The electric scooters They have revolutionized our cities in a matter of years. They allow us to move from one point to another in a comfortable, simple and sustainable way. They are relatively cheap and today they do not have a series of regular expenses such as insurance or administrative fees attached, which has led many people to opt for these vehicles to the detriment of the moped. If you are thinking of getting one to move around your town or city, these are the The most important aspects that you should take into account before making the purchase.
What to look for when buying a scooter?
Almost all the scooters you find on the market will have a similar design, and will be limited to the same top speed. However, not all scooters are the same, and these are the Features you should keep in mind to choose the model that best suits your needs.
Autonomy
20 kilometers should be minimum, but you have to calculate the use that you are going to make each day. If you live in a big city, this point will be the most important. If you cannot recharge the scooter at work, school or university, you will have to go for a model with greater autonomy. Keep in mind that as we use the vehicle, the battery will deteriorate, so do not buy a model that is too tight, as you risk being stranded when the scooter starts to get old.
Repairability
Your skateboard is going to break. Many times. You must assume it from day one. He brake disc it will end up bending. The side reflectors will fall off if you go through uneven areas. And your tires will go flat if you don't check their pressure every week.
It is not necessary that you get the best model on the market. The important thing is that you buy a model that is easy to repair, or, at least, that has interchange parts and at prices that are affordable.
Quality of materials and construction
A scooter that has the battery in the base is not handled in the same way as one that stores it in the mast. Nor is it the same to take a vehicle with normal wheels as one with rigid wheels. In fact, although many people recommend this type of tires, you will lose a lot of grip, and you will put yourself at risk if you go through any type of wet ground.
Most of the scooter models that we currently have on the market can be foldBut they don't all weigh the same. For comfort, we do not recommend that you get a model that weighs more than 13 kilos.
Occupant comfort and weight
When riding with the scooter you must be comfortable and take a relaxed posture. If you are very tall, we recommend that you look for a model that allows adjust the height of the handlebar so as not to take a forced posture, which can damage your back —especially if you carry some type of backpack or load on you. In the photo that we have posted, the scooter is at a decent height for the girl, but we cannot say the same about her partner, who poses well in the image, but when it comes to moving, he will really take a position uncomfortable.
The same goes for the occupant weight. Each model specifies the maximum weight that the person driving the vehicle must have. In the most basic models, the maximum weight is around 80 kilos, but there are many alternatives that are perfectly adapted to larger people.
Look for a scooter that can manage your weight and also look for a table of the pressure to which you should inflate the tires based on this parameter. It is an issue of both ergonomics and safety.
The best scooters you can buy in 2022
Don't know where to start? Here is a list of some of the more interesting models you can buy during this time.
Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 3
The Mi Electric Scooter 3 is the natural heir to the model that started it all. Currently, Xiaomi has an entry scooter below this product. However, the quality of the finishes and the autonomy of the Essential make it difficult to recommend it, since the Mi Electric Scooter 3 gives you much more for a little more price.
This model has a maximum speed of 25 km/h and a autonomy of 30 kilometers. Its braking energy recovery system makes it very interesting and comfortable to drive, and its display will inform you at all times of the remaining battery, the mode in which the vehicle is operating and the speed. Its price is not unreasonable, and It is the wild card scooter for most users.
See offer on AmazonSmart Gyro Speedway
It is surely about one of the best models you can buy today, not only because of the robustness of the design, but also because of the quality of its components. It offers LED lights in the lower part, where we are riding, but also positioning lights both in the front and in the rear, as well as four turn signals to mark the direction we are going to take at all times.
It is capable of supporting a weight of 120 kg. It has a range of between 40 and 45 kilometers, speed limited to 25 km/h. and a power in its motor of 800W. Of course, it weighs a little over 22 kg, but in exchange we gain stability during the march. By the way, it equips pneumatic wheels Tubeless 10-inch wheels that are resistant and ready to ride on all types of terrain, reinforced double suspension and disc brakes. A marvel.
See offer on AmazonNinebot KickScooter MAX G30LE II
Ninebot is the company that manufactures scooters for Xiaomi, and under their product portfolio they have the MAX G30LE II, a model limited to 25 km/h with a autonomy of 40 kilometers.
However, its strong point is that the brushless motor is located in the rear wheel, which means that we are going to gain in handling and also in safety. Also Ninebot has equipped it with 10 inch wheels, that improve grip and better resist punctures. The front wheel brake is not a caliper, but uses the classic drum mechanism. It is a suitable model for users weighing up to 100 kilos.
See offer on AmazonCecotec Bongo Series A
If you have a low budget and do not want to gamble with totally unknown brands, both this Cecotec and the Mi Essential from Xiaomi are the best options.
This model has 25 kilometers of autonomy and 8,5-inch puncture-resistant wheels. It is not the best model you will find, but it does have sufficient quality for moderate use.
See offer on AmazonIf you want to control it through an app, you will have to jump to A-Series Connected.
See offer on AmazonXiaomi Mi Electric Scooter Pro 2
This Xiaomi model is designed for taller users and also for those who have to do more kilometers a day. The deck is a bit longer, the handlebars are higher. It is also more comfortable to carry when folded.
Its maximum autonomy is 45 kilometers, limited to 25 km/h, a speed that can be reached in just 3 seconds with its 600-watt motor. Its only negative point is that it does not have active damping, although the model can be modified with customization kits.
See offer on AmazonICe Q5 Evolution MAX
Electric scooters work very well on the flat and downhill, but not so well when we have to go uphill. If from one point to another in your city there is a lot of inclination, the ICe Q5 Evolution MAX is a perfect scooter for this use, although its price is on another level.
It has two 1400 watt motors, one for each wheel, a battery capable of giving a autonomy of 60 kilometers, adjustable suspension and double disc brake. You can turn the motors on and off to use them in a simple or combined way and you can configure everything from its huge screen full of options.
See offer on AmazonXiaomi MI Electric Scooter 1S
This model is an electric scooter that is very balanced between power, quality and price, made of aluminum, weighing just 12 kilos, a 500W motor, a range of 30 kilometers and a maximum speed of 25 km/h. It offers a very compact and simplified design, without any exuberant accessories. Install skid-resistant tires, 8,5-inch shocks, and a double brake system that guarantees greater security in the event of unforeseen events on the road
As if that were not enough, it comes in a pack in which it is present a smart inflator that will prevent you from taking the electric scooter wheels lower than the manufacturer advises. Aspect that, as you know, could become a security problem on the streets.
See offer on AmazonEnhance the experience with these accessories
At this point, you will have more or less an idea of which model best suits your needs. However, we do not want to end the post without recommending that you invest in security already from the first day. The scooter may be safer than a moped due to the fact that it travels at a lower speed, but it is essential to be aware that we can do a lot of damage if we fall or are run over, so we must not neglect this aspect.
Head Guards
The regulations on the road safety and scooters are taking a long time, but we all know that sooner or later, in any city in Spain it will be mandatory to wear a helmet. Therefore, it is absurd to delay the purchase, and we recommend that you get one next to the scooter.
You can buy a rigid model, the typical one used for cycling or skateboarding. There are also versions with lights that can help make you visible if you are going to use the scooter at night.
See offer on Amazon See offer on AmazonBrakes
Almost no one is going to recommend this to you from the start, but from experience, we are going to tell you about this so that you keep it in mind from the beginning. The most convenient way to control the speed of your scooter is by setting the electric motor hold to the max. In this way, to take a curve you will simply have to lift your finger off the accelerator or remove the cruise control. However, when it comes to braking properly, most scooters have very basic brakes that can be improved.
If your scooter comes with a single piston brake, the disc will eventually bend. There are very cheap kits that allow not only placing one of double piston, but also, they will allow you brake much more accurately, gaining many meters and also improving your safety and that of others. The operation is not entirely simple, and if you do not have experience changing a bicycle brake, it is recommended that you go to a store or workshop to have it installed. We assure you that there is a before and after when it comes to using a quality brake caliper on your scooter. There are complete kits, but you can also get the kit in parts, buying the disc, the caliper and the adapter separately.
See offer on AmazonMaintenance
Maintaining tire pressure is vital to avoid a puncture against a curb or with an object that we accidentally step on. Although you can use a inflator manual, the Xiaomi model is ideal, as it allows you to fill the wheels in seconds and select the target pressure on the screen without complicating your life. In addition, it has a price that seems very appropriate.
See offer on AmazonOn the other hand, if you are going to do a long journey with your scooter, for example, to go to work, we recommend that you take a allen key set. In a matter of seconds you can adjust the brake or align a wheel, minimizing risks and preventing you from having to return with the vehicle on your back.
See offer on AmazonIn this post we have published links that point to Amazon, and are part of our agreement with their Affiliate Program. Sales may bring us a small commission (without affecting the price you pay). The decision to publish and add them has been made, as always, freely and under editorial criteria, without attending to requests from the brands involved.