It seems like we’re living in the future with all these hoverboards and scooters on the streets. Hoping on those small wheels may seem like a childish thing, but in fact, many adults love commuting this way. With a scooter, you can move fast from A to B without the risk of getting stuck in traffic. And at the same time, you don’t contribute to polluting the environment.
That being said, if you’re fed up with constantly seeking a parking lot, spending money on gas and other things a car needs, you’re absolutely ready to get a commuter scooter. But before you can make your purchase, it’s important to know a few things that may help you make the right pick.
What Is a Commuter Scooter?
It’s a scooter that is made for commuting (pretty obvious name, right). There are two types – push scooters and electric scooters. Both do the same thing, and that is helping you travel comfortably in urban environments so you can get from one place to another. If you don’t feel like walking, and cycling seems like a lot of work, then a commuting scooter for adults is your ideal alternative.
When investing in a scooter, you will surely want to use it all year round (or at least during the warm months). If you live in an area with mostly sunny days, a commute scooter is a great choice. You will use it constantly, save money on gas or other transportation and the weather conditions won’t stop you. Good weather is one of the most important conditions for scooter commuting. But, if you live in an area where it rains most of the year, or there is a significant number of cold (or snowy) days, then commuting on a scooter is not the best idea.
What’s the Difference Between Push Scooters and Electric Scooters?
Also called kick scooters, push scooters are great for commuting. They don’t need to be powered, so you don’t have to worry about finding a charging station or ending up with an empty battery. But this also means that they require some effort from your legs. But if your destination is not too far, you can push your scooter from one place to another, do some physical activity and enjoy the fresh air. However, if you need a scooter to commute long-distances, this isn’t a good option for you.
Electric scooters are a bit pricier. They run on batteries that make the front or both of the wheels spin. of a but they are far more comfortable and don’t require such a big effort to ride them. You can easily travel long distances without getting tired or sweaty.
Riding and Distance
These are two important factors to consider when deciding to buy a new scooter. If your main goal is to be able to ride the scooter for longer distances, you may want to check seated electric scooters. This way you can sit comfortably and enjoy the ride without getting tired from standing. Again, your age and health should be considered. Some people would prefer to stand, others will love to sit (no matter their age or health state).
Scooter Size
If you want maximum efficiency and comfort when riding, make sure you pick a scooter that fits your body proportions. Luckily, most commuter scooters have height-adjustable handlebars, and the standard maximum height is between 95-110cm. Depending on the brand, you can find models with various lengths and widths of the footplate. Make sure to check these dimensions so that your feet won’t be sticking out.
Weight and Portability
You won’t just ride your scooter, but you’ll also have to carry it on public transport or carry it while climbing stairs, so keep in mind the weight factor. Electric scooters are far heavier than the push models. So, when you buy your electric commute scooter, be sure to lift it and see if you will be comfortable carrying it. If you’re buying online, make sure to check that the weight is listed. Also, a scooter that can be folded is simple to hold, carry around and store when not in use.
Wheel Size
There are various wheel sizes for scooters and picking the right size may be a challenge if you’re new to this. Bigger wheels are usually a good option for commuting. Larger wheels can get farther faster and provide a more comfortable ride. But, keep in mind that the scooter wheels aren’t collapsible so they will add bulk to your scooter.
If you decide to go with smaller wheels, you won’t go that fast and smooth, but on the other hand, smaller wheels are easily portable and easier to maneuver.
Budget
Buying a scooter is a great way to save money. Investing in it is far cheaper than buying and maintaining a car or even bike. With as much as a few hundreds of dollars, you’ll get suitable transportation that can be easily carried around even in a car, train, bus or any other vehicle.
Keep in mind the money you have spent on gas, car reparation, insurance and whatnot. You won’t need those things for your scooter. All you’ll have to do is take care of your scooter (hygiene, proper carrying and right collapsing) and ride it properly to avoid damage.
Usually, quality push scooters on the Australian market cost around $250 – $300 which isn’t a lot. On the other hand, basic electric scooter models cost from $600 – $700. But despite the initial investment, in the long run, a scooter is a wonderful way to save some cash and lead eco-friendly life.
