Electric scooters have been around for years. But recently, they have become increasingly popular in urban cities, residential areas, and campuses. Watching the recent popularity of these personal transporters has put one question in the mind of people: Is an electric scooter worth it?
Imagine the incredible feeling of zapping around the city with the wind sweeping through your hair. You’re moving seamlessly, not hindered by traffic jams, and you arrive at your destination without breaking a sweat. Riding an electric scooter comes with an ecstatic feeling, but does it really make sense to jump on the bandwagon? Is an electric scooter worth it? Let’s find out in the following paragraphs.
These Are the Costs of Owning an Electric Scooter
To find out if an electric scooter is worth it, you must consider the financial implications. You need to ask how much electric scooters cost, and if the price is justifiable.
The cost of a micromobility device varies depending on the model and quality. A high-end scooter with an impressive range, speed, and general performance will probably cost at least $1,500.
Before you buy one, you should do some research. Check the product’s technical specifications and user reviews from the manufacturer’s e-commerce stores. This way, you’d be able to know if it’s exactly what you need and if the people who bought it before you got some value for their money.
Apart from the cost of scooters, you should also consider the cost of protective gear. This is because while driving around the city in your commuter is fun, electric scooter accidents are quite common, and you don’t want to get in an accident without appropriate protection.
Costs of an E-scooter Vs. Costs of Other Means of Transportation
When you consider other means of transportation such as cars, bicycles, trains, etc., you may be tempted to ask, “Is an electric scooter worth it when I can just use other means of transportation?” Let’s explore that angle briefly:
E-scooter Vs. Car
Before you can buy a new car, you should have an average of $42,258. This price may be higher or lower depending on the kind of car you want to buy, but ultimately, the cost runs into tens of thousands of dollars. On the other hand, the cost of a high-quality e-scooter, like the Äike T for example, is below $2,000.
Considering this incredible price difference, what do you think? Is an electric scooter worth it? Your guess is as good as mine. When it comes to buying a car, the cost doesn’t stop at the purchase price. You have to also spend money on buying petrol and routine maintenance.
If it’s an electric car, you don’t have to buy petrol, but you will still spend money on charging your battery at charging stations. Yes, it is true that electric scooters also require charging, but the cost of charging them isn’t as high as what it costs to charge electric cars. If you buy an Äike T, for instance, you can even use your phone or laptop’s USB-C adapter to charge your device at home or anywhere. On the other hand, you have to charge your electric car at designated charging centers or spend huge amounts of money on setting up your charging station at home.
E-scooter Vs. Public Transportation
Using public transportation is a good way to get around if you’re going to a long distance that you can’t cover with your personal mini-transporter. However, if you’re trying to cover a short distance, you will enjoy more flexibility and freedom zapping down there with your personal mini-ride instead of sitting on a bus or taxi.
E-scooter Vs. Gas-fueled Scooter
Electric commuters get their power from electricity, so they’re more eco-friendly than the gas-fueled variants. The gas-powered mini transporters pollutants such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter (PM), which pollute the environment. They also need regular refueling, oil change, and engine maintenance, unlike electric commuters.
E-scooter Vs. Ride-sharing Services
Using an electric personal commuter may be more cost-effective than ride-sharing for short distances. However, using a ride-sharing service may be more convenient than looking for a docking station to park your ride if it’s not portable, or if you’re visiting a place where you can’t just carry your device into. In terms of flexibility, electric commuters are your best bet as you can use them on bike lanes and sidewalks; you can avoid traffic, and change your route as often as you want.
10 Reasons Why an Electric Scooter Is Worth It
Here are 10 reasons why electric scooters are worth it:
- Reduced dependence on fossil fuels.
- Fun and efficient means of transportation.
- It’s a form of physical exercise.
- Flexibility of routes and destinations.
- Convenient for short trips and moving around urban cities.
- Environmentally friendly and sustainable.
- Cost-effective to purchase.
- Low maintenance cost.
- Zero noise pollution.
- Easier and more convenient to park than cars.
Does Owning an E-scooter Also Have Disadvantages?
Buying a micromobility device isn’t all glitters. There are also some downsides. They include:
- Limited range and battery life: Your mini commuter won’t give you as much range as your car. Furthermore, the battery has a limited life, so it may not always be as efficient as you want it to be.
- Regulatory conditions: Some countries have strict regulations for riding scooters on their streets. These may include speed limits, restricted areas, and the need for licensing. Hence, it’s important to read the local regulations before you make that purchase.
- Safety Concerns: Unlike cars that come with seat belts and an enclosed space, your electric commuter leaves you exposed when accidents happen. To mitigate the effects, it is necessary to always wear your safety gear, and avoid over-speeding.
- Theft and Vandalism: Micromobility devices are easy to steal and vandalize. This is why you need to only buy a product like Äike T, which comes with GPS protection and theft warranty.
Final Thoughts
So, are electric scooters worth it? The answer is yes. They’re worth every penny you invest in buying them. They provide you with ease, convenience, and an affordable and sustainable way of commuting around urban cities. To get the best experience, buy the Äike T, and enjoy all the premium features of choosing a smart brand. The cost of operating the Äike T e-scooter is impressively economical, coming in at just €0.22 for every 100 kilometers traveled, assuming a fixed electricity price of €0.15 per kWh. So, whether you’re zipping through the city or embarking on longer journeys, the Äike T e-scooter offers both affordability and sustainability in your transportation choices.
