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.”
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.”
Ion DNA
Ion DNA is Australia’s first independent showroom dedicated to electric vehicles. They are the official stockists of multiple leading e-scooter brands such as Kaabo Electric Scooters and eGlide, and believe in quality service as much as they do in quality products.
Happy customer Michael MacDonald wrote the following about their experience with Ion DNA in this Facebook review, “Took my family out to test drive an electric vehicle today and Rob was great, very helpful and informative. Knows his stuff and is generous with his knowledge and time.”
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do e-scooters work?
E-scooters are battery powered. When you buy an e-scooter for the first time, you will be provided a charger and can use a standard outlet, and many models even have a portable battery that you can bring with you while you ride, just in case you need to replace the battery on short notice. On average, it takes about 4-5 hours to charge a scooter from 0% to 100%.
Are e-scooters good for the environment?
Absolutely. Not only will you be reducing road traffic by switching to an electric scooter (which are now allowed on shared footpaths in the ACT), but you will be reducing fuel emissions as e-scooters are battery powered.
Are e-scooters expensive?
E-scooters are certainly an investment, but to make up for the expensive first purchase e-scooters are relatively inexpensive to maintain. In addition, given that e-scooters run on batteries, you will save enormous amounts of money on petrol.
Is it easy to ride e-scooters?
Yes. Given their low centre of gravity and weight, e-scooters are very stable. Once you've kicked off, you'll use an accelerator button and a brake to control your speed. In addition, your provider will give you a quick tutorial on how to ride an e-scooter before you buy it, to make sure that you are 100% comfortable.
How can I use public e-scooters?
In Canberra, there are two brands of e-scooters available for public use - Neuron and Beam. To use them, simply find one out in town, download their respective apps to turn the bike on, and get going! Keep in mind, public e-scooters have a minute-by-minute charge, so keep track of that when you use one.
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