ARTICLE
November 25, 2021 – 3 min read
Rideables are the latest mobility trend sweeping the globe. Electric scooters, or eScooters, are perfect for fun, fitness, transport and adventure. So, if you’ve been thinking of getting in on this popular and practical trend, here are a few things you need to know to get started.
![A man looking at his smart phone while leaning on an electric scooter]()
What’s A Rideable?
In this context, rideables are portable electric vehicles like eScooters and ebikes. You’ve probably seen plenty of them around being ridden by people in nice suits heading to work, hopelessly cool teenagers and little kids who look like they’re having the time of their lives.
The rules around road use vary widely from state to state, so it is imperative to arm yourself with all the information about usage before investing. For example, they are not allowed on public roads or bike lanes in NSW or SA, and in Victoria, if they have a maximum speed greater than 10 km/h, they cannot be legally used on a road or any road-related areas. In some states you can ride these vehicles on the road and in bike lanes, as well as on private property and at skate parks. Please check the regulations in your state to ensure you are complying with local regulations.
eScooters and ebikes should be stored and charged in a cool, dry and secure place. If keeping your bike in a communal area, like an apartment bike cage, then make sure you get a good quality lock and try not to leave the battery in the bike.
To charge your rideable, let it cool down after a ride (heat and batteries are not friends, and the Australian sun can be brutal) and make sure everything is dry. Once you’ve plugged it in to charge, try to make sure you unplug it shortly after it’s fully charged – most lithium-ion batteries have overcharge protection, but it’s always best to err on the side of caution with large capacity batteries and devices you rely on. Check the manual that came with the vehicle to see the charge time and work out from there if it’s better to charge straight after you get home from work or chuck it on just before bed.
When shopping around for an eScooter or ebike, there are three main things you should consider:
- Comfort: Is it the right size for you? If it has a seat, is it the right width for your sit
bones?
- Range and power: Can it go the distance you want to go on a single charge? Does
it meet the speed/power regulations for your state? Is long distance on a single
charge or fast charging a priority for you?
- Can you easily reach all the controls? Everyone’s hands are different, and so the
scooter that’s perfect for one person might not be right for you, so make sure you
come in store and give it a go.
