There are many variables to consider when buying – or thinking about buying – an electric scooter. Many people will tell you that they can be dangerous, while other people may tell you that they are perfectly reliable and safe. There are advantages and disadvantages to any purchase or vehicle and electric scooters are absolutely no exception. Like with other automobiles, you should always do thorough and detailed research before making a decision. This article from iScoot – a company which has the biggest range of electric scooters in Australia – will lay out all the pros and cons of the electric scooter, as well as general information about how they work.
What is an electric scooter?
Electric scooters are plug in, three wheeled vehicles. They operate on electricity which is stored in rechargeable batteries, built into the body of the scooter. The frame of the scooter is what is known as a step-through frame, which is the same design as most bicycles and motorcycles. It simply means that you have to step through in order to operate it. Those who are interested in knowing more technical details about the matter, ScooterAdviser is an online resource for advice on electric scooters, reviews, and guides regarding all scooter-related things
A driver’s license, or learner’s permit is required to legally drive an electric scooter, however, no insurance, license plates or even registration are needed. Driving an electric scooter also means that you will have to wear a helmet and do not travel above fifteen miles per hour.
What are the pros of buying an electric scooter?
There are actually several advantages of buying an electric scooter, several of which are listed below:
- They are eco-friendly: One of the biggest advantages of electric scooters over cars are the fact that they are environmentally friendly. This is due to electric scooters not requiring fuel or gasoline to operate. The use of electricity sans petrol reduces the pollution in the air. On top of that, electric scooters do not emit harmful smoke or emission. This is a huge reason why people are investing in electric scooters.
- Time savers: Riding an electric scooter can actually save you time. Due to the fact they are smaller vehicles, it can be easier to find a parking space and to manoeuvre through traffic.
- Low maintenance: Much like manual bicycles, electric scooters are considered to be a long-lasting vehicle. If the make and model of an electric scooter are of a high enough quality, then the scooter should last up to seven years without serious or unrepairable damage. However, this does not mean that electric scooters do not require work performed on them every now and again. They will need general maintenance throughout the years, such as battery maintenance. However, the price for these repairs will still be relatively cheap as you are not paying for gasoline.
What are the cons?
Like anything, electric scooters are not by any means perfect. There are several downsides of buying and riding an electric scooter that you should really research and consider before you purchase your own model:
- Safety: It is not entirely inaccurate to say that electric scooters are not designed with the most full-proof safety features. The safety features included are relatively limited, such as the brakes and lamps. That is why it is vital to always wear a helmet and the correct type of clothing at all times when riding your electric scooter.
- Resale value: Unlike cars and larger vehicles, electrical scooters do not have a particularly profitable resale value. It can be difficult to find buyers who will be willing to buy a second-hand electrical scooter as there could be many problems. More often or not, sellers are forced to sell their electric scooters below the original price they paid for it in the first place.
