Investing in the right electric scooter accessories can help you customize your riding experience and have a lot of fun on the road.
As commuter scooter experts, we know that accessories can make a huge difference, with some promoting safety and others allowing for a less stressful ride.
In this guide, we'll share our top 10 electric scooter accessories for commuters so you can kit your scooter out so nothing gets in the way of your cruising time.
This guide will cover:
- The top 10 e-scooter accessories.
- Honorable mentions.
- How to choose the right accessories for your needs.
Top 10 electric scooter accessories at a glance
| Accessory | Purpose | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Phone Holder | Mount your phone on the scooter and free up your hands. | $10 to $70 |
| Tire Pump | Keeps air-filled tires at optimal pressure. Not required for solid rubber tires. | $18.99 and over (Electric tire pumps). |
| Riding Gloves | Maintains control of the scooter in wet conditions and protects your hands. | $12.99 to $100 + |
| Knee & Elbow Pads | Protect knees and elbows from fractures. | $19.99 and over |
| Riding Gear | Jackets, vests and mufflers provide warmth while riding. | $255 to $825 |
| Pelican Cases | Portable case for money, mobiles and other electronics. | $40 |
| Front and Rear Lights | Provide extra visibility and enhance safety. | $19.95 to $69.95 |
| U-Locks and Cinch Locks | U-Locks and cinch locks prevent scooter theft. | $23 to £75 |
| Carry Bags | Storage for e-scooters, allowing you to carry it around. | $150 |
| Helmets | Protects the head and prevents traumatic brain injuries. | $30 |
Phone holder
As with other modes of transportation, traveling on an e-scooter requires concentration at all times. Even a slight lapse in attention can cause an accident, and Science Direct reports that losing control of a scooter is the leading cause.
Whether you're listening to music or using the phone as a sat nav system, it's essential to find a safe place for it where you won't get distracted. Holding the phone can lead to severe accidents, but buying a phone mount can prevent them.
The good news is that phone holders aren't expensive, and you can get them anywhere. Just remember to check your chosen mount is suitable for e-scooters before investing in one.
Tire pump
If your scooter has pneumatic tires, you'll need a tire pump. As with bicycles or any other vehicles with air-filled tires, e-scooters require optimal inflation to ensure they operate correctly and continue to perform.
When looking for a tire pump, remember to consider whether it's compatible with your scooter. Many brands have pumps that fit various scooter models, so it's best to look at the manufacturer's website.
Riding around on flat tires puts you at risk of accidents and potentially serious injuries. Tire pumps might not be an exciting accessory, but they are necessary.
Do I really need a tire pump?
Many commuters want a low-maintenance scooter that's designed for convenience. While air-filled tires can be beneficial if you ride on rugged terrain regularly, a commuter scooter with solid tires requires less care and attention.
Solid tires are puncture-proof, and you don't need to check their air pressure regularly, making them a good choice for commuters and city riders.
Riding gloves
Riding gloves serve numerous purposes and are essential if you want to stay safe and secure on the roads. Choosing a great scooter for your daily commute gives you more freedom and flexibility — but nobody can control the weather.
If you ride in wet conditions, gloves provide extra grip, ensuring you enjoy a smooth ride and can control the scooter properly. However, gloves can also double as safety gear in an accident.
A natural reaction to falls is putting your hands out in front of you, which can lead to severe cuts and bruises in an e-scooter accident. Riding gloves can protect your hands and provide an extra layer of security.
Choosing the right gloves
If you ride at low speeds, you can choose lighter gloves, such as the Simari winter gloves, with a fingerprint sensor so you don't have to take them off to use your phone. Motorcycle gloves provide more protection for high-speed scooters, but some might find them too heavy.
Knee and elbow pads
Safety equipment is necessary for e-scooter riders, and knee or elbow pads can protect you from broken bones. If you ride an e-scooter at high speeds and have an accident, your knees and elbows are vulnerable, but proper protection can give you peace of mind while riding.
Good quality pads aren't just there to soften the blow; they also have shock absorption features, which means you won't feel the impact as much. Better still, elbow and knee pads are cost-effective solutions to keep safe on your scooter.
A small initial investment far outweighs weeks or even months of recovery from dislocations and fractures.
Elbow pads
A broken elbow is one of the most painful fractures anyone can experience, but elbow pads drastically reduce the chances of it happening. For a budget buy, take a look at Powerslide's One Skate Pads. They have EVA foam and flexible materials that ensure you can move freely.
If you're willing to spend more for the perfect combination of protection and comfort, the Triple Eight Exoskin pads have tear-resistant features and use 8-link foam padding to offer superior durability.
Knee pads
Knee pads should be comfortable enough to wear while providing adequate protection. Try to find pads that use breathable materials, as they'll prevent you from sweating. Pads with shock-absorbing features cost more than budget pads, but they are worth the investment.
Luckily, you don't need to spend a fortune to get quality pads with G-Form. The Pro X3 pads were designed for skaters, but e-scooter riders can benefit from SmartFlex technology, which hardens on impact.
Riding clothes
The best thing about electric scooters is you can ride them in winter and enjoy the experience. They're one of the most flexible forms of transport, but riding in those winter months means you'll need warm clothing.
Motorcycle gear is often heavy; some riders might find it too restrictive. Instead, you can buy clothing for e-scooter users. Think lightweight materials, waterproof fabrics, and epic style.
Hoodies and jackets
Hoodies and jackets are ideal for protection and warmth in the colder months. The Coexist Shell Jacket comes in four sizes and promises to keep you warm and dry throughout your ride. It comes with a hood, a subtle khaki color, and pockets for your personal items.
Our favorite hoodie comes from Comfy Outdoor Garment, a Tokyo-based brand that never fails to create stunning clothing. The Rabbit hoodie uses insulating fleece and includes front pockets with zips. If you want to keep warm, this is your go-to hoodie.
Vests and mufflers
Vests and mufflers provide extra body warmth without being too restrictive. They're also great for scooter riders, as they'll keep you warm and give your body added protection. Tokyo brand Comfy Outdoor Garment shines again here with the Inner Down Vest, which comes in four convenient sizes.
Or, if you'd prefer something warmer, we recommend the Muffler, which serves as the perfect alternative to a scarf.
Pelican cases
Traveling on an e-scooter often means you have your phone, medical devices, and other accessories. Pelican cases use superior materials to create a safe and secure place to store your electronics, protecting them from rain.
These cases are renowned for their durability, offering crushproof, dustproof, and water-resistant features. Pelican cases come in a range of sizes, and many use O-ring seals to ensure additional protection from moisture.
Choosing a case designed for e-scooters means getting all the protection you need.
Unagi Pelican Case
Our pelican case offers superior protection against the elements and keeps your belongings safe. We partnered with a military-grade manufacturer to create this beauty, giving you premium features with that classic Unagi style.
With its IP67 rating, the case can withstand submersion for up to 30 minutes and will give you peace of mind during those rainy rides. Better still, it's suitable for your phone and other small components, but the cast is also lightweight and easy to transport.
Scooter lights
While most scooters come with lights, many riders want additional lighting or brighter options for night riding. Investing in e-scooter lights gives you:
- Enhanced Visibility: If your built-in front light doesn't give you enough visibility at night, you can purchase an extra light, usually designed to offer maximum visibility.
- Peace of Mind: Investing in additional lights also gives you peace of mind that nothing will stop your ride. A spare light can be a backup if your main light loses power.
- Alerting Road Users: If you ride in low-lit areas or on busy roads, bright lights will ensure other people see you.
- Rear Visibility: Scooters are highly compact, and a rear light alerts drivers to your presence on the road.
Knog lights
Knog is one of the best e-scooter lighting brands, with creations like the Blinder- a front light boasting 2000 lumens. With an impressive eight modes and waterproof design, this light won't disappoint you.
Worried the Blinder's a little too much light? The Mid Cobber front light offers 320 lumens, more than enough to boost visibility without distracting other road users.
Knog also caters to your rear lighting needs with the Plus light. With 40 hours of maximum power, you can ride throughout the night knowing you're in safe hands.
Strip lights
OK, LED strip lights aren't the most practical solution, but they add some je ne sais quoi to your scooter. Available in various colors, LED lights can ensure other people see your scooter and allow you to make a style statement.
You can find strip lights at Amazon or scooter accessories websites.
Scooter locks
Owning an e-scooter means avoiding rentals and having complete control over when and where you use it. However, you'll also have to consider how to secure your scooter when you're not with it, and locks are essential accessories.
According to an Eyewitness News article, e-scooter theft in Los Angeles increased by 129% in 2022, showing the need for better security. Also, people target private e-scooters more than shared models, but locks can give you peace of mind.
U-Locks
Characterized by their unique U shape, these locks are more portable than traditional chain locks and offer plenty of security. With their solid build and metal materials, U-locks are challenging to cut through, ensuring your scooter remains safe.
The Kryptonite New York lock was designed for bikes, but it doubles as an e-scooter lock and offers superior durability.
Cinch locks
While U-locks offer many benefits, they can be heavy to carry around. If you want a lightweight solution that still secures your scooter, a cinch lock delivers on all bases. They're compact, easy to transport, and comparable in size to wristbands.
The Unagi 30-inch Cinch Lock features an anti-scratch coating and multi-layer bands, ensuring it promotes security while being small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. If you want maximum protection, you can combine cinch and U-locks.
Electric scooter carry bags
As a commuter, you're probably seeking a hassle-free solution to your travel needs. While e-bikes gained popularity before scooters, their main drawback for commuters is the large size and bulky frame.
Electric bikes are challenging to carry around and park, but commuter scooters are much sleeker and lighter, and most come with folding designs. Investing in a carry bag enables you to take your Unagi scooter into the office and avoid the hassles associated with parking it each morning.
Unagi carry satchel
An ultra-sleek scooter requires an ultra-sleek bag to go with it, and we're confident you'll love our carry satchel. With waxed cotton and Hypalon materials, this bag prioritizes durability while providing comfort.
It's easy to put on your shoulder, and the YKK zipper ensures your scooter's always secure. Now, you can enjoy unparalleled convenience and keep your scooter with you instead of having to find a parking space.
The helmet
Despite their importance, many states don't list helmets as legal requirements for e-scooter riders. However, helmets should always be a priority despite the need for more legislation.
Electric scooters for commuters often travel at speeds up to 20 mph, and an accident could cause a serious head injury. A recent CDC study highlighted that most e-scooter head injuries are preventable if riders wear helmets, making them essential accessories for commuting.
Luckily, there are plenty of helmets available, but buying one that's designed for commuter scooter riders ensures you're safe on the road but still have a great riding experience.
What makes a good e-scooter helmet?
There are specific components that an e-scooter helmet should have to promote safety but also keep you comfortable. They include:
- Safety Ratings: A good helmet will have CPSC or European Standards safety ratings. Helmets go through intensive testing to ensure they meet these standards.
- Coverage: E-scooter helmets should cover more of the head than traditional bike helmets. This ensures they fit correctly and provide support in an accident.
- Durability: It's also important to consider how durable the helmet is and whether it can withstand a lot of usage.
- Comfort: Nobody wants to wear a helmet that annoys them while riding, so look for a helmet that offers superior comfort.
The Unagi helmet
At Unagi, safety and excellence in design are what we live by. You'll know from our flagship Model One Classic and newer Voyager scooter that our experts go out of their way to create sleek rides for commuters to cruise around effortlessly.
The Unagi helmet is no exception because this beautifully sleek protective item meets US safety standards and makes a retro style statement. Available in both medium and large sizes, our flagship helmet is built to last.
Forget 90s throwback helmets; this is the forward-thinking design e-scooter riders have been waiting for.
Honorable mentions
So, now you know the top 10 must-have scooter accessories for commuters, it's time to reveal some great items that didn't quite make the list. These accessories are still great investments, as they offer more safety, security, and general peace of mind.
Waist & Handlebar Bags: Need somewhere to store your belongings but don't want a backpack? Handlebar bags fit onto the scooter and keep your items safe. Waist bags are pretty self-explanatory and can hold your money and phone. Finding a waterproof waist bag also protects them in wet conditions.
Tire Sealant: Tire sealant is a temporary solution for small punctures or general wear and tear. It can protect air-filled tires for a short time until you replace them.
Wrist Guards: While gloves protect the hands during accidents, a wrist guard fits around your wrist and prevents fractures.
Turn Signals: Front and rear lights increase visibility, but turn signals ensure other road users know what you're doing. They can be part of the scooter, or you can wear a vest with turn signals to ensure others can see you.
Choosing the right accessories for your needs
With so many electric scooter accessories available, it's hard to know which are essentials and luxuries. The accessories you choose should depend on your budget, the scooter's build quality, and whether they'll make your life easier.
- Safety: Your main concern should be safety equipment, which prevents injuries and gives you more confidence on the road. Helmets, knee and elbow pads, and additional lighting should be no-brainers.
- Comfort: Commuting every day means you'll deal with cold and wet conditions at some point. A warm jacket, hoodie, and muffler ensure comfort and make your journey more manageable. Gloves are also essential in the colder months.
- Convenience: Being able to store your personal belongings in a pelican case means you can protect them from water damage. Investing in a waterproof waist bag is also a good idea if you don't want to carry a backpack.
- Connectivity: Your phone can give you directions and help you monitor your mileage, but you should never hold it while riding the scooter. Investing in a phone mount ensures you can stay connected and safe.
- Budget: You don't necessarily need to spend a fortune on accessories, but try to invest in quality. For example, cheap gloves seem like a good idea, but they might not provide as much warmth or protection.
The bottom line
Electric scooter accessories enable you to customize your ride and stay safe on your daily commute. They are an investment, but a worthy one when considering how an electric scooter can make your life much easier.
If you're interested in e-scooter ownership but want to save money on purchasing a premium commuter model and accessories, the Unagi All-Access Subscription gives you access to a Model One Classic or Voyager for a low monthly fee.
With prices starting at just $39, you'll get free services and insurance, giving you an ultra-stylish way to cruise into the office. Better still, you can take the money you're saving and invest in some quality accessories.
Now, all you need to do is choose your new scooter and look forward to a smooth ride every day.
