Electric scooter poll

In My Humble Opinion
1

I’ve been thinking hard lately about getting an electric scooter so I can make local trips in a manner that’s economical and fun. I’ve thought about a motorcycle, but I like the silence of scooters – I understand that some people like travelling everywhere making a sound like a great ripping fart, but it’s not for me.

I’ve seen some scooters advertised locally for ridiculously low prices – as little as $200. But I think I’d go a little higher than that. I’ve seen one that goes for $400 that’s supposed to travel 30 miles on a charge and can carry up to 300 pounds. Sounds good, if true.

So I thought I’d poll any dopers that are up on electric scooters … what are they like? Good, reliable, or junk in your garage two weeks after you buy them? Live up to specs or a disappointment?

Also, I live in a hilly area near a river … can they take hills OK? I’m 6’4" and over 250 pounds, so … there could be a problem if they can’t handle hills.

2

When conflicting claims are in the same sales pitch, sometimes the pitcher just forgets to insert the word “or.” For example, “30 miles per charge” or “up to 300 pounds.” This is where they say, “your mileage may vary. YMMV.” :dubious:

3

My niece is getting a smaller, cheaper scooter for her birthday this month. Top speed maybe 15 MPH, max distance per charge maybe 15 miles. She’s quite a bit smaller than you, of course, but it should make for a fine toy.

4

I agree that it’s generally a good idea to look carefully at the claims in ads before acting on them, which is one of the reasons I’ve posted here. But apparently there’s not a huge knowledge base on this topic on the SDMB. Who’d a thunk it?

In any event, the claims aren’t necessarily contradictory. While it must surely take more power to lug around 250 pounds than 125, and that may well affect mileage, there’s no telling how much it affects mileage without more info than I have.

5

I suspect it will make a fine toy, but with a range of 15 miles it’s potentially as dangerous as a bicycle. Make sure she knows how to handle herself on the road and wears a helmet.