An electronic scooter is a fantastic option for a variety of purposes. Scooters offer a viable alternative to driving and walking. Even for commuters, an e-scooter is a good supplement for public transit. Rather than walking or running to the bus stop or subway station, you can instead get there faster and in style on an electric scooter. Fun and functional, e-scooters are great for getting around. But what you’ll want depends on your needs. Check out the best electric scooters for all uses and budgets!
What is an E-Scooter and Why Should You Buy One?
Simply put, an electric scooter is a rideable, or an object that is able to be ridden, that features a battery. E-scooters feature a similar form factor to traditional kick scooters as made famous by Razor, with a handlebar in front, a platform to stand on, and a set of wheels. But an onboard battery-powered motor powers the scooter making it easier to ride, especially for long distances. There’s no need to worry about exhausting your lower body. With an electric scooter, you can safely skip leg day.
What to Look for in an Electric Scooter – E-Scooter Buying Considerations
When you’re shopping for an electric scooter, there’s a lot to consider. Price, portability, battery capacity, weight limit, top speed, and range are all essential features.
Folding: A foldable form factor is extremely useful. While that’s become the industry-standard, not all e-scooters are foldable. For storage at home and on the go, a folding e-scooter is extremely convenient.
Battery capacity: A bigger battery means fewer recharges, and accordingly a longer range. If you’re mainly zipping around town, the maximum distance might not be as important. But for traveling longer distances, a high-capacity battery means you don’t have to worry about frequent recharges.
Removable battery: With a removable battery, you can bring along a spare battery for longer trips. Plus, being able to switch batteries means you’re still able to scoot around even when one battery is depleted.
Maximum Range: Think about how far you need to travel and determine the maximum range in miles that you’ll need to go. Usually at least 10 to 12 miles is a safe bet.
Weight: With a battery, motor, electronic components, and a frame, e-scooter weight can quickly add up. While that might seem inconsequential, if you need to lug your scooter onto a bus or train, you’ll want a lighter scooter to avoid a workout each time you have to carry your scooter. It’s best to get a scooter under 40 lbs., and even better to get one in the 20-30 pound range.
Weight capacity: Aside from how much your scooter weighs, consider your own weight and look for a scooter with a weight capacity exceeding that. Although most scooters won’t completely cease to function if you’re over its weight capacity, you won’t be able to hit top speeds or experience maximum distance since the scooter itself is working harder to tow more than its rated weight limit.
Safety features: As with any vehicle, safety is essential. You should wear a helmet, kneepads, and elbow pads. Additionally, a scooter equipped with a bell, headlights, taillights, and reflectors is great. Of course, you can add your own aftermarket lights and bells, but having built-in safety instruments is always useful.
E-scooter buying considerations:
- Weight capacity
- Scooter weight
- Maximum range
- Removable battery
- Battery capacity
- Top speed
- Foldable frame
- Motor
- Safety features
Best Overall Electric Scooter – Freely Pro
The Freely Pro is an excellent all-around e-scooter. At 22 pounds, it’s heavy enough to carry the average adult, but light enough to tote around. Its 5Ah/6.4Ah battery is more than ample, and with a removable battery, you can easily swap while out and about adding an additional 12-mile range to your journey. With a maximum speed of 15 miles per hour (MPH), the Freely Pro can travel fairly fast without being unsafe. Since the Freely Pro rocks a 350-watt motor, it’s able to climb hills with ease.
A built-in LED display provides real-time data such as speed, battery life, and gear position. Tons of safety features such as bright LED headlights, disc brakes, automatic tail lights, and an e-ABS anti-lock system allow for secure yet stylish travel. Some e-scooters can achieve faster speeds in the 20 to 30 MPH range which can be a lot of fun. As such, the 15 MPH top speed of the Freely Pro electronic scooter may be a bit limiting to some users. However, 15 MPH is still plenty fast, and more than that can often be overkill for the average user. With its lightweight, aluminum construction, swappable batteries, foldable frame, lengthy 12-mile range, 15 MPH maximum speed, great hill-climbing capabilities, and a slew of safety features, the Freely Pro is the best electric scooter for most users.
Pros:
- Swappable battery
- Foldable frame
- Onboard advanced controls
- LED display with specs like speed, battery life, and gear position
- Aviation-grade aluminum
- 22 lbs.
- Battery capacity – 5Ah/6.4Ah
- 350-Watt motor – great for climbing hills
- 12-mile range
- 15MPH maximum speed
- Safety features: bright LED headlights, automatic tail lights, disc brakes, e-ABS anti-lock system
Cons:
- Limited to 15 MPH
Best Electric Scooter for Climbing Hills – Segway Ninebot Kickscooter Max
Segway might be most well-known for its two-wheeled self-balancing personal transporter, the Segway HT, but the massively-popular rideables company offers a variety of different electronic transport devices. It should come as no surprise that the Segway Ninebot Kickscooter Max is one of the top e-scooters on the planet. At around 40 pounds, the Segway Ninebot Kickscooter is certainly hefty. However, the added girth comes from its beefy 350-Watt motor and large, 10-inch inflatable tires. This combination of power and brawn lets the Ninebot Kickscooter Max travel long distances of up to 40 miles on a single charge as well as handle hills with ease.
There’s a max speed of 18.6 MPH and a rider capacity of 220 lbs. The whopping 42V, 2.9 A battery takes around 6 hours to charge, and combined with its rear-wheel-drive 350W motor, the Ninebot Kickscooter Max is the best electric scooter for hills. As such, you can travel fairly far on a single charge. Unfortunately, the Ninebot Kickscooter Max’s fantastic 40-mile range and ability to traverse hills comes at a cost, namely weight. Commuters may be off-put by the Segway electric scooter’s 40-pound weight which is a lot to carry around. Still, if you need some serious going power, the Segway Ninebot Kickscooter Max is the best electric scooter for climbing hills and great for long distances as well.
Pros:
- 40-mile capacity
- 18.6 MPH top speed
- 220 pound weight capacity
- 42V, 2.9 A battery
- 6-hour battery charging time
- 350 Watt motor
- 10-inch inflatable tires
- Great for long distances and climbing hills
- Foldable
Cons:
- Heavy – weighs 40 lbs.
Best Electric Scooter for Commuting – Glion Dolly
The Glion Dolly is an attractive, lightweight, easy to carry e-scooter. Boasting a powerful 250 Watt moror, its 36V 7.8Ah li-ion battery delivers a 15-mile range with a short 3.25-hour charging time. There’s a front tire suspension along with honeycomb never-flat airless rubber tires. It’s foldable and includes a rolling dolly, hence the name, that lets you roll the Glion Dolly like a suitcase. What’s more, when being transported in its dolly form, the Glion e-scooter is self-standing. As such, it’s the best electric scooter for commuting.
At under 30 pounds, the Glion Dolly is lightweight which, combined with its vertical self-standing and rolling dolly, makes it great for lugging onto public transit. There’s a pop-out kickstand, bright headlight for safety, and good build quality. Despite its portability and lightweight nature, the Glion Dolly can handle riders up to 255 lbs. Unfortunately, the 15-mile range is a bit short. And the top speed of 15 MPH may be a bit low for some users. Though the promise of never-flat tires is appealing, the rubber wheels are small and can make for a rough ride on uneven surfaces. Still, the Glion Dolly is engineered for in-town use and designed to get you to the bus or subway, then neatly fit onboard. And with its high weight limit, the Glion Dolly is ideal for commuting, as well as the best electric scooter for adults over 250 lbs.
Pros:
- Lightweight – 28.7 lbs.
- 255-pound weight limit
- 15-mile range
- Max speed of 15 MPH
- Foldable design
- Convenient self-standing, rolling carrying case
- Bright headlight
- Rubber, airless run-flat tires
Cons:
- Low max speed
- Short max distance
- Small, air-free tires can make for a rough ride on uneven surfaces
Best Electric Scooter With a Seat for Adults – Razor Ecosmart Metro HD
Razor may be most associated with its basic kick scooter, but its e-scooters remain some of the greatest rideables. Fusing an electronic scooter design with the comfort of a moped, the Razor EcoSmart Metro is the best electric scooter with a seat. Its flat bottom lets you ride standing up, while the seat allows for sitting on long trips. The seat is well-padded, and the ultra-wide bamboo deck provides tons of foot space for a skateboard-like ride that’s stylish to boot.
A set of 16-inch air-filled tires lend a smooth ride with exquisite handling. The 350-Watt high-torque, hub-driven motor achieves speeds as high as 15.5 MPH, and there’s a maximum range of 12 miles. Razor’s EcoSmart Metro HD accommodates riders up to 220 pounds. In the back, there’s a handy basket. Offering top-notch comfort with sit or stand convenience, the EcoSmart Metro HD is a versatile electric scooter. Disappointingly, you won’t find any lights, bells, or reflectors, common and necessary safety features. Yet, you can easily add aftermarket parts. At over 72 pounds, it’s fairly heavy and not ideal for carrying around. For a bit more power, you might consider the Razor EcoSmart Metro with its 500 Watt chain-driven motor. Overall, the Razor EcoSmart Metro HD is a good e-scooter with a seat that’s comfortable and aesthetically-pleasing.
Pros:
- 350W motor
- 15.5 MPH max speed
- 12-mile range
- 220 lbs. max weight capacity
- Large basket on the back
- Sit-or-stand design with a seat and a large bamboo deck
- Large 16-inch air-filled tires
- Smooth, comfortable ride
Cons:
- Heavy – over 72 lbs.
- Short maximum distance
- Low max speed
- Lacks safety features like bells, lights, or reflectors
Best Waterproof Electric Scooter – Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 1S
The Xiaomi 1S is an affordable folding electric scooter. It yields good band-for-your-buck with a low price tag and superb performance. Xiaomi’s Mi Electric Scooter 1S provides a good 18-mile range. As under 28 pounds, it’s fairly lightweight. IP54 waterproofing makes the Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 1S able to withstand the elements well. The onboard battery recharges in around 5 hours, and the 1S e-scooter can carry up to 220 lbs. There’s a powerful 500W brushless motor and an attractive built-in display. Although the 15 MPH maximum speed should suffice for most users, it may be insufficient for power users. But for the price, the Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 1S is a tremendous value.
Pros:
- 220 lbs. weight capacity
- 500W brushless motor
- 5-hour charging time
- IP54 water resistance
- 28-pound weight
- 18-mile range
- 15 MPH max speed
Cons:
- Low max speed
- Short top distance
Fastest Electric Scooter – Apollo Pro
If you’ve got a need for speed, the Apollo Pro is extremely powerful. A pair of dual motors lends a top speed of 44 MPH, while its large battery delivers a whopping 56-mile range on a single charge. There’s an adjustable dual-spring suspension, as well as a folding design for portability. With a 330-lb. max load, the Apollo Ghost is a solid electric scooter for heavy adults.
Unfortunately, the Apollo Ghost is pretty heavy at 77 pounds. For speed demons and over 250-pound adults, the Apollo Pro truly lives up to the pro in its name. Equally as large is its over $2,000 USD price tag. You do sacrifice portability for power, but you get the fastest electric scooter on the market. As an alternative, you might consider the Apollo Explore which tops out at 32 MPH with a 34-mile range, or the Apollo Ghost with its 39-mile range and 34 MPH max speed.
Pros:
- 44 MPH top speed
- 56-mile range
- 330-pound weight capacity
- Folding design
- Dual-spring suspension
Cons:
- Expensive
- Heavy – 77 lbs.
Best Electric Scooter for Adults – Unagi Model One
The Unagi Model One is a well-rounded e-scooter. Sporting a foldable design, lovely display, and ample power, the Ungai Model One e-scooter handles almost any situation with aplomb. A 250 Watt motor delivers plenty of power with a top speed of 15 MPH and a max distance of 15 miles. With the ability to carry a rider of up to 275 lbs., the Unagi Model One can accommodate larger adults while keeping its own weight to a modest 26.5 pounds.
There’s a foldable design and carbon-fiber front post for fantastic build quality. But all of this awesomeness comes at a cost. Clocking in around $990, the Unagi Model One e-scooter isn’t cheap. Nevertheless, it’s extremely versatile, ticking nearly every box. With decent battery life, a good top speed, high weight capacity, and excellent build quality, it’s one of the best all-around electric scooters that money can buy.
Pros:
- 15-mile range
- 15 MPH top speed
- Horn, tail lights, headlight
- Carbon-fiber front post
- Foldable design
- 26.5-pound weight
- 275-pound weight capacity
- Dual 250-Watt motor
Cons:
- Expensive – just shy of $1,000
Best Electric Scooter for Kids – Razor E100
An electric scooter for adults differs from an e-scooter for kids. A child-oriented scooter should have a slower maximum speed, be lighter, and feature more safety features. The slower max speed will make learning to ride easier. Affordable, easy to use, and lightweight, the Razor E100 is the best electric scooter for kids.
With bright color options, the E100 looks stylish and affords safety since it stands out. There’s a dual 12-volt battery powering a 100-Watt rear-wheel chain-driven motor for a top speed of 10 MPH. Its maximum range of 10 miles or 40 minutes is more than enough for young users, and the Razor E100 accommodates riders up to 120 pounds. Disappointingly, particularly since it’s aimed at younger riders, the E100 lacks bells and reflectors. Of course, you can easily add your own. Still, despite this oversight, the Razor E100 is a great beginner-friendly e-scooter that won’t break the bank.
Pros:
- 120-pound weight capacity
- 22-pound weight
- Dual 12-volt battery
- 100-watt motor
- 10 MPH top speed
- 10-mile range
- Affordable
- Lots of color options
Cons:
- Lacks a bell or reflectors
Best Electric Scooters for All Uses and Budgets – Top E-scooters on the Market
There are loads of e-scooters available for all sorts of users, from kids to adults. The Freely Pro is the best overall electric scooter, while the Unagi Model One is a well-round choice. For kids, the Razor E100 is an excellent beginner-friendly rideable. While it’s not cheap, the Apollo Pro boasts unrivaled speed and distance. Alternatively, the Glion Dolly sports a portable form factor that’s perfect for commuters. Segway’s Ninebot and Xiaomi’s 1S are solid choices that should satisfy most users. Or, for sit-and-stand convenience, the Razor EcoSmart HD is a good e-scooter for zipping around town.
Your turn: What electric scooters do you recommend?
Recent Comments