Is it Worth it to Buy a Used Electric Scooter?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Electric scooters have risen in popularity over the last year — thanks to the pandemic – and many of them are popping up in the used market. Of course, you could always buy a new electric scooter, however, many of them cost a lot. But is it really worth it to buy a used one?

There are some advantages to buying an electric scooter

A man drives on an electric scooter in Paris. | (Photo by ERIC PIERMONT/AFP via Getty Images)

RELATED: Electric Off-Road Scooter Can Take You Anywhere

Just like buying a second-hand car, there are a few advantages to buying a second-hand electric scooter. E-Scooters detailed some of the main benefits of buying a used electric scooter, so let’s cut to the chase:

  • Better pricing: A new electric scooter can cost you anywhere between $200 to well over $1,000. But if you buy a used one, then you can own a premium brand scooter for a fraction of its original cost. That way, you won’t have to make such a huge initial investment in case you don’t like the scooter.
  • Carbon footprint: Given their non-polluting nature, electric scooters are better for the environment. However, E-Scooters notes that many scooter manufacturers are located abroad, which means there’s a huge carbon footprint left when they ship it to you. By buying a scooter from a private seller, you will lessen that carbon footprint in addition to saving that scooter from ending up in a landfill.
  • Test drive: By buying a used electric scooter from a private local seller, you’ll be able to test it out first and make sure that it’s in proper working order and that it works for you.

Here are some disadvantages for buying a used electric scooter

Close-up of handlebars and electronic data dashboard on a motor scooter.
Close-up of handlebars and electronic data dashboard on a motor scooter. | (Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)

RELATED: Easy Maintenance Keeps Your Electric Bike or Scooter Battery in Top Shape

Of course, for every positive advantage of buying an electric scooter, there are disadvantages as well. Here are some of the most obvious disadvantages when buying a used electric scooter:

  • Unreputable sellers: When purchasing a new electric scooter, it’s easy to research the seller and the product to make sure you’re getting the best service. But when you buy a used one, you could be buying it from an unreputable seller that could sell you a bunk product. It might be a rare occurrence, but it does happen.
  • No returns allowed: If you do buy a used electric scooter, then it’s more than possible that you won’t be able to return it if you don’t like it.
  • Used scooters can be worn out: Just like anything else that you can buy used, an electric scooter has probably seen its share of battle scars from the previous owner. Of course, you can always hope for the best, but be prepared to make some repairs to your new-to-you electric scooter.
  • Battery replacement: The battery on an electric scooter will wear out over time. So if you buy a used one, you’ll need to take into account that it might cost you money to replace the battery.
  • Limited buying options: If you have always wanted that Razor electric scooter, but couldn’t afford it, then you might have to wait a while before a used one pops up for sale. This goes to show that you really only have limited options when it comes to buying a used electric scooter.

Is it worth it to buy a used electric scooter?

A man rides an E-Scooter of rental company Tier.
A man rides an E-Scooter of rental company Tier. | (Photo by Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP) (Photo by TOBIAS SCHWARZ/AFP via Getty Images)

Yes and no. Both Electric Scootering and E-Scooters report that buying a used electric scooter is not a good idea considering the fact that you don’t know who you’re buying from and what the scooter might need. Unlike a used car, you can really tell how hard the last owner rode the scooter, or even how many owners it’s had.

Also, replacement batteries are expensive. So if the scooter is older than you think, you could be stuck with the bill. However, if you know the scooter’s history, and maybe even the seller, then it could be a good idea to buy a used one based on the cost savings alone.

The post Is it Worth it to Buy a Used Electric Scooter? appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

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The 2021 Land Rover Defender Is 1 of the Best Boxy Cars to Buy

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Land Rover Defender is a legend in the auto industry. It has been used in almost everything from arctic excursions to humanitarian missions in the remotest places on earth. The Defender is where power meets beauty. If truth be told, few vehicles deliver the spirit of freedom and adventure like the boxy 2021 Land Rover Defender. It’s the perfect SUV for adventure as it ties up ruggedness and the capability to form a powerful all-terrain vehicle. 

Even with its power and the permanent all-wheel-drive capability, the Defender’s interior is designed with comfort and practicality in mind. The 2021 Land Rover Defender’s design and tech features are a significant improvement from the classic Defenders. All the while, this Land Rover has been keeping the traditional adaptability and strength of the vehicle intact. 

The Land Rover Defender’s metamorphosis

MotorTrend named the 2021 Land Rover Defender the 2021 MotorTrend SUV of the Year. It’s not like they didn’t consider other sport utility vehicles such as the 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Tahoe, or the 2021 Lincoln Navigator. The Defender deservedly wins the award as it is a powerful off-roader that combines refinement and luxury. Doubling on this award, U.S. News lists the Defender as one of the best boxy cars to buy in 2021. 

As you’d expect, the 2021 Defender has metamorphosed from the old Defender that was launched in 1990 by a lot. The 1990 Land Rover was a slight facelift of the 1983 Defender 110 and 1984 Defender 90.

While the exterior of the 2021 Defender doesn’t share similarities with the old 90 and 110 models, its power and capabilities reminisce the original one. The new Defender has the DNA and soul of the original defender – no doubt. Whether it’s the Defender’s unbelievable structural rigidity or electrical systems, the capabilities of this awe-inspiring SUV are impressive. 

Should you buy the 2021 Land Rover Defender? 

RELATED: 3 Reasons Why You Need a 2021 Land Rover Defender in Your Life

According to Car Magazine, this SUV supports up to 900mm submersion in water as compared to 500mm in the old Defender. Besides that, the Defender can descend a 40-degree hill and climb a 38-degree slope effortlessly. These capabilities are absolutely out of this world.  

The latest model of the Defender comes with a three-liter turbocharged inline-6 engine. Some trim levels of the Defender feature a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 296 hp.

The Defender, as polarizing as the boxy design has been, is a complete package for off-road enthusiasts and Defender diehards. The 2021 model is a logical balance of modern comfort and vintage eccentricity. 

While the new Defender is pretty much a luxury SUV, it isn’t as fragile and precious as its Range Rover counterpart. Well, the latter is sportier and more alluring, but the modern Defender embraces contemporary iconic and futuristic designs while retaining its DNA.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender has a Pivi Pro infotainment system that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Defender also features keyless entry and supports Bluetooth 4.2 and HD radio.  

Previous Defender models had a body-on-frame set up with a tough steel body. The new version provides a unibody construction and aluminum body. The 2021 Defender has fully independent suspension, unlike its sequels which had solid axles.

With its power and modern tech features, you should consider buying the 2021 Land Rover Defender. It has nearly everything you’d want in a modern vehicle while providing excellent off-road performance. 

The boxy nature of the new Defender

If you were waiting for some solace that the 2021 Land Rover Defender has a Tesla-like interior, be prepared to be disappointed. The 2021 Defender mixes elements of the predecessor’s functionality with tech and equipment in modern vehicles. You can see exposed screw heads and rugged surfaces in the interior. Compellingly, the Defender has an aura of quality and toughness. 

Both Defender trims have a flat floor with plenty of space underneath for an assortment of storage bins. The new Land Rover embraces its predecessor’s minimalist style. There is plenty of legroom and headroom for the driver and the passengers at the rear. 

With a beautiful design and the ability to drive smoothly on regular roads and put a stellar performance on upcountry roads, the new Land Rover Defender will make its place in the hearts of many fans of the classic Defender. The SUV exudes a balance of modern tech, comfort, safety features, and classic Defender off-road performance. 

The post The 2021 Land Rover Defender Is 1 of the Best Boxy Cars to Buy appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

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Car Buying: What Safety Ratings Should You Care About?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Buying a car can be an overwhelming process. Sorting through safety ratings data shouldn’t be. Let’s take a look at what some of those car safety numbers mean, so you can choose the right car for you and your family.

Cars on a lot at a dealership | Daniel Acker/Bloomberg via Getty Images

What is standard safety equipment?

Most new cars come equipped with some standard safety equipment: seatbelts, airbags, and antilock breaks. There are some considerations to take into account when evaluating different makes and models: where are the airbags located? A safer car will have head-protection airbags which protect both the front and rear passengers in the car. All cars have front airbags, but many cars are also equipped with side airbags. Some cars even have rear-window curtain airbags designed to deploy in the event of a rear-end collision. 

Related: If Your Teen Wants an SUV, Buy Them the 2021 Subaru Forester

How are the frontal crash test safety ratings?

Both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) perform frontal crash testing on new cars. The NHTSA ratings measure an overall frontal crash, as well as crashes that impact the driver and passenger separately. It also includes an overall crash rating, which combines the frontal and side-crash results. The IIHS ratings measure the front moderate overlap, as well as driver and passenger small overlap crash ratings. Overlap testing evaluates how well a car does when part of the front strikes a barrier. 

How about side crash testing?

The IIHS ratings measure how a car does when it’s struck by an SUV going 31 MPH. The NHTSA breaks it down a little bit more, giving cars an overall side-crash test, which tests a car traveling at 17 MPH being hit by a car going 34 MPH. There is a score for the driver, left rear-seat passenger, and an overall score.

What are rollover safety ratings?

Rollover safety ratings are a major concern of SUV shoppers. The NHTSA tests the likelihood of a vehicle rolling over by calculating its top-heaviness and its maneuverability. Its tests are broken down into a Dynamic Tip Result and a Rollover Risk, measured as a percentage. The NHTSA tests 2WD and 4WD separately.

Related to the rollover safety ratings are the roof crush safety ratings. The IIHS performs this test to determine how much a roof will crush when subjected to a force four to five times its weight. A stronger roof means occupants (especially those not wearing seat belts) from being killed in an accident.

How effective are the brakes?

Brakes that work well in an emergency are one of the most important ways to avoid an accident. Two brake tests that are done include braking from 60 MPH in both dry and wet conditions. 

Do they test every car on the market?

Although neither the NHTSA or the IIHS test every single car on the market, their safety ratings can offer some insight into the safety of the car you’re considering purchasing. 

What else do they test?

In addition to front and rear crash testing, the IIHS tests head restraints, which is a factor in whiplash injuries when a car is hit from behind. It also measures the protectiveness of seats in such situations.

The post Car Buying: What Safety Ratings Should You Care About? appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

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Plug-in Hybrids Burn More Fuel Than Advertised, Research Shows

by Gabrielle DeSantis

With growing global concern over climate change, the auto industry has been focusing its efforts on the production of electric vehicles, hybrids, and plug-in hybrids. For some time, those who could afford them have been choosing hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles to do their part in reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

A plug-in hybrid | Christoph Soeder/picture alliance via Getty Images

In a new analysis from the Transport & Environment campaign group that’s supported by Greenpeace U.K., research has shown that the typical plug-in hybrid EV (PHEV) put out an average of 117g of CO2 per kilometer. In plain English, that means the PHEVs are emitting a lot more CO2 than we originally thought.

Is that different from the emissions from a gas-powered car? What’s the difference between a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid? We have all the details.

Hybrid vs plug-in hybrid

To keep it simple, hybrid vehicles have both a combustion engine and an electric motor to power them. Standard hybrid vehicles have shorter electric ranges and can’t be plugged in to charge their battery packs. The gas-powered engine keeps them charged.

Using regenerative braking, hybrids do very well in traditional stop-and-go traffic. Energy recaptured through the braking system keeps the battery for the electric motor going. On the highway, there’s not much of an advantage over regular cars. 

Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) offer bigger battery packs that you can plug into a standard 120-volt outlet or 240-volt outlet charging station. They take roughly two hours to charge using the 240-volt charging station and five to six hours using the 120-volt outlet. 

For a PHEV to offer real value, it should have a bigger all-electric range of 25 miles or more. The bigger the battery, the bigger its electric range which can equal real fuel savings. The PHEV will also cost you more because of the complexity of its system between hardware and software. 

More emissions and higher fuel costs

According to the British study, a new PHEV over its life cycle will emit an average of 31 tons of CO2 compared to 43 tons from a gas-powered car and 45 tons from a diesel. The reduction in emissions, in truth, is not so great.

According to CNBC, the paper stated that investigations revealed that PHEVs frequently switch on their engine when allegedly driving with no emissions. The evidence pointed to the fact that PHEV emissions were much closer to those of traditional vehicles than we were originally told.

The data from Transport & Environment came from roughly 20,000 PHEVs used in fleets and privately owned. The U.K. government had the data gathered as part of a consultation on halting the sale of new diesel, gas, and hybrid vehicles altogether by 2035 if not before. PHEVs, however, could be exempt from such a ban according to Transport & Environment.

Plug-in hybrids in the U.S.

According to Evadoption, as of April 2021, there are 30 plug-in hybrid models available on the U.S. market. That number includes five from BMW, three from Volvo, and two each from Audi, Kia, Porsche, Land Rover, and Toyota.

There have been other changes like the discontinuation of the Hyundai Sonata PHEV in 2020. Deliveries of the Jeep Wrangler 4xe started recently. We would have had both the Ford Escape PHEV and Lincoln Corsair PHEV by now, but both were delayed until later this year due to fires in the European Kuga PHEV systems and now chip shortages.

The Toyota Prius Prime is one of the top plug-in hybrids available today. Each model is loaded with driver assists, the cabin is cozy, and it gets great fuel economy. Toyota also offers the Toyota RAV4 which is an excellent example of Toyota’s top-shelf hybrid technology in the compact SUV class.

The Chrysler Pacifica is a well-rounded package. It not only has the hybrid system for great fuel savings, but it also has everything else you want as far as comfort, convenience, elegance, and room. The Hyundai Ioniq drives so well, you wouldn’t know it wasn’t a standard car. It looks good, drives better, and has a cabin crafted from sustainable matter.

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