What is an electric scooter?
An electric scooter, also called an e-scooter, is basically a kick scooter, but with a motor and a more stable and powerful construction. The electric scooter's brakes are strong and designed to be able to brake at higher speeds in a safe manner.
It is your responsibility as a consumer to keep up to date on the rules that apply to electric scooters in your country and region. Always check the applicable laws before using your electric scooter.
Rules for electric scooters
The fact that electric scooters are classified as bicycles also means that there are rules on what your electric scooter should be equipped with. It is your responsibility as a consumer to keep up to date on the rules that apply in your country and region. Always check the applicable laws before using your electric scooter.
Features of our electric scooters
What features are you looking for in your electric scooter? How and where will it be used?
For example, if you need to transport your electric scooter in the car or store it in a tight space, it helps if it can be folded up. If you may also need to carry the electric scooter, it’s easier if there is a handle to grip.
The deck
The deck you stand on is usually finished in a grip-friendly material, so that you don’t slip off. The width and length of the deck can vary depending on which electric scooter you try. It is therefore important that you test the electric scooter and see if the deck meets your needs.
Lighting and reflectors
An electric scooter must be equipped with lighting and reflectors when driving in the dark or in poor visibility. Often an electric scooter is equipped with these as standard. If you want a more powerful lamp at the front, it is easy to supplement with a lamp from therange made for bicycles, in most cases these are also suitable for an electric scooter. Lamps can be found here.
It is the consumer's duty to drive the vehicle in a lawful manner.
Speed selection
If there are different people in the household who will use the electric scooter, it is a good idea to be able to switch between different speeds selections, depending on experience or age.
Brakes
The brakes are an important part of the electric scooter. Common types of brakes are motor brakes, disc brakes, drum brakes and mudguard brakes.
Think about the type of brake that suits you best and that your electric scooter should be equipped with.
It is your responsibility as a consumer to keep up to date on the rules that apply to electric scooters in your country and region. Always check the applicable laws before using your electric scooter.
Different brakes
A drum brake is slightly more expensive but requires minimal maintenance. A mudguard brake causes more wear on the rear tyre and means that you have to move one foot from the standing plate to the mudguard, a move that requires some balance. A disc brake is effective, but may require some maintenance and above all it must be kept clean to function optimally.
Tyres
The tyres on an electric scooter are available in different sizes and can either be pneumatic, i.e. with an inner tube, or solid. With a pneumatic tyre, you of course risk getting a puncture but have a more comfortable ride as shocks from an uneven surface are better absorbed. A tyre made of solid rubber often gives a bumpier ride, but you won’t get a puncture. Solid tyres with air ducts to make the journey more comfortable are also available, and they provide almost the same experience as a pneumatic tyre.
The size of the wheels also makes a difference to your ride. A larger tyre naturally provides more stability than a smaller tyre.
Motor
The motor of an electric scooter can either be in the front wheel or in the rear wheel. A motor in the front wheel often feels like it is pulling you away and with the motor in the rear wheel you feel like you are being pushed away. What is best is down to personal preference. A disadvantage of having the engine in the front wheel may be that the tyre can skid on a loose surface more easily if you accelerate while turning.
Range
Depending on what you intend to use your electric scooter for, you may need a longer or shorter range. If you are commuting to school or work, you need to calculate how far you will travel, what the terrain is like, if you can charge the battery during the day and the seasons during which you intend to use it. In most cases, cold is the factor with the biggest impact on range. Other factors that affect the range are the air pressure in the tyres, weight of the driver, wind, gradients, speed and how many times you accelerate.
Battery
Electric scooter batteries are available in a range of different power ratings. The most common is for the battery to be 36 Volts. However, the number of Ah (Ampere hours), i.e. the capacity, differs quite a lot between battery types.
To be able to compare different batteries, you multiply Volts by Ah, giving you the number of Wh (Watt hours). In most cases, Wh is stated in the specification, but if not, you can use this calculation. Taking the best possible care of your battery is important for longevity - you will find tips about this in the electric scooter's manual.
Spare parts for your electric scooter
If you need a spare part for your electric scooter, you can order these at your nearest Biltema store. Welcome to Biltema!
Your responsibilities as a consumer
Don’t forget that it is your responsibility as a consumer to keep up to date on the rules that apply to electric scooters in your country and region. Always check the applicable laws before using your electric scooter.
