Introduction
Electric scooters are becoming popular in India for obvious reasons. The major reason is the rising cost of petrol (gasoline). However, there are other equally good reasons like reduced weight, ease of riding, environmentally friendly, etc.
It is popular across all ages, the young love it because it is fun to ride and it is environmentally friendly, and the old like it because it is affordable and economical.
But, there are so many brands of electric scooters around you, and each claims their product is the best. As a result, it is a tough task to evaluate the electric scooter according to your priorities and decide which one to buy. This article helps you what to look for when buying an electric scooter and select the one that meets your requirements.
What is an electric scooter and how is it different?
An electric scooter is a two-wheeled vehicle solely driven by an electric motor. Further, the electric motor gets its electric power from a rechargeable battery. A regular gearless scooter is driven by an internal combustion engine fuelled by petrol. On the other hand, an electric scooter is driven by an electric motor powered by a battery.
When you twist the throttle of your electric scooter, a signal is sent to the controller to send more power to the drive motor and the result is the motor propels the scooter with increased speed/torque.
Other than the drive system, an electric scooter looks the same as a regular gearless scooter and has all its essential features viz. disc or drum brake system, tubeless or with tube tires, lighting, suspension, handlebar, side and central stand, storage space, leg space, etc.
Advantages of an electric scooter over a regular gearless scooter
- Lightweight, and convenient to ride
- Does not use fossil fuels like petrol/gasoline, hence, environmentally friendly
- Low maintenance cost due to reduced number of parts
- Long-term running cost is economical compared to a petrol-driven scooter
- Runs silently
Electric scooters are good for city rides. However, the limited range per fully charged battery may pose a problem for long-distance riders. However, they can overcome this problem by planning charging breaks at convenient locations.
What to look for when buying an electric scooter?
The infrastructure and capital investment required for manufacturing electric scooters is much less compared to normal gearless scooters. As a result, many new brands have come into the market. In this scenario, you must carefully scrutinize and evaluate the available electric scooters, before making a selection.
We can discuss the electric scooter under two headings:
- Major parts of an electric scooter
- Major features of an electric scooter
Reviewing the above features of different electric scooters may help you to make an evaluated decision.
Major parts of an electric scooter
The major parts of an electric scooter are:
- Battery
- Electric motor
- Frame
- Controller
- Throttle
- Display and dashboard
- Battery charger and charging time
- Front and rear suspension
- Handlebar
- Front and rear brakes
- Lighting
- Tires & tubes
- Storage space
- Other parts like side and central stand, footrest for pillion, seat, etc.
Battery
Most modern electric scooters use Lithium-ion batteries. They are compact, have a high capacity, and can be charged faster. However, some cheaper electric scooters may use advanced and sealed lead-acid maintenance-free batteries like:
- AGM (absorbed glass mat) battery (also known as SLA (sealed lead acid) or VRLA (valve regulated lead acid) battery)
- GEL battery.
AGM and GEL batteries are the sealed version of a standard lead acid battery. Consequently, they are cheaper than Lithium-ion batteries, but the discharge rate is faster. Compared to Lithium-ion batteries, AGM and GEL batteries have lesser life and higher charging time.
The capacity of a battery or energy stored in it is designated in kWh (kilo-watt hours). Know the type of battery fitted in the electric scooter and its rating in kWh. A higher kWh number indicates higher battery capacity.
Electric motor
BLDC (Brushless Direct Current) motors are used in electric scooters. They are more efficient than normal DC motors. BLDC motors are of two types:
- Out-runner type or hub motors
- In-runner type
Both can be used on an electric scooter.
A hub motor is directly mounted on the rear wheel hub and does not need a belt or chain drive. On the other hand, an in-runner type motor is mounted near the rear wheel and drives the rear wheel through a belt drive system.
The electric motor is designated in KW (kilowatts). The higher the motor’s kilowatts number, the higher its power.
We will discuss more about motors in the subsequent sub-topics.
Frame
You must know the material of the frame and its construction, viz. welded or assembled. And is the frame sufficiently tough to withstand the riders’ weight and road shocks?
Controller
The controller of your electric scooter communicates with the accelerator (throttle), battery, electric brake, DC motor, etc. For example, when you twist the throttle, the controller receives the input and communicates with the battery to send additional power to the DC motor. Consequently, the DC motor receives additional power and runs with increased speed/torque.
Throttle
Electric scooters normally have a twist-type throttle on the right handle, similar to a normal scooter. The throttle sends more power to the motor to increase the speed on a normal road or torque to climb uphill. Further, you can increase the battery range by keeping the throttle low.
When you twist the throttle, the controller receives the signal and sends more power to the drive motor. So, the motor runs at a higher speed/torque. When you release the throttle, the reverse happens, and the scooter slows down.
Display and dashboard
The display is placed at the center of the handlebar. It can be a normal LED screen or a touch screen. The display on the screen includes power on/off, battery status, range, selected riding mode, and more. The dashboard may have connectivity with the rider’s smartphone. And can also have features like GPS, theft alarm, side stand indicator, etc.
Battery charger and charging time
The electric scooter is supplied with a smart charger and the charging time can be 3.5 to 5.5 hours. A smart charger displays the charging status in real-time, viz. voltage, percentage of charging, etc. It automatically stops charging when the battery is fully charged.
Examine the charger supplied with the electric scooter. Know the charging time, and ensure it is a smart charger.
Front and rear suspension
The suspension is similar to a regular gearless scooter. And it can be spring-type, telescopic type, hydraulic type, etc. Enquire and ensure that the suspension is of good quality. Good quality suspension is essential for your safe ride.
Handlebar
The handlebar of an electric scooter is similar to a regular gearless scooter. Understand the controls given on the handlebar viz. brakes, throttle, light, indicator switches, start button, etc.
Front and rear brakes
Enquire and know the type of brake viz. drum or disc type. Good quality brakes are essential for your safe ride.
Lighting
LED lights viz. headlight, tail light, brake light, and indicators. LED lights consume less battery power. A good set of lights shows the path ahead in darkness and highlights your presence on the road to other motorists.
Tires
The front and rear tires can be tubeless or with a tube. Ask the dealer if you can choose between tubeless and with a tube.
Storage space
Storage is an important factor since you need to safely keep your personal belongings during the ride and helmets when the electric scooter is parked. Ensure the storage area is sufficient for you.
Other parts
This includes parts like the side and central stand, seat, footrest for the pillion, and similar parts. Ensure they are good for you.
Major features of an electric scooter
The major features of an electric scooter are:
- Range and riding modes
- IP or ingress protection rating
- Seat height and handlebar height
- Passenger weight
- Ground clearance
- Leg space
- Gradeability
- USB ports
- Cruise control
- Charging stations
- Parking assist
- Brand
- Service support
- Warranty and guarantee
Range and riding modes
Range is the maximum kilometers or miles you can ride the electric scooter on a fully charged battery. The range depends on the ride mode selected by you, the number of riders, the rider’s weight, road condition, riding style, etc.
The electric scooter can have two or more riding modes, viz. economy/Eco, power/sport, etc. You can select the desired mode. Eco mode restricts your riding speed but gives the maximum range. The power/sport mode allows you to speed up but at the cost of reduced range.
Some electric scooter manufacturers offer a detachable battery and allow you to swap the discharged battery with a spare charged battery. This arrangement doubles the range and helps long-distance riders.
IP or ingress protection rating
The IP rating designated by IP followed by two numerals defines the protection of the battery and motor against dust and water. The IP rating is an important aspect of an electric scooter and we will discuss more in the subsequent subtopics.
Seat height and handlebar height
These are important for riding confidence and comfort. It is best to sit on the electric scooter and ensure your feet are firmly on the ground and you can comfortably reach and maneuver the handlebar.
Passenger weight
Know the maximum weight of the passengers, rider, and pillion that the electric scooter can safely carry.
Ground clearance
Ground clearance is the gap between the bottommost part of the electric scooter and the road surface. A higher ground clearance allows you to ride over obstacles on the road. However, it can affect the center of gravity and riding stability.
Leg space
The leg space should be sufficient for comfortably keeping your legs during the ride. In addition, you may want the leg space to accommodate your office briefcase or shopping bags. Please ensure the leg space is sufficient for you.
Gradeability
The gradeability of an electric scooter is its riding ability up a steep hill. And is specified in degrees of angle.
USB ports
Ensure the electric scooter has USB ports for charging your smartphone.
Cruise control
Some electric scooters come with a cruise control feature. It also allows you to adjust your riding speed and frees your hand from the throttle. Cruise control may not suit all riders and can compromise safety sometimes. Think about this and decide whether you want this feature or not.
Charging stations
Enquire if the electric scooter manufacturer has dedicated charging stations for its customers.
Parking assist
By and large, electric scooter manufacturers offer parking assists like dead-slow reverse movement. They are useful during parking in packed or tight parking areas.
Brand
Brand plays an important role in any product including electric scooters since it gives the customers a sense of dependability and reliability. You have to make a decision whether to purchase an electric scooter from a trusted brand or a new brand.
You can study user reviews on the internet before you make a decision. But, you must be careful about paid reviews.
Service support
Electric scooters require less maintenance than a normal gearless scooter. However, periodic inspection of the battery, motor, and other parts is necessary. Ensure there is service support nearer to you.
Warranty and Guarantee
Electric scooter manufacturers offer warranty/guarantee on the critical parts viz. battery and motor. And the period of warranty/guarantee ranges from 3 to 5 years. Read the terms and conditions of the warranty/guarantee carefully and understand the benefits and implications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the life of an electric scooter?
When you register your electric scooter with the local transport authority (in India), they issue the registration for 15 years. Most electric scooter manufacturers offer 3 to 5 years warranty on the battery and motor.
Considering the above, a well-maintained electric scooter should last 15 years or more. Of course, you may need to replace the battery, motor, and other necessary parts, based on usage. If you are careless about regular maintenance, the replacement of the battery and motor may have to be done more often.
What is the normal charging time for an electric scooter battery?
A smart charger received with your electric scooter may take 3.5 to 5.5 hours to charge the Lithium-ion battery. However, the charging time can be more if the battery is an AGM or GEL battery. Please refer to your owner’s manual for the exact charging time.
Can an electric scooter battery be overcharged?
If you use the smart charger received along with the electric scooter and follow the recommended charging procedure, there is an absolutely negligible chance of the battery getting overcharged.
However, if you are careless and use the wrong charger with a higher charging current, there is every chance of the battery getting overcharged leading to accidents.
What are peak power and rated power for an electric scooter motor?
The BLDC motor of an electric scooter is specified by two ratings, peak power, and rated power. The peak power (1.45 or more times of rated power) is available only for a few seconds, normally during starting. And the rated power is the real power of a motor.
Can I ride my electric scooter in the rain?
Riding any two-wheelers in the rain is not safe. And it is particularly so in the case of an electric scooter since it drives on electric power. Ride your electric scooter in the rain only in an emergency or if you get accidentally caught in the rain. Exercise the following precautions:
- Know and understand the IP rating of your electric scooter and the advice from the owner’s manual on riding in the rain.
- Always wear safety gear and a safety helmet.
- The tires of the electric scooter should be in good condition and properly inflated.
- The brakes are in good condition.
- Go at moderate speed and avoid sudden braking.
- Avoid puddles and flooded roads.
- On reaching home, wipe the electric scooter with a clean and dry cloth. Do not charge the electric scooter until it is dry.
How can I improve the life of my electric scooter battery?
Do the following to improve the life of your electric scooter battery:
- Use the smart charger received along with the electric scooter and never compromise. If the charger is lost, get a new one from the manufacturer or their authorized dealer.
- After your last ride for the day, allow 15 minutes for the electric scooter to cool down, before plugging it into the charger.
- Select a ventilated place for charging.
- Do not drain the battery completely before charging. It is good to charge the battery when it still has a 15% or more charge. Understand the charging instructions in the owner’s manual and follow them strictly.
- Do not overload the electric scooter.
- Park your scooter in a shaded place, not exposed to dust, water, and rodents.
- If you are storing your electric scooter for a long period, understand the storing procedure for the electric scooter and the battery given in the owner’s manual and follow it. Inspect the stored electric scooter at least once or twice a month to ensure everything is good.
What is a PMSM motor?
Unlike a BLDC motor that runs on direct current (DC), a PMSM or Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor runs on alternating current (AC). The PMSM motor is an AC synchronous motor, that gets its field excitation by permanent magnets.
It is known as a cross between an induction motor and a BLDC motor. Like BLDC motors, a PMSM motor has a rotor with permanent magnets and a stator with windings to create a magnetic field.
The working of PMSM motors is similar to an AC synchronous motor. These motors are highly efficient, brushless, safe, and give good performance. Some electric scooters use a PMSM motor as a drive motor.
DC motor used in your electric scooter:
You are aware of the working principle of a DC (direct current) motor, the major parts of a DC motor, Fleming’s left-hand rules, and other things related to a DC motor.
The DC motor powers your electric scooter to go faster and climb a steep hill. And it is powered by the battery. DC motors are designated by kilowatts. A higher kilowatt indicates more power to your electric scooter viz. increased maximum speed/torque, faster acceleration, ability to carry higher rider weight, etc.
The DC motor of an electric scooter is specified by two ratings, peak power, and continuous/rated power. The peak power is available only for a few seconds, normally during starting. And the rated power is the real power of a motor.
The DC motors used in modern electric scooters are brushless DC motors, popularly known as BLDC (Brushless DC) motors. BLDC motors are also called electronically commutated (EC) motors.
BLDC motors are of two types:
- Out-runner type
- In-runner type.
The rotor of a BLDC motor is made using permanent magnets. The stator has coil windings. BLDC motors use electronic commutation in place of carbon brushes and commutator in a normal DC motor.
It does it through an electronic controller for energizing the stator coils and making the rotor rotate continuously. BLDC motor needs less maintenance since there are no carbon brushes that need periodical replacement.
Out-runner type BLDC motor
An out-runner type BLDC motor has its rotor on the outside and the stator inside (the rotor and stator positions are reversed). This motor is commonly known as a hub motor.
A hub motor is assembled directly on the hub of the driving wheel of the electric scooter. It has higher efficiency since it does not need a belt or chain to transfer the drive. Hub motor is compact, however, repairing or replacing a hub motor needs skill.
In-runner BLDC motor
An in-runner BLDC motor has a construction similar to a normal DC motor, a rotor at the center, and an outside stator. An in-runner BLDC motor is normally mounted nearer to the rear wheel and the drive is transmitted to the rear wheel through a drive belt. An in-runner BLDC motor is a bit lighter than an out-runner BLDC motor.
What is the IP (ingress protection) rating?
The IP rating of your electric scooter parts tells you about the protection against the entry of water and foreign objects (like dust) into the motor, battery, console, etc.
The IP rating is stated by ‘IP followed by two numerals’. The IP protection rating can be IP 55, IP 65, IP 66, IP 67, etc. The first numeral defines the protection against foreign objects and the rating is on a scale of 7. The scale is 0 to 6, ‘0’ indicates no protection, ‘5’ indicates dust protected, and ‘6’ indicates complete protection against dust or dust-tight.
The second numeral defines the protection against water and the rating is on a scale of 10. ‘5’ indicates protection against water jets, ‘6’ indicates protection against powerful water jets, ‘7’ indicates protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water, and so on.
Please read and understand more about IP ratings by browsing the internet websites like https://www.iec.ch/ip-ratings, wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IP_code, etc. IEC stands for International Electrotechnical Commission.
If the IP rating has an ‘X’ instead of a numeral it indicates that the relevant protection (against dust or liquid) is not available for that electric scooter.
You may want to read the following articles.
Terms used in Motorcycle Specifications
Conclusion
Electric vehicles, including electric scooters, are the vehicles of the future. They are environmentally friendly. Due to the continuous research and development, we can hope for batteries that can be charged faster and have higher capacity and higher range.
Shortly, we can witness the gaining popularity of electric vehicles, including electric scooters, and the slow fading of automobiles that run on fossil fuels.
A random list of website addresses of electric scooters manufactured in India is compiled for you. The list is not in any order and does not contain any recommendations.
https://www.tvsmotor.com/iqube/tvs-iqube-st-variant-details
https://bounceinfinity.com/infinity_e1
https://heroelectric.in/bike/optima-cx-dual-battery
https://ampere.greaveselectricmobility.com/magnus-ex
https://okinawascooters.com/buy-now/book-now/okhi-90
Note: The above list is not in any order. It is a random list compiled with the sole objective of making the website address available for easy browsing.
Disclaimer
This article does not contain any advice or recommendation towards any brand of electric scooter.