How Much Does An Electric Scooter Cost? – Ultimate Guide For Buying An Electric Scooter
Riding an electric scooter is an alternative way of getting where you need to be. It is faster than walking and more fun than driving through traffic jams. The best thing is that it is much more sustainable, with less carbon footprint than driving a gas-powered vehicle.
Learning how to ride an electric scooter is a lot easier than you think. Even if you did not get a chance to learn to ride a manual scooter when you were a kid, anyone can quickly learn.
In this article, future electric scooter owners will learn what determines the price of an electric scooter. Keep on reading to make sure you prepare the right amount to get the best electric scooter for you.
How Much are Electric Scooters?
How much does an electric scooter cost anyway? Well, there are a lot of factors that determine the cost of an electric scooter. Some will cost under $300, while some of the high-end electric scooters can reach up to $3000. However, if you are looking for a scooter for commuting, there are excellent choices that range from $500- $800. Usually, off-road scooters that are a lot faster with higher torque and range will cost more because of the materials used.
Why are Some Electric Scooters Expensive?
Because these are equipped with features that don’t come cheap but are necessary to create a powerful and high-performance scooter. Not all expensive scooters are worth the price, however. Just like any retail items on the market, some of these machines are high-priced because of the brand name.
In some cases, personal preference makes an electric scooter not worth the investment. Say, you want a scooter with dual motors so you can cover more ground in a single charge. However, you’re not very happy with the weight of the motors. Do you get what I mean?
Cheap vs. High-End Electric Scooters
Some cheap and affordable electric scooters are capable of daily use. They would not be equipped with excessive power, but some of them are substantial for the purpose of transportation. Although there are some cheap scooters that don’t really perform well, there are still some that are worth buying.
High-end electric scooters, on the other hand, are equipped with more power and extended range. If you buy a premium electric scooter, it will also most likely be made of better materials and equipped with more features for better ride quality. Materials like pneumatic tires, shock absorbers, and lightweight high-quality or aircraft-grade aluminum usually make a scooter cost more. Other things that bump up the cost are the brand itself and the physical attributes. However, not all high-end scooters are worth the price.
Kids vs. Adult Electric Scooters
Electric scooters for kids will most likely cost less than adult electric scooters. They are made with lighter materials, a smaller motor, and a lower battery life. Since most kids cannot really go as fast as 15 miles per hour, manufacturers equip kid’s electric scooters with the appropriately-sized motor. Some Razor electric scooters, for example, are suitable for kids as well as adults and beginners. When it comes to the Razor electric scooter price, it remains an affordable option for both kids and adults.
Since adults are bigger than kids, they are much heavier and will need a scooter with more power and speed to get to places like the workplace or to do some errands. Bigger kids and teenagers can also ride some electric scooters for adults, but it will depend on their size, height, and skill level.
Factors that Determine the Electric Scooter Cost
Power and Speed Output
Power and speed output depend on the size of the motor and its output. If the rider wants a more powerful motor to reach higher speeds, the electric scooter will most likely cost more. There are different motors you can choose from.
Belt Motor
A belt motor (1) is a quieter option than a chain motor. However, belt motors usually wear quicker and will need to be replaced at least once in the lifespan of an electric scooter.
Chain Motor
Chain motors are much more durable than a belt drive. It does not require a lot of maintenance and they can withstand the test of time and daily use.
Hub Motors
Hub motors (2) are the most common type of motors. They are the most reliable because they are not equipped with a chain or belt.
Choosing the right motor depends on the rider’s weight, size, and ability. If the rider is required to climb up hills as part of their daily commute, they will need a more powerful motor. Something that is 350 watts or higher should be sufficient enough for heavy adults. The same motor will provide a scooter enough power to climb an incline.
Range and Battery
The maximum range and battery life of an electric scooter is also a crucial factor that affects the price of an electric scooter. A Razor Electric Scooter’s price is affordable because most of their scooters have limited range. It does not mean that Razor scooters are not worth buying. Because these electric scooters are aimed for kids, they do not need to upgrade the range for commuting.
Some batteries don’t only have a higher voltage, but some electric scooter companies like Unagi, have a UL certification. This certification proves that the battery has gone through rigorous testing ensuring that it won’t leak or cause any minor explosions.
Design and Construction Quality
The design of an electric scooter also affects the price. Because some scooters use better materials, they will cost more than scooters that are made out of standard aluminum. You will come across terms like military-grade or aircraft-grade aluminum with some of the high-end electric scooter models. The Unagi Model One is a high-end scooter that uses a much lighter magnesium alloy. Because of this the brand can increase the electric scooter price and get away with it.
The components electric scooter is equipped with will also affect the price. Some are built with better quality tires, absorption pads, and braking systems.
Ride Quality
The ride quality depends on the type and size of tires, shock absorption, and suspension. Off-road electric scooters are usually equipped with better components that make it easier for riders to take on any type of terrain. These components are not common for commuter electric scooters.
Electric scooters of off-road adventures and other recreational use will most likely cost more, and they are much heavier than scooters for transportation purposes. However, people can settle for more versatile models that have better ride quality than regular electric scooters, but not as heavy as off-road electric scooters. A good example of a versatile electric scooter is the Glion Dolly or Nanrobot D4+.
Extra Features
A more expensive electric scooter will either be faster and more durable, or it will be equipped with more features that determine the final price.
- Bluetooth connectivity
Some electric scooters are equipped with a smartphone app that displays diagnostics like speed and battery life. Linked to a scooter via Bluetooth, these apps can also toggle headlights and change between riding modes.
- Different riding modes
Some electric scooters allow you to switch between different ridding modes to control maximum speed.
- LCD dashboard display for diagnostics
Electric scooters will have an LCD screen that has a speedometer and battery life meter built-in the cockpit
- Regenerative braking
Regenerative braking is a cool feature that charges the battery every time you use the electric scooter brakes.
- One-click foldability
Some electric scooters fold quicker than others. Features like this also affect electric scooter pricing.
- Anti-theft features
This feature is found on more high-end electric scooters. Features such as using a key to start help avoid your electric scooter getting stolen.
Safety Features
Every manufacturer includes safety features on their products. The people that make these electric scooters do not want riders to get hurt. However, the number of safety features vary from scooter to scooter and affects the price. Some have more features like headlights, better braking, and better acceleration.
Conclusion
The electric scooter price is affected by many factors. Some more affordable scooters can have the same features as high-end scooters but may be less durable. A cheap electric scooter can be durable but have fewer features. It depends on what the manufacturer decides to equip the scooter with.
The value is also determined by how often the rider will be using the electric scooter. If the electric scooter will be stored most of the time, the value may depreciate. If a scooter is used daily, it may acquire more miles on the odometer, but it does help the user significantly.
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