different types of electric scooters
Electric Scooter

Different Types of Electric Scooters and their Pros & Cons

The popularity of electric scooters is on the rise and it’s no surprise. These convenient modes of transport are perfect for a wide range of people, whether you are struggling with mobility or simply want a quicker way of travelling through the city.

Electric scooters aren’t too expensive and they don’t need much maintenance either. Add that to them being environmentally friendly, and it’s easy to see why you’d want one. The problem is, however, choosing the right type for you.

That’s why we wanted to help. Here we’ll break down the basic types and look at the pros and cons of each option. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of the best type of electric scooter for you. Let’s get started!

Different Types of Electric Scooters

1. Kid Electric Scooters

While adults may want an electric scooter as an eco-option or an easy way to commute to work, kids just want to have fun! Thankfully there are many electric scooters on the market that tick that box.

The main differences between these scooters and adult electric scooters are the size and the weight limit. You’ll also need to choose wisely based on speed and battery running time.

For example, you can choose an electric scooter type that can run for about 40 minutes and after that, you’ll need to charge for a few hours. Or, you can go for a more sophisticated model that can provide your kid with up to 80+ minutes of riding experience.

Kids’ scooters often don’t have the range of features or power of an adult e-scooter, which also means they are more affordable. There are also three-wheeled entry e-scooters that are ideal for kids who need extra stability.

Pros

  • More affordable than adult e-scooters
  • Low speed for safety purposes
  • Lighter and smaller in size for easy handling
  • Some models offer enhanced stability
  • Available in different sizes

Cons

  • Often limited in features
  • A lower level of performance

2. Foldable Electric Scooters

As the name suggests, foldable e-scooters can be folded to facilitate portability and storage. They are a perfect option for commuters who require first and last-mile transportation. That’s because you can bring your folded e-scooter anywhere; you can even board a bus with it!

Since different manufacturers are involved in making foldable electric scooters, there are differences in how they fold. That means if you decide to buy this kind of e-scooter, it’s best to check out reviews to see how quickly and easily they fold.

Some have a one-second fold time for maximum convenience, whereas others will take a little longer to fold but may be more secure.

The portability is what makes these e-scooters such a great option but that folding mechanism makes them a little less reliable. Also, they may not have the range and speed of high-end e-scooters.

Pros

  • Easy to carry anywhere
  • Some models are extremely easy and quick to fold
  • Can come with a decent run time and range

Cons

  • More prone to breaking
  • More expensive than an equivalent non-folding e-scooter

foldable electric scooters

3. Three-Wheeled Electric Scooters

Many people prefer this type of e-scooters because they have a higher level of stability and are easier to learn for complete novices. In other words, they don’t require much learning, as you can buy and ride them immediately without any prior experience.

Although two-wheel electric scooters may be more popular, people love the stability, balance, and maneuverability that a three-wheeler offers. Whether you’re a newbie or a veteran electric scooter rider, investing in a three-wheeled model is never a bad idea.

On the downside, these types of scooters are broader and bulkier to accommodate the three-wheel design. In that respect, they are the opposite of foldable scooters, as you can’t carry a three-wheeled e-scooter anywhere.

Pros

  • Stand by themselves
  • You don’t need to balance
  • Perfect stability and maneuverability
  • Best for beginners

Cons

  • Slightly heavier than standard e-scooters
  • Lack portability
  • Bad for heavy traffic or crowds

4. Commuter Electric Scooters

Commuter electric scooters are all about getting from A to B in the quickest and easiest way possible. They are the best for an everyday ride to and from school or work. So, if you’re a student or an office worker looking for a way to save money on transport, investing in a commuter electric scooter is the way to go.

They are designed to handle the challenges of daily rides in cities and towns. Commuter e-scooters strike a balance between quality and affordability. There are also commuter models that are foldable and lightweight to facilitate portability and carrying around anywhere.

Some commuter electric scooters can reach a maximum speed of 25 kph and a range of 20 km maximum on a single charge. The range is important with these types of e-scooters but double-checks that their stated range will get you to your destination and back.

Pros

  • Ideal for daily riding in cities and towns
  • Foldable models available for better portability
  • Excellent range and good speed

Cons

  • High-end commuter models are expensive
  • Can lack portability

commuter electric scooters

5. Off-Road Electric Scooters

These scooters are the best if you want to enjoy some adventures away from the all-whether roads. They come with large wheels and reinforced tires. Along with this, they have heavy-duty and robust suspensions to absorb all the shock that you can imagine.

They have wheels measuring up to 200 millimetres or larger, a more masculine profile, and higher-watt motors for more power. Think of any muddy, rocky roads or rough conditions, and you won’t find a better option!

If you take a commuter electric scooter on rough terrains, its wheels will probably get punctured or the body would get damaged. However, off-road scooters are sturdy and can withstand any terrain. Their design makes them perfect for cruising and adventure.

Some come with motors with enough power and battery capacity to cruise for a max range of 100km. Whether you want to go through valleys or hills or any other type of rough terrain on your commutes, the off-road electric scooters are the real deal.

On the downside, you need to be prepared to dig deeper into your pockets for this type of e-scooter. To be a good off-road scooter means having a powerful motor and premium features, which all come at a cost.

Pros

  • Powerful motor
  • Higher-capacity battery than can support an extended range
  • Heavy-duty design and construction
  • Protective cage for the motor and the batteries

Cons

  • Very expensive
  • Bulky and harder to transport

6. Fat-Tyre Electric Scooters

Fat-tire electric scooters are typical scooters with wide tires, and for a good reason. Some also feature a seat too and that’s because these e-scooters are designed to offer maximum comfort for a luxurious riding experience.

Have you ever heard of chopper motorcycles? Well, these scooters are not too different; they look cool, which is why some people call them “mini motorcycles.”

The wider tires plus heavy-duty suspension (like the off-road e-scooters) provide the ideal scooter for comfortable cruising. You can also ride rough with these scooters without a problem and their big tires provide greater stability and grip.

On the downside? These types of scooters may not be suitable if you want a very portable scooter. But if you want a less heavy-duty and lighter scooter that can also go on rough terrains, then invest in a fat-type option.

Pros

  • Fat tires offer great stability and balance
  • Suitable for rough terrains
  • Perfect for comfortable cruising

Cons

  • Not portable
  • Very expensive

fat-tyre electric scooters

Cost of Electric Scooter Types

The above are the most popular types of electric scooters. And as you can see, there’s an option for you whether you want to surprise your kid with a new scooter or buy one for yourself to commute to and from the office.

If money is an issue, you might want to go for the budget electric scooters, which are the most affordable. In this category, you can find a good e-scooter for under $300.

You can also find budget commuter scooters from as low as $300 to as high as $600. Mid-ranged commuter e-scooters prices start from around $600 to $1,000. These will offer greater power, performance, and durability than budget models.

If you’re lucky and money is not a problem, premium commuter e-scooters will cost over $1,000. Alternatively, you can go for the high-end, high-performance models that can be priced at well over $2,000.

Final Thoughts

Before buying an electric scooter, it’s important to assess your own needs. Are you just looking for something that’s fun, are you planning off-road adventures, or are you looking for an eco-friendly way to get to work?

Whatever the answer, always check out the specs to see if an e-scooter is right for you. Also, think about whether you need certain features such as foldability, stability, or suspension.

Once you have all these questions answered, you’ll be able to choose the perfect type of electric scooter for you.

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