{"id":49051,"date":"2023-10-17T18:39:18","date_gmt":"2023-10-17T18:39:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.electricscooterinsider.com\/?p=49051"},"modified":"2023-11-15T14:57:26","modified_gmt":"2023-11-15T14:57:26","slug":"how-we-test-electric-scooters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.electricscooterinsider.com\/how-we-test-electric-scooters\/","title":{"rendered":"How I Test Electric Scooters (Conditions, Equipment & Data)"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
Every electric scooter that I review undergoes 25 performance tests, 30 design assessments, and 2 post-puchase considerations.<\/strong><\/p> The core foundation that\u2019s built Electric Scooter Insider\u2019s reputation as the premier source for trustworthy, no-nonsense electric scooter reviews is an industry-leading testing process.<\/p> After owning, testing, and spending thousands of hours reviewing a wide variety of models, I've acquired a high level of expertise that\u2019s allowed me to put over $109k worth of electric scooters through their paces.<\/p> <\/p> To make sure that each has a fair shot at achieving a place in my coveted list of the best electric scooters<\/strong><\/a>, I employ a series of stringent tests and assessments.<\/p> Throughout this guide, I\u2019ll show you exactly how I test each scooter with a precise breakdown of the testing conditions, equipment used, and data collected.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\tSee how the tests are standardized using controlled sets of criteria \t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\tLearn about the high-precision tools that are used to collect data\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\tDiscover the commitments that underpin our reviews\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\tSee how I test each scooter's performance\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\tSee how I assess the design and features of each scooter\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\tLearn about how I review warranties and customer support\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t To establish standardized tests, it\u2019s important to maintain the same test rider. This ensures that each scooter can be tested scientifically, whilst minimizing inconsistencies in performance data.<\/p> While some electric scooter review platforms use multiple team members of varying weights and riding styles, in our tests, I am the sole rider.<\/p> This allows me to test and assess scooters on a level playing field so that I can accurately compare performance metrics across different models.<\/p> To give you oversight, here are my rider stats:<\/p> <\/p> Aside from my rider stats, you can learn more about the test conditions for each performance test (including top speed, acceleration, range, hill climbing, shock absorption, and braking) further down the page.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t While some tests (i.e. ride quality) are inherently based on subjectivity, others are rooted in data.<\/p> Our testing processes are constantly being refined to stay at the forefront of the industry. While some of the equipment used to measure performance has evolved in the pursuit of accuracy, other data collection methods have remained the same since they serve their purpose (i.e. using a measuring tape for stopping distances).<\/p> Based on the current setup, there are two advanced pieces of equipment that I rely on:<\/p> This is a high-performance GPS data logger that measures speed within 1\/100th of a second.<\/p> <\/p> Using the Dragy ensures precise reporting capabilities – a quality further strengthened by its validation criteria. A speed run will only be validated if there are enough satellites and a strong enough signal. The box also takes slope (i.e. grade) data into account. If a significant downward slope is detected, then the run won\u2019t be validated.<\/p> This is a compact GPS computer that uses multiple satellite systems to track key performance metrics like range and average speed.<\/p> <\/p> To maintain the utmost accuracy, it pairs GPS tracking with sophisticated positioning systems that include both Galileo and GLONASS. The former is used by European political and military authorities, while the latter is a Russian-operated system for military and civilian use. It\u2019s also equipped with an altimeter to establish elevation. This may sound like overkill, but it ensures the best possible satellite coverage so that data collection is successful.<\/p> All of my reviews and \u201cbest\u201d electric scooter lists (i.e. best for speed<\/strong><\/a>, off-roading<\/strong><\/a>, commuting<\/strong><\/a>, etc) share the same commitment to excellence. These are as follows:<\/p> Wherever possible, I hands-on test all of the electric scooters that I review. Not only does this include the completion of performance tests, but it also accounts for unboxing the scooters, getting them ready to ride, and familiarizing myself with each one beyond the tests.<\/p> I also firmly believe that as an independent sole reviewer, I have owned and tested more electric scooters than anyone else in the industry.<\/p> <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t One of the core foundations that paves the way for Electric Scooter Insider is our strive for excellence.<\/p> In the interest of delivering the most thorough reviews in the industry, our tests are constantly being refined to uncover the areas of performance that matter to you. Whether that means investing in new tech, measuring tools, or making tweaks to how the current tests are completed, you can rely on Electric Scooter Insider as a trustworthy source of reviews.<\/p> <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t Designs keep improving, tech is becoming more integrated, and the capabilities of electric scooters are expanding. To keep on top of all that\u2019s new, I'm constantly keeping an eye on the newest releases.<\/p> When I can't test a scooter hands-on, I make recommendations based on research, comparative data gleaned from my electric scooter database, and reputable third-party reporting (i.e. industry experts and customers).<\/p> <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t I don\u2019t just focus on the good, I also highlight the bad to let you be the judge. By adopting this ethos, I can clearly distinguish where a scooter is better or worse than its competitors. As a result, I can show you alternatives and explain which are the best for certain use cases.<\/p> For example, take a look at my review of the Segway Ninebot Air T15<\/strong><\/a>. There was a lot of hype surrounding its release as the most compact, lightweight, and energy-efficient electric scooter. But, the truth of the matter is that its fancy cosmetics masked its poor performance. It had style in spades, yet it failed to deliver in the performance department. I scored it a miserable 3 out of 10.<\/p> <\/p> I\u2019m not afraid to put scooters under scrutiny.<\/p> Electric Scooter Insider is here to act as a source of integrity for the industry. By doing so, manufacturers, brands, and retailers are forced to continually improve their scooters.<\/p> On the flip side, when scooters are good, I\u2019ll put my stamp of approval on them. Take the Apollo City Pro<\/strong><\/a>, for example. I crowned it as the creme de la creme of the entire roster of 2023 electric scooters.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t As the electric scooter market becomes ever more saturated, I continue to seek out the best models that provide the most bang for your buck. Each scooter is reviewed relative to its price so that I can pick out the top performers for varying budgets.<\/p> <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t My mission is to help you choose the right electric scooter, and I take this very seriously. As a result, I hold both the review process and editorial policy to a very high standard.<\/p> Before any content (written or visual) is published, it\u2019s heavily reviewed, audited, and edited.<\/p> Whether I\u2019m working on a new buyer guide or an individual scooter review, I always place myself in your shoes to understand what information will be most helpful.<\/p> You can learn more about this process in my editorial policy<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p> <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\tTest Conditions<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
Test Equipment<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
Dragy GPS Performance Box (DRG70)<\/h3>
What Performance Metrics Do I Measure with the Dragy DRG70 GPS?<\/h4>
Garmin Edge 130 Plus<\/h3>
What Performance Metrics Do I Measure with the Garmin Edge 130 Plus?<\/h4>
Commitments to Excellence<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
Expert Hands-On Testing<\/h3>
Constant Refinement<\/h3>
Extensive Research<\/h3>
Impartial Advice<\/h3>
Value For Money<\/h3>
Strict Editorial Policy<\/h3>