If your company is new to purchasing electric scooters and looking to enter the market, this guide will help you navigate the critical factors that affect your buying decision. After reading, you’ll be better equipped to evaluate suppliers and products, ensuring a smooth procurement process.
In recent years, electric scooters have experienced a rapid rise in popularity due to their affordability and portability. Many businesses are exploring electric scooters as a potential avenue for expansion, with China leading as the most integrated supply chain hub. Finding a reliable supplier and a good product is essential when sourcing from China, particularly for large-scale procurement.
Electric scooters are a crucial part of the micro-mobility trend. Their prices vary significantly, typically depending on several factors. Based on Free on Board (FOB) pricing, we can categorize electric scooters into three types:
- Budget E-Scooters: FOB price under $200
- Urban Commuter E-Scooters: FOB price between $200 and $600
- High-Performance E-Scooters: FOB price over $600
So, what drives these price differences? Let’s dive into the five key factors that influence e-scooter pricing the most:
1. Battery details
1.1 South Korean vs. Chinese Brands
The battery is the most critical and expensive component of an electric scooter. South Korean brands like LG, Samsung, and Panasonic offer high-quality cells but are relatively expensive. On the other hand, Chinese brands such as DMEGC, BAK, ATL, and EVE provide a cost-effective alternative without sacrificing too much on quality. This is why more than 90% of budget and commuter scooters use Chinese brand cells.
For budget scooters, batteries like 36V 5.0AH/7.5AH/10.0AH are standard, while premium models might require higher-end cells from LG, Samsung, or Panasonic, which can significantly increase the overall cost.
With the rapid development of China’s new energy industry, I believe that Chinese battery brands have now achieved a high level of stability and consistency. This progress has significantly closed the gap between Chinese and international battery brands, making Chinese cells a reliable choice for electric scooter manufacturers seeking both performance and cost efficiency.
1.2 18650 vs. 21700 Cells
Battery cell size also matters. The 21700 cell, with its higher energy density, provides more power compared to the 18650 cell. High-performance scooters often use 21700 cells for extended range, while most budget and commuter models stick with the 18650 cell due to its affordability.
1.3 Battery Capacity
Larger battery capacity means more cells connected in series and parallel, leading to increased costs. While a 36V 7.5AH lithium battery is a widely adopted solution, premium models like the Dualtron Storm LTD can have massive batteries, such as an 84V 45AH lithium pack, dramatically driving up the price.
2. Material Quality
The frame material significantly impacts the durability, weight, and cost of an e-scooter. Here are the most common materials:
- Steel: The least expensive option, but heavy and prone to corrosion.
- Aluminum Alloy: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, making it a popular choice.
- Magnesium Alloy: Lighter than aluminum but more expensive.
- Carbon Fiber: Extremely lightweight but costly, often reserved for luxury models like Unagi.
Different parts of the scooter (handlebar, stem, deck) may use various materials based on their functional needs. For example, in the HRT-A5U model, the stem and battery case are made of aluminum for lightweight durability, while the deck is constructed from steel to ensure structural strength.
3. Motor
3.1 Motor Size
The motor size affects both ride comfort and portability. Most budget and commuter scooters use 10” motors, while high-performance models may go up to 12”. However, larger motors reduce portability, which is a key factor for micro-mobility vehicles.
3.2 Motor Power
Budget scooters are typically equipped with 250W motors, but high-end off-road scooters can have dual motors with power exceeding 2000W. It’s important to remember that motor power doesn’t solely dictate performance; for example, the Segway Max’s 350W motor offers better climbing ability than some scooters with 500W motors. Testing samples before making bulk purchases is recommended to evaluate actual performance, especially in terms of climbing capability.
In a follow-up article, I will provide a detailed overview of electric scooter motors, covering key aspects such as motor types, performance factors, and how to choose the right motor for different scooter models.
4. Brand or OEM?
When sourcing e-scooters, your company can either partner with well-known brands or opt for OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) options.
- Brand Partnerships: Working with established brands like Segway or Xiaomi ensures quality, lower marketing costs, and excellent after-sales service. However, brand scooters come with higher purchase prices, which could limit profit margins.
- OEM Manufacturing: If you aim to build your own brand, OEM is the easiest path. You can source scooters from manufacturers and label them under your company’s brand. However, be mindful that OEM projects typically involve larger quantities and less design customization. For entirely new designs (ODM projects), the tooling costs can exceed $40,000, and the development process may take over six months.
5. Certification Requirements (For EU, US, and German Buyers)
Compliance with local certifications is crucial to avoid legal issues when entering different markets. Here’s a breakdown of the key certifications to look for:
- EU EN17128 Certification: For EU buyers, electric scooters must comply with the EN17128 standard, which mandates specific components like high-quality front lights and certified folding mechanisms. These additional components increase the cost. Always confirm with your supplier whether their quoted prices include compliance with EN17128.
- US UL2272 Certification: For the US market, electric scooters must meet UL2272 certification, which ensures the product’s electrical systems and fire safety are up to standard, especially concerning the battery. UL certification is mandatory in the US and will increase manufacturing costs but is essential for market entry.
- German ABE Certification: For Germany, scooters require Allgemeine Betriebserlaubnis (ABE) certification to be legally used on public roads. ABE certification ensures the scooter meets Germany’s road safety regulations, including speed limits and safety features. Make sure to verify this certification when sourcing scooters for the German market.
By keeping these factors in mind, your company will be in a strong position to make informed decisions when purchasing electric scooters for business expansion. Whether you are buying for resale or internal use, understanding the key components, certifications, and supplier options will help you secure a quality product that meets market demands.