M.D. Smith asked:


A customer comes in and says “I’m looking for a 12 volt scooter”. The first question I ask is, “who is this scooter for?” If it is for anyone older than say, six, then I need to explain a few things so that they understand what they are asking for. What’s in a volt and what role do they play with your electric scooters?

By definition, a volt is The International System unit of electric potential and electromotive force, equal to the difference of electric potential between two points on a conducting wire carrying a constant current of one ampere when the power dissipated between the points is one watt. According to the “American Heritage Dictionary ” .

What we dealers look at is how much power the battery system will supply to get the job done efficiently.

Electric Scooters used to be based on a single 12 volt system, (One 12 volt battery). That was simple, and was consistent throughout the industry. Over the years, electric powered scooters have evolve into 24 volt, 36 volt and even 48 volt systems. Much more to choose from and much more variety have come about.

The amount of total voltage does play an integral role in which scooter your should purchase. The amount of voltage, combined with the number of watts your motor is will determine how far, how fast and how much weight your scooter can carry without dieing out or burning up.

The traditional 12 volt system. Now-a-days, the small kids electric scooters are single twelve volt systems. As you increase in wattage, that is how many watts of power that is generated by your electric scooter engine, the more juice that is required to power that engine more efficiently.

As with all things, the need for speed kicked in and the manufacturers had to find a way to get more out of their electric powered scooters. An overnight sensation was the advent of the 24 volt system. Originally it was a single 24 volt battery, but The 24 volt battery was a bit large and cumbersome. Now a days, your 24 volt system consists of a dual pair of 12 volt batteries chained together. This is known as a trickle charge system.

A trickle-charge system where two or more 12 volt batteries are simultaneously connected and then the whole system runs the engine, as well as any other add-ons that you have on your electric powered scooter. Each battery in the set gives off a little voltage at a time, and charges the same way. The best thing about the trickle charge system, in our opinion, is that if a battery goes bad, you don’t have to replace all of them. 99.9% of the time, you only need to replace one. If anyone tells you that you need to replace all of them, they just want your money.

The traditional electric powered scooter that has all the extras will be either a 24 volt system or for the heavy duty and longer lasting electric scooters, you will get a much better setup with a 36 volt system.

The higher voltage systems provide more power to carry more weight farther. With a 24 volt system, your average electric powered scooter can travel for about ten to fifteen miles; if you’re lucky. The 36 volt systems have been able to reach as far as twenty-five to even thirty miles on a single charge. There are some 48 volt systems out there that can travel up to thirty-five miles on a single charge, by those are few.

As you can see, voltage does make a difference when you are talking about the actual distance and the distance that your electric scooter will take you before needing more juice.



Oscar

George Dodge asked:


Several years ago, my daughter, a 17 years old college Freshman, was paralyzed from the waist down as the result of a fall. She was determined to continue on with college and needed a way to get around the campus. Fortunately an electric mobility scooter provided her with the freedom and mobility she needed during that difficult period in her life.

Without the aid of the electric mobility scooter, my daughter would have had to drop out of college and return home until she could recover, and at that time, no one knew if she would ever recover her ability to walk again. Thank God, she did regain her ability to walk only a short time later, but nevertheless, the electric mobility scooter provided not only the physical freedom and mobility but also the psychological boost she needed during the crisis period.

Electric wheelchairs and power mobility scooters deliver power mobility to elderly, seriously ill, and disabled individuals. Today, more than ever before, electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters help people, like my daughter, with limited mobility regain their freedom and independence.

“For 38% of the 54 million Americans with disabilities, mobility limitations and impairments are permanent. For these individuals, a variety of mobility aids and devices are necessary in order to provide support, motion and access, as well as to enable them to lead active and fulfilling lives.” — United Cerebral Palsy of New York City, http://www.ucpnyc.org

* Electric Wheelchairs vs. Electric Mobility Scooters

An electric wheelchair is a personal mobility device that usually has six wheels and is steered using a “joystick”. Sometimes referred to as a motorized wheelchair, power wheelchair, or just power chairs, they generally offer superior in-home maneuverability, fit almost anywhere and turn on a dime. An electric wheelchair is primarily designed for people who need help getting around indoors.

The power mobility provided by electric wheelchairs has made a dramatic difference in many people’s lives. The development of new technology in the industry has made it possible for citizens to obtain smaller, more lightweight and maneuverable motorized wheelchairs for use inside the home allowing people to move about in small places and complete their activities of daily living without being bed-bound or sent to nursing homes.

Medical electric mobility scooters, on the other hand, are personal electric scooters that have either three or four wheels and steer much like a bicycle, using a set of handlebars. Electric scooters are ideal for out-of-home activities, as they glide smoothly and easily over a variety of surfaces. There are even portable motorized scooters that can be stowed in the trunk of your car to take along with you.

Today’s electric wheelchairs and electric mobility scooters are easy-to-use, comfortable, safe and reliable.

Mobility is a critical aspect of everyday life. Being mobile enhances a person’s ability to learn, interact with others, earn a living and participate in community life.

“Growth of the mobility-impaired community is increasing as the population ages, as the effects of obesity, and other neurological, rheumatoid, and physical ailments impair mobility. In addition, demand for power wheelchairs has grown due to demographics, technology development and consumer awareness.” — National Spinal Cord Injury Association, http://www.spinalcord.org

* Electric Wheelchairs and Electric Mobility Scooters Cost Considerations

Electric wheelchairs and electric mobility scooters are usually available at little or NO cost to you, depending upon your insurance qualifications.

For Medicare coverage consideration, a written prescription for a scooter or power wheelchair must be received by a supplier from a primary care physician or treating practitioner within 30 days of a face-to-face examination.

To see if you qualify for a low cost or no cost electric wheelchair or mobility scooter, contact a professional mobility consultant who will work with your doctor to identify your mobility needs, coordinate your Medicare or insurance benefits and determine the best mobility solution for you.

Don’t let physical impairments keep you down. Regain your freedom of mobility and independence with the electric wheelchair or mobility scooter that’s right for you.



Joshua

Robert asked:


Electric scooters are a great way for people suffering from limited mobility get around. Many people who use the scooters in place of a wheelchair. Motility scooters can be three or four wheeled and are great for going short distances. Some of them are designed to fold up into a compact space if the scooter’s owner has to take a long trip.

Travel or portable electric scooters are designed in such a manner that they can easily be paced in cars trucks. Because most people who use them are only capable of walking short distances, getting back into the scooter is not a problem as long as the they have someone else come along to take their scooter out of a car trunk.

Some electric scooters can travel up to 25 miles on a battery charge, but electric scooters are not intended for long trips. Special accommodations may have to be made for a person’s electric scooter if a longer trip is planned.

The electric battery and slightly faster than walking pace of electric scooters, makes scooters ideal for short trips around town. If the owner does not plan on going more than one or two miles, electric scooters can easily handle this range. A rider who wishes to take their scooter on the road should check local laws and regulations first. Electric scooters must meet certain requirements to be street legal.

Unlike gasoline powered scooters, which are just a different form of motorcycle, electric scooters travel at speeds only slightly faster than a normal walking pace. (The purpose is not to provide fast transportation, merely to provide transportation to people who cannot walk more than fifty feet or so.)

A person using a electric scooter to do in-town trips does not need to do a lot of planning as long as he or she keeps the scooter’s battery charged. Trips of more than two miles require more forethought and a place to store the scooter when it is not in use. If for some reason the scooter cannot travel with its owner to a shopping trip, many malls, department and grocery stores make electric scooters available to their customers.

Portable or electric scooters are specifically designed to fold up and be placed in the trunk of a car, but even basic three wheel scooter designs give some thought for an owner’s need to take them farther than a single battery charge can take the scooter. Most car trunks can accommodate larger packages without a problem, but it is best to check with bus, train or airline companies first before buying tickets for a trip to see what policies they have in place for making sure a portable electric scooter arrives at the same destination as a passenger.



Jeffery

Uchenna Ani-Okoye asked:


Many people love the freedom of riding a motorcycle as well as the economical value it offers, especially now with fuel costs at an all time high. However, some people just aren’t comfortable operating a motorcycle. A great alternative is to choose an electric scooter. They are also very economically as well as easy to operate. This is a great option for riding around town. I know many parents who compromise purchasing their teenager a scooter rather than an actual motorcycle. Scooters also cost less than a motorcycle.

Safety is still a necessity while operating an electric scooter. It is important that you wear a helmet as well as long sleeved shirts and pants to prevent road rash. You also need to follow the rules of the road. Too many people have the misconception that a scooter can be operated like a bicycle rather than a motor vehicle on the road. In many states you have to obtain a motorcycle license to legally operate one on the street. Children must be the legal age to drive one as determined by their state regulations.

Electric scooters are frequently referred to as mopeds as well. They are very environmentally friendly so you don’t have to worry about pollution issues. Many of the features on these scooters are similar to those of a motorcycle including the seat, brakes, tires, and turn signals. While scooters are definitely easier to learn to ride, they won’t offer you the same speed as a motorcycle. Don’t expect to get on one and take off like the wind. You also won’t want to ride them on the highway or interstate as they just aren’t designed for that type of speed or travel.

Depending on the type of electric scooter you purchase, you can anticipate spending from $200 to $1,000. The prices are very reasonable, so that your time finding one that fits you perfectly. There are many styles and colours available from a variety of manufacturers. Many women love operating a scooter as opposed to a motorcycle because of the weight difference.

You will also find scooters that feature a stand up or a sit down design. The younger kids definitely seem to favour the stand up type but it certainly isn’t going to be comfortable when you are on it for a length of time. You also won’t have the storage space if you need to carry anything with you.

Most electric scooters require very little maintenance, further adding to your transportation savings. In most cases you will be able to do the basic maintenance and even repairs on your own. You may be wondering how fuel efficient an electric scooter is. While the specific savings will vary by model, many of them can get 60 miles per gallon of fuel.

Since electric scooters don’t take up much space and they are light weight, may college kids prefer to use one instead of a car. They can even ride it around campus and secure it on the bike rack. Most of them can get up to 30 MPH so a quick trip to town or the grocery store is even possible with one.

Electric scooters have continued to grow in popularity in areas where the fuel is high and the weather is nice most of the year. Consumers are looking for an economical means of transportation and they have found in with electric scooters. You can find a great deal of information about them on the internet as well as motorcycle and electric stores.



Shane

jasons086 asked:


My cousin’s house is about a mile down the street from mine and lot’s of the time when we hang out we have a couple of beers. My son just got a new electric scooter and I was wondering if I could ride that and be safe? I have a feeling the answer is no.

P.S. Scooters are cool.
About the public intoxication. What if I wasn’t drunk but just had a couple of beers. I have a drivers license and 2 cars but I would ride the scooter if I was over the limit.
Jake your calling me a girl? You may see my scooter parked outside your mom’s house tomorrow night. Don’t worry ill take good care of her.
Grumpy old man you say you WALK a 6 minute mile???? Have you ever seen the Comcast commercial when the put the high speed on the speed walker with the treadmill? That must be you. Do you people not understand my question. I have a couple of beers at my cousin’s house and would rather not drive home. Would it be LEGAL to ride the scooter. I am not talking about being wasted but just one beer over the limit and playing it safe.

A 6 minute mile is 10 miles per hour. That is a damn good pace for an old man, especially walking.

Cecil

Gregg Hall asked:


Useful for both kids and adults, scooters can benefit many. This cost effective form of transportation not only can help the average Joe save on fuel costs, but it can help a senior citizen regain his independence.

Mobility scooters have revolutionized and revitalized the lives of both the handicapped and senior citizens. They not only free these people from the bonds their illness or age have placed on them, but they improve the quality of life for them, literally taking them places where they could not go before.

Tired of paying high gas prices? Scooters can help with that too. Electric or even gas motor scooters can save you a small fortune. The average consumer can travel for days or even weeks at a time on just a single gallon of gas.

Versatility makes motor scooters attractive to the average consumer. Whether you want to improve the quality of life for a loved one or just save money yourself, a motor scooter is a viable option.

Besides the thrill of saving gas or offering mobility to an otherwise immobile individual, scooters provide the thrill and excitement of an open wheel vehicle. Zipping around from place to place on a motorized scooter really is fun. And while gas scooters offer the thrill of speed for the adventure seeker, disability scooters offer a safe, reliable, and still enjoyable ride.

Electric scooters have become the best choice for handicapped scooters simply because they can go just about anywhere. An otherwise stagnant individual has the option of walking his dog or simply just moving from the bedroom to the kitchen without calling for help. Dreams become reality thanks to these zippy inventions. Additionally, engineers have made scooters more balanced and safe than ever with three and four wheel versions.

Past scooters needed recharging in the middle of the day. Now those in need of electrical assistance can go for days with the longer lasting batteries. People no longer need to worry about finding themselves away from home with a dead battery.

For those looking for adventure on the open road, a gas scooter will do the trick. A driver can navigate long, winding roads or just utilize them for quick trips to the market or the dentist. And they can do so with a smile on their face. Speed options are limitless on these two wheel wonders, and the options range from fast or slow to standup or sit down.

Stowing the scooter no longer bothers owners either since the inception of the folding scooter. A person can drive his scooter to work and then stash it in his closet or under his desk. He could even stash it in a public storage compartment on the bus.

So no matter your age kids, teens, adults, or elderly scooters can have a place in your life. Cheap to own and operate, they fill the needs of many.



Jean

Coaster23 asked:


I was told by a nyc cop that I needed a registration for my electric scooter, Id like to know how much would that be.

Mitchell

Torrie Cantor asked:


When buying electric scooter parts, make sure they’re compatible with your scooter. Many customers make a mistake of buying the wrong parts for their scooters.

Popular electric scooter parts are:

- Accessories – Batteries – Chains – Chargers – Controllers – Throttles

Accessories

There are different kinds of accessories available. A popular choice for a scooter’s bag is a large multi-compartment bag than can be placed onto the rear cargo rack. A good bag would be made of a cloth that is high resistant to abrasions, tears and scuffs. Twin Velcro straps should hold the bag securely onto the seat rail or post.

You can also choose a basket to be placed in front. Good baskets would be those that fold out of the way when they’re no longer in use. Steel construction is the best with thick enamel finish.

You should have a safety warning bell for your scooter. Some bells are made with compasses too. These bells fit all electric scooter and bicycle handlebars. Bells that have a pleasant sound and are audible are advisable.

A bike motor kit includes self-contained removable power unit, a mounting rack and mounting hardware. You can also buy this kit in local motorcycle stores.

A good headlight would have side light markers that provide additional illumination in the right and left side of the scooter. This is for visibility during nighttime.

Your helmet should cover the back of your head to protect it from backward falls. It should have an air-gulping front, top and back holes. There should be a thick shock absorbent lining inside the helmet that can be easily removed and replaced for cleaning purposes. Most importantly, helmets should be certified by the ASTM F1447 helmet standards or any country’s helmet standards.

Even though some states don’t require scooter drivers to wear helmets, it is still recommended to wear a helmet no matter how short the distance is.

Additional mirrors are also available as extra electric scooter parts. You can choose a round shaped mirror that is made of chrome plated steel, glass and rubber construction. There should be a safety reflector at the back of the mirror.

Batteries

There is a different range of batteries available for electric scooters. If you know the voltage, dimensions or amp hours, you will be able to choose what battery should you require.

Chains

The #25 chain is the most commonly used for electric scooters. This chain has a ” spacing between each chain link and is ” wide.

Chain Breakers

Chain breakers don’t break the chain despite what they’re called. Their function is to remove the pins that hold the chain links together. Master links are used to connect chains together in a continuous solid loop.

Chargers

Intellect Charger – An “Intellect Charger” works with electric scooters and bikes that have a 12 Volt battery or two 6 Volt batteries.

Controllers

There are speed controllers for Chinese-made electric scooters. This part helps control the speed of your scooter from full stop to full forward.

Throttles

The Hall Effect Throttle is the most common type that is used on electric scooters. They work on Chinese-made electric scooters and are sometimes called accelerators, twist bar, speed bar, turn throttle, speed control or derailleur.

Another type of throttle is the on / off throttle. This is used for medium size electric scooters.

5k Ohm Throttles are for high-end and older model electric scooters.



Kimberly

Trevor Mulholland asked:


Earth-friendly, economical, and fun for everyday use, the electric scooter is making waves as a recreational machine. It may not be street legal in most states, which means they can’t be ridden on highways and other public streets, but they’re still fun to use for moving around in private roads. And of course, if you’re buying something to ride, you’ll want something that comes with style. That is why the more stylish machines, such as the BMX, Freedom and Boreem Jia brand scooters are making their way into the wish lists of children and adults alike.

There are many types of scooters out in the market – you have your pick between electric and gas-powered, and you can select from a wide range of designs, power and prices. But if you’ve got your heart set on a high-end electric scooter, you need not look further than these three famous brands: BMX, Freedom and Boreem Jia. If you want an electric scooter that would make an excellent gift, or simply an excellent first vehicle, these are the brands you should be looking at.

It may surprise auto enthusiasts to know that BMX also offers electric scooters. This forerunner in the biking industry has spread its wings to include motorized vehicles for children and teens. If you want bikes that have batteries that last a long time, the batteries that come with BMX scooters may be what you are looking for. These claim to last over 2000 recharges, compared to the standard 300 max recharges that other battery-powered scooters could take. BMX also boasts of having tough frames that could last for quite a bit.

The Boreem Jia specializes in speed. The 350S model can go as fast as 20 mph, at a range of 20 miles. However, the Freedom 946 electric scooter comes quite close, at a max speed of 19 mph and a max range of 17 miles. However, note that the frame of many Boreem Jia and Freedom models are similar to those of low-end scooters. You have the manufacturers’ word that these frames are not frail as the cheaper models’ frames are, but you may want something fancier for a first scooter, or a scooter that you’re giving away as a gift.

If speed and not style is your preference, a Boreem Jia or a Freedom is the machine for you. Having a fast scooter grants its own boasting rights, after all. However, the promise of endurance and a brand name to boast about gives the BMX an added edge. Weigh your options carefully if you want your first electric scooter buy to be a wise investment. Certainly more affordable and lower quality scooters are up for grabs, but why settle for less?



Adam

Ahmad K asked:


I just got a used electric scooter from my friend for free and i fixed everything but two things i dont know how to take the charger wire off it and how to change or pump the back wheel/please help

Gina