Ion DNA, one of Canberra’s most recommended electric scooter shops. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.
A little under a year ago, the ACT Government announced that e-scooters can be legally driven on shared paths and footpaths, and since then e-scooters have exploded onto the Canberra streets. You’ve seen them around town or maybe zooming around Lake Burley Griffin, being used by shoppers and commuters alike who don’t fancy a long walk between destinations – with an obvious appetite and growing enthusiasm for e-scooters, not only have vehicle retailers begun stocking them, but e-scooter shops have popped up across town.
If you’re thinking about making the switch to an e-scooter, maybe because you want to beat your Bridge to Bridge PB or you’re attracted to the positive environmental impact of electric scooters, you’ve probably got a few questions – where should I start looking for one? What brand is best? And if I need it to be repaired or serviced, who can I go to?
You’ve come to the right place – in this article, we’ll take you through some of the most important traits to look for in a great e-scooter shop and service, plus a helpful guide to some of Canberra’s best locations.
What makes a great electric scooter shop & service?
E-scooters are complex pieces of equipment that, unlike regular scooters or bikes, we shouldn’t try to repair on our own. They require trained and qualified technicians to be properly repaired, and salespeople with the proper know-how to help you choose the best e-scooter for your needs. Keep these things in mind when looking for an e-scooter shop and service:
- Thorough knowledge of the product. As with any vehicle purchase, it’s important that you are talking to someone who knows what they are doing. From sale to service, the top electric scooter shops give you quality advice with your best interests in mind.
- Transparent costs. When it comes time for your e-scooter to be serviced, make sure that your technician is being honest with you from the beginning about how much the repairs will cost you. No one likes to be surprised with additional fees once they’ve already made the commitment!
- Reliable service. Reliability is informed by multiple factors, including knowledge and transparency. A good technician will also be taking into account time constraints and provide great customer service. Look for a supplier who is making your satisfaction their priority.
The best electric scooter shops & servicing in Canberra
RiotACT’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on RiotACT and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
MadDog Scooters
One of Canberra’s newest and coolest scooter shops dedicated to electric scootering is MadDog Scooters on the Kingston Foreshore. Their staff are passionate about all things scootering, providing sales, servicing and repairs for a wide range of scooters, including brands Inokim, Mercane and Zero. They also sell all essential accessories, like security, helmets, lights and holders. One of the biggest advantages to MadDog Scooters is that they have a range of demo models, so you can try the different types before deciding what’s going to work best for you.
MadDog Scooters is located at Kingsborough Village, a short scoot away from Kingston Foreshore, with easy access to some great scooter tracks and paths through the wetlands. Or, if you’re shopping from out of town, their online store is fast, secure and easy to use.
With a personalised and enthusiastic approach to their scooters, MadDog Scooters range from the casual e-commuter wanting something small and light for scooting to the light rail or the office, all the way up to off-road electric scooters with a range of up to 100 km between charges. MadDog Scooters also offer a free first service with purchases to ensure the scooter is set up properly. Ongoing general maintenance and repairs is also included.
As satisfied customer Curtis Lunney wrote for MadDog Scooters on Google, “Went to MadDog on the weekend – only place I know that lets you test ride the scooters, not knowing much about E-scooters these guys help me pick out the right one and let me try out a few. Highly recommend.”
Kingston ACT 2604
Ion DNA
After first opening their doors in 2018, locally owned Ion DNA, was founded by former rally driver Rob Ogilvie. As president of the peak industry body for independent motor vehicle importers, the Registered Automotive Workshop Association, Rob saw an upward trend in the electric vehicle market as an opportunity.
As Australia’s first dedicated all-electric vehicle showroom, they burst onto the scene showcasing electrically powered performance cars. Fast forward five years, and this range now encompasses the full spectrum of everyday e-mobility solutions.
Conveniently located in Fyshwick, Ion DNA is an electric enthusiast’s dream. They are home to an enviable range of all-electric cars and bikes, through to skateboards and scooters.
When it comes e-scooters, this team are true experts. Ion DNA are the official stockists of multiple leading e-scooter brands such as Kaabo, Mercane, Apollo, eGlide, and more! Whether your interest lies in two wheels, three wheels, foldable, or self-balancing, their impressive range will have a make and model to suit.
Should you need some added protection while scootering, look to their comprehensive range of safety gear, presented by authorised suppliers for added peace of mind.
Ion DNA strive to provide consumers with real choice through their comprehensive range of affordable zero emission eco-friendly e-mobility devices. What’s more, they keep their customer experience front and centre of every client interaction.
The team are committed to providing exemplary service and exceptional product knowledge across the phone, web, and importantly face to face. To experience all the benefits of e-scooters for yourself, be sure to pay the team at Ion DNA a visit.
Sinch 9 shared this glowing review on Google, “Highly recommended! …. The show room has a great range of electrical vehicles from big to small. Friendly and knowledgeable staff that will go out of their way for customers which is rare these days.”
Fyshwick ACT 2609
Walksmart Canberra
Walksmart sells electric scooters, skateboards and bikes – they believe travel should be convenient, safe and affordable to combat how expensive, environmentally harmful and inconvenient other modes of transport can be. Walksmart offers free 1-hour rental of their professionally assembled e-scooters to potential buyers, as well as a one-on-one training session to learn how to ride and take care of your e-scooter properly.
As Local Guide Ross Burdon writes in their Google review, “Very knowledgeable and helpful. Sales and rentals. Gave my soon and me a free one-hour trial. Just ask!”
99 Bikes
99 Bikes, first opened in 2007 and now with locations all across Australia, stocks a wide range of e-scooter brands of the highest quality, as well as offering a comprehensive list of in-store maintenance options for your purchase. You can check out their online store, or visit one of their three Canberra locations in Fyshwick, Phillip or Mitchell.
Meg Powson wrote the following review on Google for 99 Bikes shopfront at Fyshwick, “Highly recommend 99 bikes at Fyshwick. Friendly and competent staff and terrific customer service. These guys take the time to explain everything and have awesome members only deals.”
If you’re in the market for more alternative transport options to cars and public transport, check out our articles on the best electric skateboard shops, the best electric bike shops, the best places to buy an electric car and the best bike shops and servicing in Canberra for some handy information.
Your experience with electric scooter shops & servicing in Canberra
Thanks to our commentators who have provided insightful feedback on the best electric scooter shops and servicing businesses in Canberra. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the electric scooter shops listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
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I was recently searching for the right scooter and didn’t want the generic ones you can get at jbs etc. I wanted suspension and servicing. The team at MadDog
Let me try about 6 different scooters and I ended up finding one better and cheaper than what I thought I was going to get. Even got a free first service to make sure it’s all good. So much fun!
To be fair, I do think that these scooters could be pretty convenient for short commutes around Canberra. Had the chance to test one form MadDog. Very quick and easy to ride. I do like cycles but you can get to work a bit hot and sweaty.
My partner and I have just bought 2 scooters, I tried most of the scooters in stock and wasn’t led down the path to purchase the most expensive model. Was also able to test ride them all...what a fun and informative experience. I would highly recommend MAD DOG SCOOTERS to anyone. Thanks team!
Our pleasure Jamie! We will let you know when the next group ride is on!
I got a mercane wide wheel pro from ION DNA the other day and would very highly recommend. A very personable and knowledgeable gent runs the place and will go to any length to make a happy customer 😊
Cookies cycles at Franklin. Has done all the work on my scooter and I bought it the day after they became legal.
Definitely Cookies Cycles in Franklin
Blake Steve John for when you break them which is bound to happen
Jamie maybe this guy can help you out
The boys at Maddog know more about scooters than the rest of the market combined.
So much fun and cheaper than renting the dodgy orange ones
NIKE: just do it
Michael Weber
Thanks for the kind words! We are here to help get you on a scooter!
Brendan Jones thoughts?
Jarrod Hughes too far for me these days to have one unfortunately
Brendan Jones
We have scooters that can go for 100km in between charging.
I'd love to get one for my teens but worried about it being stolen
Karen Hedley There are GPS trackers available for electric scooters.
Howard Maclean got an opinion?
Ivo DelosSantos Vekemans jb hi fi will price match anything they sell against anyone else, and they sell a perfectly solid range of affordable scooters such as the ninebot max.
JB HiFi rarely stocks spare parts and doesn't complete any servicing / repairs on scooters - just like a car or a bike, an electric scooters needs servicing every once in a while. I really like the fact that you can take a scooter to a person who knows a bit, and get them to help with any issues, upgrades or servicing 🙂
Ivo DelosSantos Vekemans
Mad Dog Scooters sells high quality scooters that are very maintainable with easy to obtain parts.
IMO they are better than any Ninebot.
No I grew up
😆 no I haven't bought one, I don't buy things just because it's a popular fad.
Andrea C’mon, get amongst it. Do it for capitalism!
Andrea Mya Riboust
Great way to get around Canberra. Also very fun.
#mad_dog_scooter
Very professional, sound knowledge of their product. They helped me buy the right scooter for me rather than selling me the most expensive one in the store.
I highly recommend Maddog scooters and would happily buy from them again!
I got mine from Cookies Cycles in Franklin, and was very happy with the service. I know a few other who have all gone to see Cookie too - all happy. Definitely recommend.
Really hard to find pneumatic tyre scooter services in Canberra
Rodney TatStan
PM us for any assistance. 😎
Number 1 on the list for a reason!!! Mad Dog Scooters 💪😎 Mitch Bannink, Stephen Ning you guys are the best! We solider on 2021💥
Charlie Crowther as well! 😁💪🏻
Stephen Ning sorry I forgot about Charlie I now he is part of the team down there also! 👊 Great work you are all doing there and with out the team work comes no reward.
I truly commend you all on having faith in Inokim & we keep working together to make it better than ever into the future.😊
Look out for the new Australian Electric Vehicle Association website launching in early 2021. Covering all modes of electric vehicles in Canberra #netzeroemissionsby2045 #cutemissionsgoelectric #zeroemissionsEVenture2021
Anneliese Yee this will help
Anneliese Yee
Anything you need help with ?