E-scooter Advice and opinions

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Geekeneer

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#260195 15-Nov-2019 11:34

As per title.

My scenario:

Travel about 1.7 Km's to work.

My wife drops me off because no parking in CBD. Other guys from office park about 800m away the other direction at free parking, if they can find. Walking takes me about 25 minutes from/to home.

So I thought why not an E-scooter, this would be perfect. But I have no clue regarding brands etc. and differences between these.

I do know about the Xiaomi M365 but what other options are there or someone would recommend. Also, M365 pro version worth it?

Some places (My PBTech store) also do not have these open for test rides, so very difficult to choose. In addition, I can only compare to Lime Scooter, the only E-scooter I've tried, which I thought was pretty fun, very responsive and quite quick going up to 20km/h.

BlueOwl

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#2353968 15-Nov-2019 11:50

In Auckland? Visit Freed they have multiple models which you can test ride, almost any of which will suit you fine.

jonathan18

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#2354060 15-Nov-2019 11:55

Search and ye shall find...

There's also a long thread on the M365; can't recall if it includes discussion of the Pro, but still worth having a read through if thinking of getting an e-scooter - https://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=162&topicid=242186

Before you look for specific models, have a think about things like:

* hills - will you be climbing hills of any kind? (in which case you want something more grunty than an M365; my Zero 10 has no problems with slopes)

* comfort - do you want suspension? Air tyres? (in which case, put in Slime, as the tyres can be a dog to get off and on if you get a flat)

* speed - some go way faster than 20km; my Zero 10 will do 40+ on a full battery and on the flat

* where will you ride - road or footpath?

* size/weight - do you need to take it on public transport? Carry it up stairs? The powerful scooters are heavy as, and neither fold particularly small or are easily carried.

1.7km is nothing for an e-scooter, and if that's it's sole use, and the route is fairly flat etc, I'd not bother going for something too big and powerful.

But also think about whether you may expand its use; eg, I find it often more convenient/faster to use my scooter to go to the supermarket than taking the car (way quicker when traffic is heavy).

I started with an M365, but quickly found it somewhat slow and unbalanced. Larger wheels really do improve the ride comfort and stability, especially when looking behind. (the Zero 10 has 10", compared to 8 on the Mi)

Scott3

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#2354179 15-Nov-2019 12:24

Regarding the 1000W Zero 10, and other high power e-scooters, note that these covered by the e-scooter gazette notice, and hence are considered motor vehicles.

https://gazette.govt.nz/notice/id/2018-au4674

As such (unless you register it as a motor vehicle, which is challenging), they are illegal to use on public roads, and regardless if they are registered, they arn't allowed on footpaths.

It seems a few people on here have had no issues with law enforcement using higher powered e-scooters (given they look similar to lime scooters etc.), but be aware of the legal risks.

Frankly I think our laws in this are need an update. In a world where climate change is a big deal, it is strange that it is illegal to take a segway to the shops, but it is legal to take a v8 dodge ram.

Geekeneer

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#2354226 15-Nov-2019 13:17

BlueOwl:

In Auckland? Visit Freed they have multiple models which you can test ride, almost any of which will suit you fine.

No, Bay of Plenty, but I did check their website. Seems a tad expensive but looks like quality scooters.

Geekeneer

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#2354228 15-Nov-2019 13:28

jonathan18:

Search and ye shall find...

https://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=162&topicid=245371
https://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=162&topicid=257120
There's also a long thread on the M365; can't recall if it includes discussion of the Pro, but still worth having a read through if thinking of getting an e-scooter - https://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=162&topicid=242186

Before you look for specific models, have a think about things like:

* hills - will you be climbing hills of any kind? (in which case you want something more grunty than an M365; my Zero 10 has no problems with slopes)

* comfort - do you want suspension? Air tyres? (in which case, put in Slime, as the tyres can be a dog to get off and on if you get a flat)

* speed - some go way faster than 20km; my Zero 10 will do 40+ on a full battery and on the flat

* where will you ride - road or footpath?

* size/weight - do you need to take it on public transport? Carry it up stairs? The powerful scooters are heavy as, and neither fold particularly small or are easily carried.

1.7km is nothing for an e-scooter, and if that's it's sole use, and the route is fairly flat etc, I'd not bother going for something too big and powerful.

But also think about whether you may expand its use; eg, I find it often more convenient/faster to use my scooter to go to the supermarket than taking the car (way quicker when traffic is heavy).

I started with an M365, but quickly found it somewhat slow and unbalanced. Larger wheels really do improve the ride comfort and stability, especially when looking behind. (the Zero 10 has 10", compared to 8 on the Mi)

Thanks I'll give these threads a read.

From a quick glance I see a lot of people are happy with the M365, and like it better compared to Lime. I noticed your comment too in the thread.

Exactly the info I was looking for. I guess I'll be checking out the Segway brand too.

I will have a small hill going up my road to my house, not sure of gradient, will try and get it.

Not really sure what comfort is in terms of scooters as I have nothing to compare to, beside Lime. I did notice that Lime felt a bit bumpy.

Speed wise, not really keen to go above 25km/h. Lime felt very quick at about 18km/h while navigating sidewalks and people.

Most riding will be foothpath and one stretch of road where demarcated bike lanes exist.

Size/weight does not matter. no stairs, entire route will be along foothapths so no steps involved getting on/off pavements.

Will probably need to fold to take in office though, though not a train smash, we have a wet room at entrance, and bike parking, which is undercover, but still open to weather elements.

Cannot compare wrt to wheel size as I have no comparison. THinking maybe the M365 will be OK to start off with just like you.

How long did you use it for before upgrading?

I will also be checking out for second hand but not much in this area been advertised.

Tracer

343 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2354231 15-Nov-2019 13:34

Scott3:

Regarding the 1000W Zero 10, and other high power e-scooters, note that these covered by the e-scooter gazette notice, and hence are considered motor vehicles.

https://gazette.govt.nz/notice/id/2018-au4674

As such (unless you register it as a motor vehicle, which is challenging), they are illegal to use on public roads, and regardless if they are registered, they arn't allowed on footpaths.

It seems a few people on here have had no issues with law enforcement using higher powered e-scooters (given they look similar to lime scooters etc.), but be aware of the legal risks.

Frankly I think our laws in this are need an update. In a world where climate change is a big deal, it is strange that it is illegal to take a segway to the shops, but it is legal to take a v8 dodge ram.

300 W is a stupidly low limit. Find me a mobility scooter with <= 300 W total power.

jonathan18

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#2354287 15-Nov-2019 14:31

Most riding will be foothpath and one stretch of road where demarcated bike lanes exist.

Just be aware that, as per the rules re power, another even more stupid rule is that scooters, even those other otherwise legally able to drive on the roads, are legally not allowed on cycle lanes; they are restricted to cycles. You can use cycle paths, even when shared with pedestrians.

That said, just like the power rule, thus far police seem to be not policing these limitations. When I first started riding my scooter I'd avoid using the cycle lanes but that didn't last long; it's by far the best place to ride on the road.

As far as riding on the footpath - I think I lasted less than a week of solely riding on the footpath, and had given up completely within about three. This was mainly for reasons of safety - cars coming in and out of driveways were such a huge risk, plus it's apparently far more acceptable to leave footpaths in far worse a condition than roads; after I nearly went head over heels where contractors had filled a trench with soft sand I decided it just wasn't worth it. Plus many footpaths have dips for driveways, which makes for a bumpy ride.

I started getting frustrated with the lack of oomph of my M365 within a few weeks; it's probably not a big issue (other than if you have hills) if you won't be riding on the road, as it causes problems if you're having to negotiate with cars. I just found the Mi didn't have enough acceleration or a high enough top speed to get myself out of risky situations where car drivers were simply not computing that a scooter was on the road and that they needed to follow the road rules!

The ride on the Mi is way better than Lime etc; I had been worried it would be bone-crunching like the Lime scooters, so was pleasantly surprised how much different pneumatic tyres made. Personally I'd avoid one with solid tyres for this reason. Suspension makes another big difference to comfort, but adds weight and cost.

The Mi do occasionally come up s/h - I sold mine via GZ within the day of listing - but I recommend being careful about checking out its condition before going this route; they're well-built for the price, but there are a few points of weakness, and my impression is it's more designed as a quality toy rather than a true commuter's vehicle. I'd be interested to see how they are a few years down the line after daily use. (That said, I have serious questions over the some aspects of the quality of my Zero 10, and that cost close to $2k). There are heaps of other options out there, so I suggest do your research and if at all possible take some for a spin, even if they requires taking a trip to Akld.

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Geekeneer

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#2354316 15-Nov-2019 16:16

jonathan18:

Most riding will be foothpath and one stretch of road where demarcated bike lanes exist.

Just be aware that, as per the rules re power, another even more stupid rule is that scooters, even those other otherwise legally able to drive on the roads, are legally not allowed on cycle lanes; they are restricted to cycles. You can use cycle paths, even when shared with pedestrians.

That said, just like the power rule, thus far police seem to be not policing these limitations. When I first started riding my scooter I'd avoid using the cycle lanes but that didn't last long; it's by far the best place to ride on the road.

As far as riding on the footpath - I think I lasted less than a week of solely riding on the footpath, and had given up completely within about three. This was mainly for reasons of safety - cars coming in and out of driveways were such a huge risk, plus it's apparently far more acceptable to leave footpaths in far worse a condition than roads; after I nearly went head over heels where contractors had filled a trench with soft sand I decided it just wasn't worth it. Plus many footpaths have dips for driveways, which makes for a bumpy ride.

I started getting frustrated with the lack of oomph of my M365 within a few weeks; it's probably not a big issue (other than if you have hills) if you won't be riding on the road, as it causes problems if you're having to negotiate with cars. I just found the Mi didn't have enough acceleration or a high enough top speed to get myself out of risky situations where car drivers were simply not computing that a scooter was on the road and that they needed to follow the road rules!

The ride on the Mi is way better than Lime etc; I had been worried it would be bone-crunching like the Lime scooters, so was pleasantly surprised how much different pneumatic tyres made. Personally I'd avoid one with solid tyres for this reason. Suspension makes another big difference to comfort, but adds weight and cost.

The Mi do occasionally come up s/h - I sold mine via GZ within the day of listing - but I recommend being careful about checking out its condition before going this route; they're well-built for the price, but there are a few points of weakness, and my impression is it's more designed as a quality toy rather than a true commuter's vehicle. I'd be interested to see how they are a few years down the line after daily use. (That said, I have serious questions over the some aspects of the quality of my Zero 10, and that cost close to $2k). There are heaps of other options out there, so I suggest do your research and if at all possible take some for a spin, even if they requires taking a trip to Akld.

Thank you very much.

Also, did you have the M365 Pro?

michaelmurfy

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#2354317 15-Nov-2019 16:26

I had a modified M365 (adding more power - increasing top speed to 30km/h) and found it great until I liquid damaged it. The M365 + Pro have their electronics down the bottom and this isn't waterproof meaning if you make the mistake (like I did) of running through a puddle you risk bricking your scooter. I however am a heavy user.

I bought a Ninebot ES4 (https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/HEASGW0005/Segway-Ninebot-ES4-Kick-Electric-Scooter-Portable) which I note is currently on a Black Friday deal (and thus, likely Cyber Monday) and it is excellent. Solid tyres, low maintenance and has been rather reliable. I did get 1500km worth of travel done on it before the back brake broke however PB have got this in repair for me.

The ES4 in performance mode has enough grunt to make it up some hills depending on your weight. I find, for my needs, it is a great all-around scooter for the price with a top speed of 30km/h and plenty of power and battery. I'd recommend it over the M365 Pro.

The other problem with the M365 was the air filled tyres. This is both a blessing and a curse, the blessing is you don't feel things on the footpath / road as much but the curse is they're easy to puncher and repairing the tyres is a very annoying process (just look at the many YouTube videos). If you do get a M365, go down to Super Cheap Auto and grab some "Slime" on the first day as it'll save your arse.

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mattwnz

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#2354318 15-Nov-2019 16:27

jonathan18:

Most riding will be foothpath and one stretch of road where demarcated bike lanes exist.

Just be aware that, as per the rules re power, another even more stupid rule is that scooters, even those other otherwise legally able to drive on the roads, are legally not allowed on cycle lanes; they are restricted to cycles. You can use cycle paths, even when shared with pedestrians.

As far as riding on the footpath - I think I lasted less than a week of solely riding on the footpath, and had given up completely within about three. This was mainly for reasons of safety - cars coming in and out of driveways were such a huge risk, plus it's apparently far more acceptable to leave footpaths in far worse a condition than roads; after I nearly went head over heels where contractors had filled a trench with soft sand I decided it just wasn't worth it. Plus many footpaths have dips for driveways, which makes for a bumpy ride.

In my area cycle lane symbols were all removed, and so it is just a piece of road space beside the pavement. Guessing they don't legally comply with the definition of a cycle lane, or ot considered safe enough, as they were also used by cars to park in? The surface was also full of pot holes etc, so the council decided that any resealing of he road would only be on the inner part of the road to save money, rather across the full width of the road. So the outer edges and the middle, were the older surface.

Cycles aren't supposed to be ridden on teh footpath, but so many people do , and it can be dangerous with cars pulling out or driveways. But IMO it is just as donerious to rid a bik on teh road where there are cars parked, as you don't know when as a cycle, that a car door will open. I know someone who was killed when tthey rode their pshbike into an car door that was opened, and they were then run over by a truck. It is dangerous out there. Dedicated cycleways separated from the road, that can be divide up for e-bioke etc, IMO is a good idea. But traveling by electric car is probably the safest and least polluting way to personally travel IMO

Geekeneer

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#2354335 15-Nov-2019 16:57

michaelmurfy:

I had a modified M365 (adding more power - increasing top speed to 30km/h) and found it great until I liquid damaged it. The M365 + Pro have their electronics down the bottom and this isn't waterproof meaning if you make the mistake (like I did) of running through a puddle you risk bricking your scooter. I however am a heavy user.

I bought a Ninebot ES4 (https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/HEASGW0005/Segway-Ninebot-ES4-Kick-Electric-Scooter-Portable) which I note is currently on a Black Friday deal (and thus, likely Cyber Monday) and it is excellent. Solid tyres, low maintenance and has been rather reliable. I did get 1500km worth of travel done on it before the back brake broke however PB have got this in repair for me.

The ES4 in performance mode has enough grunt to make it up some hills depending on your weight. I find, for my needs, it is a great all-around scooter for the price with a top speed of 30km/h and plenty of power and battery. I'd recommend it over the M365 Pro.

The other problem with the M365 was the air filled tyres. This is both a blessing and a curse, the blessing is you don't feel things on the footpath / road as much but the curse is they're easy to puncher and repairing the tyres is a very annoying process (just look at the many YouTube videos). If you do get a M365, go down to Super Cheap Auto and grab some "Slime" on the first day as it'll save your arse.

So I guess its safe to say the M365 is a no-go at all if its raining outside?

Thanks, didn't take this into consideration.

I wasn't going to use it in full on rain, I would have braved out slight drizzles, but I guess risk is too high of hitting puddles even while slightly raining.