To move around the city, go to work or have fun in your spare time, here are the best electric scooters for adults and children to buy this year.
The electric scooter is a modern means of transport that allows you to travel long distances without effort and sweating. It is suitable for sporty and dynamic people who prefer not to use the car to move around the city.
Compared to a bicycle (electric or traditional), electric scooters have the advantage of being foldable and transportable; this means that we can safely travel long distances in the city, combining the use of the scooter with public transport. For example, we can stretch by subway or bus and continue with the electric scooter.
If we encounter obstacles on the road, such as a traffic jam or a crowded place, we can fold the scooter in a few seconds, continue on the sidewalk, cross a square, or climb a staircase, and then continue on our two wheels.
In a nutshell, the electric scooter combines the speed of a bicycle or a scooter, the advantages of walking, and the possibility of taking advantage of all the shortcuts in the city when we want to get around a problematic area.
Finally, once you arrive at your destination, we avoid the nightmare of every motorist, cyclist, or motorcyclist: parking. Instead, we can fold the scooter, take it, and store it safely under the desk or in a workplace locker.
The electric scooter is an ecological vehicle; it does not pollute or consume fuel. This also translates into economic savings, as electricity costs significantly less than petrol or other fuels. It also recharges in the comfort of your own home.
Table of Contents
How to choose an electric scooter
Let’s see the main features to evaluate before buying the best electric scooter suitable for our needs. If it is a way to have fun now and then, we will be oriented on an essential scooter.
On the other hand, it is necessary to get around the city to work or for our teenage children to go to school. Therefore, choosing a high-quality electric scooter with advanced functions is worth it.
Power and engine
Electric scooters rarely exceed 500 watts of power; this is also because there are statutory speed regulations, making no sense to build powerful motors. For this, we find scooters with power between 250 and 500 watts on the market.
Greater power corresponds to a more efficient motor in speed and resistance and the possibility of overcoming more or less accentuated slopes. In addition, the top-of-the-range electric scooters are equipped with a brushless motor. It is a brushless motor that works thanks to a magnetic field.
This engine is very energy-efficient and requires less space and weight than traditional engines. For this reason, it is often applied to small machines, just like the electric scooter. It is also an extremely silent engine.
Speed
An electric scooter’s average speed varies between 3.5 and 28 mph and is linked to the engine’s power. To choose the right one, it is necessary to carefully check the use we want to make of it and the city in which we live. They are established regarding the legal limits to be respected.
The maximum speed in pedestrian areas is 3.5 mph (although there is still a ban on passing on the sidewalks), the maximum speed on an urban road is 15 mph, and one can use the scooter at the maximum speed of 28 mph only on some cycle paths. Therefore, it is useful to check the indications of your municipality of residence.
For this reason, if cycle paths do not serve our usual route, an electric scooter that reaches 28 mph can be useful for greater engine power, but we must be aware that we can rarely use it at its maximum speed. Therefore, the best electric scooters are equipped with adjustable speeds to facilitate the scooter’s use and compliance with the legal limits.
For example, once the maximum speed of 3.5 mph has been set, we don’t have to worry about anything other than driving our vehicle. Any acceleration will not affect our gear until we select another speed. Another reason to set the maximum speed is to let children use the scooters (when the model is purchased).
The best electric scooters allow you to select a constant cruising speed to offer the best energy savings and increase battery life. This speed usually stands between 9 and 12 mph.
Slope and bumps
Not all electric scooters can transport us uphill or downhill. In both cases, the engine would be subjected to the excessive effort. Furthermore, the wheels could slip, compromising the gear and safety. Therefore, if we plan to tackle routes with climbs and descents, we choose a scooter designed to pass at least 10% of slopes in altitude. The best models can reach a slope of 15%.
To make a comparison, an 8% slope is the legal limit for the ramp for the disabled that we find at the public office’s entrance, while most urban roads and cycle paths (built after 2002) should not exceed a 10% slope.
So a scooter able to overcome slopes of 15% assures us a good distance of most of the city streets and the slides in pedestrian areas (where the entrance for scooters is allowed). There are due exceptions in many Italian cities’ historical centers where the slope may exceed 20%.
Electric scooters equipped with tires can overcome small bumps and differences in the height of a few centimeters, but as on bikes and motorbikes, be careful of potholes or depressions.
Battery
A rechargeable battery powers the electric scooter. The most common are lithium batteries recharged with a normal power supply from household outlets. The battery is always removable to be replaced after a few years, with a new battery extending the scooter’s life. In choosing the best scooter suitable for our needs, we can also rely on the battery charging time, which can vary from 2 or 3 to 6 hours.
Recharge autonomy
We can find scooters with a range of 12.5 miles4 and 28 miles on a single charge. Based on the scooter’s characteristics, we can evaluate the autonomy with a full charge measured in km traveled. This parameter is essential to choosing the electric scooter that best suits our needs and lifestyle based on our travel distances.
The autonomy indicated by the manufacturer is a general datum that can be optimized by keeping speeds low and constant. To save battery and allow for prolonged use, the top-of-the-range electric scooters are equipped with a cruise control system, which sets an optimal speed capable of making the best use of the available electricity.
On the contrary, the battery may be discharged earlier than expected if we use the scooter always at maximum speed. Battery life is also influenced by the road surface level and the user’s weight. In both cases, the engine uses more energy.
Display and indicators
A good electric scooter will be equipped with a display, thanks to which we can monitor all the essential parameters. The most important data is the battery level, which allows us to keep our autonomy under control. You can highlight the battery level in an LED display or via indicator lights on the handlebar.
Another data to monitor is the speed and settings of the same when it is possible to adjust it in the scooter models that allow it.
Weight
A top-of-the-range scooter, including electric scooters with saddle, can weigh over 45 lbs, it is the best choice for use on the road, and as a means of transport for long distances, it may not be a suitable choice for everyone. Furthermore, if our journey includes foot or public transport routes, we must remember that we must carry the scooter by hand.
A light electric scooter weighs between 25 and 34 lbs; it is usually the best choice for passing through cities where stops and walking sections are provided. The super-light electric scooters weigh between 17 and 22 lbs, including children’s models, and are the easiest to handle.
Dimensions
Regarding the dimensions, we consider a standard measure of 40 inches in length, including wheels and footboard, and 40-45 inches in height from the front wheel to the handlebar. On the other hand, compact electric scooters measure 30-35 inches in length and 30-35 inches in height.
2The best electric scooters have an adjustable handlebar height to be adapted to people of different heights. As for the platform, good support is offered by platforms around 30 cm wide, even if we find scooters with platforms just 8 inches wide.
Electric folding scooter
The electric folding scooter has the primary advantage of being space-saving, especially when we want to carry it by hand on public transport, on foot, or store it in the car’s trunk or under the office desk. Some scooter models fold in two, lowering the handlebar onto the footboard.
On the other hand, others fold in three points, with the front wheel retracting on the platform and allowing you to reduce the cm length even further.
Maximum load weight
Most scooters support a weight of up to 39 lbs, while the larger and more robust models can reach a maximum load of 47-60 lbs. On the contrary, compact scooters or dedicated children and teenagers are suitable for carrying people up to 23-27 lbs.
Respecting the maximum weight is important for your safety since the whole structure, including the footboard, wheels, and braking system, could be deformed or tilted if excessively loaded. The engine would also be subjected to greater strain, and the scooter could soon lose efficiency.
Brakes
The electric scooter is always equipped with brakes. Unlike the traditional scooter, which is enough to get off with one foot on the ground to stop the race or just one mechanical brake on the rear wheel, an electric scooter can reach the speed that necessarily requires an immediate braking system.
Pedal brakes
Among the brakes applied to the electric scooter, we find the pedal brake, usually located in the rear wheel, consisting of a small pedal pressed with the foot to slow down or break the wheel. It is a straightforward and inexpensive braking system. It is also present in some traditional scooters, and electric scooters used only when traveling at very low speeds.
Handlebar brake
The electric scooters have an average speed of 12-15 mph; for this reason, a brake with the controls on the handlebar is always required, guaranteeing safe braking in a few moments. For this reason, disc brakes are fitted, especially when the wheels exceed 4 inches.
The disc brakes are activated thanks to a knob to rotate, such as in motorcycles, or more rarely, via a bike brake handle. The brakes can only be present on the front wheel or both to ensure maximum safety.
ABS brakes
The best electric scooters have ABS brakes that prevent the wheels from locking and slipping, avoiding bad falls. They are also equipped with stoplights that light up at the brake’s touch to signal to others the braking or slowing down of the scooter. This function is essential if you want to travel at night.
Lights and lights
The law requires lights in front and behind to use the electric scooter at night. Therefore, the lights mounted on the electric scooters are almost always LED lights powered by the same battery. Like the scooters, the lights are indispensable to illuminate the path and signal their presence on the street.
Remember that the scooter is tiny compared to other vehicles on the road. In this regard, the use of reflectors along the scooter’s sides is widespread to be visible from the side, a fundamental safety measure when crossing an intersection. Another measure to be adopted, which is now mandatory in many municipalities, is wearing a reflective jacket.
Wheels
Wheels are another essential feature of electric scooters. The smaller and lighter models are equipped with small and light rubber wheels, suitable for short distances or mounted on scooters suitable for children or limited load weight.
The tops-of-the-range electric scooters are equipped with real tires, with non-slip treads, suitable for uneven road surfaces, and above all, that offer safety when braking. Furthermore, this type of wheel is usually equipped with suspensions and shock absorbers that make the journey comfortable, even in the case of small potholes and differences in height, while protecting the structure from damage.
Connectivity
Today electric scooters are equipped with the best technologies; one is the Bluetooth connection that allows you to connect the scooter to your smartphone. In this regard, many apps are supplied with the scooter’s purchase or downloadable separately, allowing us to manage our vehicle.
One of the most felt problems is certainly the possibility of theft. Although a foldable scooter is easy to carry and always keep with you, there are times when we must necessarily store it in another room or outdoor area: at work, in the gym, or at school.
You can enter different anti-theft types through the app, such as a wheel lock, or enter a password that prevents anyone from using it. All this makes the scooter’s theft useless or at least discourages it. Also, we can set the maximum speed via smartphone, for example, if we lend the scooter to children and teenagers.
Is the electric scooter suitable for everyone?
We must distinguish the scooters suitable for children, usable only in parks and pedestrian areas, from the electric scooters suitable for adults and adolescents over 14 years. The difference lies in size, maximum achievable speed, and engine power.
The best electric scooters to buy
Below is a selection of the best electric scooters currently on sale and their respective characteristics in a price range between $90 and $1,200.
- Powerful Motor And Long Battery Life - The 350W electric brushless hub motor allows for...
- Stable And Durable For Commuting - Extremely smooth when accelerating and turning, Hiboy...
- Being Safer With Technology - Hiboy Electric Scooter S2 is made with front, middle, and...
- Great Performance: The SP02 electric scooter for adult has a powerful 350W motor, and the...
- Long Battery Life: With high capacity lithium-ion battery, it has a battery that will last...
- Smart App Control: Simply pair APP electric scooter with your smartphone and use the app...
- Large Dashboard: Enjoy a clear view of speed & battery info with a 183% larger display,...
- Powerful 250W Motor: With a maximum 450W output, the E2 offers a 15.5 mi range, reaching...
- Comfortable Design: Experience a smooth ride with 8.1-inch shock-absorbing tires,...
- Performance Unleashed for Joyful Riding: Commuter Adult Electric Scooter is equipped with...
- Your Safe Travel： Portable commuter electric scooter is UL2272 certified, safer and more...
- Enhance Your Riding Experience：E-scooter smart LCD display allows you to easily monitor...
- Powerful Performance: Let your children enjoy this powerful kids' scooter by Razor that...
- Extended Ride Time: Equipped with a rechargeable 12V sealed lead-acid battery, enjoy up to...
- Safety and Stability: Rear-wheel drive ensures better balance control and traction,...
- POWERFUL MOTOR AND BIG TIRES: The adult electric scooter's 350W Brushless Motor and 10IN...
- LONG-LASTING BATTERY: The scooter boasts a 10.2AH lithium-ion battery capacity that...
- CUSTOMIZABLE GEARS AND LIGHTS: Choose between 3 gears (3.7 MPH, 9.3 MPH, 15.5MPH) and...
- Long Battery Life: With high capacity lithium-ion battery, it has a battery that will last...
- Great Performance: The SP03 electric scooter for adult has a powerful 350W motor, and the...
- Smart App Control: Simply pair APP electric scooter with your smartphone and use the app...
- 🛴【Powerful Motor】IE-M4 electric scooter is equipped with 800W brushless motors...
- 🛴【Smooth Ride】IE-M4 electric scooter features 10inch On-road and offroad pneumatic...
- 🛴【Long Battery Life】Travelling long distances you want reachs up to 25-31 miles,and...
- STRONG MOTOR & LED DISPLAY: The Gyroor H40 electric scooter for kids boasts a powerful...
- COLORFUL LED LIGHTS: Built-in color gradient neon lights on the pedal create dynamic and...
- ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT & Big SOLID TIRES: The scooter offers a 3-level height-adjustable...
- Unparalleled Performance: The electric scooter for adults features a 350W motor and...
- Reliable and Durable:Constructed with an automotive grade steel frame support max load 330...
- Aesthetic Appeal:Featuring sleek curves and vibrant colors that boast minimalist yet...
Product prices and availability are subject to change. Therefore, any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to purchasing any products.