If at some point in life you have found yourself in the “heavier adults” league, it is not a reason to give up all joyful activities. You might look at other people riding out and about on their scooters and enjoying the sunshine, and think that it’s not for you. However, that simply can’t be further from the truth.
While a lot of electric scooters on the market do not support more than 220lbs, there are some models that do work for people over 250lbs.
This expert guide will provide all the necessary information and tips for choosing the best electric scooter for heavy adults.
In addition to being a fun accessory, electric scooters are also a truly convenient and eco-friendly transport means that got you covered when you do not feel like walking or squeezing into a cramped train.
Over the last few years, these inexpensive, speedy, and fun vehicles have gained excessive popularity around the world.
If you decide to invest in one, there is a wide selection on the market with sleek designs and cool features.
These vehicles are also a lot more travel-friendly than electric bikes, as most models are lightweight and collapsable.
One area that has been relatively neglected tough is the heavy rider segment.
An Option For Everyone
As electric scooters are entering our daily life in more and more countries around the world, the consumer range is growing more diverse and that includes big guys and girls. As most models come with a standard weight limit, motor power, and battery life, heavier adults are having a hard time finding a reliable model that can support their weight and ensure a smooth ride.
However, if you have accumulated a bit more bodyweight than was planned, it is not a reason to give up on electric scooters.
This guide will help you find the right model to accommodate your needs.
Buying Considerations for Heavy Riders
Top Speed & Acceleration
In electric scooters, the motor is placed on the wheel, and if it is a dual-motor model, there is one motor located in each wheel.
We do not suggest that everyone should pick up the fastest model available on the market. Speed is an important factor when choosing an electric scooter for heavier adults.
A top high-speed scooter is more likely to get a heavy person up a steep incline because speed and motor power go hand in hand.
If you are looking for a high-speed model, it is recommended to choose a model that has a way higher weight limit than your actual weight, because the closer you are to the maximum advertised weight limit of the scooter, the more it is going to compromise on speed and acceleration.
Battery & Range
Another important factor to pay attention to when choosing a heavy-duty electric scooter is the battery life. The power generally drains quicker with a heavier rider. So choose models with the longest battery life to enjoy smooth rides and not have to constantly worry about charging the equipment. After all, it is better to invest in a bigger battery than run out of charge halfway.
Models that support fast charging will make the experience much better.
We measure the battery capacity (Wh) by multiplying the amp-hours (Ah) and the voltage (V). The battery capacity depends on the Wh. When choosing a heavy-duty model, always consider the Wh numbers to understand which model has the most range.
Construction & Safety Features
When hunting for an electric scooter for heavier adults, do not be tricked by lightweight models that look attractive and sleek.
If you are a bit on the heavy side, your priority should be the durability of the model and not its design.
Sturdy models offer enough weight limit to support larger humans on the road, so consider purchasing sturdy electric scooters made of durable materials, like the Wolf Warrior that is made of aviation-grade aluminum.
If you love speed, it’s a good idea to invest in models that have a sufficient braking system. Nice models come with safety features like rear brakes that make it easier to come to a full stop. And it’s even better if they are hydraulic.
Hydraulics And Suspension
Over the years John Dunlop’s 188 pneumatic tires and its successors have evolved to make the rides even smoother for heavier adults. However, the hydraulics of an e-scooter is an equally important factor for performance. In electric scooters, the hydraulics boost the maximum load while proper shock absorbers neutralize the bumps on your way.
A good quality electric scooter should come with either pneumatic tires or a spring system to deal with road bumps. And it’s even better if it is equipped with both.
Consider models like the Kaabo Mantis Pro, for a premium quality suspension.
Affordable models usually come only with pneumatic tires, which compromise the quality of the ride compared to high-quality models. To ensure flawless performance, a top-quality electric scooter for heavy adults should come equipped with both air-filled tires and a spring suspension.
That being said, good-quality suspension systems are quite expensive, so if you are only intending to ride on flat roads only, it is not worth the splurge.
Final Words
Generally, manufacturers detail the maximum weight that the model can carry. However, if the rider’s weight is close to the limit, the scooter will start showing drops in performance.
In some cases though, the official weighs limit has proven to be lower than the real one, as there are cases when two people ride the scooter at the same time or people whose weight significantly exceeds the limit are able to ride the scooter without encountering any issues with the performance.
That being said, the maximum weight limit is still an important point and is stated for a reason. The most efficient way to know which scooter is the right fit for you is to take it for a test drive.
However, if you are going to purchase the scooter online and do not have the opportunity to test it, you can subtract 10% of its weight limit.
Thus, if you are about 210 lbs, it would be better to buy a scooter with a weight limit of 265 lbs, than a 220lb-limit one.
