Electric scooters are everywhere these days, used by commuters, students and anyone looking to avoid the hassle of public transit or the expense of a car. Besides being much cheaper to run, these battery powered vehicles have green appeal. And I can tell you from first-hand experience, they’re a lot cheaper than a car to repair.
After riding and testing many models for miles and miles, I think the best overall electric scooter for most people will be the $1,499 Emove Cruiser. It’s great for long trips and isn’t so fast that it will be intimidating for beginners.
But that’s too expensive for most people. Scooters can cost from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. Our top budget recommendation is the Swagtron Swagger 5 Boost, which has a lower top speed and a less powerful 350-watt motor, but costs less than $400.
Some are last-mile scooters, smaller and built for short distances at slower speeds but easier to carry and store. Larger scooters handle bumps better and can travel farther and at higher speeds. The drawback is that they’re not ideal for carrying and are generally more expensive.
Emove Cruiser Electric Scooter
Not all Electric scooter for Adult are created equal. The Emove Cruiser makes this abundantly clear. One of my first times riding this e-scooter I kept looking at the battery indicator expecting it to move; it didn’t move an inch for miles. I’m a heavy guy and I’m also heavy on the throttle, but I’ve learned to ease off of it if I want to make it home. That’s not the case with the Emove electric scooter — it just keeps going even with heavy rider weight.
Keep in mind that these batteries can only be charged so many times before they no longer perform at an optimal level. That means the less you charge your device, the longer the e scooter battery will perform at its peak. That alone was more than enough for this scooter to make the list, but that’s not all.
The Emove Cruiser has a wide deck, making it easy to stand in a staggered stance or side by side. It can support riders up to 352 pounds, hits a top speed of 25 mph and can travel approximately 60 miles on a full charge. The adult electric scooter takes about 8 to 12 hours to fully charge. It has 10-inch pneumatic tubeless car-grade tires, front dual suspension and rear air-shock suspension, all of which makes for a smooth ride. The acceleration is smooth enough that you can take off with one hand, though I wouldn’t recommend it. The takeoff can also be adjusted for a more aggressive start if you want.
The scooter has a single-hinge, fold-down knob along with collapsible handlebars, which makes it convenient for storage. It weighs 52 pounds — most of it battery — so it’s not the lightest. A key is needed for ignition and there are front and rear lights along with independent lights on the deck for added safety. It even goes a step further with an electric horn and signal lights. The signals aren’t as visible during the day but are still a welcome addition.
Another useful design feature: The Emove has an IPX6 rating so you don’t have to worry if you get caught in the rain. It also has fenders long enough to keep you dry when rolling over wet surfaces.
Swagtron Swagger 5 Boost
The Swagger 5 Boost is a welcomed upgrade to its predecessor, the Swagger 5 Elite, and replaces it on our list of best scooters.
The motor is more powerful — going from 250 to 300 watts — but keeps its competitive price.
The Boost has a solid build and feel, designed to support riders up to 320 pounds while weighing just 26 pounds itself – great for walk-up apartments or getting on and off mass transit. It easily folds and unfolds with a single locking latch. The rated travel distance is 12 miles; expect this number to vary due to rider size, speed traveling, winds and terrain. That’s not far but fine for last-mile commutes or riding to classes, and it charges in under 4 hours.
There are three ride modes to choose from and even cruise control, though you’ll need to connect a phone to the Boost via Bluetooth and use an iOS or Android app to toggle it on and off. The scooter has a rear mechanical disc brake, a bell and front and rear lights for safety and Swagtron even went so far as to include a cup holder.
The ride on its two 8.5-inch honeycomb puncture-proof tires is decent, especially considering the lack of a suspension. Shocks would add to the weight and cost, though. The scooter’s top speed is 18 mph, dependent on rider size. Given the suggested user age of 12 years and up, larger, heavier riders might not reach that speed, particularly on inclines. The scooter’s deck is pretty narrow, making it easier to carry but more difficult for riders with large feet to stand comfortably. The Boost has an IPX4 rating meaning it can survive a splash but not be submerged in water.
E-Twow GT SE
So many Adult Electric scooter force riders to make compromises. A lightweight scooter usually means a smaller battery that results in slower speeds and shorter travel distances. Couple that with the 5 or 6 hours it takes to recharge and that makes it hard to use on a continuous basis.
Enter the E-Twow GT SE, a 29-pound scooter with a top speed of 25 mph that can charge up to 80% in 2.5 hours. The scooter supports riders up to 220 pounds with its 700-watt motor powered by a 504Wh Samsung battery. During testing, it was able to travel about 15 miles before needing a charge. That’s not far off from the company’s 23-mile claim. Travel distances vary depending on rider size, style of riding, hills and wind conditions.
The scooter is easy to fold down and has collapsible handlebars making its storage footprint very small. The handlebar height is adjustable for shorter or taller riders. Additionally, it has a spring in the deck and a small suspension in the front to ease some bumps out.
The E-Twow GT SE is equipped with a headlight, electric horn, and three methods of breaking: the regenerative motor, physical rear disc brake, and a rear foot spoiler brake. There’s an app for iOS and Android too.
Connect to the scooter’s built-in Bluetooth and the mobile app displays the speedometer and battery info and has the ability to toggle the lights on and off. There’s also an alarm if the scooter is moved; along with making noise, it will use the motor to slow its movement if someone tries riding off on it.
