STACK #252 October 2025

Your ultimate buying guide to ELECTRIC SCOOTERS continued

TECH FEATURE

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What are the latest advancements in electric scooters? Electric scooters continue to advance and improve over time, and the latest electric scooters have many improvements over older models. Here are some features you can expect to find on them...

Things to know before you ride Ride with caution and always wear a helmet and protective gear. Each state and territory in Australia has different rules and regulations for the use of electric scooters, including where you can legally ride them, speed limits, and if you need to register them with your state’s road traffic authority. Any information provided by JB Hi-Fi is general in nature only and may not take account of your specific circumstances. It is the responsibility of each user to check their local laws before riding.

braking lights and even indicators on the ends of the handlebars. Modern electric scooters can be much lighter than older models. The use of high-performance, lightweight materials (like titanium) can keep the total weight of newer scooters down, so they’re easier to carry about. Many electric scooters now have smart features, letting you track how you use them with an app. You can get data on your distance travelled, battery used, and more by syncing up with your phone!

Some new electric scooters feature disc brakes. The benefit of these brakes is that they can apply more force for faster, smoother braking, and they’re better at dissipating heat with their improved ventilation, which is good for the long-term health of your scooter. Improvements in battery technology mean that modern scooters can, on average, go further on a single charge. Some models also have swappable batteries, which means you can carry a spare and swap it out if there’s no opportunity to charge between rides. It’s common for scooters to include integrated lights, so you

Electric scooters with LED dashboard displays have benefited from tech improvements, and generally support bigger, better screens than older models. This makes it easier to check your speed, battery level, and other info while you’re on the move. Improved technology allows for better suspension in newer models, and self-balancing tech means that many modern electric scooters run smoother

don’t need to own or carry around a light attachment if you think you’ll be riding home after dark.

than ever before, navigating uneven sidewalks and other surfaces without issues.

These can extend to front and rear lamps,

Ready to buy? You’ve probably noticed an

the difference between conquering hills from a gentle start or getting off it to push. If you live in a hilly suburb, the bigger the torque number, the better suited your scooter will be for the conditions. For obvious reasons, range plays a part in the buying decision-making process – especially if long-distance travel forms part of your daily commute. All scooters will come with a generous manufacturer’s range projection, but this doesn’t account for hilly terrain or off-road conditions; both will affect how far you’ll get out of a single battery charge. Electric scooters also have rider weight limits, so that’s worth checking out before you buy.

Follow these handy buying guide tips

avoid riding in torrential rain or through deep puddles – electrical components and water are not friends. If you must leave your scooter in the garden or on a balcony, ensure it’s well covered. As mentioned, weight is also a consideration for train and bus travel. And you don’t want to carry a heavier model up six flights of stairs. Choose your weight wisely. Torque is another significant factor. In

abundance of electric scooters on the market. You’ve also probably seen some of the spontaneous combustion horror stories on TikTok, too. Our advice is look for a brand with a safe track record and a good reputation. Think about the conditions where you’re going to use the electric scooter. Will you be riding predominantly on hard road surfaces? If so, an electric scooter with solid wheels will suit. Are you going off-road occasionally? Then, for a comfortable ride, pneumatic

tyres and a good suspension would be a better fit. Protection from water

is essential, too. This will vary from brand to brand, but most good scooters can handle a rain shower. However,

layperson’s terms, torque is the scooter’s oomph. It’s

46 OCTOBER 2025

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