E-scooters are all the rage these days and for good reason! They’re an excellent mode of transport around town, they’re fast, convenient, and compared to other transportation modes are very affordable.
One thing that electric scooters often lacked was comfort, but many electric scooter manufacturers have stepped up to offer the ultimate comfort cruiser – The e-scooter with a seat!
There are plenty of seats being made to suit a wide range of e-scooter products.
There’s also a growing number of e-scooter manufacturers offering models with seats, with most models offering standing or seated position options.
You’ll also find e-scooter models available for adults and kids, with many manufacturers paying particular attention to the growing need for kids e-scooters, and e-scooters with seats are a popular design feature.
The range of an e-scooter varies from one model to another and most cap out at around 12-15 miles before requiring a charge.
This makes them great for zipping around town. Some more upmarket models offer larger batteries and rapid charging which gives them a little more range of around 20 miles.
Anyone who has ridden 20 miles in a standing position will know it becomes uncomfortable quickly, and this is where using a seat on your e-scooter makes sense. It transforms a long-distance journey from a leg burner to a comfortable ride around town.
How do you fix a seat to an electric scooter?
Some models of e-scooters are sold with a removable seat and post that comes with assembly instructions. Models of e-scooters that aren’t sold with a seat can often have a seat and post retrofitted and easily installed.
Aftermarket seats either use screw holes located at the rear section of the base stand or by using brackets that clamp onto the base stand.
Step-by-step guide as to what’s involved
If you’re wanting to fix a seat to your e-scooter, here’s what to do:
First, be sure to check with your e-scooter manufacturer if they have a seat and post accessory available as this will be designed to fit your exact make and model of e-scooter.
If your seat is fixed using screws, locate the correct screws and position the seat post bracket.
Use the screws to fasten the seat post to your E-scooters base stand.
Note: always use the intended thread size and screw length when fixing a seat post to your e-scooter. Using screws that are the wrong thread may cause the seat to not fasten correctly. Screws that are too long may protrude and puncture or break components under the base stand (e.g. battery, wiring).
If you’re fixing a universal seat post, then it will require a clamp or clasp mechanism that can be tightened to suit any model of electric scooter. Tighten the clamp until the seat post is firmly secured to your e-scooter.
Where can you buy electric scooter seat kits?
E-scooter seat kits are readily available online or through local e-scooter or bike retailers. It’s always worth contacting your e-scooter manufacturer to see if they have a seat accessory (many do!) as they’ll be the easiest to fit.
If you’re looking to buy a universal e-scooter seat and post kit, then search online through retailers such as Amazon.
[infoBox text=”Before purchasing, contact the supplier and check that the seat post will fit with your model of e-scooter.”]
Are saddle attachments expensive?
E-scooter seats are relatively inexpensive and are a piece of kit that you’ll likely only need to buy once. For example, Amazon sells a Xiaomi e-scooter saddle kit starting at £79.
How comfortable are scooter seats?
E-scooter seats are usually made with the same materials as most modern bicycle seats and offer the same level of comfort. Some seat posts even have built-in shock absorbers to provide an even more comfortable ride.
Safety: are these things reliable?
Most new riders on an e-scooter are more familiar with the seated position (thanks to experience riding bikes) and find it easier to use an e-scooter when seated. For those who have no experience riding in a seated or standing position, there’s little difference regarding safety concerns if you had a spill.
For e-scooters that come with a seat and post fitted when purchased, most models offer the seat and post as removable so riders can easily choose their preferred position and swap between riding positions as required (e.g. on longer rides).
The biggest safety concern for e-scooters with seats that are retrofitted is poor or improper fitting that may be loose or wobbly. If a universal e-scooter seat post is secured properly, it will be rigid and be very safe to ride.
Checking the seat is secure each time before riding also mediates any safety concerns of the seat falling or breaking off during use.
Buyer’s guide: What to look for when buying a saddle attachment for your e-scooter
The most important concern when purchasing is ensuring your saddle attachment is compatible with your model of e-scooter. Most suppliers offer a compatibility guide, and if not, contact them directly.
When purchasing online, look for a good quality model with favourable reviews from as many customers as possible. Check what materials are used in the construction and avoid models with plastic clasps or brackets as they will not be durable.
How do I know which one will fit my e-scooter?
Certain aftermarket seat posts will only suit particular models of e-scooters so be sure to check with a manufacturer or supplier before purchasing. However, many e-scooters have universally spaced screw holes in the base stand that allows for a wider range of aftermarket seat posts to be fitted.
A quick google search of your e-scooter model (e.g. ‘Xiaomi Scooter’) and seat should provide some compatible seat kits for comparison.
Check the specifications and compatibility guides carefully too, and if in doubt whether the seat post and brackets are suitable for your e-scooter, contact the seat manufacturer.
Never ever try to screw holes to the base stand of your e-scooter yourself. Most e-scooters house important equipment under the base stand such as batteries, motors, and electrical wiring. Screws that are too long or poorly positioned may puncture or damage these components and this can be dangerous.
Whether you get a universal seat or a manufacturer-specific version, they are all relatively simple to fit. It comes down to the individual rider when it comes to the latest debate of standing or sitting. At least, now there is the option.