Electric scooters have surged in popularity as a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transport for adults. Whether you’re navigating city streets, commuting to work, or simply enjoying a leisurely ride, finding the Best Adult Electric Scooter can significantly enhance your experience. This guide dives into the top electric scooters available in 2024, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
Before we delve into specific models, safety should always be a priority.
Essential Safety Gear: Helmets
While not legally mandated in all areas, wearing a helmet is crucial for your safety when riding any electric scooter. Accidents can happen, and protecting your head is paramount.
Full-Face Helmet Recommendation
For those who plan to ride at speeds exceeding 15 miles per hour, a full-face helmet offers superior protection.
The Beam Virgo Helmet
The Beam Virgo Helmet, priced at $299, is a stylish and highly functional option for serious scooter riders. Its full-face design provides comprehensive protection, and the flip-down visor is a particularly useful feature, especially in unpredictable weather. During a rain shower, the visor effectively kept water out of the rider’s eyes, enhancing visibility and comfort. While putting on the helmet can be a snug fit, particularly for larger sizes and glasses wearers (glasses need to be removed initially but can be put back on once the helmet is in place), the comfort level is high once properly positioned. The helmet includes earbud holes for added convenience. Importantly, the Virgo is a MIPS helmet, incorporating technology designed to reduce rotational forces during impacts, thereby minimizing the risk of brain injury in case of accidents.
Standard Helmet for Lower Speeds
For riders who primarily travel at slower speeds, a standard helmet provides adequate protection.
Thousand Heritage 2.0 Helmet
The Thousand Heritage 2.0 Helmet, available for $99, is an excellent choice for those who prefer a more classic look and typically ride at lower speeds. Praised by multiple reviewers for its attractive design and comfortable fit, the Heritage 2.0 also features a convenient one-handed magnetic clasp.
Top Adult Electric Scooters to Consider in 2024
Beyond helmets, the market offers a wide array of electric scooters, each catering to different needs and preferences. Here’s a closer look at some of the top contenders:
MiniMotors USA Dualtron Togo
The MiniMotors USA Dualtron Togo, typically priced at $850 but sometimes found on discount for as low as $499, presents a mixed bag of value and performance. At the lower price point, it’s considered a phenomenal deal. However, at its regular price, the value proposition diminishes. During testing, a 13-mile journey from Brooklyn to lower Manhattan and back completely drained the battery. The ride quality is described as stiff, and the scooter’s ergonomics seem better suited for shorter individuals, as taller riders may find themselves fully outstretched to reach the handlebars. A notable safety feature is the throttle lock, which engages after a few seconds of inactivity (and can be disabled via an app) and requires pressing both brakes to unlock – initially annoying but ultimately appreciated as a measure against accidental acceleration. While capable of reaching 25 mph, testing was conducted at 15 mph. One significant drawback is the unreliable battery gauge, which fluctuates wildly and inaccurately reports remaining charge. The scooter’s maximum load capacity is 220 pounds, suggesting better range for lighter riders. Weighing 54 pounds, it’s not the lightest option, but it remains a solid scooter, especially if secured at a discount.
Niu KQi3 Pro
The Niu KQi3 Pro, priced around $500, has consistently been a top recommendation for its excellent balance of range and price. It has proven capable of achieving approximately 15 miles of range even when navigating hilly terrains like New York City bridges, with an estimated potential of 18 to 20 miles under less demanding conditions. It reaches a top speed of 20 mph and features comfortable 9.5-inch tubeless tires and dependable disc brakes for quick stops. Practical features include a bell, lights, and handlebar space for accessories like phone mounts. The scooter folds easily, though its 45-pound weight makes it moderately heavy. A minor inconvenience is the non-folding handlebars, which can be cumbersome in tight spaces. While slightly older, having been succeeded by the Niu KQi 300X and 300P, the KQi3 Pro remains a strong contender, particularly if found on sale.
MiniMotors USA Dualtron Mini Special
The MiniMotors USA Dualtron Mini Special, priced at $1,199, is positioned as a scooter for more experienced riders due to its complexity. Assembly instructions are vague and incomplete, with steps missing from the manual (e.g., handlebar grip installation, where rubbing alcohol is needed). The accompanying MiniMotors Dualtron app is not user-friendly, lacking clear explanations of terms and functions, making it less suitable for beginners. However, once assembled and operational, the scooter offers a pleasant riding experience with a top speed of 35 mph and a realistic range of 25 to 30 miles (compared to the company’s claimed 40 miles). It handles slopes effectively but has a surprisingly low max load capacity of 200 pounds despite its hefty 59-pound weight.
Fluidfreeride Fluid Mosquito
For those prioritizing portability, the Fluidfreeride Fluid Mosquito, priced at $899, is an ultra-lightweight option at just 29 pounds. It includes a built-in grab handle for easy carrying, folds quickly, and boasts a top speed of 24 mph. However, its lightweight design comes with compromises. The suspension is described as just adequate, and the narrow wheels and braking system may lead to skidding during sudden stops. The range is limited to approximately 9 miles in testing conditions involving bridge crossings. Speed mode adjustments are not on-the-fly; they must be set before riding.
TurboAnt M10 Lite
The TurboAnt M10 Lite, a budget-friendly scooter at $300, is recommended for riders under 200 pounds. While the top speed is advertised at 16 mph, testers were unable to reach this, suggesting it’s optimized for lighter users. Assembly requires some extra steps, including mudguard attachment. It achieved around 8 miles of range in tests. Positive aspects include a quick folding mechanism, a bright display, and a light weight of 31 pounds. However, it’s not suitable for steep hills.
Gotrax Apex
The Gotrax Apex, priced at $350, is a reliable and portable scooter weighing 32 pounds with an easy folding mechanism. It features an integrated bell, a digital display showing speed and battery life, and a top speed of 15 mph. It has proven dependable for errands and commuting, but the ride is not the smoothest. The 250-watt motor struggles with inclines, significantly impacting battery life, which averaged around 9 miles in tests. Taller riders may find the handlebar reach extended and less comfortable. While the rear disc brake is functional, more stopping power would be preferable.
Gotrax GX2
The Gotrax GX2, priced at $1,299, is a high-performance scooter comparable to the Apollo Phantom in terms of power and range. This robust, gunmetal-colored scooter can reach 35 mph with its dual 800-watt motors, though testing was primarily conducted at 20 mph. It completed an 18.4-mile trip with battery to spare. Its substantial 76-pound weight and thick stem make it difficult to carry. A notable annoyance is its automatic Parking mode, which engages after a few seconds of inactivity and cannot be disabled, requiring constant mode button presses. Concerns were raised about build quality, including a motor noise suggesting internal friction, which temporarily disappears when the left brake lever is lightly pressed. The stem latch also showed a tendency to disengage too easily. Potential buyers are advised to inspect for these issues and consult Gotrax or a local scooter shop if problems arise.
Navee S65
The Navee S65, priced at $599, from the relatively new brand Navee, offers a fun and powerful riding experience. It consistently achieved 16-mile round trips at 20 mph, fully depleting the battery. Its geared hub motor provides excellent acceleration and hill-climbing capability, but it is notably loud, which may be more noticeable in quiet environments. Weighing 53 pounds, it’s heavier than some competitors with similar range. Customer service reliability is still an unknown factor due to the brand’s recent entry into the US market.
Evolv Terra
The Evolv Terra, priced at $1,170, is another enjoyable scooter, weighing 53 pounds and featuring a relatively easy-to-carry thin stem. It’s powerful, capable of reaching 31 mph in dual-motor mode (local speed laws permitting) and comfortably cruises at 20 mph in single-motor, second-gear setting. Range is average, with approximately 2 bars of battery remaining after 15 miles, suggesting a potential range exceeding 20 miles with conservative speed management. Suspension is adequate, but solid tires contribute to a bumpy ride on rough surfaces. Fenders were found ineffective in wet conditions. The stem angle and thumb throttle design may cause wrist discomfort on longer rides, although adjustments to throttle and brake angles are possible.
Radio Flyer S533
The Radio Flyer S533, priced at $599, is surprisingly capable despite its brand association with children’s toys. Its folding mechanism is simple and effective, and it’s lightweight at 30 pounds. Range is limited to under 8 miles, making it unsuitable for commuting, and despite exceeding its 220-pound load capacity during testing, it averaged 14 mph of its 16 mph top speed. It’s ideal for short trips but considered overpriced for its performance. Initial quality control issues were noted with the test units, including a non-functional first unit and a flat tire on the second.
Apollo Air Pro (2022)
The Apollo Air Pro (2022) model, priced at $749 (note: the 2024 model was not tested), is described as adequate but overpriced. It reaches 21 mph and achieved a 13 to 15-mile range in tests. It includes standard features like lights and a bell, and app connectivity for customization. However, the app is required to unlock its full speed potential beyond 12 mph. The folding mechanism is cumbersome, and despite its 39-pound weight, it is uncomfortable to carry due to its thick stem and slow acceleration.
Electric Scooters to Avoid
Not all electric scooters live up to expectations. Extended testing periods have revealed several models that are best avoided due to various shortcomings.
Niu KQi Air
The Niu KQi Air, priced at $1,399, is a scooter with significant potential marred by several issues. Its carbon fiber frame makes it exceptionally light at 26 pounds, with a 20-mph top speed, making it the lightest scooter tested. It folds easily and features turn signals, a user-friendly app, and regenerative braking. However, range is disappointing at just under 10 miles. Connectivity issues with the phone app required disconnecting and reconnecting internal power cables. The theft protection system, while featuring an alarm, bizarrely requires the scooter to be powered on to disable auto-braking when rolled. Initial models suffered from complete failure, requiring replacement. Performance inconsistencies, such as speed throttling due to suspected thermal issues, further detract from its appeal.
Veo Cosmo X
The Veo Cosmo X, priced at a hefty $2,499, is a sit-down scooter with severely limited range. Despite its 94-pound weight, it barely achieves 10 miles at its 17-mph top speed. Originally designed for rideshare programs, its consumer version’s specifications do not justify its high price.
Gotrax G6 and Eclipse
The Gotrax G6 and Eclipse, both priced around $500, suffer from overheating problems. During 80°F weather testing, both models overheated within 20 minutes of riding, particularly when encountering inclines, necessitating frequent stops and restarts. This issue occurred despite their 265-pound weight capacity rating.
Taur Electric Scooter
The Taur Electric Scooter, priced at $995, has too many flaws to recommend despite its unique design and smooth ride. Its pedal-based platform provides a gliding sensation and a compact profile, uniquely capable of standing upright unaided. It offers good suspension and speeds up to 24 mph, handling slopes well. However, range is poor at higher speeds, achieving only 8 miles in some tests. The folding mechanism is inelegant, and its 38-pound weight and thick stem make it awkward to carry. The app is clunky, and there are reports of poor customer service and lack of repair support, making it a risky purchase.
Atomi Alpha
The Atomi Alpha, priced at $299, is visually appealing but functionally flawed. Its kickstand is poorly designed, making it prone to tipping over even in light winds. While offering a comfortable ride and visibility lights, it struggles to reach its advertised top speed and has shown durability issues, with test units failing after a few months of use.
Levy Plus
The Levy Plus, priced at $749, while featuring a replaceable battery and reliable disc brakes, is underpowered for hilly terrains. Its 18-mph top speed and limited incline capability make it best suited for flat surfaces. It is lightweight at 30 pounds.
Unagi Model One Classic
The Unagi Model One Classic, available for rent at $59 per month, is outdated compared to newer models. Its specifications are no longer competitive, and the newer Model One Voyager is a significantly better option.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best Adult Electric Scooter
Selecting the best adult electric scooter depends heavily on individual needs and priorities. For those seeking top performance and range, models like the Gotrax GX2 and Navee S65 stand out. For budget-conscious buyers, the TurboAnt M10 Lite and Gotrax Apex offer good value, albeit with some compromises. Lightweight and portable options include the Fluidfreeride Fluid Mosquito and, despite its issues, the Niu KQi Air (for those willing to overlook its flaws for extreme portability). Prioritizing safety with a quality helmet like the Beam Virgo or Thousand Heritage 2.0 is non-negotiable. By carefully considering these factors and reviewing the strengths and weaknesses of each model, you can confidently choose the best adult electric scooter to match your lifestyle and riding needs in 2024.
