When you consider how convenient, and downright cool, self-balancing scooters can be, it should come as no surprise that these things are flying off the shelves. As these two-wheeled scooters have grown in popularity, the demand has skyrocketed. What may make these even more enticing of a purchase is that these two-wheeled self-balancing scooters have come down drastically in price, making them a feasible investment for nearly anybody.
The great news about scooters is that there are some fantastic options to choose from on the market right now. The bad news is that, as this trend grows, so does the number of options that are available. Therefore, there are some scooters out there that may be great, but not perfect for what you are looking for.
In order to find the perfect two-wheeled option for you, here is a self-balancing scooters buyer’s guide that will help you make your purchase.
Things To Consider
There are a variety of different considerations that you’ll want to make when purchasing a two-wheeled scooter. These considerations include how fast the unit goes, how much it weighs and how big it is, how long it’ll last between charges, and much more. In addition, you’ll want to make sure that your self-balancing scooter is perfect at representing your style and personality.
In no particular order, some things to consider when buying a self-balancing two-wheeled scooter include:
Speed
Everyone wants to go fast, but the truth is that you may never go much more than 10 miles per hour. If that sounds slow, it may be when you are in a car. But when you are on a self-balancing board with the wind zipping past you, you’ll realize that 10mph is plenty fast enough.
When looking at the speed for your two-wheeled scooter, look for a model that is ideal for the speeds that you need. Slower speeds may be better for conservative riders, while faster units are available as well. Depending on how important this is to you, make sure you look for a model that can accommodate.
Riding Capabilities
Along with speed, make sure that your two-wheeled scooter can handle what you’ll be riding through. For example, are you heading off road and onto more bumpy terrain? Or are you just heading to class on a relatively flat path? Most self-balancing boards aren’t going to be able to handle incredibly rough terrain, so you may want to look for a model that can at least handle anything out of the ordinary that you plan to ride through.
Size
The size of your board will be a big factor when you go to store your board or take it with you while traveling. Many boards come with a standard frame of 12x25x12 inches. However, those dimensions start to vary as you get into models that are specific for different riding conditions or terrains. If you plan on storing your board once you get to your destination, or if you plan on taking it with you on a plane, be sure that it fits the size restrictions set in place.
Battery Life
Your two-wheeled scooter won’t be any fun if you have to continually put it on the charger because its battery is dead. Due to the power that is required to run a two-wheeled scooter, the battery life can be limited. However, there are some models out there that will run for much longer than the competition. An average charge time is anywhere between 60-90 minutes. For some units, this results in as much as 6 hours of riding time. Use this scale as you look for your own board, but keep it mind that it does vary between self-balancing scooter models.
Control
It’s likely going to take you some time to get used to riding a two-wheeled scooter if you’ve never done so before. Even if you are familiar with riding on a skateboard, the idea of inverting the position in which you’ll be riding is something that everyone will need to adjust to. The good news is that once you do get familiar with how it feels to ride, you’ll love the control you have over your self-balancing scooter.
When purchasing your scooter, make sure to find a board that offers precision turning and control. The last thing you want is to feel uncomfortable while riding, or as if you are continually off balance.
Appearance
You are going to stand out as it is every time you hop on your two-wheel self-balancing scooter. But in order to make sure that your board is perfect for you, another consideration you’ll want to make is appearance. While some boards offer few frills in terms of appearance, others come with different colors, lights, sounds, and more.
Other Considerations To Plan For
As popular as the self-balancing scooter industry is right now, it’s also one that can be a bit confusing. Therefore, some other things to consider before buying include:
Backorder
Time and time again, you’ll see that scooters can get on backorder. If you intend to purchase around the holidays, plan well ahead to make sure that you get the board you want. Otherwise, you may have to end up waiting or settling on a different board.
Rules and Regulations
Before you hop on and start riding, be familiar with any rules and regulations that may be relevant in your city or town. While some areas classify two-wheeled scooters in the same category as skateboards and bikes, you may experience issues due to the fact that it’s motorized. To make sure everyone is safe, be considerate of rules that are in place where you’re riding.
Children & Other Riders
On the topic of safety, another consideration includes being cautious of other riders. Once you get your self-balancing two-wheeled scooter, don’t let inexperienced riders take off without your help. Your scooter should be nothing but fun, and you can keep it that way by ensuring everyone’s safety.
You’re going to love your brand new two-wheeled self-balancing scooter. To ensure that you get the board that is best for you, consider the tips here in this buyer’s guide.