How to Find the Right Electric Scooter Based on Your Commute

There is no perfect electric scooter. But you can find one that meets your daily commuting needs. Your electric scooter of choice should be able to withstand your roads and run long enough for your travel, without sacrificing safety and comfort.

The best way to find out which electric scooter fits you is by taking a look at your daily commute. Do you need a portable electric scooter to bring to work? Do you need something durable for regular long-distance use? We’ll take a look at three different types of commuters and see which electric scooter fits them best.

The 3 Types of Commuters and their Electric Scooters

1. The Practical Commuter

Practical commuters need an electric scooter for work or short trips. Their commute takes them through relatively flat roads and occasionally small hills. They need something that’s light and portable. They have to carry the electronic scooter a few sets of stairs. They don’t need a fancy or high-performing scooter, just something that will do the job.

If this is you, then you’re in luck. Budget electric scooters are a good choice for entry-level e-scooters. They retail for $600-$900. The challenge here is to find the right price-to-practicality ratio because your options are limited. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss:

• A tested range of at least 11 km
• Can manage a 10 km/h on 10% grade hill
• Basic display for battery life, speed, and speed modes (if not it should have a smartphone app)
• A handlebar that is wide enough for you
• A deck that is wide enough for your feet and has at least 3 inches of ground clearance
• Easy to use and sturdy folding mechanism
• Easy to carry
• Air-filled or pneumatic tyres to substitute for suspension
• Responsive regenerative and disc brakes

2. The Explorer

Explorers need an all-around electric scooter with a range of more than 25km. Their commute takes them to uneven roads and a few steep hills. They don’t mind if the electric scooter weighs a bit more, as long it’s durable for regular use. They can afford more than a budget electric scooter, maybe around $1000. They intend to use the electric scooter not just for work or a quick trip to the store. They’ll go around the city to have some fun now and then.

If you are an explorer, a versatile midrange electric scooter is a good fit. It has a bigger motor and battery than a budget electric scooter, but still light enough to be modestly portable. The price range for these electric scooters is $900-$1200. Here are the features you need to include:

• A tested range of at least 23km
• Sustain 14km/h on a 10% grade hill
• LED display that is clear under the sunlight
• A sturdy build with a spacious deck
• The deck should have ground clearance of more than 3-inches
• High-mounted front lights
• Pneumatic tires if you need to ride on wet roads
• Suspension for electric scooters that are more than $1000
• Low-maintenance drum brake

Some midrange electric scooters offer a hot-swappable battery. Make sure that it’s easy to replace the battery if you prefer this feature.

3. The Ranger

Rangers deal with mixed road conditions that include unpaved roads and steep hills. They need a big battery to last for long-distance commuting of about 30km. This would also require a set of features that provide a comfortable and safe ride. They are willing to invest in electric scooters, but they’re not exactly looking for the ATVs of electric scooters.

Rangers are not exactly thrill-seekers who demand high-performance electric scooters. But because their commute involves light-off road use, their needs lean more towards premium electric scooters. The price range for premium electric scooters starts at $1200. To make sure you spend your budget on the right features, here’s what you should include:

• Higher than the average maximum weight capacity of 99 kgs if the electric scooter weighs more than 18 kg
• A tested range of at least 34 km/h
• Sustain 16 km/h on 10% grade hill
• Ergonomic handlebar with tactile buttons for throttle and LED display
• Rugged build and solid folding mechanism
• Handbrake instead of a button for braking
• Dual pneumatic or tubeless tyres
• Dual suspension system
• Redundant braking system; combining disc, drum, and foot brake
• A braking distance of fewer than 16 feet for safety

You’re not required to fit in these three categories, especially if you are not limited by budget. After all, electric scooters offer mobility based on the rider’s lifestyle. These suggestions are meant to help you make informed choices on your purchase. You may think of yourself as a Ranger or Thrill seeker, but your actual needs fit more of an Explorer. The opposite can also be true. Whatever your needs may be, the electric scooter is a cost-efficient way to travel around the city without all the hassles of their gas-guzzling counterpart.