Electric scooters have become very popular over the last couple of years when it was discovered that they can be a surprisingly convenient and fun way to save time on your morning commute. With social distancing in many parts of the world, more people than ever are looking for an environmentally friendly alternative to the car or public transport.
This is a big buy and you probably don't know exactly what to look for when choosing a scooter, which is why we've selected some of the best on the market, breaking down the features and specifications you need to know about before you buy.
1. Xiaomi Mi Scooter Pro 2 is the best overall
$699.99
Xiaomi Mi Scooter Pro 2 may be very similar to its predecessor, the hugely popular Mi 365, but that doesn't make it any less fun to ride - it's fast, nearly silent, boasts a battery that just keeps going, and you can also track your speed via a mobile app.
However, there is a more affordable model, if you are buying an electric scooter for the first time, MI Electric Scooter 1S will suit you 100%, especially since it is sold for $549.
Like most modern scooters, the Mi Scooter Pro 2 has a foldable design that should make it easier to carry, although thanks to a huge battery and other advanced technologies, including an updated KERS braking system, it weighs 14.2kg, up from a whopping 12.5kg. original.
It is equipped with large 8.5-inch tires that allow it to maneuver on small curbs and light off-road, but it's not as smooth and capable as options with larger 10-inch wheels.
It will weigh up to 100 kg and will be able to travel up to 45 km, which is 15 km more than the original. You won't manage that distance if you push it to a top speed of 25km/h, but you'll still get hours of play time.
Some interesting additional features are offered, including cruise control, adjustable acceleration, headlight and brake light, kinetic energy recovery system and ABS brake system in front and mechanical disc brake in the rear, which make Mi Scooter Pro 2 the best option. the best electric scooter for most people right now.
2. Ninebot Max G30 is the best for long distances.
$699.99
The Ninebot Max G30 is a phenomenal electric scooter with impressive acceleration and a range of 40 miles, but it's not for everyone. The Max G30 undoubtedly offers one of the best electric scooter experiences available right now, with large 10" tires to help reduce riding bumps and three driving modes offer different levels of power to suit your journey, but at a weight of 18kg it is definitely not portable compared to other scooters in our table.
That weight is mainly due to the tires and the large internal battery that gives it an incredible range of 40 miles, making it ideal for long commutes. The problem is that weight makes transporting trains and buses difficult - far from ideal if you want to bridge the gap between the different modes of transport you currently use.
3. Kugoo Kirin S1 is the best budget option
$369.99
Priced less than many of its competitors, it's safe to assume that the Kirin S1 isn't very good. But aside from a strangely dim display that's impossible to see in sunny weather, the S1 has nothing to criticize.
A realistic range of around 15 km is not that great, but as long as your trips are shorter, which in most cases will be, this is not a problem.
It's under 12kg, lighter than most competitors, and has a nice, quiet motor that pushes you forward.
4. Reid E4 - Best for commuters.
$650
The Reid E4 electric scooter is a great option for passengers offering a slightly more premium experience than what you get from the likes of Xiaomi, although you pay a little more for the experience.
The E4 is unlike most scooters you're likely to see on the road, with an ergonomic shape, large display, tilting steering wheel, and more customizable LEDs than you can shake a stick at. Powered by a 250W motor, the E4 can reach speeds of up to 15.5mph and offers a range of up to 17.4 miles.
The only real complaint is that, like the Mi M365 and other 8.5-inch wheeled scooters, it uses solid tires; While this means you won't get punctures while riding, it also means you'll feel every bump in the road.
5. Turboant X7 Pro - overcomes bumps well.
$699.98
Built to compete with the popular Mi Scooter Pro 2, the Turboant X7 Pro is the company's most powerful electric scooter to date.
It's relatively powerful on flat surfaces and can handle climbs thanks to its 350W motor (with 700W max power) and the upgraded 10" inflatable wheels offer a superior riding experience compared to 8.5" scooters, whether it's riding on curbs or rolling. over bumps in the road. It is also capable of supporting a heavier rider with a maximum weight of 125kg.
Another plus is that the battery is removable and has its own charging port, so you can charge it separately from the scooter, and you can also buy additional batteries. You can put one in your backpack to increase your range, or leave one at work and one at home to make sure your scooter is always fully charged and ready to ride.
Like Xiaomi, there are built-in headlights and reflectors, as well as cruise control that activates when maintaining the same speed for 6 seconds, although the X7 Pro does not offer a connected app with enhanced functionality.
Keep in mind that you can only buy it directly from Turboant. There are warehouses in California and Germany where orders from the US and the UK are delivered, respectively, but this is where you will need to go for repair or replacement under warranty.
6. Alfawise M1 – Top speed 25 km/h.
$345.99
Alfawise M1 is a copy of Xiaomi Mi Scooter 2 Pro with a built-in speedometer, dual braking system and stronger tires. It's a lot of fun, with a top speed of 25km/h and the ability to hit 30km/h - not that you can easily keep track of it as there's no companion app.
Unfortunately, problems with our test unit resulted in us having to replace the front tire and we found that Alfawise did not supply replacement parts.
The M1 is also cheaper than its Xiaomi counterpart. Since we reviewed the Alfawise M1, the company has made some improvements to its design that have improved comfort, durability, and stat monitoring, as well as increased the motor power from 250W to 350W.
The build quality lets the M1 down, though, and we had a hard time viewing the speedometer in direct sunlight. We also found the automatic acceleration to be confusing, although once you get the throttle on, the cruise control feature comes in handy. Braking can be harsh too, so try not to do it too hard.
7. Inokim Light - Folds for transport or storage.
$1199
Inokim makes high-quality electric scooters for adults, while Light is a serious model that can be used every day.
It's not as light as the Mini, and at 13.7kg you might not consider it light at all. But it's built like a tank and has a 250W motor in the rear hub that propels you at 21mph.
The brake is just as strong, and the front and rear LEDs flash to alert others to your presence.
The scooter folds in half for transport or storage, and the handlebars can also be folded down. On the right is an LCD display that shows your speed and total distance travelled. Using the buttons, you can choose from three power levels, but you can also treat it like a regular scooter: you won't have to carry it around when the battery is low.
Speaking of batteries, the Light has a 24-mile range so you can easily use it for your commute.
In addition to the black model we tested, you can also choose from white, blue, orange or green.
8. Niubility N1 is a lightweight and inexpensive scooter.
$299.99
Niubility may not be a recognized brand like the others on our table, but the N1 is an interesting electric scooter - aside from the raised rear end, which allows you to place your foot at an angle without fear of stepping on the rear wheel.
It's powered by a 250W motor with a top speed of 15 mph, and while the 15 mile range isn't as long as others on our chart, that also means it's lighter than most of the competition at around 12kg. This makes it easy to fold up and transport on public transport or toss in the trunk of a car – far more than the 18kg G30 Max.
It's also one of the cheapest scooters available right now, though this budget-friendly focus is reflected in the features available. There's no companion app, meaning you can't do things like change the speedometer from km/h to mph or enable remote lock, but those are relatively minor complaints.
However, there is a question about the overall build quality as the rear brake light went off within a few days of receiving our sample. This may be a one-time issue, but it's definitely worth keeping in mind.
