Remember the days of zipping around on a kick scooter as a kid, making believe it was self-propelled? As much as that was fun, now, as adults, we no longer have to pretend. Electric scooters bring those childhood dreams to life.
In this article, we'll cast our minds back to those adolescent years to see the differences between the kick-scooters of old and modern electric scooters.
Kick Scooters
Photo by Arthur Ogleznev on Unsplash
On this sentimental note, let's start off with kick scooters. They originated from children's creativity and resourcefulness. The first models, crafted in the early 20th century, were simple: roller skate wheels attached to a wooden plank with a handle made from materials like 2x4s or pipes.
These homemade scooters were a hit among kids, offering a new and exciting way to travel, far more appealing than walking. Despite their basic design, these early scooters laid the foundation for what was to come.
The kick scooter's evolution took a significant leap in the 1990s, thanks to Wim Ouboter's reinvention, which led to sturdier designs.
The real game-changer, however, was the introduction of the aluminum Razor scooter in the early 2000s. Razor transformed the kick scooter with its lightweight, foldable design, appealing to both children and adults. Today's kick scooters come in various styles, including models for trick performance.
Key features and benefits of Kick-Scooters
- Fitness Aspect — Riding a kick scooter is an effective low-impact exercise that improves cardiovascular health and builds strength in the legs and core. We'll emphasize the health benefits alongside the fun factor.
- Simplicity and Reliability — With fewer moving parts than e-scooters, kick scooters are less prone to mechanical issues, making them highly reliable and easier to maintain.
- Affordability — Kick scooters are generally more affordable than e-scooters in terms of initial purchase and ongoing maintenance costs.
- Ideal Scenarios — Ideal for short rides around the block, rather for children before they can start using e-scooters.
- Sentiment — Naturally, they can give you a trip down memory lane, but the same applies to electric scooters as they essentially share the same form.
Electric Scooters
Electric scooters represent a significant step forward in the evolution of personal transportation, building upon the foundation laid by traditional kick-scooters. This progression resembles the development of electric bikes and other vehicles that have transitioned from being solely muscle-powered to incorporating motorized assistance.
Key Features and Benefits of E-scooters:
- Speed and Efficiency: Most e-scooters can go as fast as 20-30 mph, making them ideal for urban commuting. Some advanced models like Apollo Phantom or Apollo Pro can reach a breathtaking speed of up to 40-60 mph. One of their most notable upsides is that they can easily navigate through traffic, significantly reducing travel time compared to walking or driving in congested areas.
- Ease of Use: Most e-scooters feature intuitive controls, making them accessible to riders of all skill levels. The minimal learning curve and features like adjustable speed settings make them suitable for beginners, like Apollo Air or Apollo Go.
- Range and Battery Life: The average e-scooter offers a range of 15–40 miles per charge, depending on the model and riding conditions. Charging times can vary from 3 to 8 hours. Our scooters boast cutting-edge battery technology, offering longer ranges and shorter charging times. You can read more about the battery lifespan and how to properly take care of it, here.
- Environmental Impact: E-scooters are still a green transportation option despite being motorized. They emit no direct emissions and have higher energy efficiency than conventional vehicles. To dive deeper into the subject, click here.
- Advanced Technologies: They are equipped with high-tech features like regenerative braking, which recovers energy during braking, app integration for tracking and customizing rides, and anti-theft mechanisms. These capabilities enhance the riding experience and ensure safety and convenience.
TL;DR
Pros:
Fast and Efficient — E-scooters can go faster than kick-scooters, making them great for longer distances and quicker commutes.
Less Physical Effort — You don't have to tire yourself out since they're powered by a motor.
Tech Features — Many come with cool tech like GPS, wireless connectivity and app customization, intelligent lighting system, and anti-theft measures.
Cons:
More Expensive — E-scooters are not as cheap as kick-scooters, but they're worth every cent for the value you're getting.
Charging Required — Remember to charge them; if the battery runs out, you can still use them like a kick scooter, but that's nowhere near as fun.
Regulations and Safety — There are more and more rules being introduced as we speak all over the world, so it’s good to make sure before you hit the road. Here are some safety tips.
Wrapping up
Now, it's time to decide which scooter aligns best with your lifestyle. Are you looking for a simple, more active way to get around, or do you need the speed and convenience of an electric scooter for your daily commute? Consider your typical travel distances, your budget, and how much you value exercise versus convenience.
We know picking your perfect match is a tough nut to crack. If you can't decide which e-scooter to choose, you can always use our quiz.
