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It makes good sense to observe the Latin phrase 'caveat emptor' (let
the buyer beware) when buying an electric scooter.
There are hundreds of overseas factories flooding the market with poor
quality off brand scooters, no brand scooters and clones. Sadly, there
are also plenty of unethical dealers here in the USA willing to sell
these cheap electric scooters. These cheap scooters are poorly constructed,
break down frequently and tend to lack support from the manufacturer
or dealer (i.e. replacement parts, warranty and/or service). It's extremely
frustrating, very expensive and can be quite dangerous to own a cheap
electric scooter. What makes things even worse is that these cheap electric
scooters are everywhere. You'll even find cheap scooters sold through
'reputable dealers'.
Fortunately, most of these are mass produced in only a few body styles.
That makes them easy to spot. We've put together a list of the worst
offenders we like to call 'The Flawed Four'.
EXCEPTIONS TO THE RULE: There are always exceptions
to the rule. There are a few manufacturers producing quality
electric scooters that mimic these body styles. We'll make mention
of the good manufacturers we're aware of below. There are also cheap
scooters out there in other body styles, so we'll offer some advice
on how to spot them as well.
CHEAP ELECTRIC SCOOTERS TO AVOID (THE FLAWED FOUR)
This basic body style is the #1 offender on the market! These
cheap electric scooters are mass produced under hundred's of different
names. There are so many of these cheap scooters out there it's
painful. Exception to the rule: Boreem
and Freedom manufacture high quality electric scooters in this
body style.
Often referred to as “mini electric scooters”, they're
cheap in every sense of the word. You'll typically find them for
under $100 and if they last you that many days consider yourself
lucky. Replacement parts for these cheap electric scooters are
extremely rare at best. Exception to the rule: Bravo manufactures
quality electric scooters in this body style.
This basic body style often comes with a removable seat. We recommend
avoiding cheap scooters built in this body style. Exception
to the rule: Rad2Go manufacturer's a high
quality electric scooter in a similar body style.
This body style typically comes with a diamond plated aluminum
deck and a “high watt” motor. What the dealer won't
tell you is it's a cheap scooter that will self destruct shortly
after purchase. Exception to the rule: Rad2Go
manufacturer's high quality electric scooters in this body
style.
HOW TO AVOID CHEAP ELECTRIC SCOOTERS
Here are a few general
tips to help you avoid buying a cheap scooter:
• Purchase from a reputable dealer.
• Stick with brand name electric scooters (avoid off-brand, no brand
and clones).
• Avoid dealers who sell off-brand scooters, no brand scooters and
clones.
• If the price sounds too good to be true… it is!
• Buy electric scooters that offer at least a 90 day warranty. Exception
to the rule: Rad2Go manufacturer's quality electric scooters with a 30
day manufacturer's warranty.