How Do Beginners Buy and Ride an Electric Scooter?

The surge in popularity of electric scooters in the United States represents more than just a transportation innovation; it signifies a shift in urban lifestyles. Offering a convenient, eco-friendly, and stylish mode of transport, electric scooters have quickly become a staple in many cities. Whether you're a student commuting to campus, a professional navigating city streets, or simply looking for a fun way to get around, an electric scooter can be a game-changer.

This guide is designed to help beginners navigate the world of electric scooters, providing insights into the purchasing process and essential riding tips.

1. Advantages and development trends of electric scooters

The rise of electric scooters in the United States is not only a transportation innovation, but also a change in urban lifestyle.

1.1 Advantages

Convenience:

• Solution to urban congestion: In densely populated cities, electric scooters can easily shuttle through crowded streets, avoid traffic rush hours, and save commuting time.
  
  
• Perfect connection for the last mile: Many Americans choose to use electric scooters as a supplement to public transportation to solve the problem of the "last mile".
  
  
• Convenient parking: No need to find a parking space, just stop and go.

Environmental protection:

• Zero emission: Electric scooters do not produce any exhaust gas, which helps to improve urban air quality and reduce carbon emissions.
  
  
• In line with the concept of green travel: More and more Americans are beginning to pay attention to environmental protection issues, and electric scooters just fit this trend.

Economical:

• Low maintenance cost: Compared with cars, the maintenance cost of electric scooters is very low, and you only need to check the tires and batteries regularly.
  
  
• Save fuel costs: No need to refuel, just charge, which is more economical in the long run.

Fashionability:

• Young people's new favorite: Electric scooters are fashionable and have become a way for young people to show their personality. Young people aged 18-35 are highly receptive to new things and pay attention to environmental protection and convenience.
  
  
• Social media has fueled the trend: Many influencers and stars on social media have shared photos and videos of riding electric scooters, further driving this trend.

1.2 Development trend

• The promotion of the sharing economy: Similar to shared bicycles, shared electric scooters have rapidly emerged in major cities in the United States, such as Bird, Lime and other companies. The emergence of these sharing platforms has greatly reduced the threshold for people to use electric scooters.
  
  
• Continuous technological innovation: The battery technology, motor performance, and intelligence of electric scooters are constantly improving, with longer and longer range, faster speed, and richer functions.
  
  
• Policy support: More and more American cities have begun to introduce policies to encourage the development of electric scooters and designate special riding areas.
  
  
• Integration with other modes of transportation: Electric scooters are being integrated with public transportation, bicycle sharing and other modes to form a more complete urban transportation system.

The rapid development of electric scooters in the United States is due to its unique advantages and the constantly improving policy environment. In the future, with the continuous advancement of technology and the growing demand for green travel, electric scooters will play an increasingly important role in transportation in the United States and even the world.

2. A detailed guide for beginners to buy electric scooters

2.1 Student group

• With a limited budget: It is recommended to choose entry-level models such as SuperFun S10 and S1-A. These models are relatively affordable and have a range of about 15-20 kilometers, which is enough to meet the daily commuting needs of school.
  
  
• Lightweight and easy to carry: Consider the folding size and weight to make it easy to carry to and from school.
  
  
• Safety first: In addition to the helmet, it is recommended to wear elbow and knee pads for all-round protection.

2.2 Office workers

• Commuting needs: If the commuting distance is within 10 kilometers, you can choose SuperFun S1-A, which has a range of up to 20 kilometers.
  
  
• Folding and portable: For people who need to take public transportation, the folding function is very practical. .
  
  
• Comfort: Consider the shock absorption effect to reduce fatigue from long-term riding.

2.3 Elderly people

• Stability: Choose a model with a seat, a stable body, and not easy to tip over.
• Easy operation: The model is easy to operate and can be started with one button, which is suitable for the elderly.
  
  
• Comfort: Choose a model with a wide seat and good shock absorption effect, such as the SuperFun M2 electric scooter, which has an additional seat.
  

2.4 Female users

• Lightweight and portable: SuperFun S10 is light and easy to carry.
  
  
• Fashionable appearance: The appearance design is simple and generous, which conforms to the aesthetics of women. 
  
  
• Comfort: Choose a model equipped with a hydraulic shock absorption system. If you choose a model with good shock absorption effect, you can reduce the discomfort caused by bumps. .

2.5 Outdoor sports enthusiasts

• Off-road performance: Choose a model with a large wheel diameter and a large motor power to cope with complex road conditions.
  
  
• Cruise range: Considering the consumption of outdoor sports, it is recommended to choose a model with a longer cruising range.
  
  
• Waterproof performance: Most electric scooters have IPX4 level waterproof performance and can cope with light rain.

2.6 General Recommendations

When choosing an electric scooter, you need to consider personal needs, physical condition, usage scenarios and other factors. It is recommended to do more homework before purchasing, consult professionals, and test ride to experience.

• Motor power: Motor power determines the climbing ability and acceleration performance of the electric scooter. Generally speaking, a motor power of more than 350W is more suitable.
  
  
• Tires: Solid tires are wear-resistant, but less comfortable; pneumatic tires are comfortable, but prone to bursting. You can choose according to personal needs.
  
  
• Battery: Lithium batteries are the mainstream, and the larger the capacity, the longer the mileage.
  
  
• Braking system: Front and rear disc brakes have better braking effect and higher safety.
  
  
• Load-bearing capacity: Choose the appropriate load-bearing capacity according to your personal weight.
  
  
• Additional functions: LED headlights, mobile phone APP, GPS positioning and other functions can enhance the riding experience.
  

3.Four Electric Scooters for Beginners

3.1 SuperFun S10: The Versatile Commuter

Price: $400

Key Features:
Powerful 500W motor for speeds up to 19 mph
Long-lasting battery with a range of up to 18 miles
Comfortable ride with 10-inch solid tires and dual shock absorbers
Foldable design for easy storage and transport
LED display, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, and 3 riding modes

Ideal for: Students, commuters, and casual riders seeking a balance of performance and affordability.

3.2 SuperFun M2: The Urban Explorer

Price: $430

Key Features:
500W motor for speeds up to 15.5 mph
Removable basket for carrying belongings
Comfortable seat for longer rides
Foldable design for easy storage
Bright headlight and taillight for enhanced visibility

Ideal for: Individuals who need to transport items or prefer a seated riding position.

3.3 SuperFun S10 Pro: The Powerhouse

Price: $460

Key Features:
Powerful 750W motor for speeds up to 25 mph
Increased range of up to 25 miles
Foldable design with seat for easy storage
LED display, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, and 3 riding modes

Ideal for: Riders seeking maximum power and range, such as those who commute long distances or enjoy off-road riding.

3.4 SuperFun S1-A: The Budget-Friendly Option

Price: $300

Key Features:
450W motor with a range of up to 28 miles
Foldable design for easy storage
Comfortable ride with 8.5-inch solid tires
LED display, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, and 3 riding modes

Ideal for: Budget-conscious riders who prioritize affordability without sacrificing essential features.


By carefully considering your needs and preferences, you can choose the best electric scooter for your commuting or recreational activities.

4. Detailed Guide for Beginners Riding Electric Scooters

4.1 Get familiar with the structure of electric scooters

• Check the appearance: Make sure the appearance of the scooter is intact and there are no obvious scratches or cracks.
  
  
• Understand the functions: Be familiar with the location and use of functions such as the accelerator, brakes, display screen, and lights.
  
  
• Battery power: Make sure the battery is fully charged for practice.

4.2 Choose a safe place

• Flat road surface: Beginners should choose flat, obstacle-free places such as sidewalks and parks to practice.
  
  
• Avoid crowds: Avoid practicing in places with high traffic to avoid collisions.
  
  
• Pay attention to road conditions: Avoid potholes, stagnant water and other roads to avoid falling.

4.3 Wear protective equipment

• Helmet: A helmet is essential and can effectively protect the head.
  
  
• Elbow and knee pads: Can reduce the impact on the elbows and knees when falling.
  
  
• Gloves: Can increase friction and prevent slipping.

4.4 Correct standing posture

• Standing position of feet: Stand firmly on the pedals with your feet shoulder-width apart.
  
  
• Lean forward: Leaning forward slightly helps maintain balance.
  
  
• Bend your knees slightly: Bend your knees slightly to better absorb shock.

4.5 Start and accelerate

• Push gently: Push the scooter gently with your feet to find the balance point.
  
  
• Accelerate slowly: Gradually increase the force to control the acceleration speed.
  
  
• Keep a constant speed: After finding a comfortable speed, keep driving at a constant speed.
  

4.6 Turn

• Tilt your body: When turning, tilt your body slightly in the direction of the turn to drive the scooter to turn.
  
  
• Fine-tune your feet: You can control the steering by making small adjustments to your feet.
  
  
• The amplitude should not be too large: The initial turning amplitude should not be too large to avoid losing balance.

4.7 Brake

• Coordination of front and rear brakes: The front and rear brakes are used in conjunction to stop more smoothly.
  
  
• Avoid sudden braking: Sudden braking can easily lead to falls, so you should slow down in advance.
  
  
• Rear brake is mainly used for deceleration, and front brake is mainly used for parking.

4.8 Common Problems and Solutions

• Loss of Balance: If you feel unstable, you can tap one foot gently to regain balance.
  
  
• Difficulty in steering: Practice more and master the transfer of the body's center of gravity.
  
  
• Ineffective brakes: Check whether the brake system is normal and repair it if necessary.

4.9 Advanced Techniques

• S-shaped route: Practice S-shaped route to improve maneuverability.
  
  
• Obstacle avoidance: Practice avoiding obstacles to enhance resilience.

4.10 Safety Precautions

• Observe traffic rules: When riding on public roads, you must obey traffic rules.
  
  
• Avoid pedestrians: Pay attention to pedestrians around you and give way to pedestrians.
  
  
• Riding at night: When riding at night, be sure to turn on the lights to increase visibility.

4.11 Tips:

• Gradual practice: Don't rush for success, practice step by step.
• Be patient: It takes time and practice to master an electric scooter.
• Choose a suitable venue: Choose a flat venue with few people to practice.
• Be safe: Safety first, always put safety first.
  

5. Maintenance Guide for Beginner Electric Scooters

5.1 Regular Cleaning

Frequency: Clean once a week or after each ride, especially on rainy days or after passing through muddy roads.

Cleaning Method:

• Wipe the body with a soft cloth or sponge dipped in warm water and neutral detergent.
• For stubborn stains, you can use a special detergent.
• Avoid using corrosive detergents to avoid damaging the body.

Key Areas:

• Pedals: Frequently stepped on areas that are prone to dust and stains.
  
  
• Tires: Remove dirt and gravel from tires.
  
  
• Brake Pads: Check brake pads for wear and clean debris from brake discs.

5.2 Check Tire Pressure

• Frequency: Check once a month or when you feel the tires become soft.
  
  
• Correct Air Pressure: Refer to the electric scooter manual or the markings on the tires to keep the tire pressure within the specified range.
  
  
• Tools: Use a pressure gauge to measure tire pressure and inflate or deflate as needed.

Benefits:

• Improve grip and enhance handling.
• Reduce tire wear and extend service life.
• Reduce energy consumption and increase driving range.

5.3 Check the brake system

Frequency: Check once a month.

Inspection content:

• Brake pad wear: If the brake pad is severely worn, it needs to be replaced in time.
  
  
• Is the brake line loose: Check whether the brake line is loose. If it is loose, it should be tightened in time.
  
  
• Is the brake disc deformed: If the brake disc is deformed, it will affect the braking effect.
  
  
• Test: Perform brake tests in a safe place to ensure that the brakes are sensitive.
  

5.4 Check the battery

Charging habits:

• Avoid excessive discharge: Charge in time when the power is less than 20%.
  
  
• Avoid overcharging: Unplug the charger in time after fully charged.
  
  
• Avoid long-term non-use: If it is not used for a long time, it is recommended to charge once a month to keep the battery active.

Storage environment:

• Avoid high temperature: High temperature will accelerate battery aging.
  
  
• Avoid humidity: Humid environment will damage the battery.
  
  
• Battery life: The battery life is generally 500-800 charge and discharge cycles, depending on the use environment and maintenance method.

5.5 Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun

Reason: High temperature will accelerate battery aging and affect the range.

Measures:

• Avoid parking the electric scooter in direct sunlight for a long time.
• If it must be parked outdoors, it is recommended to use a sunshade.

5.6 Other maintenance suggestions

• Regular lubrication: Lubricate moving parts regularly to reduce wear.
  
  
• Check screws: Check the screws regularly for looseness and tighten them in time.
  
  
• Avoid jumping and leaping: Avoid doing some difficult actions to avoid damaging the electric scooter.
  

Conclusion
Choosing the right electric scooter involves carefully considering your specific needs, budget, and local regulations. Whether you prioritize speed, range, or portability, there's an electric scooter out there that's perfect for you. With a little preparation and practice, you'll be well on your way to enjoying the freedom and convenience that electric scooters offer. So, embrace the electric revolution and explore your city in a whole new way.

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