Friday, February 26, 2010

Electric Scooters- What An Experience!

Our kids have ridden electric scooters for about 2 years. We bought them each a Currie electric scooter for Christmas.

My wife and I have watched them become quite attached to their scooters. They now ride with several other children almost daily.

They almost look like a scooter "caravan", as they traverse the neighborhood!
They even have learned to do a few tricks, such as jumping ramps, and so far no casualties.

My wife and I have now decided to buy an electric scooter. We think riding the scooters would be a great source of recreation, and a way to get out of the house.

Luckily, we have some great biking trails nearby that would be perfect for riding an electric motor scooter, too.

Of course, now we need to do some serious shopping for electric scooters that are intended primarily for older kids and adults. Currie scooters, which our kids ride, are really for kids and adults, so we look at them first.

We have been pleased with their reliability and quality.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Should An Adult Ride An Electric Scooter?

Not very long ago, I posed the question to myself; "should an adult ride an electric scooter?"

The concept of an adult electric scooter was not new to me, as my neighbor has ridden one for a few years.

My children have ridden them as well. My oldest son,(13 years old), has a "spiffy" 500 watt electric scooter.

He whizzes around on it at speeds reaching 15 mph, and has a blast!

So, privately I have always had an interest in owning one for myself. My neighbor's electric motor scooter is actually street "legal", and he frequently runs errands to nearby stores.

He still has to take back streets, as his model has a top speed of 21 mph. It does, however, have a headlight, tail lights, and a directional signal.

Consequently, he can readily drive after dark!

As far as I am concerned, the only electric vehicle that I have ever driven, is a golf cart. Actually, because we live in Southern California, I have always entertained the idea of ownong one of them.

The problem with that is pretty obvious, I am a lousy golfer, and don't play much. It just would not be practical.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Electric Scooters Sure Are Fun!


I have ridden an electric motor scooter for almost a year now, and I've got to admit that they sure are fun! My son is the veteran of the family, as he has ridden for almost 3 years now!

Originally, I didn't intend to buy an electric scooter. My favorite way of getting out in the fresh air was to play golf.

Unfortunately, I rarely found myself out on the course very often. I always seem to be too busy.

One day my son approached me with the idea of taking a test ride on his
electric scooter. His model could handle riders up to 240 lbs, and I was about a 6 pack shy of that, so I decided to give it a shot.

Luckily, he had a seat that could be adjusted, as we are different heights. Starting it up couldn't be easier, just push a button, and off I went!

I was amazed at how smooth the ride was! Even though it is only about 60 lbs, it took the bumps very well. It is also extremely quiet, too
!
I thought to myself, "this is no cheap electric scooter!"

I rode for about 15 minutes, and I did not want to use up all the charge in the battery, so I turned it back over to my son.

I ordered mine the next day!


Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Electric Scooters Are Taking Over My Neighborhood!

Help! There is an electric motor scooter chasing me! Nope- not really. It just FEELS that way.

It seems That just about every day I see a new kid on an electric scooter buzzing around our neuighborhood.

Actually, it's not just kids. I have two neighbors of mine who are in my age group that ride almost daily.

One of them has a cheap electric scooter that he bought online, and the other has a much nicer model.

Luckily, for the most part they are quiet, although it does rile up my dog a bit. The other day, my neighbor who has the nice model,(resembles one of those "Vespa" scooters), cam e whizzing by me while I was walking on the sidewalk.

He has a fast electric scooter, and he has no business riding on the sidewalk like the kids. He needs to pay attention to the term "street legal".

Frankly, I would be a liar if I didn't admit that I was considering buying one for myself. You can get a pretty decent model for around 450.00 on Amazon.com.

I'll probably check around, and read some reviews on various models. Amazon has excellent reviews on most of their products.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Discover The Joys Of An Electric Scooter!

It seems like an eternity ago that my wife and I decided to buy an electric scooter for our daughter Lisa.

She never would ride her bike, and we were racking our brains trying to think of some way to get her outside in the fresh air.

Finally, we talked to our neighbor who has 3 electric scooters in the family, and he was the one who "sold" us on the idea of buying one.

Luckily, we had him to kind of "guide" us through the purchase. To buy electric scooters was a totally new experience for us!

He said that we could expect to pay anywhere from 100.00 to 500.00, for a good electric scooter. Also, he said that most electric scooters for kids have a top speed of about 10 mph. He actually had a fast el;ectric scooter, that had a top speed of 20+ mph!

We ended up getting her a "Euro" style scooter, with a built in docking station for her iPod, and an F.M. radio.

She LOVES it! In fact, she has 3 girlfriends that also have electric scooters, and they go riding practically everyday.

Now, it's hard to get her back in the house! We like the scooter so much, that my wife and I are considering buying one for ourselves!

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Electric Scooters Are Good Old Fashioned "Fun"!

Recently, we bought our youngest son a Razor E100 electric scooter for his 9th birthday.

Several of his friends have various models of electric scooters, and he had been begging us for weeks to get him one.

We got him the E100 model because we felt like it was the best "entry level" scooter for younger kids.

It requires a little push before activating the motor, so in that sense it is a little like his traditional scooter.

Despite being for younger kids, his scooter zips along pretty good. We figure that it has a top speed of 10+ mph! He can actually go faster than his friends are able to on their bikes!

Now, he is riding his scooter with some of the older kids in the neighborhood. We have a neighbor who rides an X Treme X 600 high performance electric scooter. It is a model intended for teenagers and adults.

It has a top speed of 23 mph! MUCH too fast for a 9 year old.

In retrospect, we probably should have gotten him a
Razor E200S seated electric scooter
. It has a removable and adjustable seat, which definitely comes in handy for longer trips.

Especially considering it can run continuously for 45 minutes on a single charge!

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Shopping For Electric Scooters- More Helpful Tips

Naturally, when you are shopping for anything, you want to get the best "deal".

And this is equally true when you are looking to buy an electric scooter.

However, in your quest to find the best bargain available, don't overlook some key factors.

Firstly, don't simply look for a cheap electric scooter. I know that sounds obvious, but some people get so caught up in saving money, they forget why they wanted an electric scooter for in the first place!

Frankly speaking, just like evrything else in this world, with electric scooters you get what you pay for. When a price seems too good to be true, start being suspicious.

For example, check the reputation of the manufacturer. Read reviews about the model you are looking at, if they are available.

Better yet, try and find the model in a store in your local area, and look at it "in person".

The point is, what you really want is the best electric scooter for the dollars you are investing. THAT is the real key!

Stick with reputable companies such as Razor USA, Schwinn, and Currie Technologies. These are companies that will stand by their warranties, and provide replacement parts.

Friday, February 19, 2010

The 4 Main Types Of Electric Scooters

When I first started to my shopping for electric scooters, the only kind I was familiar with was an electric mobility scooter.

My mom used one in her retirement community. Now, don't get me wrong, I knew about classic "push" style scooters.

Just about all of us had one of those when we were kids.

But after I looked around for awhile, I realized that I had ALOT to learn about the different types of electric scooters.

I discovered electric scooters for kids, which target youngsters between the ages of 8-14 years of age. Razor USA is one of the main "players" in that market.

Most of those models have a top speed of 10 mph, and have a 350 watt motor. Also, some models are a seated electric scooter, while others have no seats.

It is not unusual for them to run continuously for up to 45 minutes on a single charge, Re-charging generally takes 8-10 hours.

I also discovered that Currie Technologies specialized in a adult electric scooter. Often, these models can handle riders up to 260 lbs, and travel up to a top speed of 20 mph!

Motor sizes can reach 1000 watts, and require a 36 volt battery pack! Adults love to ride them while performing short errands and trips.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

3 Popular Electric Scooters For Young Children

As I have mentioned previously, the Razor E100 electric scooter is the most popular Razor product.

It targets young children between the ages of 8 years- 11 years of age.

It is also the best selling electric scooter on Amazon.com. There are several reasons for it's popularity.

Firstly, it is extremely easy to use. Basically, all the child has to do is push a button to activate the motor.

Children who have experience with traditional "push" scooters, find it very easy to make the transition to this electric scooter. It even requires a slight push to activate the motor!

The top speed of 10 mph is fast enough to keep kids interested, yet not so fast that it scares them. It is a safe top speed, as well. Children are already familiar with the hand style brakes, because they are used on bicycles.

The Razor E125 electric scooter is a slightly heavier duty version of the E100, and also quite popular.

The Razor iMod is a "Euro" style electric scooter that is very popular with younger children. Kids can listen to their iPods, or the included F.M. radio while they cruise!

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Electric Razor Scooters- A Kid's Best Friend!

When I first started shopping for kids electric scooters, the name "Razor" kept coming up time and time again!

So finally I decided to investigate, and see what I could find out about the company, and it's product line.

I discovered that Razor USA has been making electric "mini" vehicles for about 10 years.

I say "mini" vehicles, because they make an assortment of products, not just electric vehicles.

Their "mini" vehicles mostly target kids between the ages of 8-14, however some models can handle older kids, and even adults.

The Razor E200S seated electric scooter, for example, can reach a top speed of 12 mph, and handles riders that weigh as much as 180 lbs. Certainly a weight capacity suitable for older kids.

On the other hand, the Razor E125 is more of a "classic" Razor scooter, in that it targets kids between 8-11 years of age.

Razor scooters are noted for their quality, and are the best selling scooters on Amazon.com. They all come with a 90 day warranty.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Tips For Buying Electric Scooters

If you are going to buy electric scooters, you really need to be aware of a few key things.

I should know, because when I bought my daughter her electric scooter, I basically knew nothing about them.

On the surface, that may not sound so bad. However, I made a couple of bad decisions that sort of hindered my daughter's enjoyment of the scooter.

The first thing I did that I regret, was to get her an electric scooter without a seat.

BIG mistake! I found out later that their are plenty of excellent electric scooters that have adjustable and removable seats.

Now, don't get me wrong, we got her a Razor E100 electric scooter, which some people consider the best electric scooter for kids her age.

However, it has the ability to run continuously for up to 45 minutes on a single charge, and that is a long time to be standing up!

Definitely, as she gets older(she is 10 right now), we will get her an electric scooter with a seat, and one that goes faster than 10 mph.

Other than that, it has been an excellent purchase!

Monday, February 15, 2010

Currie Technologies- A Great Value In Electric Scooters

Currie Technologies has been making electric scooters since 1997. They are also avid supporters of the "green movement", which explains their environmentally friendly product line.

They are also leaders in cutting edge battery technology, including their "cutting edge" lithium line.

The majority of their electric scooters are geared toward both older children and adults.

This differentiates Currie from Razor USA, which tends to focus on children ages 8-14.
They have a product line which features the widely popular Ezip 500, which is a 500 watt electric scooter, all the way up to the Currie Ezip 1000, which has a 1000 watt motor.

In between, is the E Zip E750 electric scooter, which features 750 watts of power. Most Currie scooters have a top speed of between 12mph-20+ mph.

The average rider weight capacity on Currie models averages approximately 250 lbs, so they are plenty hardy enough to carry most adults.

Most models will also run continuously for 30 minutes or more on a single charge. Battery packs are generally anywhere from 24 volts-48 volts.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

The Joy Of Electric Scooters

I just bought my 14 year old son a 500 watt electric scooter. He is a big kid, at 185 lbs, so I wanted to make sure his scooter had the power to get him around.

In the world of electric scooters, I certainly had alot of choices! I definitely knew I wanted him to get a scooter that he could perform tricks with.

However, at the same time, it had to have a removable seat that could adjust to his height.

I have discovered that if you are going to buy an electric scooter, you have to be careful. Check out the features and warranty of the model you are considering.

Make sure that you get a separate warranty on the battery pack, preferably for 6 monyhs or more.

Trust me, you don't want a cheap electric scooter. Some cheap models, especially for younger kids, have plastic decks.

Avoid those like the plague! The scooter body should be composed of high tensile steel, and the deck of an abs resin surface.

DON'T accept anything less!

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Electric Scooters Advice


My neighbor approached me the other day with the news that he was going to buy electric scooters for his teeenagers, ages 13 & 14.

We had discussed many times the experiences I had with our family's electric scooters.

He knew that every member of our family has one, because he sees us riding them all the time.

The news kind of surprised me, though, because he had never really seemed that interested.

Naturally, the first thing that he wanted to know was which was the best electric scooter. I told him that it was difficult to really pinpoint the best electric scooter, and it was probably a better idea to go with quality manufacturers.

I suggested Razor USA, Currie Technologies, or Izip electric scooters. With these companies, you can be assured of replacement parts and legitimate warranties.

I also mentioned to him that because his sons are relatively big for their age, a 500 watt electric scooter minimum would be required for an exciting top speed.

He went online and started to do some research, and said he would report back to me on what he found.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Electric Scooter Clubs

My daughter was having so much fun with her new pink electric scooter, she decided to form a neighborhood scooter club.

Several of the other girls in our neighborhood had electric scooters, too, and frequently they would ride together.

So, we thought it would be fun if the girls could go to new, fun destinations and ride their scooters.

We put the idea out to the parents, and they thought it was a great idea! We decided that parents who had trucks could take turns transporating the girls to different places each Saturday.
The parents who were not transporating the girls would pay for the gas and provide lunch.

The great thing about kids electric scooters is that they are lightweight and easy to transport. This is particularly true of my daughter's Razor iMod scooter.

We selected a nearby park for our first ride. It was a good choice because it had biking trails, as well as sidewalks

It also had picnic tables and restrooms.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Electric Scooters- Some Basic Facts

I get asked all the time about electric scooter motors. For example, People want to know if a 500 watt electric scooter is faster than a 350 watt electric scooter.

Or, they will ask me what a "chain driven motor" is.

The fact is, I couldn't explain what a "chain driven" motor is, anymore than I could explain building a Stealth Fighter!

As far as speed goes, their are a few variables. The Ezip 500, for example, has a 500 watt motor that can help it reach a top speed of 15 mph.
The Currie Ezip 1000, on the other hand, has a 1000 watt motor and has the same top speed of 15 mph.

Why? One reason is the weight differential of the two scooters. The Ezip 500 weighs 55 lbs, while the Ezip 1000 tips the scales at a hefty 85 lbs.

Of course, the weight of the rider makes a difference in top speed, as well.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Electric Scooters- What Every Child Needs

No doubt about it, children love kids electric scooters! They are among the few activities that can pull kids away from their computer screens, and out in to the fresh air!

We gave our daughter a pink electric scooter for her 9th birthday, and she is now the talk of the neighborhood!

She is definitely a "study" in pink, as she always wears her matching pink helmet.

My wife and I have noticed several positive changes in her personality since she started riding the scooter.
First of all, she is definitely less shy. She has gotten the opportunity to actually get out and meet the neighbors.

She has really sort of come out of her "shell". It is really a wonderful change!

It is a Razor E300S electric scooter, and it is referred to as the "Sweet Pea" model. The company also offers all kinds of matching "Sweet Pea" gear, in addtion to the pink helmet I mentioned.

Her confidence has really soared now that she can take off on her own, and explore the neighborhood! Of course, we monitor where she is riding to, and when we expect her back.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Quality Electric Scooters- The Key Features



I began doing research on electric scooters about 2 months before Christmas. I wanted a quality electric scooter for our recently adopted, 10 year old daughter. I hadn't really even looked at them since I was about 10 years old, so I obviously had a LOT to learn! However, in the course of doing my research, I did manage to discover what good electric scooters have in common

The first thing I discovered was that the quality manfacturers had at least a 90 day warranty on parts and labor. Also, they had a separate warranty on the battery. The battery warranty should be at least 6 months.

If you really have a lasting electric scooter, the battery should be good for several hundred charges.

Brakes are another important consideration. If your model weighs more than 60 lbs, or so, you really should have disc brakes. Preferably on the front and back wheels.

Most quality models have hand held "bicycle" style brakes, and disc brakes ensure that braking is crisp and precise, especially going down hills.

If you intend to ride your scooter any distance, particularly in dim lighting, you should consider running lights. These would include a front headlight, rear lights, and a directional signal.

Also, it is always a good idea to get a seated electric scooter.

Also, a quality model will have a wide enough deck to handle kids as they grow larger, and it should have a abs non-slip surface.

Also, if you really have a versatile model, your unit should have some kind of storage area. This makes it versatile enough to run errands with.

Finally, the model you select should be a fast electric scooter to make riding fun. A top speed of 10 mph is fine for kids under 12, while older kids and adults should have a top speed of at least 15 mph.

Consequently, while it is difficult to determine the best electric scooter, hopefully these features we have listed will make your shopping somewhat easier.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Shopping For Electric Scooters- Part II


In my first post, we talked about a few of the factors you should consider in order to find the best electric scooter.

In this post, we are going to get a little more specific about some factors to consider.

First, we are going to take a look at how fast you want your scooter to go.

A fast electric scooter can go anywhere from 15 mph- 25 mph, depending on the weight of the rider.

It is definitely a good idea to let the main rider test the scooter out before buying it.

If that is possible, you will get a good idea if the speed is suitable for the main rider. It may seem like 15 mph, for example is not that fast, however to an 8 year old, it may be too fast.

On the other hand, certain children may get bored if the electric scooter does not go fast enough. The major manufacturers, such as Razor USA, have done a good job in pairing electric scooters with appropriately mature riders.

My daughter, for example, has a Razor E300 electric scooter. The suggested age for riders is 12+ years of age.

She is only 10 years old, yet the top speed of 15 mph, was perfectly suited to her "sense of adventure"!

When all else fails, try to ask other electric scooter owners about their experiences, or simply go with the manufacturer's suggestions.

Sunday, February 7, 2010

The Keys To Shoping For Electric Scooters

If you have made a decision to buy electric scooters for your kids, or other family members, there are few things you need to know.

It isn't exactly "rocket science" that you want the best electric scooter available in the price range you have selected.

The first key is to pick a reputable manufacturer, that has readily available replacement parts, and will stand by it's warranty

Two such companies are Razor USA, and Currie Technologies. Both companies make a quality product, that will withstand the test of time.

Next, you need to consider the style of electric scooter you are interested in. Are you looking a classic "push" scooter style, or a "mini" Euro style?

Perhaps you are more interested in an electric bike. For most people, who intend to travel any distance, it is best to get a seated electric scooter.

If you are looking to buy electric scooter online, definitely go with a well known merchant. Amazon.com is always a good choice. They frequently have the best price and free shipping!

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Currie Technologies Electric Scooters

Currie Technologies has been manufacturing electric scooters since 1997.

Models such as the Ezip 900 electric scooter, the E zip E750 electric scooter, as well as the Currie Ezip 1000, have become popular with adults as well as their siblings.

Currie has always been a staunch supporter of the "green movement", and they were among the first to manufacture a complete line of enviromentally friendly
tansporatation.

They are highly regarded for their "state of the art" battery technology, and they are making continuous advancements in that area.

The Ezip 900 is a good example of the classic type of electric scooter that Currie is noted for. It successfully bridges the gap between a "fun" scooter, and serious transportation.

This model can go as fast as 15 mph, and hold a charge for as long as 40 minutes. It has a range of 12 miles, so it is excellent for quick errands.

The removable seat comes in handy for longer trips, too!

Friday, February 5, 2010

Top Electric Scooters- Key Features

One of the most common questions people ask is, "what is the best electric scooter?

Naturally, when families decide to buy electric scooters for family members, they want to bypass "shopping around", and just get the best deal on the best electric scooter.

Unfortunately, it is not quite that simple. I have to ask a series of questions to determine what is the best scooter to meet their needs.

Questions such as, "what style are you looking for?" "Are you looking for a "European style", or a traditional "push scooter" design?"

How about color? Are they looking for a pink electric scooter, for example.

It is also important to know the ages of the riders, as well as how much they weigh. Once you have that basic information, you can begin to narrow down the list.

Luckily, people have a lot of choices. Manufacturers such as Razor USA, Currie Technologies, and several others, all make a quality product.

It is best to set a spending limit, and begin the process of narrowing down your choices. Obviously, it is a great situation if you can actually "test ride" the scooter!

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Electric Scooters- Adults Get A "Charge" From Them, Too!

Traditional "push" style scooters have been popular for a hundred years or more, while electric scooters for children and young adults have only been around for 15 years or so.

Their popularity is increasing, though, probably because of the recent popularity of electric powered vehicles.

The "green" movement has gotten people more environmentally aware, and that awareness has been focused on the pollution caused by gas burning engines.

In the last few years, electric scooter makers such as Currie Technologies, have started manufacturing electric scooters primarily focused on the older child/young adult market. We have identified 3 models in particular that have become popular in recent times.
They are the Ezip 900 electric scooter, the Ezip 500 electric scooter green, and finally-the Currie Ezip 1000