STACK #228 October 2023

OUT & ABOUT

TECH FEATURE

visit jbhifi.com.au/stack

TICKET TO RIDE

Have you considered buying an electric scooter but don’t know where to start? Well, we’ve got you covered. Here are six reasons why we think it’s a good idea. Words Paul Jones 1 Leave the car keys at home for people looking to reduce their carbon footprint. Taking a car off the road in the city and replacing it with

an electric rideable also lessens the burden of traffic congestion and helps reduce noise pollution. Aside from the initial manufacturing process device and the cost of producing electricity (unless you’re on solar), going mobile on an electricity scooter is a smart choice for the environment. 5 Space savers

How often have you driven to the train station only to spend 20 minutes trying to find a park? Or spent hours in urban centres stuck in traffic jams trying to get home? Electric scooters are the ideal alternative for traversing city and suburban streets or adding convenience to the daily commute. Relatively light, these rideables are designed to easily fold down so they can be carried and stowed on a train or a bus. So, the next time you think about grabbing the car keys to drive to the station, pick up milk from the corner shop, or pop down to the local café for a cup of coffee, consider taking a scooter. 2 Cost cutting No one needs reminding about pinballing fuel pricing, and this alone makes an electric scooter a sound investment. Yes, you still have to charge it, but there are ways to save in that area, too, especially if you have solar panels on the roof. Sans solar? Then it’s worth taking advantage of off-peak nighttime rates (just add a smart plug to set the time before bed), or even better, charge while you’re at work at the bosses’ expense! With no annual rego payments and only occasional maintenance costs, an electric scooter makes good financial sense.

3 Easy as

You don’t need a garage or a carport to park your scooter, and it doesn’t matter if you live on the seventh floor of a building, either. Once folded, an electric scooter will fit just about anywhere in a house or apartment. And you can avoid costly car parking fees if you work – or play – in the city. 6 Thrill of the ride Yes, electric scooters offer all of the above, but it’s easy to forget that riding them is so much fun. Gliding through streets evokes a real nostalgic spirit, and you’ll find yourself heading out simply for the thrill of the ride. Be warned: they are addictive!

Yep, one of the best bits about owning an electric scooter is the ease

of use. These rideables are designed to be used with minimal operation. Users start the ride by kicking off with a foot like a traditional scooter. A throttle lever on the handlebar will kick the electric motor into action when in motion. Push down to go faster or pull back to slow up. Brakes are either mechanically operated via a lever like a traditional bike or hydraulic. 4 Planet wise This also ties nicely into the first point. It stands to reason that an electric scooter won’t create the same volume of toxic fumes as fossil fuelled vehicles, making them a good option

56 OCTOBER 2023

jbhifi.com.au