scooters Archives

Posted by: egle on April 22, 2024

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5 Main Reasons why Electric Scooters are So Popular Now

If you live in the city, you must have already seen hundreds of scooters riding past. Some people buy their own. Many just rent them. Have you ever thought why scooters are so popular? We are here to answer this question today. So here are five reasons why scooters are so popular.

Electric scooters are green, and green is popular

No one should doubt climate change anymore: it is real, it is at least partly our fault, and we should do something about it. It is what authoritative institutions, such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, say. One way of reducing climate change is by producing less CO2. And this is what electric vehicles do: they emit less CO2. Of course, walking on foot and riding bikes might still be more ecological but using an electric scooter is much greener than using a car. Still, it is not the only reason why people choose electric scooters.

Scooters are popular for commuting

Often, this is one of the main reasons why people choose electric scooters: to commute. It is not only more ecological to ride scooters instead of using cars, but also more economical. You do not need to pay for gas and parking fees are very seldom. You may also only use them for the so-called “first and last mile”. For example, you might take the bus to your work, but you have to walk for 20 minutes to get to the bus stop. Or there might be 15 minutes left to reach your workplace after you get off the bus. Most people cover such distances on foot, and that’s great! However, if you want to travel quicker and tire out less, you can consider e-scooters. They are great for commuters because scooters are:

Easy to ride and carry

Scooters do not weigh much: foldable scooters are usually between 10 and 15 kilos. And foldable scooters are the best for commuting in the city. While other scooter types might be faster and sturdier, foldable scooters make up for it with their convenience. They are much easier to bring into buildings or carry onto public transport, than, say, bikes or other scooters.

Scooters are also easy to ride. Unlike with bikes, you do not have to pedal: you kick start your scooter and then ride with the help of an electric motor. It means you do not arrive at your destination tired and sweaty. Scooters are also easy to navigate and do not require any special licenses. Of course, there are some regulations. For example, you usually cannot ride electric scooters on sidewalks. Learn about scooter laws in California and Hawaii.

Scooter maintenance is easy

Scooters are also easy to maintain, unlike cars or motorcycles! Still, it is a bit more expensive than bike maintenance, mainly because of such components as the battery. You should also regularly check if tires and brakes are functioning well. You can check air-filled tires with a bike pump. But this is usually very easy.

Of course, you have to charge your electric scooter regularly. Electric scooter charge usually lasts for about 18 miles or an average of 2 hours. It might be the biggest worry. It does not take much electricity: low capacity scooter can cost as little as 2 cents to charge in the US. Of course, the higher the capacity, the more it will cost. Scooters of very high capacity could cost up to 45 cents to charge. Time is more of a nuisance, though: to charge, scooters can take anywhere from one to twenty-five hours. Usually, consumer scooters take between 3 and 8 hours. Five hours is the average. Check out this handy calculator to figure out how long it would take for a scooter to charge.

Scootering is fun!

Last but not least, electric scooters are fun. They don’t require effort to ride. You ride in the fresh air and avoid traffic jams. And you look cool! Electric scooters even infiltrated youth culture: they seem to be pushing out skateboards.

Want to rent a scooter or maybe rent out your own to other people? Contact us! We partner with owners to provide rental services of the highest quality.

Posted by: egle on April 17, 2024

Post Views: 6,076

Hawaii Scooter Laws: Regulations on Mopeds, Motor Scooters and Electric Scooters in the Aloha State

Are you planning a trip to Hawaii? Ask yourself how you will get around. There are buses and rental cars and taxis, of course. But if you are looking for a more flexible vehicle, consider scooters. You have to know the regulations, though. Read on to learn about essential Hawaii scooter laws to operate your moped, motor scooter, or e-scooter safely.

Moped laws in Hawaii

Mopeds are often confused with scooters: you can learn more about their differences here. Like most states, the Hawaii state considers mopeds to be transportation devices with an engine up to 50cc. They must also have automatic transmission and a maximum speed of up to 30mph. You can drive it with any driving license: you do not need a motorcycle license specifically. The minimum age to ride a moped is 15.

You can ride mopeds on all roads, including highways. The moped should be as near the right side as possible, except when making a left turn, avoiding something, or when a road carries traffic in one direction and has two or more lanes. However, the best places to ride mopeds are bike lanes: if you see them, be on them, except if the sign prohibits it. Never ride on sidewalks. Finally, only one person can ride a moped. Minors must also wear helmets.

If you plan to buy your own moped in Hawaii, keep in mind that you need to register it to ride on public highways. You must have a certification label from the manufacturer and complete a safety inspection. You will then have to wear your registration decal on the rear fender of the cycle.

Hawaii motor scooters laws

Hawaii defines motor scooters as vehicles that are more powerful than mopeds: they have an engine larger than 50cc and a speed of more than 30mph. The state also puts motor scooters and motorcycles in one category. You also need a motorcycle license to ride both in Hawaii.

Both motor scooters and motorcycles are entitled to use the full lane. However, two motorcycles can ride side by side. Motor scooters and motorcycles drivers can also use HOV lanes. However, lane splitting is prohibited, and you can only overtake other vehicles in a separate lane. Minors need to wear helmets on scooters. Also, a scooter must have a windshield, or you must have eye protection.

If you plan to purchase a motor scooter or a motorcycle in Hawaii, do not forget to register and insure it. If you are planning to rent one, the rental company should take care of it. You need to be 18 and have a driving license to rent a scooter in Hawaii.

Electric Scooters in Hawaii

Electric scooters are becoming some of the most popular transportation devices in the cities. They are ecological, flexible, and fun. But the Hawaii State scooter laws are still not very well-developed, compared to, say, California scooter laws. In 2021, lawmakers are just starting to legalize scooters and set regulations. You can check out the new laws here.

According to the laws, you need to be at least 15 to ride electric scooters on public property. You also need to wear a helmet with a chin strap under 16 (although we recommend everyone to wear it). You must also ride alone and keep both hands on the handles. If you plan to use the scooter in the dark, it must have lights equipped, which cannot be blue. The maximum speed allowed is 15mph. You can ride scooters on streets and highways, although bike lanes are usually the best places for electric scooters. The law allows counties to set regulations themselves, such as on parking, allowing scooters on sidewalks and highways, etc. So be sure to check the rules in a specific county where you will ride!

If you plan to rent one, you usually need to be 18 and need a driver’s license. If you are planning to purchase one, you also need to register it. Considering the two choices? Check out our article on whether to buy or rent an electric scooter.

Hopefully, you learned something new about scooter laws in Hawaii or reviewed the knowledge you had. Of course, scooters are not the only option of moving around in Hawaii. You can always rent a car or choose bikes: check out our article on renting bikes in Hawaii.

Posted by: egle on

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Moped, Scooter, Motorcycle: What’s the Difference?

Cars are like the default vehicle. However, there is more than one reason you might want a two‑wheeled ride instead. They are cheaper, more flexible and might even be better for health! But there are many two-wheeled vehicles fit for the road. How do you know which is better for you, moped or scooter or motorcycle? We will compare them to help you make a decision.

Mopeds, souped-up bikes

Mopeds are often confused with scooters because of how similar they look. The word moped is an abbreviation for motorized pedal bikes. The pedals help propel the vehicle, and the motor only assists: you still have to pedal like on an e-bike. All mopeds used to have pedals. Well, some mopeds still have them. But now, the term is often applied to vehicles based on their engine size, even if they have no pedals.

So, the engine is the principal defining quality: mopeds are usually classified as having engines up to 50cc (cubic centimeters). A moped is also slow: its maximum speed is 28-30 miles per hour.

According to moped regulations, you cannot use mopeds on highways. The legal age for mopeds differs: for example, you can ride a moped from age 10 in Arkansas. But in California, the legal age is 16. Usually, you only need a valid driver’s license if you are over 16 years old. Between ages 14 and 16, a class D or MD license would work.

Want something more powerful than a moped? Consider a motor scooter

Scooters, unlike mopeds, are powered only by motors. Their engine sizes vary from 50cc to 250cc. An important feature is the step-through platform to rest the legs. You could find scooters with engines larger than 250cc, but they do not classify as motorcycles because of the step-through design.

They are also easier to ride and maneuver than motorcycles. Also, you don’t smell like gas and exhaustion fumes so much. Scooters usually have an electrical charging system.

Usually, the same rules apply to scooters as to motorcycles. But age requirements for scooters vary from state to state. Some states have no scooter laws, such as Alaska, since scooters are not yet regulated there. In some, such as Michigan, the legal age is 12. It’s 14 in Mississippi. And in many other states, the legal age is 16, like for motorcycles. Scooters have the same rules as motorcycles. You usually need a motorcycle endorsement to ride on the streets, as well as motorcycle insurance and protective gear, such as a helmet. You will likely need to pass the motorcycle test to ride scooters, although some states might have separate motor scooters tests.

The most serious of the three: motorcycles

Not only are they the most powerful, but they also have the longest history: people have been riding them since the end of the 19th century. Motorcycles handle speed better, have better acceleration and wind protection. They also have larger wheels. Motorcycle engine sizes usually start from 250cc, although there are some exceptions, such as off-road motorcycles. They are great both for commuting and long trips.

You also mount them: as we mentioned before, sometimes this is the only difference between a motorcycle and a scooter. Although, transmission can also differ: most motorcycles have manual transmissions, while scooters often have automatic transmissions.

The legal age to ride motorcycles is 16. You must also have a motorcycle license. The rules are basically the same as those for scooters.

So, should you choose a moped or scooter, or motorcycle?

Like usually, it depends. A moped can give you more exercise than a scooter and has fewer regulations. They are best for commuting within the city since you cannot ride them on highways. Scooters and motorcycles are pretty similar. Often, people choose motorcycles for their style as biker culture is attractive to many. Of course, motorcycles usually have more powerful vehicles and can go faster, but they are often less eco-friendly. You will also smell like gas! Motor scooters can be a great alternative for people who want to travel on a two-wheeled vehicle comfortably but do not want to be bikers.

If you are only looking for a commuting or short trips transportation device, consider electric scooters and bikes. Sometimes, a rental car is also great. You can rent them all on XRental!

Posted by: egle on April 13, 2024

Post Views: 1,259

California Scooter Laws: 7 Things You Should Know Before Riding Electric Scooters in California

Electric scooters are cool. Whether you have your own or are planning to rent one, there are things you should know before riding off to the streets. You do not want to get a fine, do you? We will tell you all about California scooter laws, as they are set out in California Vehicle Code §21235, so you can ride your scooter safely and happily.

Wear a helmet if you are under 18

It is a legal requirement, which can get you a $200 fine if you do not comply. You can use a bicycle helmet, although a full-face helmet is safer. Remember to fasten it well.

Adults are not required to wear a helmet, but we really recommend it. Scooter accidents are pretty frequent, and you want to avoid head injuries at all costs. If you decide to ride without a helmet, you do it at your own risk.

Have a valid driver’s license

When riding a scooter, you have to carry a valid driver’s license. You also need one to rent a scooter. You can also use a learner’s permit instead. But if the police catch you on a scooter without a driver’s license or a learner’s permit, you will get a traffic ticket.

Do not tandem ride

Taking a passenger with you on the scooter, also known as a tandem ride, is forbidden. It is very unsafe as it becomes much harder to control a scooter with extra weight.

You also can’t carry any bundles that would not allow you to keep both hands on the handles.

Do not go faster than 15 mph

The speed limit for scooters is 15 miles per hour. If you go over it, you can be stopped and fined: the fine can be up to $250. So be careful not to speed too much!

If you use a Bird or Lime scooter, you won’t even be able to go faster. But if you ride at full-speed downhill, the speed increases, so keep that in mind.

Dismount when making a left turn

It might sound annoying, we know. But it’s the law, and the authorities passed it to protect you. Left turns are difficult, and the probability of an accident is pretty high. So when you want to turn left on an electric scooter, do this:

At the intersection, stop on the right curb;
Dismount;
Make a turn by walking.

Do not ride a scooter on the sidewalk

The best place to ride a scooter is bike lanes, either class II or class IV. Class II bikeways are separated from the street by a white stripe. Class IV bikeways have physical barriers from the street traffic, such as cones. The speed limit is also 15mph.

If you can see no bike lanes, you can travel on streets, but their speed limit cannot be higher than 25mph. Local authorities might also allow scooters on roads with speed limits up to 35mph. You still cannot ride the scooter faster than 15mph.

You can only step on sidewalks when you are planning to park the scooter (also, remember to park nicely to not block the area for pedestrians). Crosswalks are also technically sidewalks, so cross them on foot. You can get a ticket for not doing so.

Follow all other vehicle safety rules

According to the California Vehicle Code, an electric scooter has the same rights and obligations as other motor vehicles. Of course, you don’t have to wear a seatbelt because an electric scooter does not have one. But, for example, do not drive intoxicated: you can get a DUI charge just the same, as well as a ticket up to $350.

These are the most important laws to abide by when riding an electric scooter in California. There might also be some local rules in certain areas.

Perhaps you are interested in other types of scooters? Check out our article on it!

Posted by: egle on April 12, 2024

Post Views: 1,212

Should You Buy an Electric Scooter or Rent One? Pros and Cons

Electric scooters are all the hype now and for a reason. They are convenient, ecological, and fun. People use them for leisure riding and commuting. Some have their own scooters, but there are many scooters around the city for rent. Is it better to buy an electric scooter or just rent it when needed? Read on to learn.

Advantages of rental scooters

There is more than one reason why people rent scooters instead of buying them.

No worries about maintenance. As a renter, you are not responsible for maintaining the scooter at all. You will not have to repair it if needed. The rental company takes care of everything.

No charging. Although it’s not very expensive to charge a scooter, it takes time. When renting one, you don’t have to worry about it. Just find one with enough charge.

No need to store or carry the scooter. While not very heavy, scooters can still be a hassle to carry around. If you want to leave it outside, you have to find a good place for parking and lock it: otherwise, someone might steal it. But when you rent a scooter, you can park it everywhere. Of course, others would be thankful if you didn’t leave the scooter in the middle of a sidewalk. Also, try not to leave it somewhere in a ditch or your backyard so others can rent the scooter too!

Advantages of buying an electric scooter

The main advantage of having your own scooter is that you can ride it anytime you want. With rentals, you have to find one nearby with an app or place a reservation beforehand. That takes planning or extra time: you might open up a scooter rentals app to see that the nearest scooter is 5 miles away. Or there is no free scooter available at all. It can seriously mess up your plans.

Customization. Most rental scooters are pretty basic and of the same model. But when you buy an electric, you can get any kind you want. Or you can customize, choosing the parts yourself! This way you can have a perfect scooter to satisfy all your needs.

Good maintenance. If you rent through an app like Bird or Lime, there is a chance that a scooter will be poor-maintained. Although the companies try to ensure optimum maintenance, they can’t take care of everything, and some people tend to be careless. You will have to maintain the scooter yourself, but you can ensure better maintenance this way.

Finally, if you are not very much into the sharing economy, you will have the comfort of knowing that no stranger touched your scooter.

Learn about the best scooters on the market in 2021

Does a rental scooter cost more?

It depends. Usually, the cost for unlocking the scooter is $1 (might be €1 in Europe). Afterward, the rate varies. It might be $0.1 per minute but could also be $0.35. It might differ in different cities. A standard rate is about $0.15 per minute: this is usually the cost for Lime scooters. You can also rent scooters for a few days with a fixed daily fee which can be cheaper if you plan to ride a lot during those days.

Purchasing a scooter has a high initial cost, of course. An average electric scooter can cost around $300, but many want to buy a better, maybe even a customized scooter. Such models can cost more than $1000.

A 20-minute ride with a rental scooter can cost around $5, including the unlocking price. If this is your commute and you plan to travel by scooter every day, twice a day, it might be better to invest in one; unless you don’t want to bother with parking, carrying, and maintenance. Otherwise, a rental scooter is way better for occasional and short-term rides.

So, should you purchase an electric scooter?

There are several questions to answer yourself. Are you planning to ride a lot regularly? Do you want a really good model rather than just a typical electric scooter? Are you prepared to repair and maintain the scooter? Do you have the budget for this one-time investment? If you answered yes, it might be better to buy an electric scooter instead of renting it.

It also depends on your location. If you live in a big city, there should be scooters aplenty. But if you come from a less populated place, it might be hard to find one for rent. In this case, buying might not even be a better decision but perhaps the only one available as well.

But if you are not so sure about riding much and want flexibility, it’s better to rent one. It’s a commitment and hassle-free option which can also cost less if you will only ride occasionally. Read our tips on renting an electric scooter.

Perhaps you are thinking about something different than the popular electric scooter? Check out our article on different types of scooters!

Posted by: egle on

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Rent and Ride Electric Scooter Safely: Top Things to Know Before Your First Scooter Rental

Are you planning to rent an electric scooter soon? Good decision! Electric scooters are easy to use, eco-friendly, and quite convenient. They are a great alternative to commuting by bus or by car. But how do you rent one? What should you know before renting? We will answer these questions to calm your worries.

How to rent an electric scooter

Usually, you only need a driver’s license and a valid credit card to rent. You might also have to be 18 years old to rent a scooter. Also, in most states, you must be 16 to drive scooters. But you usually do not need a license to ride a scooter.

There is more than one way to rent a scooter. Many people use apps, such as Bird or Lime. You have to add your credit card, find a scooter on the map, check its battery, go to the scooter. You might have to start the ride in the app or take a picture of the QR code. To begin riding the scooter, step on it, kick the ground and push the throttle button. Then, enjoy your ride!

What to do before riding away on your rental scooter

Just like with any other transportation device, scooter accidents happen. To minimize the risk, here are some things you should do before riding your rental scooter:

Check the tires. They must be in good condition to ride safely. Rental companies usually check and maintain their scooters, but it never hurts to be sure.

Check the brakes. Brakes must always function well: otherwise, you can drive into someone or something, unable to stop on time. Once again, a malfunction is not likely, but you should still try them out. It’s good to try out the scooter a bit, so you know how to ride it.

Finally, take photos of the electric scooter you rent before you leave so that you do not get blamed for damages you did not cause. Make sure you can also see the date of taking the photo to prove it was just when you rented it out.

How to keep yourself safe on electric scooter

Scooter laws are not very clear yet, and riders often disobey them, anyway. They are also quite fast, not so easily seen, and very open. This is how they sometimes create hazards for themselves, other drivers, and pedestrians. Let’s talk about minimizing risks to yourself first. Besides well-functioning tires and brakes, some gear can also be helpful.

Wear a helmet. Although only a few states require wearing helmets when riding scooters or might only require helmets for riders under 18, we always recommend wearing one. Helmets protect your head and your brain, and we can’t function without them, can we? With a helmet, you decrease your risk of a bad head injury in case of an accident.

Wear gloves. When people fall from their scooters, they usually hit the pavement with their palms. Although it would hardly be a fatal injury, scraped palms can be both painful and uncomfortable. Gloves will minimize the risk of hurting hands. A jacket, long pants, and shoes with closed toes also decrease the risk of hurting yourself.

Riding safely and not injuring others

Think about riding a bike. Similar safety rules apply to riding electric scooters. Do not ride on sidewalks: this is illegal in most states. Most states allow riding electric scooters on the streets, although some states do not allow them on highways and expressways. The best places to ride scooters are bike lanes. The speed limit might be from 15 to 30mph. Learn about California scooter laws here and about other states laws here.

Do not ride drunk. You increase the chance of injuring not only yourself but also others. You might also get a fine.

Do not take your friends on one scooter. It might seem like fun, but scooters are only designed for one person. Riding with more makes it harder to operate and thus increases the likelihood of an accident.

Do not speed too much. Electric scooters usually have several speed modes: begin with the first one. You can always speed up when you feel comfortable with the scooter. Many accidents occur because someone speeds too much and cannot notice a hazard or stop the scooter in time.

Finally, be careful. Do not get distracted and observe your surroundings. Try to avoid areas with lots of traffic. Keep both hands on the handles unless indicating a turn. And when you finish the ride, park your scooter nicely, so no one trips over it! Bike racks are a good place for parking scooters.

Perhaps you are interested in other types of scooters? Check out our article on it!

Posted by: egle on April 5, 2024

Post Views: 812

E-Scooters, Kick Scooters, Footbikes, Segways and More: So Many Different Types of Scooters

You probably noticed how many scooters are around today. They are becoming popular not only for commuting but also for leisure and fun. Maybe you are also planning to buy a scooter or rent one? Or perhaps you are simply interested in learning more about them? There are different types of scooters, all with their advantages and disadvantages. Let‘s get down and analyze them.

There can be several classifications of scooters, although they are not as complicated as yacht types. You can divide scooters by their engine or lack of one. Then there are many shapes and designs. Scooters can also be either standing or sitting scooters.

Traditional scooters, where the only engine is you

What do you think about when we say a scooter? Many think of the simple-looking kick scooter, often used by kids, although today they are probably even more popular with adults. You stand on them, you kick the ground with your foot, and you move. Let‘s look at some subtypes of no-engine scooters.

Traditional kick scooters. They likely come to most minds when someone says ‘scooter’. They are cheap and easy to use, but you can’t use them on streets: ride them on sidewalks. Such scooters are very good for low-impact exercise: it’s something between running and cycling.

Foldable scooters. Both kick scooters with no engine and electric scooters can be foldable. Foldable scooters are more mobile and easier to carry. Of course, they can also be a bit more expensive.

Pro scooters. Such scooters are designed for stunts and tricks in extreme sports. They are heavier and more durable. In most cases, they are not foldable, and the height is not adjustable.

Three wheels and four wheels. Third-wheeled scooters are often known as being for children since they are easier to control. But there are also adult third-wheel scooters. They are more stable than traditional two-wheeled kick scooters.

Kickbikes or footbikes. A kickbike is an interesting-looking half a scooter, half a bike. The wheels are like a bike’s, but it has no seat, no pedals, and no gears: you kick it like a kick scooter. However, they are much speedier and more durable than kick scooters, and you can ride them on uneven terrain much better. They are also considered very good for exercising, allowing you to work out your whole body with little risk of injury.

And even more types of motorized scooters with an engine

Motorized scooters often look very similar to kick scooters, only that they are self-propelled. Before they used gas, now they use electricity. Electric motors, of course, are better, if you remember to charge them. Also, better not to ride them during heavy rain or through big puddles, although a drizzle is fine. There are three types of electric scooters:

Electric kick scooters. They are super popular right now, and you are bound to see them in most cities. E-scooters look just like simple kick scooters but have an electric motor. You still have to kick the ground for it to start, but then it will run by itself. In the US, you cannot drive them on sidewalks. You can do so on public roads and bike lanes, where the speed limit is 25mph and cannot exceed 15mph while riding, although laws differ in different states and can be unclear. Learn about scooter laws in California and Hawaii.

Full-size or motor scooters. They might look somewhat similar to mopeds and people sometimes confuse them but they are not mopeds. Learn more about differences between motor scooters and mopeds. You can drive motor scooters on streets and roads but not sidewalks. They are best if you like stability as they have thicker wheels and are more stable than standing scooters.

Self-balancing scooters. They are another type encompassing several subtypes. There are one-wheeled electric unicycles and two-wheeled segways. Segways have a shorter deck compared to kick scooters, and you put feet differently. They can have a typical-looking handle or a knee handle. There are also hoverboards, which do not have any handles. Can you ride them on sidewalks? Segways seem to be legal in public in certain states. Hoverboards, not really: best use them on your private property.

To sum up, scooters differ in shape, design, size, and engines. If you want to exercise, choose a traditional kick scooter or a footbike. But if your goal is to get around the city, choose an e-scooter or even a full-size scooter. Check out scooters for rent on XRental!