Are Electric Scooters a Good Option for Students In NZ? (2024)

Electric scooters are lithium battery powered vehicles that’s designed to get you from point A to point B in a smooth and efficient fashion. It’s portable design makes it a perfection option for students who are looking for a more efficient way of getting around campus. An entry level electric scooter has pretty much all of the features required by a University Student in New Zealand, with a top speed of around 30km/h and a range of anywhere between 30-65kms in one charge.

For more information on Electric Scooter Specs: Check out this post: How far can an Electric Scooter go in One Charge?

Why are so many students Choosing E-Scooters?

The simple answer is that electric scooters makes commuting to and around campus so so easy. It saves students tonnes of time and energy.

Pros

• Makes commuting around campus efficient and enjoyable – Never have to worry about being late to classes. Allows you to easily commute to places further away during breaktimes that you wouldn’t be able to reach in time without an electric scooter.
• Shorten your commute times to campus – Whether that’s commuting from home straight to campus, or riding your electric scooter to a bus stop / train station. Electric scooters can be brought with you on buses and trains in New Zealand as long as you own the electric scooter and it is collapsible (which most models are).
• Electric Scooters are also great tools for commuting in general – They can save you from the long traffic hauls and the large bulk of money spent on fuel.

If you are considering purchasing an electric scooter – check out our top 10 recommendations in 2024: Best Commuting Electric Scooters in NZ

Cons

• Electric scooters are not waterproof – although the majority of electric scooters these days are sufficiently water resistant, they are not 100% resistant to rainfall. Utilising electric scooters in the rain runs the risk of damaging electrical components. Read our full guide on using electric scooters in the rain.

Price

Electric Scooter rental service providers such as Lime and Beam are great options for students who use electric scooters irregularly. They are extremely efficient as they’re scattered all across majority of NZ campuses and can be dropped off wherever your destination may be. However, there costs can quickly add up and it may be more cost effective to purchase an entry level electric scooter instead. For example, Lime charges $1 to unlock their electric scooter, and 0.48¢ for every minute used – a 10 minute commute will cost you $5.80.

On the other hand, an entry level electric scooter that gets the job done will costs you anywhere between $600-$900. You also run the option to quite easily sell the electric scooter on TradeMe or Facebook Marketplace after you no longer need it.

Maintanance

You have the freedom to be a lot more reckless with rental electric scooters, such as using them in a heavy downpour, going over large bumps, taking them on rough road conditions. With an owned electric scooter, you’ll have to take proper care of it. The good thing is that electric scooters requires minimal maintanance – you’ll only have to worry about keeping the tires at a good air pressure and making sure the brakes are adjusted properly.

Commuting

Owning an electric scooter means you can bring it with you onto public transport, making commuting to campus much quicker.

Electric scooters offer a convenient and efficient way for students to navigate around campus and commute to and from their classes. The decision between renting and owning an electric scooter largely depends on individual needs and usage patterns. Renting is ideal for occasional use and provides flexibility without the responsibility of maintenance. However, if you find yourself relying on an electric scooter regularly, investing in your own may prove more cost-effective and offer greater convenience in the long run. Regardless of the choice, electric scooters can significantly enhance the daily commuting experience, making it easier and more enjoyable.