Your electric scooter is just the beginning. The right gear and accessories transform a basic ride into a safe, comfortable, and convenient experience. Whether you're a daily commuter or weekend explorer, investing in quality gear protects you while accessories extend your scooter's capabilities.
This guide covers everything from essential safety equipment to useful upgrades that enhance your riding experience across Australian conditions.
Safety Gear: The Non-Negotiables
Before discussing convenience accessories, let's cover the safety gear that every rider should own. These items aren't optional—they're fundamental to responsible riding.
Helmets: Your Most Important Investment
A helmet is legally required in most Australian states and is your primary protection against serious injury. But not all helmets are equal for e-scooter use.
Helmet types for e-scooter riders:
- Bicycle helmets (AS/NZS 2063): Lightweight, well-ventilated, suitable for speeds up to 25km/h. Good for most commuter scooters
- Skateboard helmets: Better rear coverage, often more stylish, similar protection level to bicycle helmets
- Full-face helmets: Maximum protection for high-performance scooters; protects chin and face in crashes
A helmet should sit level on your head, covering your forehead without tilting back. The straps should form a "Y" under each ear. When fastened, you shouldn't be able to fit more than two fingers between the strap and your chin. If it moves when you shake your head vigorously, try a smaller size.
Gloves: Hand Protection
In a fall, your instinct is to catch yourself with your hands. Gloves protect against road rash and absorb impact. Look for:
- Palm padding: Extra protection where you'll hit the ground first
- Knuckle reinforcement: Hard or soft armour for impact protection
- Grip enhancement: Textured palms for better handlebar control
- Touch-screen compatibility: Allows phone use without removing gloves
Cycling or motorcycle gloves work well. For Australian summers, look for ventilated designs that don't sacrifice protection for airflow.
Eye Protection
At 25km/h, insects, dust, and wind become genuine hazards. Options include:
- Clear safety glasses: Essential for night riding, protect against debris
- Sunglasses: Polarised lenses reduce glare during day riding
- Photochromic lenses: Adjust to light conditions, versatile for varied commute times
Visibility Accessories
Being seen is being safe. While many scooters include basic lights, upgrading your visibility gear significantly reduces collision risk, especially in urban traffic.
Lighting Upgrades
Stock scooter lights are often minimally adequate. Consider supplementing with:
- High-powered headlight: Look for 500+ lumens for actual path illumination, not just being seen
- Rear flasher: Flashing modes are more attention-grabbing than steady lights
- Side lights: LED strips or spoke lights provide lateral visibility
- Helmet light: Moves with your head to look around corners and into traffic
- Front light: Angled slightly down to illuminate path without blinding others
- Rear light: At driver eye height when possible (backpack mount works well)
- Multiple lights: Gives depth perception to observers, making distance easier to judge
Reflective Gear
Passive visibility requires no batteries and works whenever light hits you. Effective options:
- Reflective vest: The most visible option, available in various styles
- Reflective strips: Add to helmet, backpack, or scooter frame
- Reflective clothing: Jackets and bags with integrated reflective elements
- Ankle bands: Moving reflectors (from pedalling motion) are highly attention-grabbing
Security Accessories
Electric scooters are theft targets. A quality lock is essential whenever you leave your scooter unattended, even briefly.
Lock Types
- U-locks: High security, resistant to cutting and leverage attacks. Choose hardened steel with pick-resistant cores
- Chain locks: More flexible than U-locks, can secure to varied anchor points. Look for hardened chains with protected lock cores
- Folding locks: Compact when stored, reasonable security. Good balance of security and portability
- Cable locks: Lightweight but offer minimal security. Acceptable only for quick stops in low-risk areas
No lock is invincible. A quality lock buys time—usually 1-5 minutes for a determined thief with tools. Always lock to immovable objects, choose well-lit public locations, and consider your scooter's visibility to passersby when parking.
Tracking and Alarms
For additional security, consider:
- GPS trackers: Discreetly hidden devices that help recover stolen scooters. Some work with smartphone apps; others are standalone
- Motion alarms: Emit loud sounds when the scooter is moved. Deterrent effect, though effectiveness varies
- Smart locks: App-enabled locks with tamper alerts and location tracking
Comfort and Convenience Accessories
Phone Mounts
Navigation, music control, and ride tracking all benefit from a secure phone mount. Look for:
- Vibration dampening: Scooter vibrations can damage phone cameras over time
- Secure grip: Spring-loaded or clamp designs that hold phones firmly
- Quick release: Easy to attach and remove at your destination
- Weather protection: Waterproof cases for wet weather riding
Bags and Storage
Many scooters lack storage. Options for carrying gear:
- Handlebar bags: Small items accessible while riding
- Deck-mounted bags: Attach to the stem or deck for larger items
- Backpacks: Cycling-specific designs with ventilation and reflective elements
- Pannier-style bags: For scooters with rear racks or mounting points
Mirrors
Rear-view mirrors significantly improve awareness of traffic approaching from behind. Handlebar-mounted or wrist-mounted options exist. Some riders find them essential; others prefer shoulder checks. Try before committing to a specific style.
Performance Upgrades
Some accessories improve your scooter's performance rather than just adding convenience.
Tyres
If your scooter allows tyre changes, upgrading can improve ride quality. Options include:
- Puncture-resistant tyres: Kevlar-lined tyres reduce flat risk
- Tubeless conversions: Eliminate pinch flats and can self-seal small punctures
- Different compounds: Softer rubber grips better but wears faster
Suspension Upgrades
For scooters with suspension, aftermarket springs or dampers can improve ride quality. Match upgrades to your weight and riding style. This is more advanced territory—research compatibility carefully.
Seasonal Gear
Summer Riding
- Ventilated helmets: More airflow for hot conditions
- Moisture-wicking clothing: Arrive at work less sweaty
- UV-protective glasses: Protect eyes from sun damage
- Hydration: Bottle holders or hydration backpacks for longer rides
Wet Weather Gear
- Waterproof jacket: Breathable designs prevent overheating
- Waterproof overshoes: Keep feet dry when rain is forecast
- Mudguards: If your scooter lacks them, aftermarket options prevent spray
- Waterproof backpack cover: Protects electronics and work clothes
- Must-have: Quality helmet, basic gloves, U-lock or chain lock
- Highly recommended: Upgraded lights (front and rear), reflective vest or strips
- Nice to have: Phone mount, eye protection, handlebar bag
- Consider later: GPS tracker, full-face helmet (for high-speed scooters), performance tyres
Building your gear collection doesn't need to happen all at once. Start with essential safety items, then add convenience and performance accessories as you identify specific needs in your riding experience. Quality gear costs more upfront but provides better protection and lasts longer—a worthwhile investment for any serious rider.