Beginner’s Guide to Buying Your First Electric Scooter: Must-Know Tips and Rules

Growing popularity of electric scooters

 With the growing consensus of eco-friendliness, smaller EVs are gaining popularity. Compared to electric cars, electric scooters are much cheaper, more portable, and definitely more fun to ride. Therefore, they are quickly gaining popularity worldwide. From my personal experience, electric scooters are incredibly handy for daily urban commutes and fun off-road activities.

The importance of doing research before buying

 If you are considering getting one for yourself, there are a dizzying number of models to choose from. So, before making your purchase, it's important to think about where and how you are going to use the electric scooter. It's always important to know exactly what you're paying for.

1. Types of Electric Scooters

For beginners, electric scooters on the market are mainly categorized as commuter, off-road, dual-motor high-power, seated, and foldable models. Generally, almost all electric scooters can be folded, but those with seats are usually more comfortable for commuting. The trade-off is sacrificing folding portability, but you can always remove the seat and restore the electric scooter to a foldable state.

• Commuter

Commuter electric scooters typically have a single motor and smaller sizes, such as the iENYRID M1, which is very compact and lightweight, with a motor power ranging between 350W and 700W. They usually use a simple suspension system with a shorter and softer travel to keep the electric scooter lightweight and cost-effective. The battery is generally not too large, offering a range of about 20–40 km. The main selling points of commuter electric scooters are their affordability and comfort for daily commuting needs.

• Off-road, dual-motor

Off-road electric scooters, on the other hand, usually have motors with power between 700W to over 1000W, and even dual motors, like the iENYRID ES1, with larger batteries to support longer rides. Off-road models are designed with larger all-terrain tires and longer suspension travel to handle rougher terrain. While these models are more expensive, you get what you pay for. Not only do off-road electric scooters easily handle urban commuting, but they also allow you to enjoy thrilling weekend rides in dirt pits, drifting, and flying over bumps.

• Which is right for your lifestyle?

Although no matter which type you choose, you’ll enjoy endless fun riding electric scooters, if you're on a budget and only need a electric scooter for daily commuting, there’s no need to spend extra money on the high power and suspension of an off-road model that you won't use. However, if you're heavier or often need to ride on steep terrain, a commuter electric scooter may not meet your performance needs.

2. Essential Specifications Explained

To make a well-informed decision, here are the key specifications you need to understand:

• Battery (voltage, amp-hour, range)

For commuter electric scooters, batteries in the range of 36–48V are sufficient to support motors between 350W to 700W. This is usually enough for most people's daily commuting needs. For off-road models with more power, the battery is typically in the 48–60V range. The battery capacity directly affects how far the electric scooter can go on a single charge. If you're unfamiliar with these numbers, a 10Ah battery generally allows the electric scooter to run about 30 km. Of course, if you're heavier or ride more aggressively, the range will decrease. So if your daily commute is within 10 km, a battery larger than 10Ah should be sufficient.

• Motor power (watts, single vs. dual)

Motor power is one of the most important factors when choosing an electric scooter, if not the most important. But how much power is enough? Is a single motor sufficient? Do you really need a dual motor? For off-road electric scooters designed for performance, more power is undoubtedly better. But for commuting, you need to consider your weight and the terrain of the city. Personally, I weigh around 70 kg, and I often have to tackle 14-18% slopes on my commute. Both 350W and 700W motors handle this just fine. Within this power range, the electric scooter can reach speeds between 32 km/h and 45 km/h (e.g., iENYRID M4 Pro S+ and VIPCOO VS3). For daily urban commuting, this speed is already decent.

Some off-road electric scooters even come with dual motors, each hub motor peaking at over 1000W. If you're into off-road adventures or high-speed thrills, dual-motor electric scooters will certainly not disappoint you. I’ve ridden dual-motor electric scooters like the iENYRID ES1 and VIPCOO VS6 Pro. They can effortlessly carry me up a 37% incline and even reach speeds of 60 km/h on flat roads. However, for everyday city commuting, such power is excessive because it's rare to encounter streets with 20%+ gradients, and very few roads allow you to reach speeds above 45 km/h. It's worth noting that dual-motor high-power electric scooters are harder to control in city commuting, increasing the risk and discomfort due to aggressive acceleration. So, if you don't need such powerful motors, dual-motor electric scooters may be a waste of money for you since you’ll likely use them in single motor mode most of the time.

• Tire size and type

For commuter electric scooters, tire sizes are generally under 10 inches and narrower. The benefit of this is better energy efficiency. However, the downside is that it compromises stability. On wet, sandy, or uneven surfaces, these electric scooters become quite unstable. Luckily, more and more commuter electric scooters now feature wider all-terrain tires with deeper grooves for better grip and safety. Additionally, some electric scooters have honeycomb tires, which are puncture-proof but heavier and slightly less grippy. Others use lightweight, puncture-resistant vacuum tires. These two options tend to be more expensive. If you're interested in these tire types, make sure to do further research. But always follow the rule: Safety > Durability > Cost.

• Brakes (disc, regenerative, drum)

As the power of electric scooters increases, it's crucial to ensure you can stop safely when needed. Without a doubt, disc brakes are better than drum brakes. Regenerative braking is becoming more common in EVs, though it may take some getting used to. It does allow energy recovery during braking, which can extend the range. However, if range isn't a major concern for you, it’s best to turn off regenerative braking or lower its intensity as it can be uncomfortable.

• Suspension system

Good suspension is important for any type of electric scooter. The first reason is that it greatly enhances comfort, and the second reason, which many people overlook, is that good suspension increases riding safety. Because smaller wheels have less angular momentum, they are more likely to bounce off the ground and lose control when hitting debris. A good suspension minimizes this risk and keeps your wheels in contact with the ground. Therefore, electric scooters without suspension or with single-wheel suspension should be avoided. Off-road electric scooters often feature C-type suspension, which not only looks cool but also greatly improves the suspension travel of smaller wheels, making it essential for off-road riding. Of course, it’s also more than sufficient for urban commuting. The VIPCOO VS6 Pro, for example, has excellent suspension, making the ride incredibly smooth.

3. Local Laws and Regulations

As the number of electric scooter riders increases, many countries and regions have introduced relevant laws and regulations. To some extent, these laws aim to protect the safety of riders and others on the road. Therefore, before purchasing a electric scooter, be sure to check local electric scooter forums to learn about the rules and how they are enforced in your area.

• Licensing and helmet laws by country/state

Most regions do not have specific licensing requirements for electric scooters, but almost all require helmets to be worn. Even if it's not legally mandated, wearing a helmet should be non-negotiable.

• Where you can/can’t ride

Electric scooters are typically not allowed on motor vehicle lanes. It’s best to ride on designated bike lanes. Riding on sidewalks is usually allowed in many areas.

• Speed limits and age restrictions

Although electric scooter motors are becoming more powerful and speeds are increasing, legal regulations generally limit electric scooter speeds to 25-30 km/h. Many manufacturers will limit the speed based on the region the electric scooter is sold in. However, don’t worry too much, as these speed limits can usually be removed. The remaining concerns are traffic police and safety.

4. Safety Must-Knows for Beginners

When people warn you that electric scooters aren’t safe, they may be right.

• Importance of helmet and reflective clothing

For any two-wheeled vehicle, wearing a helmet should be non-negotiable, hands down. If you don’t have a reflective vest or feel like dressing up like a street cleaner, that's understandable. However, wearing bright, eye-catching clothing is always the safer choice.

• Riding posture

Riding an electric scooter involves a higher center of gravity than a bike or motorcycle, so bending your knees and body slightly helps lower your center of gravity. Also, the distance between the front and rear wheels is shorter, so you need to maintain balance not only sideways but also front-to-back. Especially when high-power motors and high-performance disc brakes engage - sudden acceleration or braking requires your body to lean forward or backward to counteract front flips or wheelies.

• Basic maintenance: tire pressure, brake checks

Before riding, check the tire pressure, brakes, and steering. It's always better to find issues before riding at speeds of 25km/h, don’t you think?

5. Budget Planning: What Price Range Suits You Best?

• What you can expect at each price tier

The popularity of electric scooters has a lot to do with their relatively low prices. But when you look around the market, you’ll find plenty of options ranging from $300 to $1500. Choosing the right one for yourself is important, so you don’t waste money on something that doesn’t meet your needs.

If you have a lighter build and only plan to use the electric scooter for short everyday commutes within ten kilometers, then something under five hundred dollars will most likely be enough.

On the other hand, if you consider yourself on the heavier side and want to explore more than just daily commuting, such as riding on rougher terrain, then it is worth aiming for an electric scooter in the $700 to $900 range with dual motors. Even though it costs a bit more, higher-priced electric scooters are usually built better and can last for three to five years easily. The money you save from not taking the bus or paying for gas can cover that price difference before you know it.

• Hidden costs like shipping, parts, and accessories

In most cases, sellers already include the shipping fee in the listed price. But if you are planning to ride long distances or take your electric scooter off the main roads, it is a good idea to order spare tires and a battery at the same time. That way, you can avoid paying for shipping again in the future.

And I really cannot say this enough times: make sure you get a helmet.

As for accessories, I personally find the most useful one to be a handlebar bag. It makes it much easier to carry things like your phone, coins, or a power bank during your ride.

6. Best First-Time Electric Scooter Recommendations for 2025

•  Lightweight, portable, and budget friendly options

The iENYRID A1 is a beast of a commuter electric scooter—affordable, powerful, and super convenient. Even the handlebars fold up, so it barely takes any space when you’re not riding it. For just over $400, you get an 800W motor, a solid 45 km/h top speed, and around 35 km of range. But the best part? The super smooth front and rear suspension, huge foot deck, and low riding height make every ride comfortable and fun. It’s been a total game-changer for my daily commute!

• Entry-level models with decent range

The iENYRID M4 Pro S+ is almost unbeatable if you are looking for something under five hundred dollars. It comes with an optional seat, a strong 800W motor, and off-road tires. Its 12.5Ah battery gives it more than enough range for most beginner riders.

• Sporty electric scooters that work great for beginners too

Take the iENYRID ES1 as an example: this dual-motor whole package radiates sporty DNA from its very design. Priced just over $800, it delivers exceptional value with premium build quality, rugged suspension, and front/rear dual disc brakes that conquer any rough terrain. Its single/dual-drive mode switch transforms you instantly from a refined city commuter to an off-road adrenaline warrior in the pit.

Conclusion and Product Suggestion: Spend Wisely and Ride with Confidence

Having said that, we wholeheartedly recommend the electric scooter brand iENYRID. Renowned globally for exceptional value, they’ve delivered eco-friendly electric mobility solutions to European, North and South American users for years. As a leader specializing in electric scooters, iENYRID ranks among the top-selling brands in the UK. Its youthful, energetic identity resonates deeply with consumers, while rock-solid craftsmanship and genuinely accessible pricing fuel its sustained growth year after year.

I hope that after reading this guide, you now feel more confident about picking your first electric scooter. The joy of riding is something you truly have to experience for yourself. I look forward to welcoming you into the electric riding community.