We tested some of the best electric scooters of 2024 — Ditch the subway, save money

When looking for the best electric scooters for adults, many factors must be considered, such as battery life, speed, weight, lights, and a host of other variables. Finding the “right scooter” depends on what suits your needs.

The amount of time I save a day by choosing the door-to-door scooter life is astounding; on average, it’s about 45 minutes. I easily maneuver through standstill traffic and reach places faster than public transport could ever provide. Plus, I save money by not using public transportation. What would you do with all that time and cash back?

For me, efficiency is key, and I need something lightweight enough to tote up five flights of stairs daily. But for you, maybe it’s all about covering long distances effortlessly or having wheels that never go flat. From Razor to Unagi scooters, we’ve explored a wide range to find the perfect fit for urban commuters and adventurous kids.

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I weigh approximately 148 pounds, give or take, and am 5’9″ feet tall. During my speed and distance tests, I factored in various conditions, including range, uphill terrain, traffic, battery life, and more.

Before riding any of these scooters, I highly recommend wearing a sturdy helmet and safety gear such as protective gloves and eyewear. I myself use sunglasses for dual protection from the sun and gravel or dirt that might spike upward.

Below are our top picks for going the distance; see you on the streets or skip to our FAQ.

Best Overall: Unagi Model One Voyager 

Unagi is the Tesla of scooters. In fact, the carbon fiber used to build its stylish and sleek design is the same as that used in Elon Musk’s SpaceX rockets. This technology enables strong, durable materials while still being lightweight and portable. Trust me, I live in a five-story walk-up and use this scooter multiple times a day, all without a hitch at 29.6 pounds.

Designed with a one-click folding system, this scooter was the easiest to fold and unfold, as it instantly locks into place. The magnesium alloy handlebar has no visible wires or bulk, which is amazing considering it has a digital dashboard, LED headlight, throttle, and braking system.

The ergonomically optimized lever for braking made it easy to avoid unexpected obstacles with my thumb. Other scooters I tested required you to clamp down with your hand, which might make you lose your balance while riding.

Basically, Unagi doesn’t require a braking strategy; it’s as easy as breathing. Plus, there is a foot brake on the rear of the scooter for ease. You’ll never get a flat tire with its puncture-proof solid rubber tires. This can be a pro or con, depending on how you see it. With air, you’ll hit bumps and potholes with more bounce; with these airless tires, it’s more abrupt but worry-free from flat tires.

Each wheel has a 250-watt motor that provides 500 watts on average and surges over 1,000 watts at peak. Depending on your range and terrain needs, you can choose a single or dual motor. The dual motor is great for climbing hills without losing speed.

The scooter can travel up to 20 miles per hour, charges in two to three hours (faster than most), and has a maximum range of 25 miles. However, that depends on many variables. I prefer to use dual motors at level 3 (its top speed) but note that your range will decrease to 13-16 miles, which is still really far for a scooter.

Thanks to Unagi’s mobile app, there is no guesswork. You can eliminate range anxiety by calculating weight, distance, terrain, and current battery life to determine whether you’ll make your planned destination.

To adhere to local regulations, the scooter will go 15 miles per hour unless you unlock its 20 miles per hour feature. To activate, press and hold down both the accelerator and brake simultaneously. Then, push the power button ten times. You’ll hear a beep once it unlocks. Occasionally, you might need to repeat this process 2-3 times before it successfully activates.

You can sign up for the Unagi All-Access Membership, a monthly service offering scooter rentals, comprehensive care, and a maintenance package, along with other perks. One standout feature is the White Glove Love service, which delivers a scooter to any major U.S. city straight to your hotel or Airbnb, facilitating convenient mobility during your travels. It’s an excellent option for testing Unagi scooters before buying your own. And trust me, you’ll want to own one.

All in all, this was by far my favorite scooter to ride because it fit my every need.

SPECIFICATIONS: Dimensions Before Folding: 37.80 inches (length) x 16.54 inches in width x 43.31 inches in height | Dimensions After Folding: 37.80 inches (length) x 16.54 inches in width x 14.96 inches in height | Wheel: 7.5 inches (diameter) / 1.6 inches (width) | Weight: 29.6 pounds | Top Speed: 20 miles per hour | Range: 12-25 miles | Charge Time: 0-100% (3 hr) / 0-80% (2 hr) / 0-50% (1 hr)

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Best Lightweight Scooter: Levy Light

Assembling the scooter was a breeze: I just screwed on the handlebars and charged it up. Levy offers you the choice between two UL-certified battery options: a 5.0aH battery, providing a range of up to 8 miles on a single charge, or a 6.4aH battery, which extends the range to a maximum of 10 miles on Eco mode.

You can select from three modes: Beginner, Eco, or Sport. This way, whether you’re new to riding, prioritizing energy conservation, or craving high speeds, the scooter can cater to your preferences.

Unlike other electric scooters, this one features a removable battery encased in fire-proof and water-proof material. This makes it convenient and cost-effective to replace the battery rather than purchasing a new scooter. It also makes it easy to remove and follow any building codes that won’t allow electric scooters. Not to mention keeping a second battery on hand to swap out.

The cylindrical-shaped battery effortlessly slides into the stem below the handlebars. Because of the higher battery placement than most scooters, water damage is less of a threat. I honestly found this feature to be the future of electric scooters, and I’m very impressed with Levy’s foresight in making this possible.

The Levy Light comes with 10-inch tubed tires; however, they sell three types of tires: tubeless, tubed, or solid tires. Tubeless and tubed options are susceptible to punctures and demand occasional maintenance, like adding air, yet offer excellent shock absorption when encountering potholes.

Sticking with the solid tires that come with the scooter ensures you’ll never have to deal with a flat tire, which is a huge advantage. However, be prepared for rougher terrain to feel a bit bumpier. Pro tip: I suggest bending your knees slightly when approaching a bump. This technique helps you maintain balance and ride smoothly over uneven surfaces.

With my 5.9-foot height and 148-pound build, I effortlessly ascended hills at 16 miles per hour, maintaining a brisk pace. When descending, I effortlessly reached 20 miles per hour, surpassing its top speed of 18 miles per hour with ease. I could also set it on cruise control for longer distances when rolling through the park. Plus, it only takes 3 hours to charge.

Calculate your distance using Levy’s range calculator. It’ll evaluate the scooter type, battery, distance, weight, riding environment, and more.

My only con is that the brake can be hard to grab while maintaining balance on the scooter. However, I managed to overcome this hurdle by adjusting my grip. I kept three fingers on the brake and two on the handlebar, which significantly improved my control. Moreover, I found the additional fender brake near my back foot incredibly handy.

After testing this on the streets of New York, I really enjoyed how light it was to carry up five flights of stairs. If you’re curious about the legality of scooters in your area, be sure to check out Levy’s compiled list.

If you’re not quite ready to make a purchase, Levy offers the option to rent scooters using its app in New York or over 30 other cities throughout the U.S. and Canada on demand, with rates starting at just $12 per hour.

SPECIFICATIONS: Floorboard Height 5-inches, Floorboard Standing Length 18-inches, Floorboard Width 16-inches | Wheel: 10-inch tubed tires | Weight: 28 pounds | Weight Limit: 275 pounds | Top Speed: 18 miles per hour with cruise control | Range: 10 miles | Charge Time: 2.5-3 hours | Battery Weight: 3.3 lbs |

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Best for Larger Builds: GOTRAX G7Pro Electric Scooter

Cruising around New York on this scooter was absolutely worth the exhilaration of oncoming traffic and dodging delivery bikes. It tackled steep inclines like a pro, never missing a beat as it surged ahead.

Storage is a breeze as the handle collapses and securely locks into the back wheel, making it easier to lift and store.

One standout feature is the blinkers. I was impressed that this was my first time testing a scooter with them. They’re so handy for signaling to cars which way you’re turning. Sure, they’re small and require a manual push-off when you’re done, but I found them incredibly valuable.

And let’s talk about its durability. Although I had to haul it down five flights of stairs (and back up again), I was seriously impressed by its solid structure and ability to make me feel safe on the streets of New York and handle bumps and potholes like a pro.

It may not be the best scooter if you live in a walk-up apartment because of the 44 pounds of dead weight, but if you have an elevator or are blessed with a garage, you won’t need to worry. In fact, the larger size of this scooter felt comforting as you zip by cars on your left and semis to your right.

This scooter features both left and right-hand brakes—the left controls the front tire, while the right controls the back wheel. Unlike the Unagi and Levy models, there isn’t a rear brake that you can engage with your foot. But, with two brakes on the handlebar, I didn’t find this to be an issue.

I highly recommend this scooter for individuals with larger builds and long commutes. It can support up to 264 pounds and offers a longer range compared to the Levy or Unagi models, especially for roundtrip journeys.

I recently connected with a fellow commuter in the bike lane while traveling through midtown, and we bonded over our shared love for scooters. Despite owning an Unagi, he mentioned that his weight (sizable and sturdy) and nine-mile daily commute one way required something capable of carrying his weight and providing a roundtrip journey on a single charge. This scooter is exactly what he needs without fear of range anxiety.

SPECIFICATIONS: Wheel: 10-inch air-filled tire | Weight: 44 pounds | Weight Limit: 264 pounds |Top Speed: 20 miles per hour | Range: 20-30 miles | Charge Time: 8-10 hours

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Other Scooters We Recommend

Best for Long Distances: Ninebot KickScooter MAX G30P by Segway

Looking to cover some ground? The Segway Ninebot boasts an impressive 40.4 miles on a single charge, which is quite a feat for a scooter. But bear in mind that it’ll take you about 6 hours to juice up, so a little foresight goes a long way. With that kind of mileage, you’re looking at several days before needing to plug in again, depending on factors like terrain, destination, and weight.

Mega bonus: The charger is built right into the scooter, so there is no need to lug around extra bulk like with some other models we’ve tested. One 5-star fan said, “This scooter met all my expectations and exceeded many. I’m a big guy. Admittedly even over the recommended weight limit. And on cruise, on a flat terrain, I could go 19 miles per hour for 15 miles. Even then, that didn’t drain the battery.”

Plus, there are three riding modes — Eco, Standard, and Sport — to tailor your distance and speed preferences. And when it comes to standing, you’ve got a roomy anti-slip 7-inch baseboard deck to plant your feet on comfortably. Plus, the battery is UL 2272 compliant, meeting standard regulations. Topped off with a sleek LED dashboard and built-in light, you’ve got all the essentials for a smooth ride on the go.

SPECIFICATIONS: Dimensions: 47.4 inches height, 45.9 inches length, 18.6 inches width | Weight: 41.2 pounds Weight Limit: 220.5 pounds | Top Speed: 18.6 miles per hour | Range: 40.4 miles | Charge: 6 hours

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Best Budget: Hiboy S2/S2R Plus Electric Scooter

The 29.5-pound Hiboy Electric Scooter S2 boasts speeds of up to 19 miles per hour, covering distances of up to 17 miles on a single charge. Take control with the Hiboy app, enabling you to lock the scooter securely and customize speed and cruise control settings. Compatible with both Android and iPhones, managing your ride has never been easier.

Equipped with pneumatic tires, your journey promises smooth sailing with exceptional shock absorption for a stable ride. The scooter’s collapsible design ensures effortless travel convenience. If you prefer sitting, upgrade to the attachable seat for added comfort.

Multiple lights, located in the front, middle, and three rear lights, illuminate your path on the scooter, providing a little peace of mind during your ride. Well, as much as one can have on an electric scooter.

With over 2,000 purchases in the last month from Amazon alone and thousands of five-star reviews, it would be wise to make your purchase before it sells out.

SPECIFICATIONS: Dimensions: 45.7 inch (Length) x 17 inch (Width) x 47.2 inch (Height) | Weight: 29.5 pounds | Weight Limit: 220 pounds | Speed: 17 miles per hour |

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Best Value: NAVEE N40 Electric Scooter

“I recently acquired the Navee N40 Electric Scooter, and I must admit, it has exceeded my expectations. From its stylish design to its impressive acceleration, this scooter has swiftly become my preferred mode of transport,” said a satisfied five-star reviewer.

Featuring three distinct modes — 12 miles per hour in Mode 1, 16 miles per hour in Mode 2, and 19 miles per hour in Mode 3 — managing your speed on the Navee N40 Electric Scooter appears to be simple and customizable to your preference.

This scooter features dual brakes, with one on the handlebar and another located on the back wheel. With its 600-watt motor, you’ll effortlessly cruise to your destination at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour. Thanks to its 10-inch pneumatic tires, you’re guaranteed a smooth ride with excellent shock absorption.

SPECIFICATIONS: Deck: 7-inches (Width) x 20.8 inches (Length)| large deck | Wheel: 10-inch pneumatic tires | Weight: 32 pounds | Weight Limit: 220 pounds | Range: 25 miles | Speed:19 miles per hour |

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Best for Kids: Razor Black Label E90 Electric Scooter

If your child is eager for an electric scooter but you’re a bit wary of high-speed adventures, consider the Razor E90 edition. It’s a solid choice for safety-conscious parents. It cruises at a maximum speed of 10 miles per hour and can accommodate riders up to 120 pounds.

Designed for ages eight and up, this bright scooter comes in eye-catching green or pink. With a 12V battery, it provides 40-65 minutes of riding time on a single charge (depending on speed), thanks to its 90-watt motor.

Safety is a priority with this scooter. It features a throttle for speed control and a brake, along with a back-wheel brake for added peace of mind. So let them enjoy their ride worry-free. Don’t forget the helmet and knee pads.

SPECIFICATIONS: Dimensions: 31.7 inches x 12.9 inches x 32.9 inches | Front Wheel: Spoked, urethane | Rear Tire: Abrasion-resistant, airless, flat-free | Age approved: 8 years of age and up | Weight: 120 pounds | Range: 65 minutes of continuous use | Speed: Up to 10 miles

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How we tested

Each scooter underwent a rigorous test around New York City, covering aspects such as navigating uphills, daily commuting, storage, portability, maneuvering around pedestrians, and more.

• Terrain: Testing over various streets, sidewalks, gravel, and anything driveable.
• Uphill Performance: We evaluated whether the motor could handle uphill inclines without losing speed or power.
• Battery Life: Distance and range were crucial factors assessed during commuting tests.
• Weight: We evaluated how heavy they were to lift and/or whether they were stable enough to ride without tipping.

FAQ: Find the perfect electric scooter for your lifestyle

What factors should I consider when looking for an electric scooter? When searching for the ideal electric scooter, evaluating various factors such as battery life, speed, weight, lights, and other features is essential based on your specific needs and preferences.

How can an electric scooter enhance my daily routine? Integrating an electric scooter into your daily life can significantly boost efficiency by saving time, especially when navigating congested traffic, cutting public transportation costs, and taking you door to door.

What are some key considerations for urban commuters? Factors such as lightweight design, easy maneuverability, and the ability to navigate through traffic seamlessly are paramount for city dwellers. Additionally, features like long battery life and durability are essential for withstanding daily usage in bustling city environments.

How do personal weight and height factor into scooter selection? Your weight and height are crucial considerations when selecting an electric scooter, as they can impact factors such as distance, terrain adaptability, weight capacity, and speed performance

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