Range
The maximum distance that an electric scooter can travel on a single battery charge.
Usually the range is indicated for a flat road and driving only on an electric motor, without the help of a rider. So this indicator is quite conditional, in practice, the distance of the trip may be either less or more, depending on the characteristics of the road and driving style. Nevertheless, according to the claimed range, it is quite possible to estimate the autonomy of different models and compare them with each other.
Note that a
large range (more than 50 km) requires capacious batteries, which affects the dimensions and weight of the device. The real need for such autonomy is not required so often, especially since many electric scooters are quite capable of driving in the usual way, without the use of an electric motor.
Front brake
Among the various types of brakes in scooters, you can find
rim,
disc,
drum,
electric. There are also models without a front brake.
- Rim. The rim brake is considered the simplest type of braking system. Such brakes provide a smooth deceleration and a complete stop of the scooter at an average speed. The stopping distance is usually medium or long. The rim brake is represented by pads, which, using a special mechanism, are pressed against the wheel rim. The pads themselves are driven by a lever, which is placed on the handlebar. Among the advantages of a rim brake are low price, and simple design. And drawbacks are fairly quick wear of the pads and the need to adjust the brakes as the friction linings wear out. Additionally, when using a scooter with a rim brake, be aware that the pads become less grippy if the rim is wet. In rainy, cloudy and slushy weather, the rim brake cannot be relied upon.
— Disk. Disc brakes are considered more advanced than rim brakes. The disc brake allows the scooter to stop quickly enough, and the braking distance itself can be either minimal or medium. Such brakes are represented by a friction clutch that acts on a small-diameter disc. The disc is attached to the wheel axle. The clutch is pressed against the brake disc with a sufficiently large force, which allows the disc brakes to b
...e effective even when wet on the clutch. The disc brake is controlled by a lever that is placed on the handlebar. The advantages of a disc brake for a scooter are reliability, durability and the ability to stop quickly. Among the shortcomings, we highlight the high price and the need to adjust as the friction clutch wears out.
- Drum. Drum brakes slow down well and provide a fairly quick stop. In terms of efficiency, the drum brake for a scooter is between the rim and disc brake systems. The drum brake uses pads that are located inside the rim. In this case, the friction plates act on the inside of the rim. The brake with a drum device has many advantages: a large friction contact surface, moisture protection, reliability and durability. Among the shortcomings can be noted: the use of massive wheels, the complexity of service maintenance, and the need for periodic adjustment.
- Electric — braking with the help of recuperation. In this case, the deceleration and stop are produced by the electric motor itself, by reducing the speed. Usually, the electric brake provides a soft and smooth stop. As a rule, the electric brake acts as an auxiliary brake system. Also, advanced scooters often use a recuperative electric brake. In this case, when the speed is slowed down, energy is recovered, which allows you to recharge the battery pack.
- No brake. The front wheel is not equipped with a brake system. The braking can only be provided at the rear.Battery capacity
Battery capacity installed in the electric scooter.
Theoretically, a higher battery capacity allows for a longer range, but in fact, not everything is so clear. Firstly, motors of even the same power can differ in efficiency; secondly, the actual amount of energy stored in the battery depends not only on the capacity in amp-hours but also on the voltage in volts. So this parameter is secondary, and when choosing, it is worth focusing not so much on the battery capacity, but on the directly claimed range. You can compare capacity only for models with similar characteristics and the same supply voltage.
Full charge time
Time to fully charge the battery from zero to 100%.
The more powerful the device, the more capacious batteries it needs and, as a rule, the longer the charging time. In the heaviest models, it can reach 20 hours. However, such indicators are rare - most electric scooters are charged for a maximum of 8-9 hours, which allows you to put the device on charge “from evening to morning”.
Brake lights
The classic brake light is a red tail light that illuminates when the brakes are applied to warn road users behind that the scooter is slowing down. This feature is especially useful when driving on public roads - warning others about braking in such conditions is never superfluous.
Clearance
Clearance is the distance from the road to the platform. The greater the clearance, the more free space between the road and the base of the electric scooter. With an increase in clearance, it becomes possible to travel on inclined surfaces, i.e. up and down. With low clearance, the platform will rub against the road if you drive on inclined surfaces. The clearance is affected by both the size of the wheels and the height of the wheel mounts.
