E-scooters Come rain or shine, getting around is far more fun when you’re riding an e-scooter, so we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about them

f you want to get somewhere fast, an electric scooter might not seem like the most practical option – but you’d be surprised at what you can do with two small wheels and a battery. The latest crop of electric scooters are practical and fold into an easily packable package. As a ‘last-mile solution’, there’s probably nothing better out there.

It’s fair to say that things have changed quite a lot in the electric scooter market over the past year or so. A huge number of new companies have dipped their toes in the water, meaning there are now many more practical adult-sized scooters on the market, and as the tech gets more widespread it’s improving, giving you a much slicker ride for the most part.

And let’s face it, tech gimmicks or not, the enjoyment of riding an e-scooter that can rocket along at 25mph is something most people can appreciate (although admittedly it can definitely feel like too much power for some).

IIf you have a journey or commute that suits this kind of personal transport, there are electric scooters out there that can reduce your journey time and get you through the traffic. That said, the question of ‘are electric scooters legal?’ is one that really depends on your local jurisdiction, so you need to exercise some caution here.

Electric scooters are only growing in popularity; they’re nippy, fun, and might be the mode of personal transport you’ve been looking for. We’ve reviewed and rated the best you can buy, because while they may all look quite similar, not all of them are created equal.

They’re more than just scooters with batteries. As glib as that statement may sound, it’s also true: they’re a lot faster than regular scooters, they’re a heck of a lot heavier, and are also considerably more controllable than their manual cousins.

You’re unlikely to be pulling off any sick tricks on these – and at top speed, you shouldn’t even be attempting it – but the benefit of a little torque in your wheels means you’ll be expertly manoeuvring up hills and speeding along the streets in no time.

CHOOSING A SUITABLE E-SCOOTER

Picking up the best electric scooter for you is absolutely imperative – it’s a proper investment, so you need something you’re going to want to ride and something that suits your needs. These things are essentially a narrow plank racing up to 20mph, so safety needs to be a main concern. But that isn’t the only thing you’ll need to consider.

Some are well suited to a quick hop-on-and-off, sacrificing distance for a vast weight reduction and increased portability. These are ideal for long-distance commutes, where you also need to travel on a train or bus. Others pile on the battery for maximum range but leave themselves super-heavy in the process. These are better if you live and work in the same city, and want to avoid using the bus or subway system. Basically, it’s a bit of a SEPTEMBER 2020