Commuting By Electric Scooter? What You Need To Know

Getting to work every morning shouldn't be a battle, but too often commuters have to deal with rush hour traffic jams or crowded public transport where personal space is a luxury.

Not any more.

Meet the new whizz kid on the block generating a lot of buzz (#sorrynotsorry) - the electric scooter .

Electric scooters are highly convenient, easy to transport, and environmentally friendly; three things that the average commuter looks for to make their journey easier.

So, if you're thinking about switching up the way you commute, now's the perfect time to learn all about the commuter scooter.

But first...

The rules surrounding private electric scooters

In the USA, riding electric scooters on public roads are legal in most states. The general rule is that the electric motor must be lower than 750 Watts, with the scooter speed not exceeding 25 miles per hour.

Of course, this is just a general rule, and each state has its own laws.

Saying that, as of 2022, 38 states define e-scooters as 'street-legal,' and most of these states allow people to use their scooters on public roads without any restrictions.

Bear in mind though, that in some places electric scooters can only be ridden on private land. Check your local laws before you use a commuter scooter, just in case.

For example, New York, California, Massachusetts, and Colorado don't allow electric scooters on limited-access roads, highways, and expressways as most models can't reach the same speed as automobiles - and even if they could, the laws wouldn't allow it.

10 states that haven't yet made e-scooters legal:

• New Jersey
• Florida
• Delaware
• New Jersey
• Idaho
• Washington
• Oregon
• Florida
• Wisconsin
• Kentucky

Rider age limits

If you're commuting to work, it's likely you won't have to worry about the minimum age limit to ride an e scooter on public roads.

But it's worth keeping in mind that while some states allow riders as young as 12 years old on the roads, this is very rare. Most states set the legal bar at 16 years old, with a legal requirement of anyone under the age of 18 to wear a helmet when riding.

As an aside, in our opinion, everyone should wear a helmet, regardless of what the law says.

Understanding your rights and obligations as an electric scooter user

The best way to make sure you're staying in line with your state and city's laws is to find out for yourself. As different states make their laws, you might find yours has stricter regulations than others.

So, are privately owned electric scooters the best way to commute?

We think so, here's why:

Saves money on public transport

As living costs continue to rise, necessities such as commuting costs can begin to feel like luxuries. Depending on where you live in the USA, you could contribute a significant chunk of your monthly income to travel.

For example, a study published by Value Penguin shows that residents of Los Angeles spend most of their monthly income on public transport, with Miami and Tampa coming a close second and third.

Surprisingly, New York was nearer to the middle of the list, and Washington DC was one of the more affordable cities. From 2017 to 2019, commuter rail and ferry boat transportation cost the most money in the USA, with bus travel and heavy rail closely following (Statista).

While people with larger incomes can afford public transport, the fact is that the least affordable cities are also some of the most popular places to live in the USA. Meaning many commuters spend a lot of their monthly income on trains and buses.

Cheaper than an electric car

PEVs (plug-in vehicles) are changing how people commute and serve as a welcome alternative to cars and motorbikes. The term PEV means any vehicle that can be plugged into an electrical outlet, and there are plenty of modes of transportation to choose between.

Electric cars for commuting are popular, but their average cost of $56,000 means they're not an affordable option for many people. Another alternative is the electric bike, but again, it's an expensive option.

A decent e-scooter however, starts at $500, with the more advanced models priced at north of $6000. How is that an affordable price, you might wonder. Well, if you can't afford to buy your e-scooter outright, you could always rent your e-scooter from as little as $39 per month.

Running a car is expensive

For decades, motor vehicles have been the gold standard for transportation. Whether it's cars or motorbikes, having unlimited freedom to travel is something many people appreciate.

However, it's not all sunshine and roses because cars and motorbikes require maintenance and a significant outright investment.

Buying an electric car is the best way to benefit the environment, but they usually cost an average of $56,000. Even a gasoline car comes with a lot of extra costs, including monthly insurance, tax, and general maintenance.

In fact, Move states that the average cost of running a car is $5,264.58 a year, which is a huge investment.

Compared to electric scooters, which can cost as low as $1000 for a premium model, cars are an unnecessary investment.

Say goodbye to traffic jams

There's nothing worse than getting stuck in traffic jams on your way to the office, and people in busy cities usually set off earlier to avoid being late. With electric scooters, you're good to go whenever you're ready and never deal with traffic.

These machines are so compact and maneuverable that they can easily weave their way through traffic, meaning you can cruise to work and leave frustrated car drivers behind you (feel free to flash them a smug smile while you scoot past, we won't judge you).

You don't break a sweat (unless you want to)

It's great that more people are taking the initiative and getting their daily exercise during the daily commute, but really, do you want to arrive at the office a sweaty mess?

E-scooters are ideal for your daily commute because they require no exertion. All you have to do is hop on, press go, and enjoy your commute.

However, if you feel compelled to break a sweat on the way home, you can use the scooter manually and get the best of both worlds.

Most electric scooters have a good range

With the advancement in lithium ion batteries, most e scooters have a good range.

The more expensive models have a better battery meaning you can take longer rides, but even the more economical models will typically allow you to travel at least 10 miles on a single charge.

And seeing as most commuters use their e-scooter as an alternative to walking or public transport, it's a pretty convenient alternative.

Scooters are more portable

If you've ever tried to store an electric bike, you'll know how difficult it is. Most models are bulky, difficult to transport, and anything but convenient.

Electric scooters on the other hand are compact, foldable and the premium versions are made from lightweight material meaning they're much easier to move around and store inside, making them popular for commuters.

A lightweight scooter is also easy to carry around, and many come with a folding mechanism, so they don't take up much space.

The electric scooter features commuters should look out for

There are so many amazing e-scooters, commuters are spoiled for choice. However, it's essential to choose the right one for your needs, which means looking at which features are most beneficial to you.

For example, you don't want an electric scooter built for hill climbing if you live in a city that is as flat as a pancake.

So just what are the best electric scooter features for commuters?

Range

Range refers to how long a scooter can travel on one charge. As an electric scooter runs on batteries, the more capacity your model has, the further it will go.

Most commuter scooters will offer a minimum range of 8 miles, and higher performance models should go for 15 miles before you need to recharge it again.

It's not that simple, though, because plenty of factors can impact your scooter's range, including:

• Your weight
• Whether you're going up hills
• How you care for the scooter

If you're of average or below average weight and have a consistently smooth ride that doesn't exert the scooter too much, you'll get the maximum range possible, but if you live in a hilly area such as San Francisco, your range per charge will be lower.

For this reason, it's a good idea to get a scooter with a more extended range, even if your daily commute only totals two miles, because you might find you use more power than you thought.

Bear in mind that manufacturers tend to take a glass half full approach to estimate their scooter's range, so it's always good to read actual reviews before deciding which is the best scooter.

Max speed

Buying a scooter that offers an impressive top speed isn't necessary for commuting as most states restrict riders to a maximum speed limit of 24km/15 mph, meaning you won't be able to maximize its full potential.

While traveling at high speeds might seem great, you're more at risk of accidents, and you might not be able to control your scooter correctly. This can lead to nasty accidents, whereas a slower electric scooter will protect you and other road users better.

IP rating

The IP rating of your scooter refers to how waterproof it is. But here's the thing; no scooter will ever be completely waterproof, so the rating corresponds to how much rain your scooter can handle.

While many e-scooters don't have any protection at all, if you live in a rainy place, look for a scooter with an IP rating of around IP54, which means you can reliably ride your scooter in light rain, safe in the knowledge that your scooter will withstand (limited) water sprays from all directions.

Suspension

Commuter scooters don't take the same punishment as off-road scooters, so many manufacturers will focus on providing quality wheels instead of dual-suspension to make the scooter more affordable for consumers.

However most roads aren't perfectly smooth, and going over bumps is a frequent occurrence. So don't overlook the importance of suspension, even when commuting in a city.

Pneumatic tires (air filled tires) are great for shock absorption, yielding a higher ride quality, however they require more maintenance and are prone to punctures - meaning you risk flat tires.

A cheaper alternative is solid rubber tires, but these have an (understandably) bad rap because they're not so great with shock absorption.

A happy medium is ribbed solid rubber tires which offer extra damping and are easy to maintain, making them excellent for commuters who don't plan to go off-road.

Braking power

A good braking system is essential to stay safe and secure on the roads. All scooter manufacturers know this, but some decide to reduce their costs by using a substandard system that doesn't give road users the safety they deserve.

Most commuter scooters have an electronic braking system which is ideal for city riding. When you're looking to purchase a lightweight scooter as a commuter scooter, check that it has a rear disc brake.

However, if you ride on bumpy terrain or want to take your scooter off-road, you should look for a more advanced braking system.

Remember, scooters with more advanced braking systems will always cost more money, so electric brakes will serve their purpose if you're only using them for commutes and general travel.

The lights

Last but not least is the electric scooter lights. These are essential for commuters and necessary when traveling at night. Most commuter e-scooters come with a front and rear light, but most aren't great for keeping you safe at night.

If you can't see the road, you won't see the potential hazards and could have an accident. But worse than that, if your lights are poor, there's a potential the other road users won't be able to to see you until it's too late.

That doesn't mean you have to buy the top of the range e scooter with the most powerful front and rear lights, just to ensure you're visible on the road. You can always supplement your scooter's existing lights with additional lights.

An additional LED headlight, for example, will give you the visibility you need and protect other road users.

Choosing the best electric scooters for your daily commute

When choosing the right electric scooter for you, there are many things to consider, including your price point and your riding style preferences.

Electric scooters come in all shapes and sizes, but it's essential to look out for the key features that will be most useful for you.

For example:

Hill climbing ability

When you commute every day, you'll know where your daily ride is pretty much straightforward or if you have to navigate steep hills. Some budget scooters can't climb hills, while other commuter scooters will perform better.

At the same time, you don't need a really powerful scooter for everyday use, so we'd advise going for a 15-degree incline because it's great for urban travel and won't cost more money.

Your budget

The best thing about electric scooters is they come at a range of price points, and there's something for everyone. Better still, you can find the perfect scooter for your needs that offers a comfortable ride at an affordable price.

For example, the Unagi Model One is just over $1000, and it's ideal for real-world riding. You don't need to spend a fortune on a comfortable scooter, especially when there are cost-effective models available.

Weight restrictions

Some people think weight restrictions aren't important, but they're there for a reason. The weight limit of your scooter is an indicator of who should use it.

Now, by no means are we saying that if you exceed that limit the whole scooter will collapse under you - but it will impact the performance. It's best to choose a scooter built for heavier riders.

Knowing your weight limitations means you get the best possible experience and won't waste money on a scooter that can't accommodate your needs.

The bottom line

Commuting by electric scooter will become the new norm.

Electric scooters are fun, convenient, affordable and with global warming, they're an excellent way to personally contribute to safeguarding the environment. Plus, with the ongoing cost of living crisis, people looking to save money on everyday expenses will find using an electric scooter a great way to cut commuting costs.

Whatever scooter you choose, we can guarantee that the sense of freedom you'll get will be totally worth it.