Choosing the right electric scooter can be overwhelming with so many brands and models flooding the market. Navigating features, performance, and reliability requires expert guidance. As seasoned auto repair specialists expanding into micromobility, we at cardiagnosticnearme.com have rigorously tested a wide array of electric scooters to bring you an in-depth guide to the Best Electric Scooter Brands. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a weekend explorer, or just seeking an eco-friendly way to get around, understanding the top brands is crucial for a safe and enjoyable ride. And before we dive into brands, remember, safety first! For speeds exceeding 15 mph, a full-face helmet is highly recommended.
When considering electric scooter brands, it’s essential to look beyond just speed and range. Brand reputation, build quality, customer support, and availability of parts play significant roles in your long-term ownership experience. We’ve assessed various brands based on these factors, alongside hands-on testing of their flagship models. Below, we present a curated list of brands, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
For enhanced safety, especially at higher speeds, consider brands that prioritize rider protection.
Beam: A Brand Focused on Safety and Style
Beam stands out with its commitment to safety, exemplified by the Beam Virgo Helmet. If you are consistently riding above 15 miles per hour, investing in a full-face helmet like the Virgo is a smart move. From our experience, the Virgo offers excellent protection, covering more than just the top of your head. Its stylish design is a bonus, and the flip-down visor is incredibly practical, especially in unpredictable weather. We found the visor particularly useful during a sudden rain shower, preventing water from splattering into the eyes. While the helmet can feel snug when putting it on, especially for larger sizes, it becomes comfortable once properly positioned. It’s glasses-compatible (though you might need to remove them initially) and thoughtfully designed with earbud holes. The MIPS technology integrated into the Virgo is a significant safety feature, reducing rotational motion during impacts, thus minimizing the risk of brain injuries.
For riders who prefer slower speeds and prioritize convenience and aesthetics, Thousand emerges as a leading brand.
Thousand: Stylish Helmets for Urban Riders
Thousand helmets, particularly the Heritage 2.0, are perfect for those cruising at lower speeds. Several of our team members have personally used and tested Thousand Heritage helmets and appreciate their blend of style, comfort, and ease of use. The magnetic clasp is a standout feature, allowing for convenient one-handed fastening. Thousand’s helmets are a great choice for riders who value both safety and a fashionable look for their urban commutes.
Beyond helmets, the scooter itself is the main consideration. Let’s explore some of the top electric scooter brands and their offerings, categorized for clarity.
MiniMotors USA: High-Performance Scooters for Enthusiasts
MiniMotors USA, known for its Dualtron series, is a brand synonymous with power and performance. While their scooters often come with a higher price tag, they deliver in terms of speed, range, and build quality. The MiniMotors USA Dualtron Togo is an interesting model, particularly if you can find it at a discounted price, as observed in some sales.
At its discounted price point, the Dualtron Togo offers phenomenal value. However, at its standard price, the value proposition diminishes somewhat. During our testing, a 13-mile ride proved to drain the battery completely, which might be limiting for longer commutes. The ride quality is firm, and the scooter’s ergonomics seem better suited for smaller riders, as taller individuals might find the handlebar reach a bit stretched. A notable safety feature is the throttle lock, which prevents accidental acceleration – though this can be disabled via the app. While the Dualtron Togo can reach speeds up to 25 mph, we found the battery gauge to be unreliable, showing inaccurate charge levels. With a 220-pound weight limit, it’s best suited for lighter riders to maximize range. Despite these points, it remains a solid, compact scooter, especially at a lower price. For those seeking even more power in a compact package, the MiniMotors USA Dualtron Mini Special is worth considering.
The Dualtron Mini Special is not for beginners, as assembly instructions are vague, and the accompanying app is not user-friendly. However, once set up, the riding experience is impressive. With a top speed of 35 mph and a realistic range of 25 to 30 miles, it offers significant performance. It handles inclines well, but it’s peculiar that despite its hefty 59-pound weight, it has a relatively low 200-pound weight capacity. MiniMotors USA caters to experienced riders looking for high-performance electric scooters.
Niu: Balancing Range, Features, and Affordability
Niu is a brand that consistently impresses with its balance of range, features, and competitive pricing. The Niu KQi3 Pro was previously a top pick in our guides and remains a strong contender.
We’ve consistently achieved around 15 miles of range in demanding New York City conditions, with expectations of 18 to 20 miles in less challenging terrains. The KQi3 Pro reaches 20 mph, features comfortable 9.5-inch tubeless tires, and reliable disc brakes. Practical additions like a bell, lights, and handlebar space for phone mounts enhance its usability. It’s also easily foldable, although its 45-pound weight isn’t the lightest. The handlebars do not fold down, which can be inconvenient in tight spaces. While slightly older, the KQi3 Pro is often available at sale prices, making it a fantastic value. Niu has since released newer models like the KQi 300X and 300P, but the KQi3 Pro still holds its ground. However, not all Niu models hit the mark, as seen with the Niu KQi Air.
The KQi Air, with its carbon fiber frame, is remarkably lightweight at just 26 pounds, making it the lightest scooter we’ve tested. It offers a 20-mph top speed, easy folding, turn signals, a user-friendly app, and regenerative braking. However, the range is limited to just under 10 miles in our tests. We also experienced connectivity issues and a peculiar theft protection feature that can be more annoying than helpful. One test unit even failed completely. Performance inconsistencies, such as delayed top speed attainment, suggest potential thermal issues. While innovative, the KQi Air presents a mixed bag of features and drawbacks. For a different Niu experience, consider the Navee S65, a brand within the Niu ecosystem.
Navee, part of the Niu family, is gaining traction in the US market. The Navee S65 impressed us with its ability to consistently achieve 16-mile round trips at 20 mph. Its geared hub motor provides excellent acceleration and hill-climbing capability, though it operates quite loudly. While its 53-pound weight is heavier than some competitors with similar range, the S65 offers a fun and powerful ride. Customer service, however, remains somewhat uncertain due to Navee’s newer presence in the US market.
Fluidfreeride: Ultra-Lightweight Scooters for Portability
Fluidfreeride specializes in lightweight and portable scooters. If ultra-lightweight is your priority, the Fluidfreeride Fluid Mosquito is an excellent option.
At just 29 pounds, the Fluid Mosquito is among the lightest scooters available, featuring a convenient built-in handle for carrying. It folds quickly and offers a 24-mph top speed. However, the focus on weight reduction comes with compromises. The suspension is adequate but not exceptional, and the wheels are narrow, leading to a less smooth ride on bumpy surfaces. Braking is functional, but sudden stops can cause skidding. The range is limited to around 9 miles in our tests, and speed mode adjustments cannot be made on the fly. Fluidfreeride caters to those who prioritize portability above all else.
Budget-Friendly Brands: TurboAnt and Gotrax
For budget-conscious buyers, TurboAnt and Gotrax offer affordable options. The TurboAnt M10 Lite is a decent budget scooter, especially for lighter riders under 200 pounds.
The M10 Lite is a perfectly acceptable budget choice for lighter individuals. Assembly requires a few extra steps, and its top speed of 16 mph was not achievable for heavier testers. We managed about 8 miles of range in testing. The folding mechanism is quick, the display is bright, and the scooter is relatively light at 31 pounds. However, it’s not suitable for steep hills. Gotrax offers several budget models, including the Gotrax Apex and Gotrax GX2.
The Gotrax Apex, at 32 pounds and easily foldable, features an integrated bell and digital display. It reaches 15 mph and is reliable for errands and commuting on flat surfaces. However, the 250-watt motor struggles with inclines, and battery life diminishes quickly on slopes, typically providing around 9 miles of range. Taller riders might find the handlebar reach uncomfortable. The Gotrax GX2, on the other hand, is a more powerful and feature-rich model.
The GX2 is a powerful scooter, comparable to the Apollo Phantom in terms of power and range. This substantial 76-pound scooter can reach 35 mph via dual 800-watt motors, though we typically rode it at 20 mph. It achieved over 18 miles of range in our tests. However, its bulk makes it difficult to carry, and the “Parking mode” feature is frustratingly unavoidable. We also noted potential build quality issues, including motor noises and a flimsy stem latch. While powerful, Gotrax’s build quality and features can be inconsistent across models. Notably, some Gotrax models like the G6 and Eclipse suffer from overheating issues.
Both the G6 and Eclipse offer decent range and ride comfort, but we encountered overheating problems in both models on warmer days. The overheating issue, especially when tackling inclines, makes these models unreliable, despite their otherwise adequate performance.
Other Brands to Consider (with Caveats): Evolv, Radio Flyer, Apollo, Veo, Taur, Atomi, Levy, and Unagi
Evolv: The Evolv Terra offers a balance of performance and portability.
The Evolv Terra, at 53 pounds, is reasonably portable and capable of reaching 31 mph with dual 600-watt motors, though local regulations should be considered. In single-motor mode at 20 mph, we achieved average range, around 15 miles with some battery reserve. The suspension is acceptable, but solid tires can make for a bumpy ride on rough surfaces. Fenders are ineffective in wet conditions, and the stem angle and thumb throttle design may cause wrist discomfort on longer rides.
Radio Flyer: Surprisingly, the Radio Flyer S533 performed well in tests for a non-traditional scooter brand.
The Radio Flyer S533 is exceptionally easy to fold and lightweight at 30 pounds. While range is limited to under 8 miles, and despite exceeding its weight limit, it maintained a decent average speed. It’s suitable for short trips but overpriced for its performance. Initial quality control issues were noted in testing.
Apollo: The Apollo Air Pro (2022) is a decent scooter but might not justify its price.
The Apollo Air Pro (2022) reaches 21 mph and offers a 13 to 15-mile range. It includes standard features and app connectivity, which is required to unlock full speed potential. However, the folding mechanism is cumbersome, and despite being 39 pounds, it’s uncomfortable to carry.
Veo: Avoid the Veo Cosmo X. This sit-down scooter is overpriced and underperforms.
The Veo Cosmo X, a 94-pound sit-down scooter, offers terrible range, barely reaching 10 miles at its 17-mph top speed. Its consumer model specs do not justify its high price.
Taur: Steer clear of the Taur Electric Scooter. Despite innovative design, it suffers from numerous flaws and poor customer support.
The Taur Electric Scooter features a unique pedal-based design and compact profile. It offers a smooth ride and good suspension, reaching 24 mph and handling slopes well. However, range is poor at higher speeds, around 8 miles, and the folding mechanism and app are clunky. Worse, customer service and repair support seem to be severely lacking.
Atomi: The Atomi Alpha is aesthetically pleasing but flawed.
The Atomi Alpha is visually appealing and offers a comfortable ride. However, it has a terribly designed kickstand that easily tips over. Performance is underwhelming, and reliability is questionable based on our testing experience.
Levy: The Levy Plus is best for flat surfaces only.
The Levy Plus features a replaceable battery and reliable brakes but struggles significantly on inclines. It’s limited to 5 to 10 percent inclines and best suited for flat urban environments.
Unagi: Avoid renting the Unagi Model One Classic. Stick to newer models.
Renting the Unagi Model One Classic is not recommended due to its outdated specifications. Opt for the newer Model One Voyager instead for improved performance.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Electric Scooter Brand
Selecting the best electric scooter brand depends largely on your individual needs and priorities. Brands like Beam and Thousand excel in safety gear, while MiniMotors USA and Niu lead in scooter performance and features. Budget brands like TurboAnt and Gotrax offer affordable options, but be mindful of potential compromises. Brands like Fluidfreeride cater to specific needs like ultra-portability. Conversely, brands like Veo, Taur, Atomi, Levy, and the rental Unagi Model One Classic should be approached with caution or avoided altogether due to various limitations and issues. Always prioritize safety, consider your typical riding conditions, and read detailed reviews before making a purchase. Investing in a reputable brand will ensure a safer, more enjoyable, and reliable electric scooter experience.
