The best electric scooters will enable you to save costs and travel sustainably. They can also save commuters time in crowded locations like large cities where public transportation isn’t as readily available and widely used.
Even though these adult-only transportation options might appear to be nothing more than upgraded toys, e-scooters provide a more sustainable, environmentally friendly, and clean way to get around. They’ll assist you in reducing air pollution, traffic congestion, and your carbon footprint. Like the greatest electric bikes, they will also allow you to breathe clean, natural air once you are outside of an artificial environment.
I’ve personally tried a wide range of e-scooters, including the best cheap e-scooters and the finest electric scooters for students. And after taking into account factors like build quality, weight, usability, performance, and features like anti-theft protection and app compatibility, I selected the top devices for this guide.
Rather than including pricey performance versions with significantly greater top speeds, I concentrated on those that are best for regular commuting and errand running in our guide. The NIU KQi3 Pro is my top choice because of its excellent balance of comfort, performance, and affordability. But if you’d rather spend less, I’d suggest the TurboAnt M10, which packs a punch above its weight (or rather, its budget).
When used properly, the greatest electric scooters really have a lot to offer both the environment and the riders. This list has the perfect one for you, whether you’re a hill biker, everyday commuter, or casual user.
The best electric scooters for teens
1. KQi3 Pro at NIU
The NIU KQi3 Pro is a popular electric scooter, but is it right for you? Here’s a breakdown of its specs and reasons to buy or avoid it to help you decide.
Specifications:
- Top speed: Up to 20 mph (32 km/h)
- Range: Up to 31 miles (50 km)
- Weight: 52 lbs (23.6 kg)
- Hill grade: 20%
- Tires: 9.5-inch pneumatic tires with puncture resistance
- Folds: Yes, for easy portability
- Waterproofing: IP54 splashproof
Reasons to buy:
- Long range: With a range of up to 31 miles on a single charge, the KQi3 Pro is perfect for commuting or longer rides.
- Powerful motor: The 48V, 750W motor provides plenty of power for tackling hills and cruising comfortably.
- Stable and comfortable ride: The large pneumatic tires and wide deck provide a smooth and stable ride, even on rough surfaces.
- Safe and secure: The KQi3 Pro comes equipped with dual disc brakes, a bright headlight, and a taillight for safe riding in any conditions.
- Stylish design: The KQi3 Pro has a sleek and modern design that’s sure to turn heads.
Reasons to avoid:
- Heavy: At 52 lbs, the KQi3 Pro is not the lightest scooter on the market, which can make it difficult to carry and store.
- Expensive: The KQi3 Pro is priced at around $999, which is more than some other comparable scooters.
- Not suitable for off-road use: The pneumatic tires are not designed for off-road riding, so stick to paved surfaces.
- No suspension: The lack of suspension can make the ride uncomfortable on rough surfaces.
The NIU KQi3 Pro might not have the svelte and light design that was formerly thought to be a hallmark of a top-notch electric scooter. However, owning a stylish e-scooter isn’t as important these days. Furthermore, the feature that sets this remarkable model apart is its comfort level.
It turns out that the secret to a smooth ride is its superb fat tires. Due to the 2.5 inches of thickness in each tire, the scooter has excellent traction and shock absorption. I tested it on a pothole-filled road close to my house, and I didn’t feel the need to weave around it in order to stay out of the large gaps and little craters.
But it takes more than that to persuade people, which is why NIU added incredible features like anti-theft, zero starting (which turns on as soon as you reach 200 riding meters for safety), regenerative brakes, and the always-on Halo headlight and rear light.
Since the anti-theft feature is unusual for e-scooters in this price range, it’s a pleasant bonus. Once it’s turned on, attempting to wheel the scooter away, get on it, or switch it on will set off an alert. Therefore, even though it doesn’t truly stop someone from putting it on the back of their truck, you can be sure that it will cause a lot of noise, which should discourage small-time thieves.
The best thing is that the NIU KQi3 Pro is unexpectedly, wonderfully reasonable for all of that and more—cheaper than comparable high-end e-scooters with fewer features. Is this the greatest all-around electric scooter? Yes, a thousand times over.
2. The TurboAnt M10
To help you decide if the TurboAnt M10 is the right e-scooter for you, let’s dive into its specs and consider both its strengths and potential drawbacks:
Specifications:
- Top speed: Up to 25 mph (40 km/h)
- Range: Up to 30 miles (48 km)
- Weight: 52 lbs (23.6 kg)
- Hill grade: 15%
- Tires: 10-inch pneumatic tires with puncture resistance
- Folds: Yes, for easy portability
- Waterproofing: IP54 splashproof
Reasons to buy:
- Fast and powerful: Get where you need to be quickly with a top speed of 25 mph and a 500W motor that tackles moderate hills.
- Long-range: Explore further and avoid recharge worries with a range of up to 30 miles on a single charge.
- Comfortable ride: Navigate bumpy roads smoothly thanks to the large pneumatic tires and dual suspension.
- Safe and secure: Ride confidently with dual disc brakes, a bright headlight, and a taillight for low-light visibility.
- Durable and portable: Fold it up for easy storage and transit, while the sturdy construction ensures reliable performance.
Reasons to consider:
- Heavy: At 52 lbs, the M10 might be challenging to carry for extended periods.
- Higher price point: Compared to some scooters, the M10 falls within a premium range.
- Not for extreme off-road: While the tires handle rough terrain, stick to moderate paths for optimal performance.
- Limited folding mechanism: The folding design might not be as compact as some other models.
Considering its budget, the TurboAnt M10 is surprisingly sturdy and well-made. Not only is it our top-value option because of its low cost, but we also found it to be quite sturdy and well-built compared to all of its competitors in this price category. Additionally, its extremely light design usually comes with a premium.
TurboAnt has removed security features and a larger deck in order to reduce the price by a few hundred dollars. It really isn’t very good for hills, I discovered. The lack of features didn’t significantly influence the device’s usability or general performance; therefore, I wasn’t bothered by them. I would simply advise you to secure it with a high-quality U-lock, which I always do even when my electric scooter has an anti-theft mechanism.
After using it for a while, I discovered that this e-scooter is far more capable than it first appeared to be. Its 10-inch tires play a major role in its excellent shock absorption, which ensures a comfortable ride even on pothole-filled roads. In terms of stress absorption, it’s not quite as good as my #1 pick, but it’s still superior to the majority of the other types I’ve tried.
Furthermore, it has very quick brakes, which is a wonderful feature considering that many e-scooters in this price range have inadequate brake systems. This is the best electric scooter for frequent city commutes at a lower cost.
3. Riley RS3 Scooters
Specifications:
- Top speed: Up to 25 km/h (15.5 mph)
- Range: Up to 25 km (15.5 miles) on a single charge
- Weight: 14kg (30.9 lbs)
- Hill grade: Can climb up to 15° slopes
- Tires: 8.5″ pneumatic tires with puncture resistance
- Folding: Yes, folds quickly and compactly
- Waterproofing: Splashproof design (IPX4 rating)
Reasons to buy:
- Portable and lightweight: easy to carry and store thanks to its foldable design and manageable weight.
- Powerful and nimble: The 350W brushless motor provides enough power for comfortable commutes and can tackle moderate hills.
- Smooth and comfortable ride: Pneumatic tires offer good shock absorption for a smoother ride on various surfaces.
- Safe and convenient features: disc brakes on both wheels and a bright headlight ensure safety, while cruise control and a removable battery add convenience.
- Stylish design: a modern and sleek look that stands out from the crowd.
Reasons to consider:
- Limited range: 15.5 miles might not be enough for longer commutes or extensive explorations.
- Relatively new brand: There might be less user feedback and reviews available compared to more established brands.
- Price: Depending on your budget, you might find other scooters with similar features at a lower price point.
- Higher weight compared to some other foldable scooters: Consider if the 30.9-pound weight feels comfortable for carrying, especially when folded.
The majority of electric scooters only fold down sufficiently to reduce their size in half, but Riley Scooters’ RS3 has raised the bar for folding abilities. It is simpler to stow, store, and carry around thanks to its capacity to practically collapse to less than half its original size.
The folding mechanisms, which I say mechanisms since there are five on it, are a little awkward, and from my experience, one of them occasionally feels like a two-person job. Once you master that procedure, nonetheless, you’ll begin to recognize how convenient this scooter is for city dwellers. It’s significantly simpler to carry, in addition to being small and easy to store.
Performance-wise, the RS3 doesn’t hold back either. Its high build quality is largely responsible for its very smooth and snappy ride, even with its tiny tires and lack of traction. It provided excellent shock absorption as well, comparable to the TurboAnt M10, which, incidentally, has larger tires.
And those brakes are an even bigger revelation. Since many new e-scooters have subpar brakes, it has always been dangerous to go downhill on the 20-degree slope in my area. But I felt so safe and confident riding the RS3 that I wish to suggest it to riders of all skill levels, including those who haven’t quite mastered the art of braking.
4. Model One E500 Unagi
The Unagi Model One E500 is a head-turner in the world of electric scooters, boasting a premium design and powerful performance. But before you zoom off, let’s take a closer look at its specs, strengths, and potential drawbacks to help you decide if it’s the right ride for you.
Specifications:
- Top speed: Up to 25 mph (40 km/h)
- Range: Up to 15–19 miles (24–31 km), depending on motor usage and rider weight
- Weight: 33 lbs (15 kg)
- Hill grade: Up to 15° inclines
- Tires: 10″ tubeless pneumatic tires with puncture resistance
- Folding: Yes, one-click folding mechanism
- Waterproofing: IP54 splashproof
- Motors: Dual 250W brushless motors
Reasons to buy:
- Eye-catching design: The Unagi Model One E500 is a minimalist stunner, with clean lines and premium materials that make it stand out from the crowd.
- Powerful and zippy: Dual motors deliver enough punch to conquer hills and cruise effortlessly, reaching speeds that rival many popular scooters.
- Lightweight and portable: At 33 lbs, it’s one of the lightest in its class, making it a breeze to carry and store, especially when folded with its convenient one-click mechanism.
- Smooth and comfortable ride: Large pneumatic tires and a well-tuned suspension system cushion your journey, even on rougher terrain.
- Built to last: high-quality materials and components throughout the scooter ensure durability and reliability for years of scooting adventures.
- User-friendly features such as a bright LED headlight, a built-in kickstand, and app connectivity add to the riding experience.
Reasons to consider:
- Limited range: Compared to some competitors, the 15–19-mile range might not be enough for longer commutes or extensive explorations.
- Premium price tag: The Unagi Model One E500 falls on the more expensive side of the electric scooter market.
- Minimal storage: The sleek design doesn’t offer much space for carrying essentials like a backpack or groceries.
- No front suspension: Some riders might prefer the added comfort of suspension on both wheels.
Perhaps the sleekest and most futuristic-looking e-scooter available is the Unagi Model One E500. More significantly, it’s maybe the lightest one I’ve ever used and is exceedingly lightweight and carry-friendly. Its enormous, brilliant LCD panel also has a stylish appearance, which enhances the experience of riding.
In terms of performance, it’s also not bad. With a 1000W motor, this reliable ride is powerful enough for uses beyond city commuting. Compared to other e-scooters, it can carry its user up a slope more quickly because of its motor. The dedicated driving mode button is a well-considered innovation that I adore. It reduces the stress associated with changing settings while riding by allowing my thumb to stay close to the throttle.
Rather than the more superior pneumatic tires, which provide better stability, suspension, climbing, and traction, it comes with solid tires. One benefit of solid tires is that they require less upkeep and are less likely to get flats or punctures. They aren’t very good at absorbing shocks, though. Unagi makes up for the discrepancy by distributing air pockets across the wheel’s perimeter to aid in stability and shock absorption.
Unfortunately, I discovered that the Model One E500 isn’t the most comfortable ride on well-traveled roads because the air pockets are no match for bumpier surfaces with cracks and potholes. But if you live in a place with more recent roads, it rides brilliantly on smoother streets, making it a commuter’s dream.
5. TurboAnt V8 Dual-Battery
Specifications:
- Top Speed: Up to 25 mph (40 km/h)
- Range: Up to 50 miles (80 km) with dual batteries, 25 miles (40 km) with single battery
- Weight: 53 lbs (24 kg)
- Hill Grade: Up to 15° inclines
- Tires: 8″ pneumatic tires
- Folding: Yes, one-click folding mechanism
- Waterproofing: IP54 splashproof
- Motor: Dual 450W brushless motors
Reasons to buy:
- Unrivaled range: The dual-battery configuration offers an impressive range, making it ideal for longer commutes or extensive explorations.
- Powerful and fast: The dual motors provide enough punch to conquer hills and cruise effortlessly, reaching speeds comparable to many popular scooters.
- Comfortable ride: Large pneumatic tires and a well-tuned suspension system ensure a smooth and comfortable ride even on rougher terrain.
- Built to last: high-quality materials and components throughout the scooter ensure durability and reliability.
- User-friendly features like one-click folding, a built-in kickstand, and a bright LED headlight add to the riding experience.
Reasons to consider:
- Heavy weight: At 53 lbs, it’s one of the heavier scooters in its class, which might impact portability, especially for longer distances.
- Higher price tag: The dual-battery option falls on the more expensive side of the e-scooter market.
- Limited storage: The sleek design doesn’t offer much space for carrying essentials like a backpack or groceries.
I never would have imagined that I would enjoy cruising through cities on a large, bulky electric scooter like the TurboAnt V8 Dual-Battery. Ultimately, the ideal urban e-scooter should be lightweight and portable, and this one is the exact opposite. However, this one presents a strong case.
However, don’t overread its specifications. The front hub motor of the V8 has the capacity to “peel out” by shifting the weight forward, even if it only has a 450W motor, which is still rather powerful in and of itself. As a result, it can start more quickly, enabling riders to attain high speeds more quickly. It’s among the very few commuter e-scooters I’ve tested that performed well on a 20-hill gradient.
Naturally, having two batteries gives it an amazing range—50 miles, to be exact—which TurboAnt combines with its quick charging capabilities. In order to save time, you can remove the detachable battery and charge both at the same time by using the additional charger that is included. This well-considered bonus is really helpful, since it saves me a ton of time.
This is the greatest e-scooter if you’re searching for one with a lot more power. While it may not be as light and stylish as the other products on this list, it is nonetheless competitive in other areas.
How to choose the best electric scooter for you
If you have never bought an e-scooter before, don’t freak out. Selecting one isn’t as difficult as you would think—all you need to know are the key factors to take into account. We’re sure you’ll discover more if you conduct further investigation.
Weight and mobility are usually more important to urban commuters than power, especially if they reside in a mainly flat city with decent transportation. It’s better to choose a lightweight electric scooter that can be folded up and brought to your office or on public transportation rather than one with enough power to climb a hill if you reside in a metropolis like Chicago, London, or New York. You may require a healthy balance between those two things if you reside in a metropolis like Los Angeles.
Though you do take into account the e-scooter laws in your city, state, or nation, take into account your maximum speed as well. Sadly, several localities in the US also enforce their own e-scooter restrictions or outright forbid them from being used on public highways. The maximum speed allowed for electric scooters in Los Angeles is 15 mph, so if you’re paying a lot, you might not need to acquire something with a top speed of 30 mph.
There is, of course, battery life. You can ride a few of the top electric scooters for up to a week before they require charging. More often than not, though, e-scooters for commuting barely last two or three days. However, a lot depends on how many kilometers you log each day. If you commute three miles every trip on average, an eighteen-mile e-scooter should last you around three days, but if you commute more than eight miles per trip, you may need to charge it every night.
The quality of your braking system is crucial to your safety. While some of the more durable e-scooters have a single braking system, which is far less dependable and safer for users, some of the better models have dual braking systems. That’s particularly true if you reside in a hilly region.
Naturally, other factors to take into account include wheel size, build, and weatherproofing. Additionally, features are crucial. You may require features like anti-theft protection and app support, depending on your requirements.
Which brand of electric scooter is the best?
The best brand of electric scooters isn’t one. Nevertheless, we’ve discovered that TurboAnt, Segway, and GoTrax are the three that provide the best-built and most effective e-scooters.
Although they are a bit pricey, Segways are fantastic scooters with superb construction and seamless operation. TurboAnt, on the other hand, is skilled in creating durable electric scooters for commuting that also feel opulent to ride on. Finally, you can rely on GoTrax to provide the most value for your financial situation.
Can I ride an electric scooter in the rain?
That greatly relies on the brand of electric scooter you own and its ingress protection (IP) rating. The majority of commuter electric scooters are rated IPX5 or IPX6, meaning they are protected from water jets in all directions. But those aren’t advised to be used in the event of flooding, especially during periods of high rainfall.
We advise looking for anything that can withstand submersion if you want something that is totally safe to use in the rain. That would be classified as IPX7 or higher.
Terms used in electric scooter glossary
Commuter e-scooters are a particular kind of electric scooter that are intended, as their name implies, for daily commuting within cities. Many of them have the capacity to fold up, making them easier to carry on a bus or train. They are made to be lighter and sleeker.
Hill grade: The maximum incline angle that an electric scooter’s motor can manage when climbing a hill is indicated by the scooter’s hill grade rating. The majority of e-scooters used by commuters are rated for 15% to 20% of hills.
Pneumatic tires:Tires filled with air and made of rubber are known as pneumatic tires. Compared to solid tires, they offer improved traction, stability, suspension, and climbing.
Solid tires: solid tires are composed of layers of rubber rather than air, making them the reverse of pneumatic tires. Although solid tires are less likely to puncture and require less maintenance, some of them do feature built-in air pockets.
Regenerative brakes: An e-scooter’s range can be increased by using brakes that have the ability to recover some of the kinetic energy used during braking and return it to the battery.
Kick start: A kick start is the term for the fact that you literally have to kick start an e-scooter by giving it a solid push with your foot.
Zero start: An electric scooter that has a zero start does not require you to start it in order to function. All of the work is done for you by its throttle.
How do we evaluate electric scooters?
The best part of our job is getting to ride around our cities and enjoy some sunshine and fresh air while testing electric scooters. But we don’t always take a joyride.
We evaluate each e-scooter for at least two weeks, using it for commuting, running errands, and visiting new places. We put it through its paces to see how quickly it starts up, how quickly it accelerates, how dependable its brakes are, and how well it climbs hills. To see how it performs away from city roadways, we also test it on other types of roads. That’s only the beginning.
We also look at its design, including how great and roomy the deck is, how easy and intuitive it is to use, whether the dashboard is bright enough to be seen in strong sunshine, and whether the folding mechanism is simple and quick. Lastly, we test the battery to make sure it satisfies the rating and can be charged quickly.
Once we have all of the information, we compare it to the pricing to ensure that it is a good value for the money and not overpriced.
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