Are you considering buying an electric scooter, but you don’t know how to choose an electric scooter.
There are more electric scooters on the road today than ever before, so there are more options. The good news is that you have more choice as a driver, but this choice can also be overwhelming.
So, what is the best electric scooter of 2023?
The answer depends on your riding needs and usage. The most important questions to consider are:
- Size: Do I need a small or large scooter? Do I ride alone or with a passenger?
- Sustainability: Where do I drive my scooter? What conditions am I driving in?
- Range: How often do I ride my electric scooter? How far do I drive on average per week?
- Performance: Do I need a fast scooter?
- Design: Do I want an eye-catcher or do I go for a functional design?
- Experience: Do I need extra accessories for my driving behaviour? What kind of service and support do I get?
Maybe you are thinking about replacing your car as a daily means of transport. Or will you use it for short distances to easily get an errand or visit friends.
Either way, you can follow these tips to find an electric scooter that meets all your needs.
Choose an electric scooter that suits you best
Feeling comfortable on your scooter is a crucial factor when choosing an electric scooter.
You want a scooter that is easy for you to drive. Your feet should touch the ground comfortably without straining a muscle. This allows you to easily drive your scooter in and out of a parking space and rest during a stop.
But do not worry! You can find an electric scooter for people of all builds and statures. Keep the following details in mind when researching electric scooters:
- Seat height: Scooters offer quite a few different seat heights, so be sure to schedule a test ride before buying one. Some scooters have a seat height of just 700mm, while others have a seat height of 815mm.
- Seat length: It is important to think in advance whether you are going to ride with or without a passenger. Some electric scooters only have room for one person, while others, such as the NIU MQi GT, are built specifically for that extra passenger.
- Vehicle weight: You don’t want to be ashamed if your heavy scooter falls over and you can’t get it up again. You get much more fun and satisfaction from a scooter that is easy to drive and use. There are plenty of different electric scooter models from the NIU MQi+ Sport of 72 kg to the BMW C Evolution of 275 kg.
- Maximum passenger weight: Each scooter has a maximum weight. Make sure that the electric scooter you choose can carry enough weight for you and any passengers.
Consider the durability of the scooter
Mobility in the city is the main reason for many owners to choose an electric scooter.
However, you want to make sure that your electric scooter will hold up over time in your normal riding environment. Most electric scooters are made with city riding in mind. You should consider whether you plan to ride outside the city, on uneven roads or in conditions that require extra durability.
Some electric scooters are built specifically for these types of riding conditions. If you need extra durability, make sure you buy a scooter with large 14″ wheels, this will provide extra stability during your ride. This is especially useful when driving on bumpy or potholed roads.
Ground clearance is also important to protect your scooter against rougher driving situations in the long run. If you choose a scooter with larger wheels, the ground clearance may already be greater, but you should double check this before purchasing. Around 180mm should be enough for most riding conditions, if this is important to you.
Other scooters offer optional steel bumpers to further protect your vehicle. This is a nice addition to give you extra peace of mind about the durability of your vehicle.
Pick a quality battery with enough range
Battery quality
The battery in the electric scooter is one of the most essential components, as it is the heart of the vehicle. In 2023, most electric scooters will be equipped with a lithium-ion battery (Li-ion), but there are still some that use lead, acid or nickel. Lithium-ion technology is preferred for use in a vehicle because it is lighter and has a higher energy density in the same package.
Be careful! If you are looking for a government subsidy for the purchase of an electric scooter, the battery should in most cases not be made of lead.
Removable battery
A small but very important feature to pay attention to is whether or not the battery is removable. If you live in an apartment complex or cannot park on your own property, it is wise to buy an electric scooter with a battery that is removable and can still be charged.
Battery capacity and range
How far can you go with an electric scooter?
The answer to that question largely depends on the capacity of the battery. Some electric scooters, such as the NIU NQi GT, can drive up to 130 km before needing to be charged. This is thanks to the dual 35Ah battery system. Other scooters may have only one battery or a different capacity (measured in amp-hours), which will affect the distance you can travel.
You should also pay attention to the loading time. Loading should not become a burden. If you plan to use your electric scooter for daily commuting, you are probably looking for a battery that can be charged in one night or one morning.
In 2023, you can find electric scooter batteries that fully charge in just 5.5 hours, and then have a range of 95 km. This ensures sufficient range for most travelers.
Check the power and performance of the scooter
When choosing an electric scooter, you want to be sure of the ride and how it will perform on the road. That’s why power is important.
The power of an electric scooter is measured in watts. This determines the top speed and overall performance of the vehicle.
Although the measurement of power is very different from their fuel counterparts, electric scooters are sometimes still classified in the same way. Most electric scooters fall into one of two fuel categories: 50cc or 125cc.
This classification depends on the power and the maximum speed. If the power is between 1000 and 4000 watts and the speed does not exceed 45 km/h, then the electric scooter is an equivalent of the 50 cc. In some countries, this type of electric scooter can be driven without a driver’s license or for younger drivers.
For the 125cc equivalent, if the power exceeds 4000 watts or the speed exceeds 45 km/h, the driver for this electric scooter, in the Netherlands, requires a motorcycle license.
But which electric scooter is the fastest? In 2023, many scooters can reach speeds of up to 70 km/h, such as the NIU MQi GT.
Choose an electric scooter with smart features
In 2023, the best electric scooters will have an app that you can use to manage your vehicle.
The app often provides information about the battery status or GPS location of the vehicle. This ensures that you can easily locate your scooter in a large parking garage or you can get an overview of your range and driven rides.
The app can also provide notifications about your vehicle including anti-theft notifications.
Find the electric scooter design you like
Technical features are essential, but design is also important.
There are many different styles of electric scooters and you are sure to find one that suits your personality and taste.
Some electric scooters look very much like bicycles, while others look more like mopeds or motorcycles.
Whether you’re looking for something modern or just a functional commuter vehicle, you need to ask yourself: What’s the best electric scooter for me?
Consider the user experience
When choosing an electric scooter, in addition to vehicle specifications or design, there are other factors that can affect the user experience.
For example, you might want to choose an electric scooter brand that offers a wide range of additional accessories. If you purchase an electric scooter but cannot adapt it to your needs, the driving experience will still be disappointing. Think of extra storage space that may be needed such as a top box or other useful items such as a phone holder.
You also want to choose a scooter brand that has a large dealer network throughout the country. You should feel supported when purchasing your new scooter and be sure that you can drive without worry should service or support be required.
And last but not least: you want a scooter that feels comfortable to ride!
The best way to discover if the scooter suits you perfectly is by taking a test drive! The good news is that there are NIU test drive locations around the world.
What are you waiting for? Shop on: mangosteenescooter.com and buy a test drive!
Regardless of the type of electric scooter you are looking for, we are confident that you can choose an electric scooter that meets your needs by following these simple steps.
Do you know someone who is thinking about purchasing an electric scooter? Feel free to share this article so they can make an informed decision!