E-scooters are on the rise. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), the total number of docked e-scooter systems in the United States increased by nearly 200% from 2015 to 2019. You can now find them in nearly all major U.S. cities. E-scooters offer several advantages that make them a popular method of transportation.
What Are E-Scooters?
E-scooters are electric scooters that are available to rent as well as purchase. They are typically powered by one or more lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. Li-ion batteries, of course, are rechargeable. After the Li-ion battery or batteries have been depleted, the e-scooter must be recharged.
Regardless, e-scooters are electric scooters. You can rent them as serve-serve stations through the United States, and you drop them off at many of these same stations.
Sustainability
One of the main benefits of e-scooters is sustainability. They are completely sustainable, so you can rest assured knowing that they won’t contribute to environmental pollution. All e-scooters feature an electric motor. They don’t consume gas, nor do they produce environmentally harmful emissions. E-scooters are considered a green, sustainable method of transportation.
Convenience
If you’re tired of driving in stop-and-go traffic, you may want to rent an e-scooter. Traveling via e-scooter is convenient. Many cities have lanes or paths dedicated to them. Cars, trucks and other conventional vehicles are typically prohibited from driving here. Rather, these lanes and paths are designed exclusively for e-scooters.
Inexpensive
You can rent an e-scooter for a fraction of the cost of a car rental. Pricing varies depending on factors such as the e-scooter brand, your location and mileage or rental time. With that said, most e-scooter rentals cost about $5 to $10 per trip. Renting a car, on the other hand, may cost you upwards of $50. For short trips, renting an e-scooter will almost always save you money.
Fresh Air
Riding an e-scooter will expose you to the fresh air. You’ll be able to breathe in the fresh air — and soak up the sunshine — when riding an e-scooter. Driving a vehicle, conversely, means you’ll be cooped up inside of the cabin.
Good for Your Health
There are health benefits associated with e-scooters as well. Assuming you choose a standing-style e-scooter, it will strengthen your body’s core muscles. There are sitting-style and standing-style e-scooters. Standing-style e-scooters live up to their namesake by requiring you to stand. And by standing, they’ll engage your body’s core muscles. Your abdominal muscles will contract when you turn or stop.