Comparison Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 3 Lite vs Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter Essential

The power of the motor installed in the electric scooter. In models with two motors (one per wheel), their total power is usually indicated.

A more powerful motor, on the one hand, has a positive effect on the speed and acceleration characteristics; on the other hand, it affects the cost of the device and requires more capacious batteries, which affect both the price and weight. In addition, at acceleration and low speeds, the scooter can be “helped” by pushing off with your foot. Therefore, in most modern models, the motor power is low — most often in range of 250 W, 300 W, 350 W. Power of 500 W is considered quite high, it allows you to reach speeds of 40 km/h and even higher. In the most advanced models, power is already measured in kilowatts, and the maximum speed can exceed 80 km/h; however, such "monsters" cost accordingly.

However, power also affects the ability to drive a vehicle, because depending on the country, various traffic rules are provided for driving a scooter.

The power in watts that the electric scooter motor can develop at maximum speed. In general, for scooters with an electric drive, it is customary to indicate the rated engine power (see above), which ensures efficient operation of the motor for a long time. By maximum we mean power in the “gas to the floor” mode, achieved only in the short term. Using this parameter, you can roughly estimate the capabilities of a particular model, for example, in terms of speed dynamics - the more power, the faster the scooter accelerates.

A high top speed gives you more riding options and reduces travel time. However, it requires powerful motors and capacious batteries, which affects the price and weight of the scooter. In addition, the faster the scooter, the more careful you need to be when driving. Therefore, most of the electric scooters have a speed of 25 km / h or a little more - 30 km / h.

The slowest speed mode (approximately from 0 to 5 – 6 km/h), ideal for use in crowded places, children and beginners. It controls the e-scooter while it moves at a safe speed for pedestrians to avoid collisions on crowded sidewalks. Pedestrian mode is also suitable for leisurely walks and side-by-side trips with walking friends.

The maximum climbing angle that an electric scooter can overcome on engine power alone, without the help of legs. Models with engines of the same power may differ in this indicator (due to the difference in torque and wheel size).

Note that in the specifications the angle is usually indicated in degrees, while on road signs it is given as a percentage (1% corresponds to a rise of 1 m for every 100 m of horizontal movement). However, this moment is not particularly critical: if you often have to overcome a certain hill, you can clarify its slope by converting percentages into degrees (and vice versa) according to special tables. In addition, if the angle turns out to be too large, nothing prevents you from helping the scooter with your foot, in extreme cases, to overcome the climb on foot.

The type of drive in the design of the scooter determines to which wheels the traction from the electric motor is transmitted.

- Front. The drive to the front wheel pulls the entire electric scooter. It provides improved stability on the road, minimizes the likelihood of skidding in corners, and guarantees a soft start and smooth acceleration. On the other hand, the electric motor at the front increases the weight of the wheel assembly and increases the effort when turning the handlebar.

- Rear. Rear-wheel drive electric scooters are not as stable on the road as front-wheel drive models. However, they are more frisky, demonstrate dynamic acceleration and easily conquer hills.

- All-wheel. Scooters with all-wheel drive combine all the positive qualities of front- and rear-wheel drive models in one package. They are also best suited for off-road driving — the all-wheel drive chassis does not care about pits and steep hills, other road irregularities, or mud deposits on the road.

Like a handbrake, the rear brake can be drum, electric, or disc. In addition, there may still be a classic foot brake, as in ordinary scooters, or not at all.

— Disk. The disc brake on the rear wheel ensures a quick stop of the scooter. These brakes have a short-stroke friction clutch. Due to the small distance between the pads and the disc, the friction clutch very quickly comes into contact with the working surface of the brake disc. In this case, the friction clutch is pressed against the disk with a sufficiently large force. The disc brake allows the scooter to stop extremely efficiently. But when using a disc brake on the rear wheel, you should be careful, because when braking hard, especially when cornering, the scooter can skid to the side.

- Drum. The drum type brake has above average efficiency. The drum brake makes the rear wheel massive and heavy. This type of brake has a closed design. The pads are inside the wheel. Friction linings rub against the inner surface of the rim. Access to the drum brake is closed by a protective cover. Thanks to the closed design, neither moisture nor other blockages get inside the brake drum, which makes the brake operation more reliable and trouble-free. Among the shortcomings can be noted: an increase in the dimensions and weight of the wheel, the complexity o...f maintenance.

- Foot. The simplest kind of clamping type brakes, which involves slowing down and stopping the scooter by pressing your foot on the fender of the rear wheel. Note that this is the least efficient braking system of the existing options.

- Electric - braking with the help of recuperation. The brake system of this type makes the stop extremely soft, slowing down occurs when the speed of the electric motor decreases. The rear location of the electric brake assumes that the electric motor is mounted on the rear wheel. The presence of an electric motor makes the wheel massive. The electric type brake system is highly reliable and durable, it does not require maintenance. But if the battery pack on the scooter runs out, the electric brake will not work. For such cases, an additional mechanical (hand or foot) brake is usually provided.

- Absent. The rear wheel is not equipped with a brake. In this case, the braking system is provided at the front. The advantage of scooters without a rear brake is that the vehicle will not skid to the side when braking actively when cornering.

Battery capacity installed in the electric scooter.

Theoretically, a higher battery capacity allows for a longer range, but in fact, not everything is so clear. Firstly, motors of even the same power can differ in efficiency; secondly, the actual amount of energy stored in the battery depends not only on the capacity in amp-hours but also on the voltage in volts. So this parameter is secondary, and when choosing, it is worth focusing not so much on the battery capacity, but on the directly claimed range. You can compare capacity only for models with similar characteristics and the same supply voltage.

In general, this parameter is of secondary importance; in fact, it is needed mainly when looking for a spare / replacement battery or a third-party charger. When choosing, it is worth paying attention to characteristics that are closer to practice - in particular, directly claimed speed and power reserve.