'Rules, Regs and Requirements

Electric Scooters and Bikes are powered by lithium-ion batteries. Although generally considered to be stable and safe, there have been some well-publicised exceptions, and the results can be both spectacular and catastrophic.

Use The Correct Charger

It is extremely important to use ONLY the charger supplied with the scooter. This will have been tested and approved for use with the battery your vehicle contains. Many battery fires can be traced back to incorrect or defective chargers.

Do Not Charge Unattended

We have a company policy of NO overnight charging. We advise the same for anyone charging anything at all, from scooters to power tools. Chargers are designed to switch off when the battery is charged. But if this mechanism fails, overcharging could result, however unlikely. Set a timer and unplug when charged.

Charge in a cool and well-ventilated area and on a hard and non-flammable surface.

Chargers will get warm when charging and this is normal. Make sure your charger has the best environment to operate efficiently by not charging in very hot or very cold areas, and make sure your charger has the best opportunity to dissipate heat. Never cover or insulate your charger.

If you notice any smells, emissions, swelling or noises from your battery STOP charging!

If it is safe to do so, move your battery and/or vehicle to a clear and open area where it can do no damage if it experiences a ‘Thermal Runaway’ event (Goes ‘up’). It will also be easier for firefighters to tackle. Be aware that a damaged battery entering its thermal runaway phase can change state and become dangerous very quickly. Do NOT take chances!

It is extremely unlikely you will experience a battery fire event, but it is not impossible. Take precautions, and if you are one of the unlucky ones, the effects will be minimised. 

Electric Scooter and Bikes are NOT to be considered waterproof, and all manufacturers without exception state that ‘Water damage will void your warranty’.

So how ‘water resistant’ are they, then?  

Almost all scooters and bikes carry an IP rating, as a measure of their resistance to Dust (the first digit) and Water (the second digit). So an IP56 rating means resistance 5 to dust, and resistance 6 to water.

This rating is gained by the manufacturer in independent testing. An X means ‘not assessed’ for that classification, i.e. IPX5 means ‘not assessed for dust, assessed ‘5’ for water.

Testing is standardised and done in a laboratory. For example, IPX5 rating means resistant to ‘Low-pressure water jets from any direction’.

How does that work in the Real World?

We advise you of the IP rating we have been given by the manufacturer. We have NOT independently tested and verified it ourselves. In reality, we have found considerable variance between scooters of the same rating, and even among the same model of scooters, in real-world scenarios. They are nearly always LESS WATERPROOF.

Our Real-World advice as a retailer is ‘Avoid exposure to water wherever possible, and minimise exposure when unavoidable’. Meaning:

• Sit out heavy downpours under shelter. Avoid riding in these conditions.
• Do NOT leave your scooter outside in the rain 
• Do NOT ride through standing water
• And absolutely NEVER expose your scooter to salt water. It's a killer!

The takeaway here is that a higher IP rating is likely to be RELATIVELY more weatherproof, RELATIVE to other scooters. But true waterproofing is still not a reality, and we strongly advise that you take any IP rating with a large pinch of salt and do not 100% rely on it. Take additional measures such as waterproof covers and shelters in adverse weather, and consider the train, bus, an Uber or a lift from a mate if the weather turns wet on you.  We look forward to a time when all scooters are 100% waterproof, but that time is not yet, and this advice comes to you based on many years of experience and seeing the real-world effects of water damage on scooter electronics!

The maximum range is a figure provided by the manufacturer, and is usually based on a 60kg max rider, on a flat track in ideal conditions e.g. no wind, constant speed. Real-world factors like hills, heavy acceleration, higher speeds and heavier riders will heavily impact the achievable range. For a more accurate figure of range expectation for you personally, refer to this calculator

https://electrotraveller.com/electric-scooter-range-calculator/

Where can you ride? Important things to consider:

Laws and enforcement of those laws affecting use of personal electric vehicles (scooters, ebikes, electric motorbikes) are subject to change in NZ. To the letter of the law at the time of this updated notice (April 2025), The NZTA advises vehicles producing over 300w power output are not compliant to use on public roads, pavements and cycleways. The degree to which that is enforced seems to vary a lot, and from experience, seems to depend on how the vehicle is operated. Public and personal safety are considerations to take seriously. ALL our products are sold on the basis that the new owner takes full responsibility and liability for the operation of their vehicle, and Electric Scooter Shop Limited, its owners and its staff take no liability for the use of any product purchased from us. That means that technically the majority of products are sold ‘off-road use only’. 

How can you help?

We have engaged with the NZTA via the Minister For Transport with a proposal that all power output restrictions and classifications become nullified in favour of a speed-limit regime across all areas in which ebikes and escooters can operate. We feel it is far more easily enforceable, and does not prejudice those who need a little extra power to get themselves around, whether that be through being a bigger rider, or living somewhere not dead flat (which is most of New Zealand). We invite you to also advocate through your local MP and also the AA (who have made an almost identical proposal under their own volition) to push for more favourable regulation of our preferred means of transport. We know we are doing the right thing!

Riding Safely:

At the time of writing (April 2025), helmets are not compulsory for escooter use. We do however VERY strongly recommend use of a helmet at all times, preferably a full-face option for maximum protection, as well as use of gloves and full-length protective clothing. NEVER take your hands off the handlebars when operating your scooter, and ‘share with care’ wherever you ride.

What are the recommended charging safety rules for electric scooters and e-bikes?

We recommend always using the manufacturer-supplied charger and charging your device in a dry, well-ventilated area. It is important to place the scooter on a hard, non-flammable surface, such as a concrete garage floor, rather than on carpet or near soft furnishings. Ensuring the charging port is completely dry before connecting the power is a vital step in preventing electrical shorts and protecting your battery’s long-term health.

Why shouldn’t I charge my electric scooter unattended or overnight?

Charging while you are asleep or out of the house increases safety risks because you cannot respond quickly to a battery fault. Most chargers are designed to stop when the battery is full, but if this mechanism fails, it can lead to overcharging and potential thermal runaway. For the best "lifestyle hack" to maintain safety, we suggest:

• Timed Charging: Set a timer on your phone to remind you to unplug the device once it is fully charged.
• Active Monitoring: Only charge your scooter while you are at home and awake to ensure you can act immediately if the charger becomes excessively hot.

What should I do if the battery shows warning signs like swelling or strange smells?

Stop charging immediately, unplug the device, and move the scooter to a safe, open outdoor area away from all flammable materials. Warning signs such as swelling, leaking, acrid chemical smells, or hissing noises indicate a serious internal battery failure. If it is safe to do so, isolate the scooter on a non-combustible surface like a driveway and contact our technical workshop or emergency services for guidance.

What does the IP water resistance rating mean on an electric scooter?

An IP rating is a technical guide that indicates how well the scooter's internal components are protected against dust and moisture. The rating consists of two digits; the first (0–6) measures protection against solid particles like dirt, while the second (0–9) measures resistance to water. For example, an IP54 rating means the scooter is protected against dust and can handle light water splashes from any direction, which is a common requirement for the New Zealand climate.

Are electric scooters waterproof, and does water damage affect the warranty?

No, electric scooters are water-resistant rather than waterproof, and water damage is typically excluded from warranty coverage. Even scooters with high IP ratings are not designed to be submerged or used in heavy downpours. Our "Real World" advice for maintaining your warranty and protecting your investment includes:

• Avoid Standing Water: Never ride through deep puddles, as water can enter the motor and cause internal rust.
• Post-Ride Care: Always dry your scooter thoroughly with a towel if it gets damp to prevent moisture from seeping into the sensitive electronics.

How should I store and charge my electric scooter safely at home?

We recommend storing your scooter indoors in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays between 10°C and 25°C. Avoiding extreme heat—such as direct sunlight in a car boot—and freezing conditions is essential for preventing battery cell degradation. To keep your machine in top condition, ensure it is stored away from flammable items and that the battery is kept at approximately 50% to 80% charge if you are not using it for an extended period.