Introduction – E-Scooters And Short Distance Travel
Yes, electric scooters are a great way to travel short distances in an eco-friendly way. Electric scooters are powered by a rechargeable battery, meaning they do not produce any emissions. They are also lightweight, quiet and easy to maneuver, making them a great way to get around without contributing to air pollution. Because they are powered by electricity, electric scooters are also much more affordable than traditional fuel-powered vehicles. Additionally, electric scooters can be charged by solar energy, making them even more eco-friendly.
An E-Scooter Is More Efficient Than A Car In Energy And Carbon
The superiority of the e-scooter comes down entirely to the carbon efficiency. Let’s take a look at the carbon emissions per mile of an e-scooter and compare it to a car.
The amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions per mile of an electric scooter is significantly lower than that of a car. Let’s compare the two.
The Tesla Model 3 is a highly efficient full electric car that travels 272 miles on a single charge with a battery of 50 kWh. Electricity in the US emits 387 g CO2 per kWh. This means the car can travel 14 miles per 1 kg CO2 emissions.
Let’s now compare a very popular e-scooter, the Segway Ninebot MAX Electric Kick Scooter. The range of the Segway is 40 miles on a single charge of the battery of 0.551 kWh. The electricity emissions is the same because it uses the same grid as the Model 3 above. Therefore the Segway can go 180 miles per 1 kg CO2 emissions.
The Segway e-scooter has a 12.9 times higher carbon efficiency than the Tesla. The reason is that the scooter doesn’t have to lug around a huge metal body as would a car. The scooter carries a passenger with barely any other weight.
Top 3 Most Popular E-Scooters
1. Xiaomi M365: This e-scooter is one of the most popular models on the market, featuring a sleek design and long-lasting battery life. It has a range of 14.6 mi and a maximum speed of 16 mph, making it perfect for commuting. It’s priced competitively. For prospective buyers who want to compare it to another popular scooter, we give a head-to-head review of the Pure Air Pro vs the Xiaomi Pro 2.
2. Segway Ninebot ES2: This popular e-scooter has a range of 16 mi and a maximum speed of 16 mph. It also has an LED display and a USB port, making it ideal for riders who want to stay connected.
3. Razor E100 Electric Scooter: This e-scooter is designed for beginners, offering a range of 6.7 mi and a maximum speed of 10 mph. It also has a kick-start motor and a hand-operated brake, making it easy to operate.
History Of The E-Scooter
The e-scooter is a relatively new invention, having first appeared on the market in the early 2000s. The idea of an electric powered scooter has been around for decades, however, it wasn’t until the last decade that the technology became more accessible and affordable.
One of the first e-scooters was by Segway being one of the earliest and most successful models. The Segway was adopted by police forces, security companies, and leisure riders alike. Since then, other companies have developed their own models of electric scooters, with different features and designs. These scooters are now being used in many cities around the world, with some cities even offering rental programs for those who don’t own their own.
Best Places To Use An E-Scooter
The places that we ‘re allowed to use e-scooters depends largely on the laws and regulations of the city or state where you are located. Some cities have specific laws about where and when you can ride, so it’s important to be aware of the laws in your area before riding.
Excellent example is the UK 2021 law about e-scooters that brought e-scooters into the regulatory system for motor vehicles. Instead of giving them legal status to be on public roads, they became instead banned on public roads and are only usable on private land.
So only if regulations allow it, the best places to use an e-scooter generally include bike lanes, paths, and sidewalks. It is important to be mindful of other people when riding, and to not block the path or roadway. Additionally, it is important to always wear a helmet and other protective gear when riding.
Problems With Using An E-Scooter
Using an E-Scooter can be a great way to get around, however there are some disadvantages that should be considered. Safety is a major concern as these vehicles are not designed for high traffic areas and riders should always wear protective gear and obey traffic laws.
The battery life of an E-Scooter is limited, meaning riders may need to recharge frequently or carry a spare battery. They are also limited in speed and range, making them unsuitable for longer trips or for those looking for a faster ride. Additionally, E-Scooters may not be able to perform well in extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain or snow.
Bikes Vs E-Scooters
Bikes are incredibly carbon efficient. Both bikes and electric scooters are great for short distance travel, but each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Bikes are generally more affordable than electric scooters, and they require no charging or fuel.
However, they can be less comfortable and require much more physical exertion. Electric scooters are powered by a rechargeable battery and can be charged by solar energy, making them an eco-friendly choice. They are also easy to maneuver, quiet and lightweight. However, they can be more expensive than bikes, and they require regular charging.
E-Bikes Vs E-Scooters
Electric bikes and electric scooters are both great for short distance travel with fewer differences. Both run off electric power. E-bikes are more powerful than electric scooters and are capable of reaching higher speeds. They also require additional human effort to assist, as they operate similarly to standard bicycles.
Electric scooters, on the other hand, are powered by rechargeable batteries and are lightweight and easy to maneuver. They are also typically more affordable than electric bikes and require less physical effort. Both e-bikes and electric scooters are eco-friendly choices for short distance travel.
Accessorize Your E-Scooter
Check out our general article about accessorizing your vehicle. We have a series of more detailed articles about the tires of e-scooters. We talk about both solid tires and pneumatic tires that require the right pressure. And we make a suggestion for dealing with flats that happen with puncture prevention fluid that comes in handy in a pinch.
We also make suggestions for dealing with accessory problems.
Our Review Of E-Scooters
Bird Air Review (lighter, smaller than Bird One)
Pure Air Pro Vs Xiaomi Pro Review
Summary
An electric scooter is a great choice for short distance travel because it is eco-friendly, affordable, and easy to maneuver. Electric scooters are powered by a rechargeable battery, meaning they do not produce any emissions. They are also lightweight, quiet and easy to maneuver, making them a great way to get around without contributing to air pollution. Additionally, electric scooters can be charged by solar energy, making them even more eco-friendly. Unlike cars, electric scooters do not require expensive fuel, and they are much cheaper to purchase and maintain.
Anne Lauer
Anna Lauer is a writer, gardener, and homesteader living in rural Wisconsin. She has written for Mother Earth News, Grit, and Hobby Farms magazines. Anna is writing a new book about growing your food for free and an ultimate guide to producing food at little to no cost. When she’s not writing or gardening, Anna enjoys spending time with her husband and two young daughters.