By Vincent Liew
Mastering Hills: Can Your Electric Scooter Go Uphill?
For prospective riders eyeing the electric scooter scene, the burning question often revolves around conquering inclines. Picture residents in Asheville, NC, navigating the windy streets or San Francisco locals braving the world-renowned steep hills. In an era where electric scooters are becoming a staple for daily commutes and quick errand runs, the ability to ascend hilly terrains becomes a pivotal concern, especially for those residing in elevated landscapes.
The Short Answer: Yes, Electric Scooters Can Go Uphill!
Yes, electric scooters are designed to tackle inclines, ensuring a smooth and efficient ride for users. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that, like any feature, there are nuances to consider before embarking on your uphill journey.
Climb Angle
As a rule, the steeper the hill is, the harder it is for the electric scooter to do the climb. There are several factors that determine whether your electric scooter can go uphill or not. The most important factor of them all is the climbing angle. For less powerful electric scooters, an angle greater than 18° is considered too steep to climb. For premium eScooters, on the other hand, that angle could be child’s play.
But there are other factors to consider.
Weight
Two people with significant weight differences could ride the same electric scooter and have differing success climbing the same incline. The less weight a scooter has to carry, the less work the motor has to do. So it’s essential to check the maximum weight capacity of your eScooter before you purchase. Also, heavier scooters tend to have a higher maximum weight capacity.
Battery and Motor
Just like any electronic, your electric scooter must come packed with a powerful battery to store the significant power you will need. The battery and the motor have a direct impact on the performance of the scooter. The more powerful they are, the better the performance.
If you happen to live in a hilly area and you’re considering buying an electric scooter, consider a scooter with a powerful battery and motor. An electric scooter powered by a long-lasting battery and high-torque motor at 250 watts or above will be perfect for you.
Tires
Tires with proper grip and adequate size are crucial to an uphill climb. Having bald or small tires can make climbing more difficult or impossible in some cases. The electric scooter you buy should have grooved, treaded tires. Ideally, a scooter’s tires should be 8.5 inches or larger. Smaller tires might cause excessive load and undue stress on the motor.
Suspension
Having an electric scooter with a suspension can help you go uphill with ease when compared to a scooter with no suspension. When you are climbing a hill, your body tends to exert more weight on the rear wheels of the scooter to balance itself. A suspension in the scooter ensures that the load exerted on the back of your scooter is not fully transferred to the wheels. An e-scooter with a rear suspension ensures you can enjoy a comfortable city ride and climb hills with confidence.
With electric scooters growing in popularity, many manufacturers skimp on production costs by using low-grade components. This results in an electric scooter that can only work on even, level pavement.
If you find that you want a more robust riding experience, then consider our suggestions. Find an electric scooter made from a reputable company, known for using premium-grade materials. Powerful motors. Efficient batteries. High-tread tires. If you do that, you’ll be climbing — and conquering — steep hills in no time.
Need help finding the perfect electric scooter? Check out our eRideable Buyer’s Guide.
