Author: Yoav Dreifuss, COO of VMAX USA
Riding an electric scooter in Miami for several weeks has been an interesting and eye-opening experience. Miami, with its vibrant cityscape and bustling streets, offers a unique backdrop for zipping around on an e-scooter. I’ve used three different scooters here – the VMAX VX5 Pro, the VX2 Extreme and the VX4. Over these weeks, I’ve come to appreciate the nuances of the city’s infrastructure, the many things to see and discover, and the challenges posed by the local weather when riding here in the summer.
First off, the infrastructure in Miami is surprisingly accommodating for scooter riders when comparing it to other big US cities. Miami has made significant strides in recent years to become more bike and scooter-friendly. Dedicated bike lanes are common on major thoroughfares, providing a safer and more streamlined route for scooter users. These lanes are often separated from the main traffic, which is a crucial feature given the sometimes aggressive driving styles of Miami motorists. There are also signs in many places on the car lanes that allow you to use the entire lane rather than being pushed to the side – I can’t recall seeing this in other cities like Los Angeles.
However, not all areas are equally well-equipped. In some neighbourhoods, bike lanes abruptly end, forcing riders to share the road with cars and trucks, which is not that fun. Also, unfortunately some boardwalks are now closed to e-scooters and e-bikes, such as the one in Surfside, and only open to “acoustic bikes”, pedestrians and of course the many joggers (full disclosure: I’m one of them).
The scooter community in Miami is diverse and ever-growing. Every day, I encounter a wide array of riders, from high school kids riding entry level scooters on the sidewalk to adventurous folks equipped with full face helmets, speeding through on city roads alongside the many SUVs here. This mix of riders adds a dynamic social element to the experience. Luckily, car drivers are surprisingly tolerant and accommodating.
One of the more challenging aspects of riding an electric scooter in Miami is undoubtedly the weather. Miami is known for its hot, humid climate and this can make riding a scooter quite intense, especially now, during the hot summer months. Early morning and evening rides (before 7am and after 7pm) are generally more comfortable, but anything in between can be punishing unless they are really just last mile trips. The latter I usually did on my portable VMAX VX5 Pro which fits easily into my trunk.
The relentless sun beats down, and there’s little escape from the heat and humidity. I found myself frequently stopping for water breaks and seeking out shade whenever possible. On the plus side, the breeze generated while riding over let’s say 20 mph does provide some relief from the heat but the minute you stop at a traffic light, you just want to start riding again as quickly as possible. Every second counts.
Navigating the city also means dealing with Miami’s frequent rain showers. The weather can change rapidly, and getting caught in a sudden downpour is not uncommon. Riding in the rain requires extra caution, as the roads can become slick and the sidewalk and street might be flooded (last week I had to take my shoes off and wade through approximately 8” of water on a sidewalk). Even though VMAX scooters are IPX6 rated, I avoided riding when the rain intensified. Once it reached a level that reminded me of the Backstreet Boys video clips from the 90s, showing them dancing in the warm Florida rain, it was time to look for shelter and wait for the rain to weaken. After getting soaking wet once, I started to check the weather forecast before heading out.
Despite these weather-related challenges, riding an electric scooter in Miami has been incredibly fun and convenient. It’s a fantastic way to explore the city, offering a perspective that’s different from driving or walking or taking a tourist tour boat from the port. I’ve discovered hidden gems, from trendy coffee shops to beautiful parks, that I definitely would have missed otherwise. For my longer trips I used the VMAX VX4 which, with a range of 62 miles, lets me enjoy the ride without dealing with range anxiety.
Overall, my weeks of riding an electric scooter in Miami have been marked by a sense of freedom and adventure. The city’s evolving infrastructure, the bustling neighbourhoods, and the ever-present challenge of the weather all contribute to a unique and memorable experience. Whether commuting to work, running errands, or simply exploring, the electric scooter has proven to be a convenient and fun mode of transportation in Miami.
