A complete guide to buying an electric scooter

Electric scooters are offering people a way to travel up to five times quicker than walking while being environmentally friendly, fun and very low cost. And, unlike a bicycle, you're not sweaty when you arrive! 

You will get efficient and thoughtful service from KingChe.

With more and more people moving towards buying an electric scooter it's important to know what to look for. 

Speed, size, weight, range, reliability and cost are just a few of the factors you need to take into account when making your decision. In this guide we explain everything you need to consider to ensure you pick the best e-scooter for your needs. 

Here's what we cover in this article, feel free to click on one of the heading links to jump to the most relevant section for you: 

Quality of ride - how comfortable should your ride be?

 

If you're unsure how to buy an electric scooter then researching the quality of ride is a good place to start. 

The ride quality of some e-scooters is so bad that they can't be ridden for more than 1 mile on anything less than a perfect surface.  These e-scooters look great on a web page, but many people stop using them because they are 'bone shakers'. 

There are a number of factors that affect the ride quality: 

Wheel size 

We strongly advise that you avoid wheels less than 10 inches diameter. Smaller wheels give a rougher ride and are more susceptible to getting stuck in potholes. 

As a rule, you need large wheels with air in your tyres. If you are going to do a lot of off-road riding you will need fat treaded tyres and suspension. 

View our range of scooters with 10-inch wheels here 

Solid or air-filled tyres 

Tyres come in two varieties: pneumatic (air-filled) and solid rubber (airless).  

Air-filled tyres give you a better ride - they have the advantage of shock absorption and a much better handling but are prone to punctures and require maintenance. 

If you opt for air-filled tyres we strongly recommend you also purchase 'puncture protection fluid'. Apply this before your first ride and you may never need to change your tyres at all. Here's a video on how to insert puncture prevention fluid. 

You will also need to regularly check your air pressure and top it up when it's low. Correct tyre pressure is vital for safety, braking effectiveness and grip. Under-inflation will cause wear, halve your battery range, stop you from reaching those top speeds and even make you more susceptible to punctures. View our range of e-scooter pumps here. 

Here's a guide on how to fix an electric scooter puncture. 

E-scooters with solid tyres require virtually zero maintenance and offer a solution to punctures if you are regularly riding where there is a lot of glass, thorns or nails. 

The trade off with a low-maintenance solid tyre is that they aren't as smooth to ride, so you will feel more bumps and vibrations. 

For more information read our full guide on air-filled versus solid tyres. 

Suspension 

Suspension on an e-scooter works the same as a car, smoothing out bumps and shocks from the ground. Think about if you're going to be riding off-road or on rough terrain and if so, suspension might be a key consideration when looking to buy an electric scooter. 

Without it you will get vibration in the handlebars which can be uncomfortable on longer rides ' and where's the fun in that? 

An e- scooter with large, air-filled tyres without suspension will give a smoother ride than an e- scooter with solid tyres and suspension. 

If you want an off-roader that sails over rougher terrain, strongly consider buying an electric scooter with quality suspension. Suspension can either be attached to the front, rear or both wheels. 

Brakes

Your safety should always come first, and brakes are important when picking an electric scooter. 

There are 3 main types of brakes on electric scooters: 

1. Electric/regenerative brakes 

These are low maintenance but less effective at stopping you quickly. If you are travelling at 15+mph and need to stop quickly these will be the least effective. 

2. Disc brakes and drum brakes 

Drum brakes are enclosed inside the wheel hub and are generally lower maintenance than other braking types and have consistent performance in wet conditions. 

Disc brakes have the most stopping power and are lighter than drum brakes which helps to lighten the overall load for extra speed. 

While drum and disc brakes are the best of all they will wear out over time and will eventually need to be serviced, just like a car. 

3. Foot brakes 

Foot brakes are activated by pushing your foot down on the rear mud guard. Unless you are used to using a kid's scooter, this takes time to master. They have slightly more stopping power but are not as comfortable to use or effective as drum or disc brakes. 

Tip: make sure you service your electric scooter regularly to keep it in full working order. Looking after your scooter properly is important. 

Motor power & hill climb ability

 

An electric scooter motor has an average 'rated' power and peak power output. The higher the motor's wattage, the more power it can produce bringing improved acceleration and hill climbing ability. 

Most 'budget e-scooters' start at 250 watts and reach top speeds of 15mph. These models won't be able to climb hills and will likely struggle to reach their top speed if you weigh more than 80 kilograms.  

We recommend that you upgrade to a model that rates with at least 350 Watts and that you consider powering up further from there if you want to tackle hills regularly or if you are above average size. 

That's why we built the Pure Air electric scooter which has a rated motor power of 500 Watts and only costs £449.00. You can also purchase our Pure Air Pro at £599 which also has a 500W rated motor but has almost twice the range, or our entry-level Pure Air Go which costs £349 and has a 350W rated output from its motor. 

Water resistance

 

It's a little known fact that most electric scooters are not waterproof.  

Some of the largest e-scooter manufacturers are Chinese so they build their scooters for the Chinese climate.  

As a result, most e-scooters on the market will potentially stop working if you ride them on wet surfaces, through puddles or in the rain. What's more is hidden in the fine print of many e-scooter's warranties is that getting them wet will invalidate the warranty, so you'll have to pay for the replacement yourself. 

We have heard countless stories of customers trying to return Xiaomi scooters after water damage only to be told their warranty does not cover it.  

If you want to ride when it is wet (a frequent occurrence as we all know in the UK) your best bet is to choose a waterproof scooter. 

When building our Pure e-scooters we made sure they are waterproof, to give people a viable option for riding their scooters all year round in the UK weather. 

Maximum Load

Not all electric scooters are built to carry the same load and you should factor this into your decision making.  

E-scooters designed for Europe tend to have a maximum load of 100kg. A lot of people who weigh over 100kg ride these e-scooters every day. However, you must be warned that this will invalidate your warranty and could be dangerous. 

If you're riding an e-scooter that isn't suitable for your weight it's highly likely that your performance will be hampered as well as your safety. Riding an e- scooter in this way will mean you are unlikely to reach the top speeds the vehicle claims as well as struggling more with hills. 

Pure Electric's e-scooters have been designed with different body types in mind and are capable of carrying up to 120kg of load.

Range

 

It is important to note that the manufacturers' quoted ranges for electric scooters are generally best-case examples.  

Like speed, most are based on a light person (70kg) riding on smooth, flat, straight surface, with a new battery.  

Be aware that cheaper e-scooters have cheaper batteries and the amount of charge they can hold diminishes with every charge. 

Most e-scooters have a range of 15 to 20 miles. 20 to 30 miles is also fairly common and some more premium (expensive) models can have ranges of up to 40 or even 50 miles.  

A longer range requires a bigger battery, this is also worth considering too as it will make the e-scooter heavier and will also increase the price tag. 

In our experience, an e-scooter with a range of 25-30km is perfect for most daily riders, this will allow you to travel an average distance of 15 miles before needing to recharge. 

Our new Pure Air Pro has a range of 31 miles/50 km - take a look at its full spec here. 

Speed - how fast do electric scooters go?

 

Most electric scooters have top speeds of 15mph and for many this is more than enough to feel the buzz and get you smiling - trust us, 15mph on a scooter feels an awful lot faster than 15mph in a car!  

There are other models that go up to around 18mph, but if you really want to feel the wind in your cheeks there are a few models that top out at a hair-raising 40mph.  

It's worth bearing in mind, however, going that fast on a machine with relatively small wheels can be extremely dangerous. It would be very easy to come off or lose control over uneven ground at those speeds. 

It's also important to bear in mind that the fastest electric scooters require bigger batteries and more powerful motors which are generally a lot more expensive.  

E-scooter speed is determined by several factors including motor power, rider weight, your tyre pressures and the terrain you ride on.  

Manufacturer's quoted electric scooter speeds are generally based on a 70kg person using a flat, smooth surface with correctly inflated tyres. People tend to get a little hung up on electric scooter top speeds, but our advice is not to chase maximum speed. A speed of about 15mph is ideal. For context, average walking speed is 4mph, average car travel speed in London is 7mph and average cycling speed for commuters is 14mph.  

Warning: always wear a helmet when riding your scooter at any speed. E-scooters are safe to ride, but accidents can still happen. 

Reliability

Electric scooters are still a relatively new product category. Our advice is to stick to the large manufacturers. We have heard of some electric scooter manufacturers who have had up to 30% with faults (obviously we would not stock these products)!. 

Two main factors need to be considered in this area: 

Warranty 

Will the company be around in the future to honour it? Going with established companies should give you peace of mind. 

If you need to use your warranty, where will you need to send your e-scooter? We have heard horror stories of people having a minor fault and needing to send their e-scooter back to China to be fixed. This takes months and can cost a lot of money. We suggest you only purchase a UK-spec scooter, covered by a UK warranty. 

Here's more information on electric scooter warranties. 

Fakes and cheap Chinese imports 

There are a lot of cheap e-scooters being imported from China. These often look the part, but cut quality (cheap wheel bearings, battery problems, etc) and are usually unsafe.   

The fakes are hard to spot when purchasing online, but the quality received tends to be terrible. You should only buy from trusted UK suppliers using UK stock. 

Tip: make sure you service your electric scooter regularly to keep it in full working order. Looking after your scooter properly is important. 

Size & weight 

We recommend that people consider whether the e-scooter is the right size for them while riding, and if it is small enough to store conveniently when folded down.  

A folded down scooter should be small enough to store easily, but not all e-scooters fold so it's worth checking before you buy, especially if you have limited storage space at home. 

It is also important to consider how far you might have to carry your e-scooter at the beginning or end of your journey, meaning you need to take the e-scooter weight into consideration as well. 

Concerned an electric scooter you are interested in might be too heavy? Check out this electric scooter bag that will make your scooter much easier to carry. 

Tip: some scooters have folding handlebars which make them even smaller and extra compact.  

How to find an electric scooter for the best price

 

In addition to the advertised retail price of your chosen e-scooter, there are a number of cost factors to consider:   

Finance available 

Finance options may make your e-scooter of choice more affordable by spreading the payments across a period of time. 

We offer two different finance options on our e-scooters: you can either split payment over three equal instalments interest-free or you can split payments equally over 3, 6, 12 or 24 months interest-free for the first 6 months. 

Find more information about electric scooter finance here, in our informative guide. 

Import duty

A few companies are currently quoting very low prices for e-scooters, but they are not being transparent with the total costs.  

There have been cases where the seemingly cheap e-scooter has become stuck in UK customs and the customer has had to pay around 30% of purchase cost (in VAT and import Tax) before receiving their product. 

Postage

Some reputable retailers offer free delivery, but this is not always the case and postage can be very expensive. Postage is not always listed on product pages, be sure to check carefully! 

How much do electric scooters cost?

 

Most adult e-scooters tend to fall into one of three categories: budget e-scooters, premium e-scooters and high-performance e-scooters. These types of scooters range from around £300 all the way up to £1,500. 

There will always be variation between models but in our experience, quality improves with price. In terms of performance, we believe you really do get what you pay for. 

Budget e-scooters

 

This category is most popular with first-time riders, mainly because budget e-scooters usually fall within the £300 - £500 price bracket. They are great for travelling shorter distances, have a reasonable range and suitable build quality. 

However, these e-scooters tend to have low-powered motors compared to the higher- end models, usually rating at around 250W, which will make them feel slower - particularly in areas with steeper hills where you might have to even get off and walk your e-scooter up the hill. 

Unsatisfied with the budget offering currently available on the market, our engineers here have built the Pure Air Go, an entry-level scooter that packs an average motor power of 350watts and can carry a load of 120kg. 

Tip: most e-scooters under £250 are not recommended for anything other than light recreational use. At this price point expect under-powered motors, low- capacity batteries, weaker brakes and cheaper build quality. 

Premium e-scooters

 

These fall between £550 and £900 and typically add suspension, larger motors, bigger batteries and better brakes to their portfolio of features.  

Consequently, your ride will be more comfortable, safer and the battery will last longer so you won't get stuck. 

Pure Electric's premium scooters include: the Pure Air, which has a 500W motor, class-leading hill-climbing ability, a 30km range and a max carry load of 120kg; and the Pure Air Pro which has the same spec coupled with a 50km range  

High-performance e-scooters

 

These tend to start at £1,000+ and are the highest performing in every category except portability. They sometimes excel in terms of ride quality, braking distance, hill climbing ability, power, speed and acceleration. 

With huge, sometimes dual motors you can reach hair-raising speeds of up to 40mph. They carry high quality suspension and hydraulically- activated disc-brakes for improved stopping at fast speeds. 

These also tend to be the only e-scooters capable of riding off-road due to their larger tyres. If you're looking for an e-scooter that seriously delivers on off-road fun factor, then without a doubt this the class you should be looking at. 

Accessories we recommend 

• Helmet:

   your 

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  -

  scooter will be going as fast as a bicycle, so we strongly recommend always wearing a helmet. Shop 

  The company is the world’s best adult electric moped supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

  electric scooter helmets here

  .

   

• Lock:

   your e-scooter is a valuable item and having a small portable lock will ensure its 

  s

  ecurity

  . Shop 

  electric scooter locks here

  .

   

• holder:

   allows you to concentrate on riding without holding your , and use your as an extended display with some models. Shop 

  electric scooter holders here

  .

   

• Puncture protection fluid:

   if you have air-filled tyres

  ,

   it

  's

   is

   worth using puncture protection fluid to reduce 

  the 

  risk of punctures. Shop 

  puncture protection fluid here

  .

   

• Lights:

   extra lights can be attached to your e-scooter for safer night riding and visibility. Some electric scooters have built-in lights, some have reflectors. It is an easy upgrade to put state-of-the-art bicycle lights on your 

  e-

  scooter if you are going to do a lot of night riding. Shop 

  electric scooter lights here

  .

   

Where to buy an electric scooter - why Pure Electric? 

We are a UK-based e-scooter specialist providing independent advice on a range of what we believe to be the best available e-scooters.  

Unlike some UK based retailers, we hold stock and offer free delivery, so you won't have to wait 30 days to receive your purchase.  

We also offer finance options in the UK to help spread the cost of your purchase.  

We have a team of industry experts dedicated to providing you with the best advice, best products, best service and best value. 

Furthermore, because we now build our own e-scooters, we know exactly what makes an e-scooter great for our riders. We design in the UK for the UK, meaning our e-scooters are designed for the UK weather, because many other e-scooters aren't designed to be waterproof and can't be ridden in the rain. 

Pure scooters are also available in over 65 Currys stores across the UK and Ireland, so you can see the e-scooters up close before purchasing. We also offer flexible finance options. Find a store here.

We hope you've enjoyed reading our 

e-

scooter buying guide - you can browse our full range of 

electric scooters

 here.

Deciding on your first electric scooter is by no means an easy feat. The reason for that is the sheer amount of various options. Most of them are quite costly at that. So, before you give in to an impulse buy, read our article to choose the best electric scooter for your needs.

You need to ask yourself an essential question

Before you make this seminal decision, you need to ask yourself a key question.

"What do I need my first electric scooter for?" - when you find the answer to this question, it will make the entire process much easier later on. Because it will determine the most important technical details of your new ride. So, be true to yourself. Want to have some fun around the block? That's fine, but choose a suitable model for that, not a monster track. More about it further down.

Different types of e-scooters

For now, let's break down the types of electric scooters you can choose from. There are two most common ways of categorizing electric scooters. The first one refers to their usage or purpose, the other one to the price range.

Riding style

Casual - Designed for laid-back rides, these electric scooters focus on comfort, portability, and a smooth ride. Perfect for quick errands, social outings, or a relaxing spin around the neighborhood. With lightweight frames, easy-to-use controls, and moderate power, they're ideal for beginners and casual riders alike.

Commuting - These scooters are built for reliable, long-distance travel. They feature a more powerful motor to tackle inclines, extended range batteries, and comfortable suspension, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable ride.

Off-road - These rugged scooters are built for tackling rough terrain, dirt trails, and uneven surfaces. With powerful motors, all-terrain tires, and advanced suspension systems, they offer superior traction, stability, and control. Durable frames and water-resistant components ensure they can withstand the elements and keep you riding wherever your adventures take you.

Performance - These electric scooters push the limits of what's possible on two wheels. They're designed for experienced riders seeking adrenaline-fueled rides. Due to the inherent risks involved, these scooters are for skilled riders who understand the importance of safety and have the expertise to handle their exceptional power.

Price range

Budget (up to $)

Perfect for quick errands or short commutes, budget electric scooters offer a convenient and affordable way to get around. Yet, their lower motor power (<300W), limited range (8-10 miles), and lower top speeds (around 15mph) make them less suitable for frequent or more challenging rides.

Key Takeaways:

• Best for short, flat rides on smooth roads

• Not ideal for hills or rough terrain

• Focus on affordability over performance

• May have limited braking capabilities

Mid-Range Scooters (around $1,500-$2,000)

This is where the fun begins! With larger batteries, powerful motors (up to W, even dual), and often suspension, these scooters offer a significant boost in performance, range (20+ miles), and speed (25+ mph) compared to their budget counterparts. However, this extra power comes at the cost of portability, as they tend to be heavier (40+ lbs).

Key Features:

• Powerful motors for hills and acceleration

• Extended range batteries for longer rides

• Suspension for a smoother ride

• Top speeds over 25 mph

• Heavier weight for added stability

Premium (around $)

Think of these as the luxury cars of electric scooters. Powerful dual motors (W+), top speeds of 40 mph, and impressive range (30-40 miles) make them perfect for tackling hills and long distances with ease. They often come packed with useful features and innovations.

Key Features:

• Serious speed and acceleration

• Long range for extended commutes

• Premium features for comfort and safety

• Top-notch construction

What to focus on?

Below you will find a bunch of useful tips and tricks about the features you should pay extra attention to.

Top Speed

Speed is what sends a thrill down our spines. We all love the feeling of accelerating, but most of the time we don't need it to the extent some electric scooters offer. Mind you, most electric scooters are not as stable as cars, and speeds over 40 mph(64km/h) is an accident in the offing. Unless you know what you're doing, we advise against it. And remember about wearing a helmet.

Motor power

Motor power determines the rider weight and the inclines your electric scooter can tackle. If you're a heavier rider, or planning on challenging steep inclines, then you should give motor power a careful consideration.

Range

Range is paramount for commuters, as well as for more adventurous spirits. Depending on the distance to your destination, you should choose an electric scooter with ample range. Of course, it's always a trade-off. Higher range will come at the cost of speed or other features. But it's better to go a bit slower, when you're commuting, than not to get where you wanted at all.

Water-resistance

Water-resistance and dust-resistance are crucial when riding in bad weather. Take into account the fact that no e-scooter is fully waterproof. High quality scooters have IP ratings of 67. What is it? IP stands for Ingress Protection, which grades the resistance of an enclosure against the intrusion of dust or liquids.

Warranty

The warranty is a crucial aspect to consider when buying an electric scooter. It acts as a safety net, protecting your investment and providing peace of mind. A good warranty covers manufacturing defects and malfunctions. It also speaks volumes about the manufacturer's confidence in their product's quality. Be sure to review the warranty terms, including coverage duration, exclusions, and the claims process, before making your purchase.

Certifications

Safety isn't just a buzzword for Apollo, it's a core commitment. That's why rigorous certifications like the UL for electrical systems are essential. Apollo scooters not only meet but surpass these standards. This dedication to safety extends to other important certifications like IP66,CE marking and FCC Declaration of Conformity. Choosing Apollo means choosing an electric scooter that's safe, reliable, and fully compliant with legal requirements.

• UL :

  This certification focuses on the safety of the electrical drive train system, including the battery and electrical components, to minimize risks such as overheating, short circuits, and fires.

• CE marking:

  This marking indicates conformity with European health, safety, and environmental protection standards.

• FCC Declaration of Conformity:

  This declaration ensures that the scooter's radio frequency emissions comply with regulations, preventing interference with other electronic devices.

• IP66:

  This rating means the scooter is dust-tight and protected against high-pressure water jets from any direction, enhancing its durability and resistance to the elements.

Additionally, Apollo has recently acquired the UL certification for some of its newer models, which focuses on the safety of the electrical system of the entire scooter, not just the drive train.

Where to buy an electric scooter?

Big-Box Stores: Retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, and Target often carry a limited selection of entry-level electric scooters. These can be a good option for casual riders or those on a tight budget, but may not offer higher-end models.

Specialty E-mobility Shops: These stores specialize in electric transportation and offer a wider range of electric scooters, including higher-end models from various brands. Their knowledgeable staff can provide expert advice and guidance on choosing the right scooter for your needs.

Online Marketplaces: Online marketplaces like Amazon offer a vast selection of electric scooters from different brands and retailers. While this offers convenience and competitive prices, be sure to research the seller's reputation and the product's reviews before purchasing.

Good to have (accessories)

Riding electric scooters can be a thrilling way to get around, but it's crucial to prioritize safety and comfort. Investing in the right accessories can enhance your experience and protect you from potential hazards. Here's a list of essential gear you should consider:

Safety Essentials:

• Helmet:

  A non-negotiable safety item for any rider. Choose a certified helmet that fits snugly and provides ample protection for your head.

• Knee and Elbow Pads:

  Protect your joints from scrapes and impact in case of falls.

• Gloves:

  give you a better grip, reduce hand fatigue, and offer protection in case of a slide.

Visibility Gear:

• Front and Rear Lights:

  Increase your visibility to others, especially during low-light conditions.

• Reflective Gear:

  Wear reflective vests, armbands, or tape to make yourself more visible to motorists and pedestrians.

• Helmet Light:

  Illuminate your path and make your head more visible to oncoming traffic.

Security and Convenience:

• Lock:

  Secure your scooter when not in use to prevent theft.

• Mount:

  Keep your navigation and communication tools easily accessible.

Additional Accessories:

• Bell or Horn:

  Alert pedestrians and other riders of your presence.

• Fender:

  Protect yourself from splashes and debris on wet roads.

Best e-scooters for adults ' choose your first ride!

After taking stock of the above, you now know what you need your electric scooter for. The only thing left to do is to choose a model based on your conclusions. Here's our recommendation for your first electric scooter.

Apollo Air

• Ideal for:

  Beginners, casual riders, short commutes on flat terrain.

• Why you'll love it:

  Lightweight, portable, easy to ride, and affordable, making it the perfect entry point into the world of electric scooters.

• Consider this:

  Not designed for long rides or hills due to its lower power and range.

Apollo Go 

• Ideal for:

  Leisurely rides, navigating urban streets, and short commutes.

• Why you'll love it:

  Sleek design, smooth ride, good portability, and decent range for exploring your city. It's the perfect upgrade entry-level scooter. If you're looking for something compact, but powerful

• Consider this:

  It has 9 inch tires, so while it can endure rough terrain, it's not made for this. 

Apollo City

• Ideal for:

  Daily commuters, longer rides, and those who need a scooter that can tackle hills.

• Why you'll love it:

  Powerful motor, comfortable suspension, longer range, and puncture-resistant tires for a smooth, worry-free ride.

• Consider this:

  Slightly heavier and less portable than the Go, but the added power and range make it worth it for serious commuters.

Electric scooter regulations 

Electric scooter laws vary widely across the United States, with regulations differing from state to state and even between cities. In general, most states allow electric scooters on roads with speed limits of 20 mph or less and on bike lanes or paths. However, some states have specific age restrictions, helmet requirements, and restrictions on riding on sidewalks. It's crucial to check the specific laws in your state and local area before riding an electric scooter to ensure you are in compliance.

Wrapping up

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vBg9RApGcQ

When choosing an e-scooter, prioritize safety, comfort, and quality. Don't hesitate to test ride a few models before making your final decision. And, if you're looking for a reliable brand with a proven track record of performance and customer satisfaction, Apollo Scooters is an excellent place to start your search.

We hope this guide has been helpful in your journey towards finding the e-scooter of your dreams. Happy scooting!

Want more information on street legal mopeds? Feel free to contact us.