Power
The power of the motor installed in the electric scooter. In models with two motors (one per wheel), their total power is usually indicated.
A more
powerful motor, on the one hand, has a positive effect on the speed and acceleration characteristics; on the other hand, it affects the cost of the device and requires more capacious batteries, which affect both the price and weight. In addition, at acceleration and low speeds, the scooter can be “helped” by pushing off with your foot. Therefore, in most modern models, the motor power is low — most often in range of 250 W,
300 W,
350 W. Power of 500 W is considered quite high, it allows you to reach speeds of 40 km/h and even higher. In the most advanced models, power is already measured in kilowatts, and the maximum speed can exceed 80 km/h; however, such "monsters" cost accordingly.
However, power also affects the ability to drive a vehicle, because depending on the country, various traffic rules are provided for driving a scooter.
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.
Voltage
In general, this parameter is of secondary importance; in fact, it is needed mainly when looking for a spare / replacement battery or a third-party charger. When choosing, it is worth paying attention to characteristics that are closer to practice - in particular, directly claimed speed and power reserve.
Brake lights
The classic brake light is a red tail light that illuminates when the brakes are applied to warn road users behind that the scooter is slowing down. This feature is especially useful when driving on public roads - warning others about braking in such conditions is never superfluous.