Disadvantages of electric scooters<\/h2>\n\n- Electric scooters can suffer flat tires<\/li>
- Batteries wear out as they get older and may require replacement<\/li>
- Possible breakdowns and short lifespan for some budget models<\/li>
- Some electric scooters have very short warranty periods<\/li>
- Charge times can be long<\/li>
- Range may not be as advertised<\/li>
- Some models don\u2019t provide very smooth rides<\/li>
- Fast and powerful models are too heavy and difficult to carry<\/li>
- Lightweight scooters will typically not support heavier adults<\/li>
- Handlebar height is not adjustable for many scooters<\/li>
- Very few models don\u2019t fold<\/li>
- Some models don\u2019t fit in public transport and car trunks<\/li>
- Some places don\u2019t allow electric scooters on the street<\/li>
- Many places limit the top speed for electric scooters<\/li>
- Some places have age restrictions for electric scooters<\/li>
- Electric scooters are (mostly) not allowed on airplanes<\/li>
- Electric scooters shouldn\u2019t be used in the rain or the winter<\/li>
- Good scooters are affordable but still not trivially cheap<\/li>
- Some scooters don\u2019t come with any lighting<\/li>
- Many electric scooters will struggle on steeper hills<\/li>
- You will probably have to buy a lock<\/li>
- Accidents are always a possibility<\/li>
- Repairs can be hard<\/li>
- Spare parts may be difficult to obtain<\/li>
- There are some small health risks if you use your scooter improperly<\/li><\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/escooternerds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/flat_fix.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThis guide focuses on the electric scooter disadvantages, excluding common repair and troubleshooting issues. We’ll highlight the most critical disadvantages of electric scooters, their implications under specific circumstances, and the models most affected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Electric scooters can suffer flat tires<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"flat](\"https:\/\/escooternerds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/flat-tire-on-an-electric-scooter.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nElectric scooters affected: ~60%<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nOne of the biggest disadvantages of pneumatic tire scooters is their vulnerability to flat tires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A few scooters may give you a hard time when fixing the flat, but most of the time, the problem is manageable, and you will not even need the help of a mechanic. The risk is worth it, as pneumatic-tire scooters provide much more comfortable rides than solid-tire scooters<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nSee the guide on flat tires<\/a> to know how to reduce the risk, and what to do if you suffer a flat.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBatteries wear out as they get older and may require replacement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"batteries](\"https:\/\/escooternerds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/batteries-for-Xiaomi-m365-1024x734.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nElectric scooters affected: all models.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nPoor battery quality is one of the most common electric scooter problems<\/a> and the most common reason for complaints by scooter owners.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBatteries naturally degrade over time, affecting the scooter’s range. Though this isn’t unique to scooters, it’s crucial because range matters. Some scooters may experience faster-than-normal battery degradation, albeit less common among better models.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The solution is to get a new battery for your scooter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On average, you will probably see your battery last between 2 or 3 years<\/a>, or between 300 and 500 charge cycles, and will cost somewhere around a quarter of the original price of the scooter.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCheck out the guide on electric scooter batteries<\/a> to learn what you can do to take better care of your battery.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPossible breakdowns and short lifespan for some budget models<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"electric](\"https:\/\/escooternerds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/electric-scooter-battery-on-fire-1024x481.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nElectric scooters affected: ultra-budget models (around 20% of all models)<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nFor most scooters, this is more a matter of bad luck, and that includes even the cheapest scooters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are still some suspicious choices available online and in retail stores, usually coming from new or no-name brands, with a lot of “chinesium” and low-quality parts or execution, and the risk of a breakdown even in the first month of usage will be higher. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But most scooters coming from trusted brands<\/a> will typically last at least a few years without serious defects.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSome electric scooters have very short warranty periods<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Electric scooters affected: a handful of budget models.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe majority of scooters will have pretty fair warranty periods included in their prices (either 1 or 2 years), and extending the original warranty is often a good deal at an acceptable price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some of the budget scooters, however, will come with warranties of just 3 months. Interestingly, some of these scooters have proven to last far longer than their warranty, but still, after the initial period expires, the scooter will not be covered, and you will have to pay for repairs yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
See the guide on electric scooter warranties<\/a> to find out about some common pitfalls.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCharge times can be long<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/escooternerds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/how-to-charge-a-xiaomi-electric-scooter.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nElectric scooters affected: 25%<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nNow, this can be subjective, but I believe a charge time of more than 8 hours to be too long, especially for commuter scooters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Luckily, most scooters get charged a lot faster than that (the average charge time is 5.5 hours<\/a>), and long charge times are found mostly in racing or power scooters, which are not that common.<\/p>\n\n\n\nRange may not be as advertised<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"m365](\"https:\/\/escooternerds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/screenshot-of-m365-tools-app-showing-speed-range-battery-percentage-uptime-total-distance-covered-mileometer-and-trip-580x1024.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nElectric scooters affected: 60-70%<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nManufacturers often overstate the scooter’s range in ideal conditions, which may not reflect real-world use. These conditions include flat terrain, consistent speed, and a lightweight rider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now, to be fair here, manufacturers are often somewhat forced to report ideal range conditions as there’s no standardized real-world testing method. Some are now providing estimates for everyday use, acknowledging the disparity between ideal and practical ranges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
See the real range calculator<\/a> to figure out the actual range you may get from a scooter.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSome models don’t provide very smooth rides<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Nami](\"https:\/\/escooternerds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Nami-Burn-E-2-Max-suspension-adjustment.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nElectric scooters affected: 30%.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nMost commuter scooters, pretty much all higher-end scooters, and many budget scooters, will provide very decent and smooth rides. They will either have larger pneumatic tires or have suspension that absorbs a lot of the shock from the ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, many budget models will have no suspension at all, and since they will have smaller tires, the rides can be bumpy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fast and powerful models are too heavy and difficult to carry<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/escooternerds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/hiboy-s2-carrying-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nElectric scooters affected: 20%<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nPowerful scooters, including racing or offroad models, will pack large motors, and usually huge and heavy batteries, which will make these scooters weigh quite a lot, with a lot of them weighing more than 66 lbs \/ 30 kg, and the heaviest scooter even weighing 154 lbs \/ 70 kg!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is more of a tradeoff than a disadvantage, and in a way, we can’t expect anything else here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Luckily, this will only be the case for very few models, and they will typically be so expensive that the regular commuter or casual rider will never consider them. The average weight of commuter electric scooters is just 28.3 lbs \/ 12.8 kg<\/a>, which is easily manageable for pretty much every adult.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLightweight scooters will typically not support heavier adults<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/escooternerds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/lbs-weight-vector.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nElectric scooters affected: ~25%<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you or the person you’re buying the scooter for is on the heavier side, then most lightweight scooters will not be a good option. The typical weight limit of electric scooters<\/a> in the affordable category is either 220 lbs \/ 100 kg, or 265 lbs \/ 120 kg, and many of those models will start to provide decreased performance as the rider approaches the weight limit. Heavier people will be much better served by scooters for heavy adults<\/a>, which will usually be heavier in weight themselves, and can sometimes cost a bit more.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHandlebar height is not adjustable for many scooters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Electric scooters affected: 60-70%<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe majority of electric scooters don’t provide adjustable handlebar height.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Typically, scooters will be comfortable for people of many different heights, and even scooters with non-adjustable handlebars usually provide ergonomic handlebar heights for people between 4′ and 6’6” \/ 120 and 200 cm, with the average handlebar height being 39 in \/ 99 cm<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe reason for that is primarily because adjustable handlebars can easily compromise the safety and stability of the stem, and manufacturers choose to make their scooters fit for the average person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Usually, tall adults can’t ride the majority of the regular commuter scooters, and they will probably want to see some scooters designed for tall adults<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nVery few models don’t fold<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"side](\"https:\/\/escooternerds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/rion-apex-2.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nElectric scooters affected: 5%<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nOnly a handful of models will not fold, which, to be honest, is a bit of a dealbreaker for me, and I would never go with that scooter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The term “foldable electric scooter” is almost the same as “electric scooter”, as a foldable stem is a default these days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some models don’t fit in public transport and car trunks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Electric scooters affected: 20%<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nSome models don’t fit in public transport and car trunks. Still, the majority of electric scooter models are commuter scooters, which means they are meant to provide a good range, but also easily fit in both public transport and car trunks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, some of the bigger scooters, typically racing or offroad scooters<\/a>, will be so huge in volume (and usually heavy as well), that bringing them inside a bus or a train will be impossible, and even fitting them in a large car trunk can sometimes be difficult. Luckily, these are mostly long-range scooters<\/a>, and there’s rarely a need for them to fit in a car trunk, as they have insanely long ranges of more than 60 mi \/ 96 km.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSome places don’t allow electric scooters on the street<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/escooternerds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/how_legal.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nElectric scooters affected: most models<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMost cities and countries worldwide allow electric scooters on their streets if they are street-legal and follow local traffic laws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
London is a notable exception due to a past ban following a fatal accident, but the ban may be lifted soon. Regulations often depend on scooter motor power. Check your local laws in the electric scooter legal guide<\/a> for details.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMany places limit the top speed for electric scooters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Electric scooters affected: almost all<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nMost countries and cities have a speed limit for electric scooters, and that’s often 15 mph \/ 25 kmh or less. That limits the majority of scooters (even budget ones), as most of them are capable of going at least 18.6 mph \/ 30 kmh, and the fastest scooters<\/a> can go much faster than that.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhile not legal advice, it’s worth noting that low-speed limits are often loosely enforced. Always follow local traffic laws, even though a slight speed excess might go unnoticed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some places have age restrictions for electric scooters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Electric scooters affected: most models<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAge is not a factor for electric scooter legality in many countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But in some countries, people under a certain age, usually 16 or 14, will not be allowed to ride electric scooters, and in other countries, there will be additional requirements for younger riders, like them having to wear a helmet at all times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
See the guide on electric scooter age requirements<\/a> to find out the specifics of your location.<\/p>\n\n\n\nElectric scooters are (mostly) not allowed on airplanes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Electric scooters affected: almost all<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMost airlines will outright prohibit any electric rideable on the airplane, with the only exceptions being mobility devices for people with a handicap or a disability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are a few airlines that do allow some electric scooter models onboard, and usually, they only allow scooters with very small motors, so small in fact that only a handful of scooters will fit the criteria. See the guide on airline-approved electric scooters<\/a> to see which airlines allow scooters on board, and which scooter models they may allow<\/p>\n\n\n\nElectric scooters shouldn’t be used in the rain or the winter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"EMove](\"https:\/\/escooternerds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/emove-cruiser-winter.jpg\")
image credit: @electricscooter_norway (Instagram)<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nElectric scooters affected: all<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSimply put, there are many water-resistant scooters<\/a>, but none are truly waterproof. Riding in the rain or a wet environment like through snow or mud should always be avoided, as both brands and owners recommend this, and warranties never cover water damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThere are some steps you can take to make your scooter more waterproof<\/a>, and while they will help, it is still a good idea to avoid riding in the rain as much as you can and ride carefully if you must.<\/p>\n\n\n\nGood scooters are affordable but still not trivially cheap<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Electric scooters affected: 70%<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThis may be subjective, as “affordable” is a different price for different people. Still, the majority of what we can consider good scooters cost at least $500, which is not a trivial sum of money for many.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you are on a limited budget, you can still find decent scooters for $300<\/a>. They will be budget models and the quality will not be the same as, say, $500 scooters<\/a>, but they will still surprise you with their performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSome scooters don’t come with any lighting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Electric scooters affected: almost none<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPretty much every electric scooter for adults will come with at least a headlight, and most will have some form of a rear brake light as well. In addition, they may also have reflector lights, LED lights on the deck, or some other form of lighting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But some scooters come with no lights at all. These are often scooters that can be used by adults in principle but are frequently bought for children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In any case, if you want your scooter to be extra-visible for riding at night<\/a>, chances are, you will need some stronger after-market lights anyway (surprisingly, this is the case even for some expensive scooters, as most electric scooter lights<\/a> are not that good). See the guide on electric scooter accessories<\/a> for some good but affordable picks.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMany electric scooters will struggle on steeper hills<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Electric scooters affected: most models except powerful scooters<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHills can be notoriously difficult for many budget scooters, and for many mid-price commuter models as well. While mild to moderate hills will rarely be a problem, you will need a good climbing scooter<\/a> if you live somewhere with a lot of steep hills, as most regular scooters will either seriously struggle or altogether stop going when climbing the steepest hills. The scooters that specialize in climbing, and the more powerful scooters, will not have that problem, although those models will also be more expensive as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\nYou will probably have to buy a lock<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/escooternerds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/electric-scooter-lock-cuffsjpg.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nElectric scooters affected: almost all<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nI don’t believe I’ve seen a single model that comes with a lock. If you plan to leave your scooter outside, you will need a strong scooter lock<\/a>, especially if your scooter is not cheap. You may also want to see some alarm systems if your scooter is expensive (see the guide on scooter accessories<\/a> for that).<\/p>\n\n\n\nSome scooters will have a key ignition, and others will have some sort of locking functionality through their app<\/a>, while both of those models make the job of a potential thief harder, they don’t fully prevent theft, as the scooter can still be carried away. A lock will be the safest choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\nI recommend my guide on what to do if your electric scooter gets stolen<\/a> and how to prevent that from happening as a good way to learn more about this.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAccidents are always a possibility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Electric scooters affected: all models<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nScooters are as safe as the rider is responsible, so an accident is always possible, and the risk of a scooter injury is never truly absent. Also, riding an electric scooter presents some other risks<\/a> that are not as serious as an accident, but they are something you should be aware of as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOf course, you should always wear a good scooter helmet<\/a> when riding, that not only reduces the risk of a serious injury severalfold, but it also keeps you out of trouble with the law.<\/p>\n\n\n\nRepairs can be hard<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Electric scooters affected: some models<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nElectric scooters are still quite a new phenomenon. As with any new piece of technology, there is a two-fold problem when it comes to repairing them – some mechanics may not be familiar with many models yet, and some issues may still be hard to diagnose and repair. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A good way to avoid this risk is to get some of the most popular scooters<\/a>. Chances are, even bike mechanics will be familiar with those, and since they usually come from a popular brand, there may even be dedicated repair services for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSpare parts may be difficult to obtain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Electric scooters affected: few models<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nThis is only the case for a few models, most of which are relatively unknown, but it is still something you should be aware of. If you stick with popular models that sell a lot of units, spare parts will not be an issue at all. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, dedicated brands and merchants like Voromotors<\/a> or FluidFreeRide<\/a> will almost always have spare parts in their inventory.<\/p>\n\n\n\nElectric scooter health risks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Electric scooters are mostly perfectly safe, but there are some minor health risks that you should be aware of when using them frequently. Most notably:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- possible back pain, neck pain, abdomen pain, or kidney pain from long rides<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- frequent use can cause Carpal Tunnel Syndrome<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- electric scooters with seats may cause erectile dysfunction<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
You can see my full guide on the health risks of electric scooter use<\/a> to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow to choose the perfect electric scooter?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Those are the most important disadvantages you should know about if you’re thinking of buying an electric scooter. If you are aware of them, your choice will be largely done for you, as you will know what to avoid. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To solve the other part of the equation and find out what to look for in your scooter, see the guide on buying an electric scooter<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThis guide focuses on the electric scooter disadvantages, excluding common repair and troubleshooting issues. We’ll highlight the most critical disadvantages of electric scooters, their implications under specific circumstances, and the models most affected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Electric scooters can suffer flat tires<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nElectric scooters affected: ~60%<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nOne of the biggest disadvantages of pneumatic tire scooters is their vulnerability to flat tires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A few scooters may give you a hard time when fixing the flat, but most of the time, the problem is manageable, and you will not even need the help of a mechanic. The risk is worth it, as pneumatic-tire scooters provide much more comfortable rides than solid-tire scooters<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nSee the guide on flat tires<\/a> to know how to reduce the risk, and what to do if you suffer a flat.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBatteries wear out as they get older and may require replacement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nElectric scooters affected: all models.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nPoor battery quality is one of the most common electric scooter problems<\/a> and the most common reason for complaints by scooter owners.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBatteries naturally degrade over time, affecting the scooter’s range. Though this isn’t unique to scooters, it’s crucial because range matters. Some scooters may experience faster-than-normal battery degradation, albeit less common among better models.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The solution is to get a new battery for your scooter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On average, you will probably see your battery last between 2 or 3 years<\/a>, or between 300 and 500 charge cycles, and will cost somewhere around a quarter of the original price of the scooter.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCheck out the guide on electric scooter batteries<\/a> to learn what you can do to take better care of your battery.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPossible breakdowns and short lifespan for some budget models<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nElectric scooters affected: ultra-budget models (around 20% of all models)<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nFor most scooters, this is more a matter of bad luck, and that includes even the cheapest scooters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are still some suspicious choices available online and in retail stores, usually coming from new or no-name brands, with a lot of “chinesium” and low-quality parts or execution, and the risk of a breakdown even in the first month of usage will be higher. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But most scooters coming from trusted brands<\/a> will typically last at least a few years without serious defects.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSome electric scooters have very short warranty periods<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Electric scooters affected: a handful of budget models.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe majority of scooters will have pretty fair warranty periods included in their prices (either 1 or 2 years), and extending the original warranty is often a good deal at an acceptable price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some of the budget scooters, however, will come with warranties of just 3 months. Interestingly, some of these scooters have proven to last far longer than their warranty, but still, after the initial period expires, the scooter will not be covered, and you will have to pay for repairs yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
See the guide on electric scooter warranties<\/a> to find out about some common pitfalls.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCharge times can be long<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nElectric scooters affected: 25%<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nNow, this can be subjective, but I believe a charge time of more than 8 hours to be too long, especially for commuter scooters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Luckily, most scooters get charged a lot faster than that (the average charge time is 5.5 hours<\/a>), and long charge times are found mostly in racing or power scooters, which are not that common.<\/p>\n\n\n\nRange may not be as advertised<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nElectric scooters affected: 60-70%<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nManufacturers often overstate the scooter’s range in ideal conditions, which may not reflect real-world use. These conditions include flat terrain, consistent speed, and a lightweight rider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now, to be fair here, manufacturers are often somewhat forced to report ideal range conditions as there’s no standardized real-world testing method. Some are now providing estimates for everyday use, acknowledging the disparity between ideal and practical ranges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
See the real range calculator<\/a> to figure out the actual range you may get from a scooter.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSome models don’t provide very smooth rides<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nElectric scooters affected: 30%.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nMost commuter scooters, pretty much all higher-end scooters, and many budget scooters, will provide very decent and smooth rides. They will either have larger pneumatic tires or have suspension that absorbs a lot of the shock from the ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, many budget models will have no suspension at all, and since they will have smaller tires, the rides can be bumpy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fast and powerful models are too heavy and difficult to carry<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nElectric scooters affected: 20%<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nPowerful scooters, including racing or offroad models, will pack large motors, and usually huge and heavy batteries, which will make these scooters weigh quite a lot, with a lot of them weighing more than 66 lbs \/ 30 kg, and the heaviest scooter even weighing 154 lbs \/ 70 kg!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is more of a tradeoff than a disadvantage, and in a way, we can’t expect anything else here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Luckily, this will only be the case for very few models, and they will typically be so expensive that the regular commuter or casual rider will never consider them. The average weight of commuter electric scooters is just 28.3 lbs \/ 12.8 kg<\/a>, which is easily manageable for pretty much every adult.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLightweight scooters will typically not support heavier adults<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nElectric scooters affected: ~25%<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you or the person you’re buying the scooter for is on the heavier side, then most lightweight scooters will not be a good option. The typical weight limit of electric scooters<\/a> in the affordable category is either 220 lbs \/ 100 kg, or 265 lbs \/ 120 kg, and many of those models will start to provide decreased performance as the rider approaches the weight limit. Heavier people will be much better served by scooters for heavy adults<\/a>, which will usually be heavier in weight themselves, and can sometimes cost a bit more.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHandlebar height is not adjustable for many scooters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Electric scooters affected: 60-70%<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe majority of electric scooters don’t provide adjustable handlebar height.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Typically, scooters will be comfortable for people of many different heights, and even scooters with non-adjustable handlebars usually provide ergonomic handlebar heights for people between 4′ and 6’6” \/ 120 and 200 cm, with the average handlebar height being 39 in \/ 99 cm<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe reason for that is primarily because adjustable handlebars can easily compromise the safety and stability of the stem, and manufacturers choose to make their scooters fit for the average person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Usually, tall adults can’t ride the majority of the regular commuter scooters, and they will probably want to see some scooters designed for tall adults<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nVery few models don’t fold<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nElectric scooters affected: 5%<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nOnly a handful of models will not fold, which, to be honest, is a bit of a dealbreaker for me, and I would never go with that scooter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The term “foldable electric scooter” is almost the same as “electric scooter”, as a foldable stem is a default these days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some models don’t fit in public transport and car trunks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Electric scooters affected: 20%<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nSome models don’t fit in public transport and car trunks. Still, the majority of electric scooter models are commuter scooters, which means they are meant to provide a good range, but also easily fit in both public transport and car trunks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, some of the bigger scooters, typically racing or offroad scooters<\/a>, will be so huge in volume (and usually heavy as well), that bringing them inside a bus or a train will be impossible, and even fitting them in a large car trunk can sometimes be difficult. Luckily, these are mostly long-range scooters<\/a>, and there’s rarely a need for them to fit in a car trunk, as they have insanely long ranges of more than 60 mi \/ 96 km.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSome places don’t allow electric scooters on the street<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nElectric scooters affected: most models<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMost cities and countries worldwide allow electric scooters on their streets if they are street-legal and follow local traffic laws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
London is a notable exception due to a past ban following a fatal accident, but the ban may be lifted soon. Regulations often depend on scooter motor power. Check your local laws in the electric scooter legal guide<\/a> for details.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMany places limit the top speed for electric scooters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Electric scooters affected: almost all<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nMost countries and cities have a speed limit for electric scooters, and that’s often 15 mph \/ 25 kmh or less. That limits the majority of scooters (even budget ones), as most of them are capable of going at least 18.6 mph \/ 30 kmh, and the fastest scooters<\/a> can go much faster than that.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhile not legal advice, it’s worth noting that low-speed limits are often loosely enforced. Always follow local traffic laws, even though a slight speed excess might go unnoticed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some places have age restrictions for electric scooters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Electric scooters affected: most models<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAge is not a factor for electric scooter legality in many countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But in some countries, people under a certain age, usually 16 or 14, will not be allowed to ride electric scooters, and in other countries, there will be additional requirements for younger riders, like them having to wear a helmet at all times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
See the guide on electric scooter age requirements<\/a> to find out the specifics of your location.<\/p>\n\n\n\nElectric scooters are (mostly) not allowed on airplanes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Electric scooters affected: almost all<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMost airlines will outright prohibit any electric rideable on the airplane, with the only exceptions being mobility devices for people with a handicap or a disability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are a few airlines that do allow some electric scooter models onboard, and usually, they only allow scooters with very small motors, so small in fact that only a handful of scooters will fit the criteria. See the guide on airline-approved electric scooters<\/a> to see which airlines allow scooters on board, and which scooter models they may allow<\/p>\n\n\n\nElectric scooters shouldn’t be used in the rain or the winter<\/h2>\n\n\n\nimage credit: @electricscooter_norway (Instagram)<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nElectric scooters affected: all<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSimply put, there are many water-resistant scooters<\/a>, but none are truly waterproof. Riding in the rain or a wet environment like through snow or mud should always be avoided, as both brands and owners recommend this, and warranties never cover water damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThere are some steps you can take to make your scooter more waterproof<\/a>, and while they will help, it is still a good idea to avoid riding in the rain as much as you can and ride carefully if you must.<\/p>\n\n\n\nGood scooters are affordable but still not trivially cheap<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Electric scooters affected: 70%<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThis may be subjective, as “affordable” is a different price for different people. Still, the majority of what we can consider good scooters cost at least $500, which is not a trivial sum of money for many.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you are on a limited budget, you can still find decent scooters for $300<\/a>. They will be budget models and the quality will not be the same as, say, $500 scooters<\/a>, but they will still surprise you with their performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSome scooters don’t come with any lighting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Electric scooters affected: almost none<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPretty much every electric scooter for adults will come with at least a headlight, and most will have some form of a rear brake light as well. In addition, they may also have reflector lights, LED lights on the deck, or some other form of lighting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But some scooters come with no lights at all. These are often scooters that can be used by adults in principle but are frequently bought for children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In any case, if you want your scooter to be extra-visible for riding at night<\/a>, chances are, you will need some stronger after-market lights anyway (surprisingly, this is the case even for some expensive scooters, as most electric scooter lights<\/a> are not that good). See the guide on electric scooter accessories<\/a> for some good but affordable picks.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMany electric scooters will struggle on steeper hills<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Electric scooters affected: most models except powerful scooters<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHills can be notoriously difficult for many budget scooters, and for many mid-price commuter models as well. While mild to moderate hills will rarely be a problem, you will need a good climbing scooter<\/a> if you live somewhere with a lot of steep hills, as most regular scooters will either seriously struggle or altogether stop going when climbing the steepest hills. The scooters that specialize in climbing, and the more powerful scooters, will not have that problem, although those models will also be more expensive as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\nYou will probably have to buy a lock<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nElectric scooters affected: almost all<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nI don’t believe I’ve seen a single model that comes with a lock. If you plan to leave your scooter outside, you will need a strong scooter lock<\/a>, especially if your scooter is not cheap. You may also want to see some alarm systems if your scooter is expensive (see the guide on scooter accessories<\/a> for that).<\/p>\n\n\n\nSome scooters will have a key ignition, and others will have some sort of locking functionality through their app<\/a>, while both of those models make the job of a potential thief harder, they don’t fully prevent theft, as the scooter can still be carried away. A lock will be the safest choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\nI recommend my guide on what to do if your electric scooter gets stolen<\/a> and how to prevent that from happening as a good way to learn more about this.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAccidents are always a possibility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Electric scooters affected: all models<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nScooters are as safe as the rider is responsible, so an accident is always possible, and the risk of a scooter injury is never truly absent. Also, riding an electric scooter presents some other risks<\/a> that are not as serious as an accident, but they are something you should be aware of as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOf course, you should always wear a good scooter helmet<\/a> when riding, that not only reduces the risk of a serious injury severalfold, but it also keeps you out of trouble with the law.<\/p>\n\n\n\nRepairs can be hard<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Electric scooters affected: some models<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nElectric scooters are still quite a new phenomenon. As with any new piece of technology, there is a two-fold problem when it comes to repairing them – some mechanics may not be familiar with many models yet, and some issues may still be hard to diagnose and repair. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A good way to avoid this risk is to get some of the most popular scooters<\/a>. Chances are, even bike mechanics will be familiar with those, and since they usually come from a popular brand, there may even be dedicated repair services for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSpare parts may be difficult to obtain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Electric scooters affected: few models<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nThis is only the case for a few models, most of which are relatively unknown, but it is still something you should be aware of. If you stick with popular models that sell a lot of units, spare parts will not be an issue at all. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, dedicated brands and merchants like Voromotors<\/a> or FluidFreeRide<\/a> will almost always have spare parts in their inventory.<\/p>\n\n\n\nElectric scooter health risks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Electric scooters are mostly perfectly safe, but there are some minor health risks that you should be aware of when using them frequently. Most notably:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- possible back pain, neck pain, abdomen pain, or kidney pain from long rides<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- frequent use can cause Carpal Tunnel Syndrome<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- electric scooters with seats may cause erectile dysfunction<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
You can see my full guide on the health risks of electric scooter use<\/a> to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow to choose the perfect electric scooter?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Those are the most important disadvantages you should know about if you’re thinking of buying an electric scooter. If you are aware of them, your choice will be largely done for you, as you will know what to avoid. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To solve the other part of the equation and find out what to look for in your scooter, see the guide on buying an electric scooter<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nElectric scooters affected: ~60%<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the biggest disadvantages of pneumatic tire scooters is their vulnerability to flat tires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A few scooters may give you a hard time when fixing the flat, but most of the time, the problem is manageable, and you will not even need the help of a mechanic. The risk is worth it, as pneumatic-tire scooters provide much more comfortable rides than solid-tire scooters<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n See the guide on flat tires<\/a> to know how to reduce the risk, and what to do if you suffer a flat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Electric scooters affected: all models.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Poor battery quality is one of the most common electric scooter problems<\/a> and the most common reason for complaints by scooter owners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Batteries naturally degrade over time, affecting the scooter’s range. Though this isn’t unique to scooters, it’s crucial because range matters. Some scooters may experience faster-than-normal battery degradation, albeit less common among better models.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The solution is to get a new battery for your scooter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On average, you will probably see your battery last between 2 or 3 years<\/a>, or between 300 and 500 charge cycles, and will cost somewhere around a quarter of the original price of the scooter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Check out the guide on electric scooter batteries<\/a> to learn what you can do to take better care of your battery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Electric scooters affected: ultra-budget models (around 20% of all models)<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n For most scooters, this is more a matter of bad luck, and that includes even the cheapest scooters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are still some suspicious choices available online and in retail stores, usually coming from new or no-name brands, with a lot of “chinesium” and low-quality parts or execution, and the risk of a breakdown even in the first month of usage will be higher. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But most scooters coming from trusted brands<\/a> will typically last at least a few years without serious defects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Electric scooters affected: a handful of budget models.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The majority of scooters will have pretty fair warranty periods included in their prices (either 1 or 2 years), and extending the original warranty is often a good deal at an acceptable price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of the budget scooters, however, will come with warranties of just 3 months. Interestingly, some of these scooters have proven to last far longer than their warranty, but still, after the initial period expires, the scooter will not be covered, and you will have to pay for repairs yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n See the guide on electric scooter warranties<\/a> to find out about some common pitfalls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Electric scooters affected: 25%<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Now, this can be subjective, but I believe a charge time of more than 8 hours to be too long, especially for commuter scooters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Luckily, most scooters get charged a lot faster than that (the average charge time is 5.5 hours<\/a>), and long charge times are found mostly in racing or power scooters, which are not that common.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Electric scooters affected: 60-70%<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Manufacturers often overstate the scooter’s range in ideal conditions, which may not reflect real-world use. These conditions include flat terrain, consistent speed, and a lightweight rider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now, to be fair here, manufacturers are often somewhat forced to report ideal range conditions as there’s no standardized real-world testing method. Some are now providing estimates for everyday use, acknowledging the disparity between ideal and practical ranges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n See the real range calculator<\/a> to figure out the actual range you may get from a scooter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Electric scooters affected: 30%.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Most commuter scooters, pretty much all higher-end scooters, and many budget scooters, will provide very decent and smooth rides. They will either have larger pneumatic tires or have suspension that absorbs a lot of the shock from the ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, many budget models will have no suspension at all, and since they will have smaller tires, the rides can be bumpy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Electric scooters affected: 20%<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Powerful scooters, including racing or offroad models, will pack large motors, and usually huge and heavy batteries, which will make these scooters weigh quite a lot, with a lot of them weighing more than 66 lbs \/ 30 kg, and the heaviest scooter even weighing 154 lbs \/ 70 kg!<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is more of a tradeoff than a disadvantage, and in a way, we can’t expect anything else here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Luckily, this will only be the case for very few models, and they will typically be so expensive that the regular commuter or casual rider will never consider them. The average weight of commuter electric scooters is just 28.3 lbs \/ 12.8 kg<\/a>, which is easily manageable for pretty much every adult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Electric scooters affected: ~25%<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you or the person you’re buying the scooter for is on the heavier side, then most lightweight scooters will not be a good option. The typical weight limit of electric scooters<\/a> in the affordable category is either 220 lbs \/ 100 kg, or 265 lbs \/ 120 kg, and many of those models will start to provide decreased performance as the rider approaches the weight limit. Heavier people will be much better served by scooters for heavy adults<\/a>, which will usually be heavier in weight themselves, and can sometimes cost a bit more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Electric scooters affected: 60-70%<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The majority of electric scooters don’t provide adjustable handlebar height.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Typically, scooters will be comfortable for people of many different heights, and even scooters with non-adjustable handlebars usually provide ergonomic handlebar heights for people between 4′ and 6’6” \/ 120 and 200 cm, with the average handlebar height being 39 in \/ 99 cm<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The reason for that is primarily because adjustable handlebars can easily compromise the safety and stability of the stem, and manufacturers choose to make their scooters fit for the average person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually, tall adults can’t ride the majority of the regular commuter scooters, and they will probably want to see some scooters designed for tall adults<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Electric scooters affected: 5%<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Only a handful of models will not fold, which, to be honest, is a bit of a dealbreaker for me, and I would never go with that scooter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The term “foldable electric scooter” is almost the same as “electric scooter”, as a foldable stem is a default these days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Electric scooters affected: 20%<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Some models don’t fit in public transport and car trunks. Still, the majority of electric scooter models are commuter scooters, which means they are meant to provide a good range, but also easily fit in both public transport and car trunks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, some of the bigger scooters, typically racing or offroad scooters<\/a>, will be so huge in volume (and usually heavy as well), that bringing them inside a bus or a train will be impossible, and even fitting them in a large car trunk can sometimes be difficult. Luckily, these are mostly long-range scooters<\/a>, and there’s rarely a need for them to fit in a car trunk, as they have insanely long ranges of more than 60 mi \/ 96 km.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Electric scooters affected: most models<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most cities and countries worldwide allow electric scooters on their streets if they are street-legal and follow local traffic laws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n London is a notable exception due to a past ban following a fatal accident, but the ban may be lifted soon. Regulations often depend on scooter motor power. Check your local laws in the electric scooter legal guide<\/a> for details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Electric scooters affected: almost all<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Most countries and cities have a speed limit for electric scooters, and that’s often 15 mph \/ 25 kmh or less. That limits the majority of scooters (even budget ones), as most of them are capable of going at least 18.6 mph \/ 30 kmh, and the fastest scooters<\/a> can go much faster than that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While not legal advice, it’s worth noting that low-speed limits are often loosely enforced. Always follow local traffic laws, even though a slight speed excess might go unnoticed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Electric scooters affected: most models<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Age is not a factor for electric scooter legality in many countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But in some countries, people under a certain age, usually 16 or 14, will not be allowed to ride electric scooters, and in other countries, there will be additional requirements for younger riders, like them having to wear a helmet at all times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n See the guide on electric scooter age requirements<\/a> to find out the specifics of your location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Electric scooters affected: almost all<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most airlines will outright prohibit any electric rideable on the airplane, with the only exceptions being mobility devices for people with a handicap or a disability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are a few airlines that do allow some electric scooter models onboard, and usually, they only allow scooters with very small motors, so small in fact that only a handful of scooters will fit the criteria. See the guide on airline-approved electric scooters<\/a> to see which airlines allow scooters on board, and which scooter models they may allow<\/p>\n\n\n\n Electric scooters affected: all<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Simply put, there are many water-resistant scooters<\/a>, but none are truly waterproof. Riding in the rain or a wet environment like through snow or mud should always be avoided, as both brands and owners recommend this, and warranties never cover water damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are some steps you can take to make your scooter more waterproof<\/a>, and while they will help, it is still a good idea to avoid riding in the rain as much as you can and ride carefully if you must.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Electric scooters affected: 70%<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This may be subjective, as “affordable” is a different price for different people. Still, the majority of what we can consider good scooters cost at least $500, which is not a trivial sum of money for many.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are on a limited budget, you can still find decent scooters for $300<\/a>. They will be budget models and the quality will not be the same as, say, $500 scooters<\/a>, but they will still surprise you with their performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Electric scooters affected: almost none<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pretty much every electric scooter for adults will come with at least a headlight, and most will have some form of a rear brake light as well. In addition, they may also have reflector lights, LED lights on the deck, or some other form of lighting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But some scooters come with no lights at all. These are often scooters that can be used by adults in principle but are frequently bought for children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In any case, if you want your scooter to be extra-visible for riding at night<\/a>, chances are, you will need some stronger after-market lights anyway (surprisingly, this is the case even for some expensive scooters, as most electric scooter lights<\/a> are not that good). See the guide on electric scooter accessories<\/a> for some good but affordable picks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Electric scooters affected: most models except powerful scooters<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hills can be notoriously difficult for many budget scooters, and for many mid-price commuter models as well. While mild to moderate hills will rarely be a problem, you will need a good climbing scooter<\/a> if you live somewhere with a lot of steep hills, as most regular scooters will either seriously struggle or altogether stop going when climbing the steepest hills. The scooters that specialize in climbing, and the more powerful scooters, will not have that problem, although those models will also be more expensive as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Electric scooters affected: almost all<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I don’t believe I’ve seen a single model that comes with a lock. If you plan to leave your scooter outside, you will need a strong scooter lock<\/a>, especially if your scooter is not cheap. You may also want to see some alarm systems if your scooter is expensive (see the guide on scooter accessories<\/a> for that).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some scooters will have a key ignition, and others will have some sort of locking functionality through their app<\/a>, while both of those models make the job of a potential thief harder, they don’t fully prevent theft, as the scooter can still be carried away. A lock will be the safest choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I recommend my guide on what to do if your electric scooter gets stolen<\/a> and how to prevent that from happening as a good way to learn more about this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Electric scooters affected: all models<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Scooters are as safe as the rider is responsible, so an accident is always possible, and the risk of a scooter injury is never truly absent. Also, riding an electric scooter presents some other risks<\/a> that are not as serious as an accident, but they are something you should be aware of as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, you should always wear a good scooter helmet<\/a> when riding, that not only reduces the risk of a serious injury severalfold, but it also keeps you out of trouble with the law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Electric scooters affected: some models<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Electric scooters are still quite a new phenomenon. As with any new piece of technology, there is a two-fold problem when it comes to repairing them – some mechanics may not be familiar with many models yet, and some issues may still be hard to diagnose and repair. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A good way to avoid this risk is to get some of the most popular scooters<\/a>. Chances are, even bike mechanics will be familiar with those, and since they usually come from a popular brand, there may even be dedicated repair services for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Electric scooters affected: few models<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n This is only the case for a few models, most of which are relatively unknown, but it is still something you should be aware of. If you stick with popular models that sell a lot of units, spare parts will not be an issue at all. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, dedicated brands and merchants like Voromotors<\/a> or FluidFreeRide<\/a> will almost always have spare parts in their inventory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Electric scooters are mostly perfectly safe, but there are some minor health risks that you should be aware of when using them frequently. Most notably:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can see my full guide on the health risks of electric scooter use<\/a> to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Those are the most important disadvantages you should know about if you’re thinking of buying an electric scooter. If you are aware of them, your choice will be largely done for you, as you will know what to avoid. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To solve the other part of the equation and find out what to look for in your scooter, see the guide on buying an electric scooter<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBatteries wear out as they get older and may require replacement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPossible breakdowns and short lifespan for some budget models<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSome electric scooters have very short warranty periods<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Charge times can be long<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nRange may not be as advertised<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSome models don’t provide very smooth rides<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nFast and powerful models are too heavy and difficult to carry<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nLightweight scooters will typically not support heavier adults<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHandlebar height is not adjustable for many scooters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Very few models don’t fold<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSome models don’t fit in public transport and car trunks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Some places don’t allow electric scooters on the street<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nMany places limit the top speed for electric scooters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Some places have age restrictions for electric scooters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Electric scooters are (mostly) not allowed on airplanes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Electric scooters shouldn’t be used in the rain or the winter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Good scooters are affordable but still not trivially cheap<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Some scooters don’t come with any lighting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Many electric scooters will struggle on steeper hills<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You will probably have to buy a lock<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAccidents are always a possibility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Repairs can be hard<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Spare parts may be difficult to obtain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Electric scooter health risks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
How to choose the perfect electric scooter?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n