Looking for a Personal Mobility Device (PMD) or e-scooters in Singapore? We’ve got the low-down on the market’s freshest picks as well as how to choose them!
Over the years, personal mobility devices (PMDs) are fast becoming one of Singaporeans’ preferred modes of transport. A cheaper, greener and more convenient way to ferry around the sunny island, it is not really difficult to figure out why many white-collared workers, family with children, and delivery drivers are caving in to purchase a PMD of their own.
Speaking to two pioneer sellers in the industry — Mobot and Kernel Scooter, we unravel the secrets to buying the eccentric vehicle while laying the low-down on the 9 best buys in the years to come.
MOBOT
What began as an obsession with electric scooters in 2014 would eventually lead Mobot’s founder Ifrey Lai to become an innovative entrepreneur who would proffer the streets of Singapore with a plethora of e-scooters, each aimed to bring people together while closing everyday distances. Today, Mobot can be found islandwide.
1) L1-1 UL2272 Certified Electric Scooter
The latest offering in the market, this sleek scooter from the L1-1 series comes with smooth edges, black matt finish and leathered handlebars for a smooth and stylish ride across the hustle and bustle of the city.
It comes together with a UL2272 certification, a new safety regulation set by the government for all e-scooter, set to make transport safer.
Weight: 13kg / Foldable / Good for First and Last-Mile transport
Expected Damage: S$799 (or S$199.75 or x 4 interest-free installments with hoolah)
2) SCOOTY F1K UL 2272 Certified Lightweight E-Scooter
At only eight kilograms, the lightweight Scooty F1K E-scooter is perfect for those looking to cover first and last-mile distances from home to MRT and MRT to office. The LTA compliant e-scooter is easy to fold and also comes with a USB charging port for you to charge your mobile devices on the go.
Weight: 8kg / Foldable / Good for First and Last-Mile transport
Expected Damage: S$399 (or S$99.75 x 4 interest-free installments with hoolah)
3) EV UL2272 Seated Electric Scooter
The EV 2019 is an outstanding pick for families looking to ferry their children in and about the neighbourhood. Built with comfortable travelling in mind, the three-seater family scooter features both front and rear Shimano tourney brake calipers, 14-inch air tyres, and a thumb throttle for a smoother and more controllable ride. The celebrity-endorsed scooter is also capable of ferrying a weight up to 150kg.
Weight: 20kg (with add-ons) / Unfoldable / Good for Families
Expected Damage: from S$1,499 (or from S$374.75 x 4 interest-free installments with hoolah)
4) DYU UL2272 Seated Electric Scooter
One of the newer models in the industry, the DYU UL2272 Seated Electric Scooter is smart, light, and revolutionary in the field of the e-scooter. Foldable and able to be carried by hand, the allure of the DYU UL2272 E-scooter lies undoubtedly in the hassle-free one-time folding mechanics enabled via a unique lever.
Furthermore, the weather-proof e-scooter comes with an P54 waterproof certification and an intelligent password locking system, that is managed by the brand’s in-house application. In other words, the sturdy construct of this vehicle makes it perfect for deliveries too.
Weight: 13kg / Foldable / Good for Deliveries and First and Last-Mile transport
Expected Damage: from S$699 (or from S$174.75 x 4 interest-free installments with hoolah)
5) Flexi 3rd Gen 3 Wheels Mobility Scooter
Available in shades of red and black, the Flexi 3rd Gen 3 Wheels Mobility Scooter is one of Mobot’s multiple offerings for the elderlies. Structured with a cushioning and solid honeycomb tyres, the foldable mobility scooter smoothens travelling on rough and bumpy terrains.
Furthermore, the convenient location of the vehicle’s command buttons (which is structured to be an arm’s length reach) meant that elderlies need not strain to make minor adjustments on the vehicle.
Weight: 28-32kg / Foldable / Good for Elders
Expected Damage: from S$1,399 (or from S$349.75 x 4 interest-free installments with hoolah)
KERNEL SCOOTER
The concept behind Kernel Scooter first started when a trio of guys were undergoing their bachelor studies in college. Believing that e-scooting should be a form of recreational activity and a greener mode of alternative transport, the former home-based operation soon became popular and it now has a brick-and-mortar shop situated in quaint neighbourhood district in MacPherson.
6) Kernel SWIFT UL2272 certified e-scooter
Unlike other e-scooters, the Kernel SWIFT UL2272 certified e-scooter does not possess a throttle to facilitate gear shifts and accelerations. Instead, the light e-scooter, which weighs 12.5kg, possesses a foot accelerator similar to that of a car. Equipped with the German-based BLDC Motor, the Kernel SWIFT e-scooter boasts larger-sized wheels for a smoother and more quieter ride. And this makes it perfect for both a leisure ride around the neighbourhood or for a first to last mile travelling.
Weight: 12.5kg / Foldable / Good for First and Last-Mile transport
Expected Damage: from S$599 (or from S$149.75 x 4 interest-free installments with hoolah)
7) Ultra Light Series IV UL2272 certified e-scooter
One of the more bang-for-buck choices at Kernel Scooter, the Ultra Light Series IV UL2272 certified e-scooter is a decent upgrade from its predecessors. Ideal for first or last mile travelling, the 7.9kg scooter is light, powerful and exceptionally sleek in design as well. But what truly stands out though, is its integrated kick stand, an unorthodox feature that seeks to stabilise shakiness and withstand wear and tear when the vehicle is folded.
Weight: 7.9kg / Foldable / Good for First and Last-Mile transport
Expected Damage: from S$399 (or from S$99.75 x 4 interest-free installments with hoolah)
8) White Fiido Electric Scooter
Another best-seller amongst families with children, the limited edition White Fiido Seated Scooter may boast a compact front which weighs at only 17kg, but it’s supportive capability far surpasses our mundane expectations; it can support up to 120kg!
Also foldable, the family scooter possesses a myriad of pre-installed customisation options — such as a front child seat or front grocery basket — too.
Weight: Bulky / Not Foldable / Good for Families
Expected Damage: from S$799 (or from S$199.75 x 4 interest-free installments with hoolah)
9) AM-GT Electric Scooter
Exclusively made available at Kernel Scooters, the AM-GT Electric Scooter is an ingenious creation conceptualised by their in-house team. Boasting a sine-wave geared controller, an LCD display, the foldable e-scooter may seem bulky at first glance, but be assured at its capability at travelling longer distances with a smoother pickup. This essentially makes it a great for transportation over up-slope hills.
Weight: Bulky / Foldable / Good for First and Last-Mile transport, Leisure
Expected Damage: from S$1,099 (or from S$274.75 x 4 interest-free installments with hoolah)
Final Words (and some tips too)
1) Get First-Hand E-Scooter from Official Retailers
As the realm of e-commerce expands to provide much convenience to our lives, purchasing second-handed items off Carousel and other e-markets might seem no biggie. But pioneers in the industry suggest the safest and best-buys are often found at official retailers. With outlets around Singapore, Mobot (which sells selected brands in selected NTUC outlets too) and Kernel Scooters make excellent choices.
2) Do a Test-Ride On Site
In a follow-up interview, both representatives from Mobot and Kernel scooters recommend interested customers to always get hands-on experience and do a test-ride on the models before committing. You would want to ride on something that you are familiar and comfortable with, wouldn’t you?
3) Know Your Laws
All it takes were some black sheeps to tarnish the reputation of the general e-scooter rider population. New and stricter regulations have been placed by the LTA in a bid to encourage safety driving on pedestrian roads. In case you are unaware of them, here’s a quick summary:
- Size: 70cm wide
- Speed: 25km/hour (maximum)
- Weight: 20kg (maximum)
- All E-scooters need to be registered.
- From January 2021, all e-scooters will need to be certified with UL2272. (Fortunately for you, Mobot and Kernel Scooters will cut your hassle and present only certified scooters for you!)
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