Five things a Kiwi car person should look for in an e-scooter

Thursday, 15 August 2019

Carmakers are embracing the idea of e-scooters for 'last mile, first mile' commuting.

New Zealanders have gone mad for e-scooters: more than 47,000 were imported last year, double the figure from 2017.

The rental models are often seen as an alternative to riding the bus (or walking if we're realistic), but e-scooters are such a thing now that you might well be thinking about actually buying one.

You 'surf' along on the e-tron Scooter, steering with your feet.

If you think e-scooters are a threat to the traditional private vehicle as a commuting tool, think again.

Automotive makers are all conscious of the need to become 'mobility' companies and many see a future in which you'll still have a car, but use something like an e-scooter for your 'first mile, last mile' commuting - once you've parked your (possibly also electric) car or SUV.

Audi's e-tron Scooter tops out at 20kmh. Presumably there'll be an RS version later.

Pack away and store when you're not using it, like any other electronic device.

* Capital e-scooters: what are the rules and where can you ride them?

* How New Zealand's e-scooter options compare**

Many car brands are already working on their own e-scooters (or at least working with scooter-makers to create bespoke products).

To be an 'e-scooter' the vehicle must have an output of less than 300W.

There will be some clever stuff to come in future years. Like Audi's 'e-tron Scooter', which combines the e-scooter concept with a skateboard in one 12kg package.

It features moveable axles and four-wheel steering, so it steers more like a skateboard. But you have electric power and a handlebar like a scooter, although the rider can still keep one hand free for signalling.

Ride and handling can be adjusted via an app and buyers can personalise with wooden decks and grey/black detailing.

To work out whether an e-scooter is legally a 'low powered vehicle', you will need to use maths.

Buyers? Yes, the e-tron Scooter will be on sale by the end of 2020, albeit at a very Audi premium price of 2000 euro (NZ$3500).

Point is, e-scooters are getting past the point of just being a hireable convenience - more often than not a beaten-up and rickety one - and more towards something that you'll own, enjoy and be proud of. Prices vary wildly depending on ability and quality - just like cars - but think upwards of $500 and into the thousands if you want something really special.

Scooters have tiny wheels, so good tyres and suspension can make a big difference to ride comfort.

If you're a happy car owner who wants to add an e-scooter dimension to your motoring life, here are five car-appropriate features you should look out for.

Portability

If you're going to own an e-scooter you'll be either carrying it in the boot of your car quite a bit or lugging it around when you get to work (or both).

Foldability is essential then - make sure your two-wheeler can collapse down into a sensible size so that it's easy to store.

Hand in hand with that goes weight: more compact models are under 15kg and that's manageable, but some of the high-end models are getting up towards 30kg - so unless you're planning to use your commute as part of a medium-intensity weight training programme, that's probably not a practical weight.

Power!

To qualify as a 'low powered vehicle' under NZ law, an e-scooter must have a power output of less than 300W.

That's important to know as there are 'performance' e-scooters around that are much more grunty than that. Feel free, but be aware that the laws covering low-powered vehicles (you can ride them on the footpath without a helmet, for example) may not apply.

By the way, the power of the motor alone is not the sole guide. Maximum power output for an e-scooter is the result of multiplying the battery voltage by maximum amperage. So an e-scooter can have a 600W motor, but with a 12-volt battery and 21-amp controller, the maximum output is 252W.

Check the range too, although that depends on the rider's weight. But 20-30km is common.

Also, does the e-scooter have brakes on both wheels or just the front? Some even have anti-lock braking.

Ride comfort

Ride and handling is especially important because e-scooters have to be wearing wheels no larger than 355mm in diameter. That's not an ideal format for comfort and stability.

So make sure your e-scooter has pneumatic tyres (sounds obvious, but take a ride on one of those Limes with solid rubber). Some high-end models even have quite sophisticated suspension. That's the kind of thing that gets a car person tingling.

Connectivity

Connectivity is now a big thing for cars and many scooters too. Apps can monitor riding data and battery charge, but also tailor dynamic features like adjusting the cruise control. Yes, many e-scooters do have cruise control as well.

Phone apps can also be used to lock your e-scooter when you want to leave it unattended - just like when you're finished with your rental.

Loadspace

Tricky one this, but if you're using an e-scooter for a 'last mile, first mile' commute, you're probably going to be carrying some stuff.

Most likely in a backpack or messenger bag, but it's worth thinking about what other options there are to hang or store personal items (even a helmet, which is not required but a good idea).