Travel safely and sustainably with these electric scooters.
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For a low-impact ride — both on your body and the environment — an electric scooter is hard to beat. These micromobility vehicles are becoming increasingly popular for their convenience and efficiency getting around town, exploring a new city, or commuting to work and back. While they harken back to the push scooters of childhood, electric scooters can be surprisingly sophisticated in their design and high-tech features.
With any mode of transportation, it’s important to evaluate safety, comfort, and ease of use when comparing options. In choosing the best electric scooters, we also dug into the details on battery life, speed, and performance. Taking all these factors into consideration, the NIU KQi 300P All-terrain Electric Scooter earned our top pick for its advanced safety features, sufficient range, and ability to glide up hills and over rough roads. We also chose the best electric scooters for different riding styles and budgets.
It delivers all-around performance, excellent safety features, solid range, and quality construction at a mid-tier price.
Its deck and handlebars are wider than most models, which can enhance comfort or add extra bulk, depending on the rider.
The KQi 300P All-terrain Suspension Electric Scooter was recently launched by NIU, a leading brand in two-wheel electric vehicles. Though there’s a more souped up version (the KQi 300X), the KQi 300P delivers all-around performance and a feature-rich design that will suit most riders’ needs, at a lower price. The scooter is equipped with a 48-volt (V) battery and max power output of 900 watts (W), which deliver a top speed of 20 miles per hour (mph), 30-mile range, and 20 percent grade climbing ability.
Even urban riders will appreciate the KQi 300P’s all-terrain suspension. The newly developed system uses dual-tube hydraulic suspension to reduce the impact of bumps and uneven surfaces. Its tubeless 10.5-inch wheels also aid in shock absorption on top of their puncture-resistant design. Safety is another area in which the new NIU scooter excels. There are side reflectors, front and rear LED lights, and turn signals to ensure riders are seen on the road. The triple-braking system is another notable safety feature. Riders can engage the front and rear disc brakes on the handlebar or use the rear regenerative brake, that also helps recharge the battery. The KQi 300P is compatible with the NIU App, which can perform a range of functions, from locking the scooter to customizing speed and adjusting the level of regenerative braking.
The Details: 46 pounds | Up to 20 mph | 265-pound weight capacity | 48V battery (486 Wh)
This scooter delivers excellent range and safety features for a dependable commute.
It’s not the lightest option for carrying.
The Segway Ninebot Max KickScooter is a reliable commuting companion. Between the headlight, front- and rear-facing turn signals, and high-decibel horn, it’s effectively equipped for safely navigating roadways at any time of day. The Ninebot Max also boasts a traction control system to optimize and control stability when encountering slippery conditions. Even while traveling the max speed (22 mph), riders can expect up to 25 miles of range. Switching to Eco mode (10 mph) delivers an impressive 43 miles of range — plenty to cover the typical commute and post-work errands. If you live in a hilly area, rest assured that the Ninebot Max can tackle inclines with a 22 percent gradient. This e-scooter performs well in variable weather, too. It can operate in 14-104 degrees Fahrenheit and the steel construction is weather-resistant. The Ninebot Max features wider handlebars and a larger deck than comparable Segway models, adding comfort and accommodating more riders.
The Details: 53.5 pounds | Up to 22 mph | 265-pound weight capacity | 42V battery (551Wh)
It’s an incredibly portable, fast-charging scooter with a sleek, modern design.
The tires are best suited for riding on paved surfaces.
The Unagi Model One Voyager offers solid performance and loads of features in a lightweight package. Weighing under 30 pounds, the scooter’s portability is further enhanced by its one click folding system. Simply press the button near the base of the stem to release the stainless steel hinge system and fold the Voyager down for easy carry or storage. The lightweight electric scooter stands out for its elegant design, too. All the controls, including the dashboard, throttle, brake, horn, and LED headlight are integrated in the handlebars, creating a refined look with no exposed wiring.
The Voyager packs plenty of power per pound. Each wheel features a 250-watt motor, capable of reaching a combined peak output of 1,000 watts. This allows the Voyager to make quick work of hills and steep inclines. The 42V battery affords up to 25 miles on a single charge, and recharging takes just two hours, making this a great option for frequent riders or commuters.
The Details: 29.6 pounds | Up to 20 mph | 220-pound weight capacity | 42V battery (360Wh)
Its user-friendly, stable design can be configured for riding while standing or seated.
The low positioning of the headlight provides limited visibility.
The Hiboy Electric Scooter incorporates a detachable seat, allowing riders to quickly switch between a seated and standing setup. The removable seat features a wide deck and thick padding for lasting comfort. Customizability is a common thread across the Hiboy Electric Scooter. The cargo basket can fold up or detach when not in use, while adjustable height risers make it easy to dial in the handlebar height with a quick-release closure system. It has a maximum range of 31 miles, depending on speed and terrain. The lowest speed mode goes a leisurely pace of 9 mph, while the others top out at 19 mph and 22 mph, respectively. This e-scooter’s 14-inch tires and spacious platform also boost stability — a major perk when hauling cargo. Its safety is further enhanced by a headlight and brake lights, though we’d prefer a higher mounting position for the headlight to improve visibility. At 58.4 pounds, the Hiboy is hardly lightweight, but the folding design helps with portability.
The Details: 58.4 pounds | Up to 22 mph | 220-pound weight capacity | 48V battery (480 Wh)
This entry-level scooter offers quality features in a lightweight and portable design.
The scooter relies on a hand brake for stopping rather than a foot brake.
The Swagtron Swagger 5 Boost is a solid choice for beginners or casual riders. It’s fitted with a 300W motor and 37V battery that deliver a top speed of 18 mph and modest range of 11 miles. Though it weighs just 26 pounds, the e-scooter delivers a generous 320-pound weight capacity, supported by its aluminum alloy frame and flat-resistant tires. The controls are fairly intuitive and easy to operate from the Boost’s handlebars. The right handlebar has the accelerator, while the left handlebar holds the brake and bell. There’s also an LCD display in the center that shows the battery life and speed, plus buttons to switch between three speed modes. When not in use, the stem and handlebars seamlessly fold down and lock onto the back wheel for easier carrying or compact storage.
The Details: 26 pounds | Up to 18 mph | 320-pound weight capacity | 11-mile battery life
It delivers top-notch speed and battery life for longer road adventures.
The battery capacity and heavy-duty design add up to a hefty weight.
The Dualtron Storm Electric Scooter is a powerful scooter with a battery capacity to match. The 72V 35Ah battery offers 2,520 Wh of capacity, which supports a range of up to 90 miles depending on rider weight, speed, and terrain. The 30-pound battery is removable for charging convenience, which is particularly handy given that the Storm clocks in at 102 pounds. This weight is matched with durable construction and superb speed. The tubeless tire design adds puncture resistance, while the frame is made from sturdy aviation aluminum alloy and ultralight carbon fiber.
The Storm offers incredible zip, with top speeds exceeding 55 mph and a maximum gradient of 35 degrees. There’s a generous amount of grip tape across the deck and rear footrest for traction and control while picking up or changing speed. Riders can gauge their speed, trip distance, and control scooter settings from the Storm’s intuitive EY4 display.
The Details: 102 pounds | Up to 55 mph | Up to 330 pounds weight capacity | 72V battery (2,520 Wh)
While riding an electric scooter, Chinmay Malaviya, CEO of Ridepanda, says it’s essential to gear up for safety, especially when sharing the road with other vehicles. “Helmets dramatically reduce the likelihood of head injuries in the event of a fall or accident,” he says. While e-scooters offer plenty of zip, Malaviya emphasizes that being in a hurry can lead to unsafe riding situations. “You’re likely going to get to your destination faster on a scooter than in a car, even when taking your time,” he notes.
Different scooter models also offer varying safety features. Headlights and taillights are critical for visibility — both in front of you and to other motorists. Some electric scooters also include turn signals for added safety. Before hitting the road, make sure you’re comfortable with the scooter’s safety features, as well as the acceleration and braking system.
Where you live and the frequency in which you plan on riding are important considerations when shopping for an electric scooter. For daily riding or regular commuting, you might benefit from a scooter with a portable design and sufficient battery life to cover the miles you’d rack up in a typical day.
Urban dwellers may prefer a model with turn signals to safely navigate traffic and a folding for compact storage. If you live in a hilly area, the motor power and capacity for handling inclines, known as gradeability, are worth prioritizing. Most scooters can handle a 10 percent grade, which is the level of incline you might find in a parking garage. But a more powerful electric scooter is required if you plan to ride up 15-20 percent inclines.
At minimum, wearing a helmet and abiding by local traffic rules can help stay safe while riding an electric scooter. Taking your time is another helpful safety practice, as having more time to react makes it easier to brake or change course to avoid potholes, pedestrians, and other vehicles.
Electric scooters require periodic maintenance for their brakes and tires, though Malaviya suggests regularly checking for issues. “Do a quick brake check and tire check before every ride,” Malaviya advises. “Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations, as they vary by model.”
Electric scooters can travel varying distances based on their battery capacity, weight, and motor power. Manufacturers usually disclose a maximum range, which is how far the electric scooter can go on a single charge. Note that the range on a given model is also impacted by rider weight, your riding speed, and the terrain of your location.
Kevin Brouillard is a contributing writer at T+L, specializing in outdoor gear and apparel. His work has been published in TripSavvy, Jetsetter, and Oyster, and he served in the Peace Corps in Cambodia for two years. To curate this list, he spoke to Chinmay Malaviya, CEO of Ridepanda, and researched dozens of electric scooter options to select the best ones.
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