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2013-04-19

How Electric Scooters Work


Saving money on a commute or being able to navigate a city more easily is a top priority for everyone. Electric scooters work off battery power to deliver low-cost commuting for people who live close enough to their place of work to complete the round trip on one charge. Not sure if scooters are right for you? Read more about this mode of transportation. Alternatively, check out the best electric scooters for commuting recommended by Mobility Seeker.






 

What is an Electric Scooter?

Electric scooters are small vehicles that look like a cross between a bicycle and a motorcycle. Unlike gas-powered motorcycles, scooters are plugged in and run on electricity. The motor is connected to a battery that is recharged to allow the scooter to run.

Since these scooters are not able to get up to highway speeds, most municipalities do not allow them on the roads. However, scooters can typically be driven in bike lines and anywhere else that bicycles are allowed on the road.



How Electric Scooters Work

Electric scooters run on a battery that is recharged between rides. Batteries that are used in scooters are either lead acid or lithium ion types. These batteries are able to hold enough of a charge to allow a person to travel between 10 and 40 miles.

The motor of an electric scooter is mounted on the frame of the scooter. Electricity is transmitted from the battery to the motor through a series of wires. Depending on the type of scooter, this motor may make either just the back wheel or both wheels spin to propel the scooter forward.

The battery and motor combination only allows for top speeds of about 20 miles per hour, but safety is still a concern at these speeds. Anyone riding a scooter should purchase a sturdy helmet in case they are involved in a collision or fall while on the scooter. Helmets can help protect against head injury during an accident.



Reasons To Buy an Electric Scooter

While scooters may not be powerful enough to be used for long commutes, people who live relatively close to their place of work in a city that is set up to allow cyclists and pedestrians to easily navigate the metropolitan area can use scooters to save on gas. Besides saving money on gas and car maintenance costs, scooters allow commuters to bypass congested roads.

Another benefit of buying an electric scooter is that there are generally no laws requiring a license to operate the vehicle. Be sure to check with the local department of motor vehicles before operating any motorized scooter to ensure compliance with applicable laws.

Scooters are cheaper to maintain than cars. Anyone who is concerned about their environmental impact can benefit from opting for a scooter because it does not emit pollution like cars and trucks do.


Opting for an electric scooter for fun and as a mode of transportation is cost-effective. Commuters can cut down on stress and give up the gas pump with an electric scooter for shorter commutes. Regular maintenance ensures that a scooter will last long.


Author Bio:
Jeff Mclean is a blogger who enjoys riding his own electric scooter and ebike. For those looking to buy, he suggests visiting scooteretti.com.