The Benefits of Foldable Electric Scooters for Urban Commuting

Urban commuting has never been easier, thanks to the popularity of electric scooters. If you want to remove the expenses of car ownership and avoid crowded public transportation each day, scooters are compact, convenient, and cost-effective.

There are so many benefits of using electric scooters - but are they the right choice for you?

In this guide, we'll reveal the advantages of folding electric scooters for commuting, so stay tuned to find out how these genius modes of transportation can make your life easier and help you save money.

Let's dive straight in.

Convenience

Let's face it; nobody enjoys the daily commute. You either have to budget each month for gas money and get ready for emergency car repairs each month or do a daily battle through public transport where personal space is a luxury.

Electric scooters are the most convenient solution, with their compact design surpassing the qualities of electric bikes and motorbikes.

If you've ever seen a commuter electric scooter, you'll know they're compact, portable - and highly convenient.

Storage

Foldable scooters are ideal for small spaces, and you'll have no problem fitting your Unagi Model One into your apartment. You can also take the scooter into the office, ensuring nobody will steal it, which is something you can't do with e-bikes.

Portability

The unique folding design of e-scooters also means you can carry them around without locking them away. Our e-scooters are lightweight and easily fit into a carry bag, allowing you to take them on public transport and into stores.

Plug in and go

Electric cars are paving the way for sustainability, but recharging them isn't ideal - especially if you don't have a charging point installed at home.

Electric scooters are different because you can charge them with any electric outlet, saving time and money.

Zero waiting around

As scooters are so compact, you'll have no issues navigating through traffic, allowing you to get to the office quickly. There's also no waiting around for public transport, giving you more time to make the day yours.

Cost-Effective

Electric scooters aren't just convenient; they're also cost-effective. Of all the forms of transportation, the folding electric scooter is often the best choice if you're on a budget - or would rather spend your money on other things.

You don't need to buy a scooter outright, because some companies, such as Unagi have a unique monthly scooter subscription programme that allows you to have unlimited use of your scooter, and comes with insurance.

Here's how they can maximize your monthly budget.

Cut the costs of car ownership

Think about the cost of buying, powering, and maintaining a car, and you'll see why scooters are an immediate winner. According to Move, the average person in the USA will spend $5,264 a year on running and maintaining a car, which doesn't even include the purchase price.

E-scooters don't require the same maintenance and are much cheaper to charge. They're one of the most cost-effective ways to travel, aside from walking, and ideal if you're on a budget.

Zero public transport costs

If you commute to work, you'll probably have a season ticket or monthly bus pass, depending on where you live. The Motley Fool published an article showing the average monthly cost of public transport in six major US cities, and the results show that urban transport isn't a budget option.

In New York, you can expect to spend $127 monthly on busses and subway rides, while Chicago is the cheapest of the major cities, charging $75 for a 30-day pass.

However, at $900 a year minimum and the headache of waiting around for your bus or train, it's clear public transport comes with its drawbacks.

Environmentally Friendly

E-Scooter riders take advantage of numerous benefits, but an often overlooked advantage is the positive contribution to the environment.

Compared to public transport, car ownership, and even using popular ride-hailing applications, e-scooters are more eco-friendly.

Many models produce zero-emission or minimal emissions that are nothing compared to other modes of transportation, so you can rest assured that your daily commute isn't impacting the environment.

The true cost of your daily commute

In the USA, 27% of Greenhouse gas emissions come from transportation, which considerably impacts the country's carbon footprint (USEPA).

The US government and many states are making conscious efforts to reduce the impact of gas-powered vehicles.

With California aiming to ban the sale of gas-powered vehicles by 2035 altogether (Smithsonian Magazine), other states will likely follow, and scooters - along with cars- will play a significant role in the battle for our planet.

Health Benefits

So, we know how e-scooters can protect the environment, save money, and help you avoid heavy traffic - but did you know they're also great for your health?

Scooters are highly customizable, and when you begin using one, you'll notice they improve your balance and coordination.

Also, you don't have to just stand on the deck because using the scooter as a traditional kick model is easy, offering a low-impact form of exercise with excellent cardiovascular benefits.

Even if you're traveling short to medium distances, you can still take advantage of more exercise - without spending time in the gym.

Efficiency

Another important factor when choosing a mode of urban transportation is efficiency. Do you want a seamless journey from home to office, or are you happy to deal with long commutes in heavy traffic?

Electric scooters are one of the more efficient options, and they can turn your commute into a stress-free experience.

Speed

Feel the need for speed? An e-scooter will get you where you need to be in no time. With speeds of around 20 miles per hour, you can shave time off your daily commute and enjoy the ability to weave in and out of traffic.

All states have speed limits, so choose a scooter suitable for urban riding.

Zero hassle

No stressful commute is complete without the battle for a parking spot. If you don't have a reserved parking space, you could spend ages looking for one. Daily rides are hassle-free with e-scooters because you can easily carry them into the office.

While others set off in advance to factor in traffic and parking, you can cruise into the office with time to spare.

Safety

Safety is paramount in urban commuting and something you should never forget about. Some people worry that electric scooters aren't safe, but you'll have no issues if you take proper precautions.

With foldable e-scooters, you can ensure your safety with protective gear. The following items are absolute necessities:

Helmets: Surprisingly, only 10 states list helmets as a legal requirement - but that doesn't mean you shouldn't use one. A good helmet can prevent major head injuries, which are vital to urban commuting.
Lights: If you're commuting, you'll probably ride at night, which means lights are essential. Buying a bright headlight, rear lighting, and a signal vest ensures others can see you and protects you from potential collisions.
Protective gear: It's also a good idea to buy knee and elbow pads and a protective jacket to protect you should you fall off the scooter.

Scooter riders define how safe urban commuting is

With limited speeds and many states requiring riders to use bike lanes wherever possible, you will be safe using your e-scooter correctly and protecting yourself from potential accidents.

There has been some negative press surrounding folding scooters, but responsible use will ensure people can continue to benefit from them.

The bottom line

Overall, a foldable electric scooter is one of the best urban commuter transportation choices. Their ease of use, portability, and safety features offer a convenient way to get around town quickly and reliably.

As cities grow, the demand for efficient transportation solutions will only increase. City riders can take advantage of being able to travel short distances to the office while avoiding parking fees and saving money.

Unagi's range of scooters comes with superior battery life, maximum speeds suitable for commuters, and a unique folding mechanism that makes it easy to click and go.

We're confident our scooters are the perfect solution for traveling in any urban area. The range of available colors means you can find a sleek design that fits your personality.

So, if eco-friendliness, portability, and cost-effectivity are top of your list for the daily commute, it's time to embrace the many benefits electric scooters offer.

Author

Daniel Foley

Unagi Life

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TNW: Review: The Unagi E-Scooter is Sleek, Powerful, and Light

Wired: Review Unagi Model One

CNET: Best E-Bike, Electric Scooter and Rideable Tech 2022

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