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Debunking 11 E-Scooter Myths
E-scooters are a big deal to us at Storm Rides, so it can be a little soul-crushing to hear rumours that misrepresent them.
From the stereotype that "e-scooters are just for men" to fears that "e-scooters are unsafe," these myths prevent many people from discovering their true value.
Let’s debunk 11 of the most common e-scooter myths with examples from the top e-scooter brands in our range like Kaabo and InMotion.
In this article:
- Myth 1: “E-Scooters Are Only For Guys”
- Myth 2: “E-Scooters Are Only For Kids”
- Myth 3: “E-Scooters Are Slow”
- Myth 4: “E-Scooters Are Not Environmentally Friendly”
- Myth 5: “E-Scooters Aren't Safe To Ride”
- Myth 6: E-Scooters Are Banned Everywhere
- Myth 7: E-Scooters Are Expensive And High Maintenance
- Myth 8: “E-Scooters Aren’t Comfortable”
- Myth 9: “E-Scooters Are Hard To Ride”
- Myth 10: “E-Scooter Batteries Don’t Last Long”
- Myth 11: "E-Scooters Don't Even Make It Up Hills"
MYTH 1: “E-SCOOTERS ARE ONLY FOR GUYS”
Just like with any mode of transport, e-scooters are not restricted to one gender. At Storm Rides, we’re seeing a surge in popularity with women – particularly our with stylish, lightweight e-scooter brands like InMotion.
Everyone can enjoy all the incredible benefits of owning an e-scooter. From convenience to fun to ease of use, there are countless reasons why it could be the perfect purchase for you.
For more information, check out our article, the benefits of owning an electric scooter.
MYTH 2: “E-SCOOTERS ARE ONLY FOR KIDS”
Perhaps conventional scooters remind you of childhood fun at the skatepark, but they're not just toys anymore.
These days, e-scooters come in all shapes and sizes, perfect for riders of any age and interests; some e-scooters are built for off-roading, while others are designed for urban commuting.
Take a look at models like the Inmotion Air Pro and Kaabo Mantis X (Eco & Pro). They're built for adult commuters and offer a fantastic combination of speed, range, and durability.
35 km/h Top Speed 40 km Range |
50 km/h Top Speed 55 km Range |
MYTH 3: “E-SCOOTERS ARE SLOW”
Slow? Think again! While some budget models might not break any speed records, premium e-scooters like the InMotion RS and Kaabo Wolf King GT Pro have top speeds of 100 km/h! Though, of course, we would never recommend trying this out, especially on our roads.
These bad boys can keep up with city traffic, giving you an exhilarating ride every time.
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110km/h Top Speed
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Kaabo Wolf King GT Pro
100 km/h Top Speed
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MYTH 4: “E-SCOOTERS ARE NOT ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY”
Powered by electric motors, e-scooters don't emit any harmful gases while zipping around town. That means they're a sustainable alternative to gas-guzzling vehicles, helping to keep our air clean and our planet green.
There are concerns about the environmental impact of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles. While these batteries pose environmental challenges in production and disposal, we’re confident that their long-term benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
E-scooters reduce carbon footprints, promote sustainable mobility, and benefit from continuous innovation in battery efficiency and recyclability. If you buy a quality e-scooter, the battery should last for years.
Plus, older e-scooter batteries can still be reused in low-power devices like lights or backup systems, helping to reduce waste.
By choosing electric scooters, you’re contributing to cleaner air and combat climate change, making them a viable and environmentally friendly transportation option.
MYTH 5: “E-SCOOTERS AREN'T SAFE TO RIDE”
At the beginning of the e-scooter craze a lot of people were jumping on a Lime scooter with no idea how to ride them – often under the effects of alcohol. So it’s no wonder there were a lot of accidents.
Accidents on personally-owned scooters are more rare.
It’s very important to practice when you first get an e scooter, and to respect it like any other 'vehicle'. This means ride to your skill level, ride to the conditions, and do not ride whilst impaired.
It is also important to buy an e-scooter from a legit brand that uses quality components. Overly cheap scooters are that way for a reason. That’s why choosing a genuine brand, like Kaabo and InMotion, is so important.
With over five years of experience importing, selling, and supporting e-scooters, Storm Rides is proud to be the Importer of Choice for Leading Global Brands, offering a rock-solid NZ Warranty (with spare parts stocked right here in NZ). As a result, you can ride stress-free, knowing that your scooter was made with safety as a top priority.
Alongside the reliability of our models, we also ensure that our customers are completely confident with the scooter's functions and have access to the right accessories (such as a helmet, gloves and phone holder for safe navigation).
For more information, check out our guide to the 7 must-have electric scooter accessories.
MYTH 6: E-SCOOTERS ARE BANNED EVERYWHERE
While some cities in New Zealand have regulations regarding e-scooter use, they are not banned. In fact, Waka Kotahi NZTA renewed its exemption from e-scooters being classed as motor vehicles.
Many cities, such as Auckland and Wellington, have embraced e-scooters as a sustainable mode of transportation. Riders should always check local regulations and ride responsibly to ensure compliance with e-scooter laws.
MYTH 7: E-SCOOTERS ARE EXPENSIVE AND HIGH MAINTENANCE
While premium e-scooters like the Kaabo Wolf King GTR can be a significant investment, they offer excellent value for their performance and durability.
Moreover, e-scooters are generally low maintenance. Routine tasks like cleaning, tyre maintenance, and brake inspections can keep your e-scooter in top condition without significant ongoing costs.
If you want to buy a budget-friendly e-scooter without compromising quality, check out our e-scooters under $1500 collection. There are some fantastic options in here, including the InMotion Air which won the #3 spots on our review of the top e-scooters in New Zealand.
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$1,099 RRP
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InMotion Air Pro
$1,399.00
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MYTH 8: “E-SCOOTERS AREN’T COMFORTABLE”
Once again, your chosen brand and model will play a big part in determining the comfort of your ride. So, stick with reliable brands, and you should be good to go.
Decent suspension is key to ultimate comfort! That's why models like the Kaabo Mantis King GT and Fiido Q1S Seated Scooter are well-loved for having high-quality suspension both front and rear.
Some of the Kaabo Mantis and Wolf scooters even come with adjustable suspension, so with a quick twist of a dial you can adjust the suspension to match your terrain.
The comfort can continue when going off track, with models such as the Kaabo Mantis King GT specifically designed for off-road terrain! Its knobbly tyres and heavy-duty shocks will make you stable and ready to go.
Another misconception about e-scooter comfort is that they are too heavy to carry. However, this depends on the model since the weight varies significantly.
For example, the Kaabo Mantis Mini weighs around 20kg, while the InMotion RS is about 58kg (massive difference, right?). So, yes, some scooters aren't going to be easy to carry while others are designed to come onboard a public transport commute.
If your scooter commute involves a bus or train, the Kaabo Mantis Mini and the Inmotion Air Pro are perfect options due to their lightweight design and easy folding functionality. Check out our commuter e-scooter range for more options.
MYTH 9: “E-SCOOTERS ARE HARD TO RIDE”
Although e-scooters can be overwhelming at first, riding them is a breeze. Simply place the scooter on the path, raise the kickstand, place one foot on the deck, then the other, and you’re off—with a bit of throttle, turning, and brakes.
If your scooter has any additional riding requirements, we will make sure you’re fully equipped with the right knowledge before you hit the road - this beginner’s guide has step-by-step instructions on getting started. Plus, we have a bunch of tutorial videos to make things super clear.
If you're a new rider, the Kaabo Mantis Mini and Kaabo Mantis are excellent beginner options! For more information, you can read our ultimate e-scooter buyers guide.
MYTH 10: “E-SCOOTER BATTERIES DON’T LAST LONG”
With the majority of our scooters having a tested range of 30-60 km when fully charged, it's fair to say this myth is false. Some e-scooters like the Kaabo Mantis Pro have been tested to over 90km of range.
Check out the exact distances recorded when testing the below models:
- Kaabo Mantis 10 Base: 60km
- E-TWOW GT Sport: 40km
- InMotion Climber 38km
- Fiido Q1S 25km
Consider what’s realistic to avoid being misled by a scooter's stated battery range.
Typically, the larger the 'battery size' measured in Ah (ampere-hour), the bigger the range will be. If the Ah is small, but the range is pretty far, chances are the specs aren't giving a 'real world' estimate—but instead what can be referred to as a 'factory spec'.
And factory specs mean nothing! To be sure you're getting what it promises, It's best to get in touch with us at Storm Rides.
We recommend chatting with one of our in-store experts or booking a test ride at our Morningside store.
You can also watch a few YouTube reviews and read in-depth scooter reviews online such as those listed in the Rider Guide.
MYTH 11: "E-SCOOTERS DON'T EVEN MAKE IT UP HILLS"
With the number of massive hills in Auckland and Wellington CBD, it's fair enough that people have some doubts about whether or not an electric scooter will make it up those gnarly inclines.
While some low-powered models might not manage, e-scooters such as the InMotion Climber, the Kaabo Wolf Warrior GT Pro, and Kaabo Mantis X Pro are made to tackle the hills!
For more information, check out our post about the best electric scooters for climbing hills in NZ.
READY TO RIDE?
So, that's a wrap on debunking common electric scooter myths! If you have any other questions, chat with us - the team at Storm Rides are always up for a yarn and a ride!
And, if you're ready to join in on the riding action, see our dealer page to find your closest Storm Rides Authorised Dealer or contact us if you want to visit our Auckland HQ in Morningside!
Electric Scooter Buyers Guide/Last Words of Advice:
- Custom Consult: visit Storm Rides HQ in Morningside AKL or jump on our web chat to speak to someone who lives and breathes e-scooters to make sure you get great advice. We can also point you in the direction of the closest dealer or workshop partner to you.
- Value Matters: too cheap, and you will regret it; buying a cheap scooter that you have to replace in six months absolutely sucks when for another few hundred bucks, you could have had an awesome scooter from a legit brand.
- Check the Specs: we have an at-a-glance table of the main specs for each product, such as range, top speed, best use case, etc, on each scooter page.
- Finance Options – Check out our wide range of Finance options, including multiple different Buy Now Pay Later and other options like GEM, Finance Now and Q Card
- Warranty: make sure there is an NZ-backed warranty, and that parts for the specific electric scooter you’re interested in are stocked in New Zealand. We get endless calls for parts for unsupported scooters sold by unscrupulous sellers who have often since disappeared.