FAQs

Category: Starting out with E-SCOOTERS


What is an E-Scooter?

Electric Scooters, or E-Scooters, are self-powered, rechargeable scooters that are part of the micro-mobility revolution that is currently sweeping across the world! They are a fantastic way of taking recreational trips on private land, safe in the knowledge that you are hardly impacting on the environment. These days, E-Scooters are easy to control, super-fast, and can be charged easily and quickly. 

An E-Scooter will make every trip into an occasion!

How do you ride an E-Scooter?

It’s simple enough – make sure the kickstand is up, stand on the scooter, and give it a kick-off whilst pushing on the accelerator. You will find that the motor will engage automatically, and you’ll be off! Some E-Scooters have a feature known as ‘zero start’, which means that you don’t need to kick it off yourself.

How do you steer an E-Scooter?

At lower speeds, steering is done by turning the handlebar, just as you would on a bike. Any speeds over around 5mph will mean that steering is done by leaning your body to the side that you want to go. It is an instinctive way to steer, and you’ll get the hang of it in minutes!

Are E-Scooters easy to ride?

Yes – they are really easy to ride, especially if you have used a non-powered scooter as a child. Steering is very straightforward, as is braking. Just be sure to use your body when steering and braking by shifting your weight accordingly.

How do E-Scooters work?

E-Scooters are very simple vehicles, made up of a small number of components. They use a rechargeable battery (usually using lithium-ion technology) to power a motor (or a pair of motors) that turns a pair of wheels. They will have a braking system to ensure that you can slow down when you need to; this will either be a manual brake or, as in newer models, an electric brake with ABS.


What is the best E-Scooter?

That all depends on what you are looking for! There are loads of options which vary in terms of speed, battery power, size, looks etc. A general rule is that the more expensive the E-Scooter, the higher the performance. At e-RIDES, we curate the world’s greatest E-Scooter brands, including Currus, Dualtron, Kaabo and Nanrobot; take a look at these brands here:

Our advice is to get in touch or drop into our HQ store in Greenwich, London and we can talk about the best E-Scooter for you.

Can I try before I buy with e-RIDES?

Yes, you certainly can. At our HQ store in Greenwich, London, we have a test area where you can get a feel for your ride before you spend any money.

What E-Scooter brands do e-RIDES sell?

Our E-Scooter brands are Currus, Dualtron, Kaabo and Nanrobot. We also sell an extensive range of accessories as well as our own e-RIDES brand of clothing! Take a look at our brands here:


Can I trust the advice from e-RIDES?

All of the staff at e-RIDES are fanatical about micro-mobility, and we want this passion to rub off on our customers. We treat our customers exactly as we would want to be treated ourselves, which means we will listen to your requirements, and find the best possible solution to suit.

At e-RIDES we are ambassadors for micro-mobility, and use our knowledge to lobby government for legislative change. We have authored podcasts and are regular speakers on the micro-mobility circuit.


Category: E-Scooters and Safety



Are E-Scooters safe?

Like any form of transport, there are a number of ‘dos and don’ts’ when it comes to staying safe on your E-Scooter. There’s no reason why your E-Scooter experience shouldn’t be completely safe, as long as you keep your ride maintained, and ride sensibly. Also, make sure you are kitted out with safety gear just in case you should have a spill.

How fast do E-Scooters go?

The highest-performance E-Scooters are able to reach top speeds of around 50 mph, or 80 km/h. At these sorts of speeds, you will want to ensure you are fully kitted out with safety gear, and ensure that your ride features great brakes and suspension.

Should I wear gloves when riding my E-Scooter?

Yes! We would always advocate that gloves be worn on E-Scooters. Gloves can either be full finger or half finger, depending on your preference, and are built from long-lasting and high-tech fabrics to ensure you are comfortable.

Do you need a helmet when riding an E-Scooter?

Again, we would always advocate using a helmet when you are out and about on your E-Scooter. With some great looking helmets that fit comfortably, there’s no reason not to! At e-RIDES, we stock some of the leading brands including Caberg, Kali, Leatt, TSG and SIXSIXONE; take a look at these brands here:



What safety equipment is available from e-RIDES?

e-RIDES stock a great selection of all types of safety gear, including helmets, knee and elbow protectors, gloves, goggles and armour. Follow this link to find our full range https://e-rides.com/store/protective-gear/. 


Category: E-SCOOTERSs – Legality



Are E-Scooters legal?

It is completely legal to own an E-Scooter in the UK. However, currently it is only legal to ride an E-Scooter on private land with the consent of the land-owner unless it is part of a rental trial scheme.

Where are E-Scooter rental trials taking place?

There are a number of local authorities that have started trials of rental schemes for e-scooters.

  • Bournemouth and Poole
  • Buckinghamshire (Aylesbury, High Wycombe and Princes Risborough)
  • Cambridge
  • Cheshire West and Chester (Chester)
  • Copeland (Whitehaven)
  • Derby
  • Essex (Basildon, Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford and Colchester)
  • Gloucestershire (Cheltenham and Gloucester)
  • Great Yarmouth
  • Kent (Canterbury)
  • Liverpool
  • Milton Keynes
  • Newcastle
  • North and West Northamptonshire (Northampton, Kettering, Corby and Wellingborough)
  • North Devon (Barnstaple)
  • North Lincolnshire (Scunthorpe)
  • Norwich
  • Nottingham
  • Oxfordshire (Oxford)
  • Redditch
  • Rochdale
  • Salford
  • Slough
  • Solent (Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton)
  • Somerset West (Taunton and Minehead)
  • South Somerset (Yeovil)
  • Staffordshire (Stafford and Newcastle-Under-Lyme)
  • Sunderland
  • Tees Valley (Hartlepool and Middlesbrough)
  • West Midlands (Birmingham, Coventry and Sandwell)
  • West of England Combined Authority (Bristol and Bath)
  • York


Are E-Scooters street legal?

E-Scooters can be legally used on private land with the landowner’s consent, but they are not legal on public roads, pavements, cycle lanes or pedestrianised areas unless part of a trial scheme.

Will the E-Scooter law change?

The law regarding E-Scooters has been under review since 2020. This review enabled the trials to take place, and will look at the data that results from these trials. Any decision on a change in law will be based on the findings of the trials when they finish in November 2022.

Can you use E-Scooters on the road?

As it stands, you cannot use an E-Scooter on any public road, cycle path or pavement.

Can the police confiscate an E-Scooter?

Yes; the police have the power to confiscate an E-Scooter if its use contravenes current policy and law.

Can you get insurance for an E-Scooter?

Yes, and if you are taking part in the trial rental schemes then insurance is mandatory. 

Category: Features and Benefits



Can I take my E-Scooter on holiday?

There are a few things to consider if you are planning an E-Scooter vacation.

Due to the size of their batteries, E-Scooters cannot be taken as carry-ons or check-in luggage on an aeroplane. So, you will need to send your E-Scooter separately to your point of destination. This is where the micro-mobility community can help – get in touch with fellow E-Scooter owners at your destination and see if they’re willing to accept your couriered package.

Alternatively, it is becoming more common to rent an E-Scooter at your destination. Speak to us at e-RIDES about our rental options!

If you are considering taking your E-Scooter on holiday with you, there are some important considerations:

  • Do you need a back-up battery?
  • Is your E-Scooter due a service check prior to travelling?
  • If you are going in and out of stations, make sure you are comfortable with the weight of your E-Scooter
  • What is the terrain like at your destination? Whilst E-Scooters can manage most roads, the toughest of cobbles will mean that you will end up carrying your E-Scooter
  • What is the climate likely to be like at your destination? Consider the impact of persistent heavy rain…or heat and dust
  • Different countries have different rules around E-Scooter use, so check in advance of travelling to avoid any unpleasant surprises!



Are E-Scooters eco-friendly?

If you are concerned about the environmental impact of travel, then you really should consider an E-Scooter as they are a low carbon option. They are lightweight and are powered by a rechargeable battery. They are also made to last, so as long as they are well-maintained, they should give you years of fuss-free service without needing to be replaced.



Will I get fit using an E-Scooter?

Whilst using an E-Scooter isn’t the same as a gym work-out, you will be building core strength, flexibility and stamina every time you take a trip. We think they are a great way to burn a few extra calories!


Category: Community



Is there an E-Scooter forum?

One of the attractions of joining the micro-mobility revolution is the growing community of like-minded enthusiasts. Here are a couple of the better known forums:




Category: Price



How much is an E-Scooter?

Prices of E-Scooters vary. There’s an inexpensive entry point of around £240. If you are looking for something more powerful and with a greater specification then prices go all the way to £2,000. For this money, you will get a ride that is fully stacked with tech, and with performance to match!

What is the cost of ownership of an E-Scooter?

E-Scooters are incredibly low cost once you have made your initial outlay. They do not require fuel, other than the cost of recharging your battery, and there are no licences to pay for. Remember to factor clothing and safety equipment into your budget. If correctly maintained and serviced, your E-Scooter will give you years of pleasure for minimal cost.


Category: Technical Questions



How fast do E-Scooters go?

The highest-performance E-Scooters are able to reach top speeds of around 50 mph, or 80 km/h on flat and smooth surfaces. At these sorts of speeds, you will want to ensure you are fully kitted out with safety gear, and ensure that your ride features great brakes and suspension.

What range do E-Scooters have?

The highest performance E-Scooters have 5,400 watt motors which gives them a range of up to 75 miles (120 km). However, there are a number of factors that will reduce this range. These include the terrain you are on, the number of hills, weight and how fast you travel.

How much do E-Scooters weigh?

E-Scooters can be ultra-lightweight, starting at 12Kg. At this weight you should be able to carry your wheels for short distances if needed. The highest spec models can weight up to 50Kg!

Can I go up hills on my E-Scooter?

Each E-Scooter will have its own capability when it comes to hills. Basically, the higher the spec, the higher the power, and the better the climbing ability. Entry-level scooters are more than capable of a 15% incline (1 in 7), whilst higher performance models are capable of up to 70% inclines!

Can I go down hills on my E-Scooter?

Your E-Scooter will get you down most hills safely and with style. Do bear in mind a couple of things though, if you are thinking of tackling steep downward stretches: Are your brakes are in top condition? Is the road dry or wet? Is the road surface in good condition, and smooth?

Do E-Scooters have suspension?

Suspension on an E-Scooter is a great way to ensure your comfort over miles of riding, and these days it is increasingly common for E-Scooters to have suspension. Higher performance models will feature advanced suspension solutions like Dual Rubber suspension. Also bear in mind that wider tyres will offer more grip as well as a more comfortable ride.


Category: Maintenance



Are E-Scooters easy to repair?

Yes, there are relatively few components in an E-Scooter, so should something go wrong, then you should be comfortable that by dropping it into e-RIDES HQ, we should be able to get you up and running again!

Are E-Scooters easy to maintain?

E-Scooters are built to be easily maintained. There are some things that you will need to check, but don’t worry – it’s not a big list.

  • E-Scooter Battery. As long as you don’t repeatedly drain your battery, it should give you years of uninterrupted service. Try and keep your battery out of extreme temperatures, too.
  • E-Scooter Tyres. Keep your tyres correctly inflated, and ensure that there is plenty of wear left in them.
  • E-Scooter Brakes. There are various types of braking systems, depending on the manufacturer of your E-Scooter. A good general rule is to test the brakes before you set off, on each and every trip.
  • E-Scooter Cleaning. Using a cloth dampened with warm soapy water will keep your E-Scooter in great working order, especially if you have been out in bad weather or on muddy ground. Don’t use excessive water though, and avoid high pressure cleaners.


Do I need to get my E-Scooter serviced?

At e-RIDES, we would recommend having a technician take a look at your wheels every year, assuming it is being used regularly. This will give you the confidence you need to enjoy each trip you take. Speak to us at e-RIDES about our servicing offer by phoning us on +44 (0) 20 3633 9748.

How long do E-Scooters last?

If you look after your E-Scooter, there’s absolutely no reason why it shouldn’t give you years and years of uninterrupted service. The materials that are used are high-tech, and battery life these days is way beyond what it was only a few years back.

What is the battery life of an E-Scooter?

Your E-Scooter battery should last years without needing replacement as long as you follow some simple rules:

  • Try to avoid running your battery flat. If you put your battery onto recharge whilst it still has some charge it in, it will prolong its life
  • Keep the battery out of extreme temperatures such as direct sunlight. If possible, always store your E-Scooter indoors
  • Don’t ride through deep puddles or in server wet conditions as this could potentially damage your battery


Can I ride an E-Scooter in the rain?

Whilst E-Scooters are ok to use in light rain, we advise against use in heavy rain. This is to stop water ingress into the electrics on your E-Scooter, but also because handling and braking in the wet can be more difficult than in dry conditions.