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Renting vs Buying an Electric Scooter - Cost Comparison
E-scooter rentals can be super convenient, when need one for a short journey and – lo and behold – there’s one available nearby.
But regular commuters run into problems with e-scooter rentals when:
- There isn’t a rental e-scooter nearby
- Performance is inconsistent
- Geofencing and other restrictions affect the journey
If you use a rental e-scooter often, you’ll start wondering whether you should just buy one. The short answer is – yes, buying is the way to go.
Buying your own e-scooter is an upfront cost, but you get way more value over time.
Especially when you weigh up the other advantages like reliability, customisation, and the freedom to ride anytime.
We’ll break down the cost comparison between renting and buying, and you’ll see why it’s a no-brainer to get yourself a commuter or last-mile e-scooter.
The Rental Price Really Adds Up
Rental e-scooter users might gasp at the idea of splurging on their own commuter e-scooter, but this often changes once they do the maths and see what their average rental costs add up to.
Let’s say you’re working a standard five days a week and have a 10-minute scooter commute (to and from the office); your total monthly expense is bound to be a shock.
Check out our below for the breakdown of different prices for each scooter rental brand currently available on New Zealand streets:
|
Brand |
Price (NZD) |
Average Cost Per Week (Based on a 5-day work week with a 10-minute commute scooter ride completed twice a day) |
|
Lime Scooters |
$1.00 unlock fee |
$11.60 per day x 5 = |
|
Flamingo Scooters |
$1.00 unlock fee |
$11 per day x 5 = |
|
Beam Scooters |
$1 unlock fee |
$12 per day x 5 $60 per week
|
|
Neuron Scooters |
$1 unlock fee
Plus $0.38 per minute (prices vary by city)
They also offer a 3-day, 7-day, and 30-day pass (each with a 90-min max per day).
The cost for these passes are as follows: 3-day Pass:
$8.33 per day
7-day Pass:
$4.71 per day
30-day pass
$2.97 per day
|
$9.60 per day x 5 =
$48 per week
Two x 3-day packages = $50 to cover 5 days
One x 7-day package =
$33 to cover 5 days
30-day pass = $89 per month
$89/4 = around $22 per week
|
With an average weekly cost of $55, you’re looking at spending around $220 each month.
Although that might not seem alarming, that’s a yearly cost of around $2,640.
To put that in perspective, our Last Mile Commuter E-Scooters are well under $2,000 and give you the convenience, performance, and style of your own top-of-the-range model.
5 Reasons Why Buying An E-Scooter Is Better Than Renting
If the cost alone doesn’t convince you, here are five more reasons to consider quitting the rentals and buying your own e-scooter.
1. Rental Scooters Have Limited Power And Speed
High-quality scooters such as the Kaabo Mantis 10 Base have motors averaging around 500w to 1000w, giving them a desirable amount of power. Generic rental scooters, on the other hand, are usually powered by a motor that’s 300w or less, making inclines a struggle.
With the purpose of an electric scooter centred around a quick, convenient ride, many renters become frustrated when their commute turns into a workout. No one wants to get sweaty on their way to work or lectures – and you’re paying for a powered ride, so why should you have to push?
2. Rental Scooters Aren’t Designed For Ultimate Comfort
Let’s face it, rental scooters are not designed for comfort. Rental e-scooter companies need to ensure their fleet can handle mass distribution and be resilient to harsh treatment.
So, rather than offering customised functionalities, they provide a universal vehicle that any Tom, Dick, or Harriet can use. While this makes sense for a widespread rental, it does mean that they’re not always the easiest or comfiest to ride – as they’re not tailored to your specific needs.
Alternatively, high-quality commuter e-scooters like the InMotion Air Pro have been cleverly designed to provide a stable and comfortable ride.
The InMotion Air Pro is the perfect entry-level scooter. It’s easy to ride – perfect to stow in the boot and use for short rides.
3. Rental Scooters Raise Safety Concerns
E-scooter helmets like this Livall Smart helmet aren’t legally required but are highly recommended. However, most rental scooters don’t provide them, which can be a huge concern.
Another major safety concern is the availability of helmets. Sorry, what helmets?
Despite an increasing concern for rider safety, many e-scooter rental companies don’t provide helmets. If you’re renting, you would surely expect the needed safety gear to be provided.
Of course, some rental companies offer helmets, but they’re not secured to the scooter so many are either vandalised or stolen.
If you buy your own helmet, at least you know it’ll always be available (and always be clean!).
For more information about scooter safety, read our guide to electric scooter laws in NZ, and if you’re in the market to buy a helmet, check out our guidance on how to choose an e-scooter helmet.
The other important safety consideration is that rental e-scooters are not designed to meet your specific needs.
Even when dealing with a correctly functioning scooter, an unfamiliar rental model can cause new riders to panic when locating the brake. As not all models are the same, some may expect a lever and find a button, or vice versa, which delays their ability to slow down. With this in mind, make sure to familiarise yourself with the scooter's functions before starting your journey.
Of course, when you have your own scooter, you’ll be well aware of its design, allowing for a more comfortable and safer ride. You can also ride with ease knowing your vehicle is well maintained (with no room for strangers attempting silly tricks before your hire).
If you decide to buy an electric scooter, make sure you buy from an official distributor and not a parallel importer.
Buying from a genuine company like Storm Rides gives you access to a comprehensive catalogue of e-scooter parts while purchasing from a parallel import can make replacements a mission.
4. Don’t Waste Time Tracking Down A Scooter
Tracking a rental e-scooter down can be a mission, especially when you’re in a rush. You can’t afford to be late for work or study, so why not save the hassle and buy your own e-scooter?
5. Buying An Electric Scooter Is Exciting!
Purchasing an electric scooter is like buying a car – it's an exciting process! Buying instead of renting lets you pick a model that suits your needs and preferences. At Storm Rides, we have a wide range of scooters suited for a variety of riding styles, from commuting to all-round use.
Whether you want an ultra-portable or a seated model, many epic options make purchasing decisions fun. Learn more about the benefits of electric scooters here.
Do E-Scooters Need Much Maintenance?
Maintaining your own electric scooter is relatively straightforward. When you rent, you're relying on the rental company's upkeep, which might not always be up to your standards.
Rental scooters get a lot of use, so they can be less clean or well-maintained. Plus, they might not always have a full battery or could have mechanical issues from lots of people using them.
Owning your scooter gives you more control over maintenance and ensures a smoother ride in the long term.
Check out our e-scooter maintenance guide, to see how easy it is to keep your e-scooter in great condition.
Renting VS Owning An E-Scooter: The Verdict
When you consider the costs and benefits, owning your electric scooter outweighs renting. Here’s a quick summary of why.
- Cost: Rental prices can quickly add up, with an average weekly cost of $55, leading to an annual expense of $2,640 for your daily 10-minute commute.
- Quality: Owning ensures access to higher-powered, comfortable, and safer models, addressing common issues like limited power, discomfort, and safety concerns associated with rentals.
- Convenience: Having your scooter always ready for use eliminates the hassle of hunting down a rental.
So, ultimately, buying your electric scooter is not just a practical choice, it's an exciting opportunity to personalise your ride and enjoy the freedom of commuting on your terms.
So, Which Scooter Should I Buy?
At Storm Rides, we provide the best quality scooters and support in New Zealand, with original products, genuine parts, and a rock solid NZ-backed warranty – with all e-scooter parts stocked here in NZ.
Deciding which e-scooter to buy takes a bit of research, factoring in your budget, what features are important to you, and what kind of terrain your e-scooter needs to handle.
We recommend talking chatting with one of our in-store experts or booking a test ride at our Morningside store.
Good luck!