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I suggest you read this in-depth guide about the basic types of electric scooters and make a smart choice!
Reading this guide, you will:
- Learn the types of electric scooters
- Become aware of the drawbacks of some types of e-scooters
- Learn the benefits of owning a specific electric scooter
- Get a clearer picture of your real needs
- Learn all about electric scooter classifications
This girl loves Segway because it's easy and fun to ride
How many types of electric scooters are there?
There are three types of electric scooter:
- Electric Kick Scooter
- Self-Balancing E-scooter
- Electric Moped
However, there is a tremendous amount of variety among the subtypes. You’ll want to learn these to pick right e-scooter for you.
Every electric scooter category has specific benefits and drawbacks, so this guide will show you:
- What potential a certain type has
- Value for money
- Am I satisfied with a speed it can deliver?
- A bunch other technical information
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I like first get to know all the options before I make my final decision.
That can't be a bad thing — I am sure you will agree.
So, let's start.
1. Types of Electric Scooters - Electric Kick Scooters
In most cases, there are two wheels, a standing deck and handlebars, which in most case are foldable and that’s it. Simple as that. There is nothing you should have besides this.
Kick electric scooter for commuting
The most basic type is electric standing scooters for adults. That is what you see most often in traffic. And, in most cases, it’s good enough.
Maybe add a seat, in case you have problems standing or something like that. Everybody can ride it, it takes no time to learn at all.
Electric kick scooter types cover all your needs for speed, power & range:
- Speed (8-50 Mph)
- Power (250-6000 W)
- Range (8-80 Miles)
Electric kick scooter types cover all your needs for speed, power & range |
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There are some three-wheeled types if you want extra stability in corners. That is great.
But, a two-wheel electric scooter is better for traffic and pedestrian zones if you want to get through the crowd more easily.
Types of kick e-scooters based on the numbers of wheels:
- Two-wheeled electric kick scooter
- Three-wheeled electric kick scooter
Two-wheel electric scooters
Electric kick scooters with two wheels have a lot of advantages you can use in your everyday life. Owning one can help you a lot, and, at the same time, you can have some fun.
The advantages of TWO-WHEELED electric kick scooters:
- It’s lighter
- More compact
- More practical in crowds and traffic
These weren’t built for doing tricks. If you try to learn tricks on one of these, you will be falling a lot, and those impacts can be terrible for the batteries and the motor.
A scooter can handle a bumpy ride and lousy roads, but strong impacts are harmful for electric components.
THREE-WHEELED electric kick scooters
These are not so common, but you can easily see that there is a lot of three-wheeled e-scooters on the market.
Some people love the stability these provide, but most people prefer classic two-wheel scooters. Here are some of the reasons below.
- Stands by itself
- No need for balancing
- If you hit a pothole with one, the impact is not so bad
- Safer cornering
- Slightly heavier
- When you fold it, it’s still big
- Its wider (bad for crowds and traffic)
Electric kick scooters for kids
You have a lot of choice if you want one of these. The main differences between these and types of electric scooters for adults is the weight limit and size.
Selection is based on speed and running time. You can choose some electric scooter types that can run for around 40 minutes, and after that, you have to charge them for 12 hours. Some of these are able to provide your child around 80 minutes of riding.
I can suggest a Razor e-scooters to you. They are great e-scooters for kids, although some scooters like the Razor E300 is strong enough for adults as well.
Three-wheeled electric kick scooters for kids
This type is an excellent choice for kids. It provides some extra support for less experienced kids and protects them in situations that they can’t anticipate right now.
Provides some extra stability in corners and helps balance while a child is trying to change direction. And we all may agree on one thing — changing direction is all they're doing all day long.
- 2 wheels in the front and 1 in the back
- 2 wheels in the back and 1 in the front
Electric kick scooters for adults
You have to look for the weight limit. You know that you are looking at types of electric scooters for adults if it can handle some serious weight.
Enjoy riding kick e-scooter types
In this group, you can put every other type of electric scooter that is slightly bigger and stronger than any child can handle.
Foldable types of e-scooters
These are great for business people who commute to the office every day.
Nowadays, almost every kick e-scooter is foldable.
Like any other, this one is also fast and powerful, but practicality is the main thing.
People use an electric scooter because they are traffic killers and easy to ride and maintain.
However, when folded scooters came along, it was a game-changer. Not everybody needs crazy speed or range, but practicality in everyday life? Bring it on…
You have a foldable electric scooter that has a:
- 1-second fold option
- 2-3-second fold option
- more than 3
This is not measured time. This is just my way to describe it.
One second fold option is crazy fast. You just kick it and fold it. It has that kind of folding mechanism.
2-3-second fold option is also fast, but it takes slightly longer fold it. You can easily fold it and put it in a trunk, for example, and nobody will notice.
The third option is to buy a foldable electric scooter that takes some time to fold.
That are people who want other qualities, speed, power, off-road capabilities and if you buy that kind, you don't need the one-second fold option. But don’t get me wrong. You don’t need two weeks to fold it, just 10 second or so.
Off-Road Electric Kick Scooter
Be ready to pay extra for one of these. This might be an excellent choice for those who want some fun in the woods and more extreme trails.
That is, if roads are boring for you, and yes, you are on them only when you absolutely need to be.
Because of an extreme ride, SOME FEATURES are required:
- Bigger tires (off-road tires)
- Serious suspension
- Serious construction
- Powerful motor
- More durable battery
- Protective cage construction for batteries and motor
And you are undoubtedly aware of the fact that all of that means higher costs. As long as you get it, there won’t be problems. You can find powerful off-road e-scooters here.
Fat tire electric kick scooter
This is just a scooter that has much wider tires. It comes with a seat and provides enormous comfort.
Fat tire types of electric scooters
It reminds a bit of chopper motorcycles and it looks cool.
The tires are as wide as the tires on some cars. And combined with a suspension, this is a buy of a century if you are interested in comfortable cruising.
A few more things about electric kick scooters
There is one more in this subtype. Electric kick scooters can have a seat.
This is a great feature, it provides comfort and the ability to spend more time on the scooter.
There are some scenarios for a SEAT:
- Scooters that come with a seat
- Scooters that don’t come with a seat, but have an option to add a seat
- Scooters that don’t have a seat nor the option to install one
If you ask me, an Electric Kick Scooter is one of the most practical, efficient and one of the fastest ways of commuting from point A to point B.
2. Self-Balancing Electric Scooter Types
Self-balancing types of electric scooters require some time to learn. You may be struggling to balance at first, but believe me, this is something you learn quickly no matter how hard it seems in the beginning.
We can split this group into THREE self-balancing electric scooter categories:
- Hoverboards
- Unicycles
- Self-balancing personal transporters
Hoverboards
Some define hoverboards as something ridden upright, in standing position. Maybe, but I’ve seen kids who ride by sitting on and lying on two of those. Check out the best hoverboard reviews if you want to find the perfect hoverboard for you!
Hoverboards are fun, not so practical
You can see everything these days. Mass production began in 2014.
The hoverboard has two wheels, an electric motor and batteries. That is all we need to start a party. These machines can go up to 13 mph and have a range of around 12 miles.
A thing you should consider before buying this type of e-scooter is the fact that you can’t go over curbs easily. You have to get off and pick up your hoverboard. Of course, you can practice and break your back a few times, but I doubt that is a good idea.
Another thing you have to know is that hoverboards are just for you. You can’t give anyone a ride. I am not saying that you couldn’t try and end up in the hospital, but I just recommend against it.
Great options some hoverboards offer:
- Bluetooth speakers
- Lights
- Off-road tires
- Go kart accessories
- Mobile app
- Hoverboard case
Also, here's great place for hoverboard enthusiasts. Check this review from gadgetsdeck.com if you want to choose the best hoverboard for you.
Even if it doesn’t seem like it, you can do some crazy tricks and stunts with a hoverboard. If you dare to go to a skate park and start learning, in a week or two, you can be the main attraction.
However, WHILE you are learning, you will be the main attraction as well, but that will be because of the falls. You have to check out what stunts this scooter can do before you are ready to practice.
You have some options as well when it comes to hoverboards:
- All-terrain hoverboards
- Hoverboards with a handle
- Hoverboards with knee control (hands-free)
Having this type of electric scooter is so much fun. They can be handy and provide you a fast commute through pedestrian zones.
However, you have to know that there are limitations, like not being able to jump a curb. And there is also greater risk when jumping off them.
Unicycle
I know what you would say if you had to guess how many wheels this one has. That’s right, one and only one.
And believe it or not, that’s just enough. This is also as a hoverboard fun machine.
Cool type of e-scooters - electric unicycle
Yes, you need some time to learn, but isn’t that the case with all other cool things?
You can also have fun in a skate park and learn to ride on those slopes and ramps.
Why having unicycle is a great option?
An electric unicycle can provide you with the ability to hop onto a higher curb. You have to practice a bit, but it is possible. Remember, practice makes perfect. And sometimes, stitches…
This is my favorite because this may be the right choice for those who want to be fast in the crowd. When you ride it, you are narrow and agile. Perfect for crowded places.
Of course, that means that you already have some riding skills on a unicycle.
Unlike a hoverboard, you can jump onto a higher curb or even a higher step.
Depending on the weight, you just need to squeeze with your legs and lift as high as you can. After a while, you will learn it, and then you won’t be able to get off the unicycle without feeling sad.
It simply provides so much fun.
Some specs for great unicycles:
- 450 Watt electric motor
- Range: 12 miles
- Weight limit: 260 pounds
- 15 degrees of inclination (doable)
The main strength of this self-balancing e-scooter is that one wheel and the compactness. It has lights and speakers. While you are riding it, you can be a moving speaker as well.
Great features of this type of e-scooter
It has a handle, and when it's folded, you can carry it like a bag. It weighs only 30 pounds, so you can easily bring it to the office or into the market.
Another great feature is an app for you to view your daily ride. Also, you can lock your unicycle when you want to.
I think that a unicycle has everything that modern man or woman needs.
It is practical, safe, fast and a reliable way of commuting. Of course, if you're skilled.
Self- balancing personal transporters
Segway is a brand that produces modern self-balancing personal transporters, electric kick scooters even unicycles.
Enjoying the amazing view
They produce self-balancing personal transporters, and they claim that those transporters aren’t hoverboards.
There are several self-balancing personal transporters by Segway:
Because of that, we provide a special place in this group for them. They also claim that their quality is much higher than everybody else’s.
It is evident that they provide high quality at a not so high price, and because of that, they are more than successful.
Electric motors are extremely powerful, 800 watts is something special indeed. That provides an 11 mph speed and depending on the rider’s weight, it can provide range of up to 19 miles.
Their personal transporters are powered by Ninebot technology.
There is knee control, which is more than effective. You can easily learn to ride this in several minutes.
The precision of steering is from another world. Something extraordinary.
3. Types of E-scooters - Electric Mopeds
These are powered by an electric motor as well. There are batteries and you’ll experience a noiseless ride.
So, what’s the main difference between different electric scooters and electric mopeds?
E-mopeds are usually faster & more comfortable
Different types of mopeds are more comfortable because of the seat that can usually accommodate two people. That comfort also comes from a suspension and bigger tires.
Inside the seat, there is a trunk for things you don’t want to carry on handlebars.
What makes electric mopeds more comfortable and safer?
- Great extended seat post
- Absorbers
- Bigger wheels and tires
- Indicators (turn signals)
- Rear view mirrors
- Stronger lights with higher position
- Trunk
Mopeds have greater range, stronger motors and a higher top speed. However, all that comes with a higher price.
Types of electric mopeds:
- Different types of mopeds for kids
- Regular mopeds for adults (up to 1,000 Watts)
- Extremely powerful mopeds for adults (4 + Kilowatts)
You also have indicators, bigger lights and rearview mirrors. By now, you can conclude that these are some serious machines. Electric motors can even have 3, 4, or more kilowatts.
And the ranges are around 50 miles, and that is more than enough for traveling, not just commuting.
The coolest electric scooter - Harley Davidson
Of course, this is a more serious machine than an electric kick scooter, and you can see that some of those look great. But the price is something you have to take into consideration if you want one.
As far as I’m know, some smaller dealers can even order DIFFERENT PERFORMANCE PACKAGES. That means that you can buy a machine that goes even more than 50 miles per charge and has a higher maximum speed.
My main rule when it comes to looking for an electric vehicle is how much I can invest in my ride. The concept is simple: every rider knows how fast, extreme and long they will ride.
If you want to ride as far and as fast as possible and money is not an issue, this should be one of the best solutions you can choose.
Benefits of all types of electric scooters
No matter what type you choose, these are the benefits. Even if you don’t know anything about electric scooter classification, if you ride electric, these are the pros you can count on.
No harmful effect on the planet
The most important for our planet is the fact that these vehicles are eco-friendly.
That is important for us as well. We have to take care of the earth, and there are a lot of things we can do.
Riding one of these is one of the most entertaining ways to save the planet. I am sure you will agree with me.
I appreciate the fact that this provides us so much fun and, at the same time, we don’t pollute the air.
We were not born yesterday, and we know that electricity HAS TO BE clean to avoid further pollution. Not from coal, you know what I mean.
CLEAN ELECTRICITY is a power that is produced by wind, water or sun energy.
Either way, we don’t pollute locally. And if that electricity is clean, then we don’t pollute at all. It doesn't matter what types of electric scooters we’re talking about — that's how things work!
A win-win situation if you ask me.
No training and license for these types of electric scooters
Things you consider before buying some other vehicles not mentioned here. These types of electric scooters require no special skills or lengthy training. They’re so simple that everyone can learn to ride one in no time.
For the ones from the list, you don’t need the license, and you can use them wherever you want as long as it is safe enough.
If you have a powerful electric motorcycle, you aren’t so lucky. You need a license.
Different types of electric scooters are as practical as a Swiss Army Knife
Some electric kick scooters are efficient and compact. Some people commute two to five miles every day to work and back with a car. That is nonsense.
You can arrive at the job in no time and fold it and carry it in an elevator and park it behind or under a table. Even if you are traveling on a subway, you still have to walk or take a bus to the station if you don’t have a scooter.
It is so practical and convenient. Of course, if it rains every day in your city, you aren’t going to be crazy about riding it and coming into work like you were swimming. But you get the point, I believe.
One of the alternative ways of transportation
Yes, we can see that these scooters are the best alternative method of transportation. Use one once, and you will never regret it.
Choose the right e-scooter, and your car will be there just in case of bad weather or transporting a lot of weight.
You will start to think differently and organize your life differently to avoid using your car at all.
If you’ve been reading thinking about whether or not you want an electric vehicle, after this, you will only think about which type of electric scooter you should choose.
All e-scooters types are known as traffic killers
With different electric scooters, you can easily glide through traffic, roads, paths and with an average speed for around 15 mph, you won’t have to stop at all.
Average commuting speed when you drive your car can be really low. That's because of numerous stops.
Try to calculate the average speed that your car provides you and try not to be shocked. For that calculation, you just need your distance and time you achieve driving to a destination.
Maybe you have a 200 horsepower, 150 mph beast, but when it comes to shorter distances with lots of traffic, that average speed could be around 20 mph.
Also, we all know that roads aren't ideal. Most of these machines can easily ride over curbs, smaller potholes and bumpy roads.
Having an electric scooter is an answer to boring everyday commuting with congestion all the way.
FAQs
How many types of electric scooters are there?
There are three types of electric scooters on the market. You have seen lots of different e-scooters on the road, but all it comes down to these three: electric kick scooters, self-balancing e-scooters and electric mopeds.
What type of e-scooters are there?
The first one is an electric kick scooter that looks like kick scooter. Next, you can choose a self-balancing electric scooter that doesn’t have handlebars. You just balance using your legs, knees and feet. And the third one is an electric moped that looks like a regular small motorcycle.
What is an electric kick scooter?
Electric kick scooter types look like regular kick scooter but are powered by an electric motor. It has “kick” in its name because it mostly need leg push to kick start. But after you start, it will ride without any effort whatsoever.
What is an electric moped?
An electric moped is a small motorcycle that is powered by an electric motor. It’s perfect for people who like electric scooters but want more comfort and stability.
What does self-balancing electric scooter mean?
It means that you are balancing with your legs, feet and knees in some cases. The most famous self-balancing electric scooter is the hoverboard, then unicycle and electric personal transporters. You don’t have handlebars. You just using your legs and you make turns by leaning your body.
Conclusion
I hope that you have made up your mind and have a clearer picture of what types of electric scooters you like. There are one or two piece of advice you could use. And if you haven't decided yet, I am sure that you are a bit closer if you read this electric scooter classification.
That was the primary goal, to help you and introduce you to everything these types of electric scooters have to offer for commuters.
I hope that this list of types covers all needs and demands that anyone can have.
The electric kick scooter group is huge, and it was a pleasure to introduce you to the basics. It was necessary to break down that enormous group to give you clear insight. I hope you enjoyed it and you see it all more clearly now.
There are countless electric scooters on the market, and there is a right choice for everyone, so I am wondering what your best choice is and why?
What are your needs, and what is your advice for people with similar needs?
We will be more than thrilled that hear from you.
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