Electric Scooter Range - How Far Can an Electric Scooter Really Go?

Electric Scooter Range - How Far Can an Electric Scooter Really Go?

Range is one of the most important—and most misunderstood—specs when shopping for an e-scooter. Manufacturers love to advertise impressive numbers, but real-world results often fall short.

Here’s what actually affects range and how to choose the right battery for your ride.

Manufacturer Range vs Real Range

Scooter brands often quote range under ideal conditions:

• Flat terrain
  
  

• 75 kg rider (approx)
  
  

• Low speed
  
  

• Continuous riding without typical stop start riding
  
  

• Full charge to dead flat (not healthy for the battery to run dead)
  
  

But most NZ riders face hills, stop-start traffic, variable weather, and carry backpacks or gear or just weigh more. That means real-world range can be 40–80% of the advertised figure.  

Factors That Affect E-Scooter Range

1. Load  (Rider + Gear) Weight – Heavier riders use more battery to maintain speed
   
   

2. Speed – Faster riding drains the battery quicker
   
   

3. Terrain – Hills and rough paths demand more power
   
   

4. Tyre Pressure – Low pressure increases resistance
   
   

5. Weather – Cold batteries have lower capacity
   
   

6. Throttle Habits – Full throttle starts chew through energy
   
   

7. Battery Health – Range drops over time with battery ageing
   
   

How to Estimate Your Real Range

Step 1: Find the scooter’s battery watt-hours (Wh):
Multiply volts × amp-hours (e.g. 48V × 15Ah = 720Wh)

Step 2: Divide by estimated Wh/km (typically 20–25 Wh/km for NZ terrain)
720Wh ÷ 25 = approx. 28–35 km real-world range

Tip: Use the high end of the range for slower, lighter riders on flat paths; the low end for hills, heavier loads, or fast riding.

Battery Size Recommendations

• Commuters (<15 km/day): 500–600Wh battery is plenty
  
  

• Mixed use (20–30 km/day): Aim for 700–1000Wh
  
  

• Long-range or hilly routes: 1000Wh+ for reliable performance
  
  

Final Thoughts

Don’t be fooled by glossy marketing numbers. At Storm Rides, we’ll help you understand exactly what to expect from your battery in New Zealand conditions—and guide you to the right scooter for your range needs.