Electric scooters have surged in popularity as a practical and eco-friendly transportation alternative. Whether you’re navigating city streets, commuting to work, or simply enjoying a leisurely ride, a reliable e-scooter can transform your daily routine. However, with a plethora of brands and models flooding the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. This guide delves into some of the best e-scooter brands, highlighting top-performing models and brands to steer clear of, ensuring you make an informed decision for your needs.
Top E-Scooter Brands and Models Worth Considering
When it comes to e-scooters, certain brands consistently deliver quality, performance, and reliability. Here are some of the best e-scooter brands and models that stand out in the crowded market:
1. NIU: Renowned for its smart technology and robust performance, NIU has established itself as a leading e-scooter brand.
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Niu KQi3 Pro: Previously a top pick, the KQi3 Pro offers excellent range for its price. It capably handles urban environments, including steep inclines, and provides a comfortable ride with 9.5-inch tubeless tires. Reliable disc brakes, integrated bell, lights, and handlebar space for accessories enhance its practicality. While slightly heavier at 45 pounds and with non-folding handlebars, its overall performance and value are commendable, especially if found on sale as newer models like the KQi 300X and 300P have emerged.
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Navee S65: As a newer brand gaining traction in the US, Navee impresses with the S65. This model offers great acceleration and hill-climbing ability thanks to its geared hub motor, achieving consistent 16-mile trips at 20 mph. Though louder than some competitors and heavier than top picks at 53 pounds, the S65 delivers a fun and powerful riding experience. Customer service might be a consideration due to its newness in the market.
2. MiniMotors USA (Dualtron): For riders seeking high-performance and robust scooters, MiniMotors USA, with its Dualtron line, is a brand to consider.
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MiniMotors USA Dualtron Togo: When available at discounted prices (around $499), the Dualtron Togo presents phenomenal value. However, at its standard $850 price, the value proposition diminishes. While capable of a 13-mile range in tests covering Brooklyn to Manhattan, the ride can feel stiff, and the scooter seems designed for shorter riders due to handlebar reach. Features like a throttle lock for safety are present, but battery gauge inaccuracies and a 220-pound max load are drawbacks. Its 54-pound weight adds to its substantial feel.
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MiniMotors USA Dualtron Mini Special: While offering a powerful riding experience with speeds up to 35 mph and a potential 25-30 mile range, the Dualtron Mini Special is not for beginners. Assembly instructions are vague, and the accompanying app is not user-friendly. Despite its 59-pound weight, the 200-pound max load capacity is surprisingly low. It’s a scooter best suited for experienced riders who can navigate its complexities and appreciate its performance capabilities.
3. FluidFreeRide: Known for lightweight yet powerful scooters, FluidFreeRide provides options for riders prioritizing portability without sacrificing performance.
- Fluidfreeride Fluid Mosquito: For those desiring an ultra-lightweight scooter beyond the Unagi Model One Voyager, the Fluid Mosquito is a strong contender at just 29 pounds. Its built-in grab handle and quick folding mechanism enhance portability. It delivers a top speed of 24 mph, but the lightweight design comes with compromises. Suspension is adequate but not exceptional, wheels are narrow, and braking may induce skidding under hard stops. Range is limited to around 9 miles in testing, and speed mode adjustments are not on-the-fly.
4. Gotrax: Gotrax offers a range of budget-friendly e-scooters suitable for various needs, from basic commuting to more robust performance.
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Gotrax Apex: As a reliable and foldable option, the Apex is suitable for errands and short commutes. Features include an integrated bell and digital display. However, its 250-watt motor struggles with inclines, impacting battery life, which averaged around 9 miles in tests. Taller riders might find the handlebar reach less comfortable. Rear disc brake adjustments may be needed for optimal stopping power.
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Gotrax GX2: Positioned as a high-power, long-range scooter similar to the Apollo Phantom, the GX2 boasts dual 800-watt motors and a 35 mph top speed. In testing, it achieved an 18.4-mile range with remaining battery. However, its 76-pound weight and thick stem make it cumbersome to carry. A parking mode that engages quickly at stops is an annoyance, and build quality concerns like motor noise and a loose stem latch should be considered. Direct communication with Gotrax and local scooter shop inspections are advisable if these issues arise.
5. TurboAnt: TurboAnt focuses on providing affordable e-scooters that balance cost with functionality for budget-conscious consumers.
- TurboAnt M10 Lite: A decent budget option, especially for riders under 200 pounds, the M10 Lite is easy to fold and relatively lightweight at 31 pounds. It offers a bright display. However, it may not reach its advertised 16 mph top speed for heavier riders, and range is limited to approximately 8 miles. It’s not suitable for hilly terrains.
6. Thousand: For riders prioritizing style and comfort at slower speeds, Thousand helmets, particularly the Heritage 2.0, represent a reputable brand for safety gear.
- Thousand Heritage 2.0 Helmet: Ideal for slower-speed e-scooter riding, Thousand helmets are noted for their attractive design, comfort, and one-handed clasp functionality. Several reviewers have validated the quality and user-friendliness of the Heritage series.
7. Beam: For high-speed e-scooter riders, prioritizing safety with full-face helmets is crucial, and Beam offers a viable option.
- Beam Virgo Helmet: Recommended for speeds exceeding 15 mph, the Beam Virgo full-face helmet provides enhanced protection. Its stylish design and flip-down visor are appealing, and MIPS technology adds a safety layer by reducing rotational motion impact. Putting it on can be snug, especially for larger sizes and glasses wearers, and padding adjustments may be needed.
8. Evolv: Evolv scooters are designed for riders looking for a balance of power and portability in a mid-range offering.
- Evolv Terra: Offering a good balance of power and portability, the Evolv Terra is relatively easy to carry due to its thin stem. It can reach speeds up to 31 mph with dual 600-watt motors, but cruising at 20 mph on a single motor provides a more range-conscious ride. Expect around 20+ miles of range with conservative speed management. Suspension is adequate, but solid tires can feel bumpy on rough surfaces. Fender effectiveness is limited in wet conditions, and handlebar ergonomics might require adjustment for wrist comfort on longer rides.
9. Radio Flyer: Known for children’s wagons, Radio Flyer also offers e-scooters like the S533, which is surprisingly functional for short distances.
- Radio Flyer S533: Despite its brand association with children’s products, the Radio Flyer S533 performs adequately for short trips to local destinations. Its folding mechanism is exceptionally easy, and it’s lightweight at 30 pounds. Range is limited to under 8 miles, and while it can handle riders exceeding its 220-pound limit, top speeds may be slightly below the advertised 16 mph. Its price point may not fully align with its power and performance.
10. Apollo: Apollo scooters aim to blend performance with features, though some models may present a mixed value proposition.
- Apollo Air Pro (2022): While the 2024 model was not tested, the 2022 Apollo Air Pro is a decent scooter capable of 21 mph and a 13-15 mile range. It includes standard features and app connectivity for customization. However, unlocking full speed requires app use, and the folding mechanism is less user-friendly. Acceleration is not rapid, and despite its 39-pound weight, carrying comfort is reduced by its thick stem. Its higher price point may not fully justify its performance.
E-Scooter Brands and Models to Avoid
Not all e-scooter brands and models live up to expectations. Some exhibit performance issues, reliability problems, or poor value. Here are brands and models to approach with caution:
1. NIU (Specific Model Issue):
- Niu KQi Air: Despite initial excitement, the KQi Air, with its carbon fiber frame and ultra-lightweight design (26 pounds), suffers from several drawbacks. Range is limited to under 10 miles, and connectivity issues, including phone pairing problems and a malfunctioning theft protection system, detract from the user experience. Early models also experienced complete failure, requiring replacements. Inconsistent speed performance suggests potential thermal issues. While innovative, these quirks make it a less reliable choice.
2. Veo:
- Veo Cosmo X: This sit-down scooter, while offering a comfortable ride, falls short in range and value. Its 94-pound weight yields a meager 10-mile range at a 17 mph top speed. Originating from the rideshare market, its consumer model’s specifications do not justify its high price.
3. Gotrax (Specific Model Issues):
- Gotrax G6 and Eclipse: Both models suffer from overheating issues, rendering them unreliable in warm weather. During testing, overheating errors occurred within 20 minutes of riding on an 80°F day, even under normal load conditions. This overheating problem significantly impairs their usability, despite decent range and ride comfort in optimal conditions.
4. Taur:
- Taur Electric Scooter: Despite its unique pedal-based design and compact, self-standing profile, the Taur is plagued by numerous flaws. Limited range at higher speeds (8 miles), choppy ride quality at lower speeds, a clunky app, and a difficult folding mechanism are compounded by reports of poor customer service and companies ghosting customers seeking repairs. These issues make it difficult to recommend, especially at its price point.
5. Atomi:
- Atomi Alpha: While visually appealing and comfortable to ride, the Atomi Alpha is marred by a poorly designed kickstand that easily tips over in light winds. It also struggles to reach its advertised top speed, and early units have exhibited premature failure.
6. Levy:
- Levy Plus: While praised for its replaceable battery and reliable brakes in a 2020 prototype review, the Levy Plus is noted as being “agonizingly slow on hilly terrain.” Its incline performance is limited, making it best suited for flat urban environments.
7. Unagi (Specific Model Issue):
- Unagi Model One Classic (Rental): Renting the older Model One Classic is not recommended compared to opting for the newer Model One Voyager. The Classic’s specifications are outdated, making it a less desirable choice in the current market.
Conclusion
Choosing the best e-scooter brand and model requires careful consideration of your individual needs, riding environment, and budget. Brands like NIU, MiniMotors USA (Dualtron), FluidFreeRide, and Gotrax offer compelling options across different categories, from high-performance to budget-friendly and lightweight models. Prioritizing safety with helmets from brands like Thousand and Beam is essential. Conversely, brands and models like the Niu KQi Air, Veo Cosmo X, Gotrax G6 and Eclipse, Taur, Atomi Alpha, Levy Plus, and the rental Unagi Model One Classic should be approached with caution due to identified performance, reliability, or value concerns. By weighing these factors and considering the detailed reviews, you can confidently select an e-scooter that enhances your mobility and riding enjoyment.
