Raptors & Rockets presents the BMW C1-E electric scooter concept featuring Vectrix technology

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Electric Scooters: Why Are They Becoming Very Popular?

Scooters are fun rides and they are ideal for short trips to the grocery and other local errand, around the neighborhood, and going to and from the school.

As gasoline prices increase, scooters are finding its place in the market. People start appreciating this compact and efficient way of traveling. Last year alone, the sales of scooters doubled which is a good benchmark for its rising popularity and practicality.

The advantages of riding an electric scooter include:

  • Huge savings in gas. Depending on the make and model, an electric scooter will travel 70 miles for a gallon of gas.
  • It gives you the freedom of traveling even when you have lost your driving privileges, driving on very narrow streets, creating shortcuts, making point to point travel, and not depending on public transport.
  • Riding on electric scooters was a good alternative for the Chinese, Thai’s and other Southeast Asian nations during the SARS outbreak as it allows them to travel without the fear of contacting the disease in cramped public transport.
  • Scooters are easily parked and tucked away. Electric scooters are small enough to be taken inside a public transport and require very little space for parking. It could be tucked away in a small space while being recharged.
  • Electric scooters do not emit fumes and pollutants like its gas fed counterpart.
  • Electric scooters are fun to drive and in many cases are considered to be more romantic than the gas fed scooters when dating.
  • Electric scooters have better hill climbing capability when compared to its gas-powered engines that also have delays during the ramp up.

Electric scooters work by adding a battery and a motor to a kick scooter. Normally, bicycle hand breaks are used, a switch that controls the speed is mounted and batteries are fitted beneath the feet.

Electric scooters are often seen as toys. Because of this, there are still very few regulations to the use of electric scooters. Its speed ranges from a low of 10 MPH to 30 MPH. With some designs, the driver can coast freewheel while others do not.

Electric scooters accelerate easily and have a better climbing capability. The batteries are rechargeable from an ordinary electrical outlet. Every charging is approximately .05 cents, and you can expect full charging in less than eight hours although many electrical scooters are fast chargers.

The performance of your electric scooters, like most vehicles can heavily affected by the terrain (hills, road construction, inclines and slopes), wind conditions, tire inflation, the weight of its load, the size of its batteries and the systems efficiency.

Depending on the make, electric scooter price ranges from $250 to $2000+. Many people when buying prefer to trust the brand. However, if you are planning to buy an electric scooter, do not pick something based on the price alone and even by the brand factor alone. Branding for sure can help as bigger and better known manufacturers will protect their reputation but it will always be smart to check the scooter out if it is solidly made. Well made scooters can easily be repaired and parts could be available. When choosing an electric scooter, ask your dealer about reparability and parts availability. Those that are not solidly made may be cheaper but you might not be enjoying longer rides with it and when the electric scooter breaks down, they could be as good as gone.

Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides electric scooter resources on [http://www.your-electric-scooter.info].

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Thatcher

Sunday, January 3, 2010

How To Choose an Adult Electric Scooter

An electric scooter is ideal for persons with limited mobility. It is a convenient mode of transportation that can give you better mobility than wheelchairs. Electric scooters are faster and easy to use and employ less physical effort to operate. It is an excellent low-cost way of traveling without the need for further assistance.

With modern technology, latest electric scooter designs are now more efficient. And because it runs on electricity provided by batteries you wouldn't be bothered by high gas prices. It is more convenient to plug in an electrical outlet than go to the gas station for fuel. And as a bonus, you look way cooler in an electric scooter than in a wheelchair.

How do you choose an adult electric scooter? There are a lot of factors to take into consideration. The height and weight of the person who will be using the electric scooter will determine the size and make of the electric scooter you need to buy.

Lightweight electric scooters models are designed for people below 250 pounds, while the heavyweight types are best for people around 400 pounds. Taller people will not have ample leg space in small electric scooters. Smaller electric scooters may cost much less than bigger ones but be sure if that small scooter can provide a comfortable ride to the person who will use it. You must carefully check the specifications provided by the manufacturer to fully match the user and the electric scooter.

You also have to consider where to use the electric scooter. Will it be more indoors or outdoors? If you plan to solely use the electric scooter indoors then a three-wheeled electric scooter will be a better choice. Three-wheeled electric scooters offer better maneuverability, perfect for going around inside the house. And because three-wheeled scooters are lighter it is easier to drive or handle.

Four-wheeled scooters, on the other hand, are designed for outdoor use. With its sturdy design, four wheeled scooters are engineered to adapt to rough surfaces that are typical outside. There are also three-wheeled electric scooters designed for outdoor use.

A smaller and light electric scooter is not suitable on rough surfaces or for long distance travel. On the downside, heavy duty scooters may not provide maneuverability needed to go around inside the house. Transporting the electric scooter is also a factor you have to look into. Small lightweight electric scooters are easier to carry and take along with you anywhere. Meanwhile, heavy duty electric scooters will probably require vehicle lifts to be able to be transported anywhere you go.

The comfort and convenience given by electric scooters can be maximized with accessories like front baskets, headlight and cushion seats. Choose an appropriate electric scooter that will give you the benefit of moving independently. Consider all the right factors so you can be sure that you are making the right choice.

For more tips and suggestions on choosing the perfect electric scooters, visit http://www.electricscooters4less.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ivan_A_Cuxeva