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Micromobility is here to stay, and it’s changing how we experience urban life for the better. With Unagi’s membership program, you can enjoy all the benefits of a top-tier electric scooter without the sky-high price of ownership or the inconvenience of ride-sharing.
We’re excited to celebrate Unagi’s 5th Anniversary, and we want you to join the fun! To thank you for your support, we're hosting an exclusive $10,000 Airbnb giveaway. No purchase necessary—just enter for your chance to win! Hurry, the giveaway ends on 10/4/2024!
In today’s fast-paced world, finding an efficient and cost-effective mode of transportation is crucial. E-scooters offer a convenient and eco-friendly way to navigate urban landscapes. Unagi stands out not only for its superior design and performance but also for its affordability and unmatched rental program.
While e-scooters have been gaining popularity due to their convenience and relatively low cost, they have been getting more attention lately for another reason: battery fires. It's important to understand the potential dangers associated with the battery technology that lies at their core.
In South Carolina, electric scooters exist in a sort of legal gray area. There's no statewide legislation that specifically addresses them.
Understand which personal electric vehicle is best, the choice between an electric bike or electric scooter might already be made for you by some critical factors, including portability and storage capacity.
If you're thinking about buying an e-scooter or already have one, carrying out regular preventative maintenance can identify minor faults and stop them from becoming costly repairs.
In this guide, we'll explore why preventative maintenance is essential for electric scooters and reveal some top tips on how to make it easy.
In 2017, Santa Monica trialed the first shared e-scooter service, and it quickly became popular for city riders. Today, people have the choice of buying their own scooters, which offer more convenience and security.
According to research from Statzon, the global e-scooter market is growing at a 25% CAGR (compound annual growth), and it will have an expected worth of $389 billion by 2030. But what's causing the surge?
Well, electric bikes are popular, but scooters win when it comes to convenience. Let's explore why.
With fewer components than e-bikes, electric scooters are a grab-and-go solution that requires less configuration. You don't need to worry about learning the different gears or dealing with a complex setup.
Most electric scooter parts are modular, making them easier to maintain and replace. However, electric bikes have features that are built in, which means they're more challenging to find, and you might require a specialist.
Electric bikes can be bulky, which means you'll have issues when navigating them through traffic. E-scooters are highly portable, ensuring you can get around quickly and have no problems with parking them.
OK, e-scooters require some maintenance, but most people agree it's nothing compared to bikes. Preventative maintenance is the best course of action because it can save you money on repairs.
Let's take a look at why preventative maintenance is better than corrective.
When you're able to identify issues with your scooter, it's much easier to fix them before they turn into significant problems. Corrective maintenance involves fixing a particular component of the scooter, but - as the saying goes - prevention is always better than the cure.
Also, it allows you to identify any safety hazards that might not be evident with a quick look.
Just like car services give your vehicle more longevity, regular maintenance ensures you look after the scooter properly and notice any faults that might impact its lifespan. With proper care, your chosen scooter can last years.
While there might be a need for corrective repairs at some point, many people leave minor issues until they become worse, which results in more expensive repairs. Regularly maintaining your scooter and checking for faults can save a lot of money in the long run.
So, now you know that preventative maintenance can save you a lot of time and money, it's time to reveal our top tips for getting the most out of your scooter. Focusing on daily, monthly, and ongoing maintenance might seem like extra work, but repairs can cost a fortune.
Here's what you need to know about preventative maintenance.
Every time you ride your scooter, you expose it to various elements, including water, debris, and general dust. While scooters are built to handle general usage, exposure can damage their components over time, but cleaning can prolong their life.
After each ride, grab a damp cloth and carefully wipe your scooter down, then dry it with paper towels or another cloth. It takes a few minutes and can ensure optimal performance at all times.
Giving your scooter a thorough monthly clean can remove all dirt and debris, as well as enhance its aesthetic appeal. Here's the step-by-step cleaning process:
Remember, regularly wiping your scooter down and giving it a monthly clean will ensure it performs well and helps you identify any issues.
The brakes and tires are integral to your scooter's function, and any faults could result in serious accidents. Pneumatic tires can be beneficial if you ride on rugged terrain regularly, but they're also prone to punctures, making them ineffective over potholes.
Checking your tire pressure before each ride enables you to fix any issues and ensure your tires remain at their optimal levels.
Nobody wants to deal with faulty brakes while riding because they can be a considerable safety hazard. Check your brake pads before setting out, and listen for any unusual noises, as they're both signs that something's wrong.
Riding on faulty brakes can cause severe accidents and put other road users at risk. According to research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, just over 20% of accidents occur due to faulty brakes.
While these figures are representative of commercial vehicles, e-scooters are still reliant on their brakes, and any faults can increase your risk of a severe accident.
One major fault we often see with electric scooters is when they're overcharged. It might seem like a good idea, but your owner's manual will detail how and when you should charge the scooter.
Common risks of overcharging include:
Constant overcharging will inevitably lead to a shorter lifespan, so you might need to replace the scooter sooner.
Lithium batteries can be dangerous when overcharged, with the heat potentially causing fires. In 2022 alone, New York experienced 216 battery fires from e-bikes and scooters (Statista). However, proper maintenance could lower these risks.
Swelling is a common issue that results from overcharged batteries, and it can harm the scooter's components. When this happens, they're also at risk of damage, which can result in expensive repairs.
Lubrication ensures the scooter's moving parts continue to function correctly, and it's a vital component of preventative maintenance. Failing to lubricate the parts properly can mean they become stiffer over time, which results in wear and tear.
It's best to clean the scooter first, then follow these steps:
If you use your e-scooter every day, it's best to lubricate the parts once a month. However, infrequent usage means the scooter won't wear as quickly, so once every two to three months is fine.
Checking your scooter's cables, fasteners, and bolts is integral to a safe ride, as even a minor issue can cause serious accidents. For example, a loose bolt might not seem like a problem, but it might impact your ability to steer the scooter effectively.
Cables and fasteners can also cause safety hazards for your scooter, as they can affect the braking mechanisms and increase the risk of breakdowns.
If you notice any issues, it's best to fix them immediately. You can take the scooter to a specialist or repair them yourself if you're confident.
Routine inspections don't need to be a headache, and they can quickly become part of your general routine. Prevention is better than corrective maintenance, as it helps identify potential hazards before they become expensive repairs.
Following a set maintenance schedule enables you to check for issues but still enjoy the convenience scooters offer:
Before each ride, look at your scooter for any immediate signs of damage. If you have pneumatic tires, check the pressure and also use the brakes before setting off. You should be able to notice any loose bolts or cables by looking at the scooter, too.
You don't need to do a huge amount of maintenance work each month. Giving the scooter a more in-depth look and checking all parts will flag any issues. As mentioned previously, lubricating once a month is also advisable if you use the scooter regularly.
Bi-annual maintenance gives you an idea of whether there are any deeper issues with the scooter's components and braking system. Some people prefer to go to a specialist, but you might feel comfortable handling it alone.
Proactive car owners take their vehicles to a specialist each year for a service, and it's a good idea to do the same with your scooter. Professionals know how to spot issues that might not be noticeable to you, and it ensures you make timely repairs.
If you want to save money on yearly maintenance, getting a scooter as part of an All-Access Subscription gives you access to free services.
Most e-scooters come with a manufacturer warranty, but this doesn't always mean you'll receive a replacement or free repairs. If the manufacturer feels you haven't taken care of the scooter properly, they might refuse to replace it.
Be sure to check the terms and conditions before making any alterations to your scooter, and make a claim quickly if anything goes wrong.
Being able to prove that you've taken the scooter for annual services and haven't made any modifications is key to either receiving a refund or getting a new scooter.
E-scooters - like any form of transportation - require regular maintenance, but frequent checks can help you avoid any issues and enjoy everything scooter ownership comes with. However, you can also prevent spending ages on care by:
With these steps and a proactive attitude, you can enjoy everything electric scooters have to offer without worrying about the expense of costly repairs.
In the U.S., most states don't require a license. For those that do, they usually just ask for a regular driver's license or a learner's permit.
Yes, you can bring an electric scooter on a plane, but it needs to have a lithium battery smaller than 100 watt-hours, which most don't.
Manufacturers advise against riding electric scooters in the rain. The main reasons are: water can fry the electronics, make the ride dangerous, and void your warranty.
“Is my scooter legal?” is a question many are increasingly asking. The micromobility industry is one of the fastest-growing and most exciting in the world—with promises for...in addition to abundances of the basics of time and money savings. And with this pace of innovation comes a struggle for regulation to keep up.
So, you're thinking about joining the electric scooter revolution, huh? You've seen those sleek and stylish scooters zipping around town, effortlessly gliding through traffic, and you can't help but wonder: Are electric scooters easy to ride?
In this guide, we'll break down what defines a lightweight electric scooter, why you should choose one, and the top features you should look for.
Want to get the most out of your electric scooter battery and extend your riding adventures? We've got you covered with our comprehensive guide full of maintenance tips and best practices.
*Disclaimer: Unagi, INC. has used best efforts, but does not in any manner guarantee the accuracy of the below findings regarding electric scooter laws in the United States or internationally. Electric scooter riders or those considering to purchase or begin…
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