High Performance scooters: What Sets them Apart?

What, where, who, why (why not) and how much?

In this blog we will consider the role of the high-performance scooter in the Micro Mobility, Personal Electronic Vehicle (PEV) space.

Answering questions like: What defines a high-performance electric scooter compared to standard models? As an owner, what are you getting in a high-performance e-scooter and what are you giving up? Also, what is the increased need for safe practices when owning and operating a high-performance scooter? Hopefully this will provide the foundational knowledge you can use to determine if a high-performance scooter is right for you.

The evolution of electric scooters 

The Shared Scooter

The widespread adoption of scooters as a micro mobility device was fuelled by the shared scooter model dropped on many metropolitan areas by the scooter company Bird. The performance and features of these scooters were baseline. This was adequate for short trips by “last-mile” commuters in metro areas, as well as high traffic tourist areas like beach communities. With top speeds of roughly 15 mph (24 kmh) and similar range (15 miles), 300-watt motors, tubed or solid tires with no suspension. These shared scooters have evolved since their introduction in 2017, with most of the improvements focusing on range and durability. The life of a shared scooter is a harsh one. With the original models as shown in the images only lasting a few months before mortal destruction.

At the same time these shared scooters became popular there was an increased interest in personally owning a scooter. The same models, initially customized by Bird, were available to the public. With identical performance. These baseline performance scooters are still available today. 

Entry-Level Electric Scooters: Features and Benefits for New Riders

Desired features on personally owned scooters are not the same as fleets of rental scooters. For example, individual buyers generally desire increased performance, whereas insurance companies and municipalities desire extremely conservative performance limits on fleet scooters. Consumers also want other features as well, including better ride quality, suspension, tires, and lighting that would support increased performance. The ability to stand up to seriously abusive service is not nearly as important as performance, weight and cost.

More refined baseline last-mile or short commuting (and a little bit of fun) scooters with more individual friendly features are still available. The Apollo Air is an example of such a scooter. It has similar speed and range of a shared scooter, while adding user friendly features including low maintenance tubeless self-healing tires, 21 mph top speed, turn signals, and a comprehensive smart phone app.

High-Performance vs. Entry-Level Scooters: Key Differences Explained

For the purpose of this blog, let us consider a few categories of scooters based on broad levels of performance.

1. Baseline scooters (also known as entry-level scooters): These are predominantly lower power at <750 watts, single motor, offering top speeds <22 mph, and generally using 36-volt battery systems. Note this is also the legal limit for scooters in most of the United States (though rarely enforced for riders unless they are being stopped for other legal infringements). They are generally <50 pounds in weight (the shared scooters can be heavier due to their need for extra robustness) and have either no suspension or only front wheel suspension, with 8” solid or air-filled tires with tubes. Cost: $300-$900 AUD

2. Enhanced performance scooters: These are single or dual motor models with <2000 watts total motor power that have top speeds of <40 mph. They generally have 48V or 52V battery systems and weigh between 50 and 80 pounds. As a result of their higher potential speeds these typically have a 9 inch or greater tire diameter, with air filled tires (some tubeless), and dual suspension and superior braking systems to deal with the increased speed and weight over baseline scooters. Cost: $901-$2,500 AUD. The Apollo City is a fine example of such a scooter.

3. High-Performance Scooters: These have maximum attainable speeds of >40 mph, use 52V, and 60 (or even greater) voltage battery packs. Models in this category are almost always dual motor, with tubeless tires, good braking systems on both wheels, good (often adjustable) suspension, 52 volt or higher battery systems. They weigh 80 pounds on the light end, exceeding 140 pounds in some extreme cases. Even with longer wheelbases, suspension and optimized geometry, some of the higher speed models feature steering dampeners to minimize the chances of “speed wobble” stability issues. Cost: $2,501-$7,000+ AUD.

On the upper performance end of this class are super/hyper and extreme scooters. These scooters are for speed junkies, specialty riding like racing, and perhaps a dash of “bragging rights.” This is the >55 mph class of scooters. An example is the Emove Roadster with a claim of 80 mph top speed capability, weighing in at 147 pounds!

Top Features That Define High-Performance Electric Scooters

High performance scooters come in many variants from many vendors. Some are set up to handle off-road conditions, some for high speeds on track-like conditions, and about everything in between. Below are more details about the two main aspects of what sets high-performance scooters apart from their lower performance brethren: batteries and braking.

1. Batteries: Higher voltage and higher capacity battery packs with cells and Battery Management Systems (BMS) that can handle the increased power demands and range expectations of this premium class of scooter. Using the hyper extreme Emove Roadster as an example, this scooter has a claimed as-shipped output of 10,000 watts. The Emove Roadster (left image below) battery pack is 84 V requiring just shy of 120 W to yield 10,000 W to feed its two motors. More typically, high-performance scooters like the Apollo Phantom 2.0 and Phantom 2.0 Stellar (right image below), have battery packs at 52 and 60 volts feeding conservatively rated at 3120 and 6000 W continuous power respectively.

Longer range battery packs = more amp hours. Two aspects of battery packs are the nominal voltage and the Ah (Ampere Hours) of the battery system. Voltage, as discussed above, impacts the ability to deliver high wattage to the motors through a reasonably sized controller, while the Ah generally equates to range, with greater Ah giving yielding more range. High-performance scooters operating at higher voltages with high Ah batteries deliver more power over longer periods of time, yielding more range. The total power over time specification is Watt Hours (Wh). The extreme Roadster has a battery pack with 40 Ah batteries at the aforementioned 84 volts, yielding roughly 3,360 Wh. The very capable Phantom 2 Stellar’s 30 Ah battery pack at 60 volts yields a still sizeable 1,800 Wh, which delivers a claimed 33-56 mile range depending upon riding conditions.

The downsides to greater battery capacities are size, cost, and weight. However, in the case of high-performance scooters, these are tradeoffs that most users are willing to live with to fulfill their need for speed while easing their range anxiety.

Modern high-performance scooters use different cells in their battery packs, with battery systems of 21700 cells. These have replaced the old standard of 18650 cells. They are larger, which offers greater Ah per cell and higher discharge and charging current capacity. More speed driving and recharging.

2. Braking: Substantial braking systems are used in high-performance scooters. Lower powered scooters can get away with fairly light-duty brakes, often a disk on one wheel and some sort of regenerative brake on the other. High-performance scooters have friction-based brakes on both wheels, consisting of hydraulically activated disks on the upper end, mechanical brakes on the lower end, and ideally well implemented regenerative brakes on both wheels. The latter not necessarily out-performing hydraulic braking systems. However, when properly implemented, regenerative braking can extend brake life almost indefinitely, as well as improve range. The availability of truly refined regenerative braking systems at this time is almost an Apollo exclusive in high performance scooters. Brakes must be both capable of extreme stopping power and they must do so progressively and predictively in order to maintain safe deceleration and stopping from high speeds. A few scooter models are even equipped with traction control braking systems.

Who Should Invest in a High-Performance Electric Scooter?

There’s several things that need to be considered before buying an electric scooter. If you don’t feel comfortable with any of these points, a high-performance scooter is probably not for you. Here’s a couple of reasons why people typically decide to buy a scooter (or not). 

Why not buy a high-performance scooter?

1. Cost: For most commuting and recreational/casual riding, a scooter like the Apollo City will deliver all the performance and range a rider will need. It has a retail price of $1,800 USD and occasionally goes on sale for less. While the high-performing Apollo Phantom 2.0 Stellar has a retail price of $4,000 USD and the Emove Roadster has a $6,000 USD retail price!  There are, however, more affordable high-performance scooters that are not so extreme, like the Apollo Phantom 2.0 standard edition with a retail price of $3,000 USD. Cost will always be a consideration.

2. Size and Weight: The design and construction of these higher performance machines require heavier-duty components, more robust suspension, heavier battery packs, and a longer wheelbase to maintain stability at higher speeds. This translates to heavier and longer machines. For example, the Apollo City (enhanced performance) weighs in at 65 pounds with a length of 50”, while the Apollo Phantom 2.0 weighs 107 pounds with a length of 58”. Transport and storage can be a problem with regards to the space required and the difficulty in lifting such a heavy object. 

3. Can you handle it? While we all get a thrill from acceleration and speed, do we have the judgement and skill to avoid trouble. Even if you do, what about others with potential access to your scooter, like friends, roommates, or children? A crash or altercation with the authorities could result. High-performance scooters also “look the part,” and may attract unwanted attention as a nuisance item to employers, apartment managers, businesses, and law enforcement.

4. Bull in a China shop. Some high-performance scooters may not have the necessary refinement to operate smoothly and comfortably at lower speeds or in tight riding conditions. The typically higher ground clearance and longer wheelbases of these devices can make them more challenging for some riders to maneuver at low speeds in narrow riding spaces or those with sharp turns. Like a high-speed sports car some of these scooters have less than smooth power delivery making smooth, stable operation a challenge. This aspect should be evaluated for your particular choice of model before purchasing. This issue does not apply to all scooters. The Apollo controllers are so refined, they can be ridden without acceleration issues even by novice riders.

5. Hardly legal. High-performance scooters are illegal on public roads and paths in many municipalities. With non-reckless use, these laws are rarely ever enforced in most places. However, those laws are on the books. Enforcement in your area is worth looking into, as well as public backlash and future legislative action. Presently, e-bike abuse tends to capture the animosity of the public, however that situation can change, and may eventually group all Personal Electric Vehicles (PEV’s) as a menace.

6. Stop, thief! As a result of their cool looks and high price, high-performance scooters can be a greater theft magnet than their lower-performance counterparts. Also, their increased size and weight may lead to people leaving/locking them up in public places where theft is a risk, rather than taking them inside to a more secure location.

Reasons to buy a high-performance scooter:

1. The need for speed. They are “crazy fast” and have exhilarating acceleration at a more affordable price point than almost all alternatives. One can go 100 mph in a car, but it wouldn’t have the adrenalin rush that a 50 mph scooter jaunt has. Yet, a 50 mph capable scooter can be purchased for under $4,000 USD! And it doesn’t eat gas or cost thousands of dollars to insure.

2. A nice ride. You may not feel the “need for speed,” and high-performance scooters offer an enjoyable ride even at more sane speeds. Unlike most high-performance transport devices, using most of the high-performance scooters (size and weight aside) is not an inferior experience over an enhanced performance scooter. In many cases, the ride quality is superior due to better suspension, better materials, better frame geometry, and better tires – these become even more evident as your riding abilities improve. 

3. Safer for any given speed. High-performance scooters are built stronger, have better brakes, suspension and tires. They can negotiate road imperfections better, stop better, and maintain speed on the steepest grades of roads and bike paths. Most also offer improved lighting and other safety features such as bells, horns, and turn signals. 

4. Range. When driven at casual speeds (or even at higher speeds), they generally offer increased range over their lower performance counterparts.

5. Lookin’ good! Just as they may attract unwanted attention because of their size and build, high-performance scooters may also be aesthetically pleasing to many, just as high-performance cars and motorcycles are.

Essential Safety Tips for Riding a High-Performance Scooter

Because your mom isn’t here to warn you, with capability comes responsibility. SAFETY!

If you come from the motorcycle world, you probably have a good idea about rider safety. Many PEV users, however, have bicycle, skateboard, or maybe some baseline scooter experience. These are low to moderate speed vehicles that tend to be used on short trips in optimal weather conditions and mostly during the day.

1. High-performance. To state the obvious, high-performance scooters are not low speed, low performance vehicles. While the scooter boom may have originated with baseline scooters, a high-performance scooter is a whole different thing in terms of speed, as well as where and when people tend to ride them. This is not a 15 mph max thing that is only going to go a casual bike riding speed. Hence, bicycle or skateboard riding gear is not appropriate for 30+ mph scoots. Use motorcycle-grade helmets, gloves and clothing when operating at higher speeds!
   

2. Watch out for the other guy. The enhanced capabilities of these scooters will lead to more comprehensive use and, consequently, more mixing with automobiles (and texting-distracted drivers). Defensive driving and safety gear are musts.

3. Hello darkness. Riding after dark is possible but be sure to ride with high visibility gear and don’t “outrun your headlights.” Headlights have a certain range within which you can see obstacles in front of you. If you travel at a speed where you cannot stop or take evasive actions to avoid objects in your path as they are illuminated by your headlights, injury can occur. You must also be visible to others, including cars, pedestrians, and bicyclists to avoid accidents.

4. Skill up. Because of center-of-gravity and balance issues, scooter riding requires enhanced skills and control beyond what you may be used to on a bicycle. Riding high-performance scooters requires even more from riders. You must be 100% ride-ready. Zero alcohol or drug impairment, sleep deprivation or distractions. For example, scooter riding is not a time to use your phone or headphones. You need to be able to see and hear what is going on!

Final Thoughts: Are High-Performance Scooters Worth It?

If cost and weight are not issues, choosing a high-performance scooter won’t have many of the drawbacks of other high- and extreme-performance vehicles. They are generally easy and pleasant to ride, even at low and moderate speeds, and offer enhanced range and comfort in riding. They do not need frequent or outrageous maintenance costs. They are usable on public roads (at least physically) however, many high-performance scooters do not meet legal constraints in most municipalities (though they are rarely enforced at the present time). Even the acquisition costs are a relative bargain compared to other vehicles with the potential to thrill adrenaline junkies and speed freaks! High-performance scooters are available in many configurations (some even supporting off road use). Be very aware that the increased capabilities come with increased responsibilities. Stay safe and live to ride another day!