Performance of your Scooter| Scooter Regulations | Scooter Maintenance Checklist | Scooter Safety | Problems & Solutions

SCOOTER PERFORMANCE

Does the specification reflect exact performance of a product?
Specifications published on our web site and advertising come from the manufacturers and/or my distributors. In most cases, these specs represent ideal circumstances, like fully charged battery, lightweight rider, level ground, no wind, etc. Please take this into consideration. You might want to choose a vehicle that is rated to go a bit faster/longer than you really want. You can always choose not to run it at full throttle. Also note that most of these products are originally specified in metric units and conversion errors definitely occur.

Is the motor variable speed?
Yes. The motor's speed is regulated electronically.

Can I get parts?
Yes. Parts for scooters are available at any bike - scooter shop or super center. Electric parts can be obtained from a dealer or the manufacturer. Please also check our parts we are selling on our website.

How long does a scooter take to charge and how far does it go?
The average scooter with a battery will take about 4-6 hours to charge fully from empty and will travel between 10-18 miles, depending on the scooter, weight of the passenger, and terrain. Read the specifics of each scooter on the detailed product page.

Does my electric scooter come with a battery charger?
Yes! Every electric scooter we sell comes with a complete battery charger. The voltage range for the charger is 100 – 240V. Please Read the specifics of each scooter on the detailed product page.

Is it safe for my child to ride your electric scooters and bikes?
It is safe when the child is the right age and following the recommended safety precautions.

Do your electric scooters require assembly?
They arrive at your door 80 % assembled. Some minor adjustments will be necessary, but the process is not complicated and should take no more than 30 minutes. All the tools needed are included in your Bonus Tool Kit.

Is electric transportation for me?
Electric transportation is our future. Small electric motor technology has advanced tremendously in recent years. With electronic controls such as pulse width modulation, today's motors are very efficient and can produce plenty of torque, even at very low throttle settings.
Unfortunately, development of batteries has not kept pace; limiting the distance electric vehicles can go without a charge. Today's hybrids run 12-20 miles, total-electrics 25-50 miles.
The advances we expect to see over the next several years is in the power source -- batteries for short range vehicles and fuel cells for long range vehicles. Remember the first cellular phones? The ones styled like a brick with wires connected to a bag of batteries? As the popularity of cellular telephones grew, look what happened to the batteries. They shrank. They became lighter. They lasted longer. We are witnessing the beginning of that evolution today in the electric vehicle market. Sealed lead acid absorptive glass mat batteries are the standard. They're reliable, fairly inexpensive, but very heavy. The next generation of batteries, which is emerging now, may be Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH). These batteries are lightweight and store a lot of energy, but they're still very expensive. The good news is that as new batteries become affordable, we'll be able to replace our lead acid batteries without having to change out the motors or controls. A small fuel cell is probably still many years away.

Which vehicle is right for you?
Almost all electric vehicles are fun to ride. The smooth, quiet power gives you a great feeling. But as with gasoline-powered vehicles, you have choices. This article is intended to help you decide which vehicle best suits your needs.
Scooters are great for moving around a campus or factory floor. They're generally lightweight, some can fold and be carried, and their top speed ranges from about 8 MPH to 25 MPH with a range of 8 to 20 miles.
Hybrid (electric/human) bicycles enable you to use all the advantages of a conventional bicycle while arriving at work without a workout. They can be used anywhere a regular bike can be used -- bike paths, sidewalks, bike lanes -- allowing you to safely circumvent traffic jams. They're easy to park, and with today's political correctness of no-pollution transportation, many businesses and office buildings have secure bicycle parking -- usually much nearer the door than you can park a car. Hybrids do not require licensing or insurance as long as they don't run over 20 MPH and as long as the pedals can actually be used to move the vehicle. Use a hybrid to commute up to 18 miles per day without pedaling.
Electric vehicles (no pedals) have a top speed of 20 to 35 MPH with a range of 30 to 50 miles on one battery charge. They're quiet, reliable, and smooth. Use an electric to commute across town, to make local deliveries, to run errands, and to enjoy a ride in the country. Just you, maybe a friend, and the sound of the wind. Electric vehicles are considered MoPeds in many states, and require a tag. Laws vary widely across the country. Some states require liability insurance and a motorcycle operator's license, while others do not even require registration. Check with your local DMV to get the most current and accurate information for your area.

back to top

VEHICLE REGULATIONS

Are electric scooters legal?
Yes, generally electric scooters are legal. By most standards they will fall under the classification of bicycles. In certain areas they fall under a sub category of motorcycles. But given their speed and power, they in almost all cases do not require a license to drive. If you follow basic bicycle laws of your region, wear a helmet and don’t ride your electric scooter on the sidewalk, and be visible to pedestrian and vehicular traffic during all ride, then you should be okay. However, regional or city legislations may have regulations that specifically apply to motor scooters. If you believe that your area may have such regulations, we suggest that you contact your local law enforcement agency for the most up to date and accurate information.

How do I categorize the scooter?
The answer varies from state to state and even in some cases from community to community within the same state.
Historically, electric scooters have occupied a vague stratum of the law, nestled somewhere between motorcycles and bicycles. Lacking the speed and safety features (turn signals, lights, horns, etc.) of motorcycles, e-scooters were not deemed street legal; because they were motor-powered, though, they were banned from sidewalks and bike lanes. In effect, e-scooters were vehicular pariahs, trapped in legal limbo, stuck between a rock and a hard place.
Recently, though, with all of the interest over getting cars off of our streets and hydrocarbons out of our air, lawmakers have come to view the electric scooter more favorably as a viable means of alternative transportation. The great state of California, for example, recently legalized electric scooters for helmeted drivers over the age of 16.
The definition of a motorized scooter as used in the California Vehicle Code is: any two-wheel device that has handlebars, is designed to be stood or sat upon by the operator and is powered by a motor capable of propelling the device with or without human propulsion.

What regulations should I know before riding a scooter?
1. The operator must be at least 16 years of age.
2. The operator must properly wear a bicycle helmet (even adults).
3. The operator cannot have any passengers.
6. The operator must operate the scooter with two hands all the times.
7. The operator must not ride the scooter under influence.
8. Scooters may not be operated at a speed greater than 15 mph.
9. Scooters may not be operated on streets with a speed limit more than 25 mph, unless it is operated in a marked bicycle lane.
10. Scooters may not be operated on sidewalks.
11. The operator may not make a left turn at an intersection. The operator shall stop and dismount at the right hand side of the roadway or curb and then complete the turn by crossing the roadway on foot.
12. The handlebars must be at or below the level of the operator's shoulders.
13. The operator may not park the scooter on a sidewalk if it blocks the path of the sidewalk.
14. The operator may not attach them self or the scooter to any other vehicle on the roadway.
15. Equipment requirements during darkness:
- Must have a white headlight visible from 300 feet from the front and the sides.
- Must have a red reflector on the rear of the scooter or attached to the operator of the scooter visible from 500 feet.
- Must have a white or yellow reflector on each side visible from 200 feet in front and the rear of the scooter.
- Must have an engine/motor kill switch that activates when released or when the brakes are applied.
16. Motor scooters shall not emit excessive noise. This usually is the result of a modified exhaust system.

An operator of a motorized scooter may be cited by a police officer and ordered to appear in court for violating the laws regulating these vehicles. Parents or guardians of a minor may be liable for injury to persons or property in a collision.
If you live in an area where electric scooters are technically illegal, check with your local law enforcement. If your community is progressively inclined, you may find that the police tolerate electric scooters as long as they are operated in a responsible manner.
Are gas scooters legal?
In state of California, it is not legal and we do not sell gas scooters to customers within California. Please check with your state regulations, before order any gas scooter.

back to top

SCOOTER MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST
Before operating your electric scooter:
§ Make sure the tires are inflated properly. Small tires loose air pressure quickly and must be aired frequently. Most small tires can accept air pressure to 85 psi. This allows the tire to properly contact the surface and keeps the tube from rotating inside the tire during braking and acceleration. If the tube rotates, the valve stem will possibly be cut or torn from the inner tube. This will require replacement of the innner tube.

§ Charge the battery. Batteries should be charged frequently, especially after prolonged usage that runs the battery down. Allow the batteries to cool for an hour or more before charging. Heat will damage batteries and it is helpful to keep batteries as cool as possible during use or charging.

§ Keep the right tension on your drive belt (or chain) during use. A loose drive belt will allow the teeth to slip and wear at an excessive rate. Failure of the belt will occur due to slippage or the heat generated due to improper tension. The belt can be adjusted by moving the rear tire foreward or aft. Check your specification, but look for approximately one-half to one-quarter inch give when pressing against the middle of the span. It is important to prevent slippage.

§ When you change a belt due to wear be sure to center it so that it does not ride against the side of the belt hubs on the motor or rear tire. If it is not centered properly it will cause the belt to try to jump up on the edge of the hub and cause a tear in the edge of the belt which will eventually cause the belt to completely separate. We only have a very limited replacement warranty for belts due to improper installation and replacement. Please check your belt often after replacement to insure it is properly installed and centered on the drive hubs.

§ Lightly oil throttle and brake linkages to prevent binding. Check nuts and bolts to insure they are tight and cannot come loose. Wipe down the chrome pieces to prevent rust.

§ Do not ride electric scooters through water or mud, or even on wet grass since water can cause failure of the electrical components! Electric scooters are meant to be ridden on dry hard surfaces.

back to top

SCOOTER SAFETY

Please follow these safety rules when riding your electric scooter:
§ Wear an approved helmet at all times when riding your electric scooter.
§ Avoid steep hills. This may overheat your scooters motor.
§ If possible avoid roadways, paths, or other areas that are used by motor vehicles.
§ Avoid curbs, cobblestones, grates, and other rough or discontinuous surfaces.
§ Never ride with more than one person on your electric scooter.
§ Never ride your electric scooter at dusk or at night without appropriate lights.
§ Every time you use your electric scooter, verify that there are no loose or missing parts, and that the brakes are working properly.
§ Don't ride in wet or icy conditions. The electric scooter full sealed against water and dust but the roads are much more slippery in the wet.
§ Don't stunt ride.
§ Ride in control at all times.
§ Never attempt to walk your dog leashed as you ride your scooter.
§ Scooters are wheeled vehicles. Like bicycling, skateboarding, and in-line skating, riding a scooter may be dangerous. Serious injury is possible.
§ Always wear an ANSI or Snell approved helmet when riding your scooter. Always keep the chinstrap securely buckled. Failure to wear an approved helmet may result in serious injury if an accident occurs. Wet weather impairs traction, braking, and visibility. The risk of accident is dramatically increased in wet conditions. Riding at dusk, after dark, or at times of poor visibility is dangerous and can result in serious injury.
§ Failure to properly tighten the handlebar quick-release lever may compromise steering action, which could cause you to lose control and fall. Falling can cause serious injury. Push up and down on the handlebar to make sure that the lever is tight.
§ Always observe the basic rules of the road anywhere you use your scooters.
§ As scooters can travel as fast as many other types of vehicles, motorized and non-motorized, they too must observe the rules of the road. These include:
§ Stop at every stop sign. Look left, right, and left again before proceeding.
§ Stop at the end of the driveway. Look left, right, and left before entering the street.
§ Use proper hand signals.
§ Obey traffic signs and signals
§ Do not ride a scooter at night.

back to top

PROBLEMS AND POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS

No power/ system won’t charge
In this situation we will assume that the battery has been charged or allowed to stand for several hours (a battery will normally self-charge up to a point and make the scooter power up for a fair distance). There are generally two main suspects:
1) First suspect a loose or broken connection. Take the top or deck off to see the wiring and inspect it for any loose or broken connections on the battery, switch, controller, etc.
2) Second suspect the controller box has failed. Since the controller is the heart of the system it can fail in many ways to prevent current from being supplied to the motor.
3) Other less likely suspects can be:
_ A battery that is completely open, supplying no current and possible even testing as having no voltage. It can be very briefly shorted with a wire to see if an arc is produced, revealing current is present. See Below for more advise on batteries.
_ It is also possible to have a bad brake lever or throttle since both have wiring and switches or variable controls. The brake lever has a power cut-off switch. The throttle variably controls the speed of the scooter.
_ The scooter On/Off switch can be defective. Without a good switch the scooter has no power, but the test of this is the power light. Does the power light come on when the switch is activated to the On position?

Power for only short distance use after fully charging.
Suspect the battery charger or the battery as the primary cause of short distance riding after a lengthy or full charge. If your battery charger does not have charging indicator lights then you may not be charging the battery at all if the charger is defective. The battery may be self-charging to about 60% on it's own. If the battery is getting old then it may not be able to hold a full charge and the battery will need replacement. When suspected you can very briefly arc across the battery terminals with a insulated wire to see if it produces a nice arc. It is also possible to test some individual battery 12 volt cells using 12 volt motors or lights that will show you the available current capability. Is the 12 volt light dim on a charged battery? Does the 12 volt motor run slowly when connected to the cell? Similar type tests can be proformed using a 24 volt battery cell, too. WARNING! Batteries contain acid that can explode, or the vapors ignite from an arc. Batteries produce current and voltage that can burn you when a shorted circuit occurs. Be absolutely sure you know what you are doing before trying any tests to eliminate a component from consideration of being defective!!!
You can take the battery to a shop capable of testing the battery under a loaded condition. Fully charge the battery and carefully remove it. Let a technician determine the condition of the battery for you.
We absolutely recommend a high quality Battery Charger as sold on our scooter parts page. This 24 volt charger provides an on/off indicator light plus a battery status light - Red for charging and Green for charged (no longer charging). It also prevents over charging with auto shut-off circuitry. This will increase the life expectancy of your battery.

Got a question, please contact us at info@rabbitscooters.com

back to top

A GLOSARY OF SCOOTER TERMS AND DEFINITIONS - THE SCOOP ON SCOOTERS

Scooters are great fun! There’s nothing as exhilarating as hopping on a scooter and scooting around town. The word “scooter” is one of those words that’s self-describing. But there are some terms in the scooter realm that aren’t so easy to understand. That’s why we’ve put together this glossary of scooter terms and definitions. After you understand these terms, you’ll really be in the full swing of scooting. So listen up!

2-stroke engine
A 2-stroke engine is characterized by the fact that it has one power stroke for every revolution, or cycle. 2-stroke engines have a high power-to-weight ratio, which makes them good for lawnmowers and scooters – maximum power with minimum weight. Their downside is that they run on a mixture of gas and oil, which produces heavy exhaust – not good for the environment.

4-stroke engine
A 4-stroke engine has one power stroke for every two revolutions, and is fueled by gas. The scooter industry started building their scooters with 4-stroke engines because the 2-stroke engine didn’t comply with the high emission standards in the U.S. And if they wanted a share of this profitable market, they had to adapt.

CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission)
The CPSC is the U.S. government agency that sets up and regulates the guidelines for product safety. Scooter safety is a real focus for them with the surge of scooter sales in recent years. Check out their reports on scooter safety, and on injury statistics from scooter accidents.

DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles)
The DMV is the governing body that regulates the operation of all moving vehicles on the street. Their regulations governing the use of scooters varies from one area to another, because they have varying definitions of exactly what a scooter is. If you’ve just bought a new scooter, or if you’ve just moved to an unfamiliar area and you own a scooter, you need to contact the local DMV to see what you can and can’t do with your scooter.

Electric scooter
An electric scooter looks much like the kids push scooter, except it has a small battery under the floorboards. Electric scooters can reach speeds of around 10-15 mph, with a distance range of about 10 miles, depending on the level of the terrain you’re traveling on. There are larger models on the market now, like the new ZAP (Zero Air Pollution) Lepton, which looks more like the original Italian sleek style scooters. It has a range of about 20 miles, and a speed of around 25 mph. Of course, the ZAP Lepton costs a lot more than the cheaper electric motorized scooters.

Engine displacement
Engine displacement is calculated by a complicated technical mathematical process. Since our aim is to make life simple, we’re just going to tell you that the answer to that confusing formula refers to the volume that’s displaced during one whole revolution of a motor. The smaller scooters have engine displacements that start around 20cc. The larger models go all the way up to 500cc. Those ones can really move!

Gas scooters
There are a number of styles and models of gas scooters. The most popular is the original design of the Italian Vespa scooter, with its one-piece chassis. The rider sits down on the step through frame, with his knees able to touch. The handlebars provide easy steering, with the brakes and throttle on the handle grips.

There’s also a gas scooter that looks just like an electric scooter, but with a gas motor mounted behind the floorboards, instead of the battery underneath. Most gas scooters run on a 2-stroke engine, but many newer models have a 4-stroke engine, to comply with the high emission standards in America.

Maxi-scooter
A maxi-scooter is a fairly recent addition to the scooter industry. It looks just like a modern-day Japanese motorcycle, with it’s sleek, sharp lines and its vibrant colors. But it’s still a scooter, marked by its one-piece chassis, its step through frame, and its floorboards. You can get a maxi-scooter with a 500cc twin-cylinder 4-stroke engine with fuel injection. Very cool and very fast!

Mini-scooter
A mini-scooter is just what it sounds like – a much smaller version of a scooter. They come in either electric or gas models.

Moped
A moped is a lightweight motorized bicycle that can be pedaled, as well as driven by a low-powered gas engine.

Piaggio
Piaggio is Europe's largest manufacturer of scooters. They built the first Vespa, and have since become internationally known for their superior technology and great scooter designs. Their scooters have that distinctive, world-famous sleek Italian style and fuel-efficiency.

Push scooter
Push scooters, otherwise known as kick scooters, were originally designed as a kid’s toy. However, they’ve really caught on in the adult market. (Is that because adults never really want to grow up?) They’re a small 2-wheeled vehicle, consisting of a narrow platform to stand on, with a wheel at each end, and handlebars that extend from the front wheel, for steering and braking.

Scooter
As we’ve already seen, there are many kinds of scooters. But the basic definition of a scooter is a vehicle with two small wheels and a low-powered gas engine geared to the rear wheel.

Segway™
The Segway™ Human Transporter is a new and very unique type of scooter that doesn’t really look like a traditional scooter at all. But it is classified as one. It merely consists of two parallel wheels, with a T-shaped handle extending from those wheels, and a platform to stand on behind the wheels. Fairly simple. It comes in a variety of sizes and prices. It’s anything but sleek. In fact, many think it just looks “funny”! But according to reports, it’s very efficient.

The Segway is propelled by a series of tilt-sensors. As you lean backwards or forwards, the Segway moves in the direction of your leaning. You steer it like the traditional scooter, with the handlebars. It’s a very cool invention, and the inventor’s hoping it’ll be the next phase of human transportation.

Vespa
Vespa is the Italian word for “wasp”. The Vespa scooter was the first scooter ever made. When Enrico Piaggio, owner of a manufacturing company, saw the prototype of the scooter that his employee, Corradino D’Ascanio designed, he said, “Sembra una Vespa!”, which means “It looks like a wasp!”

The Vespa has become an icon of classic Italian styling, and many scooters have been modeled after it. Vespa dropped out of the U.S. scooter market when the Japanese models appeared, but has recently re-emerged with newer, more environmentally-friendly models, but still with that sleek Italian design.

ZAP (Zero Air Pollution)
ZAP is one of the world’s best manufacturers of electric vehicles. They feature a full line of electric scooters and electric bikes. Their newest model is the ZAP Whiz Bang, “The King of Scooters”. It features disc brakes and a variable-speed throttle, and it’s handles uphills very well.

As you can see, there’s nothing complicated about scooters. We’ve covered all you’ll need to know to get online and buy your scooter. Whether you prefer a moped, an electric scooter, a motorized scooter, a gas powered scooter – it really doesn’t matter because they’re all there.

And after you’ve decided on your model and style, how about picking out your color. You can get pretty well any color you like: red, green, blue, black, white, gray, or any combination of these radiant colors. And most colors also come in bright metallic finishes to really make them sparkle.

So after you’ve bought your shiny new scooter, you can cruise on home. And when you hit the neighborhood, you’ll have people staring and whooping and hollering and carrying on and asking questions and drooling and…well generally, turning green with envy. So if you want to be the pride of your neighborhood, get online now and get that special unique scooter that’s made just for you!

About the Author:
Arden Mellor is a successfully published freelance writer, one of experience and diversity. The knowledge brought to you through Arden's articles has been designed for simplicity. The world is much too complicated, and Arden’s contribution to the world is to bring the complexities of life into a simpler arena, one that anyone and everyone can understand and use. Arden writes many informative articles on such topics as gas & electric scooters and mopeds, as well as cheap electric bicycles, and motorcycle helmets & accessories. It is our wish that you benefit from the wisdom presented in these articles for making life simple.

This "Glossary Of Scooter Terms & Definitions" reprinted with permission.

Source: http://www.glossary-of-terms.net/glossary-of-scooter-terms.html