Range
The maximum distance that an electric scooter can travel on a single battery charge.
Usually the range is indicated for a flat road and driving only on an electric motor, without the help of a rider. So this indicator is quite conditional, in practice, the distance of the trip may be either less or more, depending on the characteristics of the road and driving style. Nevertheless, according to the claimed range, it is quite possible to estimate the autonomy of different models and compare them with each other.
Note that a
large range (more than 50 km) requires capacious batteries, which affects the dimensions and weight of the device. The real need for such autonomy is not required so often, especially since many electric scooters are quite capable of driving in the usual way, without the use of an electric motor.
Max. speed
A high top speed gives you more riding options and reduces travel time. However, it requires powerful motors and capacious batteries, which affects the price and weight of the scooter. In addition, the faster the scooter, the more careful you need to be when driving. Therefore, most of the electric scooters have a speed of
25 km / h or a little more -
30 km / h.
Max. climbing angle
The maximum climbing angle that an electric scooter can overcome on engine power alone, without the help of legs. Models with engines of the same power may differ in this indicator (due to the difference in torque and wheel size).
Note that in the specifications the angle is usually indicated in degrees, while on road signs it is given as a percentage (1% corresponds to a rise of 1 m for every 100 m of horizontal movement). However, this moment is not particularly critical: if you often have to overcome a certain hill, you can clarify its slope by converting percentages into degrees (and vice versa) according to special tables. In addition, if the angle turns out to be too large, nothing prevents you from helping the scooter with your foot, in extreme cases, to overcome the climb on foot.
Wheels
The type and size of wheels used in an electric scooter.
The size is selected by the manufacturer depending on the general purpose of the scooter - whether it is an asphalt road or rough terrain. If we compare similar models with different wheel diameters, then it is worth considering that the larger the wheels, the better they work out the bumps in the road, the higher the cross-country ability and softness of the ride. And small wheels, in turn, are great for smooth asphalt and dynamic driving, they easily accelerate and allow you to make sharp turns.
As for the different types of wheels, there are polyurethane, rubber, inflatable. More about each:
- Polyurethane. Wheels with solid polyurethane tyres. This material provides good cushioning, high-quality grip and at the same time good rolling; it is resistant to temperature extremes and damage, durable, while it is inexpensive.
— Rubber. In this case, we mean wheels with a solid rubber tyre (inflatable wheels are moved to a separate pick-up point). According to the main characteristics, rubber is similar to the polyurethane described above, and in some moments even surpasses it. So, such tyres do not make noise, smooth out the roughness of the asphalt well, have excellent grip and provide high braking efficiency. On the other hand, this material is less durable and does not tolerate temperature extremes.
— Inflatable. The most advanced type of wheels found in modern...scooters. Wheels of this type have an inflatable tyre (as in bicycles), which provides excellent shock absorption, tight grip and high flotation. The disadvantages of inflatable tyres, in addition to the price, include sensitivity to punctures and increased maintenance complexity: you need to monitor the pressure and, if necessary, inflate the tyre.
Suspension
The presence of a suspension makes the ride more comfortable, smoothing out vibrations and shaking when moving on an uneven roadway, but reduces control accuracy.
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Front. In models with such shock absorption, the corresponding dampening device is installed only on the front wheel, while the rear wheel is rigidly fixed. Electric scooters with a front shock absorber combine good handling and provide comfortable movement on bad roads or over rough terrain.
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Front and rear. An advanced type of shock absorption system on both wheels of an electric scooter. Models with double cushioning are the best at damping the vibrations felt by the rider and providing proper traction on rough trails.
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No suspension. In electric scooters without suspension, the wheels are rigidly attached to the frame. This design is simple. However, the rider feels all the bumps of the road in full.
Voltage
In general, this parameter is of secondary importance; in fact, it is needed mainly when looking for a spare / replacement battery or a third-party charger. When choosing, it is worth paying attention to characteristics that are closer to practice - in particular, directly claimed speed and power reserve.
Signal / bell
The presence of a bell or other sound signal in the kit. Such a device is useful for warning others about the movement of the scooter, it allows you to avoid unpleasant incidents.
Dustproof, waterproof
The degree of protection against dust and moisture provided in the scooter.
This indicator is shown according to the IP standard and in the classic format is indicated by two numbers — for example, IP54. In this case, the first digit means the level of protection against dust and foreign objects, its value can be as follows:
- 4 - protection against foreign objects with a size of 1 mm or more;
- 5 - dust resistance (a small amount of dust can get inside, which does not affect the operation of the device);
- 6 - full dustproof.
The level of water protection, in turn, can be as follows:
- 4 - protection against splashes from any direction, allows you to endure rain without consequences;
- 5 - protection against water jets from any direction, resistance even to severe weather;
In some models, instead of the first digit, "X" is put - for example, IPX4. This means that dust resistance has not been tested, and only moisture resistance should be taken into account.
