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 often comes with a removable seat. We recommend avoiding cheap scooters built in this body style. Exception to the rule: X-Treme 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: X-Treme 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: X-Treme Scooters manufactures quality electric scooters with a 30 day manufacturer's warranty, but offer an upgrade to a 90 day warranty and lifetime technical support.