Electric scooters

H

Hydraulicjump

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 10, 2011
Messages
646
Fluid Motion Model
C-30 CB
Hull Identification Number
FMLT2911F415
Non-Fluid Motion Model
Necky Looksha VII, Liquidlogic Remix, Jackson 4Fun
Vessel Name
La Barka (2015)
The darned electric scooters are everywhere these days. I hate them so much I want one for the boat.

We use our fold up bikes when we cruise. But because they are such a pain to fold up and store in the cave, I think we don't use them nearly as much as we should. And yes, I have explored all dimensions of putting them on the command bridge and like none of them.

So I am checking to see if any of the Tug crowd have gone over to the folding electric scooters for getting around places you are visiting with the boat. And if you like them, brand recommendations are welcome.

I understand hills are a problem with some and charge times may be long. And of course, range is always an issue. But the technology is changing fast and the options are increasing. Just looking for personal experience and the cheap man's Tesla.

Thanks.

Jeff
 
A friend bought a Jetson Bolt foldable scooter( I know...I know...wise cracks always follow) from Costco for 300 bucks.......so far he says it is the best he could imagine for the money.....I am anticipating adding one to the tug for port errands......any input from owners???????
 
If space and weight are an issue, take a look at the Jupiter e bikes. A little pricey but they occasionally knock off $100 every now and then. I have not tried one yet but it is on our list of possibles. Here is the link https://www.jupiterbike.com/#buy-now
 
I recently purchased the Segway-Ninebot. I got the large capacity battery with a top speed of 20mph and a twenty eight mile range. My slip is in downtown Chicago and I think it’s going to get some good use when the weather turns.
I have only had an opportunity to ride it in my shop so far , but it’s neat and seems well made.
 
I can't imagine trading our folding bikes (Crane 8's by Origami Bicycle Company) for an electric scooter or bike. You're really comparing apples to oranges with respect to capabilities and practicality IMHO. We also like to peddle for our exercise.
 
I bought my first electric scooter in 1997. They were bigger and heavier back then...

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It was made by Mase, intended market was boaters. It weighed around 100 pounds, but did fold down (seat and handlebars). Had an 8 to 10 mph top speed and about an 8 mile range. Cost over $2k. Needless to say, the state of electric scooters has gotten better over the years. I did get a Schwin electric scooter around 2003; about the same speed and range, but cost around $350. Much lighter and folded smaller; still had a seat and room for your feet side-by-side. I used it occasionally on the sailboat we had at the time. I will say that the Po-Po didn't consider it street legal NOR legal to ride on the sidewalk... that kinda limits your options. 😉

Moving on to recent times... I am too old to try to balance myself on one of those skinny scooters based on a kid's Razor (even though I still ride a bike, e-bike, Vespa). While they do have some with seats, those are small wheels. If you decide to give one of these current ones a try, be sure to wear a helmet and pads (knee, elbow, and wrist)... the young hipsters who are renting those by the minute heal faster than an old guy like me, and were raised on Razor scooters. My brother-in-law broke his collarbone a couple Christmases ago when he was going to show his grandkids how to use one of those stand-up scooters with the small wheels.

Bigger wheels than those that look like a skateboard with handlebars will be better balanced.
 
We also bought segway minipros - plan to take them cruising with us this year! The kneebar comes off easily allowing them to be stored nicely. If you haven't segway'd before, strongly recommend starting with a "tourist" trip on a full sized segway - once you get the hang of it, and everyone does within 15 minutes, the transition to the minipro is easy!

Come on Springtime!!!
 
We purchased folding electric bikes last year and we use them a lot..riding them around town (in hilly Tacoma) and taking them places in the car. (Greenbike USA.) We bought these specifically for boating but haven't actually put them on the boat yet. We will soon, for sure. We really, really like these bikes. They are quite heavy. And...we can peddle as much as we want...
 
For a combination of space usage, speed, and range I went with the solowheel glide 3. https://www.myinmotion.com/products/electric-unicycle-solowheel-glide-3

Also the other factor was a big wheel circumference for the pot holes in Seattle vs an electric skateboard/scooter with its tiny wheels

I ride it the 4 miles to the marina and it fits very well in the 2nd cabin when cruising. Battery lasts for 30miles.
 
Thanks everyone for the input. I think we just have to go mess around with them and see what we think. The electric unicycle was not in my list because, to be clear, although I see these around San Francisco a lot, they are definitely not being ridden by my demographic. Hipsters are the prime riders as far as I can tell. I might be arrested for being too old and not cool enough to ride one of these things. And I imagine there is a learning curve that will involve some contact with the ground. Still, such clever technology!

Will report when we settle on something.

Jeff
 
yep it takes about 1.5 hours to learn how to ride a unicycle. mine was covered in duct tape to avoid trashing the chassis during this time.

Agree there is some "image" associated to them, but Ive tested a bunch of different options and the solowheel came out on top for city use.
 
As a retired Police Sergeant I'd like to toss a monkey in the wrench. Electric Scooters are considered motorcycles in some jurisdictions, NJ for one. Same holds true for E-Bikes. Without the proper license endorsement, registration, insurance, and helmet, one could be in for a sad day. I'm sorry if this upset anyones plans.
Check the local laws on the definition of a motor vehicle. In NJ, anything with two, or three wheels and a motor (gas, elec, otherwise) is a motorcycle. Four wheels is a car. Human powered is a bicycle, 2, 3, or 4 wheels.
(I have an E-bike that doesn't look like an e-bike, and I only use peddle assist)
Some places require everyone riding a bicycle to wear a bicycle helmet too. It's not enforced much from what I can tell, but if you fall down and bust the top knot or get hit by a car, you might find misery to your pain.
 
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