e-Scooter Buyer’s Guide
Welcome to our e-Scooter Buyer’s Guide! Whether you're new to the world of electric scooters or looking to upgrade, this guide will help you navigate the options available. E-scooters come in a range of prices to fit any budget and offer various features to suit different riding needs. From sturdy construction and impressive battery life to advanced safety features and modern conveniences, there's an e-scooter for everyone. Explore the essentials to find the perfect match for your lifestyle and start riding today!
Pricing
The wide range of e-scooter prices directly reflects the quality of materials and reliability of each model. The lower end of the price spectrum often features scooters crafted from cheaper materials, leading to a shorter lifespan and inferior performance.
On the flip side, pricier options boast higher quality components that promise enhanced performance, durability, and safety.
Here's a breakdown of how price tags correlate with e-Scooter quality and intended use:
$800–$1,700 AUD
Mid-range e-scooters cater to daily commuting or longer journeys. They boast superior components, sturdy structure, and potential additional features compared to their budget counterparts.
Below $800 AUD
E-scooters within this price range fall into the low-end category, suitable for occasional or light rides. However, they might not meet the demands of riders seeking frequent use or those with specialised requirements.
Above $1,700 AUD
High-end e-scooters are tailored for specialised use, such as off-road adventures or regular commuting. They boast top-tier components, cutting-edge technology, and purpose-built designs for optimal performance, reliability, and safety.
Features
When selecting your e-scooter, consider your needs, usage patterns, and the best balance of quality and performance within your budget.
Familiarise yourself with the diverse classes of e-scooters to find the perfect match for your requirements:
Motor
Single Motor
With a maximum speed of 50 km/h, single hub electric scooters offer an ideal option for everyday riding on relatively flat or moderately hilly terrain. They are budget-friendly and particularly suitable for beginners!
Dual Motor
Seeking more power? Dual motor e-scooters are the most potent and fastest type, featuring increased top speeds, superior climbing abilities, and greater load capacities. Although they may require longer charging times due to larger batteries, their prowess in hill climbing and extended range make them a worthwhile investment.
Throttle
Trigger Throttle
It is the most common type used in high-performance electric scooters and provides precise control and tunability. Designed to give riders control over functions like torque, acceleration strength, and more. EY3 and QS-Q4 are the two most common types of trigger throttles;
EY3 Throttle: It is ideal for professional riders who want detailed control and real-time feedback, particularly those who frequently adjust riding modes or customise performance settings.
Pros
User-friendly Interface
LCD display provides real-time data
Comprehensive user control
Cons
Complex settings for beginners
Finger fatigue over long rides
QS-Q4 Throttle: Features a backlit display with a 5-color font and additional features like a USB port. Some versions are weatherproof, offering better protection against the elements.
Pros
Enhanced display
Waterproofing offers additional protection
Thumb Throttle
Cons
Complex design. Not suitable for beginners
Not all versions are waterproof
The thumb throttle is commonly seen in entry-level electric scooters and is known for its ergonomic design. It allows riders to maintain a full grip on the handlebars while controlling the throttle with their thumb. While thumb throttles vary in quality and design, they are generally more durable and weather-resistant than other types.
Pros
Easy to use for riders with limited hand strength
Good for beginners’ use
Does not interfere with brake activation
Twist Throttle
Cons
Upgrades can be difficult
Harder to modulate than trigger throttle, especially in rough terrains
The twist throttle is a less common type on electric kick scooters, resembling the throttle mechanism on motorcycles. It allows riders to accelerate by gripping and rotating the handgrip towards themselves and is more commonly found on seated scooters.
Pros
Easy operation for motorcycle users
Ergonomic design for ease of rider during long rides
Cons
Limited availability and replacement options
Requires full-hand operation, can interfere with brake lever access.
Suspension
Spring-based Suspension
Spring-based suspensions are among the most common types used in electric scooters. They use coiled metal springs to absorb shocks and vibrations, providing a smoother ride over uneven terrain. These suspensions are popular for their simplicity, effectiveness, and durability. The 4 commonly seen spring-based suspensions are
Spring Suspension combined with PU Composite: Combines traditional spring suspension with a PU (polyurethane) composite material, enhancing the suspension's ability to absorb shocks and provide a smoother ride.
Coil Spring Suspension: Coil springs are installed both at the front and rear of the scooter, providing decent shock absorption and a balanced ride.
Dampened Coil Suspension: Offers adjustability, allowing riders to fine-tune the damping effect for improved comfort and handling.
Quad Spring Suspension: Incorporates four springs to provide superior shock absorption, stability, and balance, making it suitable for more rugged terrains.
Pros
Easy operation for motorcycle users
Ergonomic design for ease of rider during long rides
Cons
Limited availability and replacement options
Requires full-hand operation, can interfere with brake lever access
Cantilever Suspension
Cantilever suspensions use a lever mechanism to provide a high degree of travel and shock absorption. They are typically found in high-performance or off-road electric scooters.
CIDLI (Cantilevered Independent Dynamic Linkless Suspension) is a specialised cantilever suspension system offering high travel. The adjustable nature of the suspension allows riders to customize the ride feel, and the interchangeable cartridges offer further customization options based on different riding conditions or preferences.
Pros
Superior shock absorption; better comfort in rough terrains
Greater customizable ability; allows fine-tuning
Improved stability
Rubber Suspension
Cons
Higher cost
Higher level of complexity; requires more technical knowledge for operation
Adds to the e-scooter weight
Rubber suspensions use rubber blocks or bushings to absorb shocks and vibrations. This type of suspension is often found in scooters where simplicity, durability, and low maintenance are prioritized. Rubber suspensions are generally lighter and more resistant to weather conditions compared to other suspension types. Some versions come with the additional feature of replaceable cartridges.
Pros
Durable and long-lasting
Low maintenance
Customisable
Cons
Limited shock absorption
Less responsive
Tyre
Pneumatic Tyres
Pneumatic tyres work by holding air inside an inner tube or directly within the tyre itself (in the case of tubeless models). The air acts as a cushion, absorbing the impact from rough surfaces and providing a smoother, more controlled ride. Whether you’re navigating city streets or hitting the occasional off-road path, pneumatic tyres help ensure that your journey is as comfortable as possible.
Pros
Superior shock absorption
Excellent grip, even on wet surfaces
Suitable for all terrains
Cons
Regular maintenance and air pressure checks
Chances of getting a flat tyre
Solid Tyres
These tyres are made entirely of rubber or similar materials, which means you never have to worry about flats or checking air pressure. For many riders, this "no-fuss" approach is a big win. However, the trade-off is that they don’t offer the same level of comfort as pneumatic tyres. Since there’s no air cushion, you’ll feel more of the bumps and vibrations from the road.
Pros
Little to no maintenance
Long-lasting; resistant to wear
Tubeless Tyres
Cons
Less shock absorption; stiffer, bumpier ride
Reduced surface traction
Tubeless tyres offer a smart middle ground between the comfort of pneumatic tyres and the convenience of solid tyres. Like their name suggests, tubeless tyres don’t have an inner tube. Instead, the tyre itself seals directly onto the rim, which reduces the risk of sudden air loss if you get a puncture.
Pros
Handles small punctures better, low risk of sudden flats
Better shock absorption than solid tyres
Off-Road Tyres
Cons
Installation problems; difficult to mount and repair
More expensive than tube-type tyres
Off-road tyres are your go-to choice if you love tackling rough and uneven terrains with your electric scooter. They are built tough, with durable materials that can handle the wear and tear of off-road adventures. The wider profile provides better stability, and the reinforced sidewalls protect against punctures and cuts, which are common when riding over rocks and debris.
Pros
Excellent grip on loose and uneven surfaces
Built to withstand rough conditions and resist punctures
Cons
High resistance on pavements and smooth surfaces
Add excess weight to e-scooter
Brakes
Disc Brakes
Widely regarded as the best and safest braking option for electric scooters, disc brakes are known for their strong braking power in both wet and dry conditions. They are lightweight, reliable, and easy to adjust, making them a popular choice across various scooter models. They are especially favoured in high-performance electric scooters due to their consistent and dependable performance. 2 main types of disc brakes are
Hydraulic Disc Brakes: Use fluid-filled lines to control the brake callipers. When the brake lever is squeezed, pressure in the hydraulic lines increases, causing the calliper to clamp down on the rotor. This type of brake offers the best control and consistency, providing strong and smooth braking with minimal effort.
Mechanical Disc Brakes: Most common type of disc brakes. Uses a brake cable to activate the calliper. When the brake lever is pulled, the cable tightens and causes the calliper to pinch the rotor. May feel less smooth due to friction in the cables.
Pros
Strong braking power in both wet and dry surfaces
Can be fine-tuned for optimal performance
Cons
Requires regular maintenance
Higher cost, adds to the overall e-scooter price
Drum Brakes
Drum brakes are a solid choice for electric scooters, offering a reliable and low-maintenance braking solution. Unlike disc brakes, drum brakes are fully enclosed within the wheel hub. However, they may not be the best choice for those seeking the highest level of braking power or who frequently ride in demanding conditions.
Pros
Low maintenance; reduced exposure to dirt and moisture
Durable; consistent performance in wet environments
Electronic Brakes
Cons
Heavier compared to disc brakes
Less braking power than disc brakes
Chances of overheating
Electronic brakes are ideal for riders looking for a no-maintenance braking option that doesn’t add weight to their scooter. They are used in conjunction with other braking systems, as they typically do not provide sufficient stopping power on their own. These are typically activated either by a push button on the handlebars or a slight pull-and-release of the brake lever.
Pros
Adds no weight to e-scooter body
Needs no maintenance
Cons
Low braking power; cannot be used by itself
Chances of failure or poor performance
Ready to Take the Next Step ?
Select the e-scooter class that matches your preferences and set off on an enjoyable journey!