Electric scooters are a great way to get around town. They are environmentally friendly, easy to operate, and fun to ride. Here we will discuss the many advantages of electric scooters and why you should consider purchasing one for yourself.
While they have many advantages, there are also a few downsides too. We’ll look at the disadvantages of an electric scooter so that you can get a complete picture of whether or not they are the right choice for you. Let’s get started!
Advantages of electric scooters
1. E-Scooters are incredibly convenient
With the help of an electric scooter, you can easily explore new places and get around town. You don’t need any gas or other fuel sources because it’s all done for you by this convenient little device!
The one big advantage is how quickly people can travel from point A to B on their own power. Within minutes you’re at your destination, since there isn’t time spent waiting around in traffic. You also don’t need to rely on lifts or public transport.
2. Zero greenhouse gasses
Electric scooters are a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. They produce zero emissions, which means they are good for the environment. This can save you a lot of money in the long run while also doing your bit for the Earth.
Mopeds and motorbikes may have similar qualities in other respects but they still emit greenhouse gasses. While we mentioned the lack of greenhouse gasses, there is still a carbon footprint with both the manufacturer and powering of electric scooters.
While that is true, their impact when compared with cars is negligible. That carbon footprint is much better and if e-scooters can be powered by clean energy, then that reduces the impact even further.
3. Simple and easy to use
Riding an electric scooter is a fun and easy way to get around town. They are perfect for short distances and can easily be parked in small spaces. Their simplicity is what is making them hugely popular with many people.
Electric scooters are also very easy to operate, you just need to twist the throttle and you’re on your way! For anyone that has never ridden one, you’ll find them very easy to learn.
4. Can park them anywhere
With the rise of electric scooters, finding a parking space has never been easier! Not only are they small enough to fit in any spot but they can also be great for security too. Many can be folded up or carried into an apartment, work desk, or into a shop.
5. Goodbye to traffic jams
Another great advantage of electric scooters is that they allow you to skip traffic jams. If you live in a city, you know all too well the struggles of trying to get around during rush hour. With an electric scooter, you can bypass all the traffic and get to your destination much faster!
In a city center, driving just a few miles can be torturous. With an electric scooter, you can get there in a much shorter time and also without any stress.
6. No horrible air pollution
Imagine being able to commute without the hassle of traffic or having your health compromised by smog. This is possible with e-scooters!
They are not only good for traveling around town but they also help improve our air quality because fewer cars need to be used when everyone goes about their daily business.
Pollution fumes are not only harmful to the environment but they cause many health issues. If everyone was riding an electric scooter, the air would be much fresher.
7. Low ongoing costs
While the operating costs of electric scooters may not be as low when compared to riding bicycles or regular scooters, they are still considerably lower than other methods of transport.
This makes them popular among low-income users who do not want to spend too much on transportation. Repairs are very rare and there is little to go wrong with an electric scooter.
8. Can save your energy
With their lack of effort, e-scooters are perfect for people who want an easy way to get around town. They’re also a great choice if you have any health problems that make biking or other physical activities difficult!
Tired of getting to work in a sweat because you’ve been riding a bike? An electric scooter is a brilliant alternative and can help you save a lot of energy and effort.
9. Electric scooters are loads of fun
When you’re looking for a way to explore the city, nothing beats an electric scooter! You can ride them with family members or friends and they make sightseeing easy.
In addition, these vehicles have become increasingly popular as tour guides in large metropolises because it’s easier than walking around all day long. Not only do we get some fresh air but also save time when exploring new places at lightning speed on two wheels instead of just tired legs.
10. Lower noise pollution
Electric scooters also produce less noise pollution than cars. This is great for those that live in busy cities and want to avoid the constant noise from traffic. It’s also ideal for those who live in rural areas and don’t want the disturbance of an engine.
It’s not until you get out of a city that you realize just how loud they are. Much of that noise is because of cars and it would be much better if everyone had a scooter.
11. Ideal for short trips
The range of an electric scooter is limited, so it’s perfect for short distances. They can be used as a replacement for commuting or visiting family and friends nearby on foot, especially if you live in a city where parking spots are scarce.
A lot of new electric scooters are very quick too and therefore the journey time between a car and a scooter for short trips isn’t too different. As we’ll discuss next, you may even get there faster with an electric scooter.
12. Easy to repair
The average person may think that since they can’t repair their car by themselves, then repairing an electric scooter would also be too complicated and expensive. Thankfully there is no rocket science mechanics inside these machines.
Most problems with these types of vehicles arise from improperly charging them or bad batteries in general. They are quite easy to fix and you’ll never be faced with a bill for thousands of dollars like you can with a car.
13. Low running costs
Electric scooters also have low running costs. You will only need to charge them up every few days, and the cost of charging is very cheap. Compare this to the high cost of filling a tank full of gas and the difference is huge. Gas prices only ever seem to go up and therefore switching to electricity is going to be a wise choice.
14. Great for the public transport system
Electric scooters can also benefit the public transport system. If more people were to switch from cars to electric scooters, it would reduce traffic congestion and save energy.
In big cities like London, Toronto, and New York, e-scooter sharing services are becoming increasingly popular. This is a great way to get around town without dealing with traffic. More people on scooters means less pressure on the transport system.
15. No driver’s license required
With the use of e-scooters, people who do not need a driver’s license can rent or buy one very easily. This means they are easily accessible for most populations and don’t have high costs associated with getting a license.
If you need a mode of transport for short trips, you no longer need to worry about the exhaustive and expensive process of learning to drive.
Disadvantages of electric scooters
While there are many advantages to using electric scooters, there are also some downsides that you should be aware of before making a purchase. Let’s take a look at the 15 biggest disadvantages of electric scooters!
1. Quite expensive
While nowhere near as expensive as a car, there is still a significant investment needed to buy an electric scooter. This is especially true if you have one which has a high range and mileage. They aren’t yet affordable for everyone but prices are gradually coming down as the technology improves.
2. Lack of exercise
People may become lazy and stop walking if electric scooters become too popular. This could lead to health problems and an increase in obesity. If you’re swapping your bike for a scooter then you may need to find alternative methods of exercise.
3. There can be battery issues
Overcharging and other battery issues can occur with electric scooters. Since the batteries are not always easy to access, it is possible to overcharge them if you are not careful. Battery technology is always improving but they still degrade over time and reduce performance.
4. Lack of insurance
If you are injured while riding an electric scooter, you may have trouble getting compensated by your insurance company. This is because electric scooters are not considered a traditional form of transportation, and many companies will not cover them under their policies. If you’re worried about this, then check your insurance before you ride.
5. Accidents
Electric scooters may increase the number of accidents that happen on roads and pavements. This is because many people do not know how to ride them properly, and they can be dangerous if used in crowded areas. That being said, their risk isn’t any greater than with bikes and the accidents usually aren’t as serious.
6. May become an eyesore
E-scooters may be left behind and abandoned, especially if there is a rise in e-scooter sharing schemes. Since they are so small and easy to transport, many people simply leave them behind when they are finished using them. This can create clutter and be a nuisance to others.
7. Only for short trips
Electric scooters are great for short distances, but they are not ideal for long trips. This is because the battery life is limited, and you may have to stop frequently to recharge them. We are now seeing the rise of long-distance scooters which does help to solve the issue but these scooters can be quite expensive.
8. Low weight capacity
Electric scooters may not be suitable for obese persons, as they may not be able to safely operate them. A lot of these scooters only have a weight capacity of a little over 100lbs. For larger users, they’ll also find that the range and speed may be lower than expected.
9. They depreciate quickly
Electric scooters depreciate quickly, so you will likely lose a lot of money if you decide to sell them after a few months. This is also the same for many other modes of transportation but you need to be sure you’re going to use your electric scooter before buying one.
10. No infrastructure
If there are no scooter lanes in your city, riding an electric scooter may be more dangerous. This is because you will have to share the road with cars and other vehicles. The regulations on electric scooters are evolving and they can change from one area to the next. Many authorities aren’t quite sure how to fit electric scooters into their network.
11. Relatively slow compared to cars or motorcycles
Electric scooters are relatively slow compared to cars or motorcycles, so they may not be suitable for long-distance travel. While there are many benefits to using an electric scooter, they aren’t yet a good replacement for those longer journeys.
12. Easy to steal
E-scooters may get stolen because they are small and easy to steal. This can be a big problem if you live in a city but there are things you can do. The portability of electric scooters is a huge advantage as you don’t have to leave them out in the street. If you do need to leave them, there are high-security locks available.
13. No storage space
Electric scooters have very little storage space, so you may not be able to bring many items with you when you ride them. Placing items on the handlebars isn’t ideal as it will negatively affect your handling. While the lack of storage can be an issue, you can always invest in a good backpack.
14. Lack of weather protection
Another advantage to having a car is that you don’t have to worry too much about the weather outside. As with a bike, on a scooter, you’ll be exposed to the elements. It also makes it more difficult to ride in the winter and you may need an alternative travel method when the weather is poor.
15. Low popularity and support
While electric scooters are becoming more popular, they still aren’t as common as similar transport methods such as bikes. This means that you can often have bugs on scooter sharing apps and availability can be an issue. This is a problem that will only get better.
Electric Scooter: Pros vs Cons
So which one wins, the pros of the cons? We hope that we’ve given you all the information so that you can make that decision yourself. While there are many incredible features of electric scooters, you’ll need to weigh that against the negatives.
The right decision will be based on your circumstances such as where you need to travel and the distance you’ll need to cover. Once you’ve balanced your circumstances with the pros and cons, you’ll have the answer to whether or not an electric scooter is right for you.
