You’ve probably noticed electric scooters cropping up in cities across the country. However, city riders aren’t the only ones who enjoy taking these sleek vehicles out for a spin.
Electric scooters are growing in popularity amongst adventure-seekers and all-terrain enthusiasts too. That’s because many electric scooters have been crafted to take on a variety of terrains. An all-terrain e-scooter comes with the features you need to ensure your excursions are fast, smooth, safe, and exciting.
What is an All-Terrain Electric Scooter?
All-terrain electric scooters provide more power, speed, range, and durability than their city-focused counterparts. This allows them to conquer a variety of terrains.
With an all-terrain electric scooter in tow, you can scale steep hills and zip over rocky roads without missing a beat.
While these vehicles are built specifically to handle rougher terrains, they’re just as capable of riding on smooth city streets. As a result, they offer more versatility than standard electric scooters.
How to Choose an All-Terrain E-Scooter That’s Right For You
If you’re in the market for an all-terrain electric scooter, you need to know what factors to focus on as you compare different models.
Here are ten factors to consider when shopping for an all-terrain electric scooter.
#1 Motor Power
Many people are drawn to adventurous experiences because they allow them to break free of the boundaries of modern life. For example, you can ride your electric scooter at top speeds when you’re off the beaten path. In contrast, riding in the city requires you to stay within the speed limit of public roads.
If you want to indulge your need for speed, you need an electric scooter with a powerful motor. All-terrain e-scooters often feature dual motors with 750+ watts each. This enables them to achieve the following feats:
- Reach high top speeds
- Ascend steep hills
- Propel over uneven terrain
#2 Riding Range
Another crucial consideration for an all-terrain electric scooter is its range. You want to be able to explore the great outdoors without having your battery run out of juice prematurely. Luckily, all-terrain electric scooters usually come with generous ranges, thanks to their ample battery capacities.
#3 Shock-Absorbing Suspension
Riding on rough terrain is exciting, but it can also get uncomfortable if you feel every tiny bump in the road. Luckily, you don’t need to sacrifice your comfort for a sense of adventure. You just need to look for an all-terrain electric scooter with a shock-absorbing suspension system.
A high-quality suspension system can dampen the impact of rocky terrain, saving your joints the trouble. In turn, you can enjoy a serene ride the entire time.
#4 Tire Size and Type
When you explore natural riding trails, your electric scooter may come into contact with rocks, thorns, and rolling hills. You want to make sure that its tires are up for this task.
The best all-terrain vehicles feature large, thick tires. These types of tires can cross bumpy topography without getting stuck in its grooves.
The type of tire you choose is just as important as its size. Here are two types of electric scooter tires:
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Pneumatic – Pneumatic tires are filled with air. These types of tires offer excellent traction and additional cushioning. Their main downside is that they can get punctured if you ride over something sharp. You also need to check their tire pressure every so often.
- Solid – Solid tires are totally solid, so they’re impossible to puncture. While you won’t need to worry about them going flat, solid tires can counteract the cushioning of your suspension system, resulting in a rockier ride. They also have inferior traction.
- Honeycomb – Also known as run-flat tires, these are tires that offer a mix between pneumatic and solid tires. Honeycomb tires are often resilient to wear and tear and offer most of the benefits of pneumatic tires.
#5 Brakes
When you’re riding at top speeds, your braking system is of utmost importance. You need strong brakes to slow down safely and effectively on the open road.
The main types of electric scooter brakes are disc brakes, drum brakes, and hydraulic brakes. Hydraulic brakes are more reliable and require less maintenance than the other two. In turn, they’re the best choice for an all-terrain electric scooter.
Some all-terrain e-scooters feature multiple braking systems, so you always have a backup brake ready to go.
#6 Foot Deck
Your electric scooter’s deck is where you place your feet while you ride. With a commuter electric scooter, you may not mind a narrower deck, since you usually only ride these types of e-scooters for short distances at slower speeds.
When you venture off the normal path, you may discover that you require a roomier deck. With more space, you can plant both of your feet in a comfortable position and maintain your stability at higher speeds. One of the best recommendations is to identify a scooter with a rear foot rest. This will ensure you have the traction for your feet and the wiggle room you need when riding all terrains.
#7 Safety Lights
There’s nothing more magical than riding your electric scooter as the sun rises or sets in the distance.
While beautiful, riding at dawn or dusk can be a little more dangerous. In the dark, other motorists may not notice you on the road. Additionally, you may have more trouble spotting obstacles that lie ahead in your path.
A comprehensive e-scooter lighting system can solve these problems in one fell swoop. Here are a few types of lights you’ll want to look for in an all-terrain electric scooter:
- Front lights
- Brake lights
- Deck lights
- Headlights
- Tail Lights
#8 Water Resistance Rating
Riding off the normal path sometimes involves braving the elements. However, electric machines and water don’t mix well.
Fortunately, some electric scooters have been manufactured to be water-resistant. These models can withstand some light rain while you ride. You can evaluate an electric scooter’s water resistance by looking at its Ingress Protection (IP) rating.
Electric scooters with a rating of four or above can be ridden in light rain for short periods of time. The higher the rating, the more water-resistant the e-scooter.
Note: It's not recommended to ride in the rain. Most manufacturers will not cover water damage in their warranty. Be sure to consult the warranty guide before riding in the rain.
#9 Durability
A flimsy electric scooter won’t be able to withstand the demands of all terrains. In turn, it’s important to invest in an electric scooter that’s built to last.
Here are a few quick signs of a durable electric scooter:
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Higher weight capacity – Electric scooters that can hold over 250 lbs tend to be more durable than those with lower weight capacities.
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Forged aluminum frame – Forged aluminum is a popular material used in e-scooters. It’s strong and corrosion-resistant. By purchasing a forged aluminum electric scooter, you can enjoy the peace of mind that it will ride well for years to come.
- Safety-testing – An all-terrain electric scooter should be extensively safety tested to ensure its quality.
#10 Price
Finally, you need to factor in your budget as you compare various e-scooter models. All-terrain electric scooters usually have higher prices than entry-level e-scooters. That’s because they come with higher-performance features, like dual motors and innovative suspension systems.
Even so, you can still find high-quality rides at a variety of price points. For example, Hilleyrider Scooters offers all-terrain electric scooters at price ranges between $800 USD and $1800 USD.
Once you’re clear on your budget, you can look for an electric scooter that has all of the features listed above at a price you can afford.