Power
The power of the motor installed in the electric scooter. In models with two motors (one per wheel), their total power is usually indicated.
A more
powerful motor, on the one hand, has a positive effect on the speed and acceleration characteristics; on the other hand, it affects the cost of the device and requires more capacious batteries, which affect both the price and weight. In addition, at acceleration and low speeds, the scooter can be “helped” by pushing off with your foot. Therefore, in most modern models, the motor power is low — most often in range of 250 W,
300 W,
350 W. Power of 500 W is considered quite high, it allows you to reach speeds of 40 km/h and even higher. In the most advanced models, power is already measured in kilowatts, and the maximum speed can exceed 80 km/h; however, such "monsters" cost accordingly.
However, power also affects the ability to drive a vehicle, because depending on the country, various traffic rules are provided for driving a scooter.
Max. power
The power in watts that the electric scooter motor can develop at maximum speed. In general, for scooters with an electric drive, it is customary to indicate the rated engine power (see above), which ensures efficient operation of the motor for a long time. By maximum we mean power in the “gas to the floor” mode, achieved only in the short term. Using this parameter, you can roughly estimate the capabilities of a particular model, for example, in terms of speed dynamics - the more power, the faster the scooter accelerates.
Speed modes
The number of speed modes in the electric scooter. By switching between them, the rider has the right to choose the most comfortable pace of the trip and change the upper speed limit bar.
Pedestrian mode
The slowest speed mode (approximately from 0 to 5 – 6 km/h), ideal for use in crowded places, children and beginners. It controls the e-scooter while it moves at a safe speed for pedestrians to avoid collisions on crowded sidewalks.
Pedestrian mode is also suitable for leisurely walks and side-by-side trips with walking friends.
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.
