8 Factors to Consider When Buying an Off-road Electric Scooter in Australia

Off-road electric scooters are flashy, high-performance, and durable electric scooters that feature powerful motors and long battery lives. Riders often use off-road electric scooters on rougher terrains that average commuter electric scooters can’t withstand. Whether it's a steep hill or a rocky road, off-road electric scooters are built for tough routes.

With so many off-road electric scooter models out there, choosing the right electric scooter will give you the best riding experience and make your purchase worth it. To help you find the right e-scooter, here are the different factors and qualities to consider before you buy off-road electric scooters in Australia.

Factors to consider Before Buying  Off-road Electric Scooters

1. Maximum Motor Power 

Off-road electric scooters normally have a motor power of at least 1000W and include one hub motor on each wheel. Some electric scooters even offer a burst output of 3200W like the Mearth GTS MAX. This power allows the e-scooter to climb steep hills and go through difficult terrains.

The wattage is also important because it will also determine an e-scooter’s speed. The more powerful the motor, the higher the top speed. If you need an e-scooter specifically for riding tough terrains, look for one that offers the maximum motor power that you need.

2. Long Battery Life

Like the motor power, most off-road electric scooters also feature high-capacity batteries. After all, these types of e-scooters need more battery life to power through tough terrains and ride through long ranges.

If you’re looking for an off-road e-scooter that will ride long ranges, looking at the battery life will give you an idea of how far it can go. Like the motor power, the higher the battery capacity, the longer that an e-scooter can run.

However, riders should also keep in mind that high-capacity batteries also mean very long charging times. Some models take more than 6 hours to charge. So, if you don’t want to wait long on charging, consider this aspect and find a model with a good balance of battery capacity and decent charging time.

3. Durable Wheels and Tyres

Having strong and solid wheels and tyres is important if you want to use an off-road electric scooter in Australia. Given the country’s harsh terrain and conditions, the wheels and tyres should withstand bumps and rocks at high speeds.

For off-road electric scooters, choose tyres that are thick and offer excellent shock absorption and grip. Rocks and thorns can affect the shape of your tyres, so search for tyres that prevent sharp objects from penetrating them. 

Air-filled tyres are excellent for shock absorption, while airless tyres are resistant to punctures. Choose the type of electric scooter tyre that you need or prefer.

4. Strong brakes

Brakes are an important part to inspect since they will keep you safe on the road. Look for a quality braking system that provides strong, smooth, and controlled braking power.

Disc brakes are the strongest and most reliable type of brake for e-scooters. Choosing an electric scooter with multiple braking systems is also better for extra safety and protection.

Brakes will need regular inspection to keep them in good condition. So, make sure to have it checked monthly.

5. Heavy Rider Weight

Find an off-road e-scooter that fits your size and weight. Off-road electric scooters for adults often have a rider weight capacity of 120 kg or more.

If you’re on the heavier side, make sure to choose an e-scooter that can carry your weight plus other items that you might have to carry (e.g. bag). It’s recommended to get an e-scooter that can take 10 kg more than your weight.

Moreover, use the opportunity to inspect the width of the deck and the length of the stem to see if it’s the right size for you.

6. Portability

Because of their heavy weight and chunky build, off-road electric scooters are not really built for portability. Riders will need a car if they want to transport their electric scooter from place to place. If you want a portable off-road e-scooter, choose a model that is foldable and smaller in size.

Riders should also keep in mind that carrying an off-road e-scooter in public is not possible because of its heavy weight. So, if you want an e-scooter that you can carry anywhere, go for a commuter electric scooter instead.

7. Build Quality

The material, structure, and build quality of your electric scooter will determine how durable and long-lasting it is on the road. Off-road electric scooters in Australia, in particular, should be sturdy enough to handle difficult terrains. 

Durable materials that are often used in electric scooters include aerospace-grade aluminium, carbon fibre, and polypropylene. Besides the material, check the structure of the e-scooter. Does it have a strong and functional structure? Does it have a sturdy base? Are all the parts connected well? Ask these questions when inspecting the e-scooter.

8. Ride Quality of Off-road Electric Scooters

Finally, test off-road e-scooters to know if they are worth buying. See if it’s comfortable to ride and easy to maneuver and balance. Make sure to test it on rough roads, steep hills, and different terrains to see if it can handle it all.

Also, check if the speed and range are good and if it fits your off-roading needs. Overall, get a feel of riding the electric scooter.

To get the most out of your electric scooter, make sure to purchase from a reputable brand like Mearth. Using an off-roading electric scooter is a fun and powerful way to travel across the city and off the roads. Hopefully, this off-road electric scooter buying guide will help you find the best e-scooter for you.