It seemed like overnight, electric scooters went from being a curious novelty to serving as a reliable form of transportation. This was largely attributable to the proliferation of e-scooter rental services such as Lime and Bird; however, the fact that these portable motorized vehicles are a lot of fun to ride certainly didn’t hurt their popularity.
People also discovered that having their own is just plain convenient, which is something I can personally attest to. When I needed to get to and from work, take a quick trip to the store, get a ride to a restaurant, or do any number of other errands, having my own personal e-scooter was of tremendous assistance to me in all of these situations.
I cannot recommend getting one highly enough if you have been thinking about doing so. There is a wide variety of models available to accommodate virtually any kind of user, regardless of how you intend to put it to use. If, however, you are unsure as to which ones are worth the money, I have compiled a guide of my five favorites below for your convenience. At the very end, you’ll find an explanation of how I tested each scooter, as well as answers to some frequently asked questions (FAQs).
Gotrax XR Ultra
Cons: Limitations on the available features
The wallet-friendly Gotrax XR Ultra electric scooter offers a respectable speed and range in addition to more than a few features that come as a surprise, all without making a significant dent in your financial resources.
- Range: 17 miles
- The maximum allowable weight is 220 pounds.
Although the leading edge of the market for electric scooters continues to push the envelope in terms of speed, range, and portability, the majority of those models are still out of reach for the average consumer due to their prohibitively high prices. As is the case with the majority of products, the price of the technology will eventually drop to a level that the general public finds more agreeable.
For example, the Gotrax XR is an affordable electric scooter that provides a level of performance that should satisfy the requirements of the vast majority of people without causing them to experience any buyer’s remorse after the fact.
When weighed against other, more expensive competitors, the XR Ultra’s top speed of 15.5 mph and its maximum range of 17 miles do not appear to be particularly impressive. The fact that this model can be purchased for less than $400, however, makes it a much more approachable choice for individuals who are interested in testing the waters of the electric scooter market. To put it another way, this electric scooter is like the Toyota Camry of its class.
The XR Ultra has a ride that is both very smooth and very comfortable, which is one of its best features. This scooter travels at a consistent speed, and its 8.5-inch inflatable tires are able to roll over the majority of obstacles without much difficulty. The fact that the frame of the XR can fold up and that it weighs only 27 pounds should make it a favorite among commuters who are concerned about their finances. However, Gotrax did not include any kind of suspension in this model so that they could keep their prices lower. Because of this, the model operates most effectively on hard, paved surfaces.
But that doesn’t mean the XR Ultra doesn’t have a solid collection of features, does it? The scooter features both a disc brake and an electric braking system, both of which have the ability to regenerate their energy. In addition to that, it comes with a powerful LED headlight and an LCD screen that can show your speed, distance traveled, and remaining battery life.
Gotrax XR Ultra
Cons: Limitations on the available features
The wallet-friendly Gotrax XR Ultra electric scooter offers a respectable speed and range in addition to more than a few features that come as a surprise, all without making a significant dent in your financial resources.
- Range: 17 miles
- The maximum allowable weight is 220 pounds.
Although the leading edge of the market for electric scooters continues to push the envelope in terms of speed, range, and portability, the majority of those models are still out of reach for the average consumer due to their prohibitively high prices. As is the case with the majority of products, the price of the technology will eventually drop to a level that the general public finds more agreeable.
For example, the Gotrax XR is an affordable electric scooter that provides a level of performance that should satisfy the requirements of the vast majority of people without causing them to experience any buyer’s remorse after the fact.
When weighed against other, more expensive competitors, the XR Ultra’s top speed of 15.5 mph and its maximum range of 17 miles do not appear to be particularly impressive. The fact that this model can be purchased for less than $400, however, makes it a much more approachable choice for individuals who are interested in testing the waters of the electric scooter market. To put it another way, this electric scooter is like the Toyota Camry of its class.
The XR Ultra has a ride that is both very smooth and very comfortable, which is one of its best features. This scooter travels at a consistent speed, and its 8.5-inch inflatable tires are able to roll over the majority of obstacles without much difficulty. The fact that the frame of the XR can fold up and that it weighs only 27 pounds should make it a favorite among commuters who are concerned about their finances. However, Gotrax did not include any kind of suspension in this model so that they could keep their prices lower. Because of this, the model operates most effectively on hard, paved surfaces.
But that doesn’t mean the XR Ultra doesn’t have a solid collection of features, does it? The scooter features both a disc brake and an electric braking system, both of which have the ability to regenerate their energy. In addition to that, it comes with a powerful LED headlight and an LCD screen that can show your speed, distance traveled, and remaining battery life.
Xiaomi Mi M365
Cons: The maximum weight capacity for riders is 220 pounds.
The Xiaomi Mi M365 is an electric scooter that was designed with the specific use case of commuting in mind. It is both lightweight and capable of folding down to a size that is surprisingly small.
- Distance covered: 18.6 miles Maximum load capacity: 220 pounds
When looking for an electric scooter to use on a daily basis as a mode of transportation, I prioritize finding one that is portable, lightweight, and easy to store without sacrificing speed or maneuverability. This is precisely what I discovered in the Xiaomi Mi M365, which is able to provide a range of 18.6 miles and a top speed of 15.5 mph while still tipping the scales at a little bit more than 27 pounds.
You shouldn’t be fooled by its light weight because it still has a lot of features packed into the design of the product. For example, it has front and rear lights, wide shock-absorbing tires, and an LED indicator that shows how much longer the battery will last. In addition to that, it has a regenerative braking system that puts power back into the battery, and it also has a companion app that allows you to customize the settings and track various metrics such as distance, speed, and so on.
It is abundantly clear that Xiaomi gave a great deal of thought to making the M365 simple to operate as well. This is evident in its folding mechanism, which enables it to shrink down to a more compact size in fewer than three seconds. Consequently, it can be carried around more easily. When getting on and off of trains, climbing stairs, riding elevators, or even putting the M365 in and taking it out of a car trunk, the ease with which it can be done is something I really appreciate.
Xiaomi used a minimalist design and a lightweight aluminum frame in order to achieve the M365’s relatively low weight. This was accomplished by the company. Because of this limitation, it can only transport riders who weigh up to 220 pounds at a time. Although the frame can certainly support someone who weighs more than the maximum capacity, the performance of the vehicle will suffer if a heavier passenger is carried. This will result in a decrease in both the vehicle’s range and its top speed.
Outstorm Maxx Ultra-High-Speed
Cons: At one hundred pounds, it is a very heavy item.
If you are looking for a fast scooter that also has a long range, the Outstorm Maxx Ultra-High-Speed is an excellent option to consider.
- Reach: Up to 100 kilometers
- The maximum allowable weight is 385 pounds.
When you step up to a higher performance level in the e-scooter market, you’ll notice that the price has significantly increased. In spite of the fact that the models located at the top of the scale are both quick and powerful, their prices can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars. When it comes to performance and cost, the Outstorm Maxx Ultra-High-Speed strikes an intriguing middle ground, delivering a lot of bang for the buck while toying with a price tag of two thousand dollars but ultimately delivering a lot of bang for the buck.
The Maxx has a maximum speed of 56 miles per hour and can travel for up to 52 miles on a single charge. This is made possible by the use of dual motors, each of which is capable of producing up to 3200 watts of power when operating at its maximum level of output. It enables the scooter to carry a maximum weight of 485 pounds and ride not only on paved surfaces but also on dirt trails, gravel, and sand. Additionally, it enables the scooter to ride on a variety of terrains.
Because it has two different power modes and three different speed modes, this scooter makes it simple to find the optimal combination of speed and range for your needs. The speed of the scooter is prominently displayed on a digital readout, as is the remaining battery life and the distance it has traveled. The use of regenerative braking, which returns kinetic energy to the battery, and a powerful LED headlight make nighttime riding significantly less hazardous. The Maxx also comes equipped with a durable set of running boards, 11-inch tires, an electronic cruise control system, and a hydraulic shock system.
The fact that this model weighs a whopping 100 pounds means that it is not an especially good option for those who are considering using it for commuting. Although it is possible to fold it up into a more compact size in order to make it simpler to store, this does not in any way make it simpler to lift or move when the battery is dead. Thankfully, it has large power cells that operate at 60V, so it does not run out of juice as frequently.
Razor E100
Cons: Limited long-term durability, the weight of 26 pounds may be too much for children to carry, and there are not a lot of features.
The Razor E100 is a balance of stability, rider comfort, and ease of control, all while maintaining its nimbleness and playfulness. It was designed specifically with children in mind.
- Distance covered: 11 miles Maximum load capacity: 120 pounds
Kids are more concerned with their own safety and the stability of the vehicle than their adult counterparts, who place a premium on both speed and range. This design philosophy is blatantly obvious in the E100, an electric scooter that is sure to make younger riders giddy with excitement.
The E100 has a maximum speed of 10 miles per hour and offers a ride time of approximately 40 minutes before needing another charge. Another point of differentiation from the market for adult scooters is the fact that the range of this particular model is specified in minutes rather than miles. In the eyes of a child, forty minutes of uninterrupted use is a respectable amount of time; however, this only gives the device a respectable amount of range before the battery runs out.
The E100 offers a pleasant and unruffled ride thanks to the 8-inch pneumatic front tire that it has. When combined with the system that drives the rear wheels of the scooter, this moves a significant portion of the weight to the back, which improves the scooter’s stability and balance. This scooter has hand brakes and a thumb throttle, which make learning to ride a scooter both quick and easy. As a result, even younger children will feel comfortable riding this scooter in a relatively short amount of time.
Durability over the long term is always a concern with any product aimed at children, including those designed specifically for them. Razor used a steel frame in the construction of the E100, which gave it a very solid feel overall and helped to alleviate the concerns that were raised about it. The total weight of the scooter, which includes all of those components, comes in at 26 pounds. Those components do add some weight. Although this is quite svelte when compared to adult e-scooters, younger children may find it difficult to maneuver the E100 because of its size.
How I put electric scooters through their paces
All of the electric scooters that are discussed in this guide were subjected to a battery of tests to determine how well they fared in relation to the following four criteria: range, portability, versatility, and value. While testing, I paid particular attention to the following aspects of each category:
The range that an electric scooter is capable of covering is typically the defining characteristic of the device, making this the most important aspect to take into account. In order to verify this, we put the range described on paper up against the results of tests conducted in the real world. When you start riding uphill or traveling at its top speed for extended periods of time, the range begins to take a hit on almost every model (and we’ve noted in the review of each model where this was the most significant of an issue), and this is the point where the decrease in range becomes noticeable.
Portability: Being able to easily transport a scooter is a vital consideration for anyone who lives in an apartment building or who plans to commuting part of the way on a scooter. This is especially important for people who plan to ride a scooter to work. The term “portability” refers to not only how much something weighs but also whether or not it can be folded up and is simple to carry.
When we talk about the versatility of a scooter, we mean that it can be used for a wide variety of purposes, from going on joy rides to commuting to running errands. Assessing a scooter’s versatility required determining whether or not it could be used for purposes unrelated to its typical application (within a set of safe parameters, of course).
The term “value” refers to the aggregate of the preceding three classifications as well as the manner in which they relate to the total price. This can often mean that it is preferable to spend a little bit more on a high-quality scooter that is designed to last and function properly, as opposed to spending less money on something that you will need to replace more frequently.
FAQs
While I’m out shopping, what specific things should I keep in mind?
As a result of the expansion and diversification that has occurred in the market for electric scooters, there are now a number of categories that help to define it. The distinction between a model that is intended for children or one that is intended for adults is the one that stands out the most clearly.
Those designed for a younger demographic are typically more compact, offered at a lower price point, and have a lower top speed. They typically have a shorter battery life as well, which translates to a reduced operating range. On the other hand, adult scooters are designed for adults, and as a result, they are larger, faster, and heavier than children’s scooters. In addition to this, the costs are typically higher.
When it comes to picking out an electric scooter, one of the primary deciding factors is, unsurprisingly, how much money you are willing to spend. At the lower end of the price spectrum, you’ll find budget models. These models have components that are less expensive, batteries that are smaller, and top speeds that are lower. The commuter market is where most mid-tier electric scooters are found. These scooters typically offer a satisfying balance of range and speed, and their prices reflect the upgrades that they offer.
At the upper end of the price spectrum, you’ll find performance models that may cost more than a thousand dollars, but which also outperform their contemporaries in terms of acceleration, maneuverability, and driving range.
What sort of mileage can be covered by electric scooters?
When looking for your very own electric scooter, there are a few important features and specifications that you will want to keep in mind at all times. The amount of mileage that can be covered by a scooter is probably the most important of those specifications. Every manufacturer of electric scooters provides an estimated range for each model they produce. This range is the maximum distance a scooter can travel on a single charge. The size of the battery, the weight of the rider, and the type of surface that it is ridden on all have a direct impact on the distance that can be traveled by the vehicle.
Additionally, the temperature of the environment can have an effect on the range, with colder temperatures significantly shortening the amount of time a battery can remain functional. In everyday situations, you can anticipate being able to ride anywhere from 10 to 40 miles before needing to give the battery a recharge.
How quickly can one travel on an electric scooter?
The highest speed that can be reached by an electric scooter is yet another defining feature of these vehicles. Its actual number varies greatly depending on the model, and manufacturers will frequently boast of speeds of more than 25 or even 30 miles per hour, despite the fact that in practice, those numbers aren’t always accurate. The actual number ranges from 25 to 30 mph.
The level of performance can be affected by a number of factors, including the dimensions of the motor and the battery as well as the rider’s weight. Because of this, many scooters travel at speeds ranging from 5 to 10 miles per hour, particularly when they are not traveling on a surface that is perfectly flat and even.
Nevertheless, consumers are urged to give careful thought to the maximum speed of a model before making a purchase. A faster model might look like it would be more fun, but it can be significantly more difficult to steer. It may be beneficial to have quicker acceleration and more power, particularly for commuters, but safety should be your primary concern as well.
Inexperienced riders are strongly advised to select modes that are slower and more stable while they are still getting used to riding. In addition, faster scooters have a greater propensity to deplete their battery life more rapidly, which ultimately results in a shorter range.
Are electric scooters simple to transport from place to place?
Those who intend to use a scooter as a mode of transportation for their commute should pay close attention to the weight of the scooter. It can be quite a challenge to carry it on and off of the subway or up and down several flights of stairs, particularly if the model you have wasn’t designed with that in mind when it was constructed.
Just like when you buy a bicycle, the components that go into making an electric scooter have a direct influence on how much weight the finished product has. The batteries and motors in low-cost models are typically on the smaller side, which means they weigh significantly less than their larger and more powerful counterparts. However, the other components that are typically found on these kinds of scooters weigh quite a bit more, which helps to maintain a low price but pushes the weight up to a higher level.
The drivetrains in higher-priced models are typically more powerful, while the components used in their construction tend to be of higher quality and lower weight. The end product is typically a scooter that is more expensive, operates more effectively, and is more convenient to transport.
Some electric scooters that have been designed particularly with the needs of commuters in mind may even come with the option to fold down into a more manageable size so that it can be transported more easily. Folding scooters that are easily transportable and can be stowed away in a bag or case have become so popular that they now constitute their own distinct subset of the scooter market.
