How to Choose the Right Electric Vehicle: Advice From Brian at Last Mile SF

Rider on an electric skateboard coasting down a hillside road above San Francisco

Not Sure Which Electric Vehicle to Buy? Start Here.

Electric bikes, scooters, skateboards, Onewheels, electric unicycles and electric dirt bikes are all a blast to ride. They are also very different machines, and the "best" one depends entirely on how, where and how far you ride.

Brian, owner of Last Mile SF, helps people sort this out every day. Watch him walk through it, then use the quick guide below.


1. Where Are You Going to Ride?

City streets and San Francisco hills, bike paths in Marin, gravel and dirt trails, or a mix? The terrain decides tire size, suspension and motor power more than anything else.

2. How Far Is Your Trip?

A short last-mile hop to the train is a very different job than a 30-mile commute. Match the battery and range to your real daily distance, with a little room to spare.

3. Do You Need to Carry It?

Stairs, public transit and small apartments favor something light and compact, like a scooter or board. If you will always roll it in and out of a garage, a heavier, more powerful e-bike opens up.

4. How Fast and How Powerful?

More speed and power are fun, but they also mean more weight, more cost and more rules about where you can ride. Pick the performance you will use, not the biggest number on the spec sheet.

5. Who Is Riding?

Rider height, weight and experience all matter. A first-timer and a seasoned rider often belong on different machines, and kids and teens need their own sizing and safety considerations.

Key insight: The right electric vehicle is the one that fits your daily life, so you actually use it. See your options in person before you decide.

Inside the Last Mile shop with electric bikes and scooters on display
Come see them in person and talk it through with the team.

Come See Us

Last Mile has been in the electric transportation business since 2002, with shops in San Francisco and San Rafael. Stop by to look them over, ask questions and get honest advice. We service everything we sell, so you are covered after you buy, too.

Ready to browse? Explore our electric vehicles, check our service and repair rates, or find the shop nearest you.