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Best Electric Scooters

Updated July 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Segway Ninebot Electric Kick Scooter
Segway
Ninebot ES2 Electric Kick Scooter
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Premium Feel & Ride
Bottom Line

Segway, the biggest name in scooters, delivers an option that looks as good as it feels.

Pros

This scooter's front and rear suspension, aerospace-grade aluminum alloy construction and matte gray finish deliver a premium riding experience. Handlebar thumb controls, app integration, under lighting and a bright LED screen set this scooter apart from the competition.

Cons

At 30 pounds, this scooter may be challenging for some to lift and carry.

Best Bang for the Buck
Razor Power Core E90 Electric Scooter
Razor
Power Core E90 Electric Scooter
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Trusted Brand
Bottom Line

This high-quality scooter is both lightweight and durable, providing a smooth and safe ride.

Pros

Designed with a no-maintenance, high-torque, hub motor for easy riding. Made with a steel frame and fork. Rear tire is air-free. Includes retractable kickstand and hand-operated front brake.

Cons

Some noted a short battery life.

Segway Ninebot S and S-Max Smart Self-Balancing Electric Scooter
Segway
Ninebot S and S-Max Smart Self-Balancing Electric Scooter
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Feature-packed
Bottom Line

This scooter has both a lightweight design and a powerful operation.

Pros

Built with durable construction. Portable and lightweight. Compatible with the Segway app features such as speed adjustment and vehicle remote control.

Cons

Pricier than other options.

Hiboy S2 Pro Electric Scooter
Hiboy
S2 Pro Electric Scooter
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Best for Beginners
Bottom Line

This well-designed and sturdy product is a great choice as a child's starter scooter.

Pros

Designed with an electric, brushless hub motor and a long-lasting battery. Easy to store and transport. This model can hold up to 220 pounds. Includes very bright headlights.

Cons

Some noted poor customer service.

Razor EcoSmart Metro Electric Scooter
Razor
EcoSmart Metro Electric Scooter
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A Comfortable Cruiser
Bottom Line

Razor's retro scooter is great for laid back rides and errands.

Pros

A padded seat, bamboo deck and a detachable basket make quick grocery trips or rides to work a breeze. This scooter's pneumatic tires keep the riding smooth and its familiar, bicycle-like design is inviting for people new to electric scooters.

Cons

Not very sporty and extremely heavy at 63 pounds.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Buying guide for Best electric scooters

Why buy an electric scooter? With its quiet motor, easy maneuverability and low cost relative to driving or using daily public transport, an electric scooter can make a big impact on the way you get around. 

Previously viewed as toys for teenagers not yet ready to get behind the wheel of a car, the electric scooter’s reputation is changing. A huge selection of “grownup” scooters is now available for adults who want to save money on commutes, skip the hassle of looking for a parking spot or just enjoy the thrill of the ride.

Today’s electric scooters have sleek design elements, smart integrations and unprecedented performance. The best electric scooters are attractive, fun and eco-friendly transportation solutions. Because they’re easy to use and require little physical exertion, you can easily dress for work, strap on your helmet and show up early without breaking a sweat or needing to change your clothes upon arrival.

Electric scooters come in many configurations, from seated options designed for leisurely boardwalk cruises to sporty, high-powered vehicles capable of trips both on and off the road. The best scooter for you depends on how and where you expect to use it. 

If you plan on cruising in a paved urban environment, the Segway Ninebot ES2 Electric Kick Scooter is our top choice. It offers premium high-end features and modern looks from the biggest pioneer in the electric scooter market. 

Best electric scooters

Segway Ninebot ES2 Electric Kick Scooter

With its front and rear suspension, lightweight aerospace-grade aluminum alloy construction and futuristic matte gray finish, this scooter from Segway will never be confused for a plaything. 

A full charge, which takes 3.5 hours, gets you 15.5 miles of travel, and the scooter can achieve speeds of up to 15.5 miles per hour. The tires are solid, which means you’ll never risk a flat, and the handlebars feature thumb controls and a bright LED screen. 

As for user experience, owners love this scooter’s rugged build quality, cruise control, undercarriage lighting, bright headlamp and app customizability. To top it off, the scooter can be folded down with a single click — although at nearly 30 pounds, it may pose a challenge for some riders to carry comfortably.

Segway Ninebot ES1L Electric Kick Scooter

You don’t have to drain your savings to enjoy a scooter with Segway’s attention to detail and quality. The Ninebot ES1L travels up to 12.4 miles per hour and can take you more than 12 miles on a full charge (however, charging time is six hours). A front shock absorber smooths out your ride while brakes on the handle and rear make it easy to stop as needed. 

The 8-inch flat-free tires are low maintenance with no risk of a puncture ruining your trip. This scooter features three driving modes, which you can select directly from the LED screen, easily customizing your ride as you go. 

At just under 25 pounds, Segway refers to the ES1L as the “featherweight” member of its ES scooter line. It includes a kickstand. 

Segway Ninebot S Max Smart Self-Balancing Electric Scooter

It’s not a traditional-looking scooter, but Segway’s self-balancing technology is sure to amaze anyone who steps onto this Ninebot S Max. Unlike some of Segway’s other offerings, this scooter has a height-adjustable steering wheel for optimized maneuverability and stability. Weighing 28 pounds, it can achieve a range of more than 23 miles under typical driving conditions and reach speeds of just over 12 miles per hour. 

This Segway scooter, which requires about four hours to charge, is on the high end of the brand’s price range, but there’s a reason for that: It’s a superior scooter. And if you’re into its full app integration, customizable LED lighting, collapsible design and ability to snap into Segway’s go-kart kit, it’s an excellent choice.

Hiboy Pro Electric Scooter

This scooter’s 500-watt motor allows for a speed of up to 19 miles per hour. Its 10-inch tires are solid, and dual rear shock absorbers keep vibrations from sidewalk cracks and bumpy streets to a minimum. Its large battery, which takes six to eight hours to charge, allows for an impressive 25.6-mile range under light driving conditions. Cruise control, as well as the option to add a seat, make it great for long commutes where standing gets tiresome. 

To further extend this Hiboy scooter’s range, energy generated while braking or coasting downhill is put right back into the battery via regenerative braking. Safety features include ultra-bright LED headlights and anti-lock brakes. The scooter, which weighs 36 pounds, folds up for easy transport and storage, and you can customize its speed and lock settings via Hiboy’s app.

Razor EcoSmart Metro Electric Scooter

If you’re looking for a comfortable way to get to work, run light errands or just get around town, this scooter from Razor checks all the boxes. It has a generously padded seat, bamboo deck and detachable luggage rack/basket for carrying groceries or supplies. Its grip throttle can get you scooting up to 18 miles per hour, and its 16-inch pneumatic tires keep the ride smooth. 

While this scooter’s bicycle-like retro design and usability make it great for those in need of a vehicle with familiar functionality, its steel construction and 65-pound weight make it challenging to transport and limit its range to just 12 miles on a fully charged battery, which takes up to 12 hours to charge.

Gotrax GXL V2 Electric Scooter

This scooter from Gotrax is a great option for scooter lovers on a budget. Pneumatic tires minimize bumps, and the wide deck lets you keep both feet comfortably planted while riding. Its driving range runs up to 12 miles, and its speed maxes out at 15.5 miles per hour. 

The digital display on this scooter’s handlebars shows you battery life, cruise control options, headlight status and your current speed. In about four hours, its battery achieves a full charge. 

At just a little over 26 pounds, this scooter is easier to carry than many alternatives. However, its lack of premium features (such as app integration) and no-frills design might make it less appealing for those hoping to scoot around in style.

Joyor Y7-S Electric Scooter

If you’re in the market for a high-performance scooter that’s as usable on the street as it is in the gravel, Joyor delivers. With a top speed of 31 miles per hour and a 500-watt motor, this 27-pound scooter is specifically designed for riders who demand power. It includes 10-inch off-road tires, dual suspension and front and rear brakes. The conveniently placed LED display shows your remaining battery life, current speed and more.

While you may assume that all that torque comes at the cost of the vehicle's battery life, charging it fully (which takes about eight to 10 hours) could give you up to 56 miles of range.

Phantomgogo Commuter R1 Electric Scooter

With its padded seat, wide deck, handlebar controls, four color schemes and cargo basket, Phantomgogo’s Commuter lives up to its name by providing a laid-back, functional riding experience. This scooter is great for safely navigating urban environments for errands or rides to work thanks to its large headlight and pneumatic tires. With its fixed handlebars, however, it can only be operated while seated. So, this scooter, which weighs 37.5 pounds, is best suited for those who prioritize comfort over performance. 

Phantomgogo’s advertised 20-mile range under light driving conditions (the battery needs four hours of charging time) and its reasonable price make it an excellent choice for city dwellers looking to minimize their automobile or public transport usage.

Caroma Electric Scooter

With its attractive matte finish, Caroma gives Segway a run for its money in the design department. It travels up to 28 miles on a charged battery (it takes six hours to fully charge), integrates with an optional app and features a wide deck for added comfort and rider confidence. Its 10-inch pneumatic tires keep road vibrations in check, and its waterproof construction allows you to navigate puddles and light rain without fear of damaging the scooter. Plus, a headlight and red brake light make this 35-pound scooter ideal for riding at night. 

The advertised maximum speed of 20 miles per hour will keep thrill-seekers happy while its front and rear brakes encourage safety and controllability. 

How electric scooters work

An electric scooter needs to do two things well: accelerate and stop. Turning requires a balance of leaning and slightly twisting the front wheel.

Accelerate

An electric scooter can accelerate in three different ways: using your foot, using your wrist or using your thumb. Before operating your scooter, read the owner's manual. Although some scooters need an initial push before the motor engages, this action could actually damage other scooters.

  • Foot: Using one foot, step off the deck, and push the scooter forward.
  • Wrist: On many electric scooters, twisting the right-hand grip counterclockwise (toward you) accelerates the vehicle. The farther you twist, the faster you go. Ease up, and the scooter slows down.
  • Thumb: Some electric scooters have a thumb throttle (or push button) located on the right side of the handlebar, easily accessible by your thumb. When you press down, the scooter goes faster. Ease up, and you slow down.

A scooter may have two other features that affect acceleration: cruise control and an energy-saving mode.

  • Cruise control: This feature sets and locks the speed so you can give your hand and thumb a rest. Depending on the model, the speed can be set through the display on the handlebars or through your phone (on a smart scooter).
  • Energy-saving mode: This mode is designed to prolong battery life by limiting your top speed.

Stop

Friction makes your scooter decelerate and stop. The two ways to apply friction to the wheels of your scooter are by hand and by foot. A third way to decelerate is regenerative braking.

  • Hand brakes: Your scooter may have one or two hand brakes attached to the handlebar (one for the rear wheel and one for the front wheel). When you squeeze the hand brake, it applies friction to the designated wheel, slowing it down.
  • Foot brake: The foot brake is applied by stepping on the rear fender. The underside of the fender presses against the tire, creating the friction needed to decelerate and stop.
  • Regenerative braking: Regenerative braking feels a lot like using a thumb throttle to accelerate. Your left thumb triggers a change of direction in the motor, and your scooter slows down using torque instead of friction. While regenerative braking isn’t practical in every situation, it offers an impressive benefit: The energy released from deceleration can be partially recouped and used to recharge the battery, thus extending its life.

Electric scooter features to consider

There aren’t many parts to an electric scooter, but there are a few product variables that can help you determine which one is right for you.

Range

How far do you need to go? Most electric scooters can travel at least 12 miles per charge. Others go much further. However, you’ll pay extra for that range. 

When choosing a scooter, read the fine print. The maximum distance quoted is under optimal conditions and at a certain weight. A larger rider traveling uphill won’t reach the maximum range listed.

Speed

If you really need speed, you can find models that exceed 25 mph (under optimum conditions). Most adult scooters travel from 12 to 15 mph.

Weight

Electric scooters vary in weight but generally fall within the 25- to 30-pound range. Heavier scooters are more challenging to carry or load into a trunk, so pay attention to the weight of any model you’re interested in.

Weight limit

Electric scooters have a passenger weight limit. Be sure the scooter you’re considering can support not only you but also whatever you need to carry.

Tires

Scooters come with solid or air-filled tires. Note that if you choose solid tires, you’ll be jostled by every little stone or sidewalk crack you hit – unless your scooter also has decent shock absorption.

Shock absorbers

The better the shock absorbers, the smoother the ride. Low-end scooters don’t tend to have shock absorbers.

Cruise control

Many electric scooters have a cruise control button on the handlebars for a more leisurely ride. 

Energy-saving mode

Not all electric scooters have this. If you're struggling to reach top speed, there's a chance your scooter’s default mode is an energy-saving mode.

Charging time

Charging time varies by brand. Most scooters require four to six hours to charge, but some take more than 10 hours.

Adjustable handlebars

If two or more people of different heights will share the scooter, choose one with handlebars you can adjust to different heights.

Lights

Even if you only plan to ride during daylight, it's a good idea to get a scooter with lights. A headlight helps you see, and a tail light helps others see you. Most tail lights flash to notify those behind you that you’re braking. This is an especially useful feature.

Horn

If you plan to navigate city streets and sidewalks where others congregate, a horn is helpful because it can alert pedestrians that you're coming up behind them.

Smart technology

Some electric scooters have an app that lets you set the cruise control, turn the lights on and off, see miles traveled or check battery status.

Kickstand

Most scooters, but not all of them, have a kickstand for parking. If a kickstand is important to you, look at models with this feature, or purchase an attachment.

Folding

Not all electric scooters fold. For commuters, a scooter that can't fold down is usually a deal-breaker.

Carry basket

Some scooters come with a basket or luggage rack. These are usually seated models. The reason: A standing-only scooter built for zippy performance does not need a basket or rack weighing it down and holding it back.

Seat

As mentioned, some scooters include a seat. This can be a permanent fixture or an optional accessory.

FAQ

Q. How much do electric scooters cost? 

A. Electric scooters suitable for adult use can cost from $400 to more than $1,200. Scooters at the lower end of this price range tend to lack smart features and provide a less-than-premium experience. Those at the top may include advanced self-balancing technology or options that most riders won’t need or use.

Expect to pay $500 to $800 for a scooter of respectable build quality that will provide dependable performance and comfort.

Q. What kind of safety equipment do I need to ride a scooter?

A. The bare minimum is a Consumer Product Safety Commission-approved helmet and closed-toe shoes with rubber soles. Sandals or flip-flops should not be worn with a scooter. Beyond that, it's up to you. However, knee pads, elbow pads, and gloves are all worth considering.

Q. Do I need a license to drive an electric scooter?

A. In most states, no. However, if you have an exceptionally fast or powerful vehicle, the rules may be different. Also, in certain states, such as Florida, there are a lot more vehicular regulations. Confirm what the laws are in your state before buying and riding a scooter.

Q. Do I need insurance for my scooter?

A. In most states, electric scooters are not classified as motor vehicles, so there’s no need for registration, license plates or insurance. However, it’s a good idea to verify the laws in your state just to be certain.

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