BUY ELECTRIC SCOOTERS IN SOUTHAMPTON

WHERE TO BUY E-SCOOTERS IN SOUTHAMPTON

Written by Ed Wiles, Scootered Founder

Key Points
  • Buy from bricks & mortar store or online.
  • Limited real-world stores in Southampton.
  • E-tailers tend to be cheaper.

  • What is an e-scooter?

    E-scooters, such as those in the new Xiaomi range, are powered transporters suitable for teenagers and adults. They came to prominence in North America and Europe when scooter hire companies Bird and Lime put thousands of them on city streets. Southampton expects to launch its own hire scheme in 2021 but riding privately-owned electric scooters remains illegal, though Hampshire Police are unable to say if they have  ever confiscated an e-scooter (the vast majority of police forces have not taken any action against riders).


    Where to buy e-scooters in Southampton?

    At the time of writing (January 2021), there are very few brick-and-mortar stores selling e-scooters in Southampton (or anywhere else in Hampshire). Halfords at Shirley Retail Park does sell some highly-rated e-scooters, while Argos in the Shirley Precinct sells some less highly-rated e-scooters (as well as the Essential). The other option for Southampton residents looking to buy an electric scooter is to buy from an online retailer like Scootered. Of course, you may prefer to be able to physically see and touch your e-scooter before you buy it: and Halfords sometimes has a scooter on display.


    Why Buy From Scootered?

    Scootered was founded in 2019 with the aim of offering the best e-scooters at the best prices with a reassuring two-year, UK-based warranty. The southeast has been our biggest market but there is no reason why residents and commuters in Southampton should not benefit from our discounted scooters too. Of course, if you are buying online you could argue that it does not matter where the company is based and this is essentially true: the most important things to bear in mind are where the stock is held (it is best if the stock is housed in the UK), the warranty offered with the e-scooter and that the company is UK registered (in case something goes wrong).


    The Xiaomi 1SXiaomi 1S

    Conclusion

    Although more stores selling electric scooters may pop up in Southampton when the law changes, it is also worth noting that High Streets are transforming across the country, including in Hampshire, as consumers increasingly buy goods online. The cost of renting a shop means that brick-and-mortar retailers are forced to sell at a higher price to cover their costs, which is why so many High Street retailers have struggled against e-tailers. This is why we believe you will struggle to find a better deal in Southampton for well-regarded e-scooters, such as the Xiaomi 1S or Pro 2. Added to this, you have the peace of mind of dealing with a UK company offering full warranties.