Riding an electric scooter for adults is easy when you learn the proper way to ride one. However, actual riding conditions make it difficult for some to ride an e-scooter. One aspect of e-scooter riding that many beginners find challenging is riding an electric scooter uphill and downhill.
How do you ride hills properly to keep yourself safe and to avoid pushing your e-scooter to its limits? Before you buy electric scooters for sale online, make sure to read this electric scooter guide on electric scooter hill riding.
Can Electric Scooters Go Uphill?
Definitely. However, most commuter electric scooters can only climb low inclines with 10-15% hill grade. That’s a slope of 5-10 degrees, such as a low ramp. Moreover, note that gravity will slow down an e-scooter while climbing, making it a bit difficult for your e-scooter. So, climbing steep hills successfully requires an e-scooter with a larger battery and motor. Learn more about the factors affecting hill climbing.
Tips to Ride an Electric Scooter Uphill
1. Charge Your E-scooter Before Riding
Make sure your e-scooter has a full battery before taking on routes with hills. Riding hills uses a higher motor power since the e-scooter will need more power to pull you while going against gravity. As a result, it will deplete the battery easily.
You may also want to get an e-scooter with a swappable battery system like the Mearth S Series to ensure that you have enough juice to climb slopes and make it to your destination.
2. Stand Properly on the E-scooter
When you are about to climb a slope, position yourself properly on the e-scooter. Make sure that your feet are stable and your balance is centred. As you climb, lean forward to distribute your weight to the front. Don’t go over the handlebars to avoid toppling forward.
Also, make sure to bend your knees slightly to reduce your weight. Doing this stance will also help your e-scooter pull you forward easily, reducing the strain on its motor.
3. Speed Up When Climbing
Speed up when climbing so your e-scooter can pull you properly, especially on steep inclines. Make sure that your e-scooter is on normal or sports mode to get the most speed and power from your e-scooter.
However, always be mindful of your surroundings when speeding up. If there are other vehicles and pedestrians near you, climb a steady pace instead. Only speed up if you start to slow down as you climb. Remember to prioritise your and others safety while riding.
4. Gain Momentum
Try to gain momentum before you set foot on the slope to give your e-scooter an extra boost. It is highly recommended for hills steeper than 15% or long inclines. You will need to speed up before the climb to get the right momentum. Gaining momentum will also help you climb the top faster and easier. However, always be mindful of your surroundings to avoid accidents.
5. Carry Less Load
Lastly, avoid going near or over the maximum load of your e-scooter. The heavier the load, the more challenging it is for your e-scooter to carry you uphill. So, pack light and wear light clothing if possible. Bringing heavy items with you or going over the maximum load will only put a strain on your e-scooter motor and make it difficult to go uphill.
Tips to Ride an Electric Scooter Downhill
1. Shift Your Weight Backwards
When riding an electric scooter downhill, shift your weight backwards by leaning to the back. However, make sure to maintain your balance to avoid falling and keep your control on the e-scooter. Sliding back will allow you to balance the weight on the e-scooter since gravity will pull the weight forward. Moreover, it will help you slow down as you go downhill.
2. Slow Down
Your speed will be faster downhill since gravity will be pulling you downward. So, make sure to stop accelerating and reduce your speed as you go downhill. Slowing down will make it safer for you and allow you to have better control of the e-scooter. Moreover, it is easier to avoid obstacles and other vehicles when you slow down.
3. Brake Slowly When Turning
A basic and important thing to remember is to use the brake slowly as you approach a turn or corner. Reducing your speed further when turning will allow you to manoeuvre your e-scooter better. Modulating your speed will remove the excessive force that can send your e-scooter spiralling onto the road.
However, make sure to release the brakes when you enter the corner or turn to avoid locking your wheels and skidding. Practice this on your e-scooter before hitting the road to keep yourself safe on the road.
4. Look Ahead
Some riders tend to look at the wheels when riding downhill. Avoid doing this as it can be dangerous. Learn to look far ahead so you can see the terrain and obstacles that you might run into.
Going downhill on steep hills is scary for some, especially beginner riders. So, make sure to practice riding downhill in a safe area before you take on different routes. Overall, practice looking ahead instead of anywhere else to train your focus while riding and keep yourself safe on the road.
The Best Electric Scooter for Hill Climbing
The best hill climbing electric scooter includes a powerful motor, a large battery, and a durable body that can take on steep hills and different terrains. Considering these factors, Mearth developed the Mearth GTS Series to provide riders with a powerful off-road e-scooter that has a max slope of 30.0%.
Plus, the GTS MAX offers a top speed of up to 70 kph, up to 100 km, and a max load of 150 kg. Overall, the Mearth GTS and GTS MAX make a great heavy-duty electric scooter for hill climbing and off-road riding.
Overall, choose a powerful electric scooter that offers a steep hill grade if you need to ride hills for your daily rides. Also, try to take an electric scooter uphill test by signing up for a test ride. Mearth offers test rides on all our e-scooter series. Schedule a test ride today.
