Peak Power vs. Nominal Power: What E-Scooter Sellers Don’t Tell You

Understand the numbers before you buy - because power on paper isn’t always power on the pavement.

You’re scrolling through electric scooters online. One says it has an “800W motor.” Another boasts “1200W of power!” Sounds impressive, right? But hold up - what does that number actually mean? And more importantly… can you trust it?

At Storm Rides, we’ve been riding, testing, selling, servicing and repairing e-scooters in NZ for over a decade now, and if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s this:

Not all power ratings are created equal.

Let’s break down the real difference between peak power and nominal power, how to spot misleading claims, and how to choose a scooter that delivers the performance you need - not just the numbers that look good online.

⚡ What Is Nominal Power?

Nominal power is the motor’s continuous power output—what it can safely and reliably sustain over long periods of normal riding. This is the rating that really matters when it comes to everyday use.

• It tells you how well the scooter will perform on hills, under load, and over time
  
  

• It reflects real-world power - not just a momentary spike
  
  

✅ Think of nominal power as your scooter’s actual horsepower. If it says 600W nominal, that’s what the motor is designed to handle consistently.

🚀 What Is Peak Power?

Peak power is the maximum output the motor can deliver for short bursts, often just a few seconds. It’s like a temporary adrenaline rush—it’s there when you really need it (like pushing up a steep hill), but it’s not sustainable.

• Often 1.5x to 2x the nominal power
  
  

• Useful for quick acceleration or torque-heavy climbs
  
  

• But not what the scooter runs on day-to-day
  
  

🛑 Here’s the problem: many cheap or deceptive sellers only list peak power, making their scooters sound stronger than they actually are.

🔍 Why This Matters When You're Buying

Imagine you're comparing two scooters:

• Scooter A: “800W Motor!” (but it’s actually 350W nominal)
  
  

• Scooter B: “600W Motor” (but that’s the nominal rating)
  
  

Scooter A sounds more powerful, but Scooter B will likely perform better under normal riding conditions, especially:

• On hills
  
  

• With heavier riders
  
  

• Over longer distances
  
  

That’s why experienced brands and honest stores list both ratings clearly. They don’t rely on smoke and mirrors.

🏷️ The Red Flags: Spotting Power Spec Tricks

Watch out for these common tactics used to mislead first-time buyers:

🔎 If you can’t find the nominal power rating, ask. If they dodge the question… you have your answer.

⚙️ How to Buy for Real Performance

When it comes to choosing the right motor power, here’s a general rule of thumb:

At Storm Rides, we’ll always help you choose based on your riding needs, not just the biggest number on a spec sheet.

🛡️ Why Storm Rides Only Backs Honest Specs

We’ve spent a decade helping riders find scooters that actually deliver what they promise. That’s why we stock brands that:

• Clearly disclose both peak and nominal power
  
  

• Use quality controllers and motors to back it up
  
  

• Are tested by real riders, not just marketers
  
  

You won’t see gimmicks or fake specs here—just real-world performance from scooters we trust.

💬 Final Thought: Numbers Matter—But Only If They're Real

Buying a scooter based on power alone is like buying a car because the speedo says 260km/h. Specs are only useful if you know what they mean - and now you do.

So next time you’re comparing models, ask about nominal power. And if you're ever unsure, come talk to NZ’s most experienced e-scooter crew - we’ll give it to you straight.

Want help choosing the right motor size for your needs?
Come in for a test ride or get in touch - we’ll help you feel the difference real power makes.