How Riding an Electric Scooter Can Save You Money

Are you considering swapping your car with an electric scooter for your daily commute? Due to its compact size and ease of use, it’s not surprising that more commuters are opting to ride e-scooters. Commuter electric scooters, in particular, are designed as an alternative to cars and public transportation. It’s easier to ride, carry, and store. Plus, commuter e-scooters are built for the right speed and range, making them the best electric scooters to use daily.

However, aside from these, one major advantage of using e-scooters is its cost-saving benefits. In fact, a study by the Electric Scooter Insider found that commuters in the US save over $1000 yearly by riding electric scooters instead of driving cars. This electric scooter guide lists down how you can save more by switching to e-scooters.

Lower upfront costs

When buying a vehicle, the initial cost is a major consideration. However, unlike buying cars, electric scooters are significantly cheaper. According to Canstar Blue’s recent survey, Aussies spend an average of $40,128 on new cars. Specifically, the average cost for sedans is $37,846, while SUVs cost an average of $41,697.

On the other hand, commuter electric scooters in Australia can cost from $300 to $1000. Premium or off-road electric scooters can cost around $1000 to $3000 depending on how powerful you want them to be. However, even if you choose to ride premium e-scooters, it is still more affordable than buying a car.

If that seems too expensive for you, keep in mind that commuter e-scooters priced around $500 to $800 already offer decent specs and reliability. You don’t need to buy expensive e-scooters if you don’t need that extra range and power. You can buy according to your needs and get the best value for your money.

No more fuel costs

The Australian Automobile Association found that the average two-car family pays an average of $3,500 per year on fuel costs alone. By riding electric scooters, you slash off big savings from your transportation costs. After all, electric scooters don’t have engines, so they don’t need fuel to run. If you don’t have a car in the first place, choosing to buy an e-scooter instead will save you a lot on car costs.

Because of their convenience and affordability, electric scooters are perfect for working adults who don’t have families yet. However, families can definitely still benefit from e-scooters as it’s a great way for family members to travel short distances.

Eliminates parking fees

Did you know that Australia has the most expensive off-street parking in the world? The Parkopedia 2019 Global Parking Index reported that the average daily price of off-street parking in the country is USD29.71. This amount was a 6.6% increase from 2017. Meanwhile, in terms of city ranking, Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane ranked in the top 10.

No matter where you are in the world, parking space is one of the pain points of city car drivers. However, electric scooters eliminate the need for parking thanks to their compact size, light weight, and foldable body. E-scooter riders can easily fold and carry it after using it. Plus, they can store it easily under office tables, inside cabinets, or even large lockers. Naturally, you also eliminate the need to pay for parking fees. So, you will no longer have to worry about finding a parking space and paying for it.

Low maintenance costs

According to Budget Direct car servicing and tyre maintenance cost around $29.41 weekly if you live in major cities. That’s over $1,500 of car maintenance costs in a year. Electric scooters contain fewer parts and are less maintenance compared to owning a car or motorcycle, so it has less maintenance cost. Moreover, decent electric scooters don’t break down easily and will last longer, unless you don’t take care of it or ride it recklessly. If there will be any maintenance needed, it often would be tyre changes, which are not that expensive.

However, the most expensive part that you might have to pay for if it’s damaged is the battery. The specific price depends on the e-scooter model, but it can cost from $150 to $500 for an average model. For example, the Mearth S battery costs $369. Overall, your total annual maintenance cost is significantly cheaper than a car’s maintenance cost.

No need for insurance

Finally, there’s no need to pay for insurance. A survey by Mozo in 2019 found that Aussies pay an average of $1,131 a year for car insurance. Moreover, the area you live in is one factor of how much you pay. For example, car owners in Queensland pay an average of $866, while those in the Northern Territory pay an average of $1,742. Car insurance is important and will save you money later on. However, it can still put a strain on your budget.

However, this does not mean that you don’t need insurance for your electric scooter. As with any vehicle, you can still be prone to risks and accidents. Many insurance companies are starting to offer e-scooter insurance policies to support e-scooter riders. However, rest assured that it might not cost as much as car insurance.

Are electric scooters worth the money?

The short answer is yes. With an affordable upfront cost and little running costs, riding an electric scooter compared to riding a car or motorcycle offers better cost savings for individuals and families. As long as you take care of your electric scooter, then you can get the most out of your unit.

However, how does an electric scooter compare to public transportation? Will it still be cheaper? Mearth answers the question: Are Electric Scooters Cheaper than Public Transportation? Read on to find out!