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How to Choose a Scooter

How to Choose a Scooter
The Ninebot KickScooter
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
By Nick Miley ⋅ Senior Review Editor
Wednesday August 26, 2020

Do you need help picking the ideal electric scooter for yourself or a loved one? Or, are you interested in getting some information about the zippy, two-wheeled machines that have taken your city by storm? If you're reading this, then the answer to at least one of these questions is likely yes. We know how confusing and, at times, frustrating product research can be; especially if all you really want to do is go scootering. Rest assured, the buying guidance we provide here is derived from our extensive experience testing and analyzing these products. More to the point, our consumer advice is laid out in a simple, step-by-step format that asks and answers all the right questions. Our aim here is to pass the knowledge from our extensive product reviews down to you so you don't have to learn the hard way. For a comprehensive, side-by-side look at top models, check out our review of the best electric scooters.

Full suspension is a must for bumpier commutes.
Credit: Brian Walker

It might seem obvious if you've ridden one of these scooters before (even for a few minutes), but some people might be wondering: why are these dang things so popular? Electric scooters solve a lot of problems, and unlike many problem-solving activities, this one is fun. A lot of people living in congested cities and bustling tourist towns need convenient, compact, inexpensive transportation, yet they don't want to get sweaty riding a bike, or have to develop a new skill that is needed for skateboarding.

Electric scooters check all of the boxes above, and in doing so essentially eliminate The Last Mile Problem belabored by public transportation analysts. Compared to a car, they are very inexpensive, although we wouldn't describe them as cheap. Compared to a skateboard or bike (including electric models), they are easy to use. And, they easily fold up for storage in a closet, cubicle, or car trunk.

That is not to say that scooters are not without downsides. Many cities have laws regulating their use, and they pose safety concerns as well. Laws in your locale should be investigated. Also, personal protection devices — such as a helmet, knee, and elbow pads — should be worn in the event of a fall.

Okay, fine print aside. Let's climb up into the decision tree for purchasing one of these puppies.

electric scooter - ripping, cruising or commuting? there's a scooter for you.
Ripping, cruising or commuting? There's a scooter for you.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Step 1: Who will ride the Electric Scooter?


The first consideration when purchasing a scooter should be the size and age of the rider. Many people purchasing these machines for themselves have a good idea that their kids will want to cruise them around as well. Or, perhaps they are looking for their kids exclusively. Whatever the scenario, size matters. Most of these scooters lack adjustability, and as a result, they can be difficult for younger/ shorter riders to access the handlebar comfortably. Moreover, the controls on the handlebar, such as the brake lever, may also be difficult to get a smaller hand around as the gap between the lever and grip may be too wide. The scooters that do have adjustability only have it in the steering column, which will raise and lower the handlebar height but does not address the issue of hand size.

electric scooter - the glion foldable dolly's handlebar height can be adjusted by...
The Glion Foldable Dolly's handlebar height can be adjusted by shortening or lengthening the steering column.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

On the other end of the spectrum are large and/ or heavy riders. All scooters have a load limit, and these limits vary depending on the motor and battery used on the scooter. So, if you're a retired NFL linebacker and want to take advantage of a scooter's full potential, then check the max load specs on scooters.

Step 2: How will the Electric Scooter be used?


If you've read this far, then you probably have a good idea of how and where the scooter you're shopping for will be used. You might be thinking to yourself man, I sure would like to lower the amount of money I spend on taxis. Or, It'd sure be fun to rip one of these guys around the skate park with the kiddos! Still, others may have both a commute and some recreation in mind. The good news is that many of the models on the market can do both, but there are some important items to consider for both usages.

Let's start with commuting. An important question to answer is how far you intend to commute? Based on our testing, the higher-end models have a maximum flat ground range of ~13 miles before the decrease in power tapers the pace to a crawl. If your commute is longer than say 40% of the max mileage of the scooter, then you'll need to charge the battery before your return trip.

Long commutes may be somewhat taxing on the body. Each bump and crack in the road will start to add up as you absorb these impacts in your hands and feet. Some models sport pneumatic (air-filled) tires, which go a long way to mitigate this issue. Additionally, commutes in heavily congested areas will require increased stops; both expected and otherwise. In this scenario, a dual brake system is a real advantage as the electric motor brake in the front, and a fender brake in the rear dramatically increase braking power and offers redundancy in a critical safety system.

electric scooter - there are a variety of ways to ride a scooter, and there is a...
There are a variety of ways to ride a scooter, and there is a scooter best suited to your style.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Recreational applications can place fewer demands on an electric scooter. Why might that be? Well, for starters, the rider doesn't have the predefined distance requirement of the daily commuter. A super-powerful brake system might not be needed either as usage is often narrowed to off-street travel, say on a bike path or in a park where obstacles are more predictable. Concerns of comfort may not be as high on the wants list as you can stop riding if the experience becomes uncomfortable. However, given the option, having a comfortable, powerful, and long-lasting ride is preferred regardless of the intended use.

Fast acceleration is both more efficient and more fun.
Credit: Brian Walker

Portability is an important consideration for both commuters and recreational riders. You'll need to get off your scooter at some point, and you'll need to transport and/or store it. Most scooter models have a folding steering column that becomes a handle, and some can be rolled like a dolly when folded. Consider how much you'll be carrying the scooter, the trunk space you have available to transport it, and the storage space you have at home and at work.

Alternative Options:
If long commutes are the norm, you might consider an electric bicycle. We have yet to do a full review of these products. However, we have been playing around with a few models, and what we've seen is impressive. They are often faster than scooters and will propel the rider further as well. Additionally, if the battery runs out, they can still be peddled home.


Step 3: Topography and Road Conditions


The next questions you'll want to ask yourself concerns the terrain and surface conditions where you intend to use your scooter. Again, this becomes more important for the commuter or everyday user, but the recreational rider should consider them as well. If you live in a relatively flat area like Chicago, then topography might not be that big of a concern. However, if you live in a hilly city like Seattle, then you'll want to pay close attention to how the scooter you're looking at performs on steep climbs and, more importantly, how well it does slowing descents.

Like topography, road surfaces are less obvious, but nonetheless an important consideration. What do we mean by road surfaces? Here we're less concerned about the construction material (like concrete) than we are about the condition of that material. Here are some things to ponder: do the roads you intend to ride on have rough surfaces? Exposed aggregate? Loose debris? Do they have lots of cracks, bumps or potholes?

electric scooter - pneumatic or solid tires? this distinction makes a big difference in...
Pneumatic or solid tires? This distinction makes a big difference in user experience.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

The focus of these questions isn't to be overly critical of all the surface streets in your area. Rather, you simply need to acknowledge that if your roads are rough, then the features that help mitigate the feedback delivered to the hands and feet should be considered. The main feature to focus on here is wheel type: look for larger (wider and taller) pneumatic tires. The inherent give of an air-filled tire acts as a dampener that reduces vibration and jarring. Pneumatic tires also get a better grip, particularly on loose surfaces, as they conform to the road when weighted.

Another option to enhance ride quality is to look for front and, or rear shocks. The shocks have an allotted amount of travel to absorb imperfections you may encounter on the road. These models typically come at a higher price for their superior ride.

The front and rear shocks absorb and dampen impacts and relay less feedback to the rider.
Credit: Brian Walker

Step 4: Budget


Last, but certainly not least, are budgetary concerns. The price spread across the scooter market is fairly wide. Getting yourself onto a low-end model will cost you three to four hundred bucks while the higher-end models will be a couple hundred more. However, with the information we've provided, you can isolate the scooters that have the features you want without getting stuck paying for features you don't particularly care about. We suggest that you outline the most important features based on your intended use and the specific conditions in your area. The suggested outline might look something like the following example:

Let's say that you're primarily going to use your scooter for commuting to and from work in conjunction with a train ride. Round trip you'll spend 4 miles a day on the scooter. Let's also say that your city is fairly flat and the surface streets are reasonably well maintained. You'll need to carry the scooter in and out of the train station and then fit it into the elevator at your place of work, where it will be stored in a broom closet. Oh yeah, you also have some wrist issues from a fall you took skiing some years back, and you don't want to aggravate that old injury. Finally, you are willing to spend five to eight hundred dollars because you'll save at least that much in a year on tolls, parking, and insurance by using a scooter during the week instead of your car.

electric scooter - you don't have to spend a ton of money to get a performance scooter...
You don't have to spend a ton of money to get a performance scooter if you look for the specific features you want and avoid the ones that are not as important.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Based on what this hypothetical consumer has described, they really don't need a high-end scooter. The commute mileage is well within the battery life of most models. The topography in their area is predominantly flat, so hill-climbing power isn't a requirement. That may also pass on a dual brake system, which is a requisite for steep hill descents. However, having two brakes is a nice safety redundancy. They do need to focus on scooters that are reasonably lightweight and compact. Scooters with the ability to roll when in the folded configuration would be nice, too. Despite the road conditions being fairly smooth in their area, pneumatic tires are still a good idea; they're just more comfortable and grippy.

Referring to our Electric Scooter review, our hypothetical consumer would find that there are several competitively priced models fitting this description.

electric scooter - bells and whistles. kickstands are nice.
Bells and whistles. Kickstands are nice.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

There are several other little goodies sprinkled on the scooters that are worth considering as well. Some models have lights, both to illuminate the ground in front of and below the rider. This is an important consideration if you think you'll be scootering in the dark. Dashboard displays indicating battery status, speed, lights, and gear are also available. A few models even offer an app that pairs with the scooter to monitor performance and safety. Finally, several models come with a handlebar bell, which, while not high-tech, is quite useful for politely announcing your presence when approaching pedestrians from behind.

Anatomy of an Electric Scooter


Most scooters on the market are intentionally simplistic in design, but that doesn't mean that the subtle differences aren't significant. Below is a breakdown of the different components that, collectively, make up a scooter's anatomy.

Batteries


Most scooters now utilize lithium-ion battery technology. Why? Because these batteries are safe, light, reliable, and have relatively short recharging times. There is at least one scooter on the market that uses a sealed lead-acid battery, but we don't recommend it.

Brakes


There are three types of brakes generally employed on these machines. These are disk, motor, and fender brakes. In most cases, these brakes will be paired as disk + motor or fender + motor.

electric scooter - ample pneumatic tires and a mechanical drum brake make the ride and...
Ample pneumatic tires and a mechanical drum brake make the ride and braking characteristics on this model superb.
Credit: Laura Casner
Drum Brake: This mechanical brake system makes use of internal pads in the hub of the wheel that are actuated with a cable. The pads are fixed, and when forced outwards into the rotating drum they create friction, slowing the vehicle.

electric scooter - the gotrax gxl's rear disk brake offers reliable and consistent...
The GoTrax GXL's rear disk brake offers reliable and consistent stopping power.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Disk Brake: This system makes use of a rotor (attached to the hub of the wheel), which spins through caliper housing pistons and brake pads. When the brake system is triggered the pistons push the pads against the rotor. The resulting friction slows the spin of the wheel. Disk brakes are robust but need to be maintained.

Electronic Motor Brake: This frictionless brake system reverses the magnetic polarity driving the motor to halt it instead. This process is regenerative and will put some energy back into the battery.

electric scooter - the ninebot es2 employs a simplistic yet powerful rear fender brake.
The Ninebot ES2 employs a simplistic yet powerful rear fender brake.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Fender Brake: In most cases, the fender housing the back wheel of the scooter is hinged where it meets the deck. When the fender is stepped on by the rider, it contacts the tire producing friction. The more pressure that is applied, the greater the braking power that is generated.

Deck


The standing platform. It comes in a number of different configurations.

Fenders


electric scooter
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Wheel coverings that prevent the spraying of mud, water, and other debris onto the rider. Sometimes a rear fender can double as a brake.

Handlebars


electric scooter - single handle dual brake system (front electronic, rear disk) makes...
Single handle dual brake system (front electronic, rear disk) makes for powerful and reliable braking.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
The cross piece capping the steering column used to direct the front wheel. Due to the numerous devices mounted here (such as brake levers, bells, screens, etc.), the handlebars are often referred to as the cockpit or dashboard.

Steering Column


electric scooter - the razor's single disk brake is operated by a hand lever.
The Razor's single disk brake is operated by a hand lever.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
The upright member that attaches the handlebars to the front wheel. The steering column often folds flat over the deck, making it a carrying handle for transport.

Suspension


electric scooter - the ninebot's solid rubber tires and the mono-shock atop the front...
The Ninebot's solid rubber tires and the mono-shock atop the front fork.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
A number of the scooters on the market utilize suspension (a damping mechanism such as a spring) where the front wheel connects with the steering column. This can reduce vibration from uneven road surfaces.

Tires


electric scooter
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Generally speaking, there are only two types of tires being used on scooters: pneumatic and solid rubber. While some models use honeycombed rubber, for all intents and purposes they feel and perform like solid tires. Solid tires require no maintenance, but they offer a rough ride. On the other hand, pneumatic tires offer a much smoother, grippier experience, but they can deflate if punctured, torn or over-warn.

Flying with an Electric Scooter


Our research has not uncovered a scooter that is compliant with the FAA's regulations for lithium-ion batteries in either the carry-on or checked baggage compartments (anything greater than 160 watt-hours is prohibited). If you need a scooter following air travel, it may prove useful to investigate whether one of the ever-growing numbers of scooter rental services is available at your end destination.

electric scooter - brakes, bells, and lights; some add ons add safety.
Brakes, bells, and lights; some add ons add safety.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Concerns


Many scooters available today have cruising speeds of 10-15 mph. While this doesn't sound that fast, it is enough to get your attention if you fall or run into something. Accordingly, we recommend that, at a minimum, you wear a helmet when scootering. Additional personal protective equipment, such as knee and elbow pads are not excessive. Moreover, if you are concerned with a child going to fast, one may select a scooter that has a lower maximum speed.


Conclusion


We hope that you have found our buyer's guide useful and informative. It is the product of many hours of research, testing, and analysis. This document is meant to convey general information about a class of products. However, if you want detailed information about specific electric scooter models, please check out our comprehensive electric scooter review.