Buying guide for best scooters
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Scooters have become a popular choice for those looking for a way to reduce their monthly expenses or just have a fun alternative to driving. Making the right choice boils down to understanding your unique needs, the environment you’ll be riding in, and the features that matter most to you.
In this guide, we’ll look at what you should consider when it comes to motor power, speed, range, tires, comfort and safety features to help you choose the right scooter for your needs. Our top choice is the Segway Ninebot MAX Series Electric Scooter, which has a durable high-grade aluminum alloy frame and an impressive 50-mile range.
Editors' picks
Segway Ninebot MAX Series Electric Scooter
Editors’ Favorite
Motor Power: 2,000 W| Weight: 54 lb; 286 lb limit | Speed: Up to 28 mph | Suspension: Dual Hydraulic
The Segway Ninebot MAX Series Electric Scooter is the best scooter for those who want a fast, reliable scooter for daily commutes and recreation. It’s built with a high-strength aluminum frame for durability and has intuitive controls that make it easy for beginners to maneuver.
With a nominal motor power of 850 watts and peak power of 2,000 watts, this scooter can go as fast as 28 miles per hour. Superior wheel quality and an advanced hydraulic suspension system provide excellent stability, and the battery life offers a maximum riding distance of 50 miles. You can fully charge it in just 3.5 hours, and the underglow lights, along with the headlight, increase visibility in low-light conditions.
Made for adults, this scooter offers everything for fast commuting and reliable transportation. Its impressive riding range makes it a must-have for long distances, and the wheels, along with the suspension system, allow for smooth riding over uneven terrain.
NIU 100P Electric Scooter
Great Value
Motor Power: 600 W | Weight: 38 lb; 265 lb limit | Speed: Up to 23.6 mph | Suspension: Front Hydraulic
If you’re looking for something affordable yet reliable for getting to school, work, the gym or anywhere else that’s not too far, the NIU 100P Electric Scooter is a fantastic choice. Plus, it has smart connectivity features for added convenience.
It has a 265-pound weight limit, which accommodates most riders, and a 600-watt motor that lets it reach speeds of up to 23.6 miles per hour. The 9.5-inch pneumatic tube tires effectively absorb shocks when riding over uneven terrain, and the dual braking system ensures quick stops and recovery, enhancing safety. It covers an 18-mile range, and you can use the app to change speed modes, unlock your scooter remotely and set battery charge limits.
At under $300, the NIU 100P Electric Scooter is a terrific value pick that delivers performance comparable to other electric scooters. Plus, you can choose from different motor sizes, as well as colors.
Gotrax Eclipse Scooter
Best Budget-Friendly Commuter Scooter
Motor Power: 500 W| Weight: 46 lb; 264 lb limit | Speed: Up to 20 mph | Suspension: Front double
The Gotrax ECLIPSE Electric Scooter has a lot to love for anyone who needs a reliable ride to work or school. Offering a maximum range of 25 to 28 miles and a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour, it quickly gets you where you need to go.
The 500-watt motor can easily tackle hills, giving you a 14% climbing ability. Dual shock absorbers and solid 10-inch honeycomb tires guarantee a fairly smooth ride, while the double drum brakes ensure you can stop safely.
The clear LED display makes it easy to monitor the scooter’s battery life, speed, gear position and mileage. For safety at night, it features a bright headlight and tail light and blue strips of light on the deck. Plus, users love how quick it is to assemble — just attach the handlebars and you’re ready to go.
Segway E3 Pro Electric Scooter
Best Feature Set
Motor Power: 800 W | Weight: 40.1 lb; 265 lb limit | Speed: Up to 20 mph | Suspension: Dual Elastomer
Those seeking a feature-packed scooter won’t be disappointed with the Segway E3 Pro Electric Scooter. Offering smooth riding and plenty of convenience features, this scooter is a must-have for commuting to work, school or home.
With an 800-watt motor, this scooter can reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour, and its 265-pound weight capacity makes it suitable for most riders. A dual elastomer suspension system means it absorbs shocks well, and the lightweight, foldable frame makes it an excellent portable scooter with easy storage capabilities. It also features a headlight that lets you see up to 100 feet ahead in low-light environments, as well as 256-color RGB Ambient Light underneath the footboard.
Although it’s cheaper than other Segway scooters, it’s an excellent option for those who want something more affordable that still goes fast and has intuitive controls for beginners.
Hiboy S2 Pro/X300 Electric Scooter
Most Portable
Motor Power: 500 W | Weight: 40 lb; 220 lb limit | Speed: Up to 19 mph | Suspension: Rear mechanical
A lightweight, easy-to-fold frame makes the Hiboy S2 Pro Electric Scooter one of the best for traveling. Its 500-watt electric motor lets it reach speeds of up to 19 miles per hour, making it one of the best scooters for urban commuting.
The front and rear wheels have shock absorbers and suspension systems, making every bump more manageable and delivering a smooth ride even on bumpy terrain. The battery life provides a maximum riding distance of 25.6 miles, and the motor is powerful enough to climb slopes up to 15 degrees without losing speed. The dual braking system provides added safety, and the app lets you remotely lock your scooter and adjust riding speed and braking response.
Although it’s not as robust or powerful as some of our other favorite scooters, it’s an excellent midtier option for those who want to use a scooter as their primary mode of transportation in the city. It’s durable, and the collapsible system makes it easy to store it in a closet or even underneath desks.
Key features to consider
Motor power
This is probably one of the first things most people think about, but you have to think about it in the context of how the power is actually delivered. Efficient thermal management and torque tuning matter as much as the actual power.
That aside, scooters in the 500- to 800-watt range are usually solid for city riding and handling small hills. Most in this range should offer smoother acceleration along with controlled speed limits to keep you legal.
Our top picks: Motor power
- Segway Ninebot MAX Series Electric Scooter: Its baseline is around 800 watts, but for speed bursts, it can reach a peak motor power of 2,000 watts.
- NIU 100P Electric Scooter: Motor power generally operates at 600 watts, but it can reach 1,000 watts at higher speeds.
- Gotrax ECLIPSE Electric Scooter & Hiboy S2 Pro/X300 Electric Scooter: Their 500-watt motor puts them on par with most other electric scooters in the same price range.
- Segway E3 Pro Electric Scooter: An 800-watt motor makes this scooter faster than entry-level models.
Performance
Speed
Most scooters advertise top speeds around 19 to 22 miles per hour, which seems straightforward until you ride one. Your real-world cruising speed is often going to be lower since you’ll naturally back off a bit for bumps, turns and crowded paths. On top of that, scooters that reach 20 to 22 miles per hour usually feel more comfortable at around 15 to 18 miles per hour.
Acceleration is often more important than top speed, since it allows you to start smoothly at stop signs, cross streets confidently and avoid sluggish starts when you have your backpack or groceries with you.
Range
No one wants to walk their scooter home because they ran out of power. A scooter with at least a 20-mile range should be sufficient, but for greater peace of mind, a range of 30 to 50 miles is best. Some scooters offer an energy-conserving eco mode, which gives you less power and speed but also extends your range.
Our top picks: Speed and range
- Segway Ninebot MAX Series Electric Scooter: This scooter offers a whopping 50-mile riding range, by far the most of our top picks.
- NIU 100P Electric Scooter: An 18-mile range is standard for an entry-level model like this one.
- Gotrax ECLIPSE Electric Scooter: It can travel about 25-28 miles on a full charge, making it suitable for everyday use.
- Segway E3 Pro Electric Scooter: An excellent option for long-distance riding thanks to its 34-mile riding range.
- Hiboy S2 Pro/X300 Electric Scooter: Its max travel range of 25.6 miles makes it a solid choice for everyday riding and recreational use.
Tires
When it comes to tires, you have a few options. Tires made of durable solid rubber are ideal for riding on smooth pavement, and you don’t have to worry about ever getting a flat; take them on rough terrain, however, and you’ll feel every bump in the road unless you opt for “honeycomb” solid tires, which provide a bit more of a cushion.
On the other hand, tubeless pneumatic tires can handle any type of surface and offer less vibration for greater comfort, and, compared to tires with an inner tube, they aren’t as easily punctured. They also provide much better traction than solid tires. Additionally, if you’re new to scooters, you may want to look for wide tires that make balancing easier.
Our top picks: Tires
- Segway Ninebot MAX Series Electric Scooter: The 11-inch self-sealing tubeless tires are excellent at absorbing shocks and reducing vibrations for smooth riding.
- NIU 100P Electric Scooter: The 9.5-inch pneumatic tube tires perform well on uneven terrain, absorbing shocks very well.
- Gotrax ECLIPSE Electric Scooter: Its 10-inch tires provide excellent grip ability, making it a good option for riding on less stable surfaces.
- Segway E3 Pro Electric Scooter: It features 10-inch tubeless tires that provide better traction on the road, making every ride smoother and more stable.
- Hiboy S2 Pro/X300 Electric Scooter: Equipped with 10-Inch solid tires, this scooter provides excellent stability on uneven ground.
Safety and brakes
Whether you’re riding at night or get caught in the rain, you need a scooter that’s designed with safety in mind. A quality scooter will come with lights in the front and rear and possibly even the middle as well as reflectors. You should also look for one with some kind of waterproofing, such as an IP54 or (even better) IPX6 rating for water resistance; a nonslip deck is also nice to have.
In addition, being able to stop at a moment’s notice is crucial. More powerful scooters should come with front and rear brakes rather than just on one wheel. Some scooters even offer a regenerative electronic anti-lock braking system (eARB), which uses the electric motor to brake the rear wheel while capturing energy to help recharge the battery and extend the range. And finally, to ensure your safety, always wear a helmet to protect your head.
Our top picks: Safety and brakes
- Segway Ninebot MAX Series Electric Scooter: It features dual disc brakes and has an IPX6 rating, making it suitable for riding in the rain.
- NIU 100P Electric Scooter: It’s water-resistant and has a dual braking system, including a rear brake that recovers energy while braking.
- Gotrax ECLIPSE Electric Scooter & Hiboy S2 Pro/X300 Electric Scooter: These scooters have dual drum brakes with an electronic anti-lock braking system, along with IPX4 water resistance for hassle-free riding in the rain.
- Segway E3 Pro Electric Scooter: The front drum brake and electronic rear brake deliver a safe riding experience thanks to superior stopping power.
Comfort
Comfort might not be the first thing you think of when shopping for a new scooter, but it’s undoubtedly one of the most important. It determines whether or not you dread riding it after a week or two and is also tied pretty closely to safety, because a stable, comfortable scooter is easier to steer, brake and manage on tricky terrains.
Suspension plays a huge role in comfort, as it’s going to determine how much you feel bumps, vibrations, and braking. Front suspension helps with steering stability, which can reduce wrist fatigue. On the other hand, rear suspension does a better job of smoothing ongoing vibration and keeps the back wheel planted.
Our top picks: Comfort
- Segway Ninebot MAX Series Electric Scooter: A dual hydraulic suspension system makes this scooter one of the smoothest, no matter where you’re riding in the city.
- NIU 100P Electric Scooter and Gotrax ECLIPSE Electric Scooter:: They’re not as smooth as other scooters because they only have a front suspension, but they’re fine for most riding situations.
- Segway E3 Pro Electric Scooter: Although not as effective as a hydraulic system, this scooter has a dual elastomer suspension system for smooth riding over bumps and rocky terrain.
- Hiboy S2 Pro/X300 Electric Scooter: Handling is a little more challenging since it only has a rear suspension.
How we analyzed
We started by defining the most common adult riding scenarios, like daily commuting, campus travel and mixed-surface city riding. Scooters that clearly fit one or more of these use cases were evaluated further.
We looked into how power, acceleration and braking are balanced as well as motor wattage, peak output, hill performance, brake system design and stopping control. Those that offered controlled, predictable performance ranked higher.
We factored in comfort and range to determine how useful each scooter would be for the average user. We then reviewed frame materials, structural design and other safety considerations.
FAQ
Q. How much does a scooter cost?
A. There are many entry-level options in the $250-to-$500 range, and midtier scooters in the $500-to-$800 range. More expensive models with advanced motors, faster maximum speeds and premium features can cost well over $1,000.
Q. How accurate are range estimates on scooters?
A. They aren’t inaccurate, but they’re definitely based on ideal conditions (lighter riders, flat terrain, moderate speeds, and mild temperatures.) In reality, you probably won’t get the exact range they promise, but it still gives you a good idea of which ones outperform the competition.
Q. Are suspension and tires important?
A. They play a big role in the scooter’s comfort and safety. Scooters with pneumatic tires and a solid suspension will handle bumpy rides significantly better than rigid models. If you ride daily, a good set of tires and a good suspension will make or break your experience.
