What to Look for in a Safe E-Scooter

What to Look for in a Safe E-Scooter

Safety should always come first when choosing an electric scooter—whether you're commuting, riding for fun, or buying for a family member. But not all e-scooters are created equal. Here's how to choose a scooter that’s genuinely safe for New Zealand roads and riders.

Key Safety Features to Prioritise

1. Braking System

Reliable brakes are essential. Look for:

• Disc brakes (mechanical or hydraulic) for strong, consistent stopping power. Drum brakes can still be a good choice generally on lower price e scooters.
  
  

• Dual braking systems (e.g. front and rear brakes, or regen + disc) for redundancy
  
  

• Smooth modulation—jerky brakes can cause crashes
  
  

2. Tyre Type and Size

• Pneumatic tyres (air-filled) absorb bumps and provide better grip
  
  

• Larger tyres (10" or more) handle NZ’s kerbs, potholes, and gravel paths more safely
  
  

• Avoid solid rubber tyres unless you’re riding on perfectly smooth surfaces, and pay careful attention to your speed, solid tyres can be quite unsafe at higher speeds.
  
  

3. Lighting

• Integrated front and rear lights are essential
  
  

• Brake lights improve visibility to others, especially good if they flash when braking
  
  

• Reflective detailing or under-deck lighting adds side visibility in traffic or low light
  
  

4. Frame Quality

• A strong, well-balanced frame is safer and more durable
  
  

• Avoid flexy folding stems or scooters with poor welds—they’re prone to failure
  
  

• Check for IP ratings if you plan to ride in wet conditions such as light drizzle or after heavy rain (riding quickly after rain can soak the underside of a scooter)
  
  

5. Speed Modes and Acceleration Control

• Multiple speed modes help new riders ease into higher speeds safely, many top brands such as InMotion and Kaabo have the ability to set custom speed limits for each speed mode. Great for learners or for teens.
  
  

• Quality controllers provide smooth, progressive acceleration, look for Sine Wave (smooth power) not Square Wave (sudden lurching power)
  
  

• Sudden jerks or lag can cause loss of control
  
  

Often Overlooked Safety Factors

• Rider weight limits: Exceeding these affects handling and braking
  
  

• Suspension: Adds comfort and control, especially at higher speeds
  
  

• Deck size: A wider deck improves foot placement and balance
  
  

• Customer support: You’ll want help fast if something feels wrong
  
  

Safe Riding = The Right Scooter + Good Habits + Safety Gear

Even the safest scooter can be risky if misused. Ride with a helmet, stay visible, and respect your environment—especially when riding around pedestrians, cars, or in wet weather.

Make sure you wear the gear - E Scooter Safety Gear

Final Thoughts

Don’t get distracted by flashy speeds or app gimmicks. The safest scooters are built from the tyres up with real-world performance in mind. At Storm Rides, we test what we sell—and we stand behind every model that makes the cut.