Best Electric Scooters: A Guide to Buying an Electric Scooter in New Zealand
Our guide explains everything you need to know to buy the right electric scooter at the best price
Updated 2 January 2021
Electric scooters are the new sensation on the streets of New Zealand, offering an environmentally friendly, affordable, fast to charge, but above all, fun to drive experience.
This guide is designed to explain all about electric scooters and help you make an informed scooter purchase, while aligning your choice to match your unique needs and lifestyle. We also feature five of the best electric scooters in New Zealand, based on variable budgets and requirements.
This guide is designed to explain all about electric scooters and help you make an informed scooter purchase, while aligning your choice to match your unique needs and lifestyle. We also feature five of the best electric scooters in New Zealand, based on variable budgets and requirements.
Our Electric Scooter Buying Guide Covers:
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Types of Electric Scooter
There are many ways to classify electric scooters. By size, by the number of wheels, by design. However, for the purpose of this guide, we will categorize electric scooters as follows:
- Electric Kick Scooters
- Off-Road Electric Scooters
- Fat Tyres Electric Scooters
- Electric Scooters for Kids
Electric Kick ScootersElectric kick scooters (aka e-scooters) are by far the most popular type of electric scooter nowadays. They feature the simple yet functional design of the classic kick scooter consisting of two wheels, along with a foot platform and handles. Its minimalist design allows most electric scooters to be foldable, meaning that after using the e-scooter you can take it with you to the office. This convenient feature, along with their ease of use, makes them ideal for cities with heavy traffic.
Electric Kick Scooters Highlights:
Electric Kick Scooters - What We Like:
Electric Kick Scooters - What We Dislike:
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Off-Road Electric ScootersYou can think of this type of scooter as a ruggedized version of the standard e-scooter. Expect off-road electric scooters to have special tyres that often are also bigger in diameter, higher capacity batteries, better suspension, and tougher materials to protect the motor and other components from debris and bumps. Similar to cars and SUVs, nothing prevents you from using an off-road electric scooter in the city for commuting. However, bear in mind that the sturdy design of this type of e-scooter is better suited to the beautiful landscapes of New Zealand. Off-road e-scooters are heavier, and in many cases, they are not foldable.
Off-Road Electric Scooters Highlights:
Off-Road Electric Scooters - What We Like:
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Fat Tyres Electric ScootersIf you love chopper motorcycles then this might be the right e-scooter for you. Fat tyres electric scooters do their best to emulate the driving experience of a chopper motorcycle by using wide tyres, a comfortable seat, and raised handles. As you might expect, this type of e-scooter is not intended to be used as a daily driver, but more like a weekend warrior.
Fat Tyres Electric Scooters Highlights:
Fat Tyres Electric Scooters - What We Like:
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Electric Scooters for KidsTo be honest, instead of creating a category called "scooters for kids" it would be fairer to classify all other scooters as "scooters for adults". After all, kick scooters are often associated with kids and teenagers. What makes "scooters for kids" different from scooters for adults is basically their size. They feature smaller batteries, less powerful motors, and thus reduced performance. Most products in this category are foldable, lightweight and inexpensive.
Electric Scooters for Kids Highlights:
Electric Scooters for Kids - What We Like:
Electric Scooters for Kids - What We Dislike:
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Key Factors to Consider When Buying an Electric Scooter in New Zealand
Purchasing an electric scooter is not as complex as purchasing a new car. Nevertheless, that does not mean you should take it too lightly. For your convenience, we have prepared a shortlist with the key aspects you should consider when buying an electric scooter in New Zealand:
- Intended usage. As explained in the previous section, not all e-scooters are designed for the same purpose. If your main goal is commuting to work avoiding the crowd and traffic in the process, then a foldable electric scooter might be your best option. On the other hand, if what you want is enjoying the countryside an off-road e-scooter could be better.
- Autonomy. Just as with electric cars the autonomy, often referred to as range, is a crucial factor to consider. For commuting, it is a good idea to choose a range big enough to avoid running out of battery too early. For pleasure, we suggest e-scooters with swappable batteries since they allow you to enjoy hours of interrupted fun.
- Ease of use. Most kick scooters are super easy to drive. When you talk about fat tyre models or bigger off-road models the learning curve might be a bit more stepper.
- Speed. The term “speed” might sound like an exaggeration in this type of personal vehicles. However, it is not. Keep in mind that a collision at 40Kph against a stationary object might result in serious injury, even death if you are not using appropriate safety equipment. That being said, if you like speed, probably your best option is fat tyres scooters.
- Brakes. The bigger and more powerful the engine the most important become the brakes. Nowadays some e-scooters come with sophisticated ABS-like brake systems, which in our opinion, is an option that worth considering.
- Bluetooth and other gadgets. Some manufacturers include as part of the e-scooter features Bluetooth connectivity, LED lights, integrated display, GPS, and more. You might want to consider some of them, as LED lights for example, in case you plan using the scooter at night.
- Max. Load. Our suggestion is to favour e-scooters able to handle 100+ Kg loads, even if they are for kids.
- Charging time. The rule of thumb says the bigger the battery the longer it would take to charge it. However, depending on the brand and charging technology you may find models with big batteries and fast charging times.
- Price. You get what you pay for. That is especially true in the case of e-scooters. Our suggestion is to avoid the temptation of purchasing electric scooters from unknown brands. Getting low-quality batteries and motors is a real risk if you do so.
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Four of the Best Electric Scooters Available in New Zealand Right Now
Choosing the best electric scooter currently available in New Zealand is not an easy task. We have compiled our list (in no particular order) based on average consumer reviews collected from consumer.org.nz as well as other sources both in New Zealand and overseas.
1. Best Electric Kick Scooter: Mi Electric Scooter M365PRO
More details: Mi Electric Scooter M365PRO
Pricing: From $898.99
Pricing: From $898.99
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For some years now, Xiaomi/Mi has surprised us with quality products at affordable prices. That is the case of the M365PRO scooter. If you are looking for a scooter for everyday use with all the features you could need, then the MI 365PRO is for you. In addition to its modern and elegant design, the Mi 365PRO comes with a powerful motor, an excellent range, 3-speed modes (ECO, Standard, and Sports), LED lights, a built-in display, and connectivity with your smartphone via Bluetooth. Furthermore, this beautiful scooter offers you sophisticated mechanical/electric brakes with regenerative capacity and ABS. All in all, the perfect choice to avoid traffic congestion at peak hours in Auckland, Wellington and other major cities in New Zealand.
Mi Electric Scooter M365PRO Key Features:
Mi Electric Scooter M365PRO Key Features:
- Recommended for: daily usage, short distances commuting
- Range (autonomy): 45Km
- Motor: 300W brushless low-speed current Hall electric motor
- Max. Speed: 25Kph
- Battery: Lithium-ion 12800mAh/474Wh
- Controls: One button operation, integrated smart display and Bluetooth connectivity
- Brakes: Front E-ABS regenerative anti-lock braking system, rear 120mm ventilated disc brake
- Max. Load: 100Kg
- Weight: 14Kg
- Charging time: 8-9 hours
2. Best Off-road Electric Scooter: Inokim OXO
More details: Inokim OXO
Pricing: From $3,599.00
Pricing: From $3,599.00
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You can think of the Inokim OXO as the Land Cruiser of electric off-road scooters. It is reliable, powerful, has an incredible range, and is built to last. It comes with dual 1300W motors which translates into an amazing acceleration and hill-climbing ability. Moreover, its integral car-grade LED lights and illuminated LCD display, let you enjoy the trail regardless of the time of the day. Hands down, the Inokim OXO is the perfect choice for New Zealanders looking for a powerful off-road e-scooter fully loaded with top-notch features. Perhaps our only complain, (aside from its price) is the weight of the Inokim OXO. While it can folded and used both on-road and off-road, its 33.5Kg makes the Inokim OXO more suitable for pleasure rides than for daily usage.
Inokim OXO Key Features:
Inokim OXO Key Features:
- Recommended for: off-road fun, occasional commuting (see weight)
- Range (autonomy): up to 110Km in ECO mode, 100Km in full speed mode
- Motor: 2x1300W brushless gearless motor
- Max. Speed: 45Kph
- Battery: Lithium-ion 60V 25.6 A/h (LG)
- Controls: One button operation, integrated LCD display
- Brakes: Front and rear hydraulic disc brakes
- Max. Load: 120Kg
- Weight: 33.5Kg
- Charging time: 13.5 hours
3. Best Fat Tyre Electric Scooter: Storm Cruiser S
More details: Storm Cruiser S
Pricing: From $2,695
Pricing: From $2,695
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You will not find a better fat tyre electric scooter than the Storm Cruiser S. It has it all. Beautiful design, a wide range of customization options, excellent autonomy, low centre of gravity, a comfortable low height seat, and a powerful motor that let you reach maximum speed in no time. Moreover, the Cruiser S comes with exclusive features such as remote start, alarm & active anti-theft system, and detachable wing mirrors. While it is true that its weight and dimensions put the Storm Cruiser S in the same category of small mopeds, it is also true that this amazing fat tyre scooter is unrivalled when it comes to style and performance.
Storm Cruiser S Key Features:
Storm Cruiser S Key Features:
- Recommended for: commuting, weekend fun
- Range (autonomy): 50-70Km
- Motor: 1200W brushless gearless motor
- Max. Speed: 50Kph
- Battery: Lithium-ion 72v 20ah
- Controls: LCD display
- Brakes: Hydraulic front and rear disc brakes
- Max. Load: 200Kg
- Weight: 60Kg
- Charging time: 6 hours
4. Best Electric Scooter For Kids: Razor Power Core E100
More details: Razor Power Core E100
Pricing: From $399.00
Pricing: From $399.00
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When it comes to electric kick scooters for kids, the Razor Power Core E100 is definitely one of the best options currently available. It is sturdy, lightweight, stable, and very easy to drive. Although is rated for kids 8 years and older, its 100Kg capacity allows the E100 to be used by adults in case they need to teach their children a new exciting trick or maneuver. Its compact design and its mere 12Kg weight make it easy to transport everywhere. All in all, the Razor Power Core E100 is the perfect gift for children with a strong desire to enjoy a high-quality electric kick scooter.
Personalised Sprite Scooter Key Features:
Personalised Sprite Scooter Key Features:
- Recommended for: fun, playing, sharing with kids
- Range (autonomy): Up to 60 minutes
- Motor: n/a
- Max. Speed: 18Kph
- Battery: 2x12V
- Controls: Twist-grip acceleration control
- Brakes: Hand-operated, front calliper brake
- Max. Load: 100Kg
- Weight: 12Kg
- Charging time: n/a
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