Electric Scooter Buying Guide
Buying an electric scooter can be a great way to get around town or the mall. But before you jump into the purchase, you need to know what to look for.
Brushless DC Motors
Compared to brushed DC motors, brushless motors are quieter, more efficient, more durable, and less prone to overheating. Brushless motors also have a more comprehensive range of applications and can be used to rotate solar arrays.
Brushless DC motors are the most popular motors used on Electric scooters. They are compact and efficient and have better power-to-weight ratios. NASA has also used brushless DC motors for interstellar applications.
Brushless DC motors come in two types: hub motors and geared hub motors. Both varieties produce torque, but geared hub motors are less powerful.
Hub motors are built into the hub of the wheel. These motors are easier to maintain and repair. They also have a lower ground clearance, which helps distribute weight more evenly and improves handling.
The main advantage of hub motors is their simplicity. They require fewer moving parts and can be removed easily without affecting the scooter. They also provide higher power and range. However, they can be expensive and require complicated maintenance.
BLDC (brushless DC) motors also require precise control to avoid electrical noise. The use of electronic commutation adds complexity to the motor’s circuitry. This can increase the cost of the engine.
Brushless motors can be built with rare earth magnets in the rotor. This can reduce rotational inertia and allow more torque at lower speeds.
BLDC motors also have a higher cost. They can also have voltage irregularities due to the mechanical brushes that make sliding electrical contact with the coil phases. This can be mitigated by adding capacitors across the meetings.
DC motors work by the same principles of attraction. The current flowing through the rotor windings creates a magnetic field, which causes the coil assembly to rotate.
Real vs Peak Power
Depending on the type of electric scooter you’re looking at, the actual amount of power the motor produces may vary from model to model. Fortunately, the most reliable way to determine how much power the scooter’s motor has is to look at the specifications.
Two motors are used in electric scooters: brushless DC and geared. Brushless DC motors are faster and more energy efficient than their brushed cousins, but the torque might be less. They are also more expensive and require more maintenance.
However, the power consumption of the two motors is not precisely comparable, and it is impossible to say which of the two models is more efficient. Several factors affect the power an engine can produce, including the battery’s capacity, the storm’s voltage, and the battery’s temperature. Theoretically, an electric scooter’s battery should have a total of 37.8 km, but it may vary by model. The battery’s capacity can also vary by manufacturer.
To figure out which model is more efficient, look at the specifications. You’ll find that higher-wattage models require bigger batteries, making the scooter heavier. These batteries also have a larger capacity, meaning they can deliver more power to the motor. A higher capacity battery will also allow for a higher speed and more excellent hill climbing capabilities.
However, the most important metric is not the wattage but the amount of power the motor produces. This is typically measured in Watts (W) and can be calculated by multiplying voltage by current. For instance, a 2 Wh battery can supply two watts of power for an hour.
Grip Twist vs Push Button Throttle
Choosing the right throttle for your electric scooter depends on personal preference. There are four significant types of throttles, each with pros and cons. However, the best one is probably the wheel-mounted one.
The best thumb throttle is the one that is the most ergonomic, with an unobstructed grip that allows you to change your grip without repositioning your hand. It is also the smoothest of all the throttles in modulating speed.
The best grip twist vs push button throttle for an electric scooter depends on your type. For example, twist throttles are not standard in E-scooters but remain viable. There are several advantages to using a twist throttle, including a more ergonomic hand position, less hand fatigue, and better control.
There are four main types of throttles on the market today: twist, wheel, push button, and thumb. Each style is designed to meet a specific need. For example, a twist throttle may be more suitable for an older hunter than a wheel-mounted model. It is also easier to operate with the fingers than a thumb-mounted one.
A thumb-mounted throttle is not only more convenient to operate, but it is also less dangerous than a twist throttle. It is also less likely to interfere with your brakes.
There are a few drawbacks to thumb and twist throttles, however. For example, a thumb-mounted throttle may be less accurate than a twist-mounted one, making it easier to cover your brakes when you need to stop. A thumb-mounted throttle also can be challenging to replace. In some cases, they can be upgraded through plug-and-play connectors.
Lastly, several thumbs and twist throttles are separate from a corresponding digital display.
Safety Gear
Whether a first-time rider or an experienced veteran, you should always wear some safety gear while riding an electric scooter. Wearing the right equipment can prevent serious injury. A helmet is your best bet, but you can also buy accessories that protect you from falling off and being hurt in a crash.
A helmet may not be the most practical accessory you own, but it’s one of the essential safety gear for electric scooters. It protects your head in case of a crash and will likely save your life.
A helmet with a secret pop lock is also a good idea. Try on different helmets and see what fits you best.
Gloves are a great way to protect your hands from the elements. They’ll keep your hands warm, and they will also provide a decent grip on your handlebars. Wearing gloves will also help to prevent injuries from a fall.
Knee pads are also an essential safety item. If you fall off your scooter, you can minimize the damage to your knees. A good pair of knee pads will fit under your clothes.
A wrist guard is another way to prevent injuries in an electric scooter accident. The best wrist guards will keep your wrists from twisting. They also protect your wrist bone. The best guards will feature plastic buds.
The best thing about wearing safety gear is that it improves your confidence and chances of getting away unharmed. In the event of a crash, wearing the right equipment will give you the confidence to follow your instincts and stay safe.
Battery Packs
Generally, electric scooter battery packs are sized according to watt-hours. These watt hours tell you how much energy a battery can store. The larger the watt hours, the longer the battery pack can operate the scooter.
Battery packs are constructed from hundreds or thousands of 18650 Li-ion cells connected in series. These cells are 18 mm x 65 mm cylindrical in shape.
These batteries are usually sealed and have good energy density. They also produce high immediate currents. However, these batteries are less light than other rechargeable batteries. They are bulky and take a long time to charge.
If you store your scooter at a full charge for months at a time, it can reduce the lifespan of your battery. To counteract this, it is best to charge the scooter before storing it. Setting to at least 70% of its capacity ensures that it does not experience stress on the cells.
Most electric scooters have a voltage range of 24V to 48V. However, some models have higher voltages. Higher voltages will give you more speed and allow you to run longer.
Typically, the lithium battery is designed to last 500 cycles. Batteries with high-end quality, such as those made by Panasonic and LG, have better quality control and can last longer. However, lithium chemistry takes time to adjust to the rate of discharge. If the batteries are stored at full charge for long periods, it stresses the anode and cathode and decreases battery efficiency.
Voltage sag is an abnormal voltage behavior that occurs when the battery is under load. Several factors, such as temperature and electrical resistance, cause it. Once the bag is removed, the voltage returns to its original level.
