How to choose an electric scooter?

Electric scooters meet the needs of two-wheelers with their ease of use .

Unlike their thermal equivalents, these have the advantage of being perfectly ecological and economical . They thus tend to replace the latter in the urban landscape.

In addition to being non-polluting and silent, electric scooters allow you to escape the ever-increasing traffic jams.

We have condensed the checks to be carried out before buying an electric scooter into 10 points .

Determine if the electric scooter fits your needs

Choosing an electric scooter depends on several factors: the need to move around, ecological motivation, fuel economy, driving comfort, value for money, etc.

Each user has clear motivations that lead them to opt for this alternative mobility solution. But each user also has specific needs that should be considered before buying an electric scooter.

In general, you must evaluate the economic interest provided by the purchase of his electric scooter or another according to three main factors:

• The daily or weekly route .
• The average cost of the energies to be consumed throughout the planned period of ownership of the electric scooter.
• The budget , or the investment to be made for the electric scooter.

Choose the category of your electric scooter carefully

Conventional electric scooters are classified in the same way as their thermal equivalents, that is to say in two main categories: 50 cc and 125 cc.

An e-scooter is classified in the 50 cc category (administrative category L1e) if its maximum power does not exceed 4000 W (4 kilowatts) and if its speed does not exceed 45 km/h.

Driving a vehicle of this type is authorized on public roads from the age of 14 provided that the conditions laid down in the regulations relating to the AM category of the driving license are met.

The 125 cc category (administrative category L3e) includes e-scooters with a power greater than 4000 W. Driving these vehicles requires having an A or A1 driving license if the power does not exceed 11 kilowatts, and an A or A2 license if the power is between 11 and 35 kilowatts.

Engine: opt for efficiency

Electric scooters classified in the 50 cc category generally have power between 1 and 4 kilowatts. They are equipped with a brushless electric motor often integrated into the rear wheel . It's a good choice if you plan on riding around town most of the time.

On the other hand, for extra-urban use, you must opt ​​for an electric scooter in the 125 cc category with enough power and torque.

Battery: check the technology and autonomy

Virtually all new electric scooters feature Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery technology . This technology is favored over previous technologies including lead-acid, nickel cadmium (NiCd), and nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH), because it offers greater energy density and reduces the weight and size of battery.

It also facilitates recharging and increases the vehicle's range. When buying the electric scooter, opt for a battery with at least the following characteristics:

• It works with Li-ion technology
• It offers good autonomy
• It is supplied by a manufacturer recognized for the quality of its products (Samsung, Panasonic, LG, etc.)
• The number of charging cycles is quite high.

Also pay attention to the BMS (Battery Management System) electronic management system used on the e-scooter as well as the charging process.

If you plan to use your e-scooter intensively, then preferably opt for a removable double battery and a fast charging system.

Pay attention to safety equipment: braking, wheels, and lighting!

When buying an electric scooter, special attention should be paid to safety features. Opt preferably for hydraulic disc brakes at the front and rear with ABS function and brake energy recovery function.

It is also important to take the dimensions of the wheels into consideration, especially if you plan to drive on extra-urban roads. Most conventional scooters come with 10 to 12 inch wheels.

For better maneuverability, you can choose an electric scooter equipped with larger wheels. Without forgetting of course the lighting system which must be efficient enough to allow you to drive in complete safety in the event of reduced visibility.

For your part, consider investing in quality scooter equipment to protect you in the event of a fall.

Check the build quality

Frame build quality is an important thing you need to consider when buying an e-scooter. Depending on the desired performance in terms of rigidity and weight, the frame can be made of ultra-resistant steel alloys, chrome-molybdenum alloys, aluminum alloys or composite materials.

It is also worth checking the quality of welding and the quality of manufacture of the fork. Electronic components that are very sensitive to water must be protected by a fully waterproof coating (IP65 level) .

Admittedly, the level of finish of the plastic elements and decorative elements does not directly influence the road performance of the electric scooter, but it is an important detail to assess the quality/price ratio.

Make the most of the ecological bonus for the purchase of an electric scooter

The purchase of an electric scooter allows you to benefit from an ecological bonus (or subsidy ) granted by the state since January 1, 2017. The amount of the subsidy varies according to the power of the engine.

For e-scooters with a power of less than 2000 W, the bonus is equal to 20% of the purchase price including tax with a ceiling of €100. For models whose power is equal to or greater than 2000 W, the bonus is €250 per kilowatt-hour, up to a limit of €900 or 27% of the purchase price including tax (whichever amount is lower).

The good news is that the bonus paid by the state can be combined with the conversion bonus (scrappage bonus) and with other subsidies granted by local authorities.

To benefit from the ecological bonus, the e-scooter must meet the following conditions:

• It must be powered by an electric motor
• It must be purchased new or leased for at least 2 years, or under a lease with option to purchase
• It must be registered in France
• It must not be sold within one year of its first registration or before reaching a mileage of 2000 km
• It must not be equipped with a lead-acid battery.

Prioritize driving comfort

For a comfortable ride, it is advisable to choose an electric scooter equipped with hydraulic shock absorbers and front and rear swing arms .

Some manufacturers offer adjustable suspension components allowing the driver to adapt the road behavior of his scooter according to the load and the condition of the road surface in order to reduce road vibrations more effectively.

Tire width and fork shape also affect ride comfort and road performance.

Evaluate the equipment list

Premium electric scooters (like the Super Soco CPX electric scooter ) come standard with a few state-of-the-art accessories:

• A connectivity system integrating Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and 4G functionalities
• A high-performance on-board computer that manages all of the scooter's electronic systems
• An anti-theft system connected to a mobile application to track the scooter and deactivate it remotely in the event of theft
• An infotainment system with GPS function and touch screen.
• A very practical electric reverse gear for easy parking.

These electric scooter accessories are more or less offered as an option on entry-level e-scooters. Of course, prices increase according to the performance and equipment offered.

Opt for a brand offering good after-sales service

Often overlooked by buyers, the quality of after-sales service is an important criterion to consider when choosing an electric scooter.

Indeed, it is always pleasant to be able to carry out all the maintenance and repair work on your electric scooter at a professional after-sales service that is concerned with improving the quality of its services.

It is therefore always wise to favor a brand offering good after-sales service and a clear and fair guarantee policy.

Repair service at Weebot

By purchasing your electric scooters from Weebot, you benefit from our Service Centers in Paris (Boulogne-Billancourt) and Lyon. We have experts to maintain your two wheels in the best possible way. We are resellers and specialists of the Twild, Sunra, Doohan and Horwin brands which offer excellent models both in 50cm3 equivalent (45 km/h) and in 125cm3 equivalent.

Do not hesitate to consult our comparative guide of the best electric scooters on the market regularly updated to find out how to choose the ideal electric scooter according to your needs.

Conclusion on how to choose an electric scooter

To conclude this electric scooter buying guide , it is important to first define your travel needs before buying an e-scooter. Based on these needs, you will be able to more easily define your selection criteria.

Ultimately, whatever the model chosen, it is necessary to favor a professional retailer and a brand offering an irreproachable after-sales service.