My recent trip to a local electric scooter dealership turned out to be quite educational for me.
I've always been the type of person that wants to know all of the facts before plunking down a large bit on my hard earned cash for any major purchase.
I wanted to be certain that I understood exactly how a mobility scooter worked and how I would benefit from it.
My first set of questions to the dealer centered on how well the various electric scooters performed.
I learned that there were many variables involved to determine the range and top speed that could be acquired with a scooter.
I even learned that something as simple as tire pressure could make a huge difference in performance.
My next set of questions focused on the drive train specifications available for transportation scooters.
The drive train is the part the makes actually the scooter go.
In most cases, electric scooters are driven by a chain or belt drive system.
The system consists of a chain-wheel sprocket that is mounted on the motor, along with another sprocket that is mounted on the real wheel.
As the motor spins, it moves the chain or belt, which in-turn causes the wheel to rotate.
In some rare cases, the drive-train system may even be direct drive.
This means that the motor is actually attached to, or in contact with, the rear wheel.
The speed of the motor is controlled with a hand throttle or thumb controller.
The braking system for an electric scooter will also vary with each different brand and model.
Most of the high-end models are usually equipped with some variation of a disc brake system.
However, the other types available include calipers, drum brakes, and hub brakes.
In most cases, a new scooter will include both front and rear brakes.
However, you should double-check this before you make your purchase.
Some models may even include an automatic throttle shut-off safety system.
This is a feature that stops the engine from becoming engaged while the brakes are being applied.
One thing that surprised me and really caught my attention at the dealership I visited -- there were some items listed as an option for several of the scooters that I felt should be included and considered as basic components.
It would definitely be in your best interest to double-check this before you make your purchase and then get surprised with extra, hidden costs.
Here is a list of some of the other features and accessories you insure are included when looking for an electric scooter; key ignition, speed indicator gauge, battery indicator gauge, cargo box, adjustable seat, adjustable handlebars, reflectors, turn signals, brake lights, horn, and tool kit.
I've always been the type of person that wants to know all of the facts before plunking down a large bit on my hard earned cash for any major purchase.
I wanted to be certain that I understood exactly how a mobility scooter worked and how I would benefit from it.
My first set of questions to the dealer centered on how well the various electric scooters performed.
I learned that there were many variables involved to determine the range and top speed that could be acquired with a scooter.
I even learned that something as simple as tire pressure could make a huge difference in performance.
My next set of questions focused on the drive train specifications available for transportation scooters.
The drive train is the part the makes actually the scooter go.
In most cases, electric scooters are driven by a chain or belt drive system.
The system consists of a chain-wheel sprocket that is mounted on the motor, along with another sprocket that is mounted on the real wheel.
As the motor spins, it moves the chain or belt, which in-turn causes the wheel to rotate.
In some rare cases, the drive-train system may even be direct drive.
This means that the motor is actually attached to, or in contact with, the rear wheel.
The speed of the motor is controlled with a hand throttle or thumb controller.
The braking system for an electric scooter will also vary with each different brand and model.
Most of the high-end models are usually equipped with some variation of a disc brake system.
However, the other types available include calipers, drum brakes, and hub brakes.
In most cases, a new scooter will include both front and rear brakes.
However, you should double-check this before you make your purchase.
Some models may even include an automatic throttle shut-off safety system.
This is a feature that stops the engine from becoming engaged while the brakes are being applied.
One thing that surprised me and really caught my attention at the dealership I visited -- there were some items listed as an option for several of the scooters that I felt should be included and considered as basic components.
It would definitely be in your best interest to double-check this before you make your purchase and then get surprised with extra, hidden costs.
Here is a list of some of the other features and accessories you insure are included when looking for an electric scooter; key ignition, speed indicator gauge, battery indicator gauge, cargo box, adjustable seat, adjustable handlebars, reflectors, turn signals, brake lights, horn, and tool kit.