Which factors affect your electric scooter range?

Emmanuelle Chatel November 5, 2020 No Comments Uncategorized

First, what is the range? The range is the distance your electric scooter can travel on a single charge. Riders often notice that the range they get in real-life conditions is lower than the range advertised. Why is this? Your scooter’s actual range depends on many factors, particularly your environment and your personal riding habits. Below, we are going to explore the factors that determine your electric scooter’s range.

Why does your electric scooter range vary?

Not all riding conditions are ideal and equal. It is natural for the estimated range of electric scooters to change as it is impacted by a range of factors. These include:

Total weight
The weather
The terrain and the type of surface
Tyre pressure
Riding style

Total weight

The total weight of the scooter and rider will affect the range. The range will therefore vary for each driver, depending on their weight, size and possible luggage. Overloading your electric scooter will lead to drawing more power over the course of your journey.

The weather

Lithium-ion batteries operate optimally at around 23°C. When the temperature drops, it is normal to experience a shorter range than normal when riding. Your scooter performance decreases due to extra energy demands on the battery. Riding in a headwind will also affect its performance.

The terrain

It may seem obvious but when you go uphill or off-road the motor will consume more energy to tackle the demanding terrain. The ideal surface to ride further is a relatively flat and smooth road. To save your battery power, be mindful of hills and steep sections, as well as speed bumps and the general condition of the road.

Tyre pressure

The important thing to get the most out of your scooter is to maintain the pressure right (between 40 and 60 PSI). Under-inflated tyres will affect your scooter range, its handling and braking performance. As well as minimizing the risk of getting a flat tyre! Ideally get the pressure checked before each ride.

Riding style

The range will vary depending on your riding style. The faster and the more aggressively you ride your scooter, the more power the electric motor will consume. To increase your range you should limit sudden acceleration and deceleration during your ride. Instead, accelerate gradually until you reach your cruising speed. Maintain a constant speed for as long as possible for a longer range distance.

Ideal conditions

The environment you ride in plays a big role in your realistic range. As all the factors mentioned above will impact your scooter’s performance. The advertised battery range reflects ideal riding conditions for example, flat and smooth terrains, a 75kg rider, a steady average speed with minimal variation in riding style. The scooter simulations are performed by manufacturers under these conditions in order to get the best out of the machine on one charge and do not take into account weather conditions, rider ability or other external factors that you may encounter during your rides.

We designed our online range calculator to provide the most realistic value possible. So you can accurately determine how far you can expect to travel on your Fuze.

Understanding Your Electric Scooter

Emmanuelle Chatel October 9, 2020 No Comments Uncategorized

The FUZE is a great way to move around and very easy to get used to. However, new regulations regarding personal mobility devices (PMDs) have been introduced and must be respected. If this is your first electric scooter, you will need to take the time to learn how everything works. Check our tips below and the mistakes you will want to avoid to get the most out of your scooter.

Familiarise yourself with your electric scooter in a secure area

Riding the scooter is very easy, it will only take you a few minutes to adjust to your scooter’s riding position and find your balance. Adjust the handlebars to your desired height to ensure maximum comfort. Be sure to make the most of the fair-weather conditions to start riding and choose a quiet place with little traffic, on flat and smooth ground.

Remember to wear protective gear

Although some protective equipment is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended that you wear a protective helmet and high visibility clothing if you are travelling at night or when visibility is poor. This will increase your conspicuity for other road users.

Find out about your local regulations

Make sure that you are aware of and comply with any new regulations and road traffic restrictions established by your local government and regulatory bodies.

The rule for private e-scooters

In the UK it is legal to use electric scooters on private land only with the permission of the landowner.

Beware of braking

The faster you ride, the longer your braking distance. On smooth surfaces, the electric scooter can slip under heavy braking, lose its balance and cause a fall. Braking requires anticipation so make sure to always maintain a safe distance from others and obstacles. Pay close attention to your surroundings so that you can brake in time.

Pay attention to your surroundings

Some electric scooter may seem slow unlike our fuze which goes up to 45kph, it’s important to stay alert and adapt your speed to your surroundings. Other people may present a risk for your safety if you drive carelessly or inappropriately. You are exposed to road accidents just as you are when you walk or cycle. Adapting your speed will help you to anticipate braking and prevent accidents.

How to take good care of your electric scooter

Check your FUZE before each use. When you notice loose parts, low battery warning, flat tyres, excessive wear, strange noises, malfunctions, and other abnormal conditions, stop riding immediately. When the electric scooter is not in use, keep it indoors in a cool, dry place.

Keep an eye on the charge level of your battery, we advise you to keep a charge of about 40%/60% when not using the vehicle for a longer time than a few hours. Make sure it is not left in an environment above or below -20°C/50°C (for example in a car exposed to direct sunlight).

Use a damp cloth to clean and remove stains from your electric scooter. Do not use alcohol, paraffin or any other corrosive product to clean your Fuze.

Folding and transporting

Slightly push the handlebar stem forward and pull the locking pin around the folding joint, allowing you to fold the handlebars onto the deck. Please also ensure your bars are set to their lowest height to avoid them hitting the rear mudguard. To carry your FUZE, simply grab it by the stem.

Download your Owner’s Manual

Test our autonomy calculator to anticipate your journey!

If you have any further questions after receiving your Fuze, please do not hesitate to contact us here.

E-Scooters to Become Legal for Road Use in the UK

Eliott Wertheimer June 23, 2020 No Comments Uncategorized

As our cities set out on the road to coronavirus recovery, we’re seeing a growing acceptance of electric scooters. In the UK, the public has become more supportive of e-scooters, and the government is revising road traffic regulations so councils can set up trials in their cities.

Here’s the latest on the UK government’s e-scooter plan, which should help reduce traffic congestion and air pollution low and prevent overcrowding on public transport. This is great news for e-scooter riders across the country. Let’s take a look at the progress that has been made recently.

E-Scooter Trials Get the Green Light

The UK is catching up with several European governments that have embraced e-scooters as a means of reducing car usage. The COVID-19 lockdowns have made the benefits of micro-mobility abundantly clear, as Hamish Stewart, the organiser of London Car Free Day points out:

“During the crisis, we have seen lots of people realising that they don’t need a car to make short trips and the decision to accelerate e-scooter trials will provide another non-polluting way for people to travel safely and take the pressure off public transport.”

To determine the impact that more widespread use of electric scooters will have on road traffic, air quality, and pedestrian safety, 30 city councils are planning pilot projects. The potential reduction in congestion and pollution is high as 60% of car journeys in the UK cover a distance of merely one to five kilometres. The results of coronavirus-related restrictions support this assumption, as we’ve seen a massive decrease in vehicular traffic and air pollution has dropped by up to 60% in parts of the country.

Based on a government consultation, the regulatory framework of the pilot programmes states that:

E-scooter riders can use public roads, cycle lanes, and tracks
E-scooters are exempt from vehicle registration
Riders must be at least 16 years old and hold a driver’s license
Riders require insurance
Riders are not legally required to wear helmets
Top speed: 12.5 mph (20 km/h)
Maximum e-scooter weight: 35 kg

Stay on the Road

The same consultation emphasizes that electric scooter use in the UK should only take place on roads (with the obvious exception of motorways) and in cycle lanes. The reasoning behind this is that e-scooters and bicycles travel at similar speeds.

It goes without saying that e-scooters are not permitted on pavements. This is a serious concern among pedestrians, especially in European cities that are coming to grips with an overabundance of rented electric scooters. Only responsible for riding and parking will result in successful trials and nationwide adoption of these eco-friendly vehicles.

The Benefits of E-Scooter Ownership

While the pilot projects in the UK are for rented e-scooters, there are numerous advantages that come with owning an electric scooter. Currently, one of the most important benefits is that you’re eliminating the risk of coronavirus infection. Shared e-scooter companies are doing their best to sanitize their fleets, but they’re also advising you to wipe the handles and wash your hands before and after riding, and wear gloves – all things you don’t have to think about when you’ve got your own e-scooter.

You’ve also got an awareness of the condition of your e-scooter that you don’t get with a rental. As its only rider, you’re aware of its performance, so you know when a part needs tuning or replacing. Rentals may be sturdy, but you still have no idea how much wear and tear they’ve been through.

Additionally, ownership may be seen as more socially acceptable. Rentals are seen at best an amusement for tourists, at worst the source of an American phenomenon that’s been dubbed “scooter rage”, which has prompted city residents to throw rented e-scooters into rivers. You can easily store our Fuze anywhere, including your home or office, so you’re not contributing to the piles of rentals that are taking up pedestrian spaces.

This is Great News for Electric Scooter Riders

We at FuroSystems will be keeping an eye on the progress of the pilot projects. Hopefully, their success will bring this sustainable, environmentally friendly mode of transport into mainstream acceptance, and help keep the UK’s roads clearer while lowering pollution levels. Watch this space for the latest news about the e-scooter trial, as well as advice on electric scooter use and maintenance.

Can Electric Scooters be Dangerous?

Eliott Wertheimer December 13, 2019 1 Comment Uncategorized

Electric scooters are increasingly popular in European and North-American cities. Globally, the industry is expected to be worth upwards of $16.5 billion by 2027. They’re a big business, and it’s easy to see why. Electric scooters offer many benefits – they’re a quick, versatile way of getting from A to B, and have a far smaller impact on the environment than other modes of transport. Given that more people are taking to two wheels, it’s worth asking – are electric scooters dangerous?

In the first half of 2019, 618 accidents were reported by police forces around the UK. The actual figure is however likely to be higher as the Metropolitan police didn’t report its statistics, and many people may not have reported less serious accidents.

In terms of injuries sustained, the most accurate picture comes from the United States. Spanning a year, two medical centres in California recorded emergency department admissions from those involved in electric scooter accidents. Of the 249 patients admitted, the majority had suffered injuries due to falling off the e-scooters rather than being hit by another vehicle or person. Fractures and head trauma were the most common injuries – hardly surprising given that less than 5% of riders had been wearing a helmet. The e-scooters aren’t the problem – unsafe riding habits are!

Given that most accidents are caused by the rider rather than other people, it’s worth taking a look at how you can make riding your electric scooter as safe as possible.

Start Slow

Many electric scooters pack a powerful punch. FuroSystem’s Fuze Electric Scooter is able to accelerate to over 20 mph – useful to whip around on, but potentially intimidating if you’ve never used one before. We’d recommend you take your time in getting to grips with your new scooter. Start with slow speeds and limit yourself to an area you’re familiar with.

Wear Safety Gear

The importance of the right safety gear cannot be overemphasised. Wearing a helmet alone reduces the risk of serious head injury by as much as 70%. If you’re hopping onto an electric scooter you might also want to consider knee pads, elbow pads, and a sturdy pair of gloves. Falling over is never fun, especially if you’re whizzing along at 20mph. Covering your joints will reduce the risk of fracture, and the gloves will protect your hands if you use them as you fall. The cliché rings true: better safe than sorry!

Scooter Maintenance

Keeping your scooter in good shape is another way to stay safe when out riding. Here are some key considerations to ensure you maintain it in tip-top condition.

Battery

The most important part of the scooter, you’ll want to make sure your battery doesn’t fail you when out and about. To minimise the risk of battery mishaps, avoid running its charge down to 0% – doing so can increase the rate of degradation of cathodes in lithium-ion batteries. Strangely enough, charging it to 100% capacity also has this effect – try to keep the charge at approximately 60%. Read our full guide to getting the most out of your battery.

Brakes

Check your brakes regularly to ensure they’re working effectively. Brake pads can wear down over time with regular use and need replacing periodically. Check them over on a weekly basis and if you hear any metal scraping sounds or feel a lack of responsiveness, step off and give them a look immediately – it’s probably time to change!

Tyres

There are a couple of things to consider when checking over your scooter’s tyres. Firstly, monitor the air pressure – the recommended pressure per square inch (PSI) should be stated on the tyre wall. Check regularly and make sure you’re keeping at the recommended level – it’ll improve the safety of the scooter whilst ensuring your ride is as comfortable as possible.

Another thing to check over on your scooter’s tyres is the tread – this is the patterned inset on the exterior of the tyre which improves traction to the riding surface. The tread can wear down over time, especially if you regularly ride on hard or rough surfaces. As a general rule, if the tread is less than 2mm, it’s time to order a replacement.

Where To Ride Your Scooter

A key factor in staying safe on your scooter is being aware of where you’re allowed to ride it. In the UK, it’s illegal to ride electric scooters on public pavements and streets – stick to privately-owned land. In Europe, rules vary between countries. Germany, France, Austria, and Switzerland allow electric scooters on public streets but have different rules and regulations regarding speed and power. If you want to ride your electric scooter out on public roads, we’d always recommend checking the laws of the particular country.

Electric scooters are becoming a more frequent sight on city streets in Europe and the States. As with any vehicle, there will always be a risk of danger when riding one. However, following these tips will help to reduce your risk of causing injury to yourself and others.

FuroSystem’s Fuze Electric Scooter is a great choice for beginners and experienced riders alike. Its large 10” inch pneumatic tires offer a superb riding experience whilst providing stability over uneven ground, and powerful front and rear lights ensure that you’re seen at night. Take a look at the reviews to see what our satisfied riders are saying!

FUZE – Live Tracking of 2nd Batch (Orders After 3rd of April) Now Available

Eliott Wertheimer May 9, 2019 No Comments Uncategorized

The manufacturing of our 1st batch (orders on or before the 3rd of April) is now complete and is getting ready to ship. Thanks to a high volume of orders and factory upgrades we were able to improve the specs of the FUZE further and free of charge, but at the expense of a few weeks delay. The manufacturing of the 2nd batch has now started and we are working our hardest to minimize the accumulated delay. Currently, delivery is planned for the end of June – beginning of July and our progress can be tracked through this page: 2nd Batch Live Tracker.Our top priority is the delivery of an outstanding product in terms of quality and performance to price ratio. We are choosing to spend more time on detail manufacturing at the expense of a slight delay. We fully understand if at any point you decide that the pre-order route is taking too long for you and will, therefore, accept and process immediately any cancellation and refund requests.

We thank you for your support and your trust in our mission! Please don’t hesitate to contact us here shall you have any questions.

FUZE First Batch Delivery Update

Eliott Wertheimer May 2, 2019 No Comments Uncategorized

We created the FUZE to bring you a truly high performance electric scooter at an affordable price. Towards this goal, once realizing economies of scale thanks to factory upgrades and a significant amount of orders, we decided to increase the power of the FUZE to 750W from its original 600W and its battery capacity to 422Wh from 315Wh without any increase in price. This translates to better acceleration, climbing, a higher top speed at full charge and 50% more range.

However, we underestimated some of the issues and delays we would encounter in ordering, manufacturing and retrofitting these new components to the FUZE. Similarly, this being our first batch and in order to ensure that all scooters are of impeccable quality we progressively upgraded their industrial finition as we built them.

Consequently, delivery of the first batch is currently delayed by about 3 weeks and we expect to deliver around the end of May / beginning of June. We would like to offer our most sincere apologies for this unforeseen delay and are truly working our hardest to reduce it as much as possible.

In a matter of transparency and optimal communication, we have created this live tracking page which will display the exact status of the FUZE batch until delivery.

In addition, in order to make sure that we reduce any inconvenience caused by this delay, the form at the end of the tracking page will allow you to notify us with new late delivery instructions. You are also free to require a cancellation and refund at any time (usually processed same day) shall your FUZE be now arriving too late.

What we can promise is that once we get it to you, you won’t regret the wait!

On behalf of the FuroSystems Team, we thank you for your patience and your trust in our mission.

New family member, the Fuze, a high performance electric scooter at 45% launch discount

Eliott Wertheimer January 23, 2019 9 Comments Uncategorized

After months of research and development, we are finally proud to announce the launch of the Fuze, our high-performance electric scooter. We packed it with state-of-the-art technology while paying careful attention to details and ensuring world-class manufacturing at very competitive costs.It combines 600W of power, a top speed of 40km/h, more than 35km of range at a high pace, electronically assisted front and rear disk brakes, dual front and rear mechanical suspensions, wireless security keys and much more. It merges, power, range, comfort, functionality and affordability into a machine that is guaranteed to make your life easier and a lot more fun. Literally, an electric scooter you will want to keep for yourself.

The Fuze is now in full production, and to thank our early buyers for their trust we are offering a 45% pre-order discount until the 01/03.

Tag: Electric Scooter