Over the past years, e-motorcycles have been advancing at a rapid rate, with high technological advancements seeking to increase micro-mobility in the transportation industry. With investors coming in to cash out on this fast-developing industry, the electric scooter market was estimated to be around USD 18.6 billion in 2019. This figure is predicted to rise exponentially by 2030.

But what makes electric scooters so popular? E-scooters are gaining popularity due to several reasons: 

Electric scooters are super convenient and easy to use for navigation and you don’t have to pay for parking fees. They are best for short distances and super fast, saving the user a considerable amount of time as opposed to using a bicycle or waiting for scheduled buses. Most scooters are multi-functional and the folded ones can be carried wherever the rider goes.

With good battery capacity, electric scooters can go for around 18-20 miles with a full charge. This of course, is dependent on the type of battery the scooter uses. For instance, Lithium-Ion and Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries which are popular for scooters due to their high performance and charge density are set to decrease in prices over the years, making the cost of batteries significantly lower for consumers. 

It is a given that scooters are environmentally friendly since they require no fuel to operate. The usage of rechargeable batteries prevents them from gas or fuel emissions which are hazardous to the environment.

As compared to vehicles, the average cost of an electric scooter is $1,000, and even cheaper with a good deal. Therefore, it is much more affordable to buy a scooter especially when you are looking for inexpensive everyday commuting. A good electric scooter can last up to eight years with proper usage and care.

With manufacturing companies such as Lime, Bird, Razor, and Xiaomi, among a few, electric scooters are classified into electric kick scooters, electric mopeds, and self-balancing scooters.

The electric kick scooters are further classified depending on the number of wheels they have, whether two or three wheels. Most electric kick scooters are foldable for easy carriage, while others have wider tires for more stability. 

Electric mopeds commonly known as retro scooters are bigger scooters and the most common scooters, mostly used for commercial purposes or personal use since they have a passenger seat. Mopeds have a stronger motor with top speeds and come fully fitted with rear-view mirrors.

Self-balancing scooters consist of hoverboards or unicycles. These require optimum balancing where the rider shifts up and down to maintain a good stance. The hoverboard can be charged and comes in different sizes and speeds. The unicycle comprises a single wheel that is easily portable and can be folded and carried like an electric kick scooter.  

With some major entrees into the scooter market, the world of e-scooters is set to gain significant traction with projected sales at approximately 50 million units in 2020. The competitive electric scooter market will see an influx in new age scooter development which will give the consumer a wide range of options to choose from. For instance, the Unagi E500, Apollo Pro Scooter, Segway Max scooter are a few worthy contenders to watch out for. These scooters come fitted with motor outage capacity ranging between 250 to 1000 watts. These new entrées have heightened the expectations of new products coming in, with more emphasis being placed on speed, weight, and functionality. 

With these developments, considerations towards laws surrounding the use of scooters are an option in different cities. In Canada for instance, the Motor Vehicle Act prohibits the usage of electric scooters on roads or sidewalks but permit usage on pathways and trails. This does not provide clear guidelines on the usage of scooters as most people receive fines for lack of insurance despite there not being an insurer for electric scooters. 

With the growing demand for scooters worldwide, laws like these will have to be revised to facilitate the inclusion of scooters in cities that prohibit usage or have scanty guidelines.  

 Permits and regulations: Check out for different permits as well as the city regulations which offer guidelines on scooter operations. Are scooters legal in your city? Consider this information before purchasing a scooter. 

 Purpose: Are you getting a scooter for personal use or business? Determining this will help you decide the model, shape, and size of the scooter to consider before purchasing.

 The IP rating: Establishing how the product can resist water or dust by checking out its IP rating, will help to select a worthy scooter. You can check out some Electric Scooter Guide material to determine your product of choice.