Electric scooters offer a great way to go to various places without too much hassle, especially if you live in a big and crowded city. If you’re thinking about getting an electric scooter for commuting to work then you might be interested in knowing how these devices are actually made and what is going on “under the hood”, as they say.
In order to achieve this, you should first become acquainted with all the different elements and pieces that are included in such a device. There are many models available on the market out of which you can choose, some of them including certain features, while others providing different benefits.
In terms of the motor, there are several types that can be included in the scooter you decide to purchase, but there are many other vital elements that you should be aware of, in order to determine what you need. Since you’re interested in how these devices are made, then you probably want to get one that offers superior performance.
In this article, you’ll find out what pieces are used to make a scooter and how they work together to ensure smooth rides that help you avoid heavy traffic.
A bit about electric scooters
A scooter might seem like a rather simple device, and while there’s no way to compare it to more complex vehicles such as cars, it’s good to be aware that there’s a lot of technology involved when making such a product.
The main parts involved in an electric scooter are the motor, the motherhood, the battery, the brakes, the throttle, and of course the frame. Depending on the chosen model, various other extras might be included as well. On the other hand, having a lot of extra features might end up making the scooter harder to handle, as they can be rather heavy.
Therefore, it’s important to note that if you want to have a lightweight and portable scooter, then you need to carefully consider all the pros and cons of the model you’ve set your eyes on. Moreover, many times the extras determine its price, making this a budget matter as well.
The main elements
Now, going back to the main elements we were discussing, let’s see what each of these brings to the table. The motherhood is actually the management system of a scooter. If we were to compare it with something within the human body, this would be the brain.
Since it needs to manage what happens to every other piece in order to respond to the user’s needs during use, the motherboard registers data from the motor, the battery, the throttle, and the brakes. Actually, when it comes to the brakes, these provide data and get indications from the motherboard only if they are electric ones.
In terms of the motor, the unit you choose might include either a chain-driven one that is mounted on the outside of the wheel or a hub motor which goes inside the rim. The latter alternative is superior in terms of response time, power, sound levels, and torque compared to chain-driven ones.
The motor can be compared to muscles that set everything in motion. However, this element needs to get information from somewhere, and this is where the motherboard’s role becomes important.
As the rider presses the throttle down indicating a certain speed and direction, the management system gets this command and sets the system in motion for a quick response. It tells the battery to provide the necessary power for a certain speed, and this information travels through the wiring system all the way to the motor that registers how fast it should rotate.
Of course, the frame needs to be made of high-quality materials, and many times high-end scooters include a lot of aircraft-grade aluminum in their construction. This material is well-known for its capacity to withstand rough conditions, as well as for its durability.
Plus, since any scooter should aim to be as lightweight as possible, aluminum helps in this matter as well. According to some, these devices include three separate parts, so let’s see what these are.
The standard part
Electric scooters are derived from standard kick scooters. While the latter have been made for kids and their fun, their electric counterparts are definitely suitable for adults who need to find effective solutions for extra urban mobility. Today, these devices are used in many different ways, including for delivery services, which means that they’re becoming increasingly visible around us.
With this being said, the standard part we’re talking about here refers to the overall design which resembles that of a standard kick scooter. Electric models include left and right handlebars, a clamp to the upper vertical tube, as well as folding mechanisms (in most cases).
Their wheels can be either pneumatic or airless, but if you want to benefit from enhanced riding performance, you should know that the first option is the more suitable one. What makes airless wheels great is that they cannot be damaged, but other than that, they offer inferior performance compared to pneumatic ones, especially for street riding.
The electric part
The footboard, which is another crucial element of any scooter, is usually made from one piece of aluminum that ensures both sturdiness and a lightweight construction. The motherhood mentioned above governs the electrical part, including the motor and the battery.
LED lights might indicate how much battery is left for the user’s convenience, and since we’ve mentioned this aspect, we’re going to stop for a moment and talk about the battery’s life. Some electric scooters include what is known as a regenerative braking system. These are highly useful since they have the ability to recharge the battery while the user rides through the city.
While this doesn’t mean that you won’t have to recharge it yourself, it certainly extends its range, which might be just what you need in case your commute is rather long.
When it comes to range, a useful rule of thumb says that if you want to make sure you never run out of battery when riding a scooter, you should take the information provided by the manufacturer regarding a model’s range and divide it by as much as two.
Studies suggest that many times these estimates are 30% higher than the actual road performance.
The intelligent part
This is where things are getting interesting since sensors monitor the speed of the wheels. The way they do this depends on each model, but the principle behind remains the same. When the software detects a request for acceleration, it engages the motor to ensure the necessary assistance.
This feature responds to the indications given by the rider and, depending on the scooter you choose and on what features it includes, you might also benefit from assistance when the roads are steep.
As you can see, the various parts involved in electric scooters show that the manufacturing process is not an easy one. Brands well-known for the quality of their products take their time and put all the effort into further developing the technology, while the production facilities work with high-quality materials, such as aircraft-grade aluminum, to make reliable units.
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