Electric Scooters

Si. · 29 Jan 2018 at 05:32

Not sure if this is the right place for this.. but anyone here using an electric scooter? I'm thinking of getting gone for a daily commute to work. it's only approx. 10 km and relatively flat with lots of paths and cycle lanes to use.

I'm thinking of getting one of these:

https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/review/accessories/xiaomi-mijia-m365-electric-scooter-review-3660427/

I know a bike would be better, but there a lot more expensive, harder to store and harder to use while still wearing office clothes.

Lordgrayone · 29 Jan 2018 at 07:16

What about a normal bike ? You would feel a lot better and be healthier too?
Also a lot cheaper

Si. · 29 Jan 2018 at 08:35

See my last sentence, a normal bike is more of a challenge.

UTmaniac · 29 Jan 2018 at 09:55

Those scooters look to be a legal minefield, how about an e-bike instead, perhaps through salary sacrifice at work?

Armageus · 29 Jan 2018 at 10:43

Si. said:
I know a bike would be better, but there a lot more expensive

£430 or whatever those scooters costs would buy a decent bike

Si. said:
harder to store and harder to use while still wearing office clothes.

Storage isn't really that much of an issue, and simple answer is to not wear office clothes - I have no issues taking a shirt and pair of trousers to work in a rucksack and getting changed at work.

Si. said:
it's only approx. 10 km and relatively flat with lots of paths and cycle lanes to use.

Most people would love a commute like that - certainly better than busy roads.

Si. · 5 Feb 2018 at 05:18

Well, I ended up getting an Electric bike instead

Bug One · 24 Nov 2018 at 16:46

I've been using an electric scooter for over 2 years now. I find it a great way to get about.

Although I've never had any issues from police, I'm looking forward to them being completely legal.

lemonade · 28 Nov 2018 at 12:01

Thing is if they are made legal, they don't seem to be suitable either for road or the pavement, so where do they go?

Bug One · 29 Nov 2018 at 16:56

Why should they treated any different to e-bikes?

mattyfez · 29 Nov 2018 at 19:27

I think because ebikes have pedals and restrictions on electrical assistance, you can't ride an ebike without pedaling so it's classed as a cycle..

Electric scooters are classed as vehicles.

mattyfez · 29 Nov 2018 at 19:29

Although you seem to be able 'drive' those 4 wheeled electric disability vehicles on pavements... Maybe that's technically illegal too but it's just not enforced?

Bug One · 29 Nov 2018 at 21:32

mattyfez said:
I think because ebikes have pedals and restrictions on electrical assistance, you can't ride an ebike without pedaling so it's classed as a cycle..

Electric scooters are classed as vehicles.

Oh, I get the current law. But - mine was a response to the question above 'they don't seem to be suitable either for road or the pavement, so where do they go?'

They could easily inhabit any space that's currently acceptable for an e-bike. Realistically, it's just a more portable and compact e-bike without pedals, especially if you compare them to the electric Bromptons and other compact e-bikes.

Bug One · 29 Nov 2018 at 21:46

I mean - look at these two products.

To say one is 100% legal and perfectly fine to ride - but the other is an illegal menace is madness. Bar the frame design they're virtually identical.

Jonny ///M · 29 Nov 2018 at 22:43

It must be to do with pedal assist vs throttle then?

SexyGreyFox · 29 Nov 2018 at 23:05

Both my eBikes have got throttles but I think I'm OK because of something called the Grandfather Law (!) meaning I had mine before throttle rules came out.

lemonade · 6 Dec 2018 at 15:18

Bug One said:
Why should they treated any different to e-bikes?

The pavement is a no go for any bikes, so with road I think a bike is a bit more substantial object, those scooters are essentially like someone running on the road, which wouldn't be acceptable.

Not sure how to explain to be honest, hope that makes some sense.

Bug One · 6 Dec 2018 at 16:22

lemonade said:
Not sure how to explain to be honest, hope that makes some sense.

It doesn't - and that's my point. That's why, countries all over are working on sensible and relevant legislation to allow them - but to do it in a safe way. But we're floundering around with 200 year old by-laws.

Although - this does bring hope. https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/...ric-scooter-firm-bird-starts-trial-in-london/

lemonade · 30 May 2019 at 11:04

So.. I bought a M365 scooter not long ago and finding it enjoyable to use.

I do feel a bit vulnerable and out of place on the road at times, but got used to it.

It is really a good way of commuting and nipping around the city and if you have cycle lanes it is ideal.

SexyGreyFox · 25 Jun 2019 at 17:30

Lol, if you're going to post in two threads make sure your story remains the same

SPG · 28 Jun 2019 at 12:46

Well I am going to get one in the next 6 months, just seems more practical than a E-bike in that i can fold down the bars and stick it behind or under my desk and not have to carry a half a ton of chain with me.