How Much Do Electric Scooters Cost to Buy and Maintain? A Comprehensive Guide by Lattis

August 3, 2023

In our journey towards advancing sustainable mobility, electric scooters have become a crucial part of our conversation. As we collaborate with various operators on our Lattis platform, a recurring question is: “How much do electric scooters cost to buy and maintain?”

Electric scooters are not only more eco-friendly compared to cars (check our in-depth comparison here) but they are also a cost-effective choice.

So, what’s the initial cost to purchase and maintain these scooters? How does our platform contribute to reducing maintenance expenses? Let’s dive into the details:

The Standard Price of an E-Scooter for Shared Purposes

Your budget, location, and fleet size will influence the type of scooter that's best for your shared fleet. A sharing-ready premium scooter will generally range from US$700 to US$800 per unit, excluding shipping and importing fees.

For those who need a more economical option, lower quality units are available from US$200 to US$500. Many Lattis clients prefer higher quality vehicles for long-term use, but alternatives are available.

Considerations When Assembling Your Fleet

Building a fleet of scooters requires proper planning. Here’s what you should keep in mind:

  • Spare Parts: Order extra parts such as kickstands, brake levers, cables, wheel covers, spare motor controllers, batteries, etc.
  • Spare Batteries: Aim for 20% of your fleet volume’s worth of spare batteries, rather than the often-recommended 50%, by implementing effective operational procedures.

The Expense to Maintain Your Fleet

Much like maintaining a car, shared scooters require regular “tune-ups”. This includes brake calibrations, motor replacements, tire/wheel assembly replacements, alignments, and system checks.

These associated costs, varying according to your specific business factors, contribute to the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).

Dealing with Shipping and Import Costs

Bulk shipping can be complex and expensive. Here’s a rough guide:

  • Shipping: Depending on destination and volume, expect per-container costs between US$1,800 to US$5,000, and final mile shipping between US$500 to US$3,500.
  • Import costs: Vary by country and can sometimes double your costs. A customs broker can help you find the best rates.

Making Scooters Shareable Through IoT

Lattis recognizes the importance of integrated IoT devices in making scooters shareable. Add-on IoTs can range from US$60 to US$200 per unit.

How Lattis Software Reduces Costs

Lattis focuses on extending vehicle longevity, reducing replacement costs, and minimizing repair fees. Our platform offers:

  • Education: Pre-ride safety tutorials to educate riders.
  • Safety Measures: A Safe Ride feature to ensure responsible riding.
  • Efficient Battery Management: Through our Lattis Operator App.
  • Fast Support: Quick turnaround on support tickets.

Where to Purchase E-Scooters at Competitive Prices

Eager to start with your e-scooter fleet? Lattis provides extensive guidance and resources to find the right solutions for your needs. Explore our offerings here.