Perk up your daily commute with this whizzy form of transport. We round up everything you need to know about scooters.
Zipping around the city couldn’t be easier now. From the mighty useful Downtown line to the plethora of bike sharing schemes to choose from, there’s many reasons for CBD slickers to be thankful for (unless the trains break down…). But there’s also an easier and faster mode of roving from one point to another: electric scooters. As it is, scooter-sharing in Singapore has been made popular with companies like PopScoot and Telepod. But, first order of business, let’s get to know the rules!
New rules
Even though it’s a fairly new innovation, like bicycles, there are laws circling e-scooters that you should know before deciding to buy one. Classified under Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs), electric scooters are regulated by LTA. While it is not illegal to own an electric scooter, its use is limited to footpaths and cycling/shared paths, according to the Active Mobility Bill.
More recently, Senior Minister of State for Transport, Dr Lam Pin Min announced on 7 March 2018 that the Government has decided to conform to the Active Mobility Advisory Panel’s proposal to enforce the registration of all electric scooters in Singapore. While it has yet to be enforced, it is inevitable that LTA will be regulating the types of electric scooter permitted soon as well as the behavior of Singapore motorised scooter riders, on public paths.
Which should I buy?
Flabbergasted by the vast selections of e-scooters in the market? One tip for starters: focus on an aspect of the e-scooter that is most valuable to your daily needs.
Dualtron II S
For long distance riders
Blazing at the maximum speed of 65 km/h, it can cover over 100 kilometers on a full charge. Fully equipped but slightly bulkier than the rest with shock absorbers, bigger wheels and elevated board for durability, it makes this scooter a perfect on for adventurers.
$1,890 from Lazada
Zoom Stryder
Sturdy but portable and lightweight
Arguably one of the lightest electric scooters in the market, Zoom Stryder is one for you if portability is the top priority on your list. Weighing in at 10.9 kilograms, it also provides a good speed up to 30 km/h. Made up of high-quality aluminium alloy frame, and decked with shock absorbers and suspension, rest assured that this scooter is sturdy and safe, despite its lightness.
$795 from Ride Zoom
GoPED PPV (Portable Patrolling Vehicle)
For the speed demons
Need for speed, and power? The GoPED PPV (Portable Patrolling Vehicle) is one of most rugged and fastest electric scooters you’ll find. Initially invented for military and rescuing purposes, GoPED PPV has now been commercialised and made available to the masses. While it weighs around 20 kilograms, it can hit some ferocious speed (up to 60 km/h), travel a distance up to 45km and is still compact to tuck away when not in use.
$7,700 from Falcon P.E.V
Inokim Quick 3
For the cool kids
Looking for something trendy and popular? It then has to be the Inokim Quick 3 electric scooter. On top of the usual specs – lightweight, painlessly foldable, and a broadened deck, Inokim Quick 3 is also equipped with state-of-the-art technology, having an all-in-one digital display that shows battery lifespan, speed and distance travelled.
$999 from Falcon P.E.V
Icewheel Power Assist
Basic and budget
No fancy gear, special features and extra knobs (except to retract the handles and body for space-saving), this one is as basic as it gets. It doesn’t even have a throttle to control the speed. You just have to kick like a regular scooter, and it’ll start speeding up (the max you’ll go is 7 km/h).
$238 from Escoot.sg
Zero 2.0
The lightweight champion
Weighing at only 6.3kg, the foldable Zero 2.0 allows you to carry it around easily. It has a max range of 25 km and a speed of 25 km/h. Talk about light and fast.
$899 from Falcon PEV
Going shopping?
Be it offline or online, getting an e-scooter for yourself is simpler than you think. Here’s our list of shops to buy that e-scooter you’ve been wanting. Time for a good investment!
Escoot.sg, 31 Woodlands Cres, Singapore 737916
Ning Life, 160 Paya Lebar Road, #04-04 Orion Building, Singapore 409022
Falcon P.E.V, #06-06, Delta House, 2 Alexandra Road, Singapore 159919
InlineX, various locations.
Toy Tag, #03-58, HarbourFront Centre, 1 Maritime Square, Singapore 099253
Passion Gadgets, #01-15, Commerze@Irving, 1 Irving Place, Singapore 369546
Ride Zoom, online.
Mobot, #03-19, Oxley Bizhub 2, 62 Ubi Road 1, Singapore 408734
E.G.T Pte Ltd, #04-28D, IMM Building, 2 Jurong East Street 21, Singapore 609601
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