Electric Scooter Guides

So, you just got your first electric scooter and are hopefully having fun using it. You might have some questions about when you can ride it or if there are certain weather conditions to avoid. In other words, can you get an e-scooter wet?

What if you are riding your scooter and suddenly get caught in a storm, what can you do? 

Water Can Damage the Electrical System

While riding your electric scooter in the rain is generally considered to be safe, water can damage the electrical system in the scooter. A light sprinkle would be fine but you should steer clear from deeper water- such as puddles on the side of the roads.  Simply avoid any flooded areas to keep the electrical system safe. 

So, if you find yourself caught in the rain on the scooter, do not worry. Just start on your way back home. Puddles can take a few minutes to form, so just do your best to keep the scooter out of the water. 

Water Can Also Damage the Battery

Water can also cause an issue with the electric scooter’s battery. However, you can usually change and replace the battery in a scooter- replacing the entire electrical system is a different story and a lot harder to happen. 

Water causes the electrolytes in the battery to expand and eventually will cause an overflow. This might lead to the battery leaking chemicals, which can be dangerous to touch.  If the battery seems bloated or has other issues, you will want to carefully replace it sooner than later. 

What to do if Your Electric Scooter Gets Soaked

So, what can you do if your electric scooter gets drenched in a surprise thunderstorm? Once you get back inside, you are going to want to turn it off, take the battery out, and dry it off with a towel as soon as possible.

A mild rain will not hurt the system, but after a heavy rain, you will need to take a few minutes to ensure that the scooter will start up the next time that you want to use it. It might sound silly, but  taking a hairdryer to the bottom of the scooter will dry it more thoroughly than a towel can . Do not do this to the battery, just the turned off scooter.

I Got Caught in a Storm!

Here are a few quick steps to take when your electric scooter gets rained on.

• Turn it off right away.
  • This will keep the water from interacting with the electrical system and breaking it. Be sure that you find somewhere dry to hide out for a little bit while you move on to the next steps.

• Take the battery out and dry it.
  • Water will destroy the battery- meaning that you will need to buy a new one to replace it. Carefully take the battery out and dry it as best as you can as soon as possible, you will also want to make sure that it does not get wet again as you start heading home.

• Use rubbing alcohol on the battery.
  • Once you are home, use a little bit of rubbing alcohol on the battery. The alcohol will evaporate and take any lingering moisture with it. The earlier you can do this the better, so do not put it off for another day.  Rubbing alcohol will ensure that the battery is saved- meaning that you will not need to pay out for a replacement. 

Is Riding an Electric Scooter in the Rain Dangerous?

Well, it is dangerous for your scooter, as it might stop working the next day. However, there is no chance of you being harmed- the scooters have safety features included that keep them safe in the rain, as long as you turn them off soon.

Most of the danger comes from being able to control the scooter in the slippery conditions.  If you are going too fast (say, trying to outrun a storm and get inside before you get drenched) then you could easily slide off course and have an accident. 

Remember, if you have trouble controlling the scooter under dry conditions, then steering it in the rain will only be more difficult. A helmet can protect you from that, if it were to happen. You will also want to quickly check the wheels on your scooter every so often.

Wheels that are worn down and smooth will need to be replaced. They make it easier to slide on the ground and have less grip than new tires- meaning that they are more dangerous in wet conditions. Also, you will want to spend some time briefly checking the pressure of the tires as well. 

Treat the Scooter Well

If you take care of your new electric scooter it will last you many years to come. They are fine in light rain, but be sure to take the time to dry it off if you want it to last.  Never ride in heavy rainfall and do your best to bring the scooter inside if you find yourself caught in it suddenly. 

You will also want to be  careful to not overcharge the battery too often and never leave it outside overnight, plus take good care of the tires . If you do these little steps to take care of the scooter, you will not need to buy a new one for a very long time. 

Conclusion

In short, you can get a few raindrops on your electric scooter and nothing bad will happen. Although, you will want to dry it off as soon as you can. 

You also will want to avoid large puddles of water or flooded areas at all costs- if you drive through one, you might find that your scooter will not start up the next day.  Protecting your battery is vital to the life of your scooter, so make sure that it stays dry. 

We have all found ourselves in a surprise rainstorm, just be sure to take care of the scooter afterward.

The best way to make your electric scooter last as long as possible is through a proper maintenance routine. Just like with any vehicle, electric scooters need all their parts maintained to keep the whole system running properly.

Even after six months, an electric scooter can start to perform more poorly, and after one or two years, it can lose much of the ability it had when you bought it.

That is, unless you follow this guide to keep your electric scooter in tip-top shape.

The Importance of Maintaining Your Electric Scooter

Without regular maintenance, your scooter has a high risk of developing major problems in one or multiple parts.  Maintenance can help prevent components of your scooter from wearing out and breaking down, and it keeps your scooter at prime efficiency.  

An efficient, maintained scooter is more reliable. If you use your scooter to commute to work or run errands across town, you need a vehicle that can get you to and from wherever you’re going.

The last thing you want is for it to unexpectedly break down miles away from home.

Benefits of Regular Scooter Maintenance

Not only is maintenance important for the wellbeing of your scooter, but taking care of it reaps several rewards for you as well. If you’ve found a great electric scooter for adults, you want it to work well for as long as possible. You’ll save money by practicing preventative maintenance that can keep you from having to replace or repair a costly part. 

You’ll also reduce the risk of an accident happening, especially a fatal one, which keeps you safe.

You’ll also become more knowledgeable about your scooter, so if something were to ever go wrong, you would know exactly what was happening. You can also do much of this maintenance by yourself, reducing the time and costs spent on repair services. And of course, your scooter will ride better and more efficiently, making the overall experience more fun for you.

Knowing the Parts of Your Scooter

Before you can learn how to take care of your electric scooter, you’ll first need to know what its components are that you will take care of. It may seem simple, but there are many parts that work together to create the vehicle that helps you get around. 

The electric parts of the scooter include the motor, batteries, throttles, charger, controllers, fuses, and switches. The mechanical parts are the handlebars, brakes, forks, deck, wheels, chain or belt, kickstand, fenders, seat (if your scooter has one), and shock absorber. For safety on the road, your scooter also has front and rear lights, turn signals, and a horn.

Tools You’ll Need for Scooter Maintenance

In order to maintain your electric scooter on your own, you will need a good set of tools to complete all tasks:

• Wrench (10, 13, 15, and 17)
• Adjustable wrench
• Allen Key
• Bike tire levers
• Lubricant
• Digital multimeter
• Washing equipment
• Chain tool*
• Chain breaker*
• Chain-cleaning brush*
• Magnetic steel tray
• Freewheel removal tool

*Note: You will only need tools for chains if your scooter has one. Some models have a belt.

Maintaining Your Electric Scooter in 4 Easy Steps

Preventative maintenance is not as complicated as it may sound. It can be done by regularly completing the following steps, which are not difficult but important all the same:

1. Wash Your Scooter Weekly

Washing your electric scooter weekly (or more often) helps keep your vehicle looking good and prevents environmental contaminants like pollen, salt, dust, dirt, and pollutants from damaging or degrading the condition of the scooter .

First, turn off your scooter. Make sure you wash your scooter outside, which is kind of a no-brainer. Don’t use a hose when washing an electric scooter, as the water can damage the electrical components. 

Use a sponge or a rag to wash the vehicle with soapy water, but not one that’s dripping wet. Wring the rag or sponge thoroughly to avoid excess water running into the scooter. Wipe it again with clean water to rinse off the soap, and use a dry rag to dry everything off. Use eco-cleaner to degrease the chain, if your scooter has one. Be sure to lubricate the chain afterward.

2. Check and Change the Tires

You should check the pressure in your tires regularly. Optimal tire pressure for your scooter depends on the weight of the rider (i.e. how much pressure is regularly exerted on them).  For a lighter rider, the ideal pressure reads between 35 and 37 psi. For heavier riders, a psi of 42 to 43 is optimal. 

If your tires have low pressure, use a pump to put air in them. Beware not to exceed the maximum psi listed in your scooter’s owner’s manual, or you run the risk of your tires blowing out and a more dangerous ride.

Scooter tires should be changed after a certain mileage has been reached (consult owner’s manual for guidance on your model). Beware not to let a tire wear out to the point of a puncture or blowout.

3. Take Care of the Battery

Your scooter should be charged regularly to maintain optimal battery health. You can use a digital multimeter to check on the voltage of your batteries. Typically,  a healthy electric scooter battery has a capacity of 25 volts or more . If your battery is reading below that, it may be time to replace it.

To extend the life of your batteries as long as possible, don’t leave the scooter out in freezing weather, don’t leave the charger plugged in once the battery is fully charged, keep the scooter out of the rain, and allow the scooter to cool down before you charge it after a ride.

4. Check and Care for the Brakes

Regardless of the type of brakes on your scooter, pay attention to the condition of the brake pads, shoes, and calipers to make sure they’re not damaged or defective. Test your wheels to see if they can spin unobstructed. If they don’t, you’ll need to adjust them to fine-tune. You can use your Allen keys for working on the various parts of the brake.

Electric scooters are one of the hottest recreational e-vehicles on the market today.

They seem to be everywhere, being both privately owned and rented through scooter-share companies like Bird and Lime.

It’s easier than ever to have access to an electric scooter in your city, and that’s great news because electric scooters offer a great, fun way to get to where you want to go.

But how do you ride one?

Electric scooters don’t work exactly like the manual razor scooters we knew and loved in childhood. You may need a bit of practice to get the hang of it, especially on the faster scooters that can travel upwards of 25 miles per hour. 

Don’t worry, though—learning to ride an electric scooter is easier than you may think. This guide will help you get started so you can ride easily.

Designate a Place to Practice

When you were learning to ride a bike or drive a car, chances are you didn’t start your first ride on the road with everyone else. While electric scooters are relatively easy to ride, it’s still a good idea to have a safe place to practice while you figure out balance and handling.

Ideally,  your practice spot will be free from traffic or have very little of it . A back road or parking lot would be great for this purpose, just as long as the ground is even and there is a lot of space for you to ride without needing to swerve around other people, vehicles, or obstacles.

Practice here until you feel confident in your scooter-riding ability.

Start Off Easy

Before you can ride, you’ll need to flip the latch at the bottom of your scooter’s steering column. Unlock your scooter and unfold it until it is standing fully upright. Press the “on” switch on your scooter to power it up and make sure the battery is charged enough for you to ride.

Always practice safety when riding your electric scooter. Head injuries are the most detrimental to e-vehicle riders, so  it’s important to protect yourself with a helmet . Proper clothing is also a good idea, so your arms and legs can be guarded against a fall. If you’re a beginner or a kid, it’s recommended you wear knee and elbow pads for further protection.

To position yourself on the scooter, place your non-dominant foot facing forward on the deck. Grab the handlebars with both hands and use your dominant foot to kick off. Then place that foot behind your weaker foot on the deck.

To keep moving forward, hit the throttle. Ease up on it to reduce your speed, or press harder to increase it. Stay at a speed you’re comfortable with while getting used to your scooter.

It may feel easy to stay balanced when going slowly, but the faster you go, the more practice you’ll need. Pace yourself to prevent a fall and potential injury or damage to your scooter. 

Use the handlebars to steer and make turns. Try not to turn them too sharply or suddenly, as this can throw you off balance.  Slow, steady movements are the best way to keep the ride smooth and controlled. 

Use the brakes to come to a complete stop when you’re ready. There’s a handbrake on the handlebars, just like a standard bike. There’s also a foot brake. Beware not to brake too hard at first, as you may need to get used to the sensitivity to avoid sending yourself flying forward. Pull the break gently until you become more familiar with it.

When you’re done with your scooter, power it down and fold the scooter up again. Lock it with the latch and store it in a safe place until you’re ready to ride it again.

Ask Your Friends to Help You Learn

If you know someone who can ride their electric scooter and is willing to practice with you, they can be a great resource as you learn the ropes. Ask them for tips and have them watch you ride so they can give you pointers. If they can ride alongside you, even better.

Recharge

After you’ve finished riding, check the battery life on your scooter. Some need a long time to recharge, so be mindful of your particular model’s needs and recharge as necessary. A consistent recharging routine will ensure your scooter is ready to go next time you want to ride. 

It is generally good to know how much mileage your scooter gets on a full charge.

You definitely don’t want to be stranded miles from your charger with a dead scooter; electric scooters can’t be operated manually when they run out of battery, so instead, you’ll have to walk alongside and push it all the way back. Don’t travel more than half of your scooter’s range without having a charging option to get you home. 

If You Fall Off Your Electric Scooter…

No matter how careful or experienced you are, you’ll likely have accidents on your electric scooter every so often. If you feel like you are going to fall off, do your best to stay calm. Becoming flustered could make the accident worse and cause greater harm to you and/or your scooter.

Don’t grab the throttle or try to brake if you are in danger of falling. You could further lose control and put yourself at more risk. Just let go of the scooter and jump off and out of harm’s way. Let the scooter come to a stop on its own. Your safety is more important than if your scooter gets a dent or scratch. 

Interested in buying a scooter? Here are our favorite electric scooters for adults 2021.

Summary

If you’re new to electric scooters or it’s been a long time since you’ve ridden any kind of scooter, it doesn’t take long to acquaint yourself with your vehicle.

Be sure to read your scooter’s owner’s manual to become familiar with your model’s setup, battery range, and other needs. Having patience while you build skill, practicing in a safe place, and relying on others for help will get you riding like a pro in no time.

Electric vehicles are gaining more popularity every day. If you’re interested in finding the right electric vehicle for you, you may be wondering about the type of transportation to get.

There are many differences to consider between electric bikes and electric scooters, which can ultimately tell you which one is a good fit for your transportation needs and wants.

Below is a comparison of electric bikes and electric scooters to help you determine which to choose.

Top Speed

Both electric bikes and electric scooters can have powerful batteries and motors to take you long distances at high speeds. While you can find some high-speed scooters designed to take you between 35 and 50 miles per hour,  most scooters max out around 15 to 20 miles per hour . 

This speed is perfect for commuting to work in a busy city bike lane, as most laws prohibit vehicles with a top speed faster than 20 miles per hour in the bike lane.

You will find that  most electric bikes have a top speed of 50 miles per hour . This allows them to take you farther faster than a majority of electric scooters.

Range of Distance

Electric scooters can generally cover more distance per battery charge than electric bikes. When an electric bike runs out of battery power, however, the rider can pedal and keep the bike going. Electric scooters, on the other hand, don’t have an easy manual riding option when their batteries die.

The longest-range electric scooters can take you between  60 and 75 miles before running out of power . Electric bikes can have a  range around 55 miles . Either way, both e-vehicles can get you pretty far before needing to be recharged. 

Weight of the Vehicle

Electric bikes typically weigh around 50 to 55 lbs., while electric scooters weigh in just under 30 lbs. However,  a heavy-duty scooter that can reach top speeds upwards of 40 miles per hour can weigh up to 100 lbs . This is an important consideration if ease of portability is an important feature for you in an e-vehicle.

Comfort

Electric scooters are generally designed to be stood on in a standard foot position, with one foot behind the other on the narrow deck. This can get fairly uncomfortable after a long period of time, especially depending on an individual’s body and their needs.  There are some scooters with wider decks to allow for a more comfortable standing position, but these are less common and may be more expensive. 

There are also some electric scooters that offer a seating option, so you have the versatility that electric bikes don’t offer. Electric bikes are designed to be sat in, and unlike a regular bike, they do not allow the rider to stand. This can be more comfortable for some, but if you like to be able to stretch your legs during a ride, an electric scooter may be the option for you.

Tire Size

Generally, electric bikes have wider tires than electric scooters.  E-bike tires measure around 16 inches on average, and e-scooter tires are usually between 10 and 12 inches wide.  Bigger wheels mean rough and uneven terrain is easier to navigate, and there is typically more comfort and stability in riding a vehicle with larger wheels.

Larger wheels also allow a vehicle to have a higher weight capacity. Smaller wheels on smaller vehicles are easier to transport, though. Tire size is something to consider when thinking about your lifestyle and the kind of roads you plan on riding your electric vehicle. 

License Laws

Many states in the USA require riders of electric bikes to obtain a license and insurance before riding them . This is an important thing to consider, since getting a license can be time-consuming and drivers’ insurance is not always cheap. Electric scooters are not recognized in the same class of vehicle as electric bikes, so riding one does not require a license or insurance.

Safety

Electric bikes are easier to keep control over when travelling at high speeds. However, electric scooters are easier to learn how to ride in general. If you have a lower-speed scooter that maxes out around 15 or 20 miles per hour, you are much less likely to be seriously injured in an accident than if you fall off an electric bike travelling 40 or 50 miles per hour.

So, it really comes down to the type of scooter or bike you have and whether you travel at its top speed.  When going fast on any electric vehicle, it’s important to wear a helmet to protect against lifelong or even life-threatening head injuries.  Wearing other protective gear, like a jacket and gloves, can help protect your body in the event of an accident, too.

Protection Against Theft

Electric bikes are heavier and have more protective features than electric scooters on average.  E-bikes are built with locks that make them harder to steal. Both types of electric vehicle can be equipped with an additional alarm system, but the light weight of electric scooters makes them a lot easier to lift and take.

Cost

When comparing to a regular bike, the price of an electric scooter can seem high. However,  the cheapest models of electric scooters cost less than half the price of the cheapest electric bikes on the market . Both types of e-vehicle can get very expensive, though, depending on the model. If you look at a very high-tech electric scooter, you could be facing a price higher than several models of electric bikes.

Conclusion

There are pros and cons to both electric bikes and electric scooters. The right one for you will ultimately come down to your lifestyle and how you want to use your electric vehicle.

No matter which you choose, be sure to practice safety when riding to protect yourself from the serious injury that can occur in an accident. And remember to consider the differences in versatility and capability offered by the vehicles you look at, especially when comparing costs.

Electric scooters are one of the hottest e-vehicles on the market right now. They combine the fun ride of a scooter with the convenient speed of a motorized vehicle, making them a great way to get around. But just how fast can they go?

The answer ultimately depends on several factors, including the battery size and capacity, the motor wattage, the tires, the terrain, the weight of the person riding the scooter, etc.  Most electric scooters have a top speed of around 20 miles per hour, which does not exceed the U.S. top speed requirement for vehicles in the bike lane . 

This means electric scooters can easily be used to commute. Ideally, you don’t want the cruising speed of your electric scooter to exceed 20 miles per hour and ban you from the bike lane. However, if you’re looking to turbo-boost your scooter ride, there are plenty of models that can take you beyond 20 miles per hour.

Batteries for electric scooters have become more efficient and more powerful, reaching 30 miles per hour easily. That’s speeding in a school zone! 

If you want to go even faster,  there are electric scooters that can reach between 40 and 50 miles per hour . These models are good for short rides, but the speed doesn’t discount the limitations of the battery’s range, which means they may not be the best option for traveling longer distances. Although, you can find some scooters that have a range of 50 to 75 miles, which isn’t too shabby. 

Now, let’s take a look at some of the best and some of the fastest electric scooters on the market to see how they measure up.

Top Electric Scooters

Razor E300 Electric Scooter

This stylish scooter is a great option for people on a budget and can take you where you need to go at 15 miles per hour for up to 40 minutes without the battery losing power. The maximum weight it can carry is 220 lbs.  This scooter is ideal for a commute in the bike lane that’s 20 minutes or less. 

Turbowheel Swift, T8+

This scooter can carry a person weighing up to 220 lbs. with a cruising speed of 23 mph.  This makes it a little too fast for the bike lane, but the 25-mile range on the battery can easily get you where you need to go around town.  

The UberScoot 1000w Electric Scooter

This electric scooter  has a powerful motor, shock absorbers, and 10-inch tires that make it a really good option for a commute through an urban setting . Not only that, but it also has a seat to make your ride more comfortable. You can get a speed up to 26 miles per hour on the UberScoot 1000w and enjoy a range of 10 miles per charge. This makes it perfect for fast, short-distance commutes of 5 miles or less. 

Fastest Scooters on the Market

There are a ton of high-speed scooters out there, so here’s a look at just a handful of the fastest electric scooters available today.

Fluidfreeride Mantis

This electric scooter  has a top speed around 40 miles per hour (a little more on flat ground), using dual 1000w motors to give its boost . It’s available with either a 1kWh battery or a 1.5kWh battery, depending on your traveling needs. It’s good for areas with lots of hills and delivers a range up to 50 miles, with the ability to carry an adult weighing up to 265 lbs. 

Currus NF

With dual 1.8kW motors to help you get up hills with ease,  this scooter has a top speed of 43 miles per hour and a range up to 75 miles . It can handle a load of up to 265 lbs. and has 10-inch tires to carry you steadily over the city terrain.

Turbowheel Lightning+ with Dual-1000w/1200w Motors

This electric scooter takes you to the pro level with a cruising speed between 40 and 45 miles per hour. You’ll definitely want to protect yourself as you zip to where you need to go for anywhere between 30 and 40 miles without losing battery power.  The Turbowheel Lightning+ can carry a rider up to 330 lbs., also making it a great option for heavier adults. 

Dualtron Thunder

The extra-wide deck and thick, 11-inch tires on this scooter provide stability and comfort as you ride at a top speed of 50 miles per hour.  The Dualtron Thunder has dual 2.4 kW motors and a 2.1 kWh battery that can last up to 75 miles on a full charge.  It can carry up to 330 lbs. It’s a good scooter for traveling farther distances in a shorter amount of time.

Riding Safely at High Speeds

There are risks to riding any vehicle, but the faster you go, the more dangerous the ride becomes. Head injuries on e-vehicles are the most serious and life-threatening type of injury you can get, and the risk of getting one raises exponentially the faster you ride.

When riding your electric scooter,  it’s a good idea to wear a helmet, especially when going speeds of 20 miles per hour or faster . It’s also important to practice riding your scooter before hitting its top speed so you can be familiar with the vehicle and how to control it.

Wearing other protective gear, such as a  motorcycle jacket and gloves, can protect your skin from serious abrasions in the event you fall off the electric scooter . And of course, it’s crucial to obey traffic laws in your area and be on guard for cars coming your way, as most drivers won’t be looking for you.

Conclusion

Although the average top speed for electric scooters is around 15 to 20 miles per hour, there are lots of models out there that easily exceed that speed. If you are looking for a fast ride, there are many options for you. 

A commute to work in the city bike lane, however, doesn’t require a speed beyond 20 miles per hour. It’s important to take safety precautions when riding any e-vehicle, especially when traveling at faster speeds. Be safe, be smart, and happy riding!

When the weather is beautiful, it can be tempting to take your electric scooter out for a ride. Especially if you own one that can reach a top speed of 40 or 50 miles per hour, it can feel wonderful to have the sun on your face and the wind in your hair. But where is it legal to ride electric scooters, and where isn’t it? There’s nothing like a traffic violation to ruin a perfectly good ride.

Riding on the Freeway

With all the hype around electric scooters, there have been many incidents where riders took their scooters on the highways and freeways, leading to traffic citations from local police. 

Because electric scooters are not considered in the same class of vehicle as cars, motorcycles, or even electric bikes, they do not require a license (or often a DMV registration) to ride. They don’t require drivers’ insurance or license plates, and thus can make traffic accidents tricky to navigate.

There also aren’t a lot of electric scooters that can reach upwards of 30 miles per hour, and even the fastest scooters max out at 50 miles per hour. So,  traveling on a freeway with a speed limit of 55 or 65 miles per hour is not ideal for the scooter’s rider or the other drivers on the road . 

These factors mean that electric scooters are not permitted on freeways in the United States. However, there are lots of places where you can legally ride your electric scooter. It all depends on where you live.

This article focuses on state laws, but local municipal laws may vary. If your state allows electric scooters on the sidewalk, for instance, your city or town may not.  Be sure to check local traffic laws to be sure you avoid any violations. 

Riding on the Street 

Electric Scooters are allowed on the street in many states, including Illinois, Utah, New Hampshire, Georgia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Louisiana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Missouri, Vermont, New Jersey, Washington, Wisconsin, Ohio, Maine, New Mexico, Oregon, Mississippi, Indiana, Tennessee, Nebraska, and Texas.

In Florida, electric scooters can only be ridden on the street if they have a seat. Stand-up scooters are not street legal.

In a few states,  electric scooter operators must follow traffic laws like any other vehicle . These states include Idaho and Montana. States that require a DMV registration for electric scooters include Illinois, North Carolina, and Alabama. 

Some states, like Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Michigan, require riders to have a license for their electric scooter. Insurance is required by Illinois and Ohio.

Riding on the Sidewalk

Electric scooters can be ridden on the sidewalk in Arizona, Kentucky, Louisiana, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Mississippi allows e-scooters on sidewalks wherever bikes are allowed, but not on sidewalks intended just for pedestrians. The same is true in Tennessee. Electric scooters can be pushed on sidewalk in Delaware, but never ridden. E-scooters on the sidewalk must have the powertrain turned off. 

If your electric scooter does not have a seat, it cannot be ridden on the sidewalk in Florida. Indianapolis prohibits electric scooters from the sidewalk, as well as greenways and cultural trails, requiring they only be ridden in the street. Oklahoma City also prohibits riding on the sidewalk.

Montana prohibits adult electric scooter riders from riding on the sidewalk, but does not seem to explicitly restrict children from riding on the sidewalk. In New Mexico, you can ride on the sidewalk if there is no bike lane.

States that prohibit electric scooters on sidewalks in every instance include Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Washington, Vermont, North Dakota, South Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and New Hampshire.

Age Restrictions 

In Oregon and Michigan, riders must be 18 years or older to ride electric scooters. In Tennessee, Virginia, Connecticut, Nevada, and Arkansas, riders must be 16 years or older to ride electric scooters. In Minnesota, riders must be at least 12 years old, and in Mississippi, they must be at least 14 years old.

In  some states, electric scooter riders are required to wear a helmet if they are younger than a certain age . In North Dakota, Oklahoma, Florida, Delaware, Massachusetts, and Mississippi, helmets are required on riders under the age of 16. Riders under the age of 18 must wear a helmet in New Mexico.

Speed Restrictions 

Some states put speed limits on electric scooters, meaning your high-speed turbo scooter may not be legal where you live. The speed limit is 15 miles per hour in Minnesota, California, Arkansas, Maryland, and Wisconsin. 

New Jersey limits the speed on an electric scooter to 19 miles per hour. In Louisiana, Florida, Colorado, Arizona, Utah, Iowa, and Maine, the speed limit on electric scooters is between 20 and 25 miles per hour.

Other Laws for Electric Scooters

Electric scooters are allowed to be ridden on bike paths in Georgia, Louisiana, New Jersey, and Oregon. They are explicitly prohibited from bike paths in North Dakota and Virginia.

Electric scooters are also banned from footpaths in South Dakota and from unpaved trails in New Jersey. Electric scooters fall under the same laws as bicycles in Iowa, Kentucky, and Hawaii.

Traffic Laws Electric Scooters Must Follow

When riding your electric scooter, these are some general laws of the road that you’ll need to follow: 

• Electric scooters need a white headlight and reflectors at night
• Electric scooters cannot be parked on paths or sidewalks
• Riders must keep at least one hand on the handlebars
• Riders are strongly encouraged, and sometimes required, to wear a helmet

Note: some states have more requirements for electric scooters or have legislation allowing certain things, such as parking on sidewalks.  Check your state’s e-scooter laws to be certain you’ve got it right. 

States that Prohibit Electric Scooters or Have No E-Scooter Laws

Alaska and Wyoming have no legislation addressing the use of electric scooters. Virginia does not have statewide legislation; the information used in this article refers to laws for Arlington County. West Virginia has laws for moped use, but not specifically for electric stand-up scooters.

New York has not legalized electric scooters, but this may soon change with new legislation that could allow them with a speed limit of 15 miles per hour.

Looking for a great new electric scooter? Check out our list of the best electric scooters for adults 2021.

With ever-changing technology and differences in TSA and airline-specific regulations, it can be hard to keep up with what is and isn’t allowed on planes these days. And unfortunately, it can be pretty difficult to find a plane that will accept your electric scooter.

The battery type and capacity of your scooter, as well as the airline you choose to fly with, will determine whether you can bring it with you when you fly.

Battery Type and Capacity

Most electric scooters are  powered using a lithium-ion battery , which likely also powers your phone and laptop. However, battery type alone isn’t the problem when determining if you can bring your electric scooter.

Despite lithium-ion batteries being allowed in everyday electronics on planes, FAA regulations put limitations on the capacity a lithium-ion can have on a plane, in both carry-on and checked luggage.  If a battery’s capacity exceeds 100 watt hours (Wh), you must get approval from the airline you’re flying with to bring it on the plane. 

The limitations on lithium-ion batteries is due to the risk of this type of battery spontaneously overheating or catching fire, which is an obvious risk to the safety of the passengers and crew aboard the plane.

Electric scooters have batteries that typically clock in around 160 Wh. Batteries that exceed 160 Wh are prohibited on planes in the United States, so it’s important to double-check the capacity of your scooter battery to determine if it exceeds this limit.

Unfortunately, manufacturers of electric scooters rarely list the Wh of the battery, making just the amp hours (Ah) easily accessible. To calculate the Wh, you’ll need to multiply the Ah by the battery’s voltage, which can be difficult to track down for some electric scooters.

Your airline may require you to provide proof that the Wh of your scooter is lower than 160. You should have this proof available to you when requesting permission to bring your electric scooter.

Meeting Other Requirements

If you manage to get your electric scooter’s battery approved to be taken on the plane with you, you must also make sure you meet all your airline’s requirements for luggage size.  If your luggage exceeds the weight or dimension limits, you could be charged an extra fee.  You could also be denied permission to bring your electric scooter if it ultimately takes up too much room.

If you are looking to buy a scooter that can travel with you, go for one that’s sleek and able to fold to take up less space.  Lithium-ion batteries are never allowed to be checked in the cargo hold, according to FAA regulations, so you will need to bring the scooter with you as part of your carry-on luggage. 

A foldable scooter will be easier to store in an overhead compartment. You should also consider a narrower scooter, rather than a wide one. A narrow model will be easier to bring through the tight aisles of a plane.

United States Airline Policies

Here is a quick look at the policies of some major U.S. airlines when it comes to lithium-ion batteries and electric scooters to help make your travel plans a little less stressful.

American Airlines

While American Airlines does allow lithium-ion batteries up 160 Wh and between 160-300 Wh with special assistance and permission, they explicitly prohibit lithium-ion battery-powered personal transportation devices, such as electric scooters or hoverboards.

Delta Airlines

Delta has the same general regulations for lithium-ion batteries as the FAA, but  they have specifically restricted hoverboards and other self-balancing electric boards that use lithium-ion batteries . 

Their policy cites the reason for this as the inconsistency of manufacturers in listing the details of the batteries in their products. Because it can be so difficult to find the watt hours of an electric scooter battery, it’s very difficult to confirm whether a battery exceeds the 160 wh limit.

JetBlue

JetBlue’s policy does not explicitly prohibit electric scooters used for leisure transportation. It does, however,  ban “scooters with spillable batteries,” hoverboards, and electric skateboard with lithium batteries . 

You can always contact JetBlue to confirm, but it’s safe to assume that if a lithium-ion battery in an electric skateboard isn’t allowed, your electric scooter likely won’t be, either.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest does not explicitly prohibit electric scooters on their own, but they do prohibit hoverboards and “smart baggage,” due to concerns with the lithium-ion battery used to power both categories of devices. Smart baggage is an umbrella term that includes baggage enabled with stand-up scooters that allow them to become personal transportation devices.

All  smart baggage with non-removable batteries are banned from Southwest flights . If the lithium-ion battery can be removed from a smart bag device, the device may be allowed to accompany you in the cabin. If it needs to be checked, then the battery will need to be removed from the bag and carried into the cabin with you.

United Airlines

You’ve guessed it: United Airlines also prohibits electric scooters. Due to lithium-ion batteries’ unpredictability, self-propelled vehicles are not allowed on United Airlines flights. This includes hoverboards, electric skateboards, and explicitly electric-powered scooters. 

Conclusion

When traveling by air in the U.S., there are a lot of restrictions and regulations you need to follow. Unfortunately, these restrictions make it challenging to bring electric scooters on major airline flights. 

You may be able to find an airline that will accept lithium battery-powered transportation devices, or you may find a way to work around the restrictions (by, say, disassembling the scooter and carrying the battery separately). 

Ultimately, though,  it may be best to leave the electric scooter at home when flying someplace new .

Electric scooters are essential mobility tools that are also fun, but they can be extremely expensive as a hobby. If you’re getting into sporting scooters or trick scooters, you already know that a good scooter is hard to find and expensive to buy.

You may not know if you can afford an electric scooter or not, but the chances are good that you can—the only question that remains is whether it will fit your needs.

In this article, we’ll go over the various manufacturers and features which contribute to the price ranges that different types of electric scooters cost.

Manufacturers

There are some different manufacturers of electric scooters, each of which has several models. Each of these models come in different price ranges.

Some manufacturers tend to be more expensive than others across all of their scooter lines; these are made by brands like:

• Yamaha
• Cezeta
• SWAGTRON
• Suzuki
• OXA

Other brands are less expensive, but can still provide a great scooter experience. These scooters are from manufacturers like:

• Z Electric Vehicle
• Razor
• Pulse Performance Products
• Hollywood Electrics
• Maxtra

Necessary Features

For each of these features, you will pay more to have a higher quality component, but you should think carefully about which feature is the most important to you before spending a lot of money on a scooter that is the best in every category.

Engine

The engine in your electric scooter determines most of the cost, though the battery is also a significant contributor to cost.

Your engine choices determine how much horsepower your scooter is capable of putting out, which means that it dictates how fast you can go, how quickly you can accelerate, the power draw of the engine, and also the loudness of the engine.

The engine also determines the general purpose of the scooter. Certain engines are intended for city maneuverability and casual riding, whereas others are suited for sporty events where the range of the scooter isn’t an issue.

Off-roading

Given how popular scooters are in the off-roading scene, a scooter’s ability to off-road effectively is a big influence on price.

Off-roading effectively requires a more aggressive engine and a sturdier, shock absorbent frame which cruising style scooters don’t need. Off-roading ability isn’t included in these scooters, which means that off-roading scooters are custom made for the purpose.

Again, being custom made for off-roading ensures that off-roading is a feature that will drive the price through the roof.

Comfort

Comfort is a minor factor in the cost of an electric scooter. Most of the comfort features of a scooter are going to be determined whether it’s a cruiser style scooter or a sporting style scooter.

Cruiser scooters emphasize comfort by default, whereas sporting style scooters will significantly cost more if they have features that add comfort like extra shock absorbance.

It’s relatively cheap to add more cushioning or grip padding on a cruiser, but it’s expensive to add more mechanical stress resilience on a sport scooter.

Battery

The battery is the second largest influencer on cost after the engine. The battery determines how the scooter charges, how fast it charges, what kinds of engines run, and what the overall range of the bike is.

The most expensive batteries are for cruiser scooters, which need to draw a consistent amount of power for a long time to provide a long range; these batteries will make for an expensive scooter.

The cheapest batteries are in sporting scooters because they don’t need to provide stamina, just the ability to discharge rapidly and frequently in response to the engine’s ever-changing needs.

More expensive batteries are also larger, and heavier, even if they’re lighter per cubic inch. Sporting scooters need batteries that are small and light, which can lead to a higher cost.

Sporting Ability

The overall sporting ability of an electric scooter is a combination of the scooter’s engine, battery, design, and for cost, marketing.

Sporting ability includes features like shock absorbers, bendable joints, and a frame that’s more durable. Sporting ability and off-roading ability often overlap, but not all scooter sports are off the road.

Racing scooters are markedly different in design than off-road scooters, but both emphasize tight control surfaces and rapid acceleration.

Price Ranges

For a high-end sporting scooter, you can expect to pay in the $300 range or higher. Expect to spend at minimum $250 to get a brand-new sporting scooter.

For a less expensive city cruising scooter, you can get away with paying under $100, but you’ll probably end up paying between $100 and $200.

Midrange scooters are typically intended for cruising and can cost from $150 to $250. These scooters may provide the best value of the bunch because their engines and batteries will be good enough for long range cruising.

Wrapping Up

The price of electric scooters depends heavily on their intended purpose, manufacturer, and engine/battery unit.

If you’re thinking of purchasing a scooter for someone you know, consider their most likely use case, and choose accordingly. If you’re not sure what the person will be using the scooter for, you should probably err toward lower-cost scooters because the features of the high-end scooters will be wasted on them.