Forget the bad reputation of all those rental scooters littering the sidewalk of your city – electric scooters are a great way to get around. The best e-scooters are faster and more affordable than almost any e-bike, and you’ll cut your gas bills by driving less. In other words, you can save the planet and your wallet at the same time. Plus, they’re super fun to ride when you’re cruising around town.
An electric scooter offers affordable and fun transportation around town.
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Electric scooters may all look more or less the same at first glance, but under the hood their specs can vary widely, so which one is right for you largely depends on where and how often you ride. Some can get you tens of miles on a single charge, while others rely on performance-based features like multiple speeds. The best electric scooters offer decent range so you don’t get stuck, powerful brakes so you can stop in a pinch, and built-in lights or reflectors to stay safe in the dark. Here are our top picks.
Best electric scooter overall
Smooth ride for bumpy rides
Top speed: 25 mph | Interval: 28 miles | Lester: 39 pounds | Maximum charge : 265 pounds
A versatile scooter for your rides and commutes, the Apollo City is a solid option for anyone looking for a high-quality electric scooter for all road conditions. You can swing around town at 25 mph and brake easily thanks to the triple braking system. You’ll feel comfortable navigating potholes, thanks to its plush front and rear spring suspension. And while 39 pounds doesn’t sound exactly light, it’s lighter and easier to maneuver than models with similar reach and speed capabilities.
When you need to load it on the subway or carry it up the stairs, the Apollo City folds up into a compact package. If you’re still in doubt, it also comes with a 14-day return policy, free delivery, and a one-year warranty on any manufacturing defects.
Advantages
Excellent weight/autonomy ratio
Maximum speed is sufficient for most users
One year warranty and free delivery
The inconvenients
Best Value Electric Scooter
A charming scooter to get around town in style
Top speed: 25.5 km/h | Interval: 15.5 miles | Lester: 34.2 pounds | Maximum charge : 220 pounds
This retro-inspired scooter is eye-catching with a maple wood deck and soft, matte colors like aquamarine and pink, perfect for riders who want to prioritize style. But it’s more than a pretty face, this scooter is incredibly capable for its price. With impressive climbing abilities, you can tackle 14% grades in the neighborhoods of San Francisco or Seattle. The innovative FlexxPress design suspends the deck above the frame so it absorbs shock when riding over rocks or bumps.
Beginner riders will love the user-friendly design: the one-button interface is simple with an LED display and three gears. The YES scooter is also equipped with five safety lights, including a round headlight and deck lights so you can ride at night.
Advantages
Simple, retro design with five color options and wood panels
Equipped with five safety lights
Lightweight and folds up for easy storage
The inconvenients:
Lower weight limit than most on this list
Best Lightweight Electric Scooter
Futuristic design without clutter
Top speed: 20 mph | Interval: 15.5 miles | Lester: 26.5 pounds | Maximum charge : 275 pounds
We like the Unagi Model One because it’s sleek and well-designed with obvious attention to detail, from the flush LED display in the handlebars to the air pockets in the 7.5-inch tires for shock absorption. With a carbon fiber tube, magnesium handlebars and aluminum chassis, all components are lightweight. This electric scooter weighs just 26.5 pounds compared to the 30+ pound weight of the other models on this list, so it’s a great choice if you plan on carrying it up a flight of stairs or more.
The E500 is equipped with a 500W battery to take you up 15 degree inclines with ease and dual electronic anti-lock brakes to bring you to a quick and safe stop. Overall, we’re impressed that Unagi manages to pack so much into such a lightweight package.
Advantages
Dashboard beautifully integrated into the handlebar
Maximum rider weight high
Rubber tires prevent punctures
The inconvenients
Range is limited, so not ideal for long journeys
Best Budget Electric Scooter
Lots of features at an affordable price
Top speed: 25.5 km/h | Interval: 18 miles | Lester: 36.3 pounds | Maximum charge : 220 pounds
This economical electric scooter offers most of the capabilities of other models at a lower price. What is best? With a price tag under $500, this scooter will pay for itself after the first few months after you stop spending your entire paycheck filling up your gas tank.
With a wide deck for added stability and cruise control for easy riding, this e-scooter is very beginner-friendly. It’s equipped with a headlight, taillight and integrated cable lock so you have everything you need for the ride at your fingertips. It also charges quickly (in just 4.5 hours) so you’re ready to ride whenever the mood strikes.
Advantages
Built-in safety lights and reflectors
Packed with features at a lower price
The inconvenients
May not be as durable as other models
No suspension means a potentially rough ride
Best Long Range Electric Scooter
For when you need to go the distance
Top speed: 30 km/h | Interval: 59 miles | Lester: 53 pounds | Maximum charge : 308 pounds
The InMotion L9 blows the competition away when it comes to range and battery life. At 59 miles, this scooter’s range has more than 30 miles over any other on this list. But it’s also a great all-around option for commuters, as it’s water resistant and has automatic turn signals, so you’ll stay on no matter when you’re riding.
Although the top speed is not as high as other high-performance models, you will feel dynamic when moving around town, as the dual front shock absorbers and rear spring suspension create a smooth ride. Once you’re done, you can access detailed ride information or lock your scooter in the InMotion smartphone app.
Advantages
Impressive range for long journeys
InMotion smartphone app lets you control the scooter and access stats
Highest maximum weight of any scooter we’ve seen
The inconvenients
Best Electric Scooter for Commuting
A great all-around option for any rider
Top speed: 25.5 km/h | Interval: 24.9 miles | Lester: 37.7 pounds | Maximum charge : 265 pounds
This electric scooter is one of the best electric scooters for commuters because it is versatile: it performs well in almost any category. All that to say, while it doesn’t excel in any area, it doesn’t skimp on features either. It’s fast, easy to carry, and has a moderate range. The 10-inch tires create a smooth ride and will allow you to climb hills up to a 20% grade. Walking mode is also useful so you can roll the scooter with you when boarding a train or commuting to the office.
Most electric scooters are built as an eco-friendly transportation option, but the Segway Ninebot Kickscooter takes it to another level. One of our favorite features is the regenerative braking system, which charges the battery a little each time you hit the brakes.
Advantages
Ideal for steep climbing
Easy folding mechanism
Regenerative braking system
The inconvenients
Although all specs are good, none of them are outstanding
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