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The Apollo Go is the best electric scooter overall for most people. It has a slight edge over the competition for its features, including a suspension system and dual motors, a stylish design and a compact size, all at a reasonable price. Borrowing from boxing terms, I've also included light, middle and heavyweight options for those whose needs aren't met by the Apollo Go.
Whether you're a commuter headed to work, a student running to class or anyone else who wants to have fun while zipping from point A to B, an electric scooter is a great way to go. They're convenient, speedy and eco-friendly. I can tell you from first-hand experience that they're much cheaper to repair than a car. And if you're shopping on a budget, be sure to check out our roundup of the best Cyber Monday e-bike and scooter deals for major savings this holiday season.
All of the electric scooters were tested on commutes through sections of Manhattan, bike paths around Central Park or the West Side Highway bike path in New York City. Others were tested for suburban commutes and off-road when applicable. All scooters were tested by riders who met the weight requirements specified by the manufacturer.
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$1,199 at Apollo ScootersPhoto Gallery
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$1,199 at Apollo ScootersThe Go's quality feel and features, inspired by earlier Apollo models, are evident -- from the handlebar signal lights and sleek deck to the LED display and Quad Lock mount for attaching a as a display.
The Apollo iOS/Android app can lock the Go, estimate remaining battery life and allow firmware updates. Notably, it shares the Pro's front and rear regenerative brakes, rear drum brake and thicker kickstand for stability. Powered by dual 350-watt motors with a top speed of 28 mph, the Go pushes what a last-mile scooter should be. Weighing 46 pounds and able to support 265 pounds, the Go can travel an estimated 20-30 miles on a full charge.
We recommend the Go for its features, price and usability, but the Apollo Air is worth considering if you don&#;t mind a performance drop to get a lower price. There&#;s also the top-tier Apollo Pro, which made this list and the Apollo City, which squeezes in between the Go and the Pro, so there is a good option for any rider.
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$3,999 at Inmotion
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$3,999 at InmotionThe RS can hit a top speed of 68 mph with smooth yet aggressive acceleration. Its four-speed modes provide versatility for balancing performance and battery life. For example, the scooter's D mode (The RS has 4 modes: Eco, D, S and X) can hit 40 mph, quickly accelerating to 30 mph in just over 3 seconds, which is great for riding in city traffic. If not ridden too aggressively, which is hard not to do, riders can squeeze out close to 100 miles on a full charge.
It features an adjustable suspension that can be height-adjusted for off-road terrain and lowered for smoother pavement rides. Additionally, the scooter's handlebars can be height-adjusted to accommodate riders of all sizes, and it features a built-in steering dampener for stability at high speeds. Thanks to its hefty build, this heavyweight scooter weighs 128 pounds but can support a payload of up to 330 pounds.
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$1,490 at Unagi
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$1,490 at UnagiThe Voyager is one of the lightest premium last-mile scooters at 29 pounds. Unagi offers a subscription service in addition to sales, which is great for those on a budget or who like to try before buying. When unlocked, the scooter can hit a top speed of 20 mph. Its folding mechanism is simple and fast, so you can quickly fold, grab and go. The narrow stem makes carrying it around painless, too. It has regenerative brakes along with a spoiler brake for those steep hills.
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$3,499 at Apollo
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$3,499 at ApolloThe Apollo Pro is a big, fast scooter that&#;s a good pick for multi-user homes. Even my partner, who prefers bikes, loves the Pro. I can tell by how much she rides it. It features large 12-inch tires and color-customizable integrated lights illuminating red when the brakes are applied. Additionally, it has built-in self-canceling signal lights in the handlebars. It even has a 5-watt speaker that can play music and blast the horn when you need it. Like the smaller Apollo Go, it features a quad-lock mount that securely holds your , can inductively charge it and acts as the scooter's display. It has an official top speed of 44 mph and one of the smoothest accelerations you'll ever experience on a scooter.
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$899 at VMAX
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$899 at VMAXThe VMax VX2 Pro is impressive for its excellent range of approximately 37 miles and a top speed of 24 mph. The display is simple and bright. The scooter feels solid and durable, weighing 45 pounds and can support a rider weight of 267 pounds. It has integrated signal lights in the rear and handlebars. Its 500-watt motor offers impressive low-end torque to get you moving. The front and rear brake levers activate drum brakes and motor regeneration for smooth stops.
There are three versions of the VX2 Pro, each with a similar appearance but different battery sizes, offering various ranges and price points: the LT (22 miles, $699), the ST (28 miles, $799) and the GT (37 miles, $899).
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Contact us to discuss your requirements of Big Boy Electric Scooters. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
$3,099 at Inmotion
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$3,099 at InmotionI&#;ve ridden many e-unicycles (EUCs), and as a big guy, I truly appreciate the V13&#;s 22-inch tire, dual air suspension and a design that supports up to 287 pounds. A 126-volt, 3,024-watt-hour battery and a 4,400-watt motor power the wheel. The combo can get the V13 up to 55 mph though my top speed during testing was 46 mph. I&#;ve ridden it more than 800 miles, and I still can&#;t get enough. With its power and 117-pound weight, this isn&#;t an ideal wheel for beginners. For new riders, Inmotion offers several options, like the smaller V5 or the versatile V11. They even have the kid-friendly E20 with two tires on a single rim.
The V13 is also one of the safest wheels on the market, from its battery management system to its redundant resistors to prevent wheel cutoff. This EUC was engineered with the consumer's best interest in mind.
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$399 at Gyroor
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$399 at GyroorI&#;m large, so I generally prefer larger scooters, but the Gyroor C1S is surprisingly enjoyable. My entire household loved zipping around on it. The scooter comes with an exceptionally comfortable seat and can support up to 265 pounds, including whatever you load into its two removable baskets; perfect for shopping trips without needing a backpack.
Powered by a 550-watt hub motor, it can achieve a maximum speed of 18.6 mph on its 12-inch wheels, contingent upon the weight load and speed, riders should get a range of around 20-25 miles distance. The scooter weighs just over 48 pounds and can be fully charged in approximately 5 hours. The handlebars on the C1S can fold down, and the baskets can be removed making it easy to store.
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$379.98 at Turboant
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$379.98 at TurboantDespite its small size, the Turboant M10 Pro stands out with a top speed of 20 mph, which is impressive considering it has a single 350-watt motor. Its display is easily read and features a USB-A charging port for mobile devices. The scooter weighs just 36 pounds but can support up to 265 pounds. It rides on 8.5-inch tires and has an estimated range of 30 miles depending on terrain, weight and speed. Some riders may not achieve the maximum speed or range due to the low-watt motor. The design is clean, and the scooter is solidly built. You don&#;t usually get a lot of scooters at this price, but the design, features and performance of the M10 Pro make it a good low-cost commuter option.
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$1,899 at Solar Scooters
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$1,899 at Solar ScootersThe Solar P1 Pro is impressive on multiple levels. Powered by dual 2,000-watt motors, it boasts a top speed of 50 mph. It features rear signal lights, an audible horn, dual brightness modes on the headlight and two security options for turning the scooter on a numeric code or NFC. All this is available for $1,900. In terms of style, you can opt for the Tron edition, which has an illuminated ring around the deck in green, red, purple or blue. The display is large and bright enough to see in sunlight. The P1 Pro weighs 92 pounds and can support up to 330 pounds. Although I'm not 330 pounds, I'm not lightweight either, and this scooter easily handled my size, offering some serious torque.
Size vs. power
Shopping for a scooter may require some compromise. For example, while larger scooters may be ideal for long-distance travel, managing a 90-plus-pound scooter in a walk-up apartment is no fun. Conversely, while last-mile scooters are lighter and more portable, they typically lack the range and speed of larger models. They often slow down on steep inclines and typically lack any shock absorbers, making them less suitable for rough terrain.
Top speed
Considering a scooter with a low top speed to save on battery? While you might not need to hit 50 mph, faster scooters typically have larger batteries. Riding a 50 mph scooter at around 25 mph will likely only need to be charged once a week. In contrast, a scooter with a top speed of 25 mph that you continuously run at full speed may require daily charging.
Range
The travel range provided by manufacturers is an estimate based on a rider of a certain weight (typically 180 pounds), traveling at a set speed (usually 15 mph) on a level, smooth surface. Terrain, wind and heavy loads all play a role in how far you'll go on a single charge. Also, like a car, the faster you go, the quicker an electric scooter's battery will drain.
Protect yourself
Whether you choose a scooter or a bike, always remember to wear a helmet. Growing up as a teen in New York, I only wore a helmet on the track. A friend's advice changed my perspective: people weren't texting and driving back then. We all need to look out for ourselves. Happy riding, and stay safe out there.
Show moreWe update this list regularly, and below are answers to some of the most common electric scooter questions.
Most models are what we'd call "last-mile" scooters; they're for short trips and rarely have suspensions. They have a smaller deck and wheels and can go from 15 to 25 mph depending on the model. Some larger scooters have bigger wheels, bigger batteries and shocks, and can go more than 40 mph.
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No, but note that applies to electric scooters, not mopeds. The rule is that if it has a VIN, it must be registered, and you need a driver's license (depending on your state). Electric scooters can be used on bike paths but can not exceed local speed limits. For example, that's 15 mph in New York, and the scooter must weigh under 100 pounds.
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A last-mile scooter is an electric scooter designed for short-distance transportation, typically covering the "last mile" of a person's journey. It refers to the final leg of a trip, such as commuting from a train station to an office or navigating through crowded urban areas. Last mile scooters are lightweight, portable and often foldable, allowing users to easily carry them when not in use. They are popular for their convenience, eco-friendliness and ability to navigate congested city streets quickly.
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Scooters are easier to store and easier to bring on a bus or train. Last-mile scooters tend to weigh around 26 to 40 pounds, and with the collapsible handle, they're much easier to tote around. For example, here in NYC, many establishments will let you bring a scooter inside, whereas no bicycles are allowed.
Show moreI've tested a ton of scooters. Not all of them deserve a spot above, but some are still worth considering.
Niu KQi3 Pro for $599: Over many rides, I became quite fond of the KQi3 Pro, and it was our top pick in this guide for quite some time. It offers great range for the money. Despite riding over steep bridges around New York City, I frequently got around 15 miles out of it, but you can probably expect 18 to 20 miles (unless you're also a tall giant like me). It goes 20 miles per hour, the 9.5-inch tubeless tires offer a comfy ride, and the disc brakes reliably bring it to a quick stop. You get perks like a bell, lights, and space on the handlebar for attaching a mount. It's super easy to fold, but it weighs 45 pounds, so it's not what I'd call lightweight. I also wish the handlebars could fold down since they can snag on stair railings. It's slightly older now and has been replaced by the Niu KQi 300X and 300P, so make sure you catch it on sale.
MiniMotors USA Dualtron Mini Special for $1,699: The instructions to assemble this scooter are vague, and a few steps aren't even mentioned in the instruction booklet. (I found the handlebar grip hard to put on&#;rubbing alcohol is your friend.) This is also the first time I tried the MiniMotors Dualtron app, and honestly, it's not beginner-friendly. None of the terms and functions are well explained. It's not a scooter I'd suggest for newcomers, but once you get everything up and running, the riding experience is quite nice. It has a top speed of 35 mph, and while the company claims a 40-mile range, you can expect closer to 25 to 30 miles. It'll handle slopes just fine, but I do find it weird that despite being fairly hefty (59 pounds), it has a max load capacity of 200 pounds.
Segway P100S for $1,297: This Segway (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is 73 pounds but has a max speed of 24 mph, so it's a little less intense than the Apollo or Dualtron Mini Special. At that speed, I was able to get 16 miles in with 35 percent left in the tank. If you limit the speed to 20 via the app, you should easily be able to get close to 20 or 25 miles. I just hate the loud turn signal.
Fluidfreeride Fluid Mosquito for $999: If the lightweight Unagi Model One Voyager doesn't interest you but you still want an ultra-lightweight scooter, then check out the Fluid Mosquito (7/10, WIRED Recommends). At just 29 pounds, it's one of the lightest scooters in this guide and has a comfy, built-in grab handle for easy toting. It's fast to fold and is powerful, with a top speed of 24 mph. But shaving down the weight on this nimble scooter does have drawbacks. The suspension is just OK&#;you'll feel most of those bumps&#;and the wheels are narrow. The braking system works fine, but you might encounter some skidding if you make a sudden stop, and the range is lackluster (around 9 miles in my testing, going over the Brooklyn Bridge). There's also no easy way to change speed modes on the fly; you set it before you ride.
Niu KQi Air for $1,249: I was so excited to test this scooter, but my experience with it over several months is mixed. I still like it, but a few quirks hold it back from being a top pick. The KQi Air has a carbon fiber frame, allowing it to be a mere 26 pounds with a 20-mph top speed. That makes it the lightest scooter I have ever tested. It's easy to fold and has turn signals, a slick app, and reliable regenerative braking. The range is a bit lackluster&#;I usually got just under 10 miles on a single charge, but it's so lightweight that when it died on my way home once, I strapped it to a Citi Bike's front basket and cycled home (don't do this!). The ride quality is great, but I had issues with it refusing to connect to my until I disconnected the internal power cable in the stem. There's a theft protection that sounds an alarm and slows down the scooter if someone tries to roll it away, but bizarrely, while you can permanently turn off the alarm, the only way to stop it from braking as you roll it is to turn the scooter on. My initial model also stopped working completely and wouldn't turn on, so Niu had to send me a second model. Oh, and sometimes, during rides, the scooter slows down and doesn't hit its top speed until a few minutes later. I suspect there's some thermal issue causing this. Overall, there's a lot of promise, but it's just annoying.
TurboAnt M10 Lite for $300: This is a perfectly fine budget scooter best for folks under 200 pounds. (I wasn't able to hit its top speed of 16 mph.) The assembly requires a few extra steps (more things to screw in, like the rear mudguard). I was only able to get around 8 miles riding it, but I like that the folding system is quick, the display is bright, and it's pretty light at 31 pounds. Just don't take it up any steep hills.
Gotrax Apex for $350: The Apex is 32 pounds and easy to fold up. It has an integrated bell and a digital display that shows your speed and battery life, and it can go up to 15 mph. The Apex is reliable&#;I've gone to coffee shops, remote video shoots with a backpack full of camera gear, and the grocery store&#;though it's not the smoothest ride. The 250-watt motor struggles with any slight incline, and slopes drain the battery fast. The battery usually doled out around 9 miles for me. I'm also tall, and I had to constantly outstretch my arms to reach the handlebars. You'll want to tighten the rear disc brake; it works fine, but I wouldn't have minded more stopping power.
Gotrax GX2 for $1,399: The GX2 is akin to the Apollo Phantom and Segway P100S in that it's 76 pounds and packs a lot of power and range. This gunmetal scooter looks a bit like a Transformer and can hit a max speed of 35 mph via the dual 800-watt motors, but I usually rode it at 20 mph. It took me to midtown and back to Brooklyn (a total of 18.4 miles) with some juice left over. I hate carrying it up and down the stairs, because the stem is super thick, making it difficult to grasp. When you're waiting at a light, the GX2 also switches to Parking mode after a few seconds, so you constantly have to remember to press the mode button to switch it to the driving gear. It's super annoying, and Gotrax says there's no way to disable it. I am a little concerned about build quality&#;the motor makes a noise as if something is brushing against it, and this sound disappears if I lightly press the left brake lever while riding. The latch to keep the stem upright comes down too easily, despite a sliding lock mechanism to keep it in place; Gotrax says it might just be that it's installed too tightly. If you see any of these issues, I recommend reaching out to Gotrax and going to a local scooter shop to have them take a look.
Navee S65 for $960: Navee is a relatively new brand growing its presence in the US, and I had a great time using the S65 (7/10, WIRED Recommends). I was able to regularly complete 16-mile round trips at 20 mph, but that pretty much depleted the battery. It has great acceleration, thanks to its geared hub motor, and it climbs slopes with ease, but this also makes it very loud. The motor's sound disappears if you're in a noisy city like New York, but it can make you self-conscious on quiet streets. It's 53 pounds, so it's heavier than our top pick despite a similar range, and its customer service is up in the air since it's so new. Still, I had fun riding it.
Evolv Terra for $1,212: I enjoyed my time with the Evolv Terra (7/10, WIRED Recommends). It's 53 pounds and thanks to the thin stem, not too annoying to carry. It's powerful, with the potential to go as fast as 31 miles per hour when you engage both 600-watt motors (check your local speed laws first!). Otherwise, you can cruise along at 20 mph as I did on the second gear speed setting (there are three in total) with the single motor. Range is pretty average, with around two bars left on the meter after 15 miles, so it can potentially last more than 20 miles, especially if you're conservative with its speeds. The suspension is OK but the solid tires on rougher roads can feel quite bumpy. The fenders also seemed pretty useless to me as, after a wet ride post-rain, my back was covered in specks of dirt kicked up from the rear tire. The stem's angle was also a little too close to my body, and the lack of a thumb throttle meant my wrist hurt after long rides. You can tweak the angle of the throttle and brakes to improve this though.
Radio Flyer S533 for $599: Honestly, I'm surprised at how well this scooter did in my tests. The folding mechanism is just a latch and a sleeve you pull down to keep the latch from coming undone while you ride. It's super easy to fold and unfold, and lightweight at 30 pounds. It's not a commuter scooter by any means&#;my range hovered under 8 miles on a single charge&#;and despite exceeding its 220-pound load capacity, I averaged around 14 mph of its 16 mph top speed. It's a nice little scooter for going to the post office, grocery store, or Cinnabon when my wife asks for a cinnamon roll. However, its price doesn't match its power and performance; it should be cheaper. It's also worth noting that the first model the company sent me didn't turn on and the second model had a deflated front tire. Inflating it was a quick affair and I haven't had problems since.
Apollo Air Pro () for $949: I have not tested the new model, but the Apollo Air Pro () was a perfectly fine scooter (6/10, WIRED Review); I just don't think it's worth the high price. It goes up to 21 mph, and I was able to ride it for about 13 to 15 miles before it died. You get all the accouterments, like a front light and bell, and there's app connectivity to tweak settings to your liking. However, the app is required to unlock the Air Pro's true speed&#;otherwise, you're restricted to 12 mph. I'm more miffed at the folding mechanism, which is more work than it should be. It also doesn't accelerate too fast and, despite its 39-pound weight, is uncomfortable to carry due to its thick stem.
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