Is it possible to ride an electric skateboard through puddles, ride in the rain? If you can. But keep in mind that by choosing no-name models of dubious quality, you risk failure of the scooter equipment in bad weather. Reliable, resistant to precipitation, and equipped with a high degree of protection against moisture, branded electric scooter models will not cost much more, but they are guaranteed not to let you down in the rain.
Many people choose an electric scooter, electric skateboard, and other innovative electric vehicles as individual everyday transportation, noting the maneuverability and ease of movement on city streets. Residents of megalopolises, tired of traffic jams, are happy to give preference to a trip away from noisy gas-polluted traffic and crowds of people.
STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS
The model of this vehicle consists of the following main components: frame, sole or platform for feet, two wheels, joystick, foot brake. In the electric version, the original parts of the scooter appear as an electric motor with a gearbox and a rechargeable battery, an onboard computer, a speed control lever. The torque from the engine is transmitted through the gearbox to the front and rear wheels. In this case, two basic types of drive are distinguished:
- Chain drive to the rear wheel is a traditional option used on larger models of electric scooters. Driving this type of vehicle is easier, it has good progress, it is possible to install a powerful engine.
- Front or rear-wheel geared motor. The motor wheel has high efficiency, accelerates, and decelerates effectively, but due to the compact design, it is impossible to install a powerful motor. This solution is often found in compact devices.
The electric scooter is powered by a lead or lithium battery, which is located at the bottom of the deck or on the steering column. The battery is the only power source and the maximum mileage per charge depends on its capacity. On average, this figure is 30-50 kilometers. Modern lithium-ion batteries have a higher capacity and durability, they are not afraid of deep discharge. They are not as heavy as lead ones, but their cost is much higher.
Tires and suspensions depend on the class of scooters. In inexpensive models, simple cast wheels are used. They are not afraid of punctures, but they are hard and uncomfortable. Advanced electric scooters are equipped with inflatables and shock absorbers are used to increase the smoothness of the ride. In combination with a rigid frame, the seat makes such a scooter a very convenient means of transportation over long distances.
WHEEL SIZE.
Wheels for different models can be very different: from miniature 3-4 inches to huge 14-16 inches. The larger the diameter, the better the smoothness, comfort, and handling, but at the same time the weight and dimensions increase. Choose the diameter based on the quality of the road surface you will be driving on.
For smooth roads, models with small 5-6-inch wheels are suitable, they are lighter and compact in size, which affects convenience during a drift to the apartment and during transportation.
For driving on poor-quality roads, with cracks and small irregularities, it is better to pay attention to 8-10-inch inflatable options.
Large 12-inch inflatables are good for bumpy roads, but add a decent amount of weight and size. 14, and even more so, 16-inch options are rarely used, they are too large and heavy, it is inconvenient to take them to the apartment of a multi-storey building and transport them. Do not forget that the heavy weight of the vehicle not only interferes with the transfer, but also increases the energy consumption of the battery.
WEIGHT.
Another important parameter that is sometimes overlooked. The weight of the scooter can range from 5kg to 40kg. By weight, the models are divided into:
- very light – 5-7.9 kg;
- lungs – 8-11.9 kg;
- medium – 12 to 15.9 kg;
- heavy – 16 to 20 kg;
- very heavy – 20 kg or more.
The most popular are the light and medium mods, since 8-16 kg can lift almost anything, and its characteristics are excellent for most cases.
DIMENSIONS.
Most models have small dimensions, which affects the convenience of transportation, transportation, and storage. We recommend choosing the folded options – they are even more compact when folded.
The degree of protection of electrical equipment against moisture.
This parameter is denoted IPXX, where XX numbers. It is indicated in the product specifications. For example, IP65 or IP54. Moisture protection is the second number, it should be:
- at least 4 – for light rain without strong wind;
- at least 5 – for a storm with strong wind;
- at least 7 – for brief immersion in water;
- not less than 8 – for prolonged immersion in water (complete tightness).
Therefore, the degree of protection IP65 or IP55 is enough to travel in a storm. If the battery is located on the platform, then driving through deep puddles is impossible, unless, of course, the degree of protection of the battery compartment is not IP68 or at least IP67, which is rare. Battery filling and short circuit will cause serious problems, fail. If the battery is located higher up, for example on the steering column, then you can safely drive through puddles with IP65.
If the degree of protection of electrical equipment of your model is IP54, then you cannot drive in a downpour, you can only drive in light rain. If it is even lower, for example, IP43, then the model is not designed for rain at all.
BATTERY CHARGING RULES
Before you start to use it, you need to make sure that the battery is fully charged. To replenish the tank, follow the instructions:
- Connect the charger to the scooter through the peripheral input of the body.
- Connect the charging module to a 220 V electrical network.
- Notification about the start of the process is displayed by the indicator in memory.
- After waiting for the LED to change color, unplug the load from the outlet and then from the scooter. Not the other way.
The recharging time can vary from 1.5 to 7 hours, depending on the battery capacity and the power of the device.
CHARACTERISTICS OF USE
Your battery will last longer if you follow a few care rules:
- do not charge the battery for more than one consecutive day;
- do not allow the complete discharge of the battery;
- store the battery at temperatures from +5 to +25 degrees and relative humidity of 70%;
- avoid damage to the battery case.
WHERE TO LEARN TO OPERATE AN ELECTRIC SCOOTER
With the slightest experience of driving a simple (normal) scooter, it is easier to “switch” to an electric model. Management skills come pretty quickly.
The first lesson must take place on a flat surface. It is desirable that there are no mechanical obstacles. The best solution would be to use empty parking lots.
Experienced drivers know how to handle an electric scooter well. They do not like to walk on narrow paths in city parks. You can not make complex shapes and effectively unfold there. However, the novice rider is not required to be able to “turn the corners”. Therefore, it is convenient to study on the tracks.
In addition, the pedestrian areas of the park and garden have a clear geometric shape. This unknowingly helps during training, as the rider intuitively tries to drive the electric scooter parallel to the edges of the track. This makes it easier to meet the requirement to “wiggle as little as possible” and keep your body straight.
Some of the difficulties are due to placing the feet on the platform. Intuitively, the novice rider tries to put them side by side. This can not be done. The feet should be placed one in front of the other. Once muscle memory remembers this position, it becomes easier to control parallel and approaching motion.
So the teaching rules are the same for children and adults.
The student must adhere to the following algorithm of actions:
- Put your hands on the handlebars.
- Put one foot on the platform.
- Touch the ground with the other foot.
- Activate the power button.
- Push off with the other foot. As you pick up speed, place both feet on the platform.
- Do some test laps or ride from one place to another.
- Greater acceleration can begin when the body regains balance.
When you turn the steering wheel to the right or left, the vehicle changes the direction of travel. Correct control and braking of an electric scooter presuppose the ability not only to accelerate but also to stop competently. According to the instructions, the stop is made by the brake lever. It is compressed and held in this position until the electric scooter comes to a stop.
Speed can be released almost instantly by applying a large mechanical force to the lever. However, this is not recommended. An emergency stop is only practiced when an unforeseen complication occurs.
SERVICE RULES
The main mechanisms of the electric scooter are configured during pre-sale preparation by the manufacturer. Sometimes it may be necessary to self-clean a unit that has lost its original properties during operation.
CONFIGURE THE BRAKE SYSTEM
Scooter brakes are tuned during production. To make additional settings in the system, you should be guided by the table:
