There are many electric scooters on the market, targeting different consumers; whilst some can be used for basic transport, others provide the ability to cross varying terrain types for longer journeys. The ability to work on different terrain types is an important factor to consider as scooters should only be ridden on the terrain they are designed for.
Wheels
Terrain is important to consider for your scooter’s wheels. You may find your scooter is not designed for surfaces other than flat terrain. If a scooter is designed to be used in other areas, it is likely to have more durable tyres which are sometimes labelled as ‘puncture proof’. If standard tyres are incorrectly used in areas of bumpy terrain, the scooter may struggle to operate and it can lead to damage on the wheels. The wheels designed for tarmac surfaces are usually harder, which means that if used off road they can cause more vibrations. To prevent wheel problems caused by terrain, only ride in the conditions outlined in your user manual and ensure you check your wheels as per your general maintenance. For more on general maintenance, read our article on care and maintenance tips here.
Speed and Design
Riding on the incorrect terrain can also pose a risk to safety. Some scooters will come equipped with different speed settings and modes that are suitable for flat pavements. If these scooters are used on bumpy, muddy areas, it can increase the chance of the scooter slipping or falling. By using in the correct area, this can prevent a safety risk.
Battery Life
The battery can be negatively affected by riding on the incorrect terrain. Scooters will have the power equipped to ride along specific surface types, which are generally flat surfaces. However, if incorrectly used on a hill or bumpy area, the scooter will likely need to use more power to do this. As a result, it will drain the battery quicker. If this keeps happening over a long period of time, it may cause permanent issues with the battery.
You may also find that on the incorrect terrain the scooter will not operate at all. This is due to a mix of the motor not being powerful enough to work uphill, and also the scooter may require a kick-start which cannot be done is going uphill.
Environmental Damage
If you choose to ride off-road, you can also risk causing damage to the scooter. This is because areas with debris and water can cause damage to the wheels and the general structure and electrics of the scooter. Scooters designed for off-road use usually have a slightly higher clearance from the ground to reduce risks. Unless your scooter is specifically designed to ride in these areas, we recommend sticking to flat, dry surfaces for optimum performance.
To Summarise...
Riding on the correct terrain for your scooter is important to keep it running smoothly. Alongside using on the correct terrain, always ensure you have followed the maintenance information in your user manual. You can browse our range of electric scooters here.
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