Whether or not an electric scooter can go uphill and tackle sharp inclines is an important question to answer for a lot of potential riders. Think residents of Asheville, NC, with their windy streets – or even San Francisco, known the world over for the steep hills. Many people today use electric scooters as a means of their daily commute to work or to run some small errands in the nearby areas. And people living in hilly areas are concerned whether their electric scooters can climb the steep hilly terrains or not.
Short answer: Yes, electric scooters can go uphill.
But there are caveats to consider.
Climb Angle
As a rule, the steeper the hill is, the harder it is for the electric scooter to do the climb. There are several factors that determine whether your electric scooter can go uphill or not. The most important factor of them all is the climbing angle. For less powerful electric scooters, an angle greater than 18° is considered too steep to climb. For premium eScooters, on the other hand, that angle could be child’s play.
But there are other factors to consider.
Weight
Two people with significant weight differences could ride the same electric scooter and have differing success climbing the same incline. The less weight a scooter has to carry, the less work the motor has to do. So it’s essential to check the maximum weight capacity of your eScooter before you purchase. Also, heavier scooters tend to have a higher maximum weight capacity.
Battery and Motor
Just like any electronic, your electric scooter must come packed with a powerful battery to store the significant power you will need. The battery and the motor have a direct impact on the performance of the scooter. The more powerful they are, the better the performance.
If you happen to live in a hilly area and you’re considering buying an electric scooter, consider a scooter with a powerful battery and motor. An electric scooter powered by a long-lasting battery and high-torque motor at 250 watts or above will be perfect for you.
Tires
Tires with proper grip and adequate size are crucial to an uphill climb. Having bald or small tires can make climbing more difficult or impossible in some cases. The electric scooter you buy should have grooved, treaded tires. Ideally, a scooter’s tires should be 8.5 inches or larger. Smaller tires might cause excessive load and undue stress on the motor.
Suspension
Having an electric scooter with a suspension can help you go uphill with ease when compared to a scooter with no suspension. When you are climbing a hill, your body tends to exert more weight on the rear wheels of the scooter to balance itself. A suspension in the scooter ensures that the load exerted on the back of your scooter is not fully transferred to the wheels. An e-scooter with a rear suspension ensures you can enjoy a comfortable city ride and climb hills with confidence.
With electric scooters growing in popularity, many manufacturers skimp on production costs by using low-grade components. This results in an electric scooter that can only work on even, level pavement.
If you find that you want a more robust riding experience, then consider our suggestions. Find an electric scooter made from a reputable company, known for using premium-grade materials. Powerful motors. Efficient batteries. High-tread tires. If you do that, you’ll be climbing — and conquering — steep hills in no time.
Need help finding the perfect electric scooter? Check out our eRideable Buyer’s Guide.
