Comparison Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 5 vs Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 4 Pro 2nd Gen

The power of the motor installed in the electric scooter. In models with two motors (one per wheel), their total power is usually indicated.

A more powerful motor, on the one hand, has a positive effect on the speed and acceleration characteristics; on the other hand, it affects the cost of the device and requires more capacious batteries, which affect both the price and weight. In addition, at acceleration and low speeds, the scooter can be “helped” by pushing off with your foot. Therefore, in most modern models, the motor power is low — most often in range of 250 W, 300 W, 350 W. Power of 500 W is considered quite high, it allows you to reach speeds of 40 km/h and even higher. In the most advanced models, power is already measured in kilowatts, and the maximum speed can exceed 80 km/h; however, such "monsters" cost accordingly.

However, power also affects the ability to drive a vehicle, because depending on the country, various traffic rules are provided for driving a scooter.

The power in watts that the electric scooter motor can develop at maximum speed. In general, for scooters with an electric drive, it is customary to indicate the rated engine power (see above), which ensures efficient operation of the motor for a long time. By maximum, we mean power in the “gas pedal to the floor” mode, achieved only in the short term. Using this parameter, you can roughly estimate the capabilities of a particular model, for example, in terms of speed dynamics - the more power, the faster the scooter accelerates.

The maximum climbing angle that an electric scooter can overcome on engine power alone, without the help of legs. Models with engines of the same power may differ in this indicator (due to the difference in torque and wheel size).

Note that in the specifications the angle is usually indicated in degrees, while on road signs it is given as a percentage (1% corresponds to a rise of 1 m for every 100 m of horizontal movement). However, this moment is not particularly critical: if you often have to overcome a certain hill, you can clarify its slope by converting percentages into degrees (and vice versa) according to special tables. In addition, if the angle turns out to be too large, nothing prevents you from helping the scooter with your foot, in extreme cases, to overcome the climb on foot.

The type of drive in the design of the scooter determines to which wheels the traction from the electric motor is transmitted.

- Front. The drive to the front wheel pulls the entire electric scooter. It provides improved stability on the road, minimizes the likelihood of skidding in corners, and guarantees a soft start and smooth acceleration. On the other hand, the electric motor at the front increases the weight of the wheel assembly and increases the effort when turning the handlebar.

- Rear. Rear-wheel drive electric scooters are not as stable on the road as front-wheel drive models. However, they are more frisky, demonstrate dynamic acceleration and easily conquer hills.

- All-wheel. Scooters with all-wheel drive combine all the positive qualities of front- and rear-wheel drive models in one package. They are also best suited for off-road driving — the all-wheel drive chassis does not care about pits and steep hills, other road irregularities, or mud deposits on the road.

The type and size of wheels used in an electric scooter.

The size is selected by the manufacturer depending on the general purpose of the scooter - whether it is an asphalt road or rough terrain. If we compare similar models with different wheel diameters, then it is worth considering that the larger the wheels ( 10" and larger), the better they handle road unevenness, the higher the cross-country ability and softness of the ride. And small wheels (for example, 8") in turn, they are excellent for smooth asphalt and dynamic driving; they accelerate easily and allow you to make sharp turns.

As for the different types of wheels, there are polyurethane, rubber, inflatable. More details about each:

- Polyurethane. Wheels with solid polyurethane tires. This material provides good shock absorption, high-quality road grip and at the same time good rolling ability; it is resistant to temperature changes and damage, durable, and inexpensive.

— Solid rubber. In this case, we mean wheels with solid rubber tires (inflatable wheels are taken to a separate selection point). In terms of its main characteristics, rubber is similar to the polyurethane described above, and in some respects even surpasses it. Thus, such tires do not make nois...e, smooth out asphalt roughness well, have excellent grip and provide high braking efficiency. On the other hand, this material is less durable and does not tolerate temperature changes well.

— Rubber inflatable. The most advanced type of wheels found in modern scooters. This type of wheel has an inflatable tire (like a bicycle), which provides excellent shock absorption, tight traction and high maneuverability. The disadvantages of inflatable tires, in addition to the price, include sensitivity to punctures and increased difficulty in maintenance: you need to monitor the pressure and, if necessary, inflate the tire.

— Rubber gel. Tubeless wheels filled with gel are insensitive to minor punctures and cuts. Coming out, the gel in the tire hardens almost instantly upon contact with air, effectively sealing the damaged area. In addition, such wheels require virtually no maintenance - they do not need to be inflated. The disadvantages of gel tires include their high cost and somewhat greater rigidity than inflatable tires (although such wheels are still noticeably superior to rubber wheels in terms of softness).

The electric scooter has a shock absorption system – it makes the ride more comfortable, smoothing out vibrations and shocks when moving on uneven road surfaces, but reduces the rolling ability and control accuracy.

– Only front. In models with such shock absorption, the corresponding device for damping irregularities is installed only on the front wheel, while the rear wheel is fixed rigidly. Electric scooters with a front shock absorber combine good handling and provide comfortable movement on bad roads or over rough terrain.

– Only back. Electric scooters in which only the rear wheels are shock-absorbed, while the front wheels are rigidly fixed. The rear shock absorber is designed to provide additional comfort when encountering various uneven road surfaces, but it is often inferior in efficiency to the front one.

— Front and rear. An advanced type of shock absorption system on both wheels of an electric scooter. Dual-shock models are best at dampening vibrations felt by the rider and providing adequate traction on rough trails. At the same time, double depreciation reduces the rolling of the scooter to the greatest extent.

— No Suspension. In electric scooters without shock absorption, the wheels are rigidly attached to the frame. This design is simple, and the corresponding models have a...good roll. However, the rider feels the entire terrain of the road in full.

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.

In general, this parameter is of secondary importance; in fact, it is needed mainly when looking for a spare / replacement battery or a third-party charger. When choosing, it is worth paying attention to characteristics that are closer to practice - in particular, directly claimed speed and power reserve.

The degree of protection against dust and moisture provided in the scooter.

This indicator is shown according to the IP standard and in the classic format is indicated by two numbers — for example, IP54. In this case, the first digit means the level of protection against dust and foreign objects, its value can be as follows:

- 4 - protection against foreign objects with a size of 1 mm or more;
- 5 - dust resistance (a small amount of dust can get inside, which does not affect the operation of the device);
- 6 - full dustproof.

The level of water protection, in turn, can be as follows:

- 4 - protection against splashes from any direction, allows you to endure rain without consequences;
- 5 - protection against water jets from any direction, resistance even to severe weather;

In some models, instead of the first digit, "X" is put - for example, IPX4. This means that dust resistance has not been tested, and only moisture resistance should be taken into account.