All About Adult Electric Scooters

Every year, more and more people are switching from cars to more economical modes of transport. These include not only a moped or a bicycle, but also a scooter. Manufacturers produce not only simple, but also electrical models that are very popular. Electric scooters have a lot of advantages and useful characteristics that attract consumers. In this article we will take a closer look at this type of transport and find out how you can choose the perfect "adult" model.

Scooters on the market today are different from simple platform and handlebar devices that require a lot of effort to control, especially if you need to get up to good speed. Models equipped with an electric motor can be a good means of transportation, since they are easier and more convenient to operate. The devices can reach speeds of up to 60 km / h without any problems. The electric scooter can be used by adults to go to the store, to work, or on vacation outside the city. For simple riding, these devices are also great.

An adult electric scooter must meet a number of requirements.

• The device must be equipped with a quality battery... They are lithium and lead. Experts say that lithium options are more reliable and practical - they are characterized by a greater resource, low weight, and sufficient capacity.Devices that have a battery with a capacity of at least 200W are considered optimal.
• The scooter must have wheels of a suitable diameter. The larger the wheels, the softer the device will ride on the road, but the more difficult it will be to control. The optimal size is 8 or 10 inches. Certain characteristics of the wheels of an electric scooter directly depend on the terrain on which the rider plans to ride. Often these products are produced on good inflatable wheels.
• A reliable motor must be present in such a vehicle. It can be a chain-driven mechanism or a motor-wheel. Experts recommend giving preference to the latter options, as they drive quietly, last longer and are resistant to wear and tear.
• The weight of the device should be optimal for its user. Both light and very heavy structures go on sale. It is important that the scooter meets the requirements and strengths of the user, otherwise it will not be very convenient and easy to use it.
• The device must be secure - this is one of the most important requirements that should not be forgotten when choosing the optimal model. The scooter should be of high quality, its assembly should not be in doubt. In addition, transport should be convenient for the rider. If a scooter meets these requirements, a person will use it with pleasure, without any discomfort or inconvenience.

Electric scooters in general are classic models, but with a powerful frame, a reliable electric motor, a battery, an electronic controller responsible for controlling the main systems. In the complex, the listed components make it possible to combine both electric and muscular drives, or to use an electric engine.

Today's electric scooter models are often equipped with a wide variety of useful additions that are useful to riders. These details include:

• the presence of a folding or stationary seat for a comfortable and convenient ride over long distances;
• measuring devices - odometer, speedometer and the like;
• light signaling is carried out in the form of turning signals, headlights or brakes;
• rear-view mirror, as in conventional cars;
• roomy and convenient trunk with a basket in which you can place the transported cargo;
• suspension of wheels on shock absorbers for maximum comfort while riding on the device.

The principle of operation of such means of transport is in the use of electricity accumulated in the battery to drive electric motors (there can be 1 or 2 of them) with parameters set by the controller.

The controller determines the operating mode based on the characteristics of its internal structure. This element can function not only at the command of the rider. The main command is the position of the accelerator handle, and with it information from the tilt angle sensor to the road (gyroscope) and other sensors present in the design.

Then the torque of the electric motor is transmitted to the wheelbase of the device. The wheels set the scooter in motion. Feedback is an important function of many modern models. It means that when moving from physical efforts or downhill, when free rotation of the wheels is carried out by coasting, the engine acts as a generator - it charges the battery.

Various types of vehicles are on sale. They differ from each other in functionality and additional equipment, but the principle of operation and purpose remain the same.Before you go to the store to buy the optimal model, you need to get acquainted with its different types, differing in a number of basic criteria.

The most common and popular are classic two-wheeled models. They are relatively inexpensive, presented in a huge assortment. They are characterized by increased reliability and durability. Typically, two-wheeled electrical products are lightweight, versatile and highly efficient.

Modern electric scooters on two wheels and a battery have one serious drawback for many users - when using them, one must try to maintain balance. For beginners who have certain problems with driving such vehicles, this can become a serious difficulty.

There are also three-wheeled electric scooters. These units are equipped with two rear wheels. Structures of this kind are more bulky and complex, but they can be driven more and more comfortably. To two-wheeled models, such products are inferior in terms of their impressive weight and dimensions, but they are ahead of them in terms of power and power reserve. Devices equipped with a seat and a wide deck can be operated even for trips outside the city. Many types of these scooters are complemented by a small auxiliary wheel to support and unload the frame part of the device.

An additional small wheel is located between the rear wheels and is the fourth in a row. Simply put, with a similar detail, the three-wheeled version can transform into a more comfortable and stable four-wheeled one.

There are also three-wheeled models with two front wheels. Constructions of this type are not so widespread and are rare. To ride them, you need to have special driving skills. These scooters are a hybrid of a segway and a simple scooter with an electric motor.

Electric scooters also differ in the battery batteries that are installed in them. On sale there are types with lithium-ion batteries. Products with lithium polymer batteries fall into the same category, despite the fact that there is a different solution inside them. In terms of charge and application, these varieties are the same.... In addition, polymer batteries are rarely used in electric scooters, since they are not designed for shaking.

Products in which it is provided lithium ion battery, are rightfully recognized as the most popular and demanded. These are universal models that are lightweight, serve for a long time, hold a charge for a long time. The dimensions of scooters with such batteries are small. The disadvantage of these options is the price.

Electric scooters are produced with lead batteries... These batteries are the cheapest. They are rarely installed in modern scooters. These batteries can be operated at low temperatures (though not very long - the charge is quickly lost), but these advantages are too few against disadvantages.

Electric scooters can be equipped with different motors. The power of the device depends on them:

• 120 watt the model can accelerate to a maximum of 15 km / h;
• 1000-watt the scooter will accelerate to 30-35 km / h.

Another criterion for dividing electric scooters is by drive. Models with different mechanisms are available.

• Rear chain. In scooters with such a drive, the torque is transmitted from the engine in front to the rear wheels.
• Single. In these designs, the wheel is mounted together with the motor. It can be fixed both in front and behind. Scooters with such a drive are the most common.
• Four-wheel drive. All-wheel drive electric scooters are distinguished by the fact that both wheels are equipped with motors. Because of this, the consumption of the battery increases, but the permeability becomes much better.

Many electric scooter models have a clever foldable design. These are very comfortable and popular pieces that you can easily carry with you without feeling any inconvenience. With such means of transportation, you can get on public transport, ride the subway, visit shops and shopping centers. When folded, they do not interfere with anyone. And also there are models for two: for example, for a mother and a child.

Electric scooters can be equipped with many useful add-ons and accessories to make them more functional and easier to use. These details include splash wings. Today, not all scooter models are equipped with these elements, but this does not mean that they are useless. Fenders can protect the rider from muddy splashes when riding in bad weather.

An excellent accessory for an electric scooter is an electronic on-board computer. Some models are equipped with a display showing the most important indicators while driving (speed, mileage, battery percentage). On sale you can find scooters that can be synchronized with mobile devices using applications.

Not a bad accessory for an electric scooter - backlight. It can be different: side, front, back. With this addition, the rider and his transport will be clearly visible. If the backlight is not needed, it can be turned off at any time.

For riding an electric scooter you must also purchase protection. You will need a helmet, elbow and knee protection.

There are many essential accessories for electric scooters:

• additional batteries and chargers;
• sound pneumatic signals;
• function buttons on the steering wheel;
• trip computers;
• engine controllers;
• mud flaps;
• locks and more.

The main design flaw of a modern electric scooter is shortened base and shifted center of gravity. Such features significantly increase the risk of the rider falling forward at the moment of braking. You can easily fall off the electric scooter in other unforeseen situations where you need to act quickly. Many manufacturers, in order to reduce the risk of users falling forward, do not equip devices with a front brake, making it impossible for the rider to brake sharply, which can be dangerous in difficult situations. When operating this type of transport, it is recommended to use protective equipment.

In addition to the danger associated with weak braking and a high risk of overturning, there are other problems related to the design features of electric models: when they run over obstacles or with sudden braking, the load on the steering wheel increases, which ultimately leads to its breakdown.Such troubles can lead to serious injury to the rider.

The fasteners of the saddle and the folding mechanism with shock absorbers are no less susceptible to breakage. To reduce the risk of problems to a minimum, it is necessary to carefully check the condition of the scooter before each departure from home. It is important to pay special attention to precisely those parts that are most susceptible to rapid wear and tear.

The electric scooter must be chosen very carefully. You should decide in advance how you want to operate it - for rough terrain in the country and for flat city paths, different types of structures are suitable. Let's consider in detail what criteria you should pay attention to when choosing an electric scooter.

• Battery power. A lot of Chinese electric scooters are equipped with low-power batteries, which are enough for trips no more than 5 km. Usually sellers deliberately overestimate this parameter (indicate in the description - 15 km) in order to attract the attention of buyers.

• Riding speed. Paying attention to this parameter, it should be borne in mind that on a compact and lightweight product, even a low driving speed will be felt much stronger, especially if you compare this transport with heavy motorcycles. Some scooter models can only accelerate to 10 km / h, which is too little for an adult rider. A more acceptable speed is considered to be from 25 to 30 km / h. At these speeds, the user can drive comfortably and confidently.

• Wheel size. Experts recommend choosing electric scooters with optimal tire sizes of 8-10 inches. If the wheels are too small, they will not be able to cover long distances. If you want to drive off-road, models with wide tires are more suitable, but they usually carry a lot of weight.

• Wings. It is best to buy such scooters with wheels (both large and medium), protected by special fenders. Such accessories can effectively protect the consumer's clothing from dirt flying from under the wheels.

• The weight. An important parameter. The electric scooter should not be too heavy. The optimal weight is 10-20 kg. The device should be such that it could be easily brought into the apartment, and with a discharged battery, they could be controlled independently.

• Dimensions. The smaller the scooter, the better, since compact models are easier to store and transport. Folding options are considered the most popular. Some models have a seat that makes them larger, but it can be easily removed with special tools.

• Colour. What color of the scooter to choose - each customer decides for himself. Black is optimal - scratches, dust and dirt are less noticeable on it. Defects that appear can be easily painted over with a black marker.

• Manufacturer... Only branded electric scooters are worth buying. Branded models (Japanese, German) are not always the most expensive. The assortment of many well-known manufacturers has excellent inexpensive products.

Let's consider a small list of popular models of electric scooters.

• Ninebot KickScooter ES4. Top model with a powerful 800 W engine. Develops a speed of up to 30 km / h, however, at maximum battery consumption increases. This is a recuperative model. Both wheels are 200mm, with shock absorbers at the front and rear. There are both mechanical and electronic brakes.

• Xiaomi M365 Electric Scooter Pro. The model with the increased engine power, at the peak produces 600 watts. The cruising range is 45 km. The scooter features excellent engine thrust and high build quality. Has a very comfortable steering wheel.

• Airwheel Z5. You don't just need to stand on this scooter - you have to put your feet on the comfortable side platforms. Motor power - 500 W. The maximum speed is 20 km / h. Wheels with a diameter of 8 inches. Stylish, well-built, but with limited frame strength.

• Kugoo M4 Pro 16 Ah. A demanded Chinese scooter. Carrying capacity of the product is 120 kg. It can accelerate to 35 km / h. The model is not the lightest - 25 kg. There are disc brakes on both wheels.

• Xiaomi Mijia Electric Scooter. Popular model, but not the most powerful 250 W motor. Concise interface. There are disc brakes that are controlled from the classic bicycle lever. A very convenient folding mechanism, but it cannot boast of good standard rubber. There are no shock absorbers in the design.

For information on how to choose an electric scooter, see the next video.