What Are The Pros and Cons Of Electric Scooters

What are the Pros and Cons of Electric Scooters?

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You might be wondering what the pros and cons of electric scooters are? Before purchasing an electric scooter, there are some things that are important to learn. In this blog we summarise the factors that are essential when selecting a new e-scooter. If you're selecting a scooter for commuting, leisure or just for fun, we will help you to get it right before you buy.

These are cold hard facts written by someone who knows e-scooters inside and out, read on to find out more about the pros and cons of electric scooters.

What are the Pros of Electric Scooters?

1. Convenience. They're amazingly easy to use whatever your ability, location, age, you don't need fancy clothes to ride them, electric scooters can be easily enjoyed by a broad range of people. They make mobility accessible to all and we love that!

2. Cheap to run. One of the pros of electric scooters is that they are amazingly cheap travel' Did I mention how cheap they are to run? For example, even the top of the range Swifty ONE-e with 25 mile range per charge, costs a mere 10p for a single charge. That's £0.004 per mile.

3. The future of sustainable transport is a light personal vehicle. Not all of us can afford an electric car, and cutting emissions on an average budget means that you've got to go light. You can't deny the facts, it costs more to move a heavy object. Therefore a big electric vehicle is NOT the future of sustainable transport. Too much consumption is not good green economics; go light, go two wheels, reduce and save resources.

4. Stand up! The standing stance is an advantage of electric scooters. You don't have to concern yourself over saddle design or what clothes you're wearing. And in my experience, this is a major plus. If you have a desk job, then you may already have experienced the desk, car and sofa-induced back ache. Standing up is good for your back :)

5. Storage - often the slim line design of an electric scooter allows for much easier storage. If you are pushed for space at home, there are plenty of foldable designs like the SwiftyONE-e that can easily slot behind the sofa or under the stairs.

What are the cons of electric scooters?

1. You do have to charge them every so often which may be considered a disadvantage of electric scooters. Being battery operated, you will have to plan ahead slightly and make sure you have enough charge for your journey. But just like carrying a mobile , you can carry your charger with you to charge at your destination.

2. The weight. The cons of an electric scooter compared to a kick scooter is the weight. Always check the gross weight of the scooter as the scooters which boast a high range will have a bigger battery, and likely bigger motor, so if you need to navigate steps regularly go for something that you'll be able to manage. For example the SwiftyAIR-e weighs 14kg and has a 250W motor and 25 mile range. So I'd say that weight is pretty manageable, but considerably heavier than the 8.9kg kick-scooter equivalent, SwiftyAIR MK2.

3. Repairs. The market is dominated by the cheaper e-scooters that retail at around £500, and many of these manufacturers do not offer spare parts or a repair service. At Swifty Scooters, we offer spare parts so you can rest assured you will not be inconvenienced by this con of electric scooters. Always check at the point of purchase if you can repair a flat tyre or worn brakes easily - as you want to prolong the life of the product once you've bought one. You may have to invest a bit more to buy from a more reputable manufacturer, but it's always worth it in the long run.

4. Wheel size can be considered a con for some electric scooter models. A small wheel really has an impact on the stability and safety of the e-scooter, and riders tend to report the 'front-tripping' accident, when hitting a small obstruction. This type of accident is due to the combination of small wheels, fast speeds and probably novice riders. Some product descriptions describe 'big wheels' when in reality they're 10 inches or less in diameter. In my book, any wheel that measures 12 inches or less is very small, so always look at the dimensions when shopping. Bigger 16 inch wheels, wider pneumatic tyres and suspension will help with the stability, and for an altogether more enjoyable ride.

5. Infrastructure. It's a big one for e scooter cons, but some regions do not allow electric scooters on the highway, cycle lanes or pavements. Always check your local legislation. You may also realise that you don't have a decent protected cycle lane along your route, or you may have to contend with cobbles and potholes along the way. I would always advise against scooting in traffic, so stick to protected cycle lanes or quiet roads where possible.

Conclusion: Who wins, the pros or cons of electric scooters?

With such a huge variety of e-scooters to choose from, there are many that are 'good', and many that are 'bad', which ultimately expands the pros and cons of electric scooters we find today. There is also a huge variety in price and specification, and this is largely due to the market being new and unregulated in many regions. Electric scooters have gained a less-than-favourable reputation due to the market being dominated by cheaper models with 'toy-grade' e-scooters that tend to break easily or simply stop working. But with a little research, the good electric scooters can be found! There are some fantastic electric scooters on the market. For example the Swifty Electric Scooters range all garner five star reviews.

Have I missed anything? Ask in the comments below!

Read More in The Journal: KICK SCOOTER VS ELECTRIC SCOOTER

One of the biggest advantages of electric scooters is that they are eco-friendly. Since these two-wheelers do not run on petrol or diesel, they do not burn fossil fuel and produce smoke. As a result, they significantly curb air pollution.

Mechanical scooters contribute to air pollution and create a lot of noise during operation. Since electric scooters have minimal components, they barely make any noise, thus making the surroundings quieter and peaceful.

An electric scooter runs on a battery that you must recharge with electricity. Since it does not require petrol, diesel, or other expensive fuel for running, it can help save a substantial amount of money in the long run.

Environmental benefits are not the only reason to purchase an electric scooter. It is an exciting decision for the many other electric scooter benefits it offers. Let's take a look.

However, like any technology, these vehicles have shortcomings despite their benefits. Let's delve into the advantages and disadvantages of e-scooters to assist you in making a decision.

Environmental consciousness is the need of the hour. The Government is also promoting the idea of heading towards green energy. Consequently, vehicle-producing companies have extensively launched electric vehicles over the last few years. e-scooters have become a choice for eco-commuting due to their positive environmental impact.

4. Storage Space 

Unlike traditional bikes that do not provide any storage space, switching to an e-scooter makes sense if you require storage space in your vehicle. That is because these scooters have minimal mechanical parts, leaving ample space for storage. 

5. Lightweight 

Since these scooters have fewer parts and components, they are compact in size and light in weight. Hence, they are much easier to drive, handle, and park. That is why they are very popular among ladies and youngsters beginning to drive. 

6. Government Incentives 

The government provides several incentives for electric scooter purchases to encourage widespread acceptance. For instance, Section 80EEB of the Income Tax Act offers tax benefits on purchasing electric scooters and motorcycles on loan. 

7. Performance 

Despite their lightweight, no mechanical parts, and minimal components, electric scooters do not compromise performance. Their mileage, top speed, braking, and pick-up are as efficient as their mechanical counterparts. So, you don't need to worry about performance when buying an e-scooter. 

Also Read: Top 10 Electric Bikes in India 

Cons of Buying an Electric Scooter

Everything comes with both pros and cons. So, it is beneficial if you understand the shortcomings of this purchase beforehand. It allows you to ensure that the e-scooter disadvantages do not outweigh the pros it offers. Here are some common disadvantages that e-scooter owners may face: 

1. Initial Investment 

Since electric two-wheelers are new entrants in the market and companies still need to manufacture them on a large scale, their production cost is significantly higher than that of mechanical vehicles. That is why their purchase price is higher compared to traditional scooters. However, you can easily cover up to 95% of its cost by borrowing a two-wheeler loan. 

2. Charging Time 

A petrol vehicle requires only a few seconds to fill the fuel tank. However, an electric vehicle requires a longer time to charge the battery. It can hinder your plans if you need to reach somewhere in a hurry and your scooter is low on battery. 

3. Battery Life 

Once damaged, an electric scooter's battery needs replacement. It lasts only a few years and is quite expensive. Therefore, the battery's low life is a considerable disadvantage. 

Also Read: Electric Scooter Vs Petrol Scooter - Which One Is Better for You? 

If you want to learn more, please visit our website are e scooters worth it.

4. Weather Dependency 

Power cuts are common in India during extreme winter, summer, or rainy weather conditions. This makes it challenging to recharge the scooter's battery when necessary, making you completely dependent on the electric supply for a hassle-free travelling experience. 

5. Lack of Infrastructure 

Since electric vehicles are relatively new in India, there is a lack of infrastructure for these scooters. While petrol stations are available at a distance of every few km, e-scooter charging stations are not that easily available. Moreover, you may find it challenging to find a repair centre or spare part dealer when required. 

6. Weight 

Electric scooters are lightweight, making them easy to handle. However, their lightweight proves to be a disadvantage in case of a collision. Their light body usually cannot bear the hit and gets severely damaged even in a small accident. 

Also Read: Top 6 Budget Friendly Electric Scooter 

How does Hero Fincorp Two-Wheeler Loan Help you Buy an Electric Scooter?

If you have decided to purchase an electric scooter after understanding its pros and cons, a Hero FinCorp two wheeler loan can be your best funding partner to the purchase. Here is how it helps: 

• Ample loan amount to purchase an electric scooter 
• A higher LTV ratio of up to 95%, thus reducing the requirement for a down payment to a mere 5% 
• Competitive interest rates that do not increase the scooter's cost significantly 
• Easy repayment in flexible terms you may choose according to your budget 
• No collateral is required, as the scooter itself becomes the security 

Also Read: What Is The Future Of Electric Scooters In India? 

Steps to Apply for a Two-Wheeler Loan Online to Buy an Electric Scooter

Do you want to enjoy the benefits of e-scooters by purchasing one with a two-wheeler loan? Here is a stepwise two-wheeler loan application you must follow at Hero FinCorp: 

Step 1: Visit the Hero FinCorp website or download the loan app. 

Step 2: Reach the two wheeler loan section. 

Step 3: Scroll down and click 'Apply for a loan'. 

Step 4: Enter the necessary details. 

Step 5: Choose the Hero MotoCorp bike dealership from where you want to purchase the e-scooter. 

Step 6: Agree to the 'terms and conditions'. 

Step 7: Click on the 'Apply' button. 

Also Read: Best Electric Bike or Scooter in Chennai 

Conclusion

Now that you know both the advantages and disadvantages of electric scooters, you must have noticed that the benefits of e-scooters far outweigh the cons. After this analysis, it is clear that the disadvantages of electric scooters are easily manageable, and there are ways to overcome them. Additionally, if you are planning to purchase an e-scooter and lack funds, a two-wheeler loan from Hero FinCorp can help you. You can get a loan of up to Rs 3.5 lakh, which you can repay over a tenure of up to 60 months and the interest rate starts from 14%. By opting for an e-scooter, you not only contribute to a cleaner environment but also enjoy the convenience and affordability they offer. 

Also Read: Top 10 Electric Scooters In India 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is electric scooters risky? 

An electric scooter has a light body and fewer mechanical parts. That is why it is easy to get damaged during a hit. However, its light body also makes it easy to handle and escape. 

2. How much does an electric scooter cost? 

The electric scooter cost depends on the brand and model. However, it is usually higher than a mechanical scooter with similar specifications. 

3. Can I ride an electric scooter in the rain? 

Yes, riding an electric scooter in the rain is no problem. However, avoid entering large puddles of water to prevent water from entering the critical components. 

4. Can I replace the battery in an electric scooter? 

While battery replacement is easy, it can cause damage, electrical hazards, and a void warranty if not done properly. Therefore, you must get it done with a professional to stay safe. 

5. How far can an electric scooter go on a single charge? 

An electric scooter's riding range on a single charge depends on its battery capacity. If the battery is in optimal condition, it usually covers 70-90 km on a single charge. 

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is intended for informational purposes only. The content is based on research and opinions available at the time of writing. While we strive to ensure accuracy, we do not claim to be exhaustive or definitive. Readers are advised to independently verify any details mentioned here, such as specifications, features, and availability, before making any purchasing decisions. Hero FinCorp does not take responsibility for any discrepancies, inaccuracies, or changes that may occur after the publication of this blog. The choice to rely on the information presented herein is at the reader's discretion, and we recommend consulting official sources and experts for the most up-to-date and accurate information about the featured products. 

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