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E-scooters are all the rage among millennials but are easy to operate for most adults after a few runs.
Words by Steve Fennell
Not all campgrounds are the same. Some only have a dozen or so sites with basic amenities while private RV resorts and those in National Parks span thousands of hectares with services, restaurants and an active community atmosphere.
The larger the RV park, the more land there is to walk its grounds. Even though resort architects strategically locate central facilities for easy accessibility, the size introduces a need for basic transportation from your RV site to the showers, pool, and clubhouse. You may also want a quick way to visit local dining and shopping options in the community outside of the park.
There are a variety of choices that are easy to ride and conveniently pull double-duty for many activities beyond your RV site. The space in your RV, truck bed or utility trailer may limit what you can bring so we have listed just a few ideas to get more mobile this season.
Bicycles
Little did the inventors of this centuries-old mode of transportation realize that it would evolve into designs with multiple gears and feather-weight carbon fibre frames or even stay true to its roots with modernized classics.
Numerous models are available for every age, skill set and level of physical capabilities. Mountain bikes are perhaps the most popular due to their versatility and reliability. They are also easy to transport with the many aftermarket bike racks.
Most importantly, mountain bikes are reasonably priced (spend as much as you want) and are easy to maintain or repair. If you prefer ‘the classics,’ many manufacturers build vintages or ‘cruisers’ based on designs of yesteryear. Better yet, buy them used and customize them to your own style. The funkier the better.
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Golf carts are another way to get around an RV park and many types of models are available.
Golf Carts
If you’re residing at a larger RV resort for a few months, golf carts are a valuable means of getting from point A to point C. While battery-powered and gas models are available, some of the benefits of the latter include ease of use, decent mileage, and enough power to manage steep grades and rough terrain (e.g. accessing a sand beach, dirt trails, etc.)
If you (or the RV park manager) prefer lower noise levels or zero emissions, a battery-powered golf cart is another option. Environmentally friendly, these quiet running carts operate on a series of 6V, 8V, or 12V batteries - depending on the voltage and amperage required - are easy to drive, and require little maintenance. Most come with lead acid batteries but lithium-ions are a great but expensive option.
Battery-powered carts may not be able to manage tougher terrain like its gas counterpart and you’ll need to manage charging times, but they are slightly less expensive. Regardless of your choice, some optional add-ons for both types of designs include multiple-seating, cargo storage, a canopy, even a sound system, LED lighting and custom graphics.
They are also easier to transport than you may think. There are a number of golf cart carriers available that can mount to the rear of a motorhome, yet they cost between $3,000 to $7,000 USD. If a carrier or purchasing a new or used golf cart is not in your budget, rentals may be available near the RV park you’re visiting.
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E-Bikes are a great option to consider and depending on the model, they offer ‘power assistance’ when needed.
E-Bikes
E-Bikes have been available for a number of years but have recently increased in popularity due to advancements in technology, which has resulted in longer range, ease of use, and reliability. In general, e-Bikes are well, just like riding a bike but they use power supplied from a battery (usually mounted mid-frame) to a motor that essentially moves it forward.
One popular style is what is called pedal-assist. Although some pedalling is required, the e-Bike’s motor activates when additional effort is needed to continue forward. Think of getting a push when you don’t have enough energy to get up a steep grade.
This makes them very RV-friendly for accessing facilities, visiting friends in a campground, or doing groceries in the local community. The batteries are also known to have a long life since some pedalling is involved and it isn’t used to capacity during use. What’s more, they can be outfitted with aftermarket upgrades such as racks, heftier tires and more.
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No space in your RV for an e-Bike or e-scooter? Several racks are available for a variety of RVs.
‘Full-throttle’ e-Bikes are also available and unlike pedal-assist models, they feature a thumb or twist throttle. This activates the power from the motor and battery to accelerate without the need to pedal, similar to certain types of mopeds or scooters. However, some models do require pedalling to about 10 kph (6 mph) before being able to engage the throttle.
Since they use 100 percent of the power from the motor and battery, charging times naturally increase. So, be sure to have the ideal size and type of battery to accommodate the range that you need.
Canada doesn’t yet have a class rating for e-Bikes and traffic laws vary from province to province. For instance, in Ontario, an e-Bike output can’t exceed 500 W or a speed of more than 32 km/h (20 mph).
E-Scooters
E-scooters – or electric scooters - are all the rage among Millennials and Zoomers. However, with a little practice, they can be used by most teens and adults to get around an RV park or leisurely cruise along paved paths.
Models vary in design and there are a number of choices. Yet, at the heart of most e-scooters are the battery, motor, throttle and controller. Handlebars, brakes, suspension, wheels and deck simply reinforce the quality of the ride.
They simply operate by twisting the throttle on the handlebar, which activates the controller and battery. Energy is then delivered to the motor (mounted on the wheel hubs) and the gears then rotate to accelerate the e-scooter.
Raul De-Los Santos
Fun for the family. Explore the RV park or easily visit a local area with an e-scooter.
To use, simply place one foot on the deck and ‘push-off’ with the other while twisting the throttle. This starting procedure will come very naturally after some practice. Plus, they are an easy, fun means to cruise in a campground.
Although space and weight are always important among RVers, most (if not all) models have folding handlebars that offer easier transport. However, some scooter frames can weigh as much as 11 kg (24 lbs). So, before you purchase one, determine the specifications especially if you own a class B or smaller trailer.
If space rather than weight is an issue, designated RV scooter racks are available. Some have capacities of up to 500 pounds that can be used to accommodate a variety of bikes, dirt bikes, and even motorcycles.
Other aftermarket products include e-scooter carrying straps, bags/covers, drink and smart device holders, and rear-view side mirrors, just to name a few. Of course, helmets are always essential and protective gear is recommended.
The options to cruise within or beyond a large RV park have never been more impressive. There are several choices for practically every budget and most can be transported fairly easily. Once you find the best means of getting more mobile, you’ll appreciate the time savings and convenience of going further with little effort. This, in turn, will provide even more enjoyable times on the road.