Electric scooters have made shorter-trip transportation a lot more convenient. Along with this, the introduction of e-scooters is expected to have a positive impact on the environment since they don’t result in any direct carbon emissions. But are e-scooters a practical option? How far can you actually go on a full charge?
E-scooter range varies widely by model, with most offering between 10 and 30 miles (16-48km) on a single charge, while some claim ranges up to 80mi (128km). The quality of the battery, frequency of usage and, type of terrain (hills vs. flat), and the rider’s weight all play a part in actual range.
Let’s take a look at various ranges offered by popular e-scooters currently available on the market so you can make a good decision on the model that’s right for you, and along the way we’ll look closer at some of these factors and how to think about how they can effect the range of a scooter in your use case. Toward the end, we’ll share some of our recommendations for some top-quality long-range electric scooters for you to consider!
What Is an Electric Scooter?
An electric scooter is a device that is powered by an electric motor and supported by kinetic energy produced through human motion. It usually has two or three wheels to support it and a flat board for the rider to stand on. It also comes with handle bars and lights for safety and/or aesthetic purposes.
Electric Scooter Range
Within this market, there are plenty of options, and you can go for a budget model or pay pretty much as much as you’re willing to spend on the high end. Longer range scooters obviously cost a bit more, but let’s look at the main 2 tiers of scooters and see how the ranges compare.
Mid-Range Electric Scooters
The best part about investing in a mid-range electric scooter is its price. Most of these scooters can provide 25-35 miles on an average per charge. However, the model you choose plays an important role. The best way to understand the ranges offered is to compare a few e-scooters. Some of them are mentioned below:
- E-twow USA USCOOTERS ECO Model: 16 miles
- Felimoda Electric Scooter: 18 miles
- Hiboy S2 Pro Electric Scooter (on Amazon): 25 miles
- Segway Ninebot KickScooter MAX G30LP (on Amazon): 25 miles
- INOKIM Quick 3: 25 miles
- Segway Ninebot ES4 (on Amazon): 28 miles
- Xiaomi Mi Pro 2 (on Amazon): 28 miles
On the other hand, it’s also crucial to know that these ranges depend on other external factors such as the road conditions and the body mass of the rider. Mid-range e-scooters might not offer the best battery life, but you can always carry the charger around since it doesn’t weigh much.
Long-Range Electric Scooters
This group is made up of highly reliable, stable, and long lasting e-scooters. However, they are available on the market at a slightly higher price range. These e-scooters can offer an impressive range and some have the capacity to go as much as 75 miles before a recharge. This feature is what makes these scooters unique and dependable.
Sometimes, even after using the scooter throughout the day you might still have some battery for the next day. Unfortunately, these great features do not eliminate the external factors such as road conditions, a rider’s weight, or the weather conditions. A few of these longer-rage e-scooters include:
- NANOROBOT D6+ (on Amazon): 50 miles
- QIEQA Q1 Hummer: 65 miles
- Kaabo Wolf Warrior: 70 miles
- Dualtron Ultra Electric Scooter: 75 miles
How to Increase Electric Scooter Range
Whether you’re looking to invest in an e-scooter with a high or low range, the option to increase an electric scooter’s range is always good to have. There are many simple or complicated methods available to increase an electric scooter’s range.
Some of these ways require making various modifications to the scooter while others are quick and easy tips and tricks.
First, let’s look at some methods do not require making any significant internal changes to the scooter itself but which can still get you plenty of practical results in regards to the actual range of your electric scooter.
Avoid Fully Draining the Battery
Exhausting your scooter’s battery often can result in a faster depletion of the battery’s capacity over time. This tip might not increase your scooter’s range directly but this will help with maintaining the device better. If the battery is taken care of properly and full, 0% exhaustion is avoided, the scooter’s range will stay intact longer.
On the other hand, if the battery is drained every single time before being charged, it may begin to die even faster than predicted by the manufacturer.
Keep the E-Scooter Clean
Many might think that keeping your transportation device clean is a choice, but things are slightly different here. Since the design of an e-scooter is sleek and has open spaces around its external parts, the chances of mud and unwanted debris getting stuck inside is higher.
Dust and garbage can become a hindrance while riding and eventually decrease the scooter’s range as well. By keeping your scooter clean and free from dirt, you’ll notice a difference in its efficiency.
Inflate the Tires
Since the tires are one of the most important parts of any ride, it’s necessary to keep an eye on them. Ensuring that your tires are inflated can improve the scooter’s range and boost battery efficiency too. However, one should also avoid overly inflating them in the name of maintenance.
If you own an e-scooter, now might be a good idea to get a self-pumping tool that comes with a measuring scale. This is a good way to increase the range in case you’re facing any difficulties.
Advanced Modifications
Going for advanced modifications is an ideal way to increase your scooter’s range but these techniques can be complicated since they require a thorough mechanical procedure. There are added risks as well since many manufacturers do not approve of these methods.
Here are a few complicated yet effective ways to increase an electric scooter’s range through mechanical procedures:
Add an Extra Battery
Having a backup battery attached to your e-scooter is a dream come true for many riders but not many scooters have this modification option. If your e-scooter does have the option, the installation process is very simple and doesn’t require excessive effort.
If your scooter does not support this addition, you can add a battery in parallel to increase the total capacity. However, this process should only be carried out by someone who understands these devices and has enough experience. Trying this on your own is not recommended.
Knowing which battery to install without giving the motor extra stress should be considered carefully as well. Adding a battery that doesn’t have the ability to support your specific e-scooter might have major consequences and should be avoided at any cost.
Upgrade the Battery
If you own a good e-scooter but the range is not enough, this solution might work very well for you. But in order to upgrade the battery, it’s important to check if your e-scooter will be able to handle it since upgrading requires increasing the voltage.
This increase can give the scooter a great amount of boost and improve the range drastically as well.
Improving the voltage can prove to be the right call to make if your motor and battery’s capacity can handle this upgrade smoothly.
One way or the other, the battery will begin to wear out and need a change at one point so it’s always better to consider an upgrade.
Rewind the Motor
Battery changes and upgrades are one thing but improving the motor is another option to consider. In some e-scooters, the motor might need a good boost instead of the battery. This can easily improve your scooter’s range.
This method does require complicated mechanical intervention as well. Someone with enough experience and knowledge can easily use the right tools to rewind the motor.
This will not only give your motor another chance to do better but it will improve its life and efficiency as well. If you’re struggling with a range issue, a motor refresh might solve your problems easily.
Best Long-Range Electric Scooters
Because there are so many e-scooters available on the market, it’s crucial to analyze and evaluate each advantage and disadvantage thoroughly when picking one out for yourself.
Here are few of the best long-range electric scooter currently available in the market:
Inokim OXO
The Inokim OXO (on Amazon) is a well-designed and reliable e-scooter that is hands-down one of the best options currently being manufactured. This powerful device has been able to solve many problems usual e-scooter rider’s come across. The brakes of this e-scooter are made to keep the rider safe and sound. Along with that, the range offered by this device is truly impressive.
Experts consider the Inokim OXO as the e-scooter that offers the third-longest range. The frame and flat board are concrete and are able to accommodate the riders really well. As far as the design perspective is concerned, it’s built remarkably.
However, there are a few disadvantages users have experienced. The throttle response is not the best, which is disappointing for an e-scooter with so much potential. It usually takes a few minutes before the speed picks up. The acceleration feature could also be a lot better for a well-made scooter like an Inokim OXO.
This e-scooter will cost you nearly $3,000, which is considered relatively expensive when compared to other scooters. It has various pros and cons but whether it’s worth investing or not totally depends on the rider’s preferences.
Apollo Explore
Owning an e-scooter with strong acceleration ability is a bliss. The Apollo Explorer has proven to be the second-fastest e-scooter out there. It offers a strong range of about 25 miles and is ideal for heavy riders. The battery on this device is commendable as well since it conserves energy even while being in fast mode.
When it comes to braking, the scooter can stop smoothly and safely. In terms of logistics, it’s very convenient as well as it has the option to be folded. The throttle has been designed as a trigger which is very unique but it might take some time for riders to get used to this change.
Apollo Explore is built strong and the manufacturer provides a long warranty as well. But on the other hand, many consider it a heavy scooter, which can be inconvenient. The trigger throttle can also become slightly problematic to use.
This option comes in under $1,500, which is a relatively affordable as far as e-scooters go. The specifications are totally worth the price. It covers quite a few advantages at this price point which definitely makes it a great deal. The fast and furious inspired lights add an extra perk when it comes to aesthetics.
Segway Ninebot Max
If you’re looking for an affordable, well-constructed and sleek e-scooter, the Segway Ninebot Max (on Amazon) may be the best deal for you. It’s foldable, which makes it a very portable device. Along with that, this e-scooter is well-built and offers good acceleration as well. This is only a mid-range scooter, but at under $1,000, it’s a total steal.
The tires of this scooter are supported by a great braking system that ensures safety. This results in smooth braking and most users find it comfortable while riding it. The tires on this device are grippy and sturdy as well.
In addition to that, this e-scooter is well designed and comes with good LED lighting in case you’re riding it at night. It’s almost like the manufacturer has taken all major issues into consideration and tried to build an affordable yet reliable e-scooter.
However, the Segway Ninebot Max is considered heavy since it weighs 19 kilograms. The acceleration could be improved as well, but this a sacrifice you might have to make if you’re looking for a slightly cheaper option.