Max. load
The maximum weight of the rider that the design of the scooter can withstand without breakdowns and accidents. This moment is partly determined by the age group, and mainly by the materials used in the frame. Note that manufacturers can indicate the maximum load for perfect conditions - when the scooter rides on a perfectly flat surface or even stands still. Therefore, it is worth choosing a model for this parameter with a certain margin. And even more so, you should not exceed the weight indicated in the characteristics - even if the scooter does not break down immediately, this can happen at any time after, which is fraught with accidents and injuries.
Range
The maximum distance that an electric scooter can travel on a single battery charge.
Usually the range is indicated for a flat road and driving only on an electric motor, without the help of a rider. So this indicator is quite conditional, in practice, the distance of the trip may be either less or more, depending on the characteristics of the road and driving style. Nevertheless, according to the claimed range, it is quite possible to estimate the autonomy of different models and compare them with each other.
Note that a
large range (more than 50 km) requires capacious batteries, which affects the dimensions and weight of the device. The real need for such autonomy is not required so often, especially since many electric scooters are quite capable of driving in the usual way, without the use of an electric motor.
Max. power
The power in watts that the electric scooter motor can develop at maximum speed. In general, for scooters with an electric drive, it is customary to indicate the rated engine power (see above), which ensures efficient operation of the motor for a long time. By maximum we mean power in the “gas to the floor” mode, achieved only in the short term. Using this parameter, you can roughly estimate the capabilities of a particular model, for example, in terms of speed dynamics - the more power, the faster the scooter accelerates.
Max. speed
A high top speed gives you more riding options and reduces travel time. However, it requires powerful motors and capacious batteries, which affects the price and weight of the scooter. In addition, the faster the scooter, the more careful you need to be when driving. Therefore, most of the electric scooters have a speed of
25 km / h or a little more -
30 km / h.
Max. climbing angle
The maximum climbing angle that an electric scooter can overcome on engine power alone, without the help of legs. Models with engines of the same power may differ in this indicator (due to the difference in torque and wheel size).
Note that in the specifications the angle is usually indicated in degrees, while on road signs it is given as a percentage (1% corresponds to a rise of 1 m for every 100 m of horizontal movement). However, this moment is not particularly critical: if you often have to overcome a certain hill, you can clarify its slope by converting percentages into degrees (and vice versa) according to special tables. In addition, if the angle turns out to be too large, nothing prevents you from helping the scooter with your foot, in extreme cases, to overcome the climb on foot.
Wheels
The type and size of wheels used in an electric scooter.
The size is selected by the manufacturer depending on the general purpose of the scooter - whether it is an asphalt road or rough terrain. If we compare similar models with different wheel diameters, then it is worth considering that the larger the wheels, the better they work out the bumps in the road, the higher the cross-country ability and softness of the ride. And small wheels, in turn, are great for smooth asphalt and dynamic driving, they easily accelerate and allow you to make sharp turns.
As for the different types of wheels, there are polyurethane, rubber, inflatable. More about each:
- Polyurethane. Wheels with solid polyurethane tyres. This material provides good cushioning, high-quality grip and at the same time good rolling; it is resistant to temperature extremes and damage, durable, while it is inexpensive.
— Rubber. In this case, we mean wheels with a solid rubber tyre (inflatable wheels are moved to a separate pick-up point). According to the main characteristics, rubber is similar to the polyurethane described above, and in some moments even surpasses it. So, such tyres do not make noise, smooth out the roughness of the asphalt well, have excellent grip and provide high braking efficiency. On the other hand, this material is less durable and does not tolerate temperature extremes.
— Inflatable. The most advanced type of wheels found in modern...scooters. Wheels of this type have an inflatable tyre (as in bicycles), which provides excellent shock absorption, tight grip and high flotation. The disadvantages of inflatable tyres, in addition to the price, include sensitivity to punctures and increased maintenance complexity: you need to monitor the pressure and, if necessary, inflate the tyre.
Cruise control
A feature that allows you to ride the scooter at a preset speed without having to hold down the throttle button.
Cruise control is a convenient option when travelling over long sections of the route while maintaining a constant speed.
Full charge time
Time to fully charge the battery from zero to 100%.
The more powerful the device, the more capacious batteries it needs and, as a rule, the longer the charging time. In the heaviest models, it can reach 20 hours. However, such indicators are rare - most electric scooters are charged for a maximum of 8-9 hours, which allows you to put the device on charge “from evening to morning”.
App control
Wireless pairing of an electric scooter with a smartphone is usually carried out via Bluetooth.
Synchronization with a mobile device allows you to control many functions of the scooter, switch riding modes, block the engine, track mileage, keep control of the range and battery status. Also, the smartphone application usually displays trip statistics: mileage, average speed, distance covered, etc.
