The best part is that for all of that and more, the NIU KQi3 Pro is surprisingly, amazingly affordable – more affordable than other premium e-scooters with less features. Is this the best electric scooter overall? A thousand times yes. The CUx is powered by a 1,300W Bosch engine, which makes it a fun electric moped to ride. It boasts a 40-mile range, making it ideal for short city runs or commuting. Super Soco suggests that its battery can be recharged in three to four hours when charged at home or work thanks to its portable 3-pin UK mains plug-powered super charger, which isn’t too bad if you’re mainly using your moped for short runs. As the name suggests, the Mini 2 has been designed to be a small scooter. It’s no surprise then that it weighs a tiny 10.4 kg. Not only is this easier for small riders to lift, but it also makes taking your scooter onto public transport much simpler. Once folded, you won’t have to worry about navigating tight spaces with an awkwardly bulky machine. Instead, the Mini 2 is discreet enough that other passengers won’t even notice it’s there. Urban commuters typically prioritize weight and portability over power, especially if they live in a city that's mostly flat and with good roads. If you live in a city like Chicago, London, or New York, choosing a lightweight electric scooter that can be folded and carried on the train or up to your office is ideal than one that has the power to go up a hill. If you live in a city like Los Angeles, you might need a good balance between those two things.

Firstly, it has a top speed of 15.5 mph thanks to the 250W motor. This is the average motor size that you’re likely to find on scooters in this price class and although it’s on the small side, you won’t need to worry about it underperforming. It still has good acceleration and will propel you up to a speed that is fast enough for inner-city exploration. It’s also powerful enough to climb 14% hills, however, it’s worth bearing in mind that this isn’t the V2’s strongest area, so you’ll find yourself slowing down on inclines towards the max of its capacity. Although the Elite’s batteries don’t carry the LG pedigree that those on the GoTrax XR Ultra do, you can rest assured that your scooter won’t burn out on you unexpectedly, thanks to the smart battery management system that protects it against overheating, overcharging, or short-circuiting. The Elite also has a fairly short recharge time of 3-4 hours, so you won’t need to hang around for long when it runs flat. Suited for the age range of 8-years and over, the E90 is one of the UK’s popular kids’ scooters. There are minor differences between the E90 and its slightly bigger brother, the E100. If you regularly ride on terrible roads that often puncture your air-filled wheels, the Glion Dolly might be a good switch for you. Being a GoTrax scooter, you can also bet your mortgage on the Apex’s ability to handle the rigors of daily use. Its frame is fashioned from an aerospace-grade aluminum alloy that comes complete with an IPX4 water-resistance rating, while the stem is sturdy with no signs of wobble.

Are e-scooters legal in the UK?

Of course, as we found out in our opinions survey on electric motorbikes, there are still some riders who aren’t ready to go electric. Thankfully, over the past few years, more options have become available, and the anxieties around range and charge times have diminished somewhat as battery technology improves and the number of charge points increase. Electric scooters vary in price, which is why it's essential to consider your budget when shopping for a scooter. I can’t end this review without a nod to the halo headlight. It’s destined to become iconic; an outer ring stays lit the entire time for pizzazz, while the inner light illuminates when turned on. It's the best light that I’ve tested on a budget model – and it’s bright enough that there’s no need to buy any extra clip-ons. It's not often that I say that.

The Razor E100 is the best electric scooter for kids overall, as it hits the sweet spot of price and performance, especially for younger riders. It comes in a wide variety of colors, so your child can find one that suits her or his style. This scooter features twist-grip acceleration controls and a hand-operated front brake. Each electric scooter features a maximum speed, so take a look at this number when weighing your options. Some scooters, like the Apollo City, top out at 25 miles per hour, but most cruise in the 16 mile per hour range. If you’re buying an electric scooter for a kid, you may want to opt for one that tops out at 15 miles per hour. Weight And Portability In addition, the scooter isn’t designed to be ridden without the seat, so if you enjoy standing and riding an electric scooter, this model isn’t for you. Are 15 mph / 25 kmh electric scooters too slow? Kids like to have fun, but remind them that buddying up with a friend on an electric scooter isn't the best idea. Every scooter has a weight limit, and even if your child and a friend come under that number, putting an extra person on the vehicle makes it harder to balance and steer.Electric scooters for kids can only reach speeds of up to 10 miles per hour, and many top out at 7-8 MPH; by comparison, electric scooters meant for adults typically go up to 15-20 MPH. Naturally, build, weather-proofing, and wheel size are to be considered as well. Features are important too. Depending on your needs, you might need things like app support and an anti-theft system. Which brand of electric scooter is best? Scooter identification can be found on significant parts like the battery, frame/stem, charging system and cardboard box when the scooter was first delivered.

Ride time (battery life) 60-minutes before a recharge. After an hour, the scooter begins to slow down and is ready for a recharge. As a luxury scooter, the Unagi doesn’t cater to just one type of rider. That’s why it comes in two versions. The E500 is equipped with dual motors, whereas the E250 just has a single motor on the front wheel. If you don’t need the 1000W of peak output the E500 offers, the E250 is cheaper and 1.6 kg lighter. Having said this, the acceleration is a lot slower and it’s not nearly as fearsome on hills as its more powerful sibling. If you’re in the market for an electric moped, you can’t really go wrong with the MQi GT SR 50cc either. The moped has a decently sized frame that will allow you to ride with a pillion passenger, while its 14 inch wheels provide improved grip and handling on the roads. SEAT MÓ eScooter 125 Image source: SEAT Price Anyone looking for a tougher electric scooter to ride on rough and challenging terrains should immediately cross off GoTrax XR Elite from their list of options. The electric scooter is a basic commuter with pneumatic tires and doesn’t have a suspension system, so it isn’t suitable for any more challenging terrains (see the solid-tire options in this article for that).

We’re also passionate about other alternative modes of transportation beyond electric scooters. Forbes contributor Hannah Singleton has reviewed affordable e-bikes and covered the world of bike commuting gear, and she’s had the opportunity to test a few electric scooters over the years. Similarly, contributor Mark Knapp tested multiple models on this list, including the Niu KQi Air, the Niu KQi3 Pro and the Unagi Model One Voyager.

The folding mechanism isn’t the only component that’s subject to a patent. though. The 365Wh battery – which delivers a maximum range of 25 miles – comes equipped with a patented battery management system that offers 14 different types of protection. Unlike people-powered scooters and e-bikes, privately owned e-scooters are not currently permitted for use on public roads, pathways, or cycle roots. E-scooters can only be legally used on private land, with the landowner's permission. However, the tide is changing. With the UK Government’s ongoing trial of rental e-scooters and increasingly loud calls to clean up inner-city air, it’s only a matter of time before they are fully legalised for private use. The UK Government's current trial only allows hired e-scooters to be used in public spaces. It seeks to assess whether e-scooters can offer “fast, clean and inexpensive travel that can also help ease the burden on transport networks and allow for social distancing.” Once the complete, the gathered statistics and evidence will be used to “guide final decisions about whether and – if so – how to fully legalise e-scooters.” Other areas of its design divert from the norm, too. The handlebars, for one, are 24% wider than its closest competitor, the Turboant X7 Max. At 20.4 inches, they guarantee excellent balance and handling at any speed. The electric scooter has a single button that can be used to switch the escooter on and off, toggle the headlights, and also choose between the scooter’s two speed modes.The most impressive feature of the Pure Air Pro LR is its IP rating of IP65, which you won’t find in most budget electric scooters. This means the scooter is protected from splashes and can be ridden in the rain or snow without worrying about damage. Electric motorcycles have increasingly become real contenders as an economical, environmentally-friendly option. Mopeds are increasingly being seen as a viable option for commuter riders, particularly as most commuters’ round trips are, on average, 23 miles, which is usually covered by a single charge of most electric scooters and mopeds. How do I know which electric mopeds and scooters I can ride on my licence? Designed with a removable battery that can be taken in and charged without the bike itself, the Piaggio 1 and Piaggio 1 Active are great options for city commuters who live in smaller flats or don’t have access to a shared outdoor space or garage. Although the models have a longer charge time than all the bikes on the list so far, the removable aspect of the battery still makes it a great option for many people. That very much depends the electric scooter model you have and the ingress protection (IP) rating it has. Most commuter electric scooters have protection against water jets from all direction, which gives them an IPX5 or IPX6 rating. However, those aren't recommended to use during rain, especially heavy downpours, most likely in case you encounter flooding. The throttle and brake are easy to manage as both are hand-operated. It is one of the reasons the E100 is a hit with parents and kids alike.