E-scooter 101: The Pros and Cons of the Electric Scooter
Weighing the advantages of the electric scooter against its disadvantages, the pros win considerably.
The electric scooter is one of the most effective ways to slow man-made climate change and global warming. It offers incredible advantages that propelled it to the top of the urban micromobility movement.
However, despite its considerable advantages, the personal electric vehicle (PEV) also has disadvantages some cannot easily overlook. Below are the top 3 pros and cons of the e-scooter.
Advantages of the E-scooter
- Sustainable
The electric scooter produces zero carbon emissions, helping reduce urban pollution and improve air quality. Roughly 25% of greenhouse gas emissions come from the transport sector. Hence, shifting away from traditional automobiles will considerably reduce the world’s carbon footprint.
2. Affordable
E-scooters may require a higher initial investment than their gas-powered counterparts, but they will quickly compensate with low operating costs. After all, electricity is significantly cheaper than gasoline. Moreover, hydroelectric power prices are stable, unlike gas prices, which regularly fluctuate. An electric scooter will, on average, add $10 to your monthly electric bill.
3. Convenient
The average urban commuter spends more time on the road stuck in traffic than mobile. Traffic congestion wastes time and causes mental stress and exhaustion. An electric scooter is compact enough to fit through smaller paths that larger vehicles cannot. Furthermore, it can fit in bike lanes. Some cities even allow scootering on sidewalks.
Disadvantages of the E-scooter
- Lower Range
Electric kick scooters have lower specs than motorcycles and conventional scooters. Their average maximum range is only 10 to 25 miles. The Flash Motors Infinity X hyperscooter touts a maximum range of 70 miles.
2. Long Charging Time
The long charging time is one of the most common complaints regarding electric vehicles. Depending on battery capacity, an e-scooter can take 4 to 20 hours to charge from empty to full. Infinity X only takes 6 hours to charge fully despite having four times the range.
3. Lacking Infrastructure
Despite growing popularity and expanding government support, most cities lack infrastructure for electric scooter riders, including charging stations, scooter-dedicated parking spaces, and repair shops. However, this has consistently improved in recent years, especially in locations with shared mobility service providers.
Conclusion
Electric scooter technology has made immense leaps in recent years, enhancing the PEV’s strengths while mitigating its weaknesses. By 2023, e-scooters may match the performance of their current-generation gas-powered counterparts.
