Ride sharing has never been more popular and now a new 2-wheel version of ridesharing is taking off. Commuters and tourists alike enjoy the ease and accessibility of car and bike rideshare service. But the electric scooter rideshare, which began in earnest in 2017, is taking over cities by storm.
Let’s take a look at all the electric scooter sharing services in the US and overseas. Electric scooters, or e-scooters, are battery powered. One hint when using these services, check the battery levels before you use the scooter.
Electric Scooter Sharing Services
There are the motorized (battery-powered) scooter sharing services operating in the US and abroad.
Bird
Jump (Uber Scooter)
Lime
Lyft
Spin
Bolt
Skip
Wind
Coup
OfO
eCooltra
Emmy Sharing
Felyx
LoopShare
Muving
Revel
Scoot Networks
Scooty
Why did we see a massive rise in scooter sharing in 2018? Simple, investors started pouring money into these businesses after seeing the success of other ride share services. And riders are using theses pay-per-minute electric two-wheelers.
How to use scooter sharing services
Here are basic instruction on how use an e-scooter from Lime, Lyft, Jump or other service:
- Download the Scooter’s app on iOS or Android
- Sign up and create a login
- Enter credit card or payment information
- You may need to scan your driver’s license.
- A map will show you scooters
- Tap on a scooter to unlock it for use or to see it battery level.
- You may need scan scooter’s QR code with your camera or the app
- To start the e-scooter, put a foot on it, kick forward, then engage the throttle.
- Accelerate using the throttle on the right side, brake using the handle on the left.
- When done put the kick stand down and park without blocking the sidewalk.
- To end the ride, open the app and tap the button to lock the scooter.
- The app will show you the ride time and cost.
Apps to find scooters
Looking for nearby scooters? You can download the apps of the major scooter services in your area, and open the apps one by one to find a scooter nearby. Or you can use the app Scooter Map to find scooters from multiple companies all at once, including: Bird, Lime, Voi, Spin, Jump, Lyft, Skip, Scoot, Razor, and more.
But we ask, why rent an electric scooter by the minute when you can buy one for less than you think? An electric scooter cost less than a bike, and they lightweight, foldable for storage, great for city riding, and have simple controls making them easy to ride. All of this leads us to think that they are better to own than to rent. Let’s check those cost on three different models from GoTrax a popular discount e-scooter outlet.
G1 Glider Folding Electric Scooter
Fast and affordable, the G1 Glider ($249.99) is a popular mid-range scooter for both fun rides through the park and your daily commute. It doesn’t travel as far as a commuter scooter, but this discount e-scooter comes at an affordable price. This scooter works best as a fun ride through the park or down your neighborhood sidewalk, but it can be used as a low-cost commuter scooter if you live near your workplace. It is the ideal ride for those who are always on the go, be it for work or for recreation.
Pros
- 16 miles per hour
- Water resistant
- 220-pound weight limit
Cons
- Only 9 miles in one charge
- Smaller wheels than the GXL
G2 ELECTRIC KICK SCOOTER
The G2 Electric Kick Scooter ($299.00) will make your daily ride a blast. It’s got a power-packed 200-watt motor, 2 gears, and a top speed of 16 mph. A speedometer shows your current speed on an LED Display and it has an ultra bright LED headlight for evening riding.
Pros
- 8-inch tires for rugged roads and cracked sidewalks
- 17 miles per hour
- Folds for easy carrying and storage
- You can kick-ride this model even if the battery runs out.
Cons
- So popular it’s not always in stock
- Limited colors available
GXL Commuter Scooter
Rugged and reliable, the GXL Commuter scooter ($459.00) is built for the daily grind. Get to work and back with this powerful, long-lasting scooter. It’s more expensive than other models, but offers great wheels, support and great battery life. Long range, rugged wheels and a frame built to last make this scooter a popular choice for a long-term investment. Choose this scooter if you must navigate rough terrain on the regular.
Pros
- 5-inch tires for rugged roads and cracked sidewalks
- 15 miles per hour
- Travels 12 miles in one charge
Cons
- More expensive than other options
- Limited colors available
- Heavier, less compact than other options
Glider Cadet Electric Scooter for Kids
Give your kids a fun and practical gift this year. The Glider Cadet is perfect for birthdays, holidays or a convenient back-to-school item. This discount electric scooter cruises at the safe speed of 11 miles per hour and can go up to 7 miles in a single charge. It also comes equipped with easy-to-use hand and foot brakes. Choose from plenty of visible and fun colors.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy-to-use brakes
- Safe speed
Cons
- Only supports up to 120 pounds
- Slower, less distance than other options
Each of these e-scooters offers a 90-day limited warranty and free shipping. There’s lots to love with these low-price battery powered scooters, and enough options for every kind of rider. Try one out, you can even return it within 30 days if you aren’t happy with it.
Looking for a scooter for a toddler or youngster? This article on RouteVibes has reviews of 9 different models of scooters for toddlers.