Recommend electric folding scooter for end of commute (Mod Note Post #1)

Martynet

Kepa47 wrote: »

Can escooters be used during rainy weather?

It depends. If it's heavy rain and you are not riding through deep puddles, you're grand. Also, scooters with solid tires might slip a bit easier than scooter with air tires. And finally, bigger wheels, better and safer ride. I think it will be a trend for e-scooter makers to make better scooter for UK/Ireland roads and weather. Like this interesting machine with IPX6 and 12" wheels. If it had dual motor and bigger battery, I'd buy it tomorrow

https://8tev.com/product/b12/

rubadub

There was a post a month or so ago in consumers and somebodies died and the manufacturer had said it should not be used in the rain

unkel

rubadub wrote: »

There was a post a month or so ago in consumers and somebodies died and the manufacturer had said it should not be used in the rain

Any link?

Mrcaramelchoc

Its common sense really.id say none of them are absolutely waterproof.if its pouring leave it at home if its misty you could chance it.lots of mist in France.

rubadub

unkel wrote: »

Any link?

I couldn't find it at all earlier, found on google but seems it was deleted or moved or something, you can see the cache of it

https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:oRqu6qdb0ZEJ:https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php%3Ft%3D2058033550+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ie


https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:qdxp4VIH74wJ:https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php%3Ft%3D2058033550%26page%3D3+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ie

I replied

"Honestly I'm not happy about that. The scooter was sold as an outdoor scooter yet is not waterproof? I was not aware of this and could have been seriously hurt when I plugged in that charger. I am not willing to pay 40e for a new charger that may or may not blow up again. The scooter itself is clearly the issue, I never would have bought it had I known it was not safe to use outdoors"

And he replied

"I'm sorry, but no scooter we sell is waterproof. They are water resistant to a certain extent. You shouldn't use in rain, but might rain on occasion shouldn't be an issue. You have cause this issue, and I know 100% that it's water damage based on what you have described. You have had this scooter for almost 6 month, and then the charger blows - buy a new one, you were given the option to buy one online. The customer has to take some responsibility too. Buy a charger, or don't. I'm not happy with you misusing a scooter by riding it in winter weather, when it should be used mostly on rain free days. You should have done your homework, no scooter is waterproof.

If the charger "blows up again", it's because you were not a diligent and responsible rider, and exposed your scooter to excessive water.

I am not willing to help you any further in this matter, as your warranty is null and void due to misuse - water damage.

All you had to do was buy a new charger and see if it works, and then our technician would open it open and remove the water damaged controller, but you aren't playing ball.

My final suggestion is that you find a third party technician to repair it.

I won't be engaging going forward.

****name****"

SCC it is

Johnboy1951

From the above it seems that such a scooter is not at all suitable for Irish weather.

Should they become legal I hope some specification is applied to make them suitable for this climate.

AhHaor

This all boils down to common sense. I've printed out the cover for the power button/dash and used it loads of times in the rain. Am I going full throttle around a corner in the rain of course not. The wheels are unstable enough as it is. While we have a wet climate, the m365 is in plenty of Asian countries that get downpours that we never see and the scooter is grand over there

...Ghost...

beauf wrote: »

A couple of cases were up in court in Ireland apparently. But few if any details were published in the media. Hard to know if they were true or not.

The two cases I am aware of from the end of last year resulted in one rider receiving a €100 fine and another rider receiving a €300 fine and 3 points. Someone here can correct if I have the fine details wrong.

Kepa47 wrote: »

Can escooters be used during rainy weather?

punisher5112 wrote: »

No as they're illegal unless on private property.

Yes, they can be. Kepa47 asked about escooters with regards to rain, not with regards to law.

I wouldn't recommend going through puddles and I would be sure the charge port is well sealed up. This applies to most escooters on the market. Some may be completely unsuitable for use in the rain.

unkel

rubadub wrote: »

I couldn't find it at all earlier, found on google but seems it was deleted or moved or something, you can see the cache of it

I read your post initially as somebody on an eScooter died because of the rain. That's why I asked for a link. My mistake. And your mistake for not being careful with the use of punctuation / apostrophes, etc.

Somebody's €5 charger died

And yeah, those Chinese chargers are flimsy and they can't handle anything bad or they go pop. The eScooters themselves and their batteries are far more robust and have all sorts of protection built in (to the batteries)

McGrath5

I like the look of the M365 Pro, does anybody know what is the best priced place to pick one up?

championc

McGrath5 wrote: »

I like the look of the M365 Pro, does anybody know what is the best priced place to pick one up?

Try Halfords (.ie & .co.uk)

Also, try pricespy.ie

galwaytt

this would address Construction & Use Regs, but there's no question that it's a vehicle, and the baggage that would bring with it:

https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/2019/march/ktm-electric-scooter/

Martynet

McGrath5 wrote: »

I like the look of the M365 Pro, does anybody know what is the best priced place to pick one up?

Try thi guy:

https://www.facebook.com/paddy.obrien.908579?fref=search&__tn__=%2Cd%2CP-R&eid=ARBHZz2fmaNLc91xTO5vz6x9tO_Z7-IEOkbk_ZtLKlJTtyF1xFgAE4UcVsj3dnbZiO6JGt7RSISKvXR5

He has few in stock for €445

Mrcaramelchoc

Martynet wrote: »

Try thi guy:

https://www.facebook.com/paddy.obrien.908579?fref=search&__tn__=%2Cd%2CP-R&eid=ARBHZz2fmaNLc91xTO5vz6x9tO_Z7-IEOkbk_ZtLKlJTtyF1xFgAE4UcVsj3dnbZiO6JGt7RSISKvXR5

He has few in stock for €445

If that's true its a great Price.an almost to good to be true price.

...Ghost...

Martynet wrote: »

Try thi guy:

https://www.facebook.com/paddy.obrien.908579?fref=search&__tn__=%2Cd%2CP-R&eid=ARBHZz2fmaNLc91xTO5vz6x9tO_Z7-IEOkbk_ZtLKlJTtyF1xFgAE4UcVsj3dnbZiO6JGt7RSISKvXR5

He has few in stock for €445

Is he selling genuine Pro models? That does seem like a pretty good price.

Martynet

...Ghost... wrote: »

Is he selling genuine Pro models? That does seem like a pretty good price.

Yes. That's absolutely normal SALE price for m365 Pro. I wouldn't pay more than that. I regularly get offers from bangood and other shops, and in most cases they use EU stock in Poland. Check out my FB group where I post these.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/328007928040192/?ref=share

00sully

I got the Kugoo s1 from geekbuying and can't fault it - fast and stable seems solid enough as well. Been using it regularly for 3 months for a 7km each way commute. Takes me 15 mins door to door, can't beat that!

I did get pulled over today on Talbot street by a garda today though He just gave me a caution but he said there was a guy in court recently who got a €400 fine under section 41 and €130 for his scooter back

unkel

00sully wrote: »

I did get pulled over today on Talbot street by a garda today though He just gave me a caution but he said there was a guy in court recently who got a €400 fine under section 41 and €130 for his scooter back

I'd say we have nearly reached critical mass now, with so many electric scooters in Dublin city every day that it would be nearly impossible for the Gardai to stop and fine every one of them, even if they tried

From anecdotal evidence like yours it looks like these are now tolerated, at least until expected new legislation is put in place. You'd be very unlucky if you ended up in court now like those two lads. Anyone know what happened their court cases?

LeeroyJ.

I also noticed a sharp up tick since Christmas and the weather hasn't even got mild yet. Once Spring rolls around we will probably see another sharp increase unless the Government formally concludes they won't be legislated for. I'm going to keep using mine, I'm lucky as my entire commute in a segregated cycle lane so chances of being pulled over are rather low. I do wonder how cyclist feel about them in the lanes though, I have got a few snarky comments over the months using it.

BarryM

I thought there was a mod message on this thread

However, I live most of the year in France and it is lethal! I was "in town" last week and was nearly knocked down three or four times. Mostly travelling fast on the pavement and weaving between the pedestrians, prams, slow moving people. Rental scooters all over the place, rent it here, leave it there.

A few months ago the gov introduced, or, more accurately, implemented rules for existing legislation, which specified 25kph, one person only (believe it or not, two schoolkids was a 'norm'; mammy's with babies bungied on, etc.); no pavements; and applied it, supposedly, but last week is the evidence.

Given the lack of application of the existing laws in Ireland generally, I have me doubts if they permit scooters....

Johnboy1951

unkel wrote: »

I'd say we have nearly reached critical mass now, with so many electric scooters in Dublin city every day that it would be nearly impossible for the Gardai to stop and fine every one of them, even if they tried

From anecdotal evidence like yours it looks like these are now tolerated, at least until expected new legislation is put in place. You'd be very unlucky if you ended up in court now like those two lads. Anyone know what happened their court cases?

I would think that quite simply they could be made illegal to use specifically and each one that is stopped on road or pavement is confiscated, not to be returned, in lieu of a fine or court summons, unless requested by the owner.

That would very quickly put an end to their use.

Mrcaramelchoc

I wonder will this election bring any changes for the law on them.

BarryM

Promises, promises. Oh yes we will, but when? soon.

I know this thread is not about permission, per se, but however....

If we had a system of personal insurance, as is the norm in many countries, we could have a regulated insurance environment.

If legislation was introducedin Ireland, would insurance be a requirement? Would wearing a helmet be a requirement?

In countries with personal insurance is a requirement there is little or no 'falling off the pavement' stuff, for example.

So, if you ride a bike, play football, run on public roads, etc. You have personal, or family, insurance. Not expensive as everybody has to be covered, implicitly.

It goes along with 'no fault' where the results of an accident are 'known' and the 'price' of a broken arm or leg is known in advance by insurers, and calculated in relation to the effect on you job, for instance. Going to court with 'the bad back' etc., is not part of the process, unless you want to pay for it yourself.

With this environment you can legislate on a personal basis for riding a scooter.

Of course my story about France depends on application. The police here are too occupied beating up strikers, at the moment, but that is another story. I imagine when they have time they will start hitting the scooters.

FF and Greens support legalizing them for sure. FG decided to let Lord Ross do a review which we haven't heard anything further on. The RSA gave a cautious support to allowing them where appropriate, cycle lanes etc.

tuxy

cisk wrote: »

FG decided to let Lord Ross do a review which we haven't heard anything further on.

Actually we did back in August when it was complete.
It recommended making them legal but I don't think there was any info on how that should be done.

aloooof

tuxy wrote: »

Actually we did back in August when it was complete.
It recommended making them legal but I don't think there was any info on how that should be done.

Didn't it go to public consultation up til end of October then, tho? Haven't heard anything since then.

tuxy

aloooof wrote: »

Didn't it go to public consultation up til end of October then, tho? Haven't heard anything since then.

8 week public consultation starting at the end of August and then nothing.

rubadub

00sully wrote: »

I did get pulled over today on Talbot street by a garda today though He just gave me a caution

what sort of a caution? just be careful and stay off footpaths or "I never want to see you on this again"?

championc

When on my doorstep last week, Lord Ross told me that they are looking at the legislation in France, Germany and UK to come up with a solution for Ireland.

00sully

rubadub wrote: »

what sort of a caution? just be careful and stay off footpaths or "I never want to see you on this again"?

Stay off it or another less lenient garda will confiscate it and I'll end up in court.

Martynet

BarryM wrote: »

I thought there was a mod message on this thread

However, I live most of the year in France and it is lethal! I was "in town" last week and was nearly knocked down three or four times. Mostly travelling fast on the pavement and weaving between the pedestrians, prams, slow moving people. Rental scooters all over the place, rent it here, leave it there.

A few months ago the gov introduced, or, more accurately, implemented rules for existing legislation, which specified 25kph, one person only (believe it or not, two schoolkids was a 'norm'; mammy's with babies bungied on, etc.); no pavements; and applied it, supposedly, but last week is the evidence.

Given the lack of application of the existing laws in Ireland generally, I have me doubts if they permit scooters....

Don't confuse "scooter rentals" with owning a scooter. There's a big difference. Yes, some cities made a mistake by legalizing "scooter rentals" it witohut thinking it through but most of these are fixing it now, and for example riding on a pavement is prohibited in most cities now.

Martynet

LeeroyJ. wrote: »

I also noticed a sharp up tick since Christmas and the weather hasn't even got mild yet. Once Spring rolls around we will probably see another sharp increase unless the Government formally concludes they won't be legislated for. I'm going to keep using mine, I'm lucky as my entire commute in a segregated cycle lane so chances of being pulled over are rather low. I do wonder how cyclist feel about them in the lanes though, I have got a few snarky comments over the months using it.

I have different experience. Riding over a year now 24 km every day, road, cycling lanes and segregated cycling lanes and never heard any bad comments from cyclists. The opposite. Lots of them asking me about it and admiring it.

BarryM

Martynet wrote: »

Don't confuse "scooter rentals" with owning a scooter. There's a big difference. Yes, some cities made a mistake by legalizing "scooter rentals" it witohut thinking it through but most of these are fixing it now, and for example riding on a pavement is prohibited in most cities now.

Of course no, but I didn't mention that, after seeing rental ones thrown about, that the majority I saw were not rentals. I also noted that nobody I saw was wearing a lid.

BTW, French radio reporting this a.m. that Hussein Bolt has withdrawn from the Paris scooter rental market, cos there is too much competition!!
Bolt has apparently been very successful with rentals in the US.

rubadub

in the cycling forum

MiskyBoyy wrote: »

Electric scooters 'set to be legalised on UK roads and cycle lanes'

https://news.sky.com/story/electric-scooters-set-to-be-legalised-on-uk-roads-and-cycle-lanes-11919889?fbclid=IwAR04xniEEMMYVMEvtKVuDQUOkWE3VdrgCBL5JZf0WSDCHRRIGdBfzP6qPjw

LeeroyJ.

rubadub wrote: »

in the cycling forum

Great news to me, as our politicians still like to look to the UK on many issues.

rubadub

LeeroyJ. wrote: »

Great news to me, as our politicians still like to look to the UK on many issues.

I don't think it will go well though. I reckon you will see stuff like this
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/aug/06/rise-in-drunk-riding-fuels-munichs-call-for-e-scooter-curbs-during-oktoberfest

dbentham

aloooof wrote: »

Didn't it go to public consultation up til end of October then, tho? Haven't heard anything since then.

https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2019-10-17/55/

The debate was mentioned in the dáil on 17/10/19 and a vote was taken & carried to put the matter back for 3 months for the bill to be re-read.
But unfortunately with the untimely dissolution of the dáil on 14th January, it remains to be seen when the matter will now be revisited.

ted1

dbentham wrote: »

https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2019-10-17/55/

The debate was mentioned in the dáil on 17/10/19 and a vote was taken & carried to put the matter back for 3 months for the bill to be re-read.
But unfortunately with the untimely dissolution of the dáil on 14th January, it remains to be seen when the matter will now be revisited.

With the Greens in a coalition I would have some faith

dilallio

https://www.mi.com/uk/support/scooter-safety-notice/

Since our founding, Xiaomi has been dedicated to producing safe, affordable and quality products for our customers. We continue making this our top priority and act proactively to ensure that our users have real-time, comprehensive information regarding our products.

We have received limited reports in relation to potential safety issues associated with the Mi M365 Electric Scooter. Upon investigation, it appears that when not used in accordance with the Safety Reminder and Instructions in the user manual, or when subject to force, certain batches of the product manufactured with aluminium alloy hooks in the folding apparatus, may have the potential to fail and without appropriate maintenance, may cause a fall hazard to the rider.

We are launching a Safety Campaign to alert all customers. Specifically, we are publishing a Safety Notice and rolling out a Repair Programme globally which provides free testing to the affected customers and also replaces the aluminium alloy hook with a stainless steel hook.

Safety Notice

The hook of the Mi M365 Electric Scooter manufactured between September 2017 and October 2018 is made of aviation grade aluminium alloy 6061-T6 which material is widely used for bicycle frames and components.

When the Mi M365 Electric Scooter is subject to overloading such as two people riding the scooter at any one time or subject to high impact movements, the aluminium alloy hook in the folding apparatus may weaken. Without appropriate maintenance, the aluminium alloy hook may fail during subsequent use which may lead the vertical component to fold into the main body while in use.

We ask all customers to take the steps below before using their Mi M365 Electric Scooters:

Step 1: Follow the instructions below to check whether your device has an aluminium alloy hook. If it does not have an aluminium alloy hook, it is not affected by this Safety Campaign.

Step 2: Follow the video instructions and conduct a check of the device.

Step 3: Follow the Dos and Don’ts for your future use.

1.If the device appears to have an allen key bolt on one side and a round-shaped nut on the other side, then your device has a steel hook and is not affected.

2.If the device appears to have allen key bolts on both sides, your device comes with an aluminium alloy hook and is part of the repair programme. Please enter the serial number and other required information in the section below to participate in the repair programme.

If you cannot tell which type of the hook that your device has, enter the serial number in the box below to find out whether you are eligible for the repair. The serial number is located on the side of the base of the scooter with the prefix SN.

Martynet

Stop buying cheap **** escooters and you won't have problem like this. Decent ebike cost around €2000 and more. It's same with escooters...

rubadub

Martynet wrote: »

Stop buying cheap **** escooters and you won't have problem like this. Decent ebike cost around €2000 and more. It's same with escooters...

Which brands would you recommend then?

the bikes can have good expensive components so are bound to cost more. The forks on my ebike alone are €350 to get on their own. Mine is a Lapierre and has had problems and many people forums had the same and say they should have done a recall due to a "chain suck" issue, but they did not. The problem is easily overcome with a cheap new chain ring -however you need bespoke expensive Bosch tools to change it, and other general bike tools, and even then most would not be comfortable doing it themselves.

It is good that they ARE doing recalls, the really crap ones would be there all day making recall notices!

If you look at bikes you will see plenty of expensive top brands doing recalls.

https://www.bikeradar.com/recall/

I have a bosch ebike battery and was thinking of making my own safety cut off switch to cut power to the charger if the battery gets too hot.

beauf

Martynet wrote: »

Stop buying cheap **** escooters and you won't have problem like this. Decent ebike cost around €2000 and more. It's same with escooters...

Makes little sense.

Its a recall, which is exactly what you want. Happens to cars all the time and they aren't cheap.

Martynet

From cheaper brands and small scooters, I can recommend ETWOW or ZERO. Bigger machines - Dualtron, Rion or Weped. Dualtron is probably on top of all. They are fun to ride and much safer than smaller scooter, especially on irish roads. The bigger problem with escooters is that most of them ARE NOT fully waterproof, like ebikes or electric motorbikes. And you have to improve waterproofing yourself, which is pain in the a**. I know that Dualtron Thunder is IPX54, which is fine for light rain and wet road. But not ideal. Also Ninebot Max is IPX54 I think. I know that Boosted rev is IPX7, which is perfect, but I apparently it doesn't look good with Boosted brand at the momemt an they are in financial trouble. But it's great dual motor machine and probably best looking scooter at the moment. Except its range, which is a bit small. Then there is new escooter brand 8tev and their B12 model, which is IPX6 and has 12" wheels. It's perfect for irish roads I'd say and would be probably my choice if I was beginner and in the market for cheaper scooter. With every other brand you're risking water damage unfortunately. There's also few workshops around the world, which will sell you escooter and waterproof it for you too for few extra $ of course.

STEE

Whats the story with electric scooters ? Do they require a licence, tax and insurance ? Are you supposed to be on the road or can you use the footpaths

Gumbo

Massive grey area.
Officially they are a MPV so in theory they require license, tax and insurance.

liamog

See the mod note on post #1, there was a consultation conducted by the RSA, but until they are legislated for they are treated like an MPV when used on public roads within Ireland. You will need a license, tax and insurance.

Calahonda52

Gumbo wrote: »

Massive grey area.
Officially they are a MPV so in theory they require license, tax and insurance.

Its only grey due to lack of enforcement

Markcheese

Just spotted a few scooters in lidl ballyvolane ,cork .
Think it said the range was up to 8 km depending on conditions ...didn't seem massive really ...

unkel

STEE wrote: »

Whats the story with electric scooters ? Do they require a licence, tax and insurance ?

You need a license, tax, insurance and a helmet on the public road. In other words all electric scooters at the moment are illegal.

No grey area at all, this is very simple.

AhHaor

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/taxis-may-be-banned-from-some-bus-lanes-under-dublin-city-council-plans-1.4341294?mode=amp

This looks interesting. An acknowledgement that they can contribute towards sustainable travel. Looking to address safety concerns sounds like mandatory helmets. This sounds very promising