Modern electric scooters are a great choice for running daily errands or for performing a daily commute to and from work. Consumers may be wondering, however, just how well these scooters do on steep inclines.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Electric scooters can handle a wide range of gradients and inclines, though it will depend on a number of factors.
- If hill-climbing is important to you, purchase a scooter with a powerful motor, at least 450W, and large grippy tires.
- You should also consider the weight of the rider, as this weight will determine just how successful the scooter will be when climbing.
What Degree Slope Can Electric Scooters Take?
The short answer here is that it depends on your scooter and a number of other factors. Each scooter has a different motor and a different hill-climbing capacity. Some scooters can handle even the steepest of gradients without breaking a sweat, while others will be a good choice for minor slopes. But generally, this is what electric scooters are good for.
Insider Tip
Some scooters can handle even the steepest of gradients without breaking a sweat, while others will be a good choice for minor slopes.
Electric Scooter Climbing Tips
If you are looking to truly maximize your hill-climbing experience with a personal scooter, we have assembled the following guidelines and tips.
Motor Power
When it comes to climbing a steep hill, you will need a powerful motor that can easily transport the scooter itself and your body weight up said hill. In other words, look for a scooter with a powerful integrated motor that has been purpose-built for ascending steep inclines. There are variances within each motor type, but a 350W motor should be able to handle inclines up to 10 degrees. If you are looking to climb steeper hills, we recommend choosing a scooter with a 450W motor or even a 750W motor. Of course, scooters with the most powerful motors on the market tend to be more expensive than other modes. And since you do not want to be out of power during your climbing, pay attention to the LED lights on your scooter battery charger.
Insider Tip
There are variances within each motor type, but a 350W motor should be able to handle inclines up to 10 degrees.
Rider Weight
A rider’s overall weight will severely impact a scooter’s ability to climb steep hills. Average scooters tend to weigh between 15 to 30 pounds, though some are much heavier. People, on the other hand, tend to weigh at least 130 pounds. Pay close attention to the scooter’s recommended maximum weight limit and try to adhere to this recommendation. In the general, the more weight you have placed upon an electric scooter, the worse it will perform with climbing gradients. Experiment to find the best ratio for you.
Tires
The size, grip, and type of tire your scooter has will impact its ability to climb up hills and steep inclines. We recommend choosing a scooter with large wheels, as bigger wheels tend to excel with going up gradients and slopes. You will also want to choose a scooter with tires that feature exceptional grip, otherwise, the vehicle will struggle to get a foothold as it attempts to go up hills.
Warning
Of course, scooters with the most powerful motors on the market tend to be more expensive than other modes.
F.A.Q.
Can electric scooters go up hills?
Sure. Electric scooters can easily go up small inclines and some scooters can tackle even the steepest of hills. Each scooter is different, so do some research before making a purchase.
Are electric scooters made for uphill travels?
Some certainly are. Others can only handle minor uphill journeys. Look for a scooter with a powerful motor and large grippy tires to maximize your hill-climbing experience.
Can you overcharge a scooter battery?
Yes. That’s why it is important to remove your power cord from the charging port once the battery is full.
What is a good hill climb angle for an electric scooter?
Even the least powerful scooters should be able to handle a hill climb angle of 10 to 15 percent. Some models, however, can ascend hill gradients of 35 degrees or higher, with some advertising the ability to climb up to 65-degree inclines.
STAT: San Francisco’s Lombard Street, with its distinctive, eight hairpin turns has a 15.1-degree angle (27% grade). (source)
