5 Reasons Why Electric Scooters are the Perfect Method of Transportation for City Living
Electric scooters, or e-scooters as they are commonly known, are fast becoming popular among city dwellers worldwide. They're good for the environment, perfect for getting through peak hour traffic, and don't require a parking space because you can just fold it up and put it under your arm.
If you make many short trips and want to save money, an e-scooter is well worth considering.
What is an Electric Scooter?
An electric scooter is the adult's answer to the scooter you had when you were a little kid. It has a rubberized platform for standing, 2 wheels, and handlebars for steering. The difference is that you don't have to push with your foot to make it move. Instead, it has an electric motor driven by a rechargeable lithium battery. When you get home, you recharge the battery so that it's ready to go again whenever you want it.
Acer ES Series 5
There are many manufacturers of e-scooters, and Acer is one of these – having just released its new ES Series 5. This is what the Acer e-scooter offers:
- Compact and Lightweight: Weighing a mere 38.5 lbs (17.5 kg), the Acer ES Series 5 is easy to fold and carry. Once you've arrived at your destination, you can effortlessly pick it up and stow it in your car's trunk or roll it inside. The concept of 'drive and ride' has never been so easy!
- Powerful Battery: The Acer ES Series 5 provides up to 60 Km of travel. This ensures you can go farther on your journeys without worrying about the battery life.
- High-Powered Motor: With a 36V/350W motor, the Acer ES Series 5 is equipped to reach a maximum speed of 15.5mph (25km/h). Navigating through city streets and over hills becomes a breeze.
- Three-Speed Modes: Three button-controlled speed modes provide versatility. Effortlessly switch between a leisurely glide at 3.7mph ) 6 km/h), a comfortable commute at 6.2mph (10km/h), or (as per local regulations) accelerate to maximum speed.
- Comfortable Travel: Enjoy smoother rides with the Acer ES Series 5. The 10" wheels and both front and rear suspension significantly minimize the impact of bumps and potholes.
- Disc Braking: Safety is paramount, and the Acer ES Series 5 doesn't compromise. You're guaranteed a smooth stop whenever necessary with a front electronic brake and rear disc brake combination.
Not only does the Acer e-scooter have these great features, but there's also an app to keep the scooter under control. Once the scooter is connected to the Acer app via Bluetooth, it's a breeze to check the status of the battery and how much further it can be ridden before recharging. The scooter can also be locked and unlocked through the app – such a helpful feature if you are in a meeting and suddenly remember you forgot to lock your scooter.
There are plenty of positives about owning and using an e-scooter, including:
- Purchase and maintenance costs are affordable.
- Environmentally friendly.
- Save time by dodging peak-hour traffic.
- Healthier lifestyle.
- No exertion is required, so you can arrive at work or the mall still looking fresh.
- No special license is required.
Five Reasons to Purchase an Electric Scooter
1) eScooters are affordable to run and maintain
Your daily commute may be unavoidable, but the costs associated with it don't have to be. Say goodbye to fluctuating gas prices, expensive public transport tickets, and the constant pressure of owning a car or a motorbike.
At under $700, the Acer ES Series 5 upfront cost is a mere fraction of a new car or motorbike. And with no mandatory vehicle registration required in the US, the savings continue.
Compared to gasoline-powered vehicles, the running of e-scooters is also a lot less expensive.
- Bypass the Gas Station: They are battery-powered, so you never need to queue up to buy gas.
- No need to Pay Parking Fees: Fold it up, tuck it under your arm, and head on in. No parking space is required.
- Less Maintenance, More Riding: There are few moving parts in the e-scooter engine, so there is less chance of breakages.
- Puncture-free Tires: Many e-scooters (including Acer's) have durable, low-maintenance wheels that never get punctured.
2) Environmentally friendly
With environmental concerns reaching an all-time high, the time to go green isn't tomorrow — it's now. eScooters offer an earth-friendly alternative to traditional commuting options.
- No Air Pollution: eScooters generate no tailpipe emissions, contributing to cleaner air and a smaller carbon footprint.
- Energy Efficiency: Electric batteries are more energy efficient than standard vehicles. Their higher energy conversion rate results in minimal waste and optimal use.
- Noise Reduction: eScooters operate almost silently, significantly reducing noise pollution levels. Luckily e-scooters come with lights and a horn, so you can let others know you are nearby when needed.
- Space Efficiency: Being compact and foldable, eScooters lessen the need for expansive parking spaces. They can be conveniently parked indoors, freeing up public spaces.
- Reduced Infrastructure Wear: Their lightweight design causes less damage to roads and sidewalks, extending the lifespan of these infrastructures.
- Sustainability: eScooters rely on rechargeable batteries instead of fossil fuels, and once their lifecycle ends, their components can be recycled.
- Smaller Manufacturing Footprint: The manufacturing of e-scooters is where the carbon footprint is created. Buying a quality e-scooter with a longer-lasting battery is even better for the environment as it means less manufacturing of parts and recycling in the future.
3) Increased mobility allows speedy movement through peak-hour traffic.
An e-scooter carries one person. And so do most cars driving in peak hour. But the problem is that the average car takes up around 86 sq ft (8m2) of road. As more people switch to e-scooters, road congestion will drop because scooters are much smaller.
For those who live in the outer suburbs and work in the city, an e-scooter can be thrown in the trunk and pulled out when you hit heavy traffic. Alternatively, you can ride from home to the train, take it onboard, and use it again when you get off.
E-scooters are small enough to safely ride on sidewalks or in bike lanes (check local regulations first), and they are nimble, so they can zip through small spaces a car couldn't fit. You don't have to stay on the road but can take shortcuts through a park or a shopping mall car park. They are also small enough to pick up and carry or push along while walking. This gives you more flexibility when negotiating peak-hour traffic.
E-scooters don't follow a route like a bus or a train, so they can also provide additional flexibility by allowing you to get where you want when you want.
4) Improves lifestyle and encourages physical fitness.
Scientists have been saying for quite a while now that sitting is the new smoking. Sitting for too long is linked to an increased risk of disease and death from diabetes and heart problems.
Passively sitting on public transport or in a car might be how you get around today, but riding an e-scooter could be an alternative for some trips for you tomorrow. Standing on a scooter can strengthen your leg and core muscles, balance, and posture.
Because you push a button and turn the throttle to make it go, no peddling or pushing is required. E-scooters can be helpful if you find exertion difficult or have a medical condition that causes fatigue, pain, or discomfort when walking long distances. They are also a perfect alternative for someone who finds it a challenge when being in close contact with others on public transport.
5) No need for a special driver's license
There's no federal law in the US about riding e-scooters. Instead, each state, and frequently each city, has different rules. For instance, riders don't need a driver's license in some areas, while mandatory in others.
While specific laws for these low-powered vehicles may not yet exist in your region, local regulations might cover restrictions, helmet requirements, speed limits, and where they can be ridden – such as on highways, sidewalks, or bike lanes. This lack of conformity across the country makes it vital to check local regulations before going for a ride.
The urban jungle calls for a nimble, smart mode of transportation, and electric scooters can answer that call. If you frequently travel less than 37 mph (60 km), they're economical, fast, fun, and a beacon of sustainability in a concrete sprawl.
But let's not forget, with this power comes responsibility:
- Wear a helmet.
- Travel at a speed that suits the situation.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Don't sneak up on pedestrians in case they walk in front of you.
- Learn the road rules and stick to them.
- Think about health insurance that covers their use.
eScooters have redefined the idea of city commuting, carving out their niche in transportation options. So as we move forward, don't just drive; glide.
Robert is a Taiwan-based writer and digital marketer at iamrobert design. He has a passion for helping people simplify their lives through tech.
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