The Best Electric Scooter in 2024 - Who Has Time for Traffic Jams?

Updated: September 12,2023

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Getting around town isn’t what you’d call a breeze: Driving a car means getting used to traffic jams. Taking the bus is annoying, and you still end up in the same congested spots, just with 50 people pressing against you. Walking? Sure, but only if you’re going a few blocks away. Is an electric scooter the solution? This fun, battery-powered gadget can get you through any jam, and it’s cheaper to maintain than a car; plus, you don’t have to sweat your legs off as you would on a bicycle.

If you’re looking to get yourself the best electric scooter money can buy, you’ve come to the right place: We took a deep dive into the current market and found the best brands and models for every joyrider and daily commuter out there. Read on!

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5

Excellent

Mi Electric Scooter Pro 2
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4

Good

Ninebot KickScooter Air T15
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5

Excellent

Kaabo Mantis 8
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4.5

Good

Levy Electric Scooter
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4.5

Good

Unagi Model One E500
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4.5

Good

Swagtron Swagger 5 Elite

Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter Pro 2 Review

5
Excellent
Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter Pro 2 side Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter Pro 2 details Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter Pro 2 back wheel Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter Pro 2 front wheel
Max speed
15.5 mph
Range
28 miles
Maximum rider weight
31 lbs
Weight support
220.5 lbs
Foldable
Yes
Mobile app
Yes
What we liked
  • Great overall performance
  • Fair price
  • Good safety features
What we disliked
  • Not for heavier riders
Where to Buy
At Amazon
Price
VISIT SITE

Best known as a smartphone manufacturer, Xiaomi is basically the ACME of Chinese brands. If you’re too young to have grown up with Wile-E-Coyote, that means Xiaomi makes practically everything. From selfie sticks to TVs and air purifiers, if it’s a smart device, there’s bound to be one with a Xiaomi logo on it. The same goes for adult electric scooters: Xiaomi Mi Pro 2 has become synonymous with these moving gadgets. Smartphones notwithstanding, this is probably the best-selling Xiaomi product.

There are many reasons to crown the Mi Pro 2 as the best electric scooter right now: It’s fast, with a top speed of 15.5 mph, won’t run out of juice even on longer rides, and it’s easy to carry around when it’s not carrying you around. The new generation of batteries in Xiaomi electric-powered scooters holds its charge for nearly 30 miles, which is more than enough for a full round-trip to the office, even if you’re driving over slopes. Speed freaks will find a lot to love with this scooter, too. You won’t be breaking any records, but you’ll still be zooming around with ease. This reliable electric scooter comes with three modes that determine its speed limit and ensure a smooth ride throughout.

The Mi Pro 2 is a top electric scooter, thanks to its safety features. It’s not just that the battery affords an impressive maximum range - it will also supply intense lights that make you clearly visible to other traffic participants. The rear lights are more prominent and bright than on previous models, and this new electric scooter from Xiaomi is equipped with several reflectors on all sides - nightriders will especially appreciate that.

The brakes have also gotten an upgrade: Now, there is an E-ABS regenerative brake on both wheels, paired with a strong disc brake in the rear wheel. The braking system activates them one by one to avoid drifting and reduce the time needed for a complete stop. Unfortunately, both front and rear suspension are missing from this scooter, but you can get additional upgrades to correct that, especially if you use your scooter for everyday riding.

It’s also the best budget electric scooter right now. Priced at the lower end of the commuter class, Xiaomi Mi Pro 2 is an excellent value proposition when we consider all of its features and the quality of the materials Xiaomi used.

Segway Ninebot KickScooter Air T15

4
Good
Segway Ninebot KickScooter Air T15 front Segway Ninebot KickScooter Air T15 folded Segway Ninebot KickScooter Air T15 right side Segway Ninebot KickScooter Air T15 left side
Max speed
12.4 mph
Range
28 miles
Maximum rider weight
31 lbs
Weight support
220.5 lbs
Foldable
Yes
Mobile app
Yes
What we liked
  • Light and compact
  • Durable materials
  • Easy storage
What we disliked
  • Short battery life
Where to Buy
At Amazon
Price
VISIT SITE

Segway was a pioneer in the electric vehicle era and has since become synonymous with alternative transportation methods. Today, this company also makes the best electric scooter for commuting - the Segway Ninebot Air T15.

One look at this e-scooter, and you’ll know it’s a Segway product. Smooth lines, futuristic designs, and the black-and-white color scheme are practically company trademarks in the electric scooter world. Its screen is seamlessly integrated into the handlebar, presenting all the relevant information about current speed and remaining battery power. 

This is also the only scooter with retractable handlebars, and folding the scooter in half makes them self-retract. This innovative approach truly makes the Segway Ninebot Air the best foldable electric scooter today and turns storage issues and difficult packaging into a thing of the past. However, this comes at a price - as most lightweight scooters, the Ninebot Air has foregone suspension, and thus reduced ride quality, as well.

Let’s take a look at its driving performance: The Ninebot Air T15 has four speed modes, and the Standard riding mode is recommended for daily use. Its top speed is 12.4 mph, but that’s only available in Sport mode. The battery has less than half of Xiaomi’s capacity, so the range you’ll get on a full charge is significantly shorter, especially if you ride through strong winds or up a slope. Still, these limitations won’t affect the average commuter much, and - we can’t emphasize this enough - this is the most portable electric scooter, so some downsides in terms of motor power are to be expected.

Though it may not be a road hog, Segway’s scooter doesn’t skimp on safety. Strong LED lights, both front and back, provide excellent visibility of the road ahead and the rider for other traffic participants. The electronic brakes are coupled with a rear fender brake for secure and quick stopping power. With sturdy wheels and a water-proof chassis, this scooter has a long lifespan.

This is not a particularly affordable scooter, but you won’t need to get a loan, either; still, this is Segway’s best electric scooter, and the price reflects the build quality for those intending to use this scooter every day. If that sounds like you, it would probably be worth it.

Kaabo Mantis 8

5
Excellent
kaabo mantis 8 front kaabo mantis 8 side kaabo mantis 8 steering
Max speed
31 mph
Range
46 miles
Maximum rider weight
59 lbs
Weight support
264.5 lbs
Foldable
Yes
Mobile app
No
What we liked
  • Great range and top speed
  • ABS disk brakes
  • Shock absorbers
What we disliked
  • Not a lightweight electric scooter
Where to Buy
At Kaabo
Price
VISIT SITE

Kaabo Mantis 8 is just what you need if you are looking for a performance-oriented electric scooter. The first thing you’ll notice besides the great-looking design are the shock absorbers, as this scooter comes equipped with dual suspension. After all, Kaabo is known for producing top-notch e-scooters for off-road conditions.

This electric scooter packs a punch, too: It’s equipped with two 500 W engines, making it one of the top electric scooters for adults. You can switch between the dual motors engineered for performance and a single motor for a power-saving ride. The brushless motor hubs located within the front and the back wheels can pull off a top speed of 25 mph and even handle 20-degree inclines.

So, the speeds are incredible, but what about range? To stay competitive with other electric scooters, going the distance is all but mandatory. Thankfully, the Mantis 8 can breeze through 24.8 miles on a single charge, and it only takes up to three hours to fully charge the built-in 48 V 13 Ah lithium-ion battery and get this impressive range back.

The Mantis 8 frame is a single-forged 6082 aluminum alloy frame designed to be light but durable. Therefore, you get what you’d expect from a candidate for the best adult electric scooter around: Portability and endurance, all in one package. While heavier than most electric scooters at 53 lbs, the Mantis 8 can carry up to 264 lbs in rider weight.

Road safety is not something you should ever ignore. The scooter has deck lights in the form of LED strips along both sides and even brighter LEDs in front and back. Even though these lights do a good enough job, it’s still advisable to have a high-mounted light and a rear blinking taillight if you plan to drive in dimly lit areas.

One other feature that every electric scooter review needs to consider is portability. Thankfully, Mantis 8 can be neatly folded to take up only 23.6 by 45.6 inches, so you can easily store it, even if space is tight.

If you are still on the fence about whether the Mantis 8 is the right scooter for you, consider the following features: Disk brakes with ABS, a sine-wave controller, and 8-inch wide-tread tires, all in a slick all-black or black-and-red package.

Levy Electric Scooter

2.5
Average
levy electric scooter front levy electric scooter packed levy electric scooter side
Max speed
18 mph
Range
10 miles
Maximum rider weight
27 lbs
Weight support
230 lbs
Foldable
Yes
Mobile app
Yes
What we liked
  • Good value
  • Fast charging
  • Easily replaceable battery
What we disliked
  • Insufficient safety features
Where to Buy
At Levy
Price
VISIT SITE

The top-rated e-scooter among the younger crowd, the Levy Electric Scooter boasts an attractive design coupled with some practical advantages not found in most electric scooters. One particularly neat trick up its sleeve is the swappable battery pack, the first of its kind, which Levy proudly promotes as its biggest selling point.

It may not be a performance scooter, but it’s a solid choice overall. The top speed is slightly under 20 mph, it can cover 10 miles on a single charge, which is a decent range, and it even has a regenerative front brake that converts the stopping energy into battery charge. 

The replaceable battery is genuinely why we consider this the best electric scooter for teens. Young riders are more likely to take their scooters for long rides instead of a pre-calculated commute route, so carrying an extra battery pack doubles their achievable range. Of course, this can also be a commuter scooter, although it’s not as compact as Segway’s model. It is a lightweight electric scooter, however - among the lightest on this list.

The braking system is similar to what can be found in most models. You have an e-brake on the front and a dual braking system in the back, combining a fender and disc brake. The tubed air-filled tires provide a smooth ride and somewhat compensate for the lack of rear-spring suspension, but provide little protection from popping. Safety-wise, Levy’s model is pretty decent, but misses one feature we already mentioned in our scooter reviews - side reflectors. If you decide to purchase this model, be sure to also pick up some add-ons.

Compared to other scooters on the market, the Levy Electric Scooter is priced pretty much exactly as expected. It’s not the best budget electric scooter, but it’s a solid middle ground, even if you include the additional $149 for a backup battery. It’s a great purchase, though: Fast, charges quickly, and it just plain looks cool. All in all, the perfect gift for your teenager.

Unagi Model One E500

4.5
Good
unagi model one e500 front unagi model one e500 packed unagi model one e500 side
Max speed
20 mph
Range
15.5 miles
Maximum rider weight
26.5 lbs
Weight support
275.6 lbs
Foldable
Yes
Mobile app
Yes
What we liked
  • High-quality, sturdy design
  • Amazing riding experience
  • Custom tires
What we disliked
  • Not a budget model
Where to Buy
At Amazon
Price
VISIT SITE

If you have money to spare and need the best electric scooter for under 1,200 euros (and just under $1,250), look no further than Unagi’s latest and greatest. The Model One E500 is pretty much a space shuttle among rechargeable scooters, designed to seem molded from a single piece of metal. You won’t go unnoticed when you take this baby for a ride, that’s for sure.

What makes this vehicle stand out among other e-scooters is the incredible build quality. We weren’t kidding when we compared it to space tech: Unagi uses the same carbon fiber that SpaceX rockets are made of. The board is hewn from a single piece of aluminum, with a smooth finish and impeccable design. A top e-scooter needs a top-notch handlebar, so Unagi used magnesium alloy with integrated controls. You won’t see any wires or bulky buttons that ruin the overall design.

It’s not all about the space-age looks, either. With 1,000 W of instant power, the Model One E500 battery can push the motor to a top speed of 20 mph. It has a decent range - 15.5 miles on a full charge - and three riding modes ensure you can optimize your battery life. The battery takes a while to charge, but just slightly longer than some other scooters mentioned here. And though it may not be the fastest electric scooter, it’s more than quick enough to get you where you need to go.

All that tech ensures your safety while riding, too: A gentle push on a lever that triggers the dual anti-lock brake is all it takes to halt the motor safely, or you can set up foot braking if that’s what you prefer. LED lights on the front and back of this scooter guarantee perfect visibility even at night. The side reflectors are discreet enough not to distract from the design but obvious enough to make you clearly visible in traffic. Finally, the wheels’ revolutionary design makes them puncture-proof while maintaining a smooth ride across all surfaces, as if you had air-filled pneumatic tires, but without the danger of getting a flat.

As you may have guessed from the SpaceX namedrop, an affordable e-scooter this is not, but the price isn’t that outrageous. Considering the materials used, design quality, and bleeding-edge motor and brake technology, as well as the more-than-comfortable ride it offers, the price is justified.

Swagtron Swagger 5 Elite

4.5
Good
swagtron swagger 5 elite front swagtron swagger 5 elite left side swagtron swagger 5 elite right side
Max speed
18 mph
Range
11 miles
Maximum rider weight
26 lbs
Weight support
320 lbs
Foldable
Yes
Mobile app
Yes
What we liked
  • Very affordable
  • Can carry heavy loads
  • Fast and comfortable
What we disliked
  • Bad on inclines
Where to Buy
At Amazon
Price
VISIT SITE

Do you have swag? Sorry, #SWAG. Is saying “swag” still a thing, anyway? It certainly is in Swagtron’s book, and this Indiana-based company specializes in anything with wheels and a unique design. The product we’ll be checking out today is the Swagtron Swagger 5 Elite, the best electric scooter for under 600 dollars.

Let’s start with the pricing, then. This is clearly a budget electric scooter, and represents your most affordable ticket into this exciting world. The price is practically unbeatable, and it doesn’t mean that this scooter is bulkier or less durable than more expensive models. To be honest, it’s quite astonishing how Swagtron manages to produce it at such a competitive price.

You can expect to ride it for up to 11 miles on a full charge. Its max speed is above average at 18 mph, and the chassis can support up to 320 lbs of body weight. The price might make you think it’s just the best electric scooter for kids, but it’s an excellent vehicle for riders of any age. Hills are its Achilles heel, though. On a semi-steep incline, it will chug along at just under 6 mph, and it won’t really be a comfortable ride. Anything steeper, and you’re better off pushing this lightweight scooter manually.

The visuals on the Swagger 5 Elite drive the branding home. Red accents as far as the eye can see and a bar plastered with lettering don’t give off the most elegant impression, so it may not be for those looking for an understated solution. The wiring is also kind of exposed, so you’ll need to pay extra attention when folding this scooter; luckily, it won’t tangle up with the rear spring suspension, as this scooter doesn’t have one.

If you’re wavering now, let us again remind you of the price - the main reason all this swagger made it to our best electric scooter list. Even though it’s not a beauty or an exceptional climber, the Swagtron Swagger 5 Elite is still one of the best scooter purchases you can make.

Evaluation Process

Having doubts about buying an e-scooter is entirely reasonable. These gadgets are not the most affordable, and you might fear you’d look silly riding even the best scooter. You might not even be sure whether it can replace your trusty commuter bike. Thankfully, we can allay most of those concerns with some exciting facts about how e-scooters can improve your daily routine.

Performance

A vehicle is only as good as its performance on the streets. In the case of electric scooters, top speed and range make or break any model. These are not racing machines, and they rarely surpass 15 mph, let alone reach 20 mph. However, this serves to preserve battery life and ensure a longer ride. That being said, the fastest electric scooters will still get you places sooner than your feet would, which really is all you need them to do.

A scooter’s max speed shouldn’t come at the expense of range, however. After all, your fast ride won’t help you much if you can barely sustain one circle around the block before needing to recharge. Therefore, the maximum achievable distance is crucial when deciding between motorized scooters, especially since you probably won’t just take it for joyrides. 

For many, scooters are a permanent commuting solution. Thus, we’re looking for quality scooters with the longest range on one battery charge and taking into account the manufacturer’s suggestions on how to reach the maximum distance - all discussed in detail in our electric scooter reviews.

Safety Features

Scooter safety has been a hot topic recently, since so many people are switching from cars and public transportation to lightweight scooters. Just like bicycles, the best electric scooters should come equipped with a number of safety measures that protect both riders and other traffic participants. A set of lights on both the front and back (including a rear brake light) of the scooter is a must. Even better if the scooter has side and rear reflectors, ensuring better rider visibility during the night or in poor visibility conditions.

But all the lights in the world won’t do you any good if the regenerative braking system isn’t on par, too. The best scooters carry multiple brakes, combining electronic and disc brakes for quick stopping power. Finally, all essential information about your ride should be available both via the accompanying app and on the scooter's display. The apps also double as remote keys, keeping your scooter safe from thieves when you can’t take it with you.

Eco-Friendliness

In times when everyone’s worried about pollution, it comes as no surprise that scooters are making a big comeback. Showing off how eco-conscious you are is easy now that there are many popular electric scooters to choose from. With no petroleum-based fuel involved in the ride, scooters don’t emit any harmful waste into the air, maintaining zero pollution. 

They’re also very quiet: There are no clattering components - aside from the alarm bell - or buzzing noises from the engine. Not only does it offer a smooth ride for you, but it also cuts down on noise pollution for everyone else, too.

Portability and Endurance

We’re buying scooters to make our lives easier and go places with less hassle. Therefore, we expect a formidable level of portability from all of our top e-scooters. The vehicle should be light enough to carry by hand and foldable for easy storage. Less space taken up means more value, and these gadgets all strive to be as compact as possible. 

While we’re on the topic of structure and design, we highly value scooters built to last. These usually provide better ride quality, too, and can endure even the worst weather. Water resistance, pneumatic tires, and tubeless wheels all contribute to a higher rank on our list.

This innovative mode of transportation means you can quickly hop on and get around town without having to spend money on taxis or breaking a sweat from cycling or walking. In other words, owning a long-range electric scooter is very convenient.

An electric scooter battery usually holds enough charge for a 10-mile ride or longer; just don’t go ham on the gas and try to maintain top speed for the whole journey. Since it doesn’t require gas or diesel, you can “refuel” it at any convenient electric outlet.

Price

Last but not least is the matter of pricing. After all, e-scooters are something of a premium product, so a bargain is always welcome. We looked at the cost-to-features ratio and compared each product to others in the same price range. That being said, we’re not necessarily looking for the most affordable electric scooter out there. Rather, we tried to find the best choice in each price tier, starting from the usually inexpensive scooters for kids, all the way to the ultra-premium commuter scooter category. The electric scooters we’ve selected for this list are indeed the best options on the market right now.

Aside from the one-time price of buying a scooter and maybe an add-on or two, you really won’t have any further expenses. Yes, they can be costly, especially if you go after the best-rated electric scooter, but once you buy it, that’s it. You don’t need to constantly purchase batteries or anything you might have had to with a car or a motorcycle. The power consumption is just slightly higher than that of your smartphone, so even your electricity bill won’t see a significant increase - as long as you take good care of your scooter, of course.

The Fun Factor

Scooters are fun to ride. It doesn’t matter if you’re seven or 77 years old - you’ll be cracking a smile when you hop on a scooter and zoom down the street. And the price of a scooter is low to pay for a guaranteed daily dose of exuberance.

FAQ

What is the best electric scooter for adults?

The Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter Pro 2 is considered to be the best-buy option right now. This is a great and inexpensive motorized scooter capable of reaching a decent top speed. Thanks to its high-capacity battery, it provides an impressive range without needing to recharge very often. Its performance, combined with a decent set of safety features, makes it an excellent alternative for a car or a motorcycle, and the vehicle of choice for many people worldwide.

Are electric scooters legal?

Yes, you can ride any popular electric scooter on the street. US law considers them equal to electric bicycles, so you’re allowed to ride them on public roads, bike lanes, and other designated spaces. Keep in mind this only applies to electric scooters for adults. Smaller and weaker scooters are not to be ridden on public roads for safety reasons.

Is an electric scooter worth buying?

Yes, it’s a great alternative to both bicycles and motorcycles. It’s a lightweight, eco-friendly vehicle that costs less than even the smallest Vespa. You’ll be able to travel around town with ease. What’s more, you can just pack it up and take it with you instead of parking it in a garage or on the sidewalk. The best folding electric scooter doesn’t take up too much space and can be easily stored in a closet.

Why are electric scooters so expensive?

A good scooter will usually run you about $400 to $800. While this may seem unreasonable, it’s certainly warranted: Manufacturing batteries that can provide enough charge to propel the scooters at reasonably high speeds while maintaining enough range for a commute is expensive. There’s also the matter of materials the scooter itself is made from. It needs to be light, but also durable, hence the high price.

Is an electric scooter better than petrol?

Yes, especially if you commute via scooter. Even if you don’t buy the best electric scooter, you can expect the long-term costs to be significantly lower than for any petrol-powered vehicle. They might not be as fast, but they’ll save you a bunch on gas bills.

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