People don’t ride their electric scooters just on straight roads and streets. Electric devices are also used by riders on hills and steep surfaces to test their limits. Most newbies wonder whether electric scooters can perform this function of going uphill. The short answer is yes, electric scooters can go uphill but it’s not quite simple.
Many factors play a role in this and those are known as the components that make an electric scooter go uphill. We’re going to discuss each of them in detail and mention the tips that can boost this ability.
Let’s start!
Factors responsible for making an electric scooter go uphill
Given below are the factors that are essential in making an electric scooter go uphill
- The angle of the climb
- Weight
- Battery
- Motor
- Suspension
- Tires of the scooter
Let’s discuss each of them in detail!
1. The angle of the climb
Commonly known as the steepness or the gradient of a hill, it’s the most important feature when determining the uphill going ability of an electric scooter.
The gradient is calculated by dividing the elevation by the horizontal range of the hill. It has a direct relationship with the uphill-going ability of your ride.
The greater the steepness or the angle of the climb, the lesser will your electric scooter go in an uphill direction. Most of the hills have an inclined angle of almost 30% which electric scooters can easily travel up. A hill having steepness more than this is a place where you shouldn’t take your e-scooter.
The quality of your electric scooter also has an impact on this. Premium quality electric scooters are able to go uphill on a more inclined surface or hill instead of an average-built electric scooter.
2. Weight
The weight of the rider and the weight of the electric scooter both contribute to the uphill-going strength of an e-scooter. A person weighing less than 70kg will have no major effect on the electric scooter’s incline riding capability.
The weight of a scooter is crucial because the excess weight will drain the battery faster and the uphill ride is affected. Getting a lightweight electric scooter is suitable for people that are going to travel uphill often.
3. Battery
The energy-providing component of an electric scooter is its battery. A large battery will provide more power and vice versa. When you go uphill, the battery is stressed and it drains faster. Getting one with a large capacity is advised in this case as this is the primary source of energy for performing this function.
To cover the required distance on an inclined surface, having a fully charged battery whenever you go out is necessary.
Ways to avoid your battery draining fast are:
- Increase the speed gradually.
- Get an electric skateboard with a regenerative braking system so that energy is conserved.
- Avoid traveling uphill when it’s windy outside.
- Refrain from riding your electric skateboard at high speeds.
If you manage to increase the battery’s performance it can have a major effect on the scooter’s performance.
4. Motor
The energy supplied by the battery drives the motor and it rotates making the wheels spin and hence taking the electric scooter uphill. It’s as crucial as the battery because having a large motor will spin the wheels at a faster rate.
Usually, it’s advised to get 250 watts or above if you live in a hilly area. A powerful motor along with the right battery can make the uphill journey a lot easier.
Using a good motor also increases the performance of your scooter and the overall battery consumption also decreases which means that your scooter can cover large distances uphill without the need to charge it.
5. Tires of the electric scooter
The tires of a scooter are the part of it that is in contact with the ground and are responsible for all the friction. Large-sized tires are good in providing grip and control during the ride but it stresses out the electric scooter quickly as more energy is needed to drive it forward.
On the other hand, small tires are a good way to conserve energy and make your electric scooter go uphill, the grip and balance are compromised which can be troublesome for a few people.
Electric scooters are present with different types of tires and some of them even have the choice of changing them and adding new ones. You should select those that are the best for you.
6. Suspension
A suspension in your electric scooter helps in avoiding your entire weight to be transmitted downwards. It acts as a cushion which increases the ability of an electric scooter to go upward.
The suspension makes the ride a lot more comfortable and safer and the rider feels more in control and confident while riding the scooter.
Getting a suspension in an electric scooter is a must and this may add up to the final cost but this is worth it. People that are making their own electric scooters should also include suspension so that going uphill is easier.
7. Torque
The ability of the wheel to rotate is basically known as the torque which an electric scooter possesses. It’s usually linked with the size of the wheels. A large wheel has less torque and this is the opposite in the case of small wheels.
Any electric scooter enthusiast should always consider this factor when buying an e-scooter.
8. Type of terrain
The type of terrain is also crucial and determines whether an electric scooter can go uphill easily or not. Bumpy or muddy roads provide hindrance in the way whereas clean and well-paved inclined surfaces are easier to ride.
Tips for riding an electric scooter uphill
There are many things that you can improve which will make riding an electric scooter much easier and more efficient. Let’s look at them:
- Installing a large motor or getting an electric scooter with a large motor is a plus when you are riding uphill
- Increasing the battery capacity by charging it fully whenever you go for a ride is advised.
- Avoid riding your electric scooter when the weather is harsh and especially when it’s windy
- Use a regenerative braking system instead of conventional ones which makes energy conservation a lot easier.
- Suspension in an electric scooter is necessary to have for even better results while riding upwards.
These are the little measures that you can take to ensure that riding uphill doesn’t get hard.
Consequences of riding uphill
There are consequences when you take your scooter uphill or ride it on an inclined surface.
The range gets shorter as most of the energy of the battery and motor power is now being utilized to pull the scooter uphill.
In some cases, the motor can also get damaged due to overheating and extra stress. This can have a negative impact and may lead to poor performance while going uphill. Make sure to give your electric scooter a period of rest before taking a ride on an inclined surface.
Final thoughts
It is evident that inclined surfaces with a gradient of 30% or less are favorable for an electric scooter to go uphill. However, there are several factors that play a role.
Making an electric scooter go uphill has consequences that can be minimized by improving several measures in order to conserve energy and supply the right power and energy.
Finally, it’s advised that you should always wear protective gear while riding your electric scooter anywhere.
