Electric scooters are becoming increasingly popular, and there is a sizable market for them. There are scooters for a variety of terrains and conditions, whether you want something quick and tough or stylish to assist you travel to work.
Finding the finest scooter for you will ultimately rely on your unique demands, but for most people, we’d recommend the Emove Cruiser as the best electric scooter on the market. However, there are dozens of other excellent solutions for various types of riders mentioned below.
Last-mile scooters, for example, are smaller and designed for shorter distances at slower speeds, but they are simpler to transport and store. Larger scooters handle bumps better and can ride farther and faster.
The disadvantage is that they are not suitable for transporting while not in use and need a significant financial commitment. Consider how far you want to go while picking between models.
I propose an electric scooter that can get you from point A to point B and back without needing to be recharged. Scooters typically require 6 hours to charge.
Another thing to think about is how much weight you’ll be putting on the scooter. The faster the battery empties, the more weight it has to bear.
Weight also has an impact on speed; a scooter with a little 250- or 300-watt motor may not be powerful enough to get you to your destination at peak speed, especially on slopes.
More stronger 500- or 1,000-watt motors, on the other hand, need a larger battery pack to power them. A larger battery, on the other hand, results in a heavier scooter and a higher price.
When available, I’ve provided water-resistance ratings for each electric scooter. IP ratings (IP stands for “ingress protection”) indicate a product’s resistance to dust or water.
For example, if something has an IP54 rating, the first number after the letters relates to solids resistance and the second to moisture resistance.
Finally, if you intend to get into rideables, proceed with caution. Allow extra distance between yourself and automobiles as well as riders on plain old human-powered bikes and scooters.
Remember that you can move much faster, so ride and pass with caution.
Make sure your battery is charged and that your tyres are in good condition.
Most importantly, always ride with a helmet on.
What are the Best Electric Scooters?
After testing several models, we believe the Unagi Model One is the best electric scooter overall (E500).
This scooter has motors in each of its wheels, allowing it to cruise up slopes more efficiently than the other versions we examined.
The Unagi has a large, clear display, simple controls, an integrated horn, and brilliant head- and taillights.
It also boasts a stylish appearance that is guaranteed to turn attention, and as an optional extra, you can obtain a personalised skin.
The Unagi Model One, on the other hand, costs $990, though it may be found for less, and Unagi allows you to rent it for as little as $39 per month.
The GoTrax GLX V2 is the ideal electric scooter for individuals on a tight budget.
This scooter has modest specs — a 250W motor and a range of only 12 miles — but it costs only $350 and will enough for most individuals who only need to go short distances.
We propose the Segway Ninebot Kickscooter Max if you need a scooter that can go the distance.
While it weighs more than 40 pounds — more than other models — it has a battery that can travel up to 40 miles on a single charge, which is more than double the range of many other scooters.
It’s also strong enough to propel you up rather steep hills.
Best Overall
Niu KQi3 Pro
My first impressions of the KQi3 Pro were not positive. The clasp on the first unit broke during shipment.
After unboxing my second one, I had to ride it for 500 metres at a deliberately slow pace in a type of “training mode.”
Don’t bother with me! Niu must have detected my trembling fists, for it has now upgraded the firmware to lower this distance to 200 metres, at which point you will be able to access the full powers.
You don’t have to use the app, but it’s worth it since there are options you can change, such as how much regenerative braking you want, if you want cruise control, and whether you want a special speed mode.
I’ve grown to like the KQi3 Pro after several rides. It has some of the finest value for money.
Despite riding across steep bridges in New York City, I often got 15 miles out of it, but you should expect 18 to 20 miles (unless you’re also a towering giant like me).
It has a peak speed of 20 miles per hour, 9.5-inch tubeless tyres, and disc brakes that consistently bring it to a halt.
You also receive a bell, lights, and space on the handlebar for mounting a phone.
I only wish the handlebars could fold down since they catch on stair rails.
Although it is quite simple to fold, transporting this 45-pound scooter for more than a few flights of stairs may be difficult. It’s time to go to the gym.
My Favorite Electric Scooter
If I had to buy just one scooter from this list, I’d go with the Speedway Mini 4 Pro (9/10, WIRED Recommends).
It offers the optimum combination of range, speed, and weight. It can reach speeds of up to 28 miles per hour, but you’re best off sticking to the second mode, which runs at 18 to 20 mph.
I got around 15 miles out of this thing driving from Brooklyn to Manhattan across the bridge at that speed (remember, I’m a big, so you’ll probably get more).
Best of all, it weighs only 36 pounds, folds easily, and the handlebars fold down as well, making it small and simple to transport on the spur of the moment.
Front and back LEDs are included, however you must supply your own bell. The right handlebar has a little monitor that gives speedometer data, but there’s no app to worry about. The only reason this isn’t the number one choice in this guide? It costs more than the Niu.
Best Budget Scooter
Gotrax G3
At this price, you won’t receive as much power as you would with some of our other recommendations. The G3 travels at 15 mph thanks to a 350-watt engine, and while the firm promises 18 miles per charge, I got closer to 10.
With a climb like the Williamsburg Bridge in New York City, the battery will decrease significantly faster.
After a trip across the bridge and back, the escooter ran out of battery around the 8-mile point, forcing me to walk many streets home.
It doesn’t help that the battery metre is inaccurate. It’s ideal for short travels in flat terrain.
Still, the 8.5-inch tube tyres do a nice job of cushioning road shocks, and the rear disc brake comes to a rapid halt.
It features a bell, a front light, a brake light, and cruise control, as well as an LED display that indicates speed and battery life.
It weights 36 pounds and folds quickly, much like the Speedway.
When you turn it on, you’ll need to enter a code to unlock the display and use the scooter. There’s also a steel cable attached at the bottom of the stem that you can pull out to lock the G3 to a fixed object. (You can set your own numerical code.) This may give you peace of mind if you have to leave the G3 outside, but it won’t deter a determined thief.
Best Lightweight Scooter
Fluidfreeride Fluid Mosquito
I’m looking forward to the day when I can take a small hoverboard out of my backpack and glide home like Marty McFly, but until then, the Fluidfreeride Fluid Mosquito is the next best thing.
It’s the lightest electric scooter in this roundup, weighing only 29 pounds, and it comes with a comfortable grab grip for simple transport. It folds quickly and has a peak speed of 24 miles per hour.
However, reducing the weight of this agile scooter has drawbacks. The suspension is only adequate—you’ll feel most of the bumps—and the wheels are a little too thin.
The braking system is adequate, but if you come to an abrupt halt, you may experience some sliding, and range is limited (around 9 miles in my testing going over the Brooklyn Bridge). There’s also no quick method to switch between speed modes; you have to do it before you ride. Still, they are minor problems that I can deal with.
I don’t mind lugging it into the subway system if it runs out of juice because it’s so light.
Best Upgrade
Apollo City (2022)
Stick with the Apollo City if you want to prevent range anxiety while still having enough power to climb most hills.
Thanks to its 500-watt engine, this pricey escooter can reach speeds of up to 27 mph.
Even if you limit its speed via the companion app to comply with local rules, it will easily travel up slopes.
There are even turn signals! The front and rear brakes are reliable, and there is a regenerative braking system to improve fuel economy.
Speaking of which, I was able to ride at 16 mph for 16 kilometres. After a 12-mile ride from Brooklyn to Manhattan and back, I had 26 percent remaining at top speed.
(The Apollo City Pro, which costs $300 more and has a larger range, is also worth considering.)
Unfortunately, modified scooters may become rather hefty. Because it weighs 57 pounds, I don’t advocate hauling it up and down numerous flights of stairs.
It doesn’t help that the handlebars are too long and cannot be folded down. I rode the Apollo City into a coffee shop, and its handlebar knocked over a steel jug at the milk and sugar counter (cue me awkwardly cleaning milk off the floor).
The front light is extremely dim, and the hook on the stem does not stay linked to the deck, which is inconvenient when you need to take a break from lifting this monster.
Best for Hilly Areas
Apollo Ghost
The Apollo Ghost is not a scooter for walkups, but it is a lot of fun. I tried the 2021 model, however the 2022 model offers several improvements.
The new dual 1,000-watt motors can propel you to 34 miles per hour (if that’s allowed in your area), but I generally relied on the single motor and cruised at 20 to 25 mph—a there’s button to switch between the two, as well as options to further limit your speed.
Why would you want so much acceleration? Two motors may create additional torque, which comes in helpful for climbing steep hills.
On bright days, the two screens are difficult to read, but one gives ride statistics such as battery life, speed, and mode.
The other indicates the battery’s voltage level—a fully charged battery is roughly 58 volts, while a practically dead battery is around 44 volts (at least, on the 2021 Ghost).
If you recall those two numbers, you’ll get a more accurate battery readout. Anyone living in a mountainous city will benefit from the Ghost’s strength and longer range.
I got around 20 miles off of a single charge (Apollo says 37). There are front and visibility LEDs incorporated into and surrounding the deck, as well as a taillight.
You may acquire disc brakes or upgrade to hydraulic brakes.
The former had sufficient stopping force for me, but the later is more responsive and dependable.
For Long Hauls
Bluetran Lightning
MiniMotors USA, the same firm that makes the Speedway Mini 4 Pro, also makes the Bluetran Lightning (9/10, WIRED Recommends).
This business also owns the Dualtron scooter series, and you may see some obvious similarities between the Lightning and the Dualtron Victor I reviewed in 2021. They both can touch over 50 miles per hour (yep, fifty) and are both quite heavy (88 and 73 pounds, respectively).
However, they have the greatest range. I only had to charge the Lightning once over the month I tried it. That was after around 40 miles of driving at speeds of less than 30 mph.
I rode the Dualtron Victor from Williamsburg, Brooklyn, to Fort Lee, New Jersey, and back—the longest journey I’ve ever gone on an escooter (24 miles), and it still had 30 percent battery capacity. It’s fantastic not to have to worry about if your scooter may break down throughout your journey.
Other Good Scooters
I’ve tested a lot of scooters. Not all of them are worthy of a slot above, but some are. Here are a few additional nice scooters I like:
The Segway Ninebot F30 costs $580: This used to be my top choice for most people, but after more testing, I discovered that the range has severely decreased at a far faster rate than other electric scooters I’ve tried.
It used to last around 10 miles, but lately I’ve only gotten about 6 miles out of it. It’s still a fantastic scooter in my opinion.
It has a top speed of 15 mph, is comfortable to ride, and includes a decent set of necessities such as durable lights, brakes, and an intelligently constructed bell.
It’s also rather light, weighing only 33 pounds. It’s usually on sale for $580, but if you have the extra cash, I’d recommend the Ninebot F40 ($800), which is speedier and has a longer range.
Apex Gotrax for $399: Here, you get a lot for your money. It weighs 32 pounds, making it lighter than most of the scooters in our roundup and just as simple to fold.
It includes an incorporated bell and a digital display that indicates your speed and battery life, and it can reach speeds of up to 15 miles per hour.
It’s dependable—I’ve taken it to coffee shops, distant film shoots with a backpack full of camera equipment, and the grocery store—but it’s not the smoothest ride.
The 250-watt motor struggles with any modest inclination, and slopes quickly deplete the battery. For me, the battery generally provided roughly 9 miles of range.
My arms were outstretched since the handlebars didn’t rise high enough for me.
You should also adjust the single rear disc brake; it works alright, but I would have preferred greater stopping force.
If money is an issue, this is an excellent scooter, but you should save up for the Gotrax G3.
What Kind of Scooter Tires Are Best?
Solid, Tubed, or Tubeless?
Several of the scooters listed in this article come with several tyre choices. The two most usually used terminology are pneumatic tyres and solid tyres.
The former, which are filled with air, are available in two styles: tubed and tubeless.
Solid tyres are comprised of solid materials such as rubber or silicone and require little to no maintenance.
However, they do not absorb road bumps efficiently, so you will not have the smoothest or most grippy ride.
If you live in a city with largely decent roads, make short excursions, and travel at less than 20 mph, this is a perfectly acceptable alternative.
Tubed tyres are made up of an inner tube that retains the air and an outer rubber tyre that protects it.
That means you’ll need to check the pressure in your tyres on a regular basis, just like you would on a bike.
If you suffer a flat, which is likely because tubed tyres aren’t extremely puncture-resistant, they are typically straightforward to repair.
Tubeless tyres do not have an inner tube; instead, an airtight seal keeps the air in, allowing for higher-quality, thicker, and more durable tyres (though not as tough as solid tires).
You’ll still need to monitor the air pressure. These are often seen on more expensive escooters, but like the tubed counterpart, they are what you want if ride quality is a priority. I like tubeless tyres since they provide a more comfortable ride and are less likely to develop a flat.
How to Choose the Best Electric Scooter for You
How are you going to use the scooter?
The way you intend to use your scooter will help you choose the best electric scooter for your needs.
If you intend to use it as a “last-mile” vehicle — getting you from your home to the bus or train, and then from the bus or train to your office — you’ll want to prioritise a small and light electric scooter.
Choose a scooter weighing between 20 and 30 pounds. You should also look for an electric scooter that folds up swiftly and conveniently.
Nothing is worse than fumbling with a latch while racing to catch a train – and your other passengers will appreciate it as well.
Are you riding on hilly terrain?
Where you want to ride your scooter should also factor into your decision.
If you reside in a flatter terrain, a scooter with a 300W to 350W motor should be sufficient.
If you live in, say, San Francisco, you’ll need a scooter with a more powerful motor to go about.
Larger people should select electric scooters with stronger motors.
Price: The price of an electric scooter will be the beginning point for many buyers.
Here’s an overview of what to anticipate at each pricing point.
• $100 to $300: These scooters are often of the cheap sort, with smaller motors, low-capacity batteries, and rudimentary braking systems, but they do not require maintenance and are ideal for acquiring a feel for the electric scooter.
This is also where you’ll locate the majority of electric scooters for youngsters.
• $300 to $600: These scooters are classified as midrange or entry-level commuters, with larger wheels, somewhat longer ranges, fast-charging batteries, and the ability to climb hills.
• $600 and up: These scooters are considered premium.
Expect a longer, more comfortable ride, as well as wider tyres, quicker speeds, disc brakes, and improved suspension.
Battery life/range: This will be the next decisive factor for many people after pricing.
It’s difficult to offer a precise estimate of battery life and range since it depends on a number of factors, including the rider’s weight, temperature, and topography – if you ride on flat areas, you’ll be able to travel considerably farther than if you cycle up and down hills.
Amp Hours (aH) are commonly used to assess battery life; the greater the figure, the longer you can ride.
Speed: On a level road, most electric scooters can reach speeds of 15 to 18 miles per hour. That’s plenty fast for most applications, although there are scooters that can reach speeds of up to 25 MPH.
Motors: The majority of electric scooters will feature a single hub-mounted motor (meaning the motor is incorporated into the wheel itself) with a power rating of 250 to 350 Watts.
If you live in a very hilly location (or want to ride quickly), you’ll want a higher wattage motor.
Tires/suspension: Nothing beats a jarring ride over potholes and fractures in the road. To alleviate this, most electric scooters now include air-filled (pneumatic) tyres, which help cushion things.
Others will feature front or rear suspension (or both), providing a more pleasant ride. Larger tyres also imply a more stable ride.
Lights: If you want to ride your electric scooter early in the morning, at nightfall, or in city traffic, it’s a good idea to purchase one with lights so you can see and be seen.
Look for electric scooters that have headlights and taillights, including taillights that flash when you apply the brakes.
Unfortunately, turn signals are uncommon, so keep an eye out when changing lanes.
Scooter Advice
Because scooters are electric vehicles, there are several things you should and should not do if you get one.
To begin, if you’ve never rode an electric scooter and are hesitant to invest in one, consider using a ridesharing service.
Companies such as Lime, Lyft, and Bird allow you to rent an escooter for a low cost, which is a fantastic way to test the waters.
Put on a helmet. Do I need to say more?Keep your head safe.
Our Biking Accessories page provides various helmet alternatives (my personal favourite is the Thousand Heritage helmet), and use this method to properly fit your helmet.
Check the legislation in your area. Are electric scooters allowed in your area?If so, what is the top speed?
Is it necessary to ride in the bike lane? Escooters have been a familiar sight in numerous cities during the last two years.
Your state or locality most likely has certain laws for riding them.
Don’t charge your escooter overnight or when no one is home. The owners’ manuals of various scooters I’ve tested state the same thing.
Not every battery or charger has a UL safety certification, and I’ve heard far too many stories of battery fires.
Always be present when charging your scooter, and disconnect it when it’s completed.
Try to stay out of the rain. Check your scooter to determine whether it has official IP water- and dust-resistance certifications.
Otherwise, avoid biking in the rain.
Even if there is a rating, it is still a good idea to get out of the rain as soon as possible.
More importantly, do not plug in the charger until the charging port has been cleaned and dried.
Avoid storing your escooter in extreme temperatures. Extreme heat and cold are both bad for batteries.
Keep your escooter indoors in a cool, dry area, just like you would your cereal!
Please, only one rider. Unless the manufacturer expressly indicates otherwise, an escooter should only have one rider on the deck.
These vehicles may go at high speeds, and a severe collision can occur at speeds of less than 20 mph.
It’s also a good idea to double-check your scooter’s weight capacity.
Examine the service and repair options provided by the manufacturer. Before you buy a new scooter, find out if the manufacturer provides replacement parts or can service your scooter if any problems emerge.
You could check with local ebike and escooter stores to see if they have any expertise with the brand you’re considering.
Never leave your escooter unattended outside. Scooters are difficult to safeguard, therefore it goes without saying that they are simple to steal. Roll them indoors if necessary, but keep them visible if you don’t want to go home with your helmet on.
Electric Folding Scooter
What are the best foldable scooters?
- Segway Ninebot ES1. Folding Electric Scooters.
- Unagi One. Folding Electric Scooters.
- Glion Dolly. Folding Electric Scooters.
- Xiaomi M365. Folding Electric Scooters.
- Swagtron Swagger 5. Folding Electric Scooters.
- GoTrax GXL 2. Folding Electric Scooters.
- WideWheel Pro 2020. Folding Electric Scooters.
- Horizon. Folding Electric Scooters.
FAQs
How fast do electric scooters go?
Most types are “last-mile” scooters, which are designed for short excursions and rarely feature suspension.
They feature a smaller deck and wheels and may go at speeds ranging from 15 to 25 mph depending on the type.
Some larger scooters feature larger wheels, batteries, and shocks, and may reach speeds of up to 40 mph.
Do I need a driver’s license to ride an electric scooter?
No, however keep in mind that this only applies to electric scooters, not mopeds. If it has a VIN, it must be registered, and you must have a driver’s licence (depending on what state you live in).
Electric scooters may be used on bike routes, however they are not permitted to violate local speed restrictions. In New York, for example, that is 15 mph.
Why should I buy an electric scooter over an e-bike?
Scooters are easy to transport and stow on a bus or train. Last-mile scooters typically weigh between 26 and 40 pounds, and the foldable handle makes them considerably easier to transport.
In New York City, for example, many restaurants will allow you to carry a scooter inside, but bicycles are not permitted.
How fast does a Razor E300 electric scooter go?
The Razor E300 is meant to thrill, from its super-sized deck and frame to its 250-watt, high-torque, single-speed, chain-driven engine. Teen and adult riders will experience big time thrills at speeds up to 15 mph (24 km/h) whether meeting friends or just drifting about.
Do they make three wheel electric scooters?
3 Wheel Electric Scooter CycleBoard®
Do they make electric scooters for adults?
Many types are portable and lightweight. They are also rather quick and easy to manoeuvre.
Adult electric scooters are also an economical, eco-friendly option for modern individuals who wish to move as efficiently as possible through inner cities and urban regions.
How fast does a electric fat tire scooter go?
Adult Fat Tire Electric Scooter 2000W Motor Two Separate 60v Lithium Battery Packs Up to 25 MPH Harley Electric Scooters with 2 Seats Citycoco Scooter Commuter Scooter.
How much is an electric motorcycle scooter?
The firm emphasises its customising process, which assures that no two motorcycles made are exactly same. Prices range from roughly $3,500 to $6,000 or more depending on how the models are dressed.
Which electric ride on scooter is best for long?
Honda Activa, Suzuki Access 125, or TVS Jupiter are suited for lengthy journeys.
They are similar in terms of ride, handling, balance, stability, and vibration isolation.
However, the speeds must be in the 60-75kmph range. Essentially, it is a matter of personal preference.
How expensive is a Onewheel electric scooter?
The onewheel costs between $950 and $1799 depending on the model.
You have the Onewheel Pint and the Onewheel XR, which can be improved with the Onewheel Carbon Fender.
Do I need a licence to ride a moped electric scooter?
Riding an electric bicycle does not require any training or a licence.
To ride an electric moped on the road, you must have a temporary licence and have completed Compulsory Basic Training (CBT).
Is 25 mph fast for electric scooter?
25 mph can be really rapid, and you will need to gain some competence to operate the scooter at these speeds.
The 48V and 9.6 Ah battery provides 461 Wh and is significantly larger than those seen in most other lightweight electric scooters.
What is the price of Electric scooter bikes in India?
Electric bikes now cost between Rs. 25,350 to Rs. 1,61,223.
Conclusion
Because these scooters are battery-powered, you save money while getting the same mileage as their gasoline counterparts. As a result, you can save a large amount of money in the long term.
