenance, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take care of them and keep them in top shape. Owning an electric scooter requires a commitment to use, clean, and maintain your electric scooter properly and regularly. Some of these responsibilities include checking your e-scooter’s condition before and after riding, fixing flat tyres, bringing it for regular maintenance checks, cleaning it, and storing it properly, among others. Do you have the time and discipline to commit to taking care of your e-scooter?

8. Where will you store your electric scooter?

Once you get an electric scooter, where will you put it inside your home? Fortunately, you don’t need to have a shed or garage to park your e-scooter. They are compact so they can fit under desks and inside cabinets. Just make sure that you store it inside a container, space, or area that is free from moisture and dust. Exposure to moisture and dust can affect the components of your electric scooter and degrade its condition. Here’s a quick guide on how to store your electric scooter properly.

Choose the best electric scooter for you

Have you figured out if you should buy an electric scooter and what kind of e-scooter you should use? Hopefully, this electric scooter guide also gave you an idea of what it’s like to own an electric scooter. Even if e-scooters are cheaper than a car, it is still an investment to a better and more comfortable commuting experience. Make sure to think about getting an electric scooter properly, so you choose the best electric scooter for you.

For more electric scooter tips, news, and insights, check out more of Mearth’s blogs. Feel free to browse through Mearth’s online shop to find and buy an electric scooter online.