STACK #214 August 2022

LIFE TECH FEATURE

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BOARD RIDERS From our urban centres to our suburban streets, the electric scooter (e-scooter) is fast becoming the vehicle of choice for riders of all ages. So why are so many people adopting e-scooters as a preferred mode of transport? Are you ready to roll? Try these for size.

Easy does it For city dwellers looking to avoid congested 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 and lightweight design means they can comfortably fit on a bus or train. Savings to be made Aside from the purchase price and the cost of charging (the canny rider will charge their e-scooter at work or during off-peak night rates), there’s very little financial outlay aside from a bit of maintenance. You don’t need to worry about insurance, registration, or those horrific petrol prices. Keeping it green Outside of the manufacturing process and the production of the electricity used to power them (not so if you’re on solar), there are zero emissions with e-scooters. And they help reduce traffic congestion too. The fun factor The inner child is unleashed when you pull away on an e-scooter. Riding one is not only addictive, but also fun; even a trip to the shops can be an adventure. I’m in! What’s next? Like anything in life, you get what you pay for. You want your e-scooter to perform consistently and last the distance. Think about the terrain. A city environment with tarmac roads will suit solid tyres. Looking to take it on trains and buses? Then weight needs to be a consideration. Are you going off-road? Inflatable tyres will cushion the bumps. And if you live in an area with hills, a motor with high torque is a must. Battery life and range are also important factors. Finally, it’s worth remembering that while most e-scooters are splash and rainproof, they’re not waterproof, so riding through deep puddles will never end well.

Daxy Bandicoot The first cab off the rank is a new player on the block from Australian company Daxy. Pitched at riders over the age of 16, it houses a

Okai ES30 Okai has been a micro-mobility business since 2006. The ES30 is an on-road e-scooter with a big 700W motor and will cruise up hills up to 25 degrees. This is one quick charging

meaty 500W motor and can reach a range of 55km. It has a unique suspension system and 10-inch

rideable at approximately two hours, and can run to a range of 45km. It has 10-inch wheels and a top speed of 25kph. Compared to other e-scooters in its class, the

tubeless tyres to avoid punctures – just what you don’t want on an e-scooter. It will breeze up hills of up to 20 degrees and comes with front and rear indicators and a bell. The Bandicoot can be set to three different speeds and can reach 25kph. Max speed: 25kph Range: 55km Weight: 24.6kg Load: 120kg IP rating: IPX5 Charge time: 6 hours

ES30 is relatively light at 100kg, making it an ideal companion for public transport. Max speed: 25kph Range: 45km Weight: 20kg Load: 100kg IP rating: TBC Charge time: approx. 5 hours

Segway Ninebot G65 A stalwart in the JB e-scooter range,

Segway Ninebot P100 Another e-scooter for adults, the P100 is an absolute beast with an impressive 80-100km range and a top speed of 43kph. At the heart

consider the G65 a successor to the all-rounder superstar, the Max. The G65 is an on-road e-scooter designed for riders 16

is a 650W motor with excellent torque and will handle inclines of up to 23 degrees. The 10.5-inch tyres are self-sealing, so you won’t get caught short with a puncture. It also has built-in indicators, a horn, and an NFC locking/unlocking and on/off feature. Max speed: 43kph Range: 80-100km Weight: 31.8kg Load: 100kg IP rating: IPX5 Charge time: 8 hours

and over with a maximum weight of 120kg. It has a powerful 400W motor, a range of 45-65km depending on the terrain, and can tackle hills with up to 20-degree slopes. Front and rear shock absorption and 10-inch tyres will help when you take it off-road.

Max speed: 25kph Range: 45-65km Weight: 24.4kg Load: 120kg IP rating: IPX5 Charge time: 6 hours

“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” – Albert Einstein, theoretical physicist

Please note: Each state and territory in Australia has a different set of rules and regulations pertaining to the usage of e-scooters and e-boards (including where e-scooters and e-boards can legally be used and whether e-scooters and e-boards need to be registered with the relevant road traffic authority). Any user of this product must ensure that they check and abide by their local by-laws and use responsibly. Ride with caution and always wear a helmet and protective gear when riding your e-scooter and e-board.

54 AUGUST 2022

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