ZnewsCovering technology since 1996
Historical archive · 2002

Product Review: Electric and Gas-Powered Scooters

Captured · Original Wayback snapshot


TECHNOLOGY Znews.com --
Urban and suburban transportation has never had so many options, and as long as cities and towns allow these electric scooters on the streets, kids of all ages will be happy to zip around town on them. They're environmentally friendly and lots of fun, and as they grow in popularity they're becoming more affordable.

There are a few main differences among electric scooters: (1) Portability: Some scooter (such as the BladeZ, weigh much more than some of the smaller, lighter and more foldable scooters. Check the weight in the spec's listed with each scooter. (2) Speed: Speed, along with distance, will be affected by the weight of the rider, the street surface, wind, and battery power. Heavier riders and adult riders should consider getting a more powerful scooter, but younger riders may do just fine with a less robust (and less expensive) model. (3) Durability: Make sure to get a name-brand scooter that's well built and has a good track record. Below, we reveiw a number of the most popular scooters available.



BladeZ Extreme Electric Scooter
Price: $499.99
One of the best and most popular scooter on the market. The pricetag is somewhat higher than other available scooters, but the construction, speed, range and durability of this scooter is hard to beat. Because of the speed and minimum weight requirement (120 lbs.) this scooter is not recommended for very young children.

Pros: Steel frame, chain drive, speed and distance.
Cons: Price.

Features:
  • Electric Power Board
  • 300 watt, 24 volt, 24 amp
  • 4-5 hour charge time
  • Up to 18mph with 13 mile range
  • Steel frame
  • Chain drive with interchangeable gear system
  • 10" pneumatic (air filled) tires
  • Vented front disc brake with replaceable pads
  • Compact folding design
  • Max rider weight 350lbs
  • Scooter weighs 55lbs
  • 90-day manufacturers warranty
[More info from Amazon]


Jeep Jeepster Electric Scooter
Price: $299.99
More affordable than the heavier, faster and sturdier BladeZ, the Jeepster still gets good marks for its speed and easy folding, and it's lightweight (only 18 lbs compared to 55 lbs for the BladeZ) which means you can use it as a push scooter too.

Pros: Fast battery charge, easy folding, light weight, can be used as push scooter, distance, price.
Cons: Slower than other scooters, less sturdy.

Features:
  • Can be Used both Manually or Electrically.
  • Weighs only 18.7 LBS.
  • Rechargable NiCad battery charging time is only 1 to 2 hours.
  • Folds easily for storage and travel.
  • Maxium speed: 10 MPH.
  • Recommended age is 14 & up.
  • Runs up to 12 miles on one charge.
[More info from Amazon]


Zap World Electric Scooter AND Free Kick Scooter (2 scooter package)
Price: $499.99
Pretty good scooter, and comes with a bonus kick-scooter if you have an older/younger kid combination. An adequate value if you want two scooters, otherwise, for the price, go with the BladeZ.

Pros: Adequate speed and power, dependable brand.
Cons: May be able to find better value in other scooters.

Features:
Not available

[More info from Amazon]


BladeZ Moby Extreme 35cc Gas Power Scooter
Price: $599.99
This scooter is gas-powered (not battery), and for environmental purposes (pollution and noise), and sheer speed, we don't recommend these. However, they are more powerful and faster (up to 27 mph), and can support much larger riders (up to 350 lbs).

Pros: Much faster, and more powerful.
Cons: Noise, pollution, price.

Features:
  • Gas Power Board
  • 35cc Tanaka 2-stroke engine
  • 16oz fuel capacity, 30:1 fuel/oil ratio
  • Up to 27mph with 20mile range
  • Steel frame
  • Belt/pulley drive system
  • 10" pneumatic (air filled) tires
  • Vented front disc brake with replaceable pads
  • Compact folding design
  • Max rider weight 350lbs
  • Weighs 40lbs
  • 90-day manufacturers warranty
[More info from Amazon]



See all Amazon.com motorized scooters