Where to buy an electric scooter for adults and kids

Electric scooters are becoming more and more popular in cities across the nation. A report from Populus shows 70% of people surveyed in ten different cities are pro electric scooter. Electric scooters provide people with a fast and convenient way to travel without putting too much burden on mama nature.

In most US cities now, you can rent them with an app and get from point A to point B in a jiffy. Or you can invest in your own so you can take your ride everywhere and maybe save a little moolah in the long run. But electric scooters come in several shapes and sizes and figuring out where to buy the right one isn’t as simple as walking into your local mall. So where do you pick up your very own, effort-free steel on wheels? We’ve got some ideas.

Key factors to consider when buying an electric scooter

Before spending too much time trying to figure out where to buy your first scooter, save yourself some effort by finding out what exactly you are looking for. A decent scooter isn’t cheap. Luckily, the internet is full of information to get you started on the right foot. Comprehensive guides to buying your first scooter can be found on youtube, review sites, and forums. Post any questions you have and get an almost instant response by joining online communities or engaging in groups on Reddit or Twitter. Find out exactly how long it takes to charge between rides, what it’s like to carry on a train or bus, if the app works well or if it malfunctions frequently, and (most importantly) whether or not a product is safe. There are likely many important questions you won’t even think of that someone will happily give you the answer to.

Here are some things to look out for:

• Safety. Speed isn’t everything in scooters. Getting anything that can go much faster than 15 MPH puts you in the danger zone. Look for products that are UL certified, which ensures they meet safety standards for an electrical drive-train system, battery, and charger. Don’t trust a brand that claims they meet UL standards but aren’t certified. Best to go with a company that went the extra mile.
• Make sure the recommended weight capacity of the scooter is enough for you and then some. You might want to take a backpack to school or work or carry some groceries home from the store. Give yourself some wiggle room when you pick a device.
• Scooter websites advertise and estimate distance possible on a full charge, but they are often optimistic and assume perfect riding conditions. When shopping around, shave off about ten miles from whatever they claim.
• Make sure you have proper suspension of some kind. This could mean an actual suspension system or large rubber air-filled tires that can take some of the impact. This is the biggest factor in making sure your ride is comfortable and not a “bone-shaker.”

Popular electric scooter brands

One simple way to find the right electric scooter for you is to find a brand you like and purchase your scooter directly from them. Many of the most popular brands, such as Razor and Segway, have an online store where you can place an order. Most of them even offer free shipping. This is also a great way to get the latest product news and announcements, find how-to videos, get details on product specs (check out the details on this new scooter from Segway, for example). You may even be able to connect with the larger scooter community to get their insight and feedback before slapping down cash on any particular product.

Going to the source is always the best way to learn more about the product. Segway knows more about Segway than anyone else, for example, even if that means they are a bit biased. Another benefit is that some brands offer incentives and perks for purchasing from them, such as free accessories and extended warranties you can’t get anywhere else.

Shop local for electric scooters

If you can find a local shop near you with a decent line of scooters then you can get a feel for what the product is like in-person and save yourself some guesswork. Like most products, there is something about your gut feeling towards them that goes beyond logic and can make all the difference. Many of us have seen electric scooters of some form or another in Walmart or Target. These are usually kids’ brands and have a low carry limit and distance-per-charge average. That’s fine for a kid, but if you are looking for something more robust, you’ll need a specialty shop.

Try visiting a skate or snowboard store in the city. Many of them have electric scooter brands on hand. Also, if you’ve visited the brand website as suggested above, there will often be a “where to buy” section to help you find retailers local to you. And, in the right shop, you might find someone with an opinion to offer. It’s always best to ask the experts.

Electric scooters online

As is with the case for almost anything these days, shopping online is one of your best options. Technically, going to a brand website is shopping online, but visiting major 3rd-party retailer websites like Amazon gives you the advantage of competitive pricing. It also gives you access to a plethora of reviews that likely skew a little more neutral than shopping on a brand’s website. Beyond a star-based rating system, you can read written reviews that give you details about why that person did or didn’t like the product. What may be a deal-breaker to them may be small potatoes for you. It also is a great way to get educated from the larger community on what is considered good practice in the electric scooter market.

Scooters are a wonderful way to get out, get where you’re going, and keep the air clean while you’re at it. Just make sure to keep your safety top of mind and do your research before making any purchase, and you should be able to find the right electric scooter for you.