Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Navigating the world of electric scooters can be exhilarating, especially when you’re aiming for efficiency, fun, and an eco-friendly commute. But with a plethora of options flooding the market, finding truly Great Electric Scooters that match your needs and budget can feel overwhelming. As experts at cardiagnosticnearme.com, and seasoned auto repair specialists familiar with all things vehicles, we’ve shifted gears to bring you a comprehensive guide to electric scooters. We’ve rigorously tested a wide array of models, putting them through real-world scenarios to sift out the exceptional from the merely adequate. Whether you’re a speed demon, a budget-conscious commuter, or someone seeking the lightest ride, our hands-on reviews will steer you towards making an informed decision. Let’s dive into the realm of great electric scooters and uncover the perfect match for your urban adventures.
Top Helmet Picks for Great Electric Scooter Riders
Safety should always be paramount, especially when you’re enjoying the swiftness of great electric scooters. While state laws vary, wearing a helmet is universally recommended for rider safety. For those hitting higher speeds, a robust helmet is not just a suggestion—it’s essential gear.
Beam Virgo Helmet: The Best Full-Face Helmet for High-Speed Electric Scooter Adventures
The Beam Virgo Helmet for $299: If you’re pushing past 15 mph on your great electric scooter, consider enhanced protection. The Beam Virgo full-face helmet is a fantastic choice. After extensive use, I’ve found it delivers on both style and function. Its striking design is immediately noticeable, and the flip-down visor is incredibly practical, particularly in unpredictable weather. Riding through a sudden rain shower became much more manageable thanks to the visor keeping water out of my eyes. Putting it on requires a snug fit, and glasses need to be removed beforehand, but they can be slipped back on once the helmet is in place. Thoughtful design includes earbud-compatible holes. Comfort is excellent, though the padding occasionally needs adjustment. Crucially, it’s a MIPS helmet, providing an added layer of safety by reducing rotational forces during impacts, which is vital for minimizing potential brain injuries.
Thousand Heritage 2.0 Helmet: Stylish and Comfortable for Everyday Electric Scooter Rides
Thousand Heritage 2.0 Helmet for $99: For riders who prefer leisurely speeds, the Thousand Heritage 2.0 helmet is a superb option. Numerous WIRED reviewers, including myself, have praised the Heritage series for their blend of aesthetics and comfort. They are undeniably stylish, comfortable for prolonged use, and feature a convenient one-handed magnetic clasp. This helmet is perfect for pairing with great electric scooters used for relaxed commutes or weekend jaunts.
Top Electric Scooters to Elevate Your Ride
Beyond helmets, selecting the right scooter is key to a great riding experience. We’ve rigorously tested numerous models and have highlighted some standouts below.
MiniMotors USA Dualtron Togo: A Powerful and Compact Option for Urban Commuters
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
MiniMotors USA Dualtron Togo for $850: When found at its discounted price of $499, the MiniMotors USA Dualtron Togo represents exceptional value. Even at its standard $850, it’s a contender. During testing, a 13-mile round trip from Brooklyn to Manhattan pushed its battery to the limit. The ride is firm, and the scooter seems tailored for smaller riders, as the handlebar reach felt extended for taller individuals. A built-in safety feature, which can be adjusted via an app, locks the throttle after inactivity, requiring brake engagement to reactivate—initially irksome, but ultimately a sensible safety measure. While capable of reaching 25 mph, I typically cruised at 15 mph. However, the battery indicator proved unreliable, fluctuating wildly and leading to unexpected slowdowns even when indicating remaining charge. The 220-pound weight limit might benefit lighter riders with improved range. Despite these quirks, it’s a robust, compact scooter, especially compelling under $500. It weighs 54 pounds.
Niu KQi3 Pro: The Best All-Around Electric Scooter with Impressive Range and Comfort
Niu KQi3 Pro for $500: The Niu KQi3 Pro became a favorite over numerous tests, previously holding our top recommendation spot. It delivers excellent range for its price point. Consistently achieving around 15 miles in hilly New York City, with potential for 18-20 miles in less demanding terrains. It reaches 20 mph, features comfortable 9.5-inch tubeless tires, and dependable disc brakes. Practical additions include a bell, lights, and handlebar space for accessories. Folding is straightforward, though its 45-pound weight is considerable. Folding handlebars would enhance portability further. Now succeeded by the Niu KQi 300X and 300P, it’s a steal if found on sale, making it a truly great electric scooter option.
MiniMotors USA Dualtron Mini Special: High-Performance and Feature-Rich for Experienced Riders
MiniMotors USA Dualtron Mini Special for $1,199: Assembly of the MiniMotors USA Dualtron Mini Special can be challenging due to vague instructions. The handlebar grip, in particular, requires effort (rubbing alcohol helps). The MiniMotors Dualtron app is not user-friendly for beginners. This model is better suited for experienced riders. Once set up, the ride quality is impressive, reaching speeds up to 35 mph with a realistic range of 25-30 miles. It handles inclines well, but its 200-pound max load is surprisingly low for its 59-pound weight. Despite the learning curve, it’s a high-performing machine for seasoned enthusiasts seeking great electric scooters with advanced capabilities.
Photograph: FluidFreeRide
Fluidfreeride Fluid Mosquito: The Best Ultra-Lightweight Electric Scooter for Portability
Fluidfreeride Fluid Mosquito for $899: If ultra-lightweight is your priority but the Unagi Model One Voyager isn’t quite right, the Fluid Mosquito (7/10, WIRED Recommends) is an excellent alternative. At just 29 pounds, it’s among the lightest great electric scooters available, featuring a convenient carry handle. It folds quickly and offers a top speed of 24 mph. However, the reduced weight comes with compromises. Suspension is adequate, but bumps are noticeable, and wheels are narrow. Braking is effective but can cause skidding during abrupt stops. Range is limited to around 9 miles in our tests. Speed mode adjustments are not on-the-fly; they must be set before riding. For ultimate portability, the Mosquito is hard to beat.
TurboAnt M10 Lite: The Best Budget-Friendly Electric Scooter for Light Use
TurboAnt M10 Lite for $300: The TurboAnt M10 Lite is a solid budget scooter, best suited for riders under 200 pounds (top speed of 16 mph wasn’t achievable for heavier testers). Assembly requires some extra steps. Range is around 8 miles. It features a quick-folding mechanism, a bright display, and a light 31-pound weight. Steep hills are challenging. For short commutes and flat terrains, it’s a very affordable entry into great electric scooters.
Gotrax Apex: Reliable and Affordable for Short Errands
Gotrax Apex for $350: The Gotrax Apex, at 32 pounds, is easily foldable and equipped with a bell and digital display showing speed and battery. It reaches 15 mph and has proven reliable for errands like coffee runs or grocery trips. However, the ride isn’t the smoothest. Its 250-watt motor struggles with inclines, significantly impacting battery life, typically yielding around 9 miles. Handlebar height may be an issue for taller riders. Brakes are adequate but could be stronger. For basic, short-distance needs, the Apex is a dependable and budget-friendly great electric scooter choice.
Gotrax GX2: Powerful and Long-Range, but Heavy and Quirky
Gotrax GX2 for $1,299: The Gotrax GX2, similar to the Apollo Phantom, is a powerful, long-range scooter at 76 pounds. Its “Transformer-like” design and dual 800-watt motors enable speeds up to 35 mph, though 20 mph is a more typical cruising speed. It managed an 18.4-mile trip with remaining battery. Carrying it is cumbersome due to its thick stem. An annoying “Parking mode” engages quickly, requiring constant mode button presses. Build quality concerns include motor noises and a stem latch that disengages too easily. Potential quality control issues warrant inspection and possible scooter shop visits. While powerful, these issues detract from its appeal as a truly great electric scooter.
Photograph: Navee
Navee S65: Fast Acceleration and Hill Climbing, but Noisy Motor
Navee S65 for $599: Navee, a newer brand, offers the S65, a fun-to-ride scooter (7/10, WIRED Recommends). It consistently achieved 16-mile trips at 20 mph, nearing battery depletion. Its geared hub motor provides excellent acceleration and hill-climbing ability, but it’s notably loud. The motor noise is less noticeable in urban environments but can be prominent in quieter areas. At 53 pounds, it’s heavier than comparable models with similar range. Customer service is still developing. Despite the noise and weight, its performance makes it a noteworthy contender among great electric scooters.
Evolv Terra: Powerful and Fast, but Bumpy Ride and Fender Issues
Evolv Terra for $1,170: The Evolv Terra (7/10, WIRED Recommends) is enjoyable to ride, weighing 53 pounds with a manageable stem for carrying. It’s powerful, potentially reaching 31 mph with dual 600-watt motors (check local regulations). Cruising at 20 mph in second gear (of three) with a single motor is efficient. Range is average, with around 15 miles leaving some battery reserve, possibly exceeding 20 miles conservatively. Suspension is decent, but solid tires contribute to a bumpy ride on rough surfaces. Fenders are ineffective in wet conditions. Stem angle and thumb throttle caused wrist discomfort on longer rides, though adjustments are possible. Performance is strong, but ride comfort and practicalities need consideration when evaluating it as a great electric scooter.
Radio Flyer S533: Surprisingly Good for Short Distances, but Overpriced
Radio Flyer S533 for $599: The Radio Flyer S533 is surprisingly competent for its category. Its folding mechanism is simple and effective, and it’s lightweight at 30 pounds. It’s not a commuter scooter, with a range under 8 miles, but it reached 14 mph of its 16 mph top speed even exceeding its 220-pound capacity in testing. Ideal for short trips to local stores. However, its price is high for its power and range. Initial quality issues were noted with the test units, but resolved. For very light use, it’s convenient, but not a top-tier great electric scooter in terms of value or performance.
Apollo Air Pro (2022): Decent Performance, but Pricey and Inconvenient Folding
Apollo Air Pro (2022) for $749: While we haven’t tested the 2024 model, the Apollo Air Pro (2022) (6/10, WIRED Review) is adequate but overpriced. It reaches 21 mph and achieves a 13-15 mile range. It includes standard features like lights and a bell, and app connectivity for settings adjustments. However, app access is required to unlock full speed capabilities beyond 12 mph. The folding mechanism is cumbersome, and despite its 39-pound weight, it’s uncomfortable to carry. It lacks quick acceleration. As a great electric scooter, it falls short in value and user-friendliness compared to competitors.
Electric Scooters to Avoid: Steer Clear of These Models
Not all electric scooters live up to expectations. After extensive testing, some models are better avoided due to various shortcomings.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Niu KQi Air: Lightweight and Promising, but Too Many Quirks and Reliability Issues
Niu KQi Air for $1,399: The Niu KQi Air (https://cna.st/affiliate-link/6WnbuGMnBi62tSK9b8oR7uNhrHV4j3k9iATSKivYVBSW5vrF6WM2kmYUub5LzPABWdxLBPKVn2EnnjFyjLjMik1W41Cuhg7imLZzKetShscimq5iMYokDAs12X6nyn9WJHPshWvpiKVP4kzfEawLXGcnbAiAxYMxh3iqXyzozNPbHn4HrqwKxGJLHA96p6) is exciting on paper, boasting a carbon fiber frame and a mere 26-pound weight with a 20-mph top speed—the lightest scooter tested. It folds easily, has turn signals, a good app, and regenerative braking. However, range is limited to under 10 miles. Ride quality is good, but connectivity issues arose, requiring power cable disconnection to resolve. Theft protection features, while present, have usability quirks. Reliability is questionable, with the initial test unit failing entirely. Occasional mid-ride slowdowns suggest thermal issues. Despite its potential, numerous annoyances prevent it from being a great electric scooter recommendation.
Veo Cosmo X: Sit-Down Scooter with Poor Range for the Price
Veo Cosmo X for $2,499: The Veo Cosmo X is a sit-down scooter, not a kick scooter. While the ride is comfortable, its range is severely lacking—barely 10 miles at its 17 mph top speed from a hefty 94-pound scooter. Originating from the rideshare market, this consumer model’s specifications don’t justify its high price. It’s far from being considered among great electric scooters due to its poor range-to-weight ratio and cost.
Gotrax G6 and Eclipse: Overheating Issues Plague These Models
Gotrax G6 for $500 and Eclipse for $503: The Gotrax G6 and Eclipse offer decent range and comfortable rides, but both suffer from overheating problems. On an 80°F day, the G6 overheated after just 20 minutes, particularly struggling on inclines, requiring frequent stops and restarts. The Eclipse exhibited the same issue. Despite a 265-pound weight rating, overheating occurred well within load limits. These overheating issues severely compromise their reliability and render them unsuitable as great electric scooters.
Taur Electric Scooter: Innovative Design, but Hardware, Software, and Support Failures
Taur Electric Scooter for $995: The Taur Electric Scooter (4/10, WIRED Review) is unique with its pedal-based design, offering a “gliding” feel and a compact, self-standing profile. Ride comfort and suspension are good, and it’s powerful, reaching 24 mph and handling slopes well. However, range is poor at higher speeds, around 8 miles, improving at 15 mph but with a less smooth ride. The folding mechanism is clunky, and it’s difficult to carry. The app is also problematic. Critically, customer service appears to be unresponsive to repair requests. Numerous flaws at its price point, especially concerning reliability and support, make it a poor choice among great electric scooters.
Atomi Alpha: Attractive Design, but Unstable Kickstand and Durability Issues
Atomi Alpha for $299: The Atomi Alpha (5/10, WIRED Review) is visually appealing and offers a comfortable ride with visibility lights, folding easily for carrying. However, its kickstand is extremely unstable, prone to tipping even in light wind. It struggles to reach top speed despite being within weight limits, and the test unit failed after a few months. Kickstand instability and questionable durability prevent us from recommending it as a great electric scooter.
Levy Plus: Replaceable Battery, but Underpowered for Hills
Levy Plus for $749: The Levy Plus prototype (https://cna.st/affiliate-link/Ehjr9t1bfyFgZ56PubEtKQGmKW8xYuK5oDj5Jzr9cErPE2sijf8mwkZLLhNUMHCx9RVG8FLmzo4oYwazYBz7mLF1W3TwFkwLtaD45mgE8vn5mjvBFfaY6Tf9ynNR1zR5pkWFjM2VeYBxvY2SvRLMjVzxvCYnz) features a replaceable battery and reliable disc brakes, but is “agonizingly slow on hilly terrain.” It reaches 18 mph and handles only slight inclines (5-10%), making it best for flat areas. It’s lightweight at 30 pounds. Lack of hill-climbing power limits its versatility as a great electric scooter.
Unagi Model One Classic: Outdated Specs, Choose the Voyager Instead
Unagi Model One Classic for $59 Per Month: Renting a refurbished Unagi Model One Classic for $59/month is an option, but the newer Model One Voyager is recommended instead. The Classic’s specifications are simply too outdated. For those seeking great electric scooters, newer models offer significantly better performance and features.
In conclusion, navigating the electric scooter market requires careful consideration. While many options exist, focusing on models that offer the best balance of performance, reliability, safety, and value is crucial. Our guide points you towards great electric scooters that stand out in a crowded field, and steers you away from those that don’t quite measure up. Ride safe and choose wisely!
