How the Electric Scooter Helps Reduce Carbon Footprint

Sure, it’s common knowledge that premium, high quality electric scooters are becoming more and more popular as the years go by. They are not ever going to fade away. Why? Simple. E-scooters are a fast, convenient and less stressful way to get around the city. Are you aware though, that these personal mobility devices, warmly referred to as e-scooters can also help reduce one’s carbon footprint and protect the environment? You better believe it!

Let's explore how electric scooters are more energy-efficient and less polluting than cars and other modes of transportation. And while we are on this topic, we will also cite the challenges concerning electric scooters.

1. It is already a given, one of the key advantages of electric scooters is that they have no emissions and are powered by a rechargeable battery (mearth.com). This means that they do not contribute to air pollution or greenhouse gas emissions. The toxic release of gas into the environment is responsible for global warming and climate change.

According to the latest Quarterly Update of Australia’s National Greenhouse Gas Inventory (dcceew.gov.au), Australia emitted 487.1 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (Mt CO2-e) for the year to March 2022, which represents a 1.5% increase from the previous year. This increase was mainly driven by higher transport emissions, reflecting the recovery from the impacts of COVID-19 restrictions on movement.

Did you know that Australia’s per capita gas emissions were 21 tons of CO2-e, which is three times the global average and higher than the United States, Canada, and Japan? The Australian Government tracks and reports its greenhouse gas emissions through the National Greenhouse Gas Inventory. The Government has thus committed to reduce its emissions by 26-28 percent below 2005 levels by 2030.

By switching to electric scooters, you as a rider, can help reduce your share of these emissions and help make a positive impact on the environment.

2. Another advantage of electric scooters is that they are lightweight and are energy-efficient. The Mearth S entry-level commuter electric scooter weighs about 12.5 kg. Electric scooters also require far less energy to manufacture than cars, which have a higher carbon footprint when they roll off from the assembly line to the production line. In comparison, producing an average car emits about 17 percent of its lifetime carbon dioxide emissions, while producing an electric scooter only emits about 1 percent. What is the significance of this finding? Electric scooters have a lower environmental impact – 'from cradle to grave.

3. Another advantage is that electric scooters can help you save money on gas and parking fees, and this can also contribute to helping reduce your carbon footprint. 3T Another advantage is that electric scooters can help you save money on gas and parking fees, and this can also contribute to help reduce your carbon footprint.

viTo those who drive a car, you’re not at all happy parking your car in a cramped slot, if you can still man the reality is that it cannot be ignored.

While electric scooters have many benefits for reducing their carbon footprint, they also face some challenges but that can all be addressed straight away.

One of the main challenges and issues posed is that the regular or the average electric scooters are not suitable for riding under bad weather conditions. All vehicles, whether electric, gas-powered, are advised by the manufacturers as stated in the manual, not to attempt to ride under bad, unstable weather conditions as the roads may be slippery, flooded, too rough, thus rendering the trip to be unsafe. A vehicle is not a magic carpet that will miraculously carry the rider or driver in mid-air to escape potholes, a blizzard or jagged unsafe roads. No sir! Either your trip is as good as it gets, or you’re done.

Typically, electric scooters have a limited range and battery life, which depend on factors like speed, terrain, rider’s weight, and weather conditions. The average range of electric scooters is about 15 to 20 miles on a single charge, which may not be enough for some commuters or travelers who need to cover longer distances or desire to cover long range.

Superior quality and high-performing electric scooters like Australia’s homegrown brand, Mearth proactively responds to those concerns, one by one:

On the issue of battery, Mearth S, S Pro, RS, RS Pro and GTS, GTS Max Evo all have hot swappable batteries as spare, and that when fully charged, the battery serves as a back up during the trip, to ensure that the e-scooter rider does not experience getting stranded in the middle of nowhere and so that he can reach his destination fast, hassle-free. It only takes a few seconds to change the battery and the rider is ready to go, his ride uninterrupted.

On the issue of range, Mearth e-scooters are compliant with the government-mandated speed limits of every region or city, and its riders, who are also e-scooter owners, follow the basic road rules and traffic regulations.

The various models can readily cater to suit the rider’s preference: the S and S Pro commuter electric scooter is ideal for riding around the city, the RS and RS Pro, dubbed as the ultimate long-range electric scooters are best for those wanting to go the distance, and the GTS and GTS Max Evo are awesome on-and-off-terrain heavy duty electric scooters that can take on uphill climb and downhill descent smoothly and easily, perfect for adventure-seekers.

Another issue is on safety. It’s considered valid that electric scooters may pose safety risks for riders and pedestrians, especially in areas without dedicated bike lanes or regulations. It was further noted that riding the e-scooter can be deemed dangerous if riders do not wear helmets or disregard traffic rules and injuries or collisions can happen if riders do not focus or are not alert of their surroundings.

The particular set of challenges or issues mentioned are situational and highly dependent on human factors. It involves the rider’s 100 percent conscious efforts to -- remain where their riding lane is and not attempt to ignore the set limitations; diligently follow road rules and traffic regulations already set by the city authorities; wear a helmet at all times, before riding an e-scooter; focus on the what’s ahead and in front; be alert, be aware of one’s surroundings while riding.

Add to that, never, ever ride under the influence of drugs, or liquor as it can impair your judgment and slow down your reflexes to avoid mishaps, and will be unable to respond millisecond to unexpected situations.

On the issue of being green, it was observed that possibly, electric scooters may not be as green as they seem. But it all depends on how they are produced, transported, maintained, and charged. To emphasize a point, certainly, not all scooters are made equal.

To cut corners on quality by opting for clones, unbranded or fake electric scooters, you, as the buyer, are taking a risk and endangering your safety. For sure, there will be ill-fitting or out-of-stock spare parts, no available customer care to give you professional advice, no warranty and no guarantees. The promise of tip-top performance is all but sales talk. You are on your own, swimming into the deep-end. Worse, your money goes down the drain, in just a few rides.

So, on the issue of the not-so-green which is a sweeping negating impression, electric scooters that are actually used more frequently, efficiently counterbalance even the supposed ‘minute’ environmental impact from opponents.

For its part, Mearth has effectively tackled all concerns important to the actual riders Undoubtedly, electric scooters are a handy, speedy, cost-efficient and fun way to get around the city while helping you, as the rider reduces your carbon footprint and enables you too, to do your part in protecting the environment. It cannot be ignored that electric scooters are more energy-efficient and have zero-emissions as compared to cars and other modes of transportation, while they help you save money, since you no longer have the need to gas up nor scrounge for often crowded parking slots with costly parking fees.

In conclusion, it is important to find a balance between convenience and sustainability when choosing an electric scooter as an alternative means of transportation.

It is a fact that electric scooters can be a great option for short trips, and can be part of a multimodal transport system that combines different modes such as public transportation, including biking, or walking. Everytime electric scooters replace car trips or public transportation, they help reduce congestion, emissions, and energy consumption.

In the near future, electric scooters will be using renewable energy sources for charging, recycling materials for manufacturing, and implementing regulations and infrastructure for safety.

Having achieved this, we will be able to enjoy the full benefits of electric scooters, after eliminating supposed drawbacks, and thus make them a truly 'green solution' for reducing our carbon footprint.