My EKS-perience

By VW Joselito Bulawin, PDDGM (305)

As a child, riding a kick scooter was the next big thing for me after learning how to walk. So, seeing for the first time an electric kick scooter (EKS) immediately caught my attention.

It happened in 2018 when I was driving home from work that I passed someone riding a Xiaomi EKS. I asked him how he got it and was told he bought it online. I searched the internet and found several EKS sellers of different kinds but was disappointed because these were mostly Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) types and not reputable brands. At that time Bird & Lime electric kick scooter rentals in the US was becoming popular as the “last mile ride” for city dwellers.

I finally settled with an Inokim eco-scooter; an Israeli brand manufactured in China. The Inokim Quick 3 Super became my first EKS ride. It has top speed of 30kph and a battery range covering between 35 to 45kms. For a while I enjoyed riding it on weekends until we were introduced to the Dualtron of Minimotors. After some bench-marking I found it to be one of the best and a new variant of this Korean Brand, the Thunder, is set to be released in a few months. I checked around and found the exclusive distributor of Minimotors in the Philippines. After 2 months, the Unit’s first batch finally arrived, and I was Dualtron Thunder owner No. 1 in the Philippines. The Korean DT is like the Ferrari of all EKS with the following specifications: 5,200 watts dual hub - meaning it has motors on both wheels (other EKS have only 1 Daltron motor in the rear tire) and a top speed of 100 kph! The specs literally blew up my mind!

My job assignment in 2018 often requires me travelling to Palawan so I decided to bring my EKS in the island believing I will enjoy it better there than in Metro Manila. And I was sooo right!

Riding the Thunder in the province made me feel like a movie star! People watched with amazement, some clapped theirs hands, other folks shout excitedly, children run after me with glee because it is entirely new to their eyes. Traffic enforcers flag me down not to be apprehended but to answer how much it is worth, how long does the battery last, and other curious questions. But what took their breath away is when I tell them its price (which is always half of the real price) Hahaha!!!

Riding an EKS gives you the feeling of exhilaration and a different kind of adrenaline rush. I used it only for short rides around the city but in the province especially during weekends I use it for long rides and get to enjoy riding on top speed.

During Covid-19 quarantine period last year, there was an increase of EKS users in Metro Manila as it became an alternative mode of transportation to make up for the scarcity of public transportation. This was a positive development to the EKS community as it gained acceptance by MMDA to be used in EDSA and other local governments followed suit. But is owning an EKS similar to owning a motorcycle or a bicycle?

1. It runs on battery and therefore water is its number one enemy. You can’t ride it in the rain because once water gets in, it corrodes the batteries and disrupt the battery management system which is the nerve center of an EKS. The battery being the heart of the EKS is very expensive. If properly taken care of it will last for 5,000 charging cycles. Each battery charge cost only about 30 pesos per full charge. Normal charging time runs around 4 - 6 hours depending on your EKS. The Dualtron Thunder needs at least 16 hours until it is fully charged. 2. Speed and power range varies with the weight of the rider. The heavier the rider, the more power is required. Most EKS have 200 lbs. weight limit. 3. A mid-range EKS can be folded and carried on buses and trains. Likewise, some offices allow the EKS riders to bring their units inside their office. 4. Being run on battery power, the EKS helps by way of zero carbon dioxide emissions thus helping reduce air pollution caused mainly by fossil fuels.

1. Buy your EKS from a reputable store which also offers aftersales services. A good scooter has a price tag ranging from 20,000 php to 350,000.00 php. 2. Wear a helmet. This is not subject to negotiation. If your EKS runs more than 20kph, get a full-face helmet. As they always say in the EKS community, buying an FF helmet is cheaper than paying a plastic or brain surgeon to patch up your head in case of

accident. Price of full faced helmets range from 3,000 php – 20,000 php depending on the brand. 3. Wearing knee pads and arms protection offers added safety to the rider. 4. Visibility is Safety - Make yourself visible especially at night. Buy lots of bicycle lights to lit up your EKS. Wear bright colored shirts when riding. 5. Learn how to take out the tires in case of flat tires. I have to ship my Thunder back to Manila just to have it vulcanized as no vulcanizing shop will do it in Palawan because they don’t know how to take out the tire. 6. Use both hands when driving. Don’t ride the EKS like it has 4 wheels. Unlike bicycles and motorcycles where you can drive with one hand, EKS requires both hands to be always on the handle-bar. Riding standing up in any given speed is precarious and prone to crashes. 7. Ride safely and responsibly. Always observe road courtesy.

At 59 years old, I will still continue to ride the EKS for a few more years, looking forward to seeing more Brother Travelers on the road.