The electric scooter industry’s market value was approximately $18.6 billion in 2019 and was projected to hit $20.0 billion in 2020. For starters, there’s a boom in the prevalence of electric mobility products in the United States, with at least 71 cities embracing this mode of locomotion. And it’s not just in the US. Most people living in Paris, workers and tourists alike, prefer riding on e-scooters as their primary mode of short-distance travel.

But why are e-scooters suddenly sky-rocketing in popularity? Well, for one, these vehicles are much more environmentally friendly compared to other modes of transportation. As you might have heard, Europeans are quite keen on ecology. Besides, while the e-scooter might not be as fast as an e-bike or a car, it is quite functional as it is convenient to transport, especially during severe traffic congestion. Overall, e-scooters are economically viable, eco-friendly, and functional modes of transport within cities, not to mention a remarkable fashion statement.

There are a varity of electric scooters in different level of quality on the market, Chinese manufacturers have pioneered this budding sector and shown considerable zeal in developing electric mobility products. As such, we’ve prepared a detailed guide to help you find your ideal e-scooter and how to identify a reliable e-scooter from China.

1. Controller

The strength of a controller is determined by how much current and voltage it can modulate. It is also determined by the strength of a scooter’s motor. A powerful motor will require a strong controller that can relay enough current to it. As such, powerful scooters have controllers with a high maximum voltage and current rating. A faulty controller can pose a significant safety risk to the user and should be fixed before the scooter can be used again.

2. Batteries

E-scooters have battery packs that comprise if many single cells packed together. They provide the main source of power or energy used up by different parts of a scooter. Powerful scooters usually have Lithium-ion batteries while smaller ones and kid scooters have Lead-acid batteries. These battery types differ in capacity, which is measured in watt-hours (Wh). More Wh means that the scooter has a higher range and also a higher price range.

3. Deck

It is where you stand while steering the scooter. Most are covered with a rubber or textured material to provide a better grip between the scooter and one’s shoes. A standard scooter has an inclined deck to provide ample space for one’s feet. The deck should also a reasonable height above the ground for the rider’s safety.

4. Brakes

A scooter requires a strong brake system to help the user remain in control of it and navigate safely. Disc brakes come highly recommended among scooters because of their quality and efficiency. Brakes enable one to slow down, as is the case in most vehicles. E-scooters have either mechanical or electronic brakes. Mechanical brakes are activated when the rider physically steps on them. They include foot, drum, and disc brakes. Electronic brakes, on the other hand, depend on the scooter’s motor and comprise of electronic and restorative systems.

5. Lights

Lighting is often overlooked but it is in fact of the most crucial aspects of a scooter. It helps the rider to see in the dark and ensures that other motorists can see the scooter. Most scooters have a tail light activated by the braking system and one or two LED headlights. More luxurious scooters boast of multicolored LED lights that surround the entire scooter or light up underneath the deck. Although these might be cool additions, a scooter ought to have the appropriate head and tail lights for better visibility.

6. Handlebars

All the control buttons on a scooter are on the handlebars: brakes, accelerator, power buttons, and speed and settings display. Some top-quality scooters allow their users to fold the handlebars for easier storage or transportation.

7. Suspension

8. Motor

Most scooters have a center motor that is usually built into one of the wheels, sometimes both. Standard scooters have one motor while the really powerful ones have two. The strength of a motor is gauged from how much energy it consumes, this is calculated in watts. A scooter with a powerful motor has more watt units.

9. Tires

Tires offer the grip required to brake or accelerate your scooter efficiently. They come in airless and airy or pneumatic types. Airy wheels are preferred over pneumatic ones because they provide better overall performance. They are also better riding companions when one is navigating through rough roads.