Shopping for an electric scooter means confronting a wall of technical specifications. Motor wattage, battery voltage, watt-hours, IP ratings—what does it all mean? More importantly, how do these numbers translate to real-world performance?
This guide breaks down every major specification you'll encounter, explaining not just what the numbers mean technically, but how they affect your actual riding experience. By the end, you'll be able to read any spec sheet with confidence and understand which numbers actually matter for your needs.
Motor Specifications
The motor is what propels you forward, and its specifications determine acceleration, hill climbing ability, and top speed.
Wattage (W)
Motor wattage indicates power output. However, manufacturers use different measurements:
⚡ Understanding Wattage
- Rated/Continuous power: Sustainable output over time (more honest figure)
- Peak power: Maximum short burst (often 2x rated power)
A scooter advertising "500W" might have 500W continuous or 250W continuous with 500W peak—very different performers.
What Wattage Means in Practice
- 250W: Basic flat-ground riding; struggles with hills; suited for lighter riders
- 350-400W: Good all-rounder; handles moderate hills; most commuter scooters
- 500-600W: Strong performance; tackles steeper hills with ease
- 800W+: High performance; rapid acceleration; handles any terrain
- Dual motors: Combined power (e.g., 2×500W = 1000W total); often overkill for commuting
Remember: more power means higher battery drain. A 1000W motor can deplete a battery much faster than a 350W motor at equivalent speeds.
Motor Type
Most e-scooters use hub motors integrated into one or both wheels:
- Single rear motor: Most common; good balance of power and efficiency
- Single front motor: Less common; different handling characteristics
- Dual motor: One in each wheel; more power, better traction, higher cost
Battery Specifications
The battery determines how far you can ride and significantly affects the scooter's weight and price.
Voltage (V)
Voltage indicates the electrical potential of the battery system:
- 36V: Entry-level scooters; adequate for lower-powered motors
- 48V: Mid-range; better efficiency for moderate to high power
- 52V+: Performance scooters; higher voltage enables more power delivery
Higher voltage generally allows for better power delivery and efficiency, all else being equal.
Capacity: Amp-Hours (Ah) vs Watt-Hours (Wh)
Battery capacity can be expressed two ways:
🔋 Battery Capacity
Watt-hours (Wh) = Voltage × Amp-hours
Wh is the better comparison metric because it accounts for voltage differences. A 48V 10Ah battery (480Wh) stores more energy than a 36V 10Ah battery (360Wh).
Rough range estimates based on Wh (varies significantly with conditions):
- 180-250Wh: 15-25km range
- 300-400Wh: 25-40km range
- 450-600Wh: 40-60km range
- 700Wh+: 60km+ range
Cell Quality
Not all battery cells are equal. Premium scooters typically use branded cells from manufacturers like:
- LG
- Samsung
- Panasonic
Generic or unbranded cells may degrade faster, provide inconsistent power, or pose safety concerns. This is rarely specified but matters for longevity.
Range
Manufacturer range claims are notoriously optimistic. They're typically tested under ideal conditions:
- Lightweight rider (often 60-70kg)
- Flat terrain, no wind
- Moderate constant speed
- New battery at optimal temperature
⚠️ Real-World Range
Expect 60-80% of advertised range in typical conditions. A scooter claiming 50km range will likely deliver 30-40km for average riders in real-world use.
Factors reducing range:
- Higher rider weight
- Hills and inclines
- Higher speeds
- Headwinds
- Cold temperatures
- Aggressive acceleration
- Battery age
Speed
Top Speed
The maximum speed the scooter can achieve. Consider:
- Australian state laws limit e-scooters to 20-25km/h on public paths
- Top speed is only achieved on flat ground with tailwind
- Higher top speeds drain battery faster
- Many scooters offer speed modes to limit top speed
For legal commuting, 25-30km/h top speed is ample. Higher speeds are only useful on private property.
Speed Modes
Most scooters offer multiple modes (Eco, Standard, Sport) that limit speed and power. Lower modes extend range significantly.
Braking
Braking systems vary significantly and affect safety directly:
Types of Brakes
- Disc brakes: Best stopping power; mechanical or hydraulic; require maintenance
- Drum brakes: Enclosed, weather-resistant; less powerful but low maintenance
- Electronic/regenerative: Uses motor resistance; charges battery slightly; weaker than mechanical
- Foot brake: Pressing rear fender against wheel; least effective
🛑 Brake Recommendation
Look for scooters with dual braking systems—ideally disc (front or rear) combined with electronic regeneration. Front-only electronic braking is inadequate for safe commuting.
Tyres
Tyre type dramatically affects ride quality, maintenance, and puncture risk:
Pneumatic (Air-Filled)
- Pros: Best ride comfort, superior grip, better handling
- Cons: Puncture risk, requires pressure maintenance
- Best for: Comfort-focused riding, varied surfaces
Solid/Airless
- Pros: Zero puncture risk, no maintenance
- Cons: Harsher ride, less grip, harder to replace
- Best for: Low-maintenance needs, areas with puncture hazards
Honeycomb/Tubeless
- Pros: Puncture-resistant, some cushioning
- Cons: Compromise on both comfort and maintenance-free claims
- Best for: Balance-seeking riders
Tyre Size
Larger tyres generally provide better stability and comfort:
- 8" and under: Common on budget/portable scooters; feel road imperfections more
- 8.5-10": Good all-round size for commuting
- 10"+: Excellent stability and comfort; larger scooter overall
For detailed tyre information, see our complete tyre guide.
Weight and Portability
Scooter Weight
- Under 12kg: Highly portable; easy to carry
- 12-15kg: Manageable for most adults
- 15-20kg: Challenging to carry distances
- 20kg+: Not truly portable; expect to roll, not carry
Weight Capacity
Maximum rider weight the scooter supports safely. Typically 100-120kg, with some reaching 150kg. Approaching the limit affects performance and component longevity.
Water Resistance (IP Rating)
IP (Ingress Protection) ratings indicate resistance to dust and water:
💧 IP Ratings Decoded
Format: IP[Dust][Water]
- IP54: Protected from limited dust and splashes (light rain okay)
- IP55: Protected from dust and low-pressure water jets (moderate rain)
- IP56: Dust-tight, protected from powerful water jets (heavy rain)
- IPX4: X means dust not tested; 4 means splash-resistant
Most commuter scooters are IP54/IP55—suitable for light rain but not for puddles or storage outdoors in weather.
Suspension
Suspension absorbs bumps and improves comfort:
- None: Relies entirely on tyre cushioning; harsher ride
- Front only: Improves comfort; most common on mid-range scooters
- Dual (front and rear): Best comfort; found on premium scooters
Suspension types include spring, hydraulic, and rubber/polymer systems, with varying quality and adjustability.
Display and Controls
The display shows critical information while riding:
- Current speed
- Battery level
- Riding mode
- Trip distance/odometer
Better displays offer daylight visibility (bright LED/LCD) and intuitive controls accessible without stopping.
Build Quality Indicators
Beyond specs, consider build quality:
- Frame material: Aviation-grade aluminium alloy is standard for quality scooters
- Folding mechanism: Should be robust with no wobble when locked
- Cable routing: Internal routing protects cables from damage
- Warranty: Longer warranties often indicate manufacturer confidence
Specification Priority Guide
For most Australian commuters, prioritise (in order):
- Battery capacity: Ensure enough Wh for your commute with margin
- Motor power: 350W+ for hills; lower if flat terrain
- Brakes: Dual braking system essential for safety
- Weight: Important if carrying on public transport
- Water resistance: IP54+ for Australian weather
- Tyres: Pneumatic for comfort; solid for zero maintenance
Specifications tell part of the story, but real-world performance depends on how all these elements work together. When possible, test ride before buying, and read reviews from riders in conditions similar to yours.