Getting an electric scooter is lots of fun but choosing the street-legal one will give you many advantages. Not only they are proven to be more transportation cost-effective, but it also keeps you away from some unwanted troubles whenever policemen ask for the registration of your scooter.

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When you decide to purchase one of the best electric scooters for adults, there’s certainly demand for speed range, mile range, and even charge time. Along with that, they should perform the best in your budget. That’s why I proudly share with you this list collected from the best of the best out there. Enjoy it!

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Top 9 Best Electric Scooter for Adults Street Legal Reviews In 2020

1. Razor EcoSmart Metro Electric Scooter Street Legal

For a price range, speed, transportation, durable, and ease of use, the Razor EcoSmart Metro is the best pick in this list. It also features the neatest scooter (measuring 59.5″ x 20.25″ x 41.5″) that highlights with superior flexibility while riding and requires less storage space.

The electric scooter might look flimsy to the eyes, but in fact, it’s as sturdy as a bicycle but way lighter. Featuring ultra-padded seat, heavy-duty steel alloy frame, handlebar rake and seat, and standard bicycle-sized 16” pneumatic tube tires. The bamboo foot space seems more solid than my initial expectation, which is wide enough for my feet on.

I’m impressed that this goes really fast (up to 18 mph, dependable on terrains and rider’s weight) and the battery lasts long enough (30-40 minutes) for commuting in a short distance. The powerful 500W motor allows me to try variable speeds while hand-operated rear brakes stop the scooter smoothly.

Take note that when arrived, some assembly is required, which might take you 10-15 minutes to finish (if following exactly to the provided instruction). If you’re a person who loves assembling things, this isn’t a gripe at all. The only thing I wish to improve on this unit is the battery. It would be more convenient if being removable for charging.

But anyway, for such an affordable price and plus, a 90-day warranty, it’s truly well-worth!

Pros:

• It’s a lean, mean, green electric machine. Probably the most ecologically friendly electric scooter on the market, the Eco-Smart is a conscience easing, pocketbook pleasing vehicle.
• Seeing as we just mentioned how well it’ll treat your pocketbook, let’s clarify that last statement. The Eco-Smart will get you everywhere you need to for just under five hundred dollars. Yeah, you didn’t misread the price. It’ll get you to work and a big thumbs up from Greenpeace for five hundred bucks.
• There’s also the small matter of the full ninety-day warranty that the Eco-Smart comes with. That’ll take the sting out of any scooter-related misfortune, bar any injuries that you may accrue while riding it of course, that befall you in the first three months of doing things the Razor way.

Cons:

• While the Eco-Smart has a fairly impressive top speed, it’s lack of range is a problem that can’t be overlooked. Unless you live within spitting distance of your job and just around the corner from the store, there’s a pretty good chance that you’ll run out of juice before you get to wherever it is you’re going.
• Some reviews have noted that the battery gradually begins to lose capacity and doesn’t fully charge after a year or so, reducing the already small range of the Eco-Smart even further. While we know that nothing lasts forever, we’d like to get a couple of years of usage out of something that we’re going to spend five hundred bucks on. Again, it’s a question of distance and how far from everything you are, but be aware of the battery issue as it could come back to bite you at some point later down the road.
• And, despite it’s eco-credentials, this electric scooter isn’t exactly on first name terms with mother nature, as it doesn’t cope well in heavy rain. And by doesn’t cope well we mean it doesn’t function at all. Water and the Eco-Smart don’t mix.

2. eDrift ES295 Fat Tire Electric Scooter

Just because you’re down with the ecological revolution, it doesn’t mean that you have to give up on wanting to have a little fun while you’re commuting to work and speeding around the mean streets of your neighborhood. Existing somewhere between the apex of science and design, eDRift set out to transform the stoic face of electric transportation, and with their Fat Tire Scooter they didn’t just alter the curve, they bent it to their will and completely reshaped it.

Designed to provide maximum stability and traction, the Fat Tire Electric Scooters adults street legal rides more like a motorcycle than a conventional scooter, and to get the most out of it, you’ll have to lean into those turns just like you would on a gas-guzzling bike. With a two thousand watt motor that’ll push it up to thirty miles per hour and a sixty-volt battery that’ll carry you for around forty miles on a full charge, the Fat Tire has blurred the lines between the past and the future of two-wheeled transport.

It’s incredibly comfortable seating position, easy steering, and twist throttle mean you’ll be able to wear, just like you would on a motorcycle, a backpack to carry around everything that your daily commute demands. The Fat Tire, just like all good bikes, sorry electric scooters, also keeps you aware of how much charge it has left thanks to its handlebar-mounted digital readout, and if you get stuck in the office after night falls, you’ll still be able to safely ride home thanks to the Fat Tires LED headlight and rearview mirrors.

Pros:

• Being green doesn’t mean that you have to give up and hand in your cool card. The Fat Tire looks and rides more like a motorcycle than a scooter and there’s, in our humble opinion, a good chance that you’ll never want to ride anything else again once you’ve been seduced by the Fat Tire.
• It’s got an incredibly impressive range and a top speed that lifts it above and beyond the competition and makes it a serious electric scooter for those of you who are serious about riding electric scooters.
• While it might seem kind of pricey at around twelve hundred dollars, for the amount of fun and enjoyment that the Fat Tire will bring into your life, we reckon that’s a small price to pay. We would have said, before we fell for the Fat Tire’s charms, that you can’t put a price on a smile, but apparently you can. And that price is twelve hundred dollars.

Cons:

• We searched high and low and here and there, but the only slightly negative thing that we could find or even come up with as far as the Fat Tire is concerned is that it looks more like a motorcycle than an electric scooter. That’s all we’ve got, sorry.

3. TaoTao ATM50-A1 Electric Scooter Street Legal

The TAO Smart DealsNow is a good consideration if you want to go any further. Despite the bulkier silhouette and heavier weight, I really love it for many reasons:

First, it is a 49cc/50cc motored scooter with hydraulic shocks that can reach the top speed of 35-40 MPH like a breeze. A perfect choice as a local commuter or for college students to go around their campus school. But the best thing is, no driver’s license required!

This scooter is also equipped with full safety components, such as the provided DOT-certificated helmet, twisted throttle, dual rearview mirrors, headlights, and taillights.

But what really drives me to crazy is the storage spaces. Aside from dual cup holders in the front of the locked trunk on the backside, it also features a protective large-capacity cabinet underneath the dual seat. Fit nicely the helmet and a mini tool kit.

The double seat is also mentionable since it allows taking one more person with you. Much more economical, don’t you think? Instead of a double purchase for me and my son to ride around together, now I just need this e-scooter with a double seat, with less money spent on. What a good deal!

4. WesternPacific 2000 Watt Wide Fat Tire Electric Scooter

Maybe you thought your motorcycle days were behind you and that it was time to “grow up” and be a proper adult and that’s why you’re looking for an electric scooter. If that’s the case, then don’t worry because WesternPacific has not only got your back, they also went and made the electric scooter that you’ve been dreaming about.

This two thousand watts motor-powered monster has a range of thirty miles, can reach a maximum cruising speed of twenty-eight miles per hour, and carry up to four hundred and forty pounds. It’s never met a passenger it didn’t like and all of its riders seem just as smitten with it, as it is with them.

Those fat tires that it glides on? They’ll provide all the traction and grip that you’ll ever want, and it comes fully equipped with a digital display and all of the lights that you’ll need to ride it in the day and in the night. But it’s real party piece, is it’s floor-set USB charger which you can use to charge your phone while you’re riding this electric scooter.

The thing that really sold us on the WesternPacific was the way it looks. It looks like a Harley, and if it wasn’t for the fact that it’s an environmentally friendly ride that doesn’t have an exhaust or kick any carbon into the atmosphere, we’d swear it would go down the road in much the same fashion. It’s a Harley in all but name, gasoline prices, noise, and discomfort.

Pros:

• It’s a looker and then some aren’t it? And the performance isn’t so bad either – a thirty-mile range and a twenty-eight mile an hour top speed? That’s not too bad, that’s not too bad at all.
• And it comes with a ninety-day warranty. It’s a proper grown-up version of a Harley Davison that’ll cut your carbon footprint to zero.

Cons:

• Much as we dig this WesternPacific Fat Tire electric scooter, we don’t dig the price. At nearly two and half thousand dollars, it’s double the price of the eDrift Fat Tire and while it’s a better-looking machine, we’re not sure that it’s good looks are worth paying all that much more for.

5. GigaByke Groove Electric Scooter Street Legal

The only e-scooter in this list that is integrated two pedals like a bicycle. So, does it need to require a driver’s license? Well, nope!

So excited to know that this 2018 upgraded version 2 arrives in a sized-up motor (750W) that reaches a new speed record – 20MPH – powerful enough to smash through any pesky hills. Particularly, it keeps your speed incredibly consistent during a long-distance ride.

The GigaByke Groove V2 Version is an all-electric moped-style e-bike. It’s powerful, super comfortable to ride, and crazy fun to cruise around. The max speed is up to 20MPH and max distance on a single charge will be dependable on the battery pack you get, the terrains, and even your body weight. On average, it’s within 25-30 miles – about 60 to 70 minutes of continuous driving.

In terms of safety features, the scooter itself is fully equipped with a rear LED turn signals, a rear brake light, a front high-powered LED headlight to ensure safe night driving. On the dashboard, it shows visually the battery indicator, the large LCD display instrument gauge, the turn signal status, and finally, the mileage odometer.

I would say this e-scooter is the best choice for those who don’t want to travel around on a motor all the time, but an eco-friendlier way that also allows you to exercise. The charge time is within 6 hours so, at the end of the day, just plug in the charging port and leave it overnight. Easy peasy!

6. Tao Tao Quantum Electric Scooter Street Legal

Next up, is the TAO TAO Quantum. It inherits all strengths from the previous version – the 50cc Tao Tao, like dual seat, rearview mirrors, back locked trunk, back kick, and one throttle (which is also a handlebar) on the right side.

But in comparison, it’s easy to find out some significant improvements in both speed and outlook. It features a 150cc engine with 4 strokes and a single cylinder to reach up to a super-fast speed, especially when riding downhills.

Before starting a drive, remember to change the oil as well as adjust the valve gaps ASAP. 10w40 is recommended for motor oil and 80/90 for gear oil! It’s something that the manufacturer doesn’t mention but will help with smoother and more responsive performance to bring you a nice stop. If you don’t know what to do, there are a lot of YouTube videos as a good explanation.

What I like the most about this version is its leveraged maximum speed (up to 55 MPH) that’s no different from a true motorbike. Really fun to ride, no matter it’s grass, cement, trail, pavement, or a steep hill. But remember to wear a helmet to ensure your safety.

7. eDrift UH-ES295 Electric Scooter Street Legal

This “Harley Davidson of E-scooters” is really awesome, seriously! It keeps the smoothest riding at high speed, withstanding a max load of 350 lbs. that you can go across town and back again or cruise with another one in almost city roads.

Feature a powerful 60-volt 12, 20, 30-amp battery, I’m not surprised that this elegant beast can ride continuously within 30-50 miles while the max speed is 30 MPH. The way to control it is much similar to the Tao Tao – Using a dual hand-operated hydraulic disk brake system.

All you need to do is just turning or shifting the handlebars slightly and the scooter will deft and responsive really nice. It might take you mere minutes to get used to, but trust me, the performance afterward is no controversial.

Of all the e-scooters that I’ve reviewed so far, this one is one of the coolest so far.

8. TaoTao CY50-A Electric Scooter Street Legal

For any speed addicts, you might love the TaoTao CY50-A to bits. On level ground, it reaches the max speed of 50 MPH while that will be leveraged slightly up to 55MPH on a little incline. Very sturdy construction and lots of fun. However, if you’re a little too short, gravels might be your big enemy.

In terms of the physical dimensions, this TaoTao version is more compact than the two above, featuring 73.8″ x 26.3″ with 40.1″ high, which is a perfect choice for female riders. But take note that some assembly is required when it’s arrived. For help, you can find the book and CD on its seat trunk (or simply, YouTube videos). Don’t forget to change the oil as well!

Like any other Tao Tao Models, this CY50-A is CARB approved and street legal. When it’s shipped out, all documents for registration will be mailed to you through USPS. And take note that this is a street-legal scooter so, check your local DMV for the rules in your city to know whether your child is old enough to ride it with a valid driver’s license on the streets.

9. FORD OJO Electric Scooter Street Legal

The most special thing about this model is out of countless e-scooters at CES every year, none except for this one has a name like Ford on them. It’s actually the latest model made by a company called OJO and they have a global partnership with Ford.

But what I feel impressive about this product is its interesting design that’s a little bit in between a bike and an e-bike. With an emphasis on the 25-mile range – a pretty unheard feature of e-scooters, it is a blast to drive. Very quick, especially on the top speed mode – 20 MPH.

By the way, there are three different modes to adjust:

• The eco mode
• The touring mode
• The sport mode

Riding it is pretty well-balanced and stable, which (I think) is thankful for the suspension on both wheels. Besides, the heavy unibody chassis lets you really carve around on it in a way that you’ve never done on an e-scooter beforehand. Not to mention a whole bunch of interesting additional features, like the Bluetooth connectivity, the wolf speakers, and the basket. So, the price now can’t be more affordable!

10. Taotao ATM50A1 50cc Electric Scooter Street Legal

The TaoTao deal just gets better with the new ATM50A1 50cc Scooter that provides ease of stylishness. Perfect choice as a safe journey for the average adults, weighing 200-250 lbs.

In comparison to other e-scooters, the 4 wheels of this model are much thicker – 10 inches – that delivers nice gripping to minimize probable accidents. Take note that it might also be a bit restrictive to the max speed (only 25MPH). In turn, the ATM50A1 can run at the same rate for close to 100 miles with no imbalance or complications, which is pretty good at a health perspective. It keeps you worry less about driving safely and pay attention to your productivity more to get to the destination.

Other than that, I also find the foot space design is now much larger to rest my feet comfortably on and the material seems more scratch resistant. So, very well worth the price!

Taotao Electric Scooter Manual Scooter

11. Doohan iTank Electric Scooter Street Legal

The Doohan iTank is the very first electric tricycle/crossover motorcycle in the industry that features underneath side-deflecting dual front wheels incorporating a tri-split chassis. While being the grungiest-look e-scooter in the world, it highlights the independent hydraulic suspension system to perform as decently on the pavement as on the road.

There are certain things you can’t do with a normal scooter. For example, taking sharp corners with exceptional stability and safety. That’s also the reason this e-scooter has been awarded 17 patents up to now.

To give you a small idea of how well-constructed of this beast, it features:

• One powerful 3000-W motor that can roll down to 900W on a flat surface
• One FOC (Field Oriented Controller) motor vector control unit
• One auto-motive standard hi/low beam LED headlight, brake LED lights, and rear turning
• Two 18650 Bosch lithium batteries with waterproof casing and efficient heat dissipation
• Three hydraulic disk brakes

Moreover, is the app for the iTank to connect with your smartphone. It shows all measurements, like speed, total mileage, temperature, and battery status, displayed on the dashboard for a better monitor.

But the biggest selling point is their mechanical and electronic theft protection devices, including the GPS tracking integrated to the bike and the handlebar locking system. My guess is, that’s the reason many people readily spend a fortune on it.

Pros:

• Driven by innovation and invention, the iTank earned Doohan an incredible seventy patents, and each and every single of them is part and parcel of the iTank. If this is what the future looks like, we can’t wait for it to arrive.
• We’d just like to draw your attention to the range again. Seventy miles. The iTank will cover a distance of seventy miles on a single charge. And it’ll happily cruise at twenty-eight miles per hour as well. Science really is wonderful, isn’t it?

Cons:

• Are you sitting down? You’re going to need to be when we tell you how much an iTank is going to set you back. Are you comfortable? Are you sure? Good, because of the iTank costs thirty-three hundred dollars. That’s two thousand more than the Fat Tire. Patents, technology, and development aren’t cheap. Actually, they’re the exact opposite of cheap. They’re staggeringly expensive.

12. Razor 200S Seated Electric Scooter

We figured that it wouldn’t be a scooter list if we didn’t at least dip our toes into the world of the stereotypical scooter. Completely street legal, the 200S is commonly known as Razor’s “commuter scooter” as it has found its own niche market among the more tech-savvy, web-generation who helped to make the internet what it is today.

The addition of a seat to this nippy little electric scooter gave it the freedom to be embraced by those of us who were looking to just get from point A to point B in as little time and as much comfort, as possible. A throwback to their earlier years, when Razor designed the 200S they were looking to build cheap, utilitarian transport for the masses and that’s exactly what they did.

With a top speed of twelve miles per hour and a forty-minute run time, the 200S isn’t going to set the world on fire or alter anyone’s paradigm. But it’s not supposed to. It’s just meant to get you to wherever you want to go in an inexpensive and comfortable way. And that’s why it made our list. Because that’s exactly what it does.

Pros:

• Your pocketbook is going to love the 200S. And when we say love, we mean double your heart rate, pulse-pounding lust as the 200S retails at three hundred dollars. It’s by far the cheapest electric scooter on our list.
• It comes with Razor’s ninety-day, no quibble warranty. If you’re not happy with your electric scooter, Razor won’t be happy and they’ll do everything in their power that they can to make you smile again.

Cons:

• Yeah, we know, it’s just an electric scooter that looks like an underpowered Vespa. But it is street legal and providing you live within a stone’s throw of where you work or wherever you’re planning on going, the 200S will get you there.
• The forty-minute charge thing is a real problem. Razor seems to be locked into it, so we’re guessing that it’s the battery technology that they use which is the issue. Regardless of the technical problems and battery issues, given the 200S’ top speed, forty minutes isn’t going to get you very far.

The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Best Electric Scooter for Adults Street Legal

1. Speed & Motor

The most common purpose of riders when they change to find a street-legal electric scooter is higher speed. So, consider your preference, demand, and safety. Since a too-low e-scooter feels so frustrated whenever riding it while a too-fast product gives much potential risk to your life.

Based on my experience, the max range for 80% city electric scooters is 15MPH. Faster models are also allowed but take note of driver license required and registration. If you don’t mind some paperwork, an e-scooter featuring 20-30 MPH is really worth a try. Of course, don’t forget your helmet!

Now, in terms of motor, the faster speed, usually the higher wattages it features. A “fast enough” electric scooter now on the market should be equipped at least 500W motor for a range of 18-20 MPH. Do you want more? Just leverage it! The most robust motor that I’ve tried is up to 3000W, featuring 43 MPH which goes as fast as lightning.

2. Suspension, Wheels, & Brakes

Now, why should you consider the suspension of an electric scooter?

Well, because it plays a critical role in how smooth you’re riding as well as how well-handle of your gear when it bumps on the street. Hence, when it comes to this element, you should pick the solid, separate type that’s equipped on both front and back wheels. But also notice that the more suspension, the costlier it will be.

Now, move on to the wheels. You should pay attention to their tires’ dimensions, especially height and thickness. Remember, the higher the tires, the faster speed; but conversely, the lower they are, the better hill climbing the scooter is.

In terms of its thickness, as always, thicker tires will absorb shock and other impacts better to give smoother riding performance. Plus, it is a better grip! Hence, if your regular routes are tough and rough, opt for as thickest tires as you can.

Last up, is the brake. There are four common types:

• Caliper
• Disc
• Hub
• Drum

And they are converted into different kinds: The read brakes, the front brakes, and some do both. It depends on the terrains you’re going to go over frequently to pick the corresponding type and kind of brake.

3. Battery, Runtime, & Charging

70% nowadays electric scooters and motorcycles are powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries because of its superiority in runtime and charging time. Normally, a 12-36V battery can last up 25-40 miles on a continuous ride. Then, just 3.5-7 hours to recharge for another new journey.

Along with that, lithium-ion batteries are known for their ultra-durability that can last 2-3 years if properly maintained.

On the other hand, the 30% rest is utilized in the old-school type of batteries – Lead-acid. It’s mostly served for those riders who have a tight budget who want an e-scooter featuring low-cost replacement. However, you get what you paid for – they say. This type only lasts for 6-7 months as maximum whilst the charging time is really, really long. Usually, it takes roughly 12-24 hours to fully charge.

4. Budget

Remember, the better the performance or the more additional features of an electric scooter, the more expensive. However, you might not need all those extra functions or such that high speed or super-long mile range.

To find the most suitable model for your budget, you should consider:

• The terrain of the route you intend to ride on regularly
• The distance from your home to your destination (count the longest)
• How many people it will carry and how much weight?
• Are you in need of any extra features?

Remember, choosing the most expensive product isn’t synonymous with the best choice for you, but it should be the most suitable one meeting all of your requirements.

5. Weight Capacity

It’s usually not a big deal if you intend to ride an electric scooter alone since the average range is usually 285 lbs. to 350 lbs. But conversely, it should be taken into consideration for two people carried on a scooter. Count the heaviest potential heft that’s going to put on it and pick the right model.

FAQs

1. Are electric scooters street legal?

In the USA, it’s quite confusing about the term “street-legal electric scooter”. In short, it refers to that scooter has already met all requirements determined by the authorities and allowed being legally ridden on the streets.

Those requirements usually are signal lights and safety equipment. The e-scooters that are listed in this article are all street legal. So, if you’re in need, consider them.

2. Are electric scooters street legal in the UK?

Depending on whether that e-scooter meets all requirements stated in the living area of yours. Not all electric scooters are legal to ride on streets in the UK.

3. Can you drive an electric scooter without a license?

Yes, you can. As long as that e-scooter is registered as street legal, it’s no need for a driver’s license at all.

4. Are electric scooters street legal in Texas?

Similarly, if your electric scooter meets all rules required according to Texas State E-Bike Law, it’s street legal. Click here if you want to know more.

Conclusion

A street-legal electric scooter for adults is considered as a type of vehicle that you should equip with some essential safety gear. A helmet is a must! Of all those options suggested, my go-to choice is the TaoTao. The manufacturer is thoughtful enough to include a DOT-certificated helmet, a fixing mini tool kit, and manual instruction while all document for registration is mailed to you. With a bargain price, it’s integrated all kinds of benefits out there.

Electric Scooter Troubleshooting Guide >Motor Does Not Run > Battery Pack Has Been Charged In The Last 3 Months

When was the last time the battery pack was recharged?

Make Sure The Power Switch Is On

Determine that the key switch or power switch is in the on position.

Check The Fuse Or Circuit Breaker

If the scooters uses a fuse, look at the inside of the fuse to see if it is burned-out. The fuse may need to be removed from the scooter and held up to a source of light to determine if it is burned-out or not. For scooters that use a circuit breaker, push-on or flip the circuit breaker to see if it will reset.

Try Pushing The Scooter To Start

Electric scooters with single speed throttles sometimes need to be pushed forward in order to run. Stand on the scooter with one foot and push it forward with your other foot while fully engaging the throttle. Once the scooter reaches walking speed and the throttle is engaged the scooter should run until the throttle is released or the brake is used.

Try Charging The Battery Pack for 8 Hours

Electric scooters that have not been charged for over 3 months will have partially discharged battery packs which may not provide enough power to run the scooter. Try charging the battery pack for 8 hours and then see if that helps.

Taotao Electric Scooter Manual Portable

Inspect By Sight, Touch, And Smell

Remove the footplate or wiring cover and look for any burned or melted wires, wire connectors, or electrical components. Also look for loose, disconnected, or damaged wires or wire connectors. Pull and push on all of the individual wires and wire connectors to make sure they are not loose or disconnected. Get your nose close to the speed controller and motor and smell them. Any components that look burned or melted, or that smell like burned plastic are almost always defective and should be replaced. Motors that smell burned should be replaced to prevent damage to the speed controller.

Test The Fuse Or Circuit Breaker

(Tool Needed: Multimeter) Sometimes fuses burn-out in a place where you can't see it, and sometimes circuit breakers will mechanically reset but they are worn-out and still will not work. Checking the continuity of the fuse or circuit breaker with a multimeter is the best way to determine if they are working or not.

Test The Brake Lever Switch

(Tool Needed: Jumper Wire)The brake lever switch informs the speed controller to turn the motor off when the brakes are applied. Most scooters have normally open brake switches, however, some scooters have normally closed brake switches. To test for a faulty normally open brake switch, disconnect the brake lever wire connector from the speed controller and then see if the scooter runs. If the scooter run when the brake lever switch is disconnected from the speed controller then the brake lever switch is a normally open type which is faulty. To test for a faulty normally closed brake lever switch, disconnect the brake lever wire connector from the speed controller and bridge the two terminals together in the controller's connector that the brake switch is unplugged from. If the scooter runs when the controller's brake switch connector terminals are bridged together then the brake switch is a normally closed type which is faulty.

Test The Key Switch Or Power Switch

(No Tools Needed) Test the key switch or power switch for proper mechanical operation by moving it from the off position to the on position several times. The switch should snap into both positions. If the switch feels loose, or if it does not have a positive snap-action feel to it when switched between the on and off position then it may be defective.

(Tool Needed: Multimeter) Sometimes the key switch or power switch will feel good and have a positive snap-action feel to it when switched between the on and off positions but it will still be defective. Testing the continuity of the key switch or power switch with a multimeter is the best way to determine if it is working or not.

Test The Battery Charger

(No Tools Needed) Plug the battery charger into the wall and look for one or more illuminated indicator lights. If an indicator light is not illuminated or blinks on and off when the charger is plugged into the wall then the battery charger is defective.

(Tool Needed: Multimeter) If you have a multimeter you can test the battery chargers output Voltage. Its Voltage should be a few Volts above the battery chargers rated Voltage (24V, 36V, 48V, etc.). If the battery chargers output Voltage is zero, or if it is below the battery chargers rated Voltage then the battery charger is defective.

Test The Battery Charger Port

(No Tools Needed) If the battery charger is plugged into the wall, unplug it. Plug the battery charger into the battery charger port on the scooter and look for an illuminated indicator light on the battery charger. If an indicator light on the battery charger illuminates when the charger is plugged into the scooter then the wiring and wiring connectors going to the charger port are good and the charger port itself is good.

(Tool Needed: Multimeter) If you have a multimeter the battery charger ports Voltage can be tested. The Voltage level present at the charging port should be the same as at the battery pack.

Test The Battery Pack On A Scooter That Runs

Visit our Battery Pack Load Testing Guide.

Test The Battery Pack On A Scooter That Does Not Run

(Tool Needed: Load Tester) If the scooter is not running, a load test can be performed on its batteries by removing the battery pack from the scooter and taking the individual batteries out. The individual batteries can then be tested with a automotive battery load tester. Most entry level automotive battery load testers place a 100 Amp load on the battery which is too high so an adjustable carbon pile battery load tester is required and should be adjusted to place a 30 Amp load on the batteries.

Test The Voltage Of The Battery Pack

(Tool Needed: Multimeter) If you have a multimeter the battery packs Voltage can be tested to determine its condition.A good battery packs Voltage will be above its rated Voltage level even if it has been fully discharged and allows to sit a few minutes, or if it has been in storage. If a battery packs Voltage does not bounce back to above its rated Voltage level within a few minutes after being discharged that points towards a defective or worn-out battery pack. When a battery pack has been fully charged and its Voltage is below its rated Voltage level that also points towards a defective or worn-out battery pack. Good scooter battery packs will bounce back to above their rated Voltage level within a few minutes after the scooter has been driven.

Test The Throttle

(Tool Needed: Multimeter) Visit our Throttle Testing Guide page.

Inspect The Speed Controller

Look for any burned or melted wires or wire connectors on the speed controller. If any wires are burned or melted then the speed controller may be defective.
Smell the speed controller for any burned plastic smells. If the speed controller smells burned then it is almost always defective.
If the speed controller has no burned or melted wires and it does not smell burnt then it still could be defective. Test all of the other components of the electrical system around the speed controller and use the process of elimination to detect if the speed controller is working or not.

Speed controllers are too complex to easily test. Using inspection and the process of elimination is the best way to determine if a speed controller is working or not. If all of the other components of the electrical system test good but the scooter does not operate that indicates a defective speed controller.

Inspect The Motor

Look for any burned or melted wires or wire connectors attached to the motor. Burned or melted wires or wire connectors indicate overheating of the motor which may cause the plastic insulation to melt off the motors electromagnetic copper wire windings.

Smell the motor for any burned plastic smells. If the motor smells burned that indicates that its coils have been overheated. Motors with overheated coils should always be replaced to prevent damage to the speed controller.

If the insulation melts off the copper windings they will short circuit and cause the motor to not run or to run slowly. Short circuited motor windings can also burn-out the speed controller by giving it too much resistance which makes it work too hard and overheat.