Electric Scooter: Is it the Solution for Philippine Traffic?
Deciding whether or not to buy an electric scooter can feel like a big decision. They are not cheap, but they offer a lot of benefits that can make your life easier. Electric scooters are lightweight and easy to ride, plus they can get you to work faster than driving, especially here in the Philippines where traffic is notorious.
On the other hand, you will need to charge them regularly and they may not be as durable as traditional bicycles. Ultimately, the choice is up to you and what you value most. Is it your time or your money? In this article, you’ll learn the advantages and disadvantages of owning an electric scooter and answer the question “Is it the solution for Philippine traffic?”
What is an Electric Scooter?
It is a lot like motorcycles, but only smaller. Electric scooters come in different forms – some with seats and some that you stand on – and they run on batteries instead of gas. If you are thinking about getting an electric scooter, make sure to do your research first. Different brands offer different features, so it is important to find one that fits your needs.
Did you know that electric scooters have been around for over a hundred years? The first commercially available electric scooter was made by Peugeot and named Scoot’Elec. The history of electric scooters is longer than you might think and dates back to 1895 when the first patent for an electric scooter was submitted.
Later on, in 1919, the first prototype of an electric scooter was made. Now, we have all sorts of electric scooters available, ranging from 5-60 miles, and speeds up to 50 mph. Electric scooters are becoming increasingly popular because they’re a great way to get around the city. You can avoid traffic jams, they are more affordable than cars or motorcycles, and electric scooters are fun too!
Electric Scooter vs. Bikes
Traditional bikes offer a great advantage over electric scooters – especially when it comes to your health. A little exercise can go a long way in improving our mood and overall health. If you can do some sweating on the way to work, it would be great, right? Well, if you have over 2 or 3 miles to work, and you don’t have incredible genes, you will often arrive at work a little bit sweaty. But that’s okay! The benefits of biking definitely outweigh any cons.
Electric scooters can help you get where you are going without breaking a sweat. If you’re worried about arriving at your destination looking like you just ran a marathon, an electric scooter is a great option. They are also perfect for getting around in a suit without ruining your clothes.
Advantages of Electric Scooter
Electric scooters are extremely lightweight and practical. You can find models that weigh under 22 pounds, but most average between 20-25 pounds depending on the make and battery size. If you purchase a foldable electric scooter, it will be especially practical. You can fold and unfold it in 3 seconds, and it will fit under your desk. You can take it with you to work or school, and won’t have to leave it outside.
Electric scooters are a great option for people who are looking for a mode of transportation that does not require a lot of maintenance. You just need to check the screws once a month and lube them if needed.
That’s really all you have to do unless something breaks. If you invest in a high-quality electric scooter, the parts are usually reliable. Even if you need to change a wheel, light, tire, or broken mudguard, it is not as expensive as owning a car.
Cars need a lot of maintenance. You’ve got to change the oil, tires, brake pads, and fuel filters, and then there are always parts that break and need fixing. All of this can raise your cost per mile because car parts are expensive and it is not like you can just pop them in and out yourself.
If Filipinos all switch to electric cars, motorcycles, and scooters, it will lead to cleaner air and a better environment. Cars and non-electric scooters pollute the air, and this is especially bad in crowded cities like Taguig and Makati where the air quality is already low.
Disadvantages of Electric Scooter
The price is the main obstacle for many people. Electric scooters are pricey, especially high-quality ones. The reason behind the high price is the battery. Batteries are expensive and hard to produce, so scooters that offer a long range will be quite expensive.
If you don’t have a car, getting an electric scooter makes more sense. If you already have a car and pay for all the taxes and maintenance, you can get a lot of gallons of gas for the price of an electric scooter. But if you choose an electric scooter, you will be more eco-friendly and contribute less to Philippine traffic.
Key Takeaway
There are pros and cons to electric scooters just like anything else – it really just depends on your specific needs and wants as to whether or not to buy an electric scooter.
Is it the answer to the Philippines’ unwavering traffic? In some cases, it can help but definitely not the solution. People have different circumstances, as electric scooters may work for some, but it may be a hassle for many especially if your work is away from home.