When it comes to urban transportation, most people have two choices available to them - they can either opt to save some money and walk everywhere they need to go, or, they can grab their car keys, burn some fuel, and navigate the bustling city streets faster and more effortlessly. The problem is that both options come with numerous downsides attached to them, and if you hate the idea of having to walk endlessly, but also are put-off by the constantly rising gas prices, then you may be wondering if an alternative solution exists. Thankfully, modern technology has made great strides in the realm of urban transport, and for those looking for a more efficient, less expensive, and consistently reliable way of getting from Point A to Point B, a high-powered and high-tech electric scooter may be the perfect choice. 

Giving you the freedom to go where you need to go, without worrying about gas, insurance, or the physical strain of walking, electric scooters have become a common sight across cities globally, and in recent years their popularity has only continued to explode. Known for being surprisingly fast, and incredibly eco-friendly, these lightweight and portable vehicles offer a compelling alternative for modern city dwellers, and they can turn the tedious chore of commuting into an exhilarating experience. But while electric scooters can be a liberating solution, selecting the perfect model does require some careful consideration, and with so many brands and models available there are some key factors you’ll want to understand before you make a purchase. This is why our buying guide was created, and if you’ve found yourself intrigued by electric scooters, but aren’t sure where to begin, then this article will serve as the perfect starting point for you. 

Budget

One of the main reasons why electric scooters have become such a go-to choice among commuters is the cost-saving advantages they offer when compared to a traditional, gas-powered vehicle. Unlike with your car, you probably aren’t going to need to make monthly payments in order to own an e-scooter, and you also won’t have to worry about filling up your tank, or paying for insurance. Instead, electric scooters offer a fairly low-cost alternative to driving that most people are able to fit into their budget, and while they still won’t be quite as cheap as walking, the initial investment will quickly pay itself off when you look at the long-term savings. With that said, how much you’re looking to spend upfront is going to be one of the first considerations you’ll need to think about before you begin shopping for an e-scooter, as the numerous models available can range significantly when it comes to price. Starting at around only $250, and jumping up in price to well over $2,500+, there truly are options for every budget and lifestyle, and it's essential you consider your financial constraints carefully. 

In addition to looking at your finances, you’ll also want to think about where, how, and when you plan on riding your scooter, as this can help you narrow down your search and find an appropriate model within your budget. For example, if this is something you plan on using daily in order to get to and from work, then you may need to spend a bit more in order to ensure that it will be durable enough to hold up to the frequent usage. Likewise, if you want to be able to go beyond city streets and tackle some rougher terrain in your area, then budgeting for a more heavy-duty electric scooter may be necessary. On the other hand, if this is simply something you think you’ll have a bit of fun with, and you don’t plan on going very far or very fast, then a more budget-friendly model may suit your needs perfectly. Ultimately, striking that impeccable balance between affordability and functionality is key, so make sure to weigh out both when deciding on your overall maximum budget. 

Speed & Range

Once you’ve decided on exactly how much you’re willing to spend, the next set of elements you’ll need to look at is how fast you want your electric scooter to go, and how long you want to be able to ride it for. Both speed and range are two of the most important features of any e-scooter model, and they tend to be the things that riders care most about since they directly impact your experience. If your scooter is too slow, or if it has a battery that dies after a short amount of time, then you’re going to be less likely to want to use it while commuting, and this is why you need to truly sit down and think about what it is your lifestyle and preferences require. 

In addition to your own preferences, you’ll also want to put in some effort into researching your local laws and regulations surrounding electric scooters, as some states and cities do have strict limitations for how fast you can go on sidewalks and on streets. If you do have local limits, spending money for an upgraded model that goes extra fast is going to be pointless, so make sure you’re fully aware of what you’re legally allowed to do before you settle on a model. 

With regards to the speed of an e-scooter, this is almost always going to be measured in miles per hour (mph), and most of the models available will be able to go somewhere between 15 to 25 mph. In general, the faster an electric scooter is able to go, the higher the price tag is likely to be, and this is also true when looking at the range/distance that it’s capable of covering. If you’re hoping to ride your new e-scooter to work every day, go grab some groceries, and also meet up with friends, all without having to charge it in-between, then you need to be ready to pay more for that convenience, as increased ranges require more powerful batteries, or even a dual-battery set-up. For a mid-priced scooter, the average distance you’ll be able to ride for between charges is going to fall around 15 to 30 miles total, although this can vary depending on your weight, the terrain, and how fast you go. If you don’t think 30 miles will be sufficient for you, some higher-end models can easily exceed 60+ miles per charge, or you can always look into purchasing a secondary battery that you can swap out as needed. 

Weight & Portability

As you spend time thinking about how fast and how far you want your new e-scooter to go, another factor that you’ll need to take into consideration is how much it’s going to weigh, especially if you’re looking at options that have upgraded batteries or a dual-battery system. The bigger the motor, and the heavier the battery, the more cumbersome your electric scooter will be, and this means you may find yourself struggling whenever you have to fold it up and transport it. From popping it into your trunk to lugging it up into storage, there might be numerous occasions where you’re going to have to put your muscles to the test with your e-scooter, and having something that’s lightweight and easy to carry will be a blessing. With that said, if a particular model is suspiciously low-weight it could indicate that it’s made with cheaper, less durable materials, and you don’t want to purchase something that is simply going to break after a few rides. This is why total weight matters, and why you should ideally aim for one that falls within the 30 to 50 lbs range. 

Suspension & Wheels

When purchasing a new electric scooter, most riders tend to hone in on the speed and range and look solely at those factors to help them decide which model is the best; but those aren’t the only factors that matter. In fact, speed and range will only impact one aspect of your riding experience, and it’s actually the suspension and wheels that ultimately determine just how comfortable, smooth, and enjoyable your ride will be. Without a high-quality suspension system, for example, you’ll feel every single bump and uneven portion of the surface you’re traversing, and this can be uncomfortable, and leave you feeling less stable, and less in control. Likewise, wheels that are too small can result in a jarring and less stable ride, particularly on uneven terrain, and although they may seem like a minor consideration at first, they can make a big difference. Depending on where you plan on riding, and how much you weigh, these components can make or break your experience, and in order to ensure you get the most out of your e-scooter, you’ll want to look at:

Bottom Line

From your overall budget to the terrain you plan on tackling, how fast you want to go to how long you want to ride for, there are numerous factors you’re going to need to take into consideration as you shop for an electric scooter; and it can easily feel overwhelming trying to balance performance and cost, while also ensuring each model aligns with your lifestyle. Thankfully, the world of e-scooters is incredibly vast and expansive, and with so many brands available, and so many versions to choose between, you now have the opportunity to find that perfect solution that will seamlessly turn your daily commute into an unmatched adventure. With the ability to save you money, reduce your carbon footprint, and provide you with an exhilarating mode of transportation, electric scooters offer a compelling alternative to your gas-powered car or your own two feet, and are a worthwhile solution if you want the freedom to explore your city, without limits.