F.A.Q.
Most frequest questions and answers
Can you ride electric scooters on dirt or gravel road?
Electric scooters come with either solid or inflated tyres. Solid tyres have the advantage of never getting punctured but they do give a rougher ride.
Inflated tyres are perfect for all terrains, especially bumpy surfaces as they help absorb shocks. Generally, the more off-road you want to go, the bigger the wheels should be. The best scooters have sophisticated suspension for a better ride experience too.
Can eScooters be pushed manually?
All electric scooters can be used manually and are partly designed for this purpose.
For safety, the throttle and electric motor only work when the scooter is in motion. Most e-scooters have to be moving at least 1.8 mph (3 km/h) for the electric motor to engage. In order to start moving, the rider must first kick or push it, while applying the throttle. Once moving, the electric motor starts and the scooter will accelerate.
This mechanism helps prevent injury to those standing nearby by avoiding mishaps caused by pressing the throttle by accident.
Since this safety feature is present in nearly all electric scooters, they can be used manually… in theory at least. They are not comfortable, nor easy to push for longer distances.
Can you use an eScooter in the rain?
It’s advisable that that you check the instruction manual for each scooter. Try and keep the battery dry and don’t ride through deep water. The electronic systems on an e-scooter are usually well-protected. Users who ride in extreme conditions often protect the electricals with waterproof tape.
Where should I store and charge my eScooter?
Keep your electric scooter in a dry place if you are not using it frequently. Make sure you charge it monthly for 30 minutes and keep them away from flammable materials.
Do not charge your scooter near to where you sleep at night.
How far can an electric scooter go without charging?
Depending on the model, electric scooters can travel up to 40-50 miles without charging. This blog article looks at the range of some popular e-scooters: Compare eScooter Range
How Can I Increase the Range?
Some e-scooter models are equipped with regenerative (KERS) brakes. This technology charges the battery while the brakes are being applied. The following factors will also help increase range:
- Charge the Battery!
- Maintain the battery
- Correct Tire pressure.
- Try to keep a steady speed without lots of acceleration.
- Terrain (smooth tarmac is best)
- Weight.
- Look after your scooter.
For more detailed information have a look at this post: 7 tips to Increase Scooter Range
How long does it take to charge an electric scooter?
Depending on the manufacturer and model it can take up to 6-hours. Charge the battery until the indication light, dashboard or app show it’s completely charged.
Do I have to charge the battery after each use?
It depends on your electric scooter’s battery type. There are two types: Lithium-ion batteries and NiCad batteries.
Lithium-ion battery
If your electric scooter has a lithium-ion battery, you can charge it whenever you want, without any damage to the battery even if the battery is partially discharged.
NiCad battery
In contrast, NiCad batteries have ‘charge memory’. This type of battery prefers deep discharge cycles. It’s best to drain the battery completely and then fully charge the battery to keep it in the best condition.
Can I overcharge an electric scooter’s battery?
No, you can’t overcharge your electric scooter’s battery but make sure to use the correct connection that comes with the scooter.
Can you ride electric scooters on a dirt or gravel road?
Electric scooters come with either solid tyres or inflated tyres. Solid tyres have the obvious advantage of never getting punctured but they do give a rougher ride.
Inflated tyres are perfect for all terrains, especially bumpy surfaces as they help absorb the shocks. Generally, the more off-road you want to go, the bigger the wheels should be. The best scooters have sophisticated suspension for a better ride experience.
Always wear protective gear while using your electric scooter, particularly on gravel and dirt roads.
The more powerful the motor the better your scooter will be on any type of terrain.
What happens if I get a flat tyre?
You’re less likely to get a flat tyre with an air tyre if it is correctly inflated and has good tread. You can also purchase anti-puncture ‘goo’ which goes inside the tire and seals the puncture at source (see ACCESSORIES). Otherwise, it’s a case of repairing it in the same way you would a bicycle tire, or purchasing a new tire. They aren’t expensive.
The legalities of riding an eScooter
Currently it is illegal (in the UK) to ride an e-Scooter on ‘public paths’ or ‘pavements/sidewalks’.
This is due to a 183-year-old law classifying them as a ‘carriage’.
The law (UK)
‘If any person shall wilfully ride upon any footpath or causeway by the side of any road made or set apart for the use or accommodation of foot passengers; or shall wilfully lead or drive any horse, ass, sheep, mule, swine, or cattle or carriage of any description, or any truck or sledge, upon any such footpath or causeway; or shall tether any horse, ass, mule, swine, or cattle, on any highway, so as to suffer or permit the tethered animal to be thereon.’
The UK Department for Transport views electric scooters as ‘Personal Light Electric Vehicles’ (PLEV), because they’re powered by a motor. In theory, this requires them to be registered and taxed via the DVLA. However, the law allows pedal-assisted electric bikes that are capped at 15.5 mph.
The law was written over 200-years ago and changes are inevitable. Scooters have evolved quickly and they just don’t exist in the eyes of the law and laws take time to change.
There are currently UK government initiatives to have e-Scooters legalised.
Check out this blog on Scooter Law UK 2020
The Law (elsewhere)
It’s clear that the UK is lagging behind the rest of the world when it comes to micromobility regulation. Electric scooters are extremely popular across Europe, with rental apps such as Lime, Jump and Bird operating hubs for hiring electric scooters successfully – and entirely legally – in a number of European cities. Similar schemes are currently unable to operate in the UK, which is another reason that increasing pressure is being mounted on the government to update their legislation.
At the present time, only 3 countries in Europe have yet to legalise the use of electric scooters in public spaces: Holland, the Republic of Ireland and the UK. Many other countries positively support the use of electric scooters as an eco-friendly transport method, particularly in urban environments.
In France, it is legal to ride an escooter in a cycle lane or on the pavement as long as the rider follows set speed limits, though hefty fines are handed out for riding on the pavement or parking a scooter inconsiderately in busy areas. Germany recently updated the relevant legislation to allow riders aged over 14 and wearing a helmet to ride on cycle paths, or roads where no cycle path is available. Escooters are hugely popular in Italy with both residents and tourists who use them on public roads for sightseeing. And in Austria and Switzerland electric scooters can legally use cycle lanes and roads at speeds of up to 25kph.
In the US the different states have their own legislation.
How old do you need to be to ride an electric scooter?
Any age can ride electric scooters, but choosing the scooter for the size of the rider is crucial to safety and practicality. Some of the scooters designed for adults are very powerful and fast. Always read the specifications prior to buying and know which electric scooter is suitable for your kids based on their height.