Ahmed Bushra asked:


There’s a lot of hype over electric scooters these last couple of years, but is it really a wise investment?

Kids love them, but are they useful for adults looking to commute?

Many commuters, including college students, love the ease and portability of electric scooters. It is without doubt that the electric scooter has become a more than viable form of alternative transportation, and its here to stay…

This is because it is cheap to own, operate, and maintain an electric scooter. With gas prices rising, electricity is a much more inexpensive source of power.

The only real drawback of owning an electric scooter is the speed that they typically reach, usually between 18-25 mph, which can be quite slow. However, if you’re only traveling within a 2 to 3 mile radius, then its the perfect solution.

There are a variety of styles and brands on the market, but as in any industry, you have your share of bad quality rip-offs and real brand-names.

Some of the better brand names include: Razor, Schwinn, X-treme, and Mongoose.

The typical standard warranty is between 1-3 months, with a 6-month warranty on batteries.

Batteries are re-chargeable, but the usual life is between 6-18 months, after which they need replacement. Its always wise to buy an extra battery for backup.

You can choose from 100 watts to 600 watts, with the most popular models being around 400-500 watts. The higher the wattage, the more weight the scooter can push and the steeper hills it can handle.

Hills are an important consideration when purchasing an electric scooter. Regardless of the scooter’s power output, you’ll notice a significant decrease in speed when going up hills. If you’re planning to ride in a hilly area, then a gas-powered electric scooter is a better option, as long as its 49cc and under.

Legally, electric scooters are very well-appreciated. Most states do not regulate electric scooters the same way moped and gas scooter are regulated, in order to encourage the use of renewable energy and reduce pollution. Moreover, accidents associated with electric scooters are usually much less than with gas-powered ones.

Cost for the typical brand-name model is between $300 and $600, depending mainly on power output. Beware of buying on Ebay, because the scooter may not come with a warranty or availability of parts, two very important factors when considering a purchase.

The bottom-line is that electric scooters offer a very viable form of alternative transportation, and anyone commuting within a 2-3 mile radius should consider having one.



Melissa

Justin B asked:


I have been wanting an electric scooter for a while and now i can get one. i live in New Jersey where it is very hilly so it would have to be able to get up them. also at least 30 minute run time.
Nvm a gas powered one. i just type it in Google and i find some for under $300 but will they get me were im going?

Nicole

Koronis asked:


Potential buyers of electric vehicles and electric powered scooters have an increased incentive to purchase these vehicles due to a tax credit buried in the recent Economic and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Incentives for plug- in hybrid vehicles take effect in 2010 but incentives for smaller electric vehicles take effect with the passage of the bill. The $787 Billion bill passed by the Congress, and signed by the President gives a tax credit incentive to purchasers of electric vehicles of different types.

All electric powered vehicles benefit from the new tax credit. Immediately benefiting are buyers purchasing a category of vehicles known as light electric vehicles or LEV’s. The LEV category includes four wheeled Neighborhood Electric Vehicles or NEV, and two and three wheel electric powered scooters.

The criteria for qulaifying are based on the electric energy storage capacity of the battery. For two and three wheel vehicles the minimum size battery storage that qualifies must be rated at a minimum of 2.5kwh of stored energy capacity. For a NEV type vehicle the minimum battery storage capacity that qualifies is 4 kWh. To determine if the vehicle you are considering qualifies take the amp hour capacity rating of the battery times the battery voltage and divide by 1000. If the result is 2.5 or greater, the scooter, or three wheel vehicle, will qualify for the credit. For example if the specifications on the scooter you are considering has a battery rated: 5X12V/50 Ah the calculation is as follows: (5X12v) 60 X 50 Ah = 3000 Divided by 1000 = 3 KWh, which exceeds the 2.5 kWh minimum criteria.

For vehicles that qualify there is a 10% tax credit on electric vehicles up to a maximum purchase price of $25,000 which would result in a maximum credit of $2,500 on a vehicle costing $25,000.

This tax credit may be in addition to local tax or purchase incentives that may be in place in some local municipalities, and is effective for purchases made after the date the bill was signed The tax credit incentive will be welcome news to anyone considering purchasing an electric scooter.



Bill

quantum02us asked:


I have a developed electric scooter. I want to take it places like to the store, movie theaters around town etc. I’m close enough to all these places but too far to walk. I want to use my scooter to get there but am afraid that someone just might pick it up and walk away with it. It’s 70 pounds, which wouldn’t be too hard to pick up and go, but definitely inconvenient to just pick up myself and walk around with it. How do I secure it? Is there anything in the scooter world that addresses this problem?

Irene

M.D. Smith asked:


You just returned home from work. After spending thirty minutes in traffic to go a measly eight miles, your patience is shot.

You have not been home for even an hour when you notice that you need to go to the store to get some necessities. Instead of jumping in your car, you decide to save some gas money, along with your last nerve and take in the sights. It’s only a mile or so to the store, so instead of dealing with traffic, you opt for an alternative mode of transportation and avoid the hassle.

Electric scooters have become increasingly popular due to their energy efficient, environmentally friendly makeup. Without the need for petroleum to power electric scooters, you are helping the environment with every ride. Instead burning fossil fuels and emitting more carbon into the atmosphere, you can do your part in saving our wonderful planet and have fun while you’re doing it.

Most electric scooters have the ability to fold down for easy storage or transport. With this added convenience, you can virtually take your electric scooter anywhere.

Electric scooters are perfect for that short trip. Instead of hopping into the car, burning the gas and dealing with traffic, hop on your electric scooter, turn the key and before you know it, you have arrived at your destination headache free.

Some electric scooters can reach a distance of twenty to thirty miles without needing a charge. If you take the average trip to the store two to three times a week, you will still have enough charge for more trips in between. When you take your automobile on several short distance runs, you are burning more gas with every acceleration. Every time you accelerate, you emit more pollutants into the environment and burn more gas than at a steady speed.

Electric Scooters are your cost effective alternative. Though the price range differs among the different types of electric scoters, it is safe to say that the average 250 watt electric scooter that has a range of about ten to twelve miles per charge will run about $150-$200. For a 350 watt electric scooter that range from twelve to up to twenty miles per charge can set you back a mere $180 to $250. And the bigger 500 watt electric scooters that can average twenty to a whopping 30 miles on a charge will hit you wallet for around $300 to $400. One thing to remember: This is a one time fee, and you don’t have to keep filling up the tank, thereby after a few charges your electric scooter has virtually paid for itself.

Overall, when you look at the cost, efficiency, and overall convenience; you will agree that electrics scooters are one more thing in our lives that are not just a matter of convenience, rather a matter of being practical, which makes us more efficient in the long run. You can’t go wrong. Do your part to save the planet, save some nerves and put that



Roberta

Kent Pinkerton asked:


/>Electric scooters are advancements of the scooters that were first known as a child’s push vehicle. They are efficient vehicles used for getting around quickly with less effort.



Modern scooter designs and enhancements are based on whether the rider is to sit or stand. Motor scooters with small gasoline engines have been a favorite in European countries for decades. Advancements in battery technology led to the development of small electric engines. In recent years scooters were reintroduced to the American public, initially as toys for older children. Sales quickly skyrocketed and soon electric scooters could be seen almost everywhere. The electric scooters were a favorite among adults for use in urban areas.



Competition among scooter manufacturers and continuing sales has led to unique design features, such as miniature low-powered motorcycles. Motorized scooters, whether the rider is to sit or to stand, are considered low-power motor vehicles by many municipalities and are subject to state and local regulations. Some scooters meet Department of Transportation regulations for operation on streets and roadways while others are prohibited from being on the streets. Any time a motorized vehicle is introduced into traffic areas, appropriate cautionary measures must be taken and proper safety gear must be worn.



Scooters can be easily found in the retail market, however not all retailers will carry all styles. Major discount or department stores may only carry a couple of models that they believe will be the most popular among their shoppers. A scooter store could specialize in a variety of recreational scooters, while another store will specialize in the mobility scooters. Retailers also offer scooter accessories to enhance the experience as well as replacement parts and service. Any style of scooter can be purchased online for retail pricing. The current market demand for scooters makes it hard to find them at wholesale prices for a single purchase, but there are many opportunities for an individual to become a scooter dealer



Maria

soccerxxkid asked:


I need an easy way to get to school but I am only 14. Will I have any problems with tickets if I get an electric scooter?

Thelma

Adam Boulton asked:


Even people who have low mobility can have the pleasure of driving a scooter and an electric scooter helps to satisfy their needs. An electric scooter or mobility scooter is a battery operated scooter that can be driven by any person who finds it difficult to walk or stand for a long time.

Electric scooters can be used either for indoor use, outdoor use or for both. Generally, electric scooters have three or four wheels and since they are battery operated, they do not cause any environmental pollution. The electric scooter has a pair of batteries that need to be recharged on a regular basis which depends upon the time and distance traveled and also the type of battery being used.

Electric scooters are so designed that they are easy to use and are equipped with brake systems that are well advanced, thus making the stopping of scooters quite easy. Further more, the scooters also have a parking brake so that they do not roll off while they are parked.

Depending upon the needs of the user, the electric scooters can be classified as foldable electric scooters, three wheeled electric scooters and four wheeled electric scooters. As the name implies, the foldable type can be easily folded and transported any time and is suitable for those who travel frequently and are ideal for long trips. The three wheeled electric scooters are quite easy to use both indoors and outdoors and are comfortable and durable. The seats are sturdier than portable models and provide ample leg room than any other model. The main convenience is that they can be steered to turn tight corners.

The four wheeled electric scooters are mainly intended for outdoor purposes and are preferred when maximum stability is needed to support the three wheeled structure. Such scooters can be used in rugged terrains and are more stable than three wheeled scooters. Evidently, these types of scooters have wider base and bigger tires and can travel as faster as ten miles per hour. There are heavy duty electric scooters too, for those who are more than 350 pounds.

Electric scooters usually need a key to function but however, they can be used in free wheel mode even without the use of keys .Hence, even when the batteries are being charged, the scooters can be stored and transported easily.

To sum up, the electric scooters have the advantage of being environment friendly, they do not need any physical effort as they are operated on battery and offer a lot of much needed confidence in people who have less mobility and gives them the regained independence of traveling freely on the streets. Such people need not depend on other’s assistance to travel even uphill, which would give them great satisfaction.



Lucy

agriba04 asked:


I am planning on getting an electric scooter or moped any time soon. But had couple of questions to those who do have one. First, how/where do you charge your moped? Can you take the battery out, charge the battery and put it back in? Or do you need a space like a garage in order to charge the scooter?

Jennifer

Tim S asked:


I have an old e100 electric scooter that doesnt work and an old weed whacker. how can i attach the engine to it. Dont say anythin like dont try it, it wont work u need to find the rite kind of engine or anythin like that just how to attach it

Danielle