It was a workday morning like any other and I was drinking coffee and watching the street from my apartment. The morning hustle was a bit busier than other days and then it hit me.
The president was coming to town that day!
Oh no! Traffic jams for the better part of the day. Whether I take my car or the bus, I’m screwed.
Then I saw a girl from upstairs walking to her car. She unlocked the trunk, unfolded a white Xiaomi e-scooter, and off she buzzed to her office.
That was super cool!
I immediately started making my own scenarios on how an e-scooter could save my day. From running mid-day errands to visiting historical neighborhoods where cars are not allowed. And everything while running on clean energy!
That’s how my love relationship with e-scooters began. I spent a good month reading reviews, YouTube videos, and talking to salespeople and my fellow citizens who rode them until I found the best e-scooter for my needs and budget.
Now I don’t want to sound biased so I’m going to let you choose one for yourself. Still, here are the seven best e-scooters you can find this season.
7 Best E-Scooters That You Can Get
1. TurboAnt X7 Pro E-Scooter (Best Overall)
Power Rating: 350 W | Range: 30 miles | Speed: 20 mph | Charging Time: 6 hrs | Weight: 33 lbs.
There’s much to like about this TurboAnt. At first glance, you notice the detachable battery fixed along the stem.
This allows you to have an extra battery in your backpack in case the one in use loses charge.
This might sound like overkill, as 30 miles of range is enough for most urban commutes. However, I’m talking about leisure use when you pack the scooter on a road trip. The last thing you want is for your battery to die in the midst of sightseeing.
The deck is spacious and grippy — this is how it’s done.
I guess some riders won’t appreciate the simple LED display, but I don’t want a smartphone on my scooter. The speed and battery bars work for me.
Pros
Cons
- 30 miles range
- Cruise control
- Lightweight frame
- Triple braking system
- Water-resistant & dust-proof
- Front-heavy
Why Do I Like It?
I fell in love with the big bright red throttle control with the speed settings and cruise control buttons. It’s very intuitive to use.
2. Gotrax GMAX Ultra Electric Scooter (Best Range)
Power Rating: 350 W | Range: 45 miles | Speed: 20 mph | Charging Time: 4 – 5 hrs | Weight: 46.3 lbs.
If maximum range is what you’re looking for then this is the one for you. The Gotrax GMAX is a long-range commuter that allows you to take a couple of detours on your way to work.
Like any cruiser, this e-scooter looks and feels sturdy. Two 10” pneumatic wheels guarantee a smooth ride as you speed up to 20 mph.
With the range of 45 miles, you’d expect that this puppy takes forever to charge. In reality, it takes less than 5 hours. Not the best, not the worst.
As security is considered, you’re pretty much covered. This scooter comes with a built-in cable lock and digital lock.
However, all those cool features and great range come at the expense of weight. This is hands down the heaviest e-scooter on the list.
Pros
Cons
- 45 miles range
- Cruise control
- Dual built-in locks
- Sturdy frame
- Heavy
- Non-removable battery
Why Do I Like It?
The scooter has two modes: at (1) I get a very smooth and stable ride, while at (2) it gives me an extra power when I need to catch the green light.
3. UNAGI Model One E500 (Best Lightweight)
Power Rating: 2×250 W | Range: 15.5 miles | Speed: 20 mph | Charging Time: 4.5 hrs | Weight: 26 lbs.
In the world of e-scooters, the UNAGI Model One 500 is what car enthusiasts would call a “sleeper.” An unassuming little commuter with serious power under the hood.
Definitely the lightest in its class, the UNAGI reaches 20 mph while airless tires give you unmatched surface response and handling.
The scooter owes its light weight to the magnesium used for the frame instead of standard aluminum.
Like a small Japanese sports car, this e-scooter is so fun to ride. At the same time, it handles wet surfaces like a boss, thanks to motors on both wheels.
On the downside, sporting performances come at a price. Despite the light frame, the maximum range is just 15.5 miles. This is surely a dealbreaker for many buyers.
Pros
Cons
- Very lightweight
- Variable throttle and brakes
- Dual braking system
- Two-wheel-drive
- Short range
- Non-removable battery
Why Do I Like It?
The scooter has very clean lines and a sleek futuristic look to it with the display completely integrated into the frame. Great for storing it in the trunk with other gear.
4. Segway Ninebot Kick Scooter MAX G30P (Best for Business)
Power Rating: 350 W | Range: 40.4 miles | Speed: 18.6 mph | Charging Time: 6 hrs | Weight: 41.2 lbs.
More and more delivery businesses depend on e-scooters as a fast and clean way of taking out orders and delivering packages.
This is the role where I believe Segway MAX G30P would excel. It has plenty of range and decent speed.
It’s among the heaviest in the class, but that doesn’t matter for business users. It’s not that you’d carry one around a lot.
The scooter has a minimalist design with a matte gray finish. Even managers in suits and ties can ride them and still look smart.
More importantly, the frame has a lot of real estate for branding, in case you want to paste your company logo.
Pros
Cons
- 40.4 miles range
- Sturdy frame
- Self-sealing tires
- Water-resistant & dust-proof
- Heavy
- Non-removable battery
Why Do I Like It?
This Segway is built like a tank. It will forgive you many knocks and bumps so I think it’s an ideal first scooter for adults.
5. AnyHill UM-1 (Best Budget)
Power Rating: 350 W | Range: 20 miles | Speed: 16 mph | Charging Time: 4 – 5 hrs | Weight: 29.7 lbs.
There is always a pool of customers who are not looking for the best performances but rather for a well-rounded product that gets a solid B in all categories.
AnyHill UM-1 is an electric scooter that just gets the job done.
Built from aviation-grade aluminum alloy, it’s light enough for anyone to take it inside or lift it into a car trunk.
The speed is nothing to write home about —16 mph, which is more than enough for most traffic laws anyway.
However, people underestimate UM-1 at their own risk.
The front-hub motor has a peak power of 650 watts — enough to accelerate you up any slope you can find in a city.
And when you need to descend, the triple-braking system makes sure that you do it safely.
Pros
Cons
- Very lightweight
- 650 W peak power
- Triple braking system
- Water-resistant & dust-proof
- No locks
- Non-removable battery
Why Do I Like It?
When folded, this scooter makes for a very small package, which is ideal if you need to store it under your desk at work.
6. Hiboy S2 Max Electric Scooter (Best for Hills)
Power Rating: 500 W | Range: 40.4 miles | Speed: 19 mph | Charging Time: 6 hrs | Weight: 41.5 lbs.
People who live in cities built upon hills have always struggled with bikes and scooters. It’s OK downhill, but it’s always safer to push your ride uphill.
Now that’s a thing of the past. The Hiboy S2 Max has plenty of power to pull you up even at 20-degree slopes.
As if that’s not enough, it has a range of 40 miles and then some, while 10” pneumatics provide a smooth ride on various urban surfaces.
In the braking department, there’s a regenerative and drum brake working together to get you to a safe stop in any riding regime.
On the other hand, just as with all high-performers, there’s a price to pay. The weight is almost 42 lbs. Also, cruise control is only available through the mobile app.
Pros
Cons
- 500 W rated power
- 40.4 miles range
- Dual braking system
- Water-resistant & dust-proof
- Heavy
- Non-removable battery
Why Do I Like It?
The 500W rear-drive motor has plenty of torque. At gentler slopes, I don’t even feel that the speed drops.
7. Segway Ninebot ES2 Electric Kick Scooter — Best Charging Speed
Power Rating: 300 W | Range: 15.5 miles | Speed: 15.5 mph | Charging Time: 3.5 hrs | Weight: 27.6 lbs.
The company that became globally famous for its gyro-stabilized personal transports has established itself as a manufacturer of premium electric scooters for adults.
The Ninebot ES2 is a lightweight e-scooter that is ideal for short commutes and recreational riding.
Its range and speed are not among the best in class, but the Segway makes it up with the shortest charging time of only 3.5 hours.
That means you can charge it in your office before even the first coffee break.
However, Segway has another ace up the sleeve — an additional battery you can attach so you can get an extended range of 28 miles.
The solid non-pneumatic tires are resistant to punctures, while the smooth ride is provided with dual shock absorbers.
Pros
Cons
- Very lightweight
- Battery extension
- Dual braking system
- Quick charging time
- Non-pneumatic tires
- Short range
Why Do I Like It?
This Segway has ambient lights that you can change to match your personal style and stand out in the crowd.
Which Is The Best E-Scooter? Comparison Summary Table
| Motor Power | Range | Top Speed | Payload | Weight | Charging Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TurboAnt X7 Pro E-Scooter | 350 W | 30 miles | 20 mph | 275 lbs | 33 lbs | 6 hrs |
| Gotrax GMAX Ultra Electric Scooter | 350 W | 45 miles | 20 mph | 220 lbs | 46.3 lbs | 4 - 5 hrs |
| UNAGI Model One E500 | Dual 250 W | 15.5 miles | 20 mph | 275 lbs | 26 lbs | 4.5 hrs |
| Segway Ninebot Kick Scooter MAX G30P | 350 W | 40.4 miles | 18.6 mph | 220 lbs | 41.2 lbs | 6 hrs |
| AnyHill UM-1 | 350 W | 20 miles | 16 mph | 250 lbs | 29.7 lbs | 4 - 5 hours |
| Hiboy S2 Max Electric Scooter | 500 W | 40.4 miles | 19 mph | 220 lbs | 41.5 lbs | 6 hrs |
| Segway Ninebot ES2 Electric Kick Scooter | 300 W | 15.5 miles | 15.5 mph | 220 lbs | 27.6 lbs | 3.5 hrs |
What To Look For When Buying an E-Scooter?
Power & Drive
E-scooters have motors rated from 80 to 12,000 watts. As this guide includes the best option for sustainable commuting, I only included those with 300 watts and above.
Frankly, I wouldn’t advise buying anything weaker than 250 watts so you can negotiate small hills and slopes as well. Especially if you’re considering electric scooters for adults.
Some of these scooters, such as the UNAGI Model One E500, have dual motors or two-wheel drive which is the best option if you live in a town with a lot of hills. However, most of the e-scooters reviewed here have either a rear-wheel or front-wheel drive.
Let’s quickly go over the pros and cons of each.
Front-wheel drive
Good
Bad
- Cheap to manufacture
- Better overall traction and power use
- Compact & lightweight
- Front-heavy
- Difficult to turn fast corners
- Less traction uphill
- Prone to tipping over downhill
Rear-wheel drive
Good
Bad
- Cheap to manufacture
- Proven and tested design
- Better weight distribution
- Better traction uphill
- Safer downhill
- Easier to oversteer
- The worst for handling wet & slippery surfaces
Two-wheel drive
Good
Bad
- The best weight distribution
- Excellent stability & traction
- Fast acceleration
- The best for wet and slippery surfaces
- Prone to understeering
- The heaviest
- The most expensive to manufacture
Range and Battery
All e-scooters on this list have lithium-ion batteries as they charge faster and provide more miles per charge. Less expensive and less powerful scooters for kids might still use lead-acid batteries.
The math is simple here: the larger the battery, the more capacity a scooter has.
When it comes to range, the Gotrax scooter is a winner here with 45 miles on a charge (in ideal road conditions, and depends driver weight). Keep in mind that manufacturers’ claims are often more optimistic than real-life numbers.
Speed
The fastest serially produced e-scooter can reach speeds up to 75 mph, but here we’re interested in everyday usability and more importantly — legality.
The best electric scooters for commuting reach between 15 and 20 mph, which is within the law in most US states and EU countries. Your local laws can vary, together with the kinds of roads and lanes you can use.
Actual speed depends on the state of tires, rider weight, and battery charge.
Brakes
E-scooters come with four brake types:
- Electric or regenerative — typical of electric vehicles, these brakes convert part of the braking force back into energy for charging the battery.
- Foot brakes — require the rider to step down on the rear fender to create friction and slow down.
- Drum brakes — cheaper to manufacture and last longer than disc brakes as they have a larger friction surface.
- Disc brakes — effective and reliable brakes with thought stopping power, especially downhill.
Tires
Electric scooters for adults run on pneumatic (filled with air) or airless tires.
The pneumatic tires provide better shock absorption and offer more stability and traction.
However, airless tires, such as the ones on the UNAGI Model One E500 require less maintenance and are puncture-proof. Airless tires also provide better responsiveness and road feel.
Weight and Payload
E-scooters can weigh from 15 pounds to 155 pounds in some extremes, but here I focused on scooters for everyday use and leisure. Those you can fold and carry up into the office or put in the trunk just like my neighbor.
If that’s an issue for you, consider the lighter models such as the AnyHill UM-1 or Segway Ninebot ES2.
As the useful payload i.e. the rider weight is considered if you want to play safe, go for the TurboAnt X7 Pro E-Scooter or the UNAGI Model One E500.
1. Rugged Case
You need a waterproof, weatherproof, and above all, sturdy case that will hold all the vital parts.
My idea was to have a rig that I can transport to my cabin, so it needs to fit in the trunk. I went with the Pelican 1620 Case, which is fitted with several rugged handles, as well as a pair of rolling wheels.
If you’re building a smaller system, you can fit it into a super sturdy DeWalt Tool Box.
Price: The Pelican box goes for around $300, while you can find a Large size DeWalt for around $70.
