Commuting Electric Scooter Choice

Ldrw20 on 30/12/2021 - 16:03
Last edited 31/12/2021 - 09:30

Hi all, I'm looking for advice on a commuting scooter with the following requirements and my shortlist based on some preliminary research. Please critique and give your opinions.

Requirements: Commuter distance 5-10km daily mostly flat, Price <$1000, speed at least 25kmph, has a reasonable range, is around 15kg or less and can fold up, reasonable waterproof IP rating, 10 inch wheels ideally, optional feature suspension

Shortlist: Segway ninebot max G30P (may be overkill and heavy), Segway ninebot E45, Segway ninebot ES2, Xiaomi Mi Pro 2, Xiaomi Mi 1S, Benelle S500, Apollo Air, E-TWOW S2 GT 2020 (exxy at $1449), Skywalker Pro, KingSong X1 Max, Kugoo S1 Plus, Mearth S Pro.

Thanks in advance!

Poll Options expired

  • 0
    Apollo Air
  • 0
    Benelle S500
  • 0
    E-TWOW S2 GT 2020 (exxy at $1449)
  • 0
    KingSong X1 Max
  • 0
    Kugoo S1 Plus
  • 0
    Mearth S Pro
  • 3
    Segway ninebot E45
  • 1
    Segway ninebot ES2
  • 5
    Segway ninebot max G30P (may be overkill and heavy)
  • 0
    Skywalker Pro
  • 1
    Xiaomi Mi 1S
  • 13
    Xiaomi Mi Pro 2
Sports & Outdoors Electric Scooter

Comments

  • SF3 on 30/12/2021 - 16:25
    +4

    The paradox of choice stipulates that while we might believe that being presented with multiple options actually makes it easier to choose one that we are happy with, and thus increases consumer satisfaction, having an abundance of options actually requires more effort to make a decision and can leave us feeling unsatisfied with our choice.

    • drw20 on 31/12/2021 - 13:01

      Exactly, hence my post…there are numerous options and it is challenging to decide.

  • mskeggs on 30/12/2021 - 16:26
    +8

    Commute for a few weeks with the rental scooters and see if you still want to do it.

    • drw20 on 31/12/2021 - 12:59
      +1

      Have done this!

  • CrowReally on 30/12/2021 - 16:38
    +4

    Obvious comment but read up on the city/state laws as well - some places will sell you a scooter that you're not going to be able to use anyway.

    • drw20 on 31/12/2021 - 12:59

      Not available for consumer purchase?

  • justdigi on 30/12/2021 - 17:09
    +2

    I commute 10km each way in Brisbane. I had a Ninebot ES2 and found I needed to upgrade it to the ES4 after a while or I wouldn’t make it the entire distance. Thankfully that’s easy with the external battery and it upgrades the top speed too.

    However I’ve since traded it in for a Maserati MC (branded Ninebot Max) and found I can commute 2 to 3 days before recharging. Trust me pneumatic tires are like night and day difference to the solid ones on the ES series.

    • Clear on 31/12/2021 - 00:41

      Out of curiosity have you used slime tyre sealant on your tyres? Apparently it's better to use in general to prevent punctures and if you have a escooter with hard to change tyres.

      • justdigi on 31/12/2021 - 08:59

        I haven’t yet, but I was told something similar at the store. Sales person said to try air/use it for a bit first and then fill with the slime at a later stage.

  • pharkurnell on 30/12/2021 - 17:10
    +1

    What are the actual laws on using these, saw a bloke gettin nailed on one on that Highway Patrol show other day did get to hear what they were saying he did wrong.

    • mskeggs on 30/12/2021 - 17:32
      +1

      Varies by state. Illegal in NSW. Legal in most areas in Adelaide, I think, but some exclusion zones.
      Need to check your state's transport dept.

    • trongy on 31/12/2021 - 09:24
      +1

      In Victoria, most of the e-scooters currently sold will be illegal due to being capable of a speed of more than 10km/h. They are categorised as wheeled recreational devices along with skateboards and roller blades.

      See the following Vicroads page for the rules:
      Scooters & wheeled recreational devices

      The Victorian government recently amended legislation to allow for an e-scooter trial program which will use more powerful scooters for rental where the local government chooses to participate. These changes do not legalise more powerful privately owned scooters. They created some new traffic offences which are specific to e-scooters.

      e-scooter trials in Victoria

      In addition, riding a private e-scooter on a public road or road related area can also attract an $826 fine for riding an unregistered vehicle (e-scooters can’t be registered).

  • Clear on 31/12/2021 - 00:43

    Now the other question is what helmet are you considering? Going for the bicycle helmet or something more mountain bike to provide chin/face protection? Since going off your scooter at speed will do a lot of facial damage.

    • djsweet on 31/12/2021 - 12:01

      You can ride a bike significantly faster than these, so I would think a bike helmet would be sufficient.

      • Clear on 31/12/2021 - 12:42

        So if you go at 25km plus face first what's the crumple zone? Nose, sinus, jaw, teeth! To suggest extra protection isn't needed is silly.

        In TAS alone on the first night of them being legal there were dozens of people in emergency for various facial injuries.

        • djsweet on 31/12/2021 - 12:45

          Not saying you couldn’t do any damage, but why don’t cyclists wear motorbike helmets then? Most of the time they are going faster than 25kmh. Life’s a risk. Could always wrap yourself head to toe in cotton wool.

          • Clear on 31/12/2021 - 12:47

            @djsweet: Mountain bike helmets are different to motorcycle helmets

  • smartinet on 18/01/2022 - 22:54

    Not on your list but I’m loving my Ninebot Max G30LP. Newer version of the Max G30 but less range. For
    Your commute you won’t need it if charging nightly.
    With a firmware mod, this thing flies and is solid as anything. Better waterproof rating than the others too and about 1-1.5kg less weight than the G30.

    • Ethereal Winter on 23/01/2022 - 15:14
      +1

      Yep, I've got the G30LP as well, great for my 3-4km one way commute every weekday. Totally beats all that time wasted waiting for buses.

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