The Top Five Misconceptions About Electric Scooters
Any time something new enters the public arena, misinformation comes shortly after. Mobile phones were bad for your health. Electric cars would never be a viable alternative to petrol-driven motors. People would get bored of the internet & television would never take off.
Invariably, they turn out to be wrong. Aside from a few times when the doubters turned out to be correct (Google Glasses, anyone…?), the more something becomes accepted as mainstream, the more wild & outlandish the misinformation becomes.
With the emergence & consequent growth in popularity of electric scooters, so too have come the myths, misconceptions, and just flat-out lies about this form of transport.
To help you separate fact from fiction, the Electric Kicks team put on their Mythbusters hats and got to work answering some of the most common misconceptions about electric scooters.
Myth Number 1: Weight Limits Are Just Recommendations
All electric scooters have a maximum load capacity that riders need to keep in mind. Sadly, there are a handful of individuals that totally ignore this because they think, just like serving sizes & best before dates, it’s merely a recommendation.
Unfortunately, electric scooter weight limits are very real, and ignoring them is a very good way of breaking your scooter.
Going beyond the maximum weight capacity of your scooter can result in lower performance and even damage some components. The heavier load puts more pressure on the motor, battery, brakes, and tyres.
As such, speed, range, stopping power, and stability gets affected. In other words, almost all the fantastic things about e-scooters experience a downgrade since they have to work twice as hard just to provide acceptable performance.
Not only that, but not following the limits can be a safety hazard. For instance, if the brakes can’t handle the added load, there’s a chance that the stopping distance may be longer. Not exactly the best way to protect you and the pedestrians. Simply put, you can’t be stubborn regarding this.
Myth Number 2: Electric Scooters Can’t Go Uphill
This is one of the most reasonable myths regarding two-wheelers since some models really can’t handle slopes. But, if you’re looking at the right places (Electric Kicks), you’ll find a world of scooters that are built differently.
From entry-level and commuter kicks to fast and ludicrous scooters, you’ll find an incredible collection that’s made up of models with decent to amazing climbing abilities. Just keep in mind that their scaling prowess can be affected by other factors such as rider weight. Here are some examples to prove that this is a busted myth:
- Joyor A Series (A3 and A5) - Climb angle of 15 degrees
- Segway G30P Global Edition - Climb angle of 20 degrees
- Apollo Phantom V2 - Climb angle of up to 25 degrees
- Kaabo Wolf King GT - Climb angle of up to 50 degrees
As you can see, some e-scooters are designed to go up some hills, albeit in varying degrees. Don’t let this misconception continue to stop you from owning an e-scooter. Plenty of electric scooters are fantastic on the slopes and can be incredibly useful if you live in a hilly area like Sydney.
Myth Number 3: Anyone Can Own Any Type of Electric Scooter
Legally speaking, anyone from anywhere can own an electric scooter. There are no age limits or licensing restrictions placed on e-scooter ownership.
That said, let’s look at this a little more hypothetically - should anyone be able to own an electric scooter? Well, that will depend on several factors that come down to who you are, what you intend to do with the scooter, and where you plan on going with it.
Buying one without understanding your intent may prevent you from enjoying your scootering journey. Think of it as a mismatch, which is rarely a good thing. For instance, it’s not going to be a fun or a safe experience if a beginner buys a ludicrous-level ride because of its more powerful specs. That type of e-scooter should be handled by an expert rider only.
Another example is if you buy a commuter scooter and use it on off-road trails. Aside from the obvious risk, doing that will damage your new toy. With that, the probability is you’ll have to say goodbye to your e-ride. Plus, that’s a lot of money wasted simply because you ignored your purpose.
What’s more, if you know your skill level is not up to par yet, maybe it’s wise to forego any thoughts about getting a super fast scooter. It’s not safe to ride something that can produce immense power that’s more than you can handle.
The search for an ideal e-scooter may take some time, but once you find the right one, it is well worth the effort.
Myth Number 4: E-Scooters Are Uncomfortable To Ride
A typical image of an e-scooter is one where the rider has to stand on a small deck while navigating uneven surfaces. As such, it gives the idea that it’s unbearable to use, especially for daily commutes. Though that may be true for some models, it's a misconception for acclaimed manufacturers. So, stick to the good brands and you’ll be fine.
On top of that, we have a couple of tips for you so you can finally break this myth yourself. To experience maximum comfort even on rougher roads, look for a scooter with a decent suspension. There are a lot of options like the Apollo Ghost and EMove Cruiser, so don’t agonise about this one.
Another suggestion would be to purchase an e-scooter with larger tyres. The wider, the better as well since they provide more traction and stability. As a result, you’ll experience better handling and control over your two-wheeler.
The biggest takeaway regarding this misconception is to NOT be intimidated by electric scooters. While some models really do look like they’re a pain to ride, going for reputable brands won’t give you that headache.
Plus, your comfort level will inevitably increase once you’ve got a good grasp of your e-scooter. And don’t worry, it may be overwhelming at first, but it’s going to be a breezy riding experience moving forward.
Myth Number 5: E-Scooters Aren’t Built To Last
Honestly, there is some truth to this since there are a lot of entry-level scooters that look like they’re built with scraps lying around the garage. Not only that, but the idea of them having a short lifespan is spurred by what’s seen with scooter-for-hires. A lot of renters don’t take care of ride-sharing scooters. Add that to the fact that they’re used excessively and the result is not looking so good.
But, this myth gets debunked when you get an e-scooter from a reliable manufacturer. Several brands, including Segway, Apollo, and Dualtron, are known for their premium quality build that can stand the test of time.
Some scooters can even be used during light rains because they’re engineered to be somewhat water-resistant. Plus, looking after your ride and its components is a big help to keep them in fantastic shape after continuous use.
Clearly, this misconception stems from either a selection of fickle brands or irresponsible owners. Choose and act wisely to avoid riding a scooter that disintegrates after a couple of uses.
BONUS Myth - Electric Scooters are Illegal
We descend into slightly murky territory on this point as laws vary wildly from state to state. Some states let you scoot free whilst others will be waiting to fine you if you even think about electric scooters.
Part 1: It’s Illegal to Own an Electric Scooter
In all states, it’s perfectly legal to own an electric scooter, and as a result, it’s perfectly legal to sell them as well. Moreover, you can do whatever you want with them on private land.
Part 2: It’s Illegal to Ride an Electric Scooter in Public
This is where the real debate lies. As mentioned, each state has different laws relating to e-scooter use in public. To make matters more complicated, each state has different levels of engagement when it comes to actually policing those laws.
As laws are updated so frequently, we suggest you always check your local laws & regulations before buying an e-scooter. Regardless of that, here are our recommendations for staying safe and staying out of trouble.
- Always wear a helmet
- Respect speed limits
- Don’t ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Don’t carry passengers
- Always use a light
- Use cycle lanes where possible.
- Go slow around pedestrians.
Busted Myths
With so much misinformation going around, it’s no surprise that the surging popularity of electric scooters has made them targets of myths.
Admittedly, some might have some truths in them, but that’s only because of wrong choices. Most of these misconceptions are easy to debunk if you only choose to purchase from tried and tested brands.
What’s more, following manufacturer guidelines like the maximum load capacity will vastly improve your riding experience. Even just knowing the type of two-wheeler that fits your needs will amp up the fun and excitement. Don’t follow the wrong crowd and you’ll be cruising the streets with ease or conquering the trails!