STACK #202 Aug 2021

LIFE TECH FEATURE

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close to a third of these commuters live in the same suburb as their job location, with 55 per cent living within 10km of the workplace. Outside of the manufacturing process and the production of the electricity used to power them (not so if you’re on solar), e-scooters emit no emissions at all. And they help reduce traffic congestion, too. Fun on the run One of the most important factors of e-scooter ownership is that they're fun to ride. Taking to the streets on an e-scooter is not only addictive but it unlocks the nostalgist in us all, making that trip to the shops an adventure in itself. So, how do I buy one? Like anything in life, you get what you pay for. There is an abundance of e-scooters of varying quality out there for sale. We’ve all seen the self-combusting scooter videos online, so make sure you shoot for a reputable brand EASE OF USE Learning to ride an e-scooter is easy. It’s the same principle as a traditional scooter. After switching it on, you plant one foot on the deck, push with the other. When you reach a speed of around 3km/h, hold the throttle down, the motor will engage and away you go. You can moderate the speed using the throttle and slow down via an electronic braking system. And that’s all you really need to know.

STREET SMART

It's time to ditch the car and join the e-scooter revolution.

with a good reputation.

SAFETY Approved headgear protection is essential when

You want your e-scooter not only to perform consistently, but to also last the distance. With that in mind, firstly, establish what

Taking it to the streets Admit it – if you’re yet to ride an electric scooter, part of you is wondering what all the fuss is about and why more of them are appearing on our roads in Australia. From our urban centres to our suburban streets, the e-scooter is fast becoming the vehicle of choice for riders of all ages. So, why are so many people adopting them as a preferred mode of transport? The art of convenience For urban dwellers looking to avoid congested city streets, owning an e-scooter is an excellent alternative to a car for the commute or a trip to the shops or café. And for public transport users, the last run to the

office or home is made significantly easier with an e-scooter. The foldable light design means they can comfortably fit on a bus or train. Savings to be made OK, so there’s the purchase price and the cost of charging (the thrifty rider will charge their e-scooter at work or during off-peak night rates) to consider, but

using any form of rideable. It’s also vitally important to check your state legislation before taking to the road; laws do differ quite considerably from state to state.

you’re going to use your e-scooter for and in what conditions. There are a range of models designed to cater for all riders, from the casual user right through to the hardcore enthusiast. If you intend to use it solely in a city environment on tarmac roads, then an e-scooter with solid wheels will suit. Looking to take it on trains and buses? Then weight needs to be a consideration. Taking it over rough terrain and grass? It’s worth looking for an e-scooter with inflatable tyres to soften the bumps. And if you live in an area with hills, a motor with high torque is a must. Basically, torque is force, so the better the torque, the greater the force in the motor to get the e-scooter up a hill. Finally, it’s worth remembering that while most e-scooters are splash and rainproof, they’re not waterproof, so trying to negotiate a deep puddle whilst riding one is never going to end well. It’s also not advisable to leave your e-scooter exposed to the elements for long periods of time.

outside of occasional maintenance, that’s it when it comes to outlaying money. You don’t need to worry about insurance, registration, license renewal fees or fluctuating petrol prices. Keeping the planet on side Transport in Australia is a major source of greenhouse emissions and close to 90 per cent of commuters use a car at some point on the journey to work. According to HILDA,

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