There’s never been a better time to get an electric scooter with striking new models coming out all the time. If you’re feeling lost and don’t know where to start, look no further than this electric scooter beginner’s buying guide and where to buy an electric scooter online.
Let’s get straight into it!
One thing before we get going, I highly recommend buying your Scooter from Pure Electric. They have an excellent all-round package which includes stocking genuine top-quality electric scooters with UK warranties, excellent customer service and attractive finance options.
Find out more about Pure Electric and their latest discounts and offers.
Beginners E-Scooter Buying Guide
There’re many factors to consider when buying an electric scooter, and broadly-speaking these are broken down to comfort, performance, safety, maintenance and service, look and feel, and purchasing. Let’s look at these in detail.
Comfort and Ride Experience
The number one most important factor is how comfortable your electric scooter is to ride and move around.
Terrain
Where are you going to ride your e-scooter? Currently, it’s illegal to ride them on UK roads, but there are encouraging signs they will be allowed soon. The legal status is something you need to consider.
Whether you’ll be mostly riding on smooth surfaces, bumpy surfaces or rough terrain, where you’re going to ride your scooter is an essential factor.
Wheels and tyres
Similar to riding a bike, bigger wheels with more tyres on the riding surface will give a better ride. And smaller wheels are more likely to get caught up in potholes.
Inflatable pneumatic tyres will give a more comfortable journey by absorbing jolt from bumps in the road and are safer in wet conditions. And the broader surface of inflatable tyres makes it easier to manoeuvre and offers more stability.
If you’re getting inflatable tyres, I highly recommend you use a puncture-resistant sealant for the inner tubes. Electric scooter tyres are notoriously fiddly to get on and off, and inflatable inner tubes and tyres are susceptible to punctures.
Solid tyres don’t give as much traction and comfort, however, they’re easier to maintain. And if you’re riding a lot on surfaces where there’s jagged edges or objects, solid tyres would be better.
Suspension
Having suspension is only necessary if you’re doing a lot of off-road travel on rough terrain. And suspension may be right for you if you’re doing long commutes on bumpy surfaces.
In most situations, bigger wheels with inflatable tyres work best.
Rider weight
Considering all the factors above about wheels and tyres and suspension, you’ll also need to take into account the weight of the rider. If you’re on the lighter side, you may not need as bigger wheels and inflatable tyres.
All adult e-scooters have a maximum rider weight which is usually around 100kg with some being 90kg and others 110kg and higher. For safety reasons, you should never exceed the manufacturer’s stated maximum rider weight.
Of course, you also need to take into consideration the weight and build of the scooter.
Scooter size
The scooter size is essential considerations for both riding and transporting your scooter.
If you’re on the heavier side, riding on bumpy and uneven terrain, you’ll need a more sturdy scooter. And likewise, if you’re on the lighter side, a zippier scooter would work OK.
Another critical consideration is the size of the riding platform. Platforms come in different sized lengths and widths, and depending on the size of your feet and frame, you’ll need one that feels most comfortable.
Transporting your e-scooter
A final important factor regarding how comfortable your scooter is is when you’re not riding it and moving it around. While the weight of the scooter is the primary consideration, you also need to know the dimensions when it folds down.
If you’re commuting every day and need to carry your scooter up steps or if your journey combines with public transport, you’ll need a lighter scooter. You can buy handy carry straps which will make it easier and more comfortable for you to move your scooter around.
And how the scooter folds down is essential for transportation and storage. Will it fit into the boot of your car? Is it easy to pack away and store every day? A bulky scooter is fine if you’ve got a big car and house, but not practical if you have a small vehicle and are living in a flat.
Comparison of e-scooter comfort and ride experience factors
A comparison of factors which contribute to a comfortable riding experience – tyre type, wheel size, shock absorption and weight – from top-selling e-scooters.
| Tyre Type | Wheel Size | Suspension | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inokim Light 2 | Pneumatic | 8.5 ” 21.6 cm |
❌ | 30.2 lbs (13.7 kg) |
| Segway Ninebot ES1 | Solid | 8 ” (front) 21.6 cm 7.5 ” (rear) 19.1 cm” |
Front | 25.4 lbs (11.5 kg) |
| Segway Ninebot E22E | Solid (dual density) |
9 ” (front) 22.9 cm 9 ” (rear) 22.9 cm” |
Tyre | 29.8 lbs (13.5 kg) |
| Segway Ninebot ES2 | Solid | 8 ” (front) 21.6 cm 7.5 ” (rear) 19.1 cm” |
Front + Rear | 27 lbs (12.2 kg) |
| Segway Ninebot Max G30 | Pneumatic | 10 ” (front) 25.4 cm 10 ” (rear) 25.4 cm” |
Tyre | 41.2 lbs (18.7 kg) |
| Xiaomi M365 | Pneumatic | 8.5 ” 21.6 cm |
❌ | 27.5 lbs (12.5 kg) |
| Xiaomi Pro | Pneumatic | 8.5 ” 21.6 cm |
❌ | 31 lbs (14.2 kg) |
| Zoom Stryder EX | Solid | 7.8 ” 19.8 cm |
Front + Rear | 24 lbs (10.9 kg) |
Performance
How well an electric scooter performs is key before making a purchase. When measuring performance: top speed, power, the range and battery charging time must be taken into account.
Top speed
Top speed will always be an essential factor when purchasing any type of vehicle; however, 12 mph to 15 mph is more than enough for commuting. And with average walking speeds of between 3 mph and 4 mph, you’ll be moving three to four times faster than if you were on foot.
Furthermore, the UK e-scooter rental trial, which will commence in summer 2020 has already set a maximum speed limit of 12.5 mph. At most, this may rise to 15.5 mph, which would bring it in line with the speed limit for electric bikes.
And if you think 12.5mph is not fast enough, consider the average vehicle speed in a selection of the UK’s biggest cities is 9.5mph. London (7 mph), Glasgow (11 mph), Manchester (10 mph) and Sheffield (10 mph).
At 12.5 mph, urban e-scooter riders will be travelling faster than most vehicles.
Power
Electric scooter power output is measured in watts (W), and motors vary between 250W and up to dual-motored 1000W and above for extreme scooters. Most mid-range electric kick scooters have one motor, while more powerful ones will have two.
A higher-powered scooter is essential if your journey contains steep inclines and goes over rough surfaces. In these cases, you’ll need to consider a motor of at least 350W to 500W.
For most commuters, however, on smoother roads with small inclines, a 250W to 350W motor is sufficient. Motor power on popular commuter models includes the Xiaomi M365 (250W), the Xiaomi Pro and Segway Ninebot’s ES2 and newer E22E (300W), and the Segway Ninebot Max G30 and Inokim Light 2 (350W).
A more powerful motor will also give you faster acceleration and will get you to top speed quicker.
Finally, if you’re closer to the average maximum rider weight of 100kg, you’ll need a 500W powered motor at least.
Range
The range of your scooter refers to the amount of distance you can travel before the battery runs out. If you’re out frequently for more extended periods, you’ll need a scooter with more range and higher battery capacity.
If you’re using your scooter for relatively short distances for commuting or around the park and can charge your battery overnight, the range is not so much of a concern.
It’s important to note that manufactures test e-scooters with an adult weighing around 75kg, riding on smooth surfaces with a new battery. In real-life conditions, the range is affected by other factors like rider weight, types of surfaces and inclines, the speed you’re travelling, and battery age.
To be on the safe side, assume you’ll get between 50% to 70% actual range, compared to the stated range.
Battery charging time
Finally, battery charging time is also a variable which affects range and overall performance.
If you’re using your scooter every day, you’ll need one with a shorter charge time. While it’s easy to say it won’t matter as you’ll charge it overnight, you may forget and only have a few hours to charge it.
For riders taking longer distances and will need to charge throughout the day, shorter battery charging times are also crucial. Whereas, casual users don’t have to concern themselves with how long the scooter takes to charge.
| Top Speed | Power | Range | Charge Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inokim Light 2 | 21.7 mph (35 km/h) |
350 W | 23.6 miles (38 km) |
4-5 |
| Segway Ninebot ES1 | 12.4 mph (20 km/h) |
250 W | 15.5 miles (25 km) |
3.5 |
| Segway Ninebot E22E | 12.4 mph (20 km/h) |
300 W | 22 miles (13.7 km) |
3.5 |
| Segway Ninebot ES2 | 15.5 mph (25 km/h) |
300 W | 15.5 miles (25 km) |
3.5 |
| Segway Ninebot Max G30 | 15.5 mph (25 km/h) |
350 W | 40.4 miles (65 km) |
6 |
| Xiaomi M365 | 15.5 mph (25 km/h) |
250 W | 18.6 miles (30 km) |
5 |
| Xiaomi Pro | 15.5 mph (25 km/h) |
300 W | 28 miles (45 km) |
8-9 |
| Zoom Stryder EX | 18.6 mph (30 km/h) |
300 W | 18.6 miles (30 km) |
3 |
Where to Buy an Electric Scooter Online?
Here are my top recommendations for where to buy an electric scooter online in the UK.
Pure Electric – *No 1 Recommended*
Pure Electric is the UK’s leading specialist electric scooter online store. Previously, they were known as Pure Scooters, but they’ve changed their name and now sell electric bikes as well.
Buying from a specialist online retailer has the clear advantage of knowing that they know what they’re doing.
Here are my reasons for buying from Pure Electric:
- Premium Brands – they stock electric scooters for adults and children from leading brands like Xiaomi, Inokim, Ninebot Segway, Razor, Zoom, Unagi and more
- Excellent Customer Service – they’re rated 4.6/5 by Trustpilot
- Price Promise – they’ll price match against any other retailer on genuine UK stock
- UK Stock and Warranties – all of their stock is legitimate UK stock with UK warranties; they’re a brand you can trust
- Free Next Day Delivery – order by 2pm and they’ll deliver FREE next day (in normal circumstances)
- Buy Now Pay Later – pay interest-FREE over 3 months or with interest over 6 to 24 months with finance by Klarna
- Accessories and Spares – Pure Electric has an extensive selection of e-scooter accessories and spares which include helmets, lights, pumps and puncture kits, mobile phone mounts, spare batteries, inner tubes, tube sealants, tyres, locks, storage bags, carry straps and more
- Customisable Options – customise your e-scooter with pre-applied vinyl graphic kits or get one and do-it-yourself
- After-Sales Service – Pure Electric has a London store and will be soon opening stores in Birmingham, Bristol, Derby, Edinburgh, Gateshead, Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester, Norwich, Nottingham, and Southampton. The stores will provide easier after-sales service.
Check out the latest discounts and offers from Pure Electric.
Buy an e-Scooter from Pure Electric >>
Amazon
Amazon has a solid range of electric scooters from top brands to affordable options which won’t break the bank. For families, they have a wide-choice of kid’s e-scooters.
Here are my reasons for buying from Amazon:
- Xiaomi M365 and Xiaomi M365 Pro – you’ll find both of these top-selling Xiaomi models with UK warranties from Amazon
- Leading Brands – as well Xiaomi, they also have Razor and Grundig and more quality brand scooters
- Amazon Prime – who doesn’t love Amazon Prime?! Buy your scooter today and get it delivered by tomorrow
- Extensive Range – they have a massive selection of electric scooters for all your needs
- Affordable and Lower Prices – as well as a big choice, Amazon has dozens of cheaper electric scooters
- Children’s Collection – they stock loads of children’s scooters with prices to suit all budgets
- Accessories – you’ll find all manner of accessories from helmets, sticker sets, spare inner tubes and tyres, inner tube sealant, and parts for the more technical minded who like to build and fix things themselves
Buy an e-Scooter from Amazon >>
Halfords
Halfords is an established UK retailer with a comprehensive collection of electric scooters you can buy online and hundreds of stores where you can pick one up. Halfords also has FREE and excellent-value after-care e-scooter services.
Here are the reasons for buying from Halfords:
- Quality Scooters – their selection of electric scooters includes top-quality products and brands like Xiaomi’s M365 and Pro, Segway Ninebot and City Bug
- Online Special Offers – they have exclusive online products and lower price deals
- After-Sales Service – Halfords has over 400 UK stores which provide after-sales e-scooter service, which makes it an excellent place to buy from
- FREE Scooter Check – before any service or repair Halfords will check your scooter is safe to ride, check how the key components and moving parts are operating, and check for any wear and tear and damage
- E-ScooterCare – for only £30 per year, Halfords offers an e-scooter care package which includes puncture prevention sealant, 10% OFF accessories and parts and FREE fitting, FREE inner tube fitting and unlimited brake adjustments. For peace of mind and if you’re going to buy more kit, it’s great value
- Accessories – they stock essential accessories like helmets, pumps, tube sealants, graphic kits, tyres, inner tubes, carry straps and mobile phone holders