If you want to invest in scooters, it’s essential to understand the differences between electric and kick scooters. Both types of scooters have benefits and drawbacks, so it’s critical to consider your needs and preferences before deciding. Electric scooters are eco-friendly and convenient but expensive investments, whereas kick scooters are affordable. The following brief electric scooter vs kick scooter comparison will help to understand both scooters, their benefits, drawbacks, similarities, differences, and uses.
Which One is Right for You
Table of Contents
Electric vs Kick Scooter: Which One is Right for You
Before exploring features, you must understand what these scooters are.
What is an electric scooter?
An electric scooter is a battery-powered vehicle with two wheels designed for transportation and daily commuting. It is a type of scooter that uses an electric motor to move.
Electric scooters typically have a max speed of 15 to 20 mph and a range of 10 to 30 miles on a single charge, depending on the model. Electric scooters are manufactured from aluminum alloy and stainless steel, with a few models made from carbon fiber.
Compared to kick scooters, electric scooters have several advantages, like faster acceleration, higher top speed, better brakes and lighting, and an effortless riding experience.
Electric scooter Pros and Cons
Pros
Fast speed with long mileage
Easy to ride
Cost-effective transportation
Environmentally Friendly
Less maintenance
Cons
High price
What is a kick scooter?
A kick scooter is a personal transportation device that consists of a handlebar, a deck for the rider to stand on, and two or three wheels. These scooters are typically powered by the rider’s physical force, as they push off the ground with one foot to propel the scooter forward.
Kick scooters are made from aluminum, magnesium, titanium, steel, or plastic. Kick scooters are available in various types and sizes, making them suitable for people of all ages.
While they were traditionally powered manually, there has been a recent invention of electric kick scooters, which combine the convenience and portability of a traditional kick scooter with the added power and speed of an electric motor.
Kick scooters are considered a convenient and practical mode of transportation, especially for short commutes. Also, you can use a kick scooter for trick riding in extreme competition. Overall, kick scooters offer an enjoyable and eco-friendly way to get around.
Kick Scooter Pros and Cons
Pros
Lightweight and compact design
No battery or gas recharging
Need less maintenance
Affordable price
Cons
Manual riding
Lightweight and compact design
No battery or gas recharging
Need less maintenance
Affordable price
Cons
Manual riding
Which is better electric scooter or a kick scooter? Comparing features
Both electric and kick scooters have unique features and benefits, and the choice ultimately depends on your preference and specific needs. Here are some of the key differences between electric and kick scooters:
Power
Electric scooters are powered by a motor, while kick scooters require physical effort to propel forward.
Speed
Electric scooters can go faster than kick scooters, with some models reaching up to 25 mph speeds.
On the other hand, Kick scooters typically have a maximum speed of around 10-15 mph.
Distance
Electric scooters can cover longer distances than kick scooters, thanks to the powerful batteries. Typically, electric scooters can travel up to 25 miles on a single charge.
Kick scooters are best suited for shorter trips and commutes.
Weight
Electric scooters are generally heavier than kick scooters due to the added weight of the battery and motor.
Cost
Electric scooters are more expensive than kick scooters due to the added features and technology.
Maintenance
Electric scooters require more maintenance than kick scooters, as they have more moving parts and require charging.
Environmentally friendly
Kick scooters are more environmentally friendly than electric scooters, as they don’t require electricity or produce emissions.
Electric scooters are better for you if you are looking for longer riding sessions, faster speed, and comfortable riding.
On the contrary, kick scooters are better for shorter trips, exercise, and eco-friendliness.
Kick Scooter maintenance tips
Kick scooters are an enjoyable mode of transportation. However, like any vehicle, they need regular maintenance to maintain good working conditions. Here are some valuable tips for your kick scooter maintenance
Regularly check the nuts and bolts on your kick scooter and tighten them as needed to ensure that everything stays securely in place.
Lubricating oil is vital for the headset bearing, suspension forks, and folding mechanism to keep them running smoothly. Regularly lubricate these parts to ensure they continue to function properly.
Check the recommended tire pressure, which is usually on the side of each tire, and make sure the tires are not damaged.
Check that the brakes are functioning correctly and monitor brake pads and potential contact with rims.
Also, monitor the positioning of brake cables to ensure they are not interfering with any other parts of the scooter.
If you ride in the dark, ensure the lights function properly to ensure visibility and safety.
Clean and oil your bearings regularly to ensure they operate at their best and extend their life.
Safety should always come first. Wear knee pads, elbow pads, a helmet, gloves, and closed shoes to avoid an accidental foot drag.
Riding on smooth roads can help reduce wear and tear on your kick scooter, and building up your endurance can help you go faster and farther.
Electric Scooter maintenance tips
Electric scooters are comfortable and fun, but you must maintain them properly to enjoy riding for a long time. Take a look at the following tips for electric scooter maintenance.
Store your battery in moderate temperatures and use the original charger or one compatible with your battery’s voltage. Unplug your battery when fully charged or shows a green light on the charger.
Clean your electric scooter regularly with a damp rag and all-purpose cleaner spray. Do not use a hose, as water and electricity do not mix well.
Keeping your electric scooter clean and dry can prevent rust and corrosion that can damage it over time.
Use the necessary tools, such as Allen keys, wrenches, lubricant, and cleaning supplies, to perform basic maintenance on your electric scooter. These tools can help you tighten loose screws or bolts, clean the scooter, and check the battery and other parts for damage.
Perform regular preemptive checks on your electric scooter to ensure that loose parts, screws, or bolts do not cause any issues while riding.
Pay attention to the motor, battery, tires, and brakes, and do not wait for a disaster to happen before doing corrective maintenance.
Understand the maintenance schedule for your electric scooter and perform the necessary checks at the recommended intervals.
For instance, checking the headlight, brakes, tires, and steering columns every 2-4 weeks can help you catch any issues early on and prevent more costly repairs.
Are kick scooters allowed on sidewalks?
The good news is that you can ride kick scooters on sidewalks. However, laws are different in every region; therefore, you must look at the scooter laws in your area.
Make sure not to exceed the speed of more than 6 miles per hour if riding an electric scooter on sidewalks.
Final words
Depending on your riding needs and budget, electric scooters and kick scooters are the best options for you. For instance, electric scooters are powered by motors and batteries; they can travel for a long time without charging needs. On the contrary, kick scooters are manual, and you must ride them. Therefore, they are suitable for short trips. No matter which one you choose, taking care of your scooter is recommended to enjoy comfort and convenience for a long time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use the electric scooter as a kick scooter?
You should use the electric scooter as a kick scooter to prevent potential damage. Electric scooters are different from kick scooters, so you should ride them properly.
How fast can kick scooters go?
Kick scooters have a fast riding speed of up to 8 to 10 miles per hour. However, the speed depends on the rider’s weight, skill level, scooter model, and terrain type.
Do kick scooters have brakes?
A kick scooter is equipped with different brakes, including V-brake, Footbrake, and a disc brake.
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