Electric scooters have become a huge part of our lives because they're so convenient; they make it a lot easier to get to work, school, or anywhere else we want to go. But which is the best electric scooter for you?
Link to Seven Running
After testing dozens of scooters for more than five years, ranging from models that cost less than $200 to ones that cost more than $1,500, I think the best electric scooter is the NIU KQi Air. It's very light &#; around 26 pounds &#; has a great range and power, and has antitheft features. It's not the most powerful scooter around, but it's more than enough for most people.
However, the KQi Air costs around $1,000, which is on the pricey side. If you're looking for something that doesn't hit your wallet as hard, NIU also makes my favorite budget scooter: The NIU KQi 100P costs less than $400, but if your needs are modest, it can get you around comfortably. Just don't expect it to perform well on hills, or take you for extra-long rides.
As part of our evaluations, I've ridden electric scooters for hundreds of miles, taken them up and down hills, on subways and trains, through cities and suburbs, to see how well they perform in a variety of conditions. Whether you need a scooter to get back and forth to school or work, a scooter that can go the distance, or a scooter that can help you haul groceries from the store, we have a pick for you.
Below are our top choices for the best electric scooters for all types of rider needs, wants, and budgets. Plus, I've added in holiday deals for some of my favorite models.
The Quick List
View more scooters
Best for carrying stuff
7. Glion Balto
View at Glion
With a large basket in the rear, the Balto is great for a trip to the grocery store. And, it folds up into a very compact space, making it great for apartments.
Read more below
The best electric scooter overall
(Image credit: Future)
The best electric scooter overall
Our expert review:
Size (folded):
21.3 x 46.7 x 18.9 inches
Size (unfolded):
21.3 x 46.7 x 44.9 inches
Weight:
26.5 pounds
Motor:
350W, 700W peak
Wheel size:
9.5 x 2.5-inch, pneumatic
Max speed:
20 mph
Range:
31 miles
Max rider weight:
265 pounds
Battery:
451.2Wh/48V
View at Best BuyView at The Home DepotView at Macy's+
Very light
+
Great range for the size
+
Smooth ride
+
Antitheft features
+
Turn signals on handlebars
-
Latching mechanism could be easier to use
-
Connecting scooter to app can be finicky
Buy it if:
&#; You want a portable, powerful scooter Thanks to its carbon-fiber chassis, the KQi Air weighs just 26 pounds, so even if you're small, you should have no trouble carrying it. Still, it's got plenty of muscle to get you around easily.
&#; You're afraid of losing it: The KQi Air has a few antitheft features, like an NFC card to unlock it and an alarm if someone tries to steal it. However, there's no Apple FindMy, as there is with some Segway scooters.
Don't buy it if
&#; You're on a budget: At around $1,100, the Air isn't cheap. You can find scooters with similar performance for less, though they won't be as light as the Air.
The Niu Kqi Air is a light scooter that still manages to offer lots of power and range. So, you can travel a good ways, and still be able to carry it up a flight of stairs with ease. That's because a number of parts of the Air is made out of carbon fiber, bringing its weight on a par with the Unagi Model One Voyager.
Aside from its weight, the Air has a few other features that elevate it above other electric scooters. Its 9.5-inch air-filled tires offer a smooth ride for a scooter that lacks suspension, and its 350W motor was able to get us up and down hills with few problems. Plus, a capacious battery can get you up to 31 miles on a charge &#; though we saw something closer to 20 in our testing.
In addition, we also liked the Air's turn signals in the handlebars, as well as an electronic locking system and alarm that gave us greater peace of mind when riding and parking the scooter in a public space. Yes, at around $1,000, it's on the more expensive side, but it offers the best combination of performance, range, and weight that we've seen in an electric scooter. Its for all these reasons the NIU KQi Air was also given the Tom's Guide Award for best scooter in .
Read our full NIU KQi Air review.
&#; Back to top
Best budget scooter
(Image credit: Future)
The best budget scooter
Our expert review:
Size (unfolded):
48.4 x 45.4 x 20.5 inches
Weight:
38.1 pounds
Motor:
300-watt, front-wheel drive
Wheel size:
9.5-inch, rubber
Max speed:
17 MPH
Range:
18 miles
Max rider weight:
265 pounds
Battery:
243 wH
+
Inexpensive
+
Comfortable ride
+
Nice features for price
-
Not the most powerful for hills
Buy it if
&#; You're on a budget At $349, this is a real bargain for a scooter, undercutting the competition by at least $50.
Don't buy it if
&#; You've got a long commute: With an advertised range of 18 miles &#; much less in practice &#; you're going to have to charge this scooter up every night if you have a ways to go between your home and office.
&#; You live in a hilly area: The 100P's specs are on a par with other scooters in its price range, which means that it's going to struggle on hills, especially if you're a larger rider.
With a starting price of less than $400, the NIU KQi 100P undercuts many comparable electric scooters by a good amount, yet doesn't compromise on features or performance.
Black with gray accents, the KQi 100P has a fairly clean design, as the scooter's cables are routed through its body. Its headlight was enough to illuminate my way home in the dark, but I wish it could have been brighter.
For a budget scooter, the KQi 100P offered a very smooth ride, thanks to its large 9.5 x 2.3-inch tires and front suspension, and it has a nice folding mechanism for when you want to store it. And, if you connect it with NIU's app, you can lock the scooter via Bluetooth, and set an alarm if someone tries to steal it.
Make no mistake: This scooter's specs are far more modest than the KQi Air as well as other models on this list. With 300W motor, a max speed of 17 miles per hour and a hypothetical range of 18 miles (I got about 10 in practice), this isn't a scooter designed for long distances or big hills. But, if you're riding on flat terrain, or looking for an electric scooter for your teen who's ready to graduate from one of the best electric scooters for kids, this is a pretty good option.
The KQi 100P unseated the Hiboy S2 as my favorite budget scooter. Both performed similarly in my tests; the Hiboy is lighter, so it's easier to carry around, but the KQi is significantly cheaper.
If you want something more compact &#; and with turn signals &#; you should check out the NIU KQi 100F, which costs $100 more, but has handlebars that fold down, and features flashers in the handlebars to let traffic know which way you're going.
Read our full NIU KQi 100P review.
&#; Back to top
Best scooter for long distances
(Image credit: Tom's Guide)
Buy it if
&#; You have a long commute In our testing, we were able to get around 22 miles on the Max G2; while that's short of its advertised 43-mile range, we were riding it up and down hills, so it'll be able to take you the distance.
&#; You want safety and security The Max G2 has turn signals built into its handlebars, and is also equipped with Apple FindMy, in case it gets lost or stolen.
Don't buy it if
&#; You need to carry it: If you want a scooter with a long range, the one tradeoff you need to make is weight. This scooter tips the scales at more than 50 pounds, so unless you like a workout, you'll want something lighter if you have to carry it up or down stairs.
The Segway Ninebot Kickscooter Max G2 is an excellent upgrade to the original, featuring a longer range, more powerful motor, and some excellent new safety and security features.
For starters, the Max G2 has turn signals built into the handlebars that we found to be plenty bright &#; at least to oncoming traffic (my body tended to block the signals from those behind me). You can also set an unlock code to help deter thieves, and Apple Find My is built in, should the scooter ever go missing. You should still get one of the best bike locks to be safe.
The G2's -Watt motor was more than powerful enough to get me up steep hills, and a capacious battery was able to deliver about 22 miles of range. That's shorter than Segway's advertised 43 miles, but still longer than most other scooters. And, thanks to dual suspension and thick 9 x 2.5-inch inflatable tires, I was able to ride around in comfort, too.
The one tradeoff: This scooter weighs a heavy 53.5 pounds, so it's not something you'll want to carry around. We didn't even attempt to carry it up stairs.
Read our full Segway Ninebot Kickscooter Max G2 review.
&#; Back to top
Best electric scooter for commuters
Unagi Model One
(Image credit: Tom's Guide)
The best electric scooter when weight is a premium
Our expert review:
Size (folded):
37.8 x 16.5 x 15 inches
Size (unfolded):
43.3 x 37.8 x 16.5 inches
Weight:
26.5 pounds
Motor:
Dual 250-watt
Wheel size:
7.5-inch, rubber
Max speed:
20 mph
Range:
20 miles
Max rider weight:
275 pounds
Battery:
360Wh
Check AmazonView at Unagi+
Sleek design
+
Dual motors good for hills
+
Clear display
+
Very light
-
Rougher ride than other scooters
-
Expensive
Buy it if
&#; You need something really light Coming in at just 26 pounds, the Unagi is one of the lightest scooters we've tested, and was really easy to carry around town.
&#; You want something sleek The Unagi is the slickest-looking scooter we've reviewed; it has a unique carbon-fiber contoured stem and handlebars, and looks unlike anything else out there.
Don't buy it if
&#; You have to ride over potholes: With rubber &#; not air-filled &#; wheels and no suspension, the Unagi gives you a rougher ride over roads that aren't well maintained; we definitely felt the bumps more.
Thanks to its dual 250-watt motors, the Unagi Model One Voyager powers up hills with aplomb, zipping along twice as fast as other scooters with just a single motor. Using both motors (you can opt to use just one) causes the battery life to drop significantly lower than the scooter's advertised 20-mile range.
The Unagi also has a great display that's bright enough to easily see even in daylight; we also liked its intuitive controls and loud, electric-sounding horn. It has both head and taillights, the latter of which blinks rapidly when you hit the brakes.
We were also enamored with the Unagi's sleek design; its carbon-fiber front post changes in geometry from a circle to a triangular shape, making for an intriguing look. No other scooter on the road looks quite like it.
All of this comes at a price: The Model One Voyager costs $1,490 &#; and it's often on backorder. However, Unagi's scooter rental program lets you rent the Voyager for $69/month, or the Unagi Model One Classic for $39/month with an annual subscription.
Read our full Unagi Model One Voyager review.
&#; Back to top
Best for hills
(Image credit: Tom's Guide)
This fun and fast electric scooter has turn signals
Our expert review:
Weight:
57 pounds
Wheel size:
10-inch, inflatable
Max Speed:
32 mph
Range:
43 miles
Max Rider Weight:
265 pounds
Motor:
500W, rear-wheel drive
Battery:
48V 20Ah
View at Apollo Scooters+
Very powerful
+
Great range
+
Fast top speed
+
Turn signals on handlebars and chassis
-
Headlight could be brighter
-
Turn signal buttons should be on the left handlebar
Buy it if
&#; You live in a hilly area The Apollo City's powerful motor was able to muscle us up a steep hill at a good 17 MPH clip, better than almost every other scooter we've reviewed
&#; You have to ride in traffic With a top speed of 32 MPH, the City is able to keep up with most city traffic. Plus, turn signals in both the handlebars and the deck make you a lot more visible to drivers.
Don't buy it if
&#; You live in a walkup apartment: At nearly 60 pounds and almost 4 feet long, the Apollo City is a very big scooter. You'll need some real muscle to get it around.
The Apollo City has something most other electric scooters lack: Turn signals. It's a lot easier to let other drivers know you want to go left or right if you can switch on a light, rather than holding your arm out &#; even better, they're on both the deck of the scooter as well as the ends of each handlebar, so it's even easier for cars to spot you.
Yet, the Apollo City is also a great scooter on its own; its 500-Watt motor let us roar up and down even the steepest of hills with ease, and its top speed of 32 miles per hour let us keep pace with most local traffic. We also liked its full suspension and puncture-proof tires.
Apollo's app even lets you customize the scooter's performance, and has a remote-locking function, which engages the scooter's brakes, so that others can't ride it.
Still, at 57 pounds, this is a pretty heavy electric scooter &#; it's not our first choice if you have to carry it up a flight of stairs &#; and its latching mechanism is more finicky than you'll find on many other electric scooters. But, otherwise, this is a fun and fast electric scooter with a good safety feature built in.
Read our full Apollo City review.
&#; Back to top
Best electric scooter for kids
Segway Ninebot Kickscooter C2 Lite
(Image credit: Future)
Best electric scooter for kids
Our expert review:
Size:
33.7 x 15.7 x 37.4"H
Weight:
17.2 pounds
Wheel size:
7-inch rubber
Motor:
120W
Battery:
56Wh
Max Speed:
10 mph
Range:
8.7 miles/70 minutes
Max Rider Weight:
110 pounds
Check AmazonView at Amazon+
Attractive design
+
Multiple riding modes
+
Long range
-
No side or front reflectors
The Segway Ninebot Kickscooter C2 Lite is the best electric scooter for parents who want to get a scooter for their kids to safely ride around town. It's easy to learn, with a simple thumb lever on the right to control acceleration, and a hand brake on the left to stop the scooter. Parents can set to max speed to either 7.5 MPH or 9.9 MPH, depending on the age of their child and experience (the recommended age range is 6-10 years).
We (and our kid testers) liked the C2 Lite's design, especially the color-changing LEDs on the bottom of the scooter, which make it look even cooler when it's dark outside. We just wish the scooter came in more colors than just blue.
While the C2 Lite has rubber wheels, it was still comfortable enough to ride over small bumps, and its 120W motor gave it just enough oomph for our test kids to enjoy the ride safely.
The C2 Lite has a rated battery life of up to 70 minutes &#; you'll most likely see closer to 50 depending on how hard your kid decides to ride it &#; but there's a big clear battery life indicator to let you know how much juice is left.
If your child is a little older, you might also want to check out the Segway C2 (ages 6-12), which has an even sleeker folding design and adjustable handlebars, but the same top speed as the C2 Lite; or the C2 Pro (ages 6-14), which has a higher top speed of 12.4MPH, and has a Bluetooth speaker built in.
For more options, be sure to check out the best electric scooters for kids.
Want more information on Big Boy Electric Scooters? Feel free to contact us.
&#; Back to top
Best scooter for carrying stuff
(Image credit: Tom's Guide)
The best electric scooter with a basket
Our expert review:
Size (folded):
37 x 12 x 8 inches
Size (unfolded):
48 x 45 x 24 inches
Weight:
38 pounds
Wheel size:
12-inch pneumatic
Motor:
500W (Peak 750W) geared brushless hub motor
Battery:
36V 10.5Ah
Max Speed:
17 MPH
Range:
20 miles
Max Rider Weight:
255 pounds
View at Glion+
Has lights and turn signals
+
Side-view mirror
+
Makes it easy to carry items
-
Not the most powerful
The Glion Balto is the best electric scooter for those who want something they can use to pick up groceries or carry things to and from the store. And, it can fold up on itself, making it much easier to store.
We also really like that the Balto comes with a side-view mirror, lights, and turn signals, which made us feel safer in traffic. And, the Balto's battery is removable, so you don't have to park the scooter near an outlet. As a bonus, you can also use the battery to charge your &#; but you'll need to buy an adapter first.
If you're looking for another scooter with a basket, you should also check out the Razor EcoSmart Cargo; it has a bit more zip than the Balto and its basket can be swapped out for an extra seat, but it can't fold up, and its chain drive is a bit noisy.
Read our full Glion Balto review.
&#; Back to top
Also tested
We've tested a lot of electric scooters at Tom's Guide, and unfortunately, while many are great, not all can crack our top list. Still, if none of the picks above satisfy your needs, you may want to check out these below.
NIU KQi3 Max (&#;&#;&#;&#;&#;)
Our previous top pick, the KQi3 Max has everything: It got us up the steepest of hills, a range of up to 40 miles, a great design, and it's packed with all sorts of features, such as disc brakes and a remote electronic lock. However, it's a heavy 46 pounds, so it's not the best if you need to carry it up stairs.
Read our full NIU KQi 3 Max review.
Hiboy S2 (&#;&#;&#;&#;&#;)
This is a great scooter for those on a budget. It has regenerative and mechanical disk brakes and lights, not just in the front and back, but around the sides of the scooter, too. The S2's 350-Watt motor proved up to the task for most situations, but like most budget scooters, I found it had trouble on hills. Its battery life is good for a scooter in this price range, but expect to charge it every few days if you plan on doing a lot of riding.
Read our full Hiboy S2 electric scooter review.
Apollo Go (&#;&#;&#;&#;&#;)
While it's a hefty 46 pounds, the Apollo Go has an excellent range of up to 30 miles, a top speed of 28 MPH, dual 350W motors, big air-filled tires and full suspension, which gave us a long, comfortable ride. In addition, it has turn signals and an app that lets you customize the scooter's performance. Not bad for $1,299.
Read our full Apollo Go review.
Razor EcoSmart Cargo (&#;&#;&#;&#;&#;)
The rear of this scooter can be configured with either a basket or a second seat, to carry two smallish people around. It's a lot of fun to ride, but its chain drive makes it a lot noisier than other scooters we've reviewed.
Read our full Razor EcoSmart Cargo review.
Razor Ecosmart Metro HD (&#;&#;&#;&#;&#;)
While not quite as powerful as the EcoSmart Cargo, the Metro HD has a quieter motor that's still pretty strong. It typically sells for less than $500, has a large basket, and is comfortable to ride.
Read our full Razor EcoSmart Metro HD review.
Scooter specs compared
Here's a quick glance at the raw numbers for each of the electric scooters on this page; as a reminder, the max range figures are an estimate, based on ideal riding conditions. Based on our experience, you'll get about 60-70% of that figure.
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Row 0 - Cell 0
MotorMax rangeSpeedNIU Kqi3 Max450W40 miles23.6 MPHHiboy S2350W17 miles19 MPHUnagi Model One Voyagerdual 250W20 miles20 MPHSegway Ninebot Kickscooter Max G21,000W43 miles23 MPHApollo City 500W43 miles32 MPHRazor E100100W10 miles10 MPHGlion Balto500W20 miles17 MPHHow to choose the best electric scooter for you
How are you going to use the scooter?
How you plan to use your scooter will go a long way to determining the best electric scooter for your needs. If you're using 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 prioritize an electric scooter that's small and light. Look for a scooter that weighs between 20 and 30 pounds.
You'll also want an electric scooter that folds quickly and easily. There's nothing worse than having to fumble with a latch when you're rushing to catch a train &#; and your fellow passengers will appreciate it, too.
Are you riding on hilly terrain?
Where you plan to ride your scooter should also help determine your purchase. If you live in a flatter area, a scooter with a 300W to 350W motor should give you all the power you need. If, however, you live in, say, San Francisco, you'll want a scooter with a stronger motor to get you around. Larger individuals should also consider electric scooters with more powerful motors.
Price: For many, the price of an electric scooter will be the starting point for any buying decision. Here's a quick rundown of what to expect at each price tier.
Battery life/range: After price, this will be the next deciding factor for many. It's a bit difficult to provide an accurate estimate of battery life and range, because it's dependent on a variety of factors, including the rider's weight, the temperature, and the terrain &#; if you're riding on flat surfaces, you'll be able to go much farther than if you're riding up and down hills. Battery life is typically measured in Amp Hours (aH); the higher the number, the longer you'll be able to ride.
Speed: Most electric scooters will top out at around 15 to 18 miles per hour on a flat road. That's plenty fast for most uses, but there are scooters that will zip along at speeds in excess of 25 MPH.
Motors: The majority of electric scooters will have a single hub-mounted motor (meaning the motor is built into the wheel itself), and will typically have a power rating of 250 to 350 Watts. If you live in a particularly hilly area (or want to go fast) you'll want a motor with higher wattage.
Tires/suspension: There's nothing worse than a jarring ride as you bump over potholes and cracks in the road. To mitigate this, most electric scooters are now outfitted with air-filled (pneumatic) tires, which help cushion things. Others will have front or rear suspension (or both), which makes for an even more comfortable ride. Bigger tires also mean a more stable ride, too.
Lights: If you plan on riding your electric scooter in the early morning, at dusk, or among city traffic, it's worth getting a model with lights so you can see and be seen. Look for electric scooters with headlights and taillights &#; the better ones will have taillights that flash when you apply the brakes. Unfortunately, turn signals are rare, so you'll have to look out when changing lanes.
&#; Back to top
Scooter accessories you'll need
The majority of our picks on this page are for adult riders. However, if you're looking for something for your child, be sure to check out the best electric scooters for kids.
It's also important that you wear a helmet while riding a scooter. In the event of an accident, it could very well save your life, or prevent a traumatic brain injury. Our current top pick is the Giro Register MIPS, which is light, comfortable, and very affordable. For other options, check out our guide to the best bike helmets.
You'll also want to pick up one of the best bike locks to make sure that your scooter doesn't get stolen. Considering that it's a little tricker to lock up a scooter than a bike, a chain lock, like the Kryptonite New York Legend Chain & New York Disc Lock, might be your best option. It's heavy, but it's incredibly hard to cut.
&#; Back to top
Electric scooters: Frequently asked questions
The vast majority of electric scooters are designed to travel at speeds of 15 miles per hour. More expensive models can reach speeds of up to 20 MPH. Others can go even faster &#; we've seen (and rode) models that exceed 30 MPH &#; but here, you're getting into a gray area when it comes to state motor vehicle laws and regulations.
A typical electric scooter will have a 250-350 Watt motor, which should be more than enough power for most city riding on level terrain. As you go up in price, you'll find scooters with 500 Watt and higher motors, which are helpful if you need to get up steeper hills. At the top end, you'll find 800 to 1,000-Watt motors, which not only make getting up hills a cinch, but can also scoot you at much faster speeds.
Most, if not all electric scooters will have some sort of reflective surface so that you'll be more visible when a car's lights shine on you. As you go up in price, electric scooters will have headlights and tail lights &#; some tail lights will even blink when you apply the brakes.
Speaking of brakes, almost all scooters have some sort of handbrake; some will have a secondary brake that can be activated by pressing down on a scooter's rear fender.
Almost all electric scooters will also come with a bell or horn so you can warn others that you're approaching &#; but this doesn't mean you should ride recklessly. And, it's important to always wear a helmet when riding an electric scooter.
&#; Back to top
How we test
There are dozens of varieties of electric scooters on the market, but only a few are worth bringing home to ride.
To test electric scooters, we ride them around a New Jersey suburb and, if the scooter is light and small enough, we take it on a train and into New York City. As increasing numbers of people are bringing scooters on public transportation, we like to see how easy it is to lug a scooter up stairs, and to see how well it can be stowed under a seat.
Once in New York, we ride the scooter some more to see how well it handles potholes and other road obstacles. We also take each scooter up a street with a 6-percent grade, to see how well its motor performs under strain. More powerful scooters will be able to maintain a somewhat consistent speed, while lesser models will slow to a crawl.
In addition, we evaluate each scooter to see if it can reach its advertised top speed, and how close its range comes to the company's estimates. Spoiler alert: Most electric scooters will get around 60% of their advertised range.
As part of the testing process, we also evaluate a scooter's brakes, lighting, and design, as well as its price.
For entry-level and commuter scooters, we primarily consider things such as portability &#; how easy it is to fold up to bring on the bus or other types of public transportation, or how light it is to cart up a long stretch of stairs &#; along with range and top speed.
Commuter scooters don't need to be the fastest things around, but it helps if they can manage at least 15 MPH for a sustained time so that you're not holding up anyone in the bike lane. We also looked at braking mechanisms, including hydraulic disc brakes, which are the best for stopping quickly and safely at top speeds, and mechanical disc brakes, which are considered the second best for their reliability. Extra features like headlights, reflectors and available speedometer also factored into our commuter picks.
For the performance-based, higher-end rides, we consider range, speed and braking mechanisms, but we also looked at suspension. If you're paying upward of $1,000 for an electric scooter, it should be comfortable to ride and able to scale curbs, hills and bumpy roads.
For our picks for kids, electric scooters in this category don't offer the same bells and whistles as commuter models. For instance, many of the child and preteen picks don't fold up for portability, so we considered overall weight and size for kids with longer rides to school. We also stuck with scooters that topped out at 15 mph for utmost safety. And like our commuter and high-performance picks, we pored over reviews from parents where accessible.
For more information, check out our how we test page for Tom's Guide.
&#; Back to top
Electric scooter deals
Buying one of the best electric scooters can help save you a ton of time and money when it comes to commuting and your daily travel.
Smaller and easier to use than a bike, they can cut out the daily cost of riding the subway or the bus and reduce your carbon footprint in the process.
We've tested many of the best electric scooters on the market, including premium and budget models, as well as options for commuting, off-road, and more.
Generally, the best electric scooters aren't the most powerful options with the highest top speeds. Instead, we've put together a guide that balances several key factors including power, build and design, portability and folding, and crucially price.
That's why the NIU KQi3 Pro is our top pick for . There's always the TurboAnt M10 if you want a great value pick or you're on a budget. We also have top picks for commuters and students, too.
So scroll on for the best electric scooters on the market right now.
Best electric scooter overall
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
The NIU KQi3 Pro may not have that sleek and lightweight design that seems to have been the very first marker of an excellent electric scooter. But, these days, having a svelte e-scooter is no longer the priority. Besides, what this impressive model does offer is much more important: comfort.
Its brilliant fat tires, it turns out, are the ticket to a smooth ride. Each tire on this is 2.5 inches thick, allowing the scooter to have amazing shock absorption &#; not to mention, incredible traction. I took it out on this pothole-ridden road near my house and didn't find it necessary to weave through it just to avoid the small potholes and big cracks.
But, it takes more than that to convince folks, which is why NIU also slapped on amazing features like regenerative brakes, the always-on Halo headlight and rear light, zero starting (which activates as soon as you hit 200 riding meters for safety), and anti-theft.
The anti-theft feature is uncommon among e-scooters within this price range and is therefore a nice treat. Once it&#;s activated, an alarm will go off if someone tries to wheel the scooter away, ride it, or turn it on. So while it doesn't actually prevent someone from loading it on the back of their truck, you can count on it to make a huge fuss, which will hopefully deter petty thieves.
The best part is that for all of that and more, the NIU KQi3 Pro is surprisingly, amazingly affordable &#; more affordable than other premium e-scooters with less features. Is this the best electric scooter overall? A thousand times yes.
Read our full NIU KQi3 Pro review
Best value electric scooter
(Image credit: TurboAnt)
The best value electric scooter
Top speed:
20mph
Range:
18 miles
Weight:
29.8lb (13.5kg)
Hill grade:
15%
Tires:
10-inch pneumatic with inner tubes
Folds:
Yes
Waterproofing:
IP54
View at TurboAntCheck Amazon+
Affordable yet powerful
+
Very robust and well made
-
Not for uphills
You'll be surprised at how solid and well-made the TurboAnt M10 considering its price. It's our best value pick not just because of its affordable price tag, but because we found it to be very robust, it's built better than any of its rivals in this price range. There's also its incredibly lightweight design, which typically adds a premium.
To knock a couple of hundred bucks off its tag, TurboAnt has stripped it of extra frills, like security features and a more spacious deck. I found that it really isn't great for uphills either. However, I didn't mind the minimal features since that didn't really affect its overall performance and usability. I would just recommend that you invest in a good U-lock to secure it, which is something I use anyway even if an electric scooter I'm using does have an anti-theft system.
I've spent considerable time with this e-scooter and found it to be much more capable than it looks. It's got great shock absorption, thanks in large part to its 10-inch tires, which means you'll ride smoothly even on a road full of potholes. It's not as amazing as my top choice when it comes to shock absorption, but it's still better than most other models I've tested.
Plus, its brakes are extremely responsive, which is a nice touch as many e-scooters in this price range have subpar brake systems. For regular city commutes for less, this is the best electric scooter.
Best electric scooter for commuters
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
The most foldable electric scooter for commuters
Our expert review:
Top speed:
15mph
Range:
15.5 miles
Weight:
30.8 lbs (14kg)
Hill grade:
15%
Tires:
8.5-inch pneumatic tires
Folds:
Yes
Waterproofing:
Splash and water resistant only
Check AmazonView at Riley Scooters+
Innovative folding makes it portable
+
Great performance, excellent braking
+
Robust, premium build
-
Folding mechanisms feel clunky
-
Tires don&#;t have a lot of traction
While most electric scooters keep the folding to a minimum &#; just enough to cut their size down to about half &#; Riley Scooters' RS3 has taken its folding skills to a whole new level. It's got the ability to essentially collapse to less than half its original size, making it easier to stow, store, and strut around with.
The folding mechanisms &#; I say mechanisms because there are five on it &#; are a tad clunky, and one of them can sometimes feel like a two-person job in my experience. But, get that process down to a science, and you'll start appreciating the convenience this scooter offers commuters. Aside from being compact and easy to store, it's also so much easier to carry.
The RS3 doesn't hold back on performance either. Despite having smaller tires with not much traction, it's incredibly smooth and snappy to ride, thanks in large part to its premium build. I found it to deliver great shock absorption as well, about on par with the TurboAnt M10, which by the way has bigger tires.
Those brakes are a revelation as well. Going downhill on my neighborhood's 20-degree slope on a new e-scooter has always been a scary thing as a lot of them have average brakes. With the RS3, however, I felt incredibly safe and secure doing so, which makes me want to recommend it to both experienced riders and newbies who haven't quite mastered the art of braking.
Read our full Riley Scooters RS3 review
Best luxury electric scooter
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
The Unagi Model One E500 might be the sleekest and most futuristic-looking e-scooter out there. More importantly, it's incredibly lightweight and easy to carry - perhaps the most lightweight one I've ever tested. And, its massive bright LCD panel looks just as elegant, which just elevates rides.
It isn't a slouch in performance either. A solid ride touting a W motor, it definitely has a lot of power for more than just urban commutes. That motor allows it to haul its rider up a hill faster than other e-scooters. One thoughtful addition I love is the dedicated driving mode button that makes changing modes during rides a less stressful affair, I found, since my thumb need not move too far away from the throttle.
It comes with solid tires, instead of the more superior pneumatic tires, which offer better stability, suspension, climbing, and traction. Solid tires do have the advantage of needing less maintenance and not being prone to flats and punctures. However, they're not great at absorbing shocks. Unagi splits the difference by adding air pockets spread throughout the circumference of the wheel to help with shock absorption and stability.
Sadly, I found that those air pockets are no match for rougher roads with cracks and potholes, which means that the Model One E500 isn't the most comfortable ride on beaten roads. However, it rides beautifully on smoother streets so if you live in a city with newer roads, it's a commuter's dream.
Read our full Unagi Model One E500 review
Best electric scooter for performance
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
The best e-scooter for performance, build and range
Our expert review:
Top speed:
20mph
Range:
50 miles
Weight:
47.62lb (21.6kg)
Hill grade:
15%
Tires:
9.3-inch pneumatic with inner tubes
Folds:
Yes
Waterproofing:
IP54
View at TurboAnt+
Dual battery = 50-mile range
+
Front hub motor
-
Big and heavy
I never thought I'd love riding a big and heavy electric scooter like the TurboAnt V8 Dual-Battery around in urban spaces. After all, urban e-scooters are ideally lightweight and portable, and this one's the opposite of that. But, this one makes a compelling argument.
Don't read too much into its specs, though. The V8 may only have a 450W motor &#; which to be fair is already powerful in its own right &#; but the fact that it's a front hub motor means that it's got the ability to &#;peel out&#; by distributing the weight forward. Therefore, it's able to deliver a snappier start, allowing riders the ability to reach high speeds quicker. It's one of the very few commuter e-scooters I've tested that handled a 20-hill-grade slope decently.
Of course, the fact that it's got two batteries means it's got an impressively long range &#; 50 miles to be exact &#; that TurboAnt pairs with its fast-charging capabilities. You're also getting an extra charger so you can pop out the removable battery and charge both simultaneously, saving you time. I found this thoughtful extra to be incredibly useful, as it saves me a lot of time.
If you're looking for a much more powerful electric scooter, this is the best e-scooter for you. It may not be as sleek and lightweight as the other offerings on this list, but it gives them a run for their money on other things.
Read our TurboAnt V8 Dual-Battery review
Best electric scooter for students
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
The best e-scooter for students
Our expert review:
Top speed:
20mph
Range:
20 miles
Weight:
30lb (13.6kg)
Hill grade:
15%
Tires:
10-inch pneumatic with inner tubes
Folds:
Yes
Waterproofing:
IP54
Check Amazon+
Smooth ride, great traction
+
Powerful, snappy breaks
+
No kick-start
+
Removable battery
-
Deck not the most spacious
-
Stem gets scratched easily
-
Folding mechanism is cumbersome at first
The Levy Plus is a brilliant all-round electric scooter that won't break the bank. It's got city commuter chops and tires that can handle rough roads. Coupled with its reasonable price tag, we recommend it as the best for students who want a fast way to get around campus or a sharp dash to work.
Its motor isn't the most powerful, however, it has formidable brakes and big fat tires that make it durable and rugged, perfect for any terrain.
Value-wise it's perfectly mid-range, but still offers both portability and performance. Crucially it folds so won't take up too much room in a college dorm, and it scored very highly for ease of assembly.
You won't find much better for much less when it comes to electric scooters, and while it's not the cheapest option on the market, you get an awful lot for your money.
Read our Levy Plus review
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Best electric scooters at a glanceRow 0 - Cell 0
NIU KQi3 ProTurboAnt M10Riley Scooters RS3Unagi Model One E500TurboAnt V8 Dual-BatteryLevy PlusPrice: $799 / £699 / &#;AU$1,279$449.98 (Unavailable in the UK and AU)$926 / £749 (about AU$1,350) $990 / 899 / &#;AU$1,299$799 (Unavailable in the UK and AU)$749 / £560 / AU$1,095Top speed:20mph20mph15mph20mph20mph20mphRange: 31 miles18 miles15.5 miles15.5 miles50 miles20 milesWeight:44.75lb (20.3kg)29.8lb (13.5kg)30.8 lbs (14kg)26.5lb (12kg)47.62lb (21.6kg)30 lbs (13.6kg)Hill grade:20%15%15%15%15%15%Tires: 9.5-inch fat tires10-inch pneumatic with inner tubes8.5-inch pneumatic tires7.5-inch solid tires9.3-inch pneumatic with inner tube10-inch pneumaticFolds:YesYesYesYesYesYesWaterproofing: IP54IP54Splash and water resistant onlyIP54IP54IP54Don't panic if you haven't purchased an e-scooter before. Choosing one isn't as hard as you might think; you just have to know the main things to consider. And, trust us, you'll learn more as you do your research.
Urban commuters typically prioritize weight and portability over power, especially if they live in a city that's mostly flat and with good roads. If you live in a city like Chicago, London, or New York, choosing a lightweight electric scooter that can be folded and carried on the train or up to your office is ideal than one that has the power to go up a hill. If you live in a city like Los Angeles, you might need a good balance between those two things.
Consider top speed as well &#; although do consider the e-scooter rules in your city, state, or country. In the US, different states have different e-scooter laws, and some cities also impose their own (or ban them altogether on public roads, unfortunately). In Los Angeles, the top speed for electric scooters is 15mph, which means that getting anything with a top speed of 30mph might be unnecessary, especially if you're paying a lot.
Of course, there's also battery life. A handful of the best electric scooters give you a week of use before they need charging. However, more commonly, e-scooters for commuting only give you two or three days. That heavily depends on the miles you clock in every day though. An 18-mile e-scooter should last you about three days if you've got a three-mile-per-trip average, but you might need to charge it every night if you're commuting more than eight miles per trip.
A top-notch braking system is very, very important for your safety. Some of the best e-scooters have a simple braking system while a few of the more robust ones come with a dual one, which is much more reliable and safer for riders. That's especially if you live in a hilly area.
Naturally, build, weather-proofing, and wheel size are to be considered as well. Features are important too. Depending on your needs, you might need things like app support and an anti-theft system.
Electric scooters generally are legal to ride in the US, a stark contrast to the UK where this is generally not the case. There are both Federal and State laws pertaining to the use of electric scooters, but a lot of variety means it's vital to check the laws where you live. Electric scooters fall under federal legislation regarding two-wheeled electric vehicles, which caps speeds at 20mph and power at 750 Watts. State laws are much more diverse, in a select few states they are banned completely (Delaware, Idaho, Pennsylvania), some states have more stringent speed restrictions, while still others require a driver's license. Laws can also vary depending on whether your scooter is privately owned or rented.
There's no one best electric scooter brand. However, there are several that we've found to deliver the most well-constructed and great-performing e-scooters: TurboAnt, Segway, and GoTrax.
Segway is a little on the expensive side, but they do make great scooters with excellent build and smooth performance. Meanwhile, TurboAnt has the art of building rugged commuting electric scooters that also feel luxurious to ride on. Finally, you can count on GoTrax to give you the best value for your money.
That very much depends on the electric scooter model you have and the ingress protection (IP) rating it has. Most commuter electric scooters have protection against water jets from all directions, which gives them an IPX5 or IPX6 rating. However, those aren't recommended to use during rain, especially heavy downpours, most likely in case you encounter flooding.
If you want something that's completely safe to use in the rain, we recommend finding something that can survive submersion. That would have an IP rating of IPX7 or above.
Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you&#;re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
Commuter electric scooters - A commuter e-scooter is a type of electric scooter that&#;s designed specifically, as its name suggests, for everyday city commutes. They&#;re designed to be sleeker and more lightweight, a lot of them having a folding capability to make them easier to take on a bus or a train.
Hill grade - An electric scooter&#;s hill grade rating is the incline angle that its motor can handle when going up a hill. Most commuter e-scooters have a hill grade rating of 15% to 20%.
Pneumatic tires - Pneumatic tires are essentially just rubber tires filled with air. They deliver better stability, suspension, climbing, and traction than solid tires.
Solid tires - Solid tires are the opposite of pneumatic tires in that they are not air-filled but are instead made up of layers of rubber. Some solid tires have built-in air pockets, but they generally need less maintenance and are less prone to flats and punctures.
Regenerative brakes - Brakes with this regenerative braking feature have the capability to recover some of that kinetic energy the e-scooter uses during braking and send it back to the battery to extend its range.
Kickstart - A kickstart simply means that to get an e-scooter going, you have to kick it off quite literally with a nice, firm push using your foot.
Zero start - A zero start means that an electric scooter doesn&#;t need you to kick it off to get going. Its throttle does all the work for you.
Testing electric scooters is the fun part of our job because we get to ride around our cities and get a bit of fresh air and sunshine. We don't always go for a joyride, however.
Every e-scooter we test, we use for at least two weeks, running errands, commuting, and exploring new areas. We test its performance &#; just how instantaneous it starts up, how fast it picks up speed, how reliable its brakes are, and how effective it is at climbing inclines. We test it in different road conditions as well to see how it fares outside of city roads. That's just to start.
We also take a look at its design &#; whether or not it's easy and intuitive to use if the dashboard is bright enough to be visible in bright sunlight, how great and spacious the deck is, and if the folding mechanism is quick and effortless. Finally, we check the battery, to see if it lives up to the rating and if has fast-charging capabilities.
When we've got all our data, we then compare all of that with the price to make sure that it isn't overpriced and is a great value for the price.
The company is the world’s best Little Girl Electric Scooter supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.