In recent years, micromobility has been gaining ground on our streets. This concept refers to the use of means of transport destined to travel short distances. These are, for example, bicycles (common and electrified), segways … and of course, electric scooters. In the case of the latter, their boom has experienced a superlative increase, and in part also towards used or second-hand. The electric car will be cheaper thanks to these hybrid batteries
Is a used one worth it?
These types of transport are especially useful in cities to avoid traffic jams, reduce environmental and noise pollution and, in addition, in times of the coronavirus, as a alternative to public transport in order to minimize the risks of contagion of the virus. For VPNs, they are presented as an interesting option.
Good because they are light, respectful with the environment and, (in certain cases) even economic, its small size facilitates its transport. They allow you to avoid traffic jams and make your driving does not require physical effort. However, in the market we can also choose those that refer to those already used.
In general, the used electric scooter opts for the user because they are a better alternative if what we are concerned about is the expense we may have with a new one. Or what is the same: the product we always wanted to have with a more affordable price. It is there where we have at our disposal various types, models and brands. So is it worth buying a second hand one? Absolutely yes.
How does it work
Regardless of the reason why we choose to choose and buy one of these equipment, it is essential to know what the fundamental aspects of it are, how they work. First of all, these are common scooters that carry coupled an electric motor. From there, comes its mechanism.
The electric motor is powered by batteries, this in turn is driven by a controller that is in charge of controlling the power delivered by the motor. The engine power is transformed into wheel movement thanks to the transmission (belt, chain or direct). They are characterized by providing an option aimed at preserving the environment.
So it gives you an advantage in this regard over other types of transport. For short distances the scooter is ideal, since it does not use gasoline, which saves money in this regard compared to a car or motorcycle. Also, acquiring a vehicle of this type is much cheaper than conventional ones.
That is why, before buying a second-hand one, you have to be sure that each of the components works well:
- Electric motor. They are usually equipped with brushed-type electric motors as they offer high reliability at an economical price. They have a long useful life, always much higher than that of the rest of the components. It is important know your status when choosing a used electric scooter.
- Batteries. Along with the engine, the batteries are the main element. They tend to equip lead acid technology, which are very durable, reliable, and offer a useful life of more or less 500 charge cycles. They have different load capacities, but the higher they are, the more it will weigh. At less capacity, less autonomy.
- Controller. It is the device that allows us to control the power delivered by the electric motor.
- Transmission. In general, they tend to use chain and strap, suitable for medium and high power, and medium and low, respectively. They do not tend to wear out too.
- Brakes. Disc and drum, both systems are responsible for the partial deceleration or total stop of the electric scooter thanks to friction. Are the ones more suffer next to the batteries.
Considerations to take into account
It is an option to consider depending on the conditions in which we are going to use it, the frequency and its purpose. And of course, also the economic ones. It will be necessary to consider whether the price difference between a new electric scooter and a second-hand one is important enough not to take into account the rest of the circumstances.
In short, buying a second-hand electric scooter is very similar to buying a used car. At the time of the election, like any vehicle of these characteristics, we must ask ourselves why do you want to get rid the owner of the vehicle, perhaps the first thing we will have to have an answer to.
Later will come the checks of its components (if they work correctly, if they are not very worn, how much use it has been given …), as well as taking into account that the quality will never be the same as that of a new model.
Utility
Before making a decision about our used electric scooter, it is important to reason what utility we are going to give it. If we are going to want it to go to work every day, to climb hills, have fun … or simply to go for a walk at some sporadic moment. The truth is that there are very light, with a large displacement or that support a great weight.
Depending on what we need, we will be interested in executing more with a few features than with others. As we will mention below, it is necessary to make sure if the regulations in our city comply with the same, regardless of the use.
The best we can advise in this regard is that, if it is to be combined with public transport, it will be interesting that it can be foldable and light, and not so much of the autonomy. Now, if what we are looking for is an option for long journeys, we will have to look at how much performance it is capable of giving (considering that the battery and the engine are in good condition).
State
The status of the VPN is what will tell us if that scooter we have chosen is really worth it. Directly related to the price at which they want to sell it to us, we have to delve into each and every one of its characteristics. This so that we are completely sure that the equipment we buy will work correctly.
This step is important: remember that being a second-rate team no warranty, so reviewing it well will be our only quality test.
Know the mobility permits
In mention of the previous point, when acquiring some transport equipment of this type, such as this used electric scooter, you should know more in-depth aspects, such as mobility permits in your city. And it is that, not everywhere can be transported freely with them.
So the safest point for us to circulate calmly and without any limit or warning, is to know what limitations exist to the use of this type of device. In this sense, most municipalities have an urban mobility ordinance, which regulates where bicycles, cars and other vehicles must go. For more security, we can go to the council online or in person and make the consultation.
Prices
If we turn to second-hand ones it is because, in most cases, we have seen that a new one has prices that, at times, can escape our pocket. Currently, the premium ones are for sale in large stores and in small stores with prices starting from 180 euros (in the best of cases) and that can go up to 400 €.
Given this, it is easy for us to find them considerably lower prices, always taking into account what state it is in, how its components are, etc. In this regard, it is also convenient to compare the prices of a second-hand and a brand new one, especially those with the same characteristics (power, batteries, autonomy).
In fact, sometimes we can rethink the situation for considerations such as the guarantee, where, if the price difference is not so wide, sometimes we can opt for a new one. It is true that it is not that easy because they are in full expansion, but it will never hurt.
Purchase confidence
The decision to opt for a used electric scooter involves certain risks. One of them may be meeting you unreliable sellers and they don’t have a reputation behind them, so you cannot be sure of the quality of the personal mobility vehicle.
That is why it is so important to dare to ask the seller why he made the decision to sell them. Many times it happens that people offer their scooters because they no longer work properly. We will have to make sure that we are going to buy from an honest seller and with good principles,