Once upon a time, people actually bought into the idea of waddling around – precariously, may we add – on electric uniwheels and hoverboards. Those obviously didn’t stick around for too long. After all, if you’re gonna fork out pretty pennies on these playthings, at least get something that you’d look cute on, right?
Well, someone must have been paying attention, because the fad of 2017 came whizzing right into our lives and we are now obsessed. Say hi to e-scooters — you’ve probably already seen folks racing through the CBD on them, or perhaps spotted them tucked away, snugly, under the seats of the mrt. Why do people want them? Simple. They’re by far the most entertaining mode of transport that doesn’t require a valid license to operate. Besides, you’d look hella cool with one. Who even needs to walk anymore?
THE HARDY: i-MAX Q5
$999 for 8.7AH/25-30km.
There’s nothing to not desire when it comes to the i-MAX Q5, especially since it’s an e-scooter with a badass battery lifespan. Hear this: the Q5 is powered on an internationally-approved Samsung Lithium battery that allows you an average travel distance of 25 to 30km without needing to recharge. And that’s not all — here’s where comfort comes into play. Boasting a sleek aerodynamic shape, the Q5 does have some noteworthy specifcations that that give the most bang for your buck. There are the new 8” pneumatic air tyres, plus a front suspension and rear pull type shock absorber, all specially installed in a nifty 13kg model to ensure you get the smoothest and safest ride possible.
THE MINIMALIST: ZERO 2.0 CARBON FIBRE
$899 for 5.2AH/15km version; $1,099 for 10.4AH/25km version.
We can’t decide which feature of the ZERO 2.0 Carbon Fibre e-scooter we’re more impressed by — the fact that it only weighs 6.4kg, making it easily the lightest model in the market, or by the ingenious modular design of the scooter that enables users to totally dismantle it, to mix and match parts (without any technical knowledge, too). Whichever it is, there’s no denying the overall minimalism of the scooter’s form: everything’s kept sleek and sharp, keeping any unruly wires out of sight, evident by the integration of the usual protruding LCD odometer into the scooter’s stem structure. And just as a cherry on top, the ZERO 2.0 is equipped with a 450W power motor for a more seamless and enjoyable cruising experience.
THE GO-GETTER: INOKIM LIGHT
$1,199 for 7.8AH/25km; $1,349 for 10.4AH/35km.
If you’re ever looking for an e-scooter to kick-start your scooting journey, the INOKIM Light might just be that beginner’s piece to own. There’s nothing complicated with operating this scooter — switch it on, step on board, kick off with a foot and you’re good to whizz off. Plus, the chunky 8.5” tyres effectively negate tiny bumps on the road, providing a smooth ride while you’re on the go. All cables are cleverly concealed within the scooter’s body, so it does boast a pretty sweet matte, minimalist appearance. This isn’t ideal for long journeys, but still works beautifully for folks who’d like to have an alternative to walking short distances.
THE LAID-BACK: STIGO FAST FOLDING SEATED
$1,799 for 5.8AH/25km; $2,049 for 11.6AH/40km.
It doesn’t get anymore comfortable than STIGO’s seated e-scooter, because why stand when you can enjoy the comforts of sitting as you commute? After years of designing, engineering and manufacturing in Estonia, the STIGO now lets us all stylishly embrace our inner sloths by cruising down pedestrian lanes, while seated. And while the design may look a tad bulky — the scooter’s specs are far from that. The tubular design frames are made up of reinforced hollow tubes that one, make the STIGO extremely lightweight, and two, increase its structural strength. For an e-scooter that comes with a seat, this model comes in at a lightweight 14kg, which we must say is pretty darn impressive indeed.
All e-scooters available at the Falcon P.E.V main showroom at 2 Alexandra Road, #06-06 Delta House, open Mondays to Saturdays, 10am to 7pm. Also available online on falconpev.com.sg.
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