The Ultimate Guide to the Best E-Scooters
Electric scooters might not win any awards for being the most stylish way to get around, but they’re a cool choice for reducing your carbon footprint and ditching gas-guzzling cars. Imagine gliding through the city effortlessly—okay, you might look like a meerkat on wheels, but it’s the eco-friendly ride that counts. If bikes or e-bikes aren’t your thing, e-scooters are a stellar alternative for short trips without burning fossil fuels. They fold up easily, are usually lighter than e-bikes, and spare you from waiting around for public transport.
1. Best Overall: Apollo Go (2024)
For a well-rounded, reliable ride, the Apollo Go (8/10, WIRED Recommends) stands out. It’s not the lightest or fastest, nor does it have the longest range, but it offers a superb balance of features.
Why You Should Buy: This scooter manages a sweet spot between performance and practicality. Weighing 46 pounds, it’s manageable to carry and folds easily with a robust latch system. Its dual 350-watt motors and self-healing 9-inch tubeless tires, paired with front and rear suspension, ensure a smooth ride. Plus, the Apollo app allows you to customize speed settings and maximize regenerative braking, enhancing convenience and safety.
Specs:
- Top Speed: 28 mph
- Motor: Dual 350-watt motors
- Weight: 46 pounds
- Max Load: 265 pounds
- WIRED’s Tested Range: ~15 miles
- Manufacturer’s Range: 20 to 30 miles
- Price: $1,099 at Amazon, Best Buy, Apollo
2. Runner-Up: Niu KQi 300X
The Niu KQi 300X is a solid upgrade from the older KQi3 Pro, offering improved performance and comfort.
Why You Should Buy: With its easy folding mechanism and 49-pound weight, the KQi 300X delivers a balanced ride with excellent suspension and thick 10.5-inch tubeless tires. The dual disc brakes stop you promptly, and the app unlocks a top speed of 23 mph. While the display’s speed modes could be more intuitive, this scooter offers reliable performance and a better range compared to its predecessor.
Specs:
- Top Speed: 23 mph
- Motor: 500-watt motor
- Weight: 49 pounds
- Max Load: 265 pounds
- WIRED’s Tested Range: ~16 miles
- Manufacturer’s Range: 37 miles
- Price: $930 at Best Buy, Niu
3. Best Lightweight Scooter: Unagi Model One Voyager
If portability is your priority, the Unagi Model One Voyager (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is a top contender.
Why You Should Buy: Weighing only 30 pounds, it’s incredibly easy to carry and fold. It handles slopes well and offers a top speed of 15 mph (20 mph if unlocked). Ideal for last-mile commutes, it’s also quick to recharge and doesn’t take up much space on public transport. However, its 7.5-inch solid rubber tires are less effective on rough terrain.
Specs:
- Top Speed: 15 mph (up to 20 mph unlocked)
- Motor: Dual 250-watt motor
- Weight: 30 pounds
- Max Load: 220 pounds
- WIRED’s Tested Range: ~10 miles
- Manufacturer’s Range: 31 miles
- Price: $89 per month (Rent)
4. Best Budget Scooter: Segway E2 Plus
The Segway E2 Plus offers an affordable entry into the e-scooter world.
Why You Should Buy: It’s a budget-friendly choice with easy portability and a straightforward design. Despite its 32-pound weight and modest 15 mph top speed, it performs reliably for short trips. The scooter handles wet conditions well and is easy to fold and carry. The only downsides are its limited range and the slow 7.5-hour charging time. Pairing with an app is necessary to unlock full speed.
Specs:
- Top Speed: 15.5 mph
- Motor: 300-watt motor
- Weight: 32 pounds
- Max Load: 198 pounds
- WIRED’s Tested Range: ~10 miles
- Manufacturer’s Range: 15.5 miles
- Price: $350 at Amazon, Best Buy, Segway
5. My Fav Electric Scooter: MiniMotors USA Rovoron Cute
If you’re looking for a top-tier scooter with no budget constraints, the Rovoron Cute is a stellar choice.
Why You Should Buy: This scooter combines impressive speed, range, and weight. It goes up to 28 mph and handles steep inclines with ease. At just 36 pounds, it’s easy to fold and carry. While it lacks turn signals and you’ll need to add a bell, the compact size and performance make it an excellent option for serious riders.
Specs:
- Top Speed: 28 mph
- Motor: 500-watt motor
- Weight: 36 pounds
- Max Load: 265 pounds
- WIRED’s Tested Range: ~15 miles
- Manufacturer’s Range: 35 miles
- Price: $1,049 at MiniMotors USA
6. Best Commuter Scooter: Apollo Phantom V4
For those prioritizing range, the Apollo Phantom V4 is an excellent choice.
Why You Should Buy: With its impressive range and robust build, the Phantom V4 excels for long commutes. It offers speeds up to 38 mph (41 mph in Ludo mode) and has superb suspension and braking. Though it’s heavy at 77 pounds, the ride quality and range make it a top pick for serious commuters.
Specs:
- Top Speed: 38 mph (41 in Ludo mode)
- Motor: Dual 1,200-watt motors
- Weight: 77 pounds
- Max Load: 300 pounds
- WIRED’s Tested Range: Over 30 miles (V3)
- Manufacturer’s Range: 50 miles
- Price: $1,999 at Apollo Scooters
7. For Mega Power: MiniMotors Dualtron Victor (Gen 2)
The MiniMotors Dualtron Victor (Gen 2) is the ultimate choice for those craving extreme power.
Why You Should Buy: If you want a scooter with jaw-dropping speed and range, this is it. With a top speed of nearly 50 mph and an impressive range of 24 miles on a single charge, it’s built for thrill-seekers. Despite its 73-pound weight, it’s perfect for those who don’t mind carrying a bit of extra weight for extraordinary performance.
Specs:
- Top Speed: 45+ mph
- Motor: Dual 2,000-watt motors
- Weight: 73 pounds
- Max Load: 265 pounds
- WIRED’s Tested Range: Over 25 miles (Gen 1)
- Manufacturer’s Range: 62 miles
- Price: $2,399 at MiniMotors USA, $2,699 at Wellbots
Gvlin FAQs | Everything You Need to Know About Electric Scooters
1. What is a good affordable electric scooter to consider?
Answer: The TurboAnt M10 Lite, priced at $300, is a good option if you’re looking for a budget-friendly scooter. Although it is best suited for riders under 200 pounds and has a top speed of 16 mph, it offers a quick folding system and a bright display. However, it’s important to note that its range is limited to around 8 miles, and it struggles with steep hills.
2. Are there any other affordable scooters worth considering?
Answer: Another option in the affordable range is the Gotrax Apex, available for $350. It is 32 pounds and easy to fold, featuring an integrated bell and a digital display. Despite its ability to reach up to 15 mph, it has a relatively short battery life, typically around 9 miles. While it’s reliable for daily errands, its performance on inclines could be better.
3. What about a lightweight scooter for urban commuting?
Answer: The Fluidfreeride Fluid Mosquito, priced at $899, is a great choice if you want an ultra-lightweight scooter. Weighing just 29 pounds, it’s among the lightest scooters available. Despite its fast folding capability and a top speed of 24 mph, the ride can be a bit bumpy due to its basic suspension and narrow wheels. Additionally, it has a limited range of about 9 miles and lacks an easy way to change speed modes on the go.
4. Which scooter stands out in terms of lightweight design and advanced features?
Answer: The Niu KQi Air, costing $1,099, is notable for its carbon fiber frame and light weight of just 26 pounds. It offers a top speed of 20 mph and is easy to fold. Furthermore, it features turn signals, a slick app, and reliable regenerative braking. However, the range is somewhat limited at just under 10 miles, and users might face connectivity issues and occasional performance quirks.
5. Are there any scooters that provide high speed and good range?
Answer: For those seeking high speed and extended range, the MiniMotors USA Dualtron Mini Special, priced at $1,399, is worth considering. It has a top speed of 35 mph and handles slopes well, although the range is closer to 25-30 miles rather than the claimed 40 miles. It’s not ideal for beginners due to its complex app and assembly instructions, but once set up, it delivers a solid riding experience.
6. What are some other scooters that offer a balance between performance and price?
Answer: The Niu KQi Pro, at $640, provides great value with a range of 15-20 miles and a top speed of 20 mph. While it is somewhat heavy at 45 pounds and lacks folding handlebars, it remains a reliable choice with comfortable 9.5-inch tubeless tires and useful features like a bell and lights. Although it’s been replaced by newer models, catching it on sale could be beneficial.
7. How does the Segway P100S compare to other high-speed scooters?
Answer: The Segway P100S, priced at $1,500, offers a slightly lower top speed of 24 mph compared to some high-speed scooters but still performs well. Its range varies, providing about 16 miles at full speed, with potential to reach 20-25 miles if speed is limited via the app. Despite its weight of 73 pounds and a noisy turn signal, it delivers solid performance and comfort.
8. Are there any scooters with advanced features and substantial power?
Answer: The Gotrax GX2, costing $1,499, stands out with its dual 800-watt motors and a top speed of 35 mph. It offers a good range, covering around 18.4 miles on a single charge. Nevertheless, it’s heavy at 76 pounds and has some quirks, such as the stem being difficult to handle and a noisy motor. Despite these issues, it’s powerful and reliable for long trips.
9. Which scooters are worth considering despite not being top picks?
Answer: While not top picks, the Evolv Terra at $1,231 and the Navee S65 at $960 are worth considering. The Terra offers a good mix of power and speed with a potential range exceeding 20 miles, though its solid tires and fenders could be improved. The Navee S65 provides strong acceleration and good hill climbing but is noisy and somewhat heavy at 53 pounds. Both have their strengths but come with minor drawbacks.
10. Are there any electric scooters that should be avoided?
Answer: Yes, some scooters are best avoided. For instance, the Veo Cosmo X, priced at $3,499, has a poor range and high price despite a decent riding experience. Similarly, the Dragonfly Four-Wheeled Scooter, costing $3,995, suffers from a short range and a high price tag. The Gotrax G6 and Eclipse, both with overheating issues, and the Atomi Alpha with a problematic kickstand also fall short. Lastly, the Levy Plus struggles on hilly terrain and is slower, making it less versatile.
11. What are some general tips for choosing and using electric scooters?
Answer: When choosing an electric scooter, it’s wise to test different models if possible, either through rideshare services or demos. Always wear a helmet for safety and check local laws regarding scooter usage. Additionally, avoid charging your scooter overnight and be cautious with weather conditions to protect your scooter. Also, be aware of potential potholes and store your scooter in moderate temperatures. Lastly, ensure that your scooter is suitable for a single rider and verify the manufacturer’s servicing options before purchasing.
That’s It
Whether you’re looking for a reliable all-rounder, a lightweight commuter, or a powerhouse performer, there’s an e-scooter for every need. From practical options to high-performance beasts, these picks will have you gliding through the city with ease and style. Happy scooting!
