Scooters are electric vehicles, so there are a few dos and don’ts when getting one. First, if you’ve never ridden an electric scooter and are nervous about shelling one, try a rideshare service. Companies like Lime, Lyft and Bird will let you grab an e-scooter for not much money, which is a good way to test the water.
Wear a helmet. Need I say more? Protect your noggin. Our cycling accessories guide has some helmet options – my personal favorite is the Thousand Heritage helmet – and follow this guide to fit your helmet the right way.
Check your local laws. Are electric scooters legal where you live? If yes, what is the maximum speed limit? Do you have to go on the bike path? In the past two years, e-scooters have become a common sight in many cities. Chances are your state or city has rules about driving.
Do not charge your e-scooter at night or when no one is home. The manuals of several scooters I’ve tested say the same thing. Not every battery or charger has UL certification for safety, and I’ve seen too many stories of battery fires. Always be nearby when charging your scooter and unplug it when it has finished charging.
Try to avoid the rain. You’ll want to check your scooter to see if it has official IP ratings for water and dust resistance. If not, avoid driving in the rain. If there is a rating, it’s still a good idea to get out of the rain quickly. More importantly, do not plug in the charger without wiping the charging port and making sure it is dry.
Do not store your escooter at too high temperatures. Extreme heat and extreme cold are not good for batteries. Store your escooter indoors in a cool, dry place, just like your cereal!
Only one rider, please. Unless a manufacturer explicitly states that an e-scooter can carry two people, only one rider may be on the deck. These vehicles can go quite fast and you don’t have to go more than 20 mph to have a serious accident. It is also a good idea to check the weight limit on your scooter.
Check the manufacturer’s maintenance and repair options. Before investing in a new scooter, check whether the manufacturer offers spare parts or can service your scooter if problems arise. You may want to check with local ebike and escooter stores to see if they have experience with the brand you’re going with.
Do not leave your e-scooter outside unattended. Scooters are not very easy to secure so it goes without saying that they are very easy to steal. Roll them in if you need to, but keep them in plain sight if you don’t want to walk home helmet in hand.
This post 6 Best Electric Scooters (2022): Affordable, Long Distance, Fast
was original published at “https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-electric-scooters”
