Electric Scooter Riding Modes: Understanding the Differences and When to Use Each One

There's nothing like jumping on an electric scooter and cruising to your chosen destination. With zero traffic to annoy you, and the ability to save money on running a car, electric scooters are fast becoming the best way to commute to work and get around the city.

Better still, electric scooters are highly convenient, and once you get used to riding them, you'll have no problems getting around.

However, if you're new to e-scooters, getting started can be pretty daunting. Once you take to the roads, you'll learn about different riding modes - including when to use them.

Knowing the differences between the modes and when to use each one can make your ride safer, smoother, and more enjoyable.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the e-scooter riding modes and when to use them so you know enjoy a fun and safe experience.

Eco Mode

Eco mode is popular for electric scooter riders, as it prioritizes energy efficiency and extends ride time. With eco mode, riders can get the most out of their scooters without worrying about running out of power.

The benefits of eco mode:

• Smoother Ride: Eco modes give riders a smoother experience because the motor runs at lower speeds. However, there's still enough torque to keep up with traffic and other road users.
• Zero Worries: Ideally, you should always keep your scooter charged - but eco modes help prolong the battery life and prevent the scooter from going too fast or slow.

Drawbacks of eco mode:

• Lower Performance: Some riders may find that eco mode lacks speed and performance compared to other riding modes.
• Less Flexibility: When you use eco-mode, you don't have as much flexibility with your ride, so while it's great for battery life, some people might choose to avoid it.

Eco-mode is an excellent choice for an energy-efficient ride without sacrificing comfort or performance. It's ideal for casual riders who don't want to worry about battery life and will ensure you don't exceed the speed limit.

Standard Mode

Standard mode is the most common and popular mode for electric scooters. It gives users a smooth and steady ride, with more control overall. The best part of standard scooters is they're versatile, and with a tiny bit of experience, you'll have no issues with them.

For example, the Unagi Model One Voyager has an impressive maximum speed of 20 miles per hour and a range that lasts up to 25 miles.

With such an impressive standard mode, users can enjoy freedom while saving time. The scooter takes just two hours to reach 80% battery capacity, making it ideal for commuting.

You can take advantage of an all-access subscription, which gives unlimited access to an Unagi Model One Classic or Voyager for a small monthly price. Better still, you get insurance and services included in the subscription.

Now, nothing will stop you from cruising around town.

Things to consider when using standard mode

Standard mode is popular for a reason, and it can offer numerous benefits for riders. However, there are some essential safety precautions to consider.

They include:

• Always wear a helmet when riding in any mode, regardless of your state's electric scooter laws.
• Stay within speed limits at all times.
• Use caution when turning corners or going down steep hills.
• Invest in some powerful front and rear lights.

Sport Mode

Sport mode is the most thrilling of the electric scooter riding modes, as it's ideal for experienced riders who enjoy an adrenaline rush. The great thing about sports mode is it increases the maximum speed - depending on the rider's weight and the scooter's battery charge.

So, if you're looking for an ultra-convenient way to get around town, this mode won't disappoint you.

The benefits of sport mode

Along with higher speeds, using sports mode also has numerous other benefits. They include:

• Better acceleration: With the increased power and torque in sport mode, electric scooters can accelerate quickly and effortlessly.
• Improved incline performance: Sport mode can make climbing hills or riding up inclines easier with less effort than other modes. However, this will depend on the battery charge and your weight.
• Sports mode is fun: If you enjoy a bit of fun on your daily commute, sports mode will give thrill-seekers an adrenaline boost.

The disadvantages of sports mode

However, there are some disadvantages and risks that riders need to be wary of when using sports mode. Knowing them will protect you on e-scooter trips, ensuring you don't have an accident and can get the most out of your scooter.

The disadvantages and risks include:

• Less battery capacity: Using sport mode will inevitably impact your battery more than other modes. If you don't want the hassle of charging your scooter frequently, you're better off with standard mode.
• More hazards: When you ride e-scooters, it's important to consider others on the road. Once you develop your riding skills, you can handle higher speeds, but there are increased risks of an accident.
• Legal implications: Some states only allow you to ride in bike lanes, so traveling at high speeds could have serious legal implications. As a road user, you're responsible for protecting pedestrians, and it's best to moderate your speed in every riding environment.

Turbo Mode

Turbo mode offers the fastest and most powerful performance, allowing riders to reach their destination quickly. It usually involves a higher level of acceleration than other modes, meaning riders will reach their top speed more quickly.

Turbo mode can be great if you're traveling long distances or short on time, but it's also ideal for navigating hills and challenging terrain. Scooters with turbo modes aren't best suited for urban transportation.

As turbo mode usually gives you the maximum possible speed, it's a good idea for people in semi-rural locations.

The disadvantages of turbo mode

While turbo mode has some benefits, it also has many drawbacks. Let's take a look at them:

• Lower battery life: Turbo mode will drain your battery life at lightning speed, which can be an issue if you hate charging it frequently.
• Legal implications: One of the biggest issues with turbo modes is that they can be dangerous in terms of excess speeds. If you exceed those speeds, you could face legal penalties.
• Accident risks: High speeds result in more accidents if you use a scooter for urban transport.

Safety Tips For Riding Electric Scooters In Different Modes

So, now you know about the different riding modes, it's time to look at how to protect yourself on the road. E-scooters are an ultra-convenient urban mobility tool, offering more portability than e-bikes and a lot cheaper than cars.

However, you'll still need to be wary of the potential risks and take steps to prevent them. Once e-scooter users know how to stay safe, they can enjoy everything privately owned scooters offer.

Here are some safety tips to ensure you can confidently enjoy most e-scooter trips.

Use protective gear

Whether it's for door-to-door trips or mixed land use, wearing the proper safety gear will ensure you can prevent serious injuries. We already covered helmets, but you should consider investing in knee and elbow pads.

Protective vests and jackets are also good because they protect your body when riding in busy areas.

Be considerate of other road users

You won't have the roads to yourself, so protecting other road users and e-scooter riders is vital. A collision with a motor vehicle could be potentially fatal, but wearing safety gear and being considerate when riding in bicycle lanes will make a difference.

Never exceed the maximum speed limit, and traveling at an average speed ensures you don't put yourself - or others - at risk.

Start slow

Most electric scooters come with decent brakes and lights, but ultimately, your safety depends on one thing; you. Starting slow and gradually building your skills will ensure you can enjoy this fantastic transportation mode - and stay safe.

The bottom line

While many started riding shared e-scooters, privately owned models are becoming more popular. Shared e-scooter users often have to wait for a scooter to become available, and they don't offer the customization as with private models.

As one of the most respected e-scooter companies, Unagi specializes in creating sleek, portable models that make riding an electric scooter a dream.

These adult scooters come with a convenient folding mechanism and unlimited access—no more scooter-sharing problems.

With a range of riding modes, our dual-motor electric scooter will give you the best experience and turn the daily grind into a stress-free experience.