You’ve finally bought your electric scooter. You’ve taken it for a spin, felt the wind in your face, and experienced the freedom of zipping around. However, as you get comfortable with your new ride, you may start to notice that the basic setup doesn’t quite get everything you need for your ride. Maybe you need a place to store your phone for navigation, or perhaps you’re worried about theft when you go to a store.
This is where the world of electric scooter accessories comes in. Just like a car or a bike, the right accessories can transform your riding experience from basic to brilliant. While customising your setup may not be all about being cool (though that is a nice perk), it is about safety, practicality, and ensuring that your ride can stand up to the unpredictable weather conditions of the UK.
In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about accessorising your ride. From being legal on UK roads to keeping your ride secure, we will explore the essential accessories that you should consider.
Why Electric Scooter Accessories Matter
Essentially, when you buy an electric scooter, you are buying a great piece of engineering that is meant to get you moving. However, the manufacturers have generally tried to keep their standard models simple and streamlined to keep prices low and weights down. This means that, although the scooter will work perfectly well, it may not have all the creature comforts or safety features that you need.
First and foremost, accessories are all about safety. The roads in the UK are busy, and safety is paramount. The more lights you have, or the higher visibility clothing you wear, the better chance you have of being seen by a motorist. Similarly, safety gear such as helmets and gloves is not optional when you are riding your scooter and need to protect yourself in case of a slip or fall.
Secondly, accessories are about comfort and convenience. Adding a bag or hook to your stem allows you to carry all your gear without the weight and discomfort of wearing a backpack.
Lastly, there is the issue of longevity. Accessories such as mudguards are essential if you want to keep your scooter in good working condition. The UK weather is notorious for being wet and dirty, and you will need to protect your scooter from the elements. Similarly, having the right tools and equipment, such as a pump and sealant, will mean that if you get a puncture, you will not be stuck miles from home.
UK Road Safety & Legal Requirements for E-Scooter Accessories
When it comes to the legalities of electric scooters in the UK, there are a few things to consider, but the safety requirements are easy to follow. Although private e-scooters are not currently legal to use on UK roads (unless part of a government trial), the safety requirements are the same no matter where you are riding your scooter. So, if you are using a rental scooter in a trial area or riding your private scooter on private land, safety is always the main concern.
When it comes to accessories, the first thing you will need is a helmet. Although this is not currently a legal requirement for the use of electric scooters in the UK, as it is for motorcyclists, it is a universal recommendation for safety. Head injuries are the most common type of serious injury that occurs in the case of electric scooter accidents, and a good helmet can prevent this.
Visibility is another important factor to consider when riding your electric scooter. If you are riding in low light, having working lights on the front and back of your scooter is a must. Most electric scooters have this fitted as standard, but these are usually positioned low to the ground. Adding some extra lights to the helmet or the handlebars can really make you stand out, especially on those dark winter afternoons.
Another important factor is having a form of audible warning on your electric scooter, such as a bell or a horn, similar to a bicycle. This can be useful in alerting pedestrians and other road users of your presence, especially on blind corners and in built-up areas. Most electric scooters have a bell fitted, but having a louder electric horn can be a good idea if you are riding in a noisy area.
Types of Electric Scooter Accessories Available
The market for electric scooter accessories is vast, catering to every type of rider, from the casual weekend cruiser to the daily commuter. To make it easier to navigate, we can categorise these accessories into a few main groups.
Storage and Transport
This category is all about carrying your stuff. It includes handlebar bags, stem bags, and even hooks that clamp onto the upright post. These are perfect for carrying your charger, a lock, your wallet, or a small water bottle.
Safety Gear
This includes everything you wear or attach to the scooter to keep you safe. Helmets, gloves, knee pads, and elbow pads fall into this category. It also includes visibility aids like reflective vests, additional lights, and turn signals.
Security
Electric scooters are valuable and portable, making them targets for theft. Security accessories include heavy-duty locks (U-locks, chain locks, or disc brake locks) and alarms. Some riders even opt for GPS trackers to keep tabs on their scooters’ location.
Maintenance and Upkeep
These are the tools that keep your scooter running smoothly. This includes air pumps for pneumatic tyres, puncture sealant (slime), multi-tools for tightening loose bolts, and cleaning kits to keep the mud at bay.
Tech and Gadgets
For the tech-savvy rider, there are phone mounts, action camera mounts, and even upgraded displays. These accessories help you integrate your digital life with your ride, whether it’s for navigation or recording your journey.
Essential Safety, Security & Performance Accessories Explained
Now that we have covered the broad categories, let’s dive deeper into the specific accessories that provide the most value for UK riders.
The Helmet
As mentioned, this is non-negotiable. You don’t need a full-face motorcycle helmet for casual riding, but a standard bicycle helmet might not offer enough protection for higher speeds. Look for helmets specifically designed for e-scooters or e-bikes, as they often provide better coverage for the back of the head.
The Heavy-Duty Lock
A flimsy cable lock can be cut in seconds. For an electric scooter, you want a D-lock (also known as a U-lock) or a heavy chain lock. The goal is to secure the scooter to an immovable object. If your scooter has disc brakes, a disc lock is a great secondary security measure that prevents the wheel from turning.
The Phone Holder
Navigating with one hand is dangerous. A sturdy phone holder that clamps securely to your handlebars is essential for using GPS. Look for one with vibration dampening to protect your phone’s camera and ensure it holds the device tightly, even over bumps.
Puncture Prevention
There is nothing worse than a flat tyre halfway through a ride. If your scooter has air-filled tyres, carrying a portable electric pump is a game-changer. Additionally, using tyre sealant fluid can automatically seal small punctures as they happen, allowing you to keep riding without even noticing you ran over a thorn or shard of glass.
Waterproofing Gear
Given the British weather, keeping dry is a challenge. While you shouldn’t ride through deep puddles, a waterproof cover for your scooter’s dashboard (if it’s not already water-resistant) can prevent electrical damage. For yourself, waterproof gloves are excellent for maintaining grip and warmth when the temperature drops.
Upgraded Lighting
Stock lights are often positioned quite low. A rechargeable headlight that attaches to the handlebars provides a better beam angle, illuminating the path further ahead. A flashing rear light attached to your backpack or helmet ensures you are seen from a higher vantage point by vehicles approaching from behind.
Why Buy Electric Scooter Accessories from Rapid Scooter
When it comes to upgrading your ride, where you buy matters just as much as what you buy. At Rapid Scooter, we are more than just a retailer; we are enthusiasts with a passion for everything electric. We understand the specific needs of UK riders because we are UK-based ourselves, located conveniently near central London on the Kilburn High Road.
We stock an extensive range of accessories tailored to all types of use, from high-performance modifications to essential safety gear. Because we also operate a specialised repair centre, our team has hands-on experience with nearly every model and brand. We know which accessories fit best, which ones last the longest, and which ones provide the best value for money.
We don’t just sell you a box and send you on your way. We offer the utmost care to all our customers, ensuring you get the right advice for your specific scooter. Whether you need help choosing a lock that fits your frame or advice on the best helmet for your riding style, our experts are here to help.
By choosing Rapid Scooter, you are joining a revolution. We are committed to helping you find your perfect electric setup, ensuring your ride is safe, comfortable, and tailored exactly to your needs. So, whether you are looking to boost your safety, increase your storage, or just make your ride look unique, explore our range and let’s go electric together.
