Electric scooters have surged in popularity as a convenient and eco-friendly way to navigate urban landscapes. If you’re on the hunt for a Good Electric Scooter, you’ve come to the right place. This guide dives into some of the best electric scooters available, based on real-world testing and in-depth reviews. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, a long-range commuter, or a lightweight portable model, we’ve got you covered. Let’s explore the top contenders and help you make an informed decision.
Before we jump into scooter recommendations, let’s talk safety.
Safety First: Helmet Recommendations for Electric Scooter Riders
Protecting yourself is paramount when riding any electric scooter. While it might seem tempting to skip the helmet, especially for short rides, it’s a crucial piece of safety gear. Here are a couple of helmet recommendations, depending on your riding style and speed.
For High-Speed Riders: The Beam Virgo Helmet
If you plan on riding your electric scooter at speeds exceeding 15 miles per hour, a full-face helmet like The Beam Virgo Helmet is highly recommended. This type of helmet offers superior protection, covering not just the top of your head but also your face and jaw. After weeks of testing, the Virgo helmet has proven to be a reliable and stylish choice. Its standout feature is the flip-down visor, a lifesaver during unexpected rain, keeping water from splattering into your eyes.
Putting it on might require a bit of effort, especially with the large size, and you’ll likely need to remove glasses beforehand. However, once in place, glasses can be comfortably worn again, and strategically placed holes accommodate earbuds. Comfort is a strong point, though the padding may occasionally require readjustment when putting the helmet on. Importantly, the Virgo is a MIPS helmet, incorporating technology designed to reduce rotational forces in the event of an accident, minimizing the risk of brain injury. For serious riders prioritizing safety and style, the Beam Virgo Helmet is a solid investment.
For Urban Cruisers: Thousand Heritage 2.0 Helmet
For riders who prefer slower speeds in urban environments, the Thousand Heritage 2.0 Helmet is an excellent choice. Numerous reviewers have tested and appreciated the Thousand Heritage helmets for their blend of style and comfort. They are notably attractive and comfortable for everyday wear. The magnetic clasp is a particularly convenient feature, allowing for easy one-handed fastening and unfastening. If you’re looking for a stylish and functional helmet for leisurely scooter rides, the Thousand Heritage 2.0 is a top contender.
Exploring More Great Electric Scooters
Beyond the top recommendations, the electric scooter market is diverse, with models catering to various needs and budgets. Here’s a closer look at other noteworthy scooters you might want to consider.
MiniMotors USA Dualtron Togo: Powerful and Compact
The MiniMotors USA Dualtron Togo presents a compelling option, especially if you can find it at discounted prices. While the standard price might seem a bit steep, keep an eye out for sales, as it can become a phenomenal value at lower price points. During testing, the Dualtron Togo managed a roughly 13-mile trip across significant distances in New York City on a single charge. However, at its regular price, the value proposition diminishes somewhat.
The ride is described as stiff, and the scooter’s design appears better suited for riders of shorter stature, as taller individuals might find themselves fully extending their arms to reach the handlebars. A notable safety feature, which can be disabled via an app, locks the throttle after a few seconds, requiring the simultaneous press of both brakes to unlock it. While initially perceived as an annoyance, this feature ultimately enhances safety by preventing accidental throttle activation. Although capable of reaching 25 mph, testing was primarily conducted at 15 mph.
One significant drawback is the unreliable battery gauge. Fluctuations in battery percentage readings were observed, making it difficult to accurately gauge remaining charge. Additionally, despite indicating 30 percent battery life, the scooter began to slow down prematurely, necessitating a slow 8 mph ride for the remaining miles. With a maximum load capacity of 220 pounds, lighter riders may experience better range. Despite these quirks, the Dualtron Togo remains a solid, compact scooter, particularly attractive when available for under $500. It weighs 54 pounds.
Niu KQi3 Pro: A Balanced and Reliable Choice
The Niu KQi3 Pro emerged as a favorite after extensive testing, holding the top spot in recommendations for a significant period. It excels in range for its price, consistently achieving around 15 miles even with demanding hilly routes in New York City, with potential for 18 to 20 miles under less strenuous conditions. It reaches a top speed of 20 mph and features comfortable 9.5-inch tubeless tires, coupled with reliable disc brakes for quick stops.
Practical features include a bell, lights, and handlebar space for phone mounts. Folding is remarkably easy, although its 45-pound weight makes it less than ideal for carrying long distances. The non-folding handlebars can also be cumbersome in tight spaces like stair railings. As a slightly older model, now superseded by the Niu KQi 300X and 300P, the KQi3 Pro is particularly appealing when found on sale. For a blend of range, comfort, and features, the Niu KQi3 Pro remains a strong contender in the electric scooter market.
MiniMotors USA Dualtron Mini Special: For Experienced Riders Seeking Performance
The MiniMotors USA Dualtron Mini Special is geared towards experienced riders seeking higher performance. Assembly instructions are noted as vague, missing crucial steps, and the handlebar grip installation can be challenging, potentially requiring rubbing alcohol for easier fitting. The MiniMotors Dualtron app is also described as not user-friendly, particularly for beginners, with poorly explained terms and functions.
This scooter is not recommended for newcomers. However, once set up, the riding experience is quite rewarding. It boasts a top speed of 35 mph and, while advertised with a 40-mile range, realistic expectations should be around 25 to 30 miles. It handles slopes effectively but has a surprisingly low max load capacity of 200 pounds despite its hefty 59-pound weight. For experienced riders comfortable with a more complex setup and seeking performance, the Dualtron Mini Special is a powerful option.
Fluidfreeride Fluid Mosquito: Ultra-Lightweight and Nimble
If portability is a top priority and the Unagi Model One Voyager doesn’t fit your needs, the Fluidfreeride Fluid Mosquito is a compelling ultra-lightweight alternative. At just 29 pounds, it’s among the lightest scooters in this guide and features a convenient built-in grab handle. It folds quickly and offers a top speed of 24 mph.
However, its lightweight design comes with compromises. Suspension is described as just adequate, with bumps being noticeable, and the wheels are narrow. Braking is functional but can lead to skidding during sudden stops. Range is also limited, averaging around 9 miles in testing that included crossing the Brooklyn Bridge. A notable inconvenience is the lack of on-the-fly speed mode adjustments; speed mode selection must be made before riding. For those prioritizing extreme portability and nimble handling, the Fluid Mosquito is worth considering, but be mindful of its limitations in range and ride comfort on rough surfaces.
TurboAnt M10 Lite: A Budget-Friendly Scooter for Lighter Riders
The TurboAnt M10 Lite stands out as a perfectly adequate budget scooter, best suited for individuals weighing under 200 pounds. Assembly requires additional steps compared to some other models, such as attaching the rear mudguard. Testing yielded around 8 miles of range, and while it didn’t reach its advertised top speed of 16 mph during testing, the folding system is quick, the display is bright, and its 31-pound weight is reasonably light. Steep hills should be avoided. For users seeking an affordable and lightweight scooter for flat urban terrains, the TurboAnt M10 Lite is a viable option.
Gotrax Apex: Reliable and Affordable for Short Commutes
The Gotrax Apex is a reliable and easily foldable scooter weighing 32 pounds. It includes an integrated bell and a digital display showing speed and battery life, reaching speeds up to 15 mph. The Apex has proven dependable for various short trips, including coffee runs, remote work assignments with camera gear, and grocery shopping.
However, the ride is not the smoothest, and the 250-watt motor struggles with even slight inclines, significantly impacting battery life on slopes. Typical range is around 9 miles. Taller riders may find the handlebar reach somewhat extended. While the rear disc brake is functional, some users might desire more stopping power. Overall, the Gotrax Apex is a solid, affordable choice for short, flat commutes.
Gotrax GX2: Powerful and Long-Range, but with Quirks
The Gotrax GX2 is positioned as a powerful, long-range scooter, comparable to the Apollo Phantom in terms of performance and weight (76 pounds). Its striking gunmetal design resembles a Transformer and it can achieve a top speed of 35 mph using dual 800-watt motors, although testing was primarily conducted at 20 mph. It successfully completed an 18.4-mile round trip to midtown Manhattan and back to Brooklyn with remaining battery.
Carrying the GX2 is cumbersome due to its heavy weight and thick stem. A particularly annoying feature is the automatic Parking mode, which engages after a few seconds of inactivity, requiring manual mode reactivation. This feature cannot be disabled. Concerns regarding build quality arose during testing, including a motor noise suggesting internal friction, which temporarily disappeared when lightly applying the left brake lever. The stem latch also exhibited looseness despite a locking mechanism. Potential buyers are advised to inspect for these issues and contact Gotrax or a local scooter shop if problems arise. Despite its power and range, these quirks detract from the overall user experience.
Navee S65: Powerful Motor, Noticeable Noise
Navee is an emerging brand in the US market, and the S65 model offers an enjoyable riding experience. Consistent 16-mile round trips at 20 mph were achievable, though this nearly depleted the battery. Acceleration is impressive thanks to its geared hub motor, and it handles slopes with ease. However, the geared motor is notably loud, potentially causing self-consciousness in quiet environments, although less noticeable in noisy urban settings.
Weighing 53 pounds, it’s heavier than some competitors with similar range, and customer service is still an unknown factor due to the brand’s recent market entry. Despite these points, the Navee S65 provides a fun and powerful ride.
Evolv Terra: Solid Performance, Less Refined Ride
The Evolv Terra offers a generally positive experience. Weighing 53 pounds and featuring a relatively thin stem, it’s reasonably portable. It’s powerful, capable of reaching 31 mph with dual 600-watt motors (local speed laws permitting), and comfortable cruising at 20 mph in the second of three speed settings using a single motor. Range is average, with approximately two battery bars remaining after 15 miles, suggesting a potential range exceeding 20 miles with conservative speed management.
Suspension is adequate, but solid tires can make rough roads feel bumpy. Fenders proved ineffective in wet conditions. The stem angle felt slightly too close to the body, and the absence of a thumb throttle caused wrist discomfort on longer rides, though adjustments to throttle and brake angles are possible. The Evolv Terra delivers solid performance but lacks some refinement in ride comfort and features.
Radio Flyer S533: Surprisingly Capable, Pricey for its Class
The Radio Flyer S533 was a surprising performer during testing. Its folding mechanism, a simple latch and sleeve system, is exceptionally easy to use, and the scooter is lightweight at 30 pounds. It’s not designed for long commutes, with a range under 8 miles in testing. Despite exceeding its 220-pound load capacity during testing, it averaged 14 mph out of its 16 mph top speed.
It’s suitable for short errands, but its price point seems high for its power and performance, suggesting it should be more affordable. Initial quality control issues were noted, with the first unit failing to power on and the second having a flat tire upon arrival, though the latter was easily rectified. While surprisingly capable for short trips, the Radio Flyer S533’s value proposition is questionable at its current price.
Apollo Air Pro (2022): Decent but Overpriced
The Apollo Air Pro (2022) is a reasonably good scooter, but its high price is a significant drawback. It reaches speeds up to 21 mph and achieves a range of 13 to 15 miles. It includes standard features like a front light and bell, and app connectivity for customization. However, the app is mandatory to unlock the scooter’s full speed potential, otherwise limiting it to 12 mph. The folding mechanism is described as cumbersome, and despite its 39-pound weight, it’s uncomfortable to carry due to its thick stem. Acceleration is also not particularly quick. Unless significantly discounted, the Apollo Air Pro (2022) is hard to recommend at its current price.
Electric Scooters to Avoid: Models with Notable Drawbacks
Not all electric scooters live up to expectations. Extensive testing, often spanning months, reveals models that, while functional, fall short compared to top picks. Here are some electric scooters to avoid due to various shortcomings.
Niu KQi Air: Lightweight but with Too Many Issues
The Niu KQi Air was initially exciting due to its carbon fiber frame and ultra-lightweight design (26 pounds), making it the lightest scooter tested. It boasts a 20-mph top speed, easy folding, turn signals, a user-friendly app, and reliable regenerative braking. However, its range is disappointing, typically under 10 miles per charge. Its lightweight nature proved beneficial when the battery died, allowing it to be strapped to a bike basket for transport (though this is not recommended).
Ride quality is good, but persistent issues detract from its appeal. Connectivity problems with the phone app required disconnecting and reconnecting the internal power cable. Theft protection features, while present, are flawed; while the alarm can be permanently disabled, the auto-braking feature when rolled can only be deactivated by turning the scooter on. A significant issue was the initial test unit completely failing, requiring a replacement. Furthermore, intermittent performance drops during rides, possibly due to thermal issues, were observed. Despite its innovative lightweight design, the Niu KQi Air is plagued by too many quirks to recommend.
Veo Cosmo X: Poor Range for a Heavy Sit-Down Scooter
The Veo Cosmo X is a sit-down scooter, distinct from kick scooters. While the ride was enjoyable, its range is severely limited, barely reaching 10 miles at its top speed of 17 mph despite its substantial 94-pound weight. Originating from the rideshare market, this consumer-focused model’s specifications do not justify its high price. The Veo Cosmo X struggles to deliver adequate range for its size and cost.
Gotrax G6 and Eclipse: Overheating Problems
The Gotrax G6 and Eclipse models both suffer from overheating issues. Despite decent range and comfortable rides, both scooters experienced overheating errors after just 20 minutes of riding on an 80-degree Fahrenheit day, particularly struggling on inclines. Repeatedly turning them off and restarting was necessary, but the problem persisted. This issue occurred with both models, even though they are rated for up to 265 pounds. The overheating problem makes the Gotrax G6 and Eclipse unreliable, especially in warmer climates or hilly terrains.
Taur Electric Scooter: Flawed Hardware and Software, Poor Customer Support
The Taur Electric Scooter offers a unique pedal-based design, eliminating a traditional deck and allowing it to stand upright when folded, ideal for small spaces. Ride quality is smooth with good suspension, and it’s powerful, reaching up to 24 mph and handling slopes well. However, range is heavily dependent on speed, dropping to a mere 8 miles at higher speeds. Restricting speed to 15 mph improves range but compromises ride smoothness.
The folding mechanism is not refined, and its 38-pound weight and thick stem make it somewhat cumbersome to carry. The app is also described as clunky. More critically, the company has been reported to be unresponsive to customer repair requests. With numerous hardware and software flaws and questionable customer support, the Taur Electric Scooter is not recommended, especially at its price point.
Atomi Alpha: Attractive Design, Unstable Kickstand, Reliability Issues
The Atomi Alpha is visually appealing and offers a comfortable ride with visibility lights. It folds easily and is portable. However, it suffers from a poorly designed kickstand that is prone to tipping over even in light winds. Performance is also lacking, struggling to reach its advertised top speed despite the rider being under the weight limit. Furthermore, the initial test unit failed after a few months. The Atomi Alpha’s attractive design is overshadowed by its unstable kickstand and reliability concerns.
Levy Plus: Slow on Hills, Best for Flat Terrain
The Levy Plus features a replaceable battery and reliable disc brakes. However, it is described as “agonizingly slow on hilly terrain.” With a top speed of 18 mph and rated for only 5 to 10 percent inclines, it is best suited for flat roads. It is lightweight at 30 pounds. The Levy Plus is a decent option for flat urban areas but struggles with hills.
Unagi Model One Classic: Outdated Specs, Rent the Voyager Instead
Renting a refurbished Unagi Model One Classic might seem appealing at a lower monthly cost. However, its specifications are outdated compared to newer models like the Unagi Model One Voyager. It is recommended to opt for the newer Voyager model instead of the Classic due to the latter’s outdated features.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Electric Scooter for You
Finding the best electric scooter depends heavily on your individual needs and priorities. Whether you prioritize speed, range, portability, budget, or specific features, this guide offers a comprehensive overview of various models to help you make an informed decision. Remember to consider safety by investing in a good helmet, and carefully evaluate your riding needs before choosing the perfect electric scooter for your lifestyle.
