Owning a scooter has become a necessity for many adults who usually spend hours stuck in traffic, trying to get to work or run their daily errands. Electric scooters represent the perfect 21st-century means of transportation not only because they are lightweight and easy to handle but also because they are green, so make sure to check it out here for more information about them.
Are electric scooters safe?
Ever since they increased in popularity, electric scooters have become the subject of various debates regarding their safety. And, although no means of transportation is 100% safe, these vehicles are considered, in fact, safer choices than their manual counterparts.
They can be easily controlled and most of them are restricted to up to 20 mph so they limit the risk of accidents and injuries. Moreover, since both your feet will be kept on the deck most of the time, the ride is more stable. This helps you better focus on the road, without having to constantly worry about the safety of your ankles and the movement of your feet on the ground to avoid any injuries.
Another good thing about electric scooters is that they can be used on the sidewalks in most cities and states, which limits your interaction with cars and other potentially dangerous vehicles. And, since they rarely reach speeds of over 15 mph, they won’t pose a threat to the pedestrians either.
Can electric scooters be used in all weather conditions?
One of the main concerns of those who opt for such vehicles is whether or not they can be used during the wintertime or in the rainy season. We all know that riding your manual scooter or bike in heavy rains can cause some problems with the wheels and braking system that might lead to injuries and minor accidents.
However, nothing stops you from paying more attention to the road or riding slower when you’re going with a manual vehicle.
Things are slightly more complicated when it comes to electric scooters, as water and electricity don’t mix together well. Although you shouldn’t be concerned about getting electrocuted while riding this type of vehicle on a rainy day, manufacturers don’t actually encourage the behavior either.
A few drops didn’t hurt anyone and they will most certainly not pose a threat to your health when riding an electric scooter. However, heavy rains, continuous exposure to wet environments, as well as completely submerging the vehicle in water may cause damage to the scooter after a while.
There is also the problem with slippery roads, so you should avoid riding electric scooters during the rainy season, in wintertime or whenever the roads are wet if you’re not an experienced rider.
Can electric scooters be used manually?
Another important question that most riders ask themselves whenever getting in contact with an electric scooter for the first time is whether or not electric scooters can be used manually too. As much as we would like to address this with a simple “yes” or “no”, things are a little bit more complicated.
Generally speaking, motorized vehicles like electric scooters come with a battery autonomy up to 45-50 minutes on a single charge. This means that, whenever your battery drains, the vehicle will stop moving.
However, running out of battery is something that you will experience often enough, especially after riding your vehicle for more than a year in a row. You can still drag it and carry it with you until reaching your destination but actually being able to push it around like a regular scooter depends on the type of vehicle you own.
Some vehicles are 100% electrical while others are operated by motion. Hybrids or dual scooters are the latest and coolest addition to the market so far since they can work both ways, bringing you a fast and versatile means of transportation.
If you own such a product, you won’t have to worry about running out of juice since you can always switch to manual mode and enjoy a regular ride until you reach your destination. The key is to avoid switching between the two modes when the vehicle still has some battery left and recharge it as soon as you can.
In time, batteries from electric scooters will wear off, meaning they will provide autonomy for a shorter period. Depending on how well you’re looking after your ride, you can expect to enjoy a short trip for 10-20 minutes only. Unfortunately, not all scooters come with replacement batteries so, if you picked a more affordable item, chances are you’ll have to buy another product instead of just looking for a brand new battery.
It goes without saying that dual scooters are better as you’ll practically enjoy the same design for as long as you want to, even when the battery drains completely.
Riding on rented vehicles
Since major cities become more crowded and polluted by conventional cars and means of transportation, it comes as no surprise that people are looking for alternatives. This is the main reason why electric scooters became such a hit shortly after entering the market.
Nowadays, all major cities in the United States provide scooter-rental services, allowing you to use such a vehicle as often as you want to without actually investing in one. This option is great for newbies who just want to give it a try or for tourists who would like to move faster from one place to another, without turning to traditional public transportation.
The most popular brands in the field are Lime and Bird, both offering electric scooters for rent in key-points throughout the major cities. However, these companies lock the wheels on their vehicles whenever they’re not in use to keep people from riding them for free, stealing or misplacing them.
If you’re looking for a free ride you might get around Bird rentals as there is a glitch in the system. Whenever you plan on renting one vehicle, you must first scan it through an app. Scanning the scooter unlocks the wheels but won’t turn on the power, meaning you’ll only get to ride it as a manual scooter. Of course, the practice is illegal so we don’t recommend you use it.
Where can you ride your electric scooter?
Assuming you already purchased or rented your electric vehicle, you must now find a proper place to use it. Unfortunately, local rules and regulations vary massively from one state to another and even from one city to another, so what might be legal in one place could get you a fine in another.
For instance, you cannot ride an electric scooter on the sidewalk or pavement in New York City. These vehicles are restricted only to the streets so you’ll have to also wear proper protective gear.
In California, you are allowed to ride them on the bike lane, as long as you own a valid driver’s license and your vehicle doesn’t exceed a maximum speed of 15 mph. Texas and other states allow you to use your electric scooter without registering it first on pavements or streets, as long as you obey the traffic rules.
Conclusion
Electric scooters represent a great invention that can help you reach your destination faster, easier, and without polluting the environment. They have proven beneficial especially in cities with heavy traffic where it may take hours until you get to your job, house or school using conventional means of transportation, including personal vehicles, buses or subways.
Electric scooters are the perfect alternative and, if you invest in the right model, you won’t have to worry about running out of juice ever again.
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