Your best bet for a smaller, faster and better ride

E-scooters are changing up our daily commute, so it’s about time you got on board. We’ve got you covered when it comes to what to buy and how to stay safe on the road.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel

E-scooters are changing up our daily commute, so it’s about time you got on board. We’ve got you covered when it comes to what to buy and how to stay safe on the road.

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The i-Max Q5: the safest & most woman-friendly

Price: $999, from Falcon P.E.V

Weight: 13.5kg

Time it takes to fully charge: 4-5 hours

Distance you can cover with a single charge: 25-30km

Has five preset speed settings: 5-25kmh

1. LEVER FOR THROTTLE 

When you want to speed up, you want features that make life easier – like a lever that you hold down with your index finger, rather than having to push the throttle up with your thumb. 

2. WIDE YET FOLDABLE HANDLEBARS

For serious control, you want them as wide as a bike’s. 

3. THE OPTION OF MECHANICAL BRAKES

For the most obvious reason: safety. 

4. ALUMINIUM ALLOY FRAME

So this e-scooter is lighter, stronger and more durable.

5. INFLATABLE FRONT WHEEL

It cushions the impact of bumps for a smoother ride. 

6. DECK WITH AMPLE STANDING ROOM

Space = greater stability. 

7. 36V MOTOR

Powerful enough to climb a slope with a 15-degree incline, and quietly too. 

8. BATTERY

The genuine Samsung lithium batteries have been certified by Spring Singapore. An inbuilt voltage cut-off circuit switches the battery off when it reaches its maximum capacity. 

9. REAR SUSPENSION

For good shock absorption.

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JD Bug Fun: no-frills option for nearby errands

Price: $499, from Inlinex stores

Weight: 14.5kg

Time it takes to fully charge: 6-8 hours

Distance you can cover with a single charge: 12km

It’s easy to operate and has a top speed of 15kmh, but batteries take longer to charge yet run dry faster – with zero indication and odometer.

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Zero 2.0: for short distances

Price: $899, from Falcon P.E.V

Weight: 6.3kg

Time it takes to fully charge: 2-3 hours

Distance you can cover with a single charge: 15km

Why? It covers just 15km on a single charge. But it has other ergonomic features – it can be pushed around on its front wheel so you don’t have to carry it, though it’s light enough to be carried if need be; it has a sleek built-in LCD screen to display speed and battery life; it folds easily, and comes with a small stand for convenient storage.

PHOTOS EVERETT & 123RF 

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