The Benefits of Using Carbon Fiber Mobility Scooter
Posted by Tom Lee on
The Benefits of Using Carbon Fiber Mobility Scooter
Today, a majority of electric scooters are built using industry-grade or aerospace aluminum alloy. The fact that they use the same material to construct airplanes proves the quality and trustworthiness of the product. It is awesome, right? The material has been tried and tested over time and proven to be strong. Not just that, they are rather cheap, lightweight, and reliable. Its strength and lightweight have particularly driven its adoption in making scooters. Yet, manufacturers are increasingly adopting an alternative material for building a scooter’s frames. One that is, unbelievably, both lighter and stronger than aluminum. The material we are referring to is carbon fiber. In the recent past, numerous top-of-the-line electric scooters are completely made of carbon fiber.
What Is Carbon Fiber?
Carbon fiber is a polymer (mixture of compounds) known as ‘graphite fiber.’ It is a material that is not only stronger than steel (by five times) but also weighs much less. These qualities make it a preference for manufacturers and engineers who use it to build parts and even entire products. Carbon fiber is developed by bonding together carbon atoms in crystals that are aligned in a parallel fashion. Thus, it gives the extra strength. By combining several thousand strands of micron-thick carbon fiber, we create what is known as a tow, which can be used as-is or woven into yarn.
Reason For Preference Of Carbon Fiber?
Carbon fiber is popular for electric scooters due to its safety, durability, and strength. Even though other materials are incorporated as well, carbon fiber makes the electric scooter so much lighter. without impacting the strength, performance, and speed of the scooter. Many experiments have been performed by electric scooter manufacturers on a variety of materials. For instance, steel was and still is the go-to material due to its availability. They are easy for welding and easy of shaping. The downside of steel is that it easily corrodes and is also quite heavy. It can inhibit the performance of the scooter. With electric scooters being a ‘home stretch’ solution for most daily commuters, riders require a vehicle that will allow them to move swiftly from home, public transit, or the office. Moreover, as many people live in tiny living spaces or operate from cramped offices, it is necessary that the scooter is lightweight, compact, and won’t interfere with daily living. This makes a carbon fiber scooter the ideal solution to resolve these challenges.
What Are Mobility Scooters?
A mobility scooter is a small, medium, or large, single-occupant transport vehicle that is motorized and used to aid mobility. It can be four-wheel, rear-wheel, or front-wheel drive. A user sits on the scooter in an upright position like in a normal chair, then you control it via the handlebars like you would a motorcycle or bicycle. Scooters are powered by one or two batteries that require regular charging. Scooter models have slightly varying capabilities, but you can expect a range of 6-8 miles (9-12km) on a single charge for the standard model. Some heavy-duty models on the other hand can travel a range of up to 30 miles (48km) on a single charge. Road-legal scooter models can travel at up to 8 mph (12kph), while other models which are more suitable for sidewalks and indoors peak at around 4 mph (6kph).
Why Do I Need One?
Regardless of whether you are a casual fan of scooters or you incorporate it in your daily commute, having a carbon electric scooter is essential. The reality is that manufacturers worldwide are choosing carbon to develop strong, lightweight, and aesthetically pleasing modes of transport. For instance, many models of cars and bikes are made of carbon fiber. Once electric scooter manufacturers discovered the qualities of carbon fiber, they took it up and are now producing lighter scooters that have an amazing range. Other benefits resulting from the weight reduction of a scooter include:
- Ease of transportation when you fold the scooter
- Reduction in power consumption
- Quicker acceleration of the scooter
- Broader range
Cause For Choosing Mobility Scooter?
Many elderly people experience a lot of stress when they lose mobility due to aging or other health reasons. This makes it difficult for them to get around the house, go to the grocery store, visit the church, or meet up with loved ones. A mobility scooter would be a great solution to give the seniors the independence to move around, hence boosting their confidence and helping them maintain an active social life.
Essential Features In A Mobility Scooter?
There are several questions you need to ask yourself before purchasing a mobility scooter; Will you be using the scooter indoors or outdoors? Some scooters are road-legal while others are not therefore you should consider your usage requirements. What terrain will you drive the scooter on? Will you use the scooter on gravel, pavement, or muddy terrain? Select a scooter that is best suited for your terrain. How easy is it to transport the scooter? If you intend to fold up the scooter and stash it in a car or carry it onto public transport then you need to select a model that is capable of doing so. How simple is it to turn the scooter? You need to determine where you will drive the scooter to pick the most suitable model. For instance, a three-wheel scooter has a small turning radius but is best for home use. What is the weight limit of the scooter? For heavier people, checking the weight limit not only ensures comfort but also the safety of the rider. Does it have good safety features? There are three primary safety features to watch out for; ensure the brake is easy to use, ensure you get non-tip wheels, and ensure you have a single hand controller that is easy to use. Some select models also provide non-leak batteries for extra safety. What is the battery range? Determine your typical travel range and get the appropriate battery i.e. some batteries have a range of 30 miles (48km) while others only have a range of 6-8 miles (9-12km). How comfortable is the scooter? You will typically be spending long periods on the scooter therefore your comfort is vital. This can be enhanced by features such as movable scooter arms, an adjustable backrest, and additional padding on the seats.
Benefits Of Carbon Fiber Mobility Scooter
Lightweight And Portability
The biggest advantage is how astonishingly light a carbon fiber scooter is at 15lbs or about 7kg. Its low weight makes it easy to carry on a bus, down a flight of stairs, or on the subway. The scooter can easily fold and release through a one-step fold function when need be.
Strong And Hard-Wearing
The low weight of the scooter doesn’t compromise its durability or function. On the contrary, carbon fiber is quite durable and sturdy, with a weight limit of over 125kg.
Aptness
These scooters can even be used by kids since they can make corners easily and are very portable when folded. This makes them convenient for commuting, shopping, or carrying them on public transport.
Stylish
These scooters are not only reliable and durable but also aesthetically pleasing. Their stylish designs are bound to make heads turn on the streets. The sleek LCD screen on the front of the scooter only accentuates its elegance. The LCD is also crucial for showing important data such as time, speed, distance traveled, and battery status.
Speed
Scooters offer varying speeds; from an average of about 15 mph (24 km/h) in most scooters to as high as 80 mph (128kph), like in the Rion2 re90 Carbon Fiber Fast Electric Scooter. It is up to you to select a scooter with the speeds you are most comfortable with traveling at.
Rear Suspension
The carbon fiber electric scooter comes with real front-wheel suspension which ensures comfort on rough terrain. This is because the real suspension is capable of absorbing shocks during a bumpy ride hence giving you a smooth ride experience. The scooter also uses field-oriented control technology which facilitates silent movement and acceleration. This ensures a smoother and more enjoyable riding experience.