How to choose an electric scooter?

Electric scooters meet the needs of two-wheeled enthusiasts through their ease of use.

Unlike their thermal counterparts, these have the advantage of being perfectly ecological and economical. They are therefore tending 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 therefore condensed 10 points to check before buying an electric scooter.

Determine if the electric scooter is right for you

Choosing an electric scooter depends on a number of factors: the need to travel, ecological motivation, fuel economy, driving comfort, quality/price ratio, etc.

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

In general, you should assess the economic benefit of buying his or her electric scooter or other scooter based on three main factors:

• The daily or weekly journey.
• The average cost of energy to be consumed over the period of ownership of the electric scooter.
• The budget, or the investment in the electric scooter.

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Choose the right category for your electric scooter

Conventional electric scooters are classified in the same way as their combustion counterparts, i.e. 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 its speed does not exceed 45 km/h.

Driving a vehicle of this type is permitted on public roads from the age of 14, provided that the conditions laid down in the regulations for category AM of the driving licence are met.

The 125 cc category (administrative category L3e) includes e-scooters with a power output of more than 4000 W. These vehicles require an A or A1 driving licence if the power does not exceed 11 kilowatts, and an A or A2 licence if the power is between 11 and 35 kilowatts.

Engine: opt for efficiency

Electric scooters classified as 50 cc are generally between 1 and 4 kilowatts. They have a brushless electric motor often integrated in the rear wheel. This is a good choice if you plan to ride mostly in the city.

For extra-urban use, however, you should opt for an electric scooter in the 125 cc category with sufficient power and torque.

Battery: check the technology and autonomy

Virtually all new electric scooters are equipped with Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery technology. This technology is preferred over previous technologies such as lead acid, nickel cadmium (NiCd), and nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH), as it offers higher energy density and reduces the weight and size of the battery.

It also facilitates recharging and increases the range of the vehicle. When purchasing an electric scooter, choose a battery with at least the following characteristics:

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

Also pay attention to the BMS (Battery Management System ) used on the e-scooter and the charging process.

If you plan to use your e-scooter intensively, then a dual removable battery and a fast charging system are the best options.

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

When buying an electric scooter, special attention should be paid to safety features. Hydraulic disc brakes at the front and rear with ABS and regenerative braking are preferred.

It is also important to consider the size of the wheels, especially if you plan to ride on extra-urban roads. Most conventional scooters are equipped with 10 to 12 inch wheels.

For better manoeuvrability, you can choose an electric scooter with larger wheels. And of course, the lighting system should be good enough to allow you to drive safely in poor visibility.

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

Check the quality of manufacture

The construction quality of the frame is an important consideration when buying an e-scooter. Depending on the desired performance in terms of stiffness and weight, the frame can be made of high-strength steel alloys, chromium-moly alloys, aluminium alloys or composite materials.

The welding quality and the manufacturing quality of the fork should also be checked. Electronic components that are highly sensitive to water should be protected by a fully waterproof coating (IP65 level).

Although the level of finish of the plastic and decorative elements does not directly influence the driving performance of the electric scooter, it is an important detail when assessing the price/performance 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 1st 2017. The amount of the subsidy varies according to the power of the motor.

For e-scooters with a power rating 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 VAT (whichever is lower).

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

To qualify for the ecological bonus, the e-scooter must meet the following conditions:

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

Focus on driving comfort

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

Some manufacturers offer adjustable suspension components that allow the rider to adjust the scooter's handling according to the load and road conditions to reduce road vibrations more effectively.

The width of the tyres and the shape of the fork also influence the ride and road performance.

Evaluate the list of equipment

The premium electric scooters (such as the Super Soco CPX electric scooter) are equipped with some state-of-the-art accessories as standard:

• A connectivity system with integrated Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and 4G capabilities
• A powerful on-board computer that manages all the scooter's electronic systems
• An anti-theft system connected to a mobile application allowing the scooter to be tracked and deactivated remotely in case of theft
• An infotainment system with GPS function and touch screen.
• A practical electric reverse gear for easy parking.

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

Choose a brand with good after-sales service

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

It is always nice to be able to carry out all the maintenance and repair work on your electric scooter with a professional after-sales service that is committed to improving the quality of its services.

It is therefore always wise to choose a brand that offers good after-sales service and a clear and fair warranty policy.

Repair service at Weebot

When you buy 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 way. We are dealers and specialists of the brands Twild, Sunra, Doohan and Horwin which offer excellent models in both 50cm3 (45 km/h) and 125cm3 equivalents.

Check out our regularly updated guide to the best electric scooters on the market to find out how to choose the ideal electric scooter for 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 define your selection criteria more easily.

Ultimately, whatever model you choose, you should choose a professional dealer and a brand that offers impeccable after-sales service.