The worldwide adoption of electric scooters is gaining momentum. They make getting from A to B easy by eliminating the need to navigate traffic or find a parking spot. The popularity of e-scooters is influenced by many factors including the rise of fuel prices, pressing concerns for carbon and greenhouse gas emissions, and the fact they cut down travel time for both short- and long-distance commutes. The cost of repairs is also lower than that of a motorcycle or car, but higher than that of a conventional bicycle. The battery and the electric motor are the most pricey parts. As for the rest, they don’t really amount to anything. Research estimates that by 2032, the global market for electric scooters will be worth $22.7 billion, up from $9.59 billion in 2022. If you think it’s time to get one, you’ve clicked on the right article. Here are the best scooters in 2023.
First, we’ll look at the best budget scooter, the Hiboy S2. With its low price and high overall performance, the Hiboy S2 is a fantastic option for novice riders. Given that the lowest-priced scooters tend to have questionable warranties, reliability, customer service, and safety, any electric scooter wouldn’t find it difficult to recommend this one since it strikes the best balance between affordability and practicality. The S2 offers remarkable top-end acceleration and stopping power taking into account how cheap it is. In addition to its stiffer and maintenance-free tires, it also features a rear suspension that improves ride quality. You get a lot more value than you would expect for the price, but your expectations should be reasonable.
The best breakout e-scooter brand would have to go to NIU, the company that produced the KQi2 Pro. It’s a scooter that even the inexperienced can manage thanks to its smooth acceleration and easy-to-handle braking system. This is more expensive than the S2 and travels at a slower speed. Despite lacking a suspension system, the big airfield tires which are 10 inches in diameter provide a comfortable and steady ride. The price-to-range ratio coupled with a two-year warranty is also commendable. NIU has made a name for itself by selling 3 million mopeds before venturing into the kick scooter market and is among the few publicly traded micro-mobility companies.
The scooter with a swappable battery and best for heavy riders goes to the AnyHill UM-2. Thanks to its ultralight removable battery and ultra-high 300-pound rider weight limit, the UM-2 makes it a top choice for heavy riders. In addition to having 10-inch airfield tires and an above-average 450-watt motor acceleration, it also has a long, roomy deck. The display and the bulkier design are the two main drawbacks, but it compensates by having exceptional hill climbing and braking performance. If you don’t like buying the 9-Bat Max then the UM-2 is a good substitute.
The best e-scooter for under a thousand bucks is the Apollo Air. It has the best handling in its class thanks to its grippy 10-inch airfield tires and front suspension which are the main reasons why it’s a consumer favorite. It will still sell for under a thousand dollars despite being given a major upgrade that includes a significantly increased battery capacity and an extremely powerful 500-watt motor. Customers at the entry level who are willing to pay a bit more for quality, including a fantastic app and top-shelf support, should strongly consider buying the Apollo Air.
You’ll have to go with the UNAGI Model One when it comes to the best urban commuter and zero-hassle e-scooter. They have established a name for themselves in the industry over the past few years by providing the best monthly subscription in terms of the total number of units and the total area coverage. They don’t require customers to sign a contract and allow cancellation of their service at any time. The $49 fee covers all monthly maintenance costs and includes insurance against theft and damage. Given the compromises in range and suspension provided by its carbon fiber-infused design, the Unagi is at its best in a more urban setting since distances are short and portability and attractiveness are prized above all else.
The best lightweight high-speed e-scooter goes to Uscooters GT Sport. The 29-pound e-scooter has a surprising top speed of 30 miles per hour. Any loyal Uscooter customer can easily flaunt their scooter’s mileage. It can be a little unstable, but if you love speed, then you’ll simply ignore that flaw.
When it comes to the topic of the best long-range e-scooter, most enthusiasts would mention the Emove Cruiser. Until it can no longer function, you won’t need any other scooter since the Cruiser is equipped with semi-hydraulic brakes, tubeless 10-inch tires, plush full suspension, a top speed of over 30 miles per hour, and offers various accessories.
The best standard setter in the market right now is the Kaabo Mantis V2. The new Mantis V2’s price is that of beginner’s scooters but has advanced features and superior performance. Equipped with ESG-certified top speeds that surpass those of the 2020 Mantis Pro, powerful hydraulic brakes are standard equipment. Its high-mounted headlight, ipx5 water resistance rating, and extended rear fender are all outstanding features. It’s also safe to say that the V2 outperforms its predecessors in price and functionality.
If you’re looking for the best rain-or-shine e-scooter, highly consider the Apollo City Pro. This scooter has responsive throttle and brakes, full suspension, airfield tires, a good degree of resistance to water, rapid charging, and great apps. It’s a high-end scooter so make sure you’ve saved enough. But that would be a non-issue as the Apollo City has many features including regenerative braking and eye-catching turn signals.
The Kaabo Wolf Warrior X is the best off-road e-scooter under $2,000. The scooter is 30 pounds lighter than the already light Wolf Warrior 11 Plus, but it handles just as well off-road and travels just as far. Thanks to its dual stems and your choice of dirt or street tires, it’s more stable than any other scooter in its class. It’s faster, costs 400 dollars less, and has silky-smooth acceleration due to its sine-wave motor controllers.
For the best e-scooter with exotic performance, we have the NAMI Burn-E 2. Its performance is top-notch, and you won’t have to drain your wallet. For the price of only 70 percent of the original, the Burn-E 2 is only 10 percent less powerful with great ride quality. The brand new Bernie 2 Max is faster by 11 mph but the Burn-E 2 can still achieve the same tested range due to its lower power.
The Kaabo Wolf King GT Pro is the speed champion and industry icon on this list. This is a completely new scooter and exceeds expectations in every way. Thanks to its sine wave controllers, tubeless flat-proof tires, water-resistant components, and tested range of 55 miles, it’s lightning-fast and has a responsive throttle. The lights on this thing have become the standard for other models because they are good. Because of its dual stem design and top-tier suspension, the GT Pro is more stable at 60 mph when other models become wobbly at 40 mph.
For the most innovative you have the Segway SuperScooter GT2. This is simple to operate despite being one of the world’s fastest production scooters from 0 to 30. You’ll find all sorts of cutting-edge scooter features, like a jet-style display, a girder-style front end, and a feet-protecting fairing. On the interface, you’ll find easy access to all of the controls, including the boost button and the cruise control that kicks in immediately with a simple twist of the throttle. However, remember that this scooter is still emerging from its crowdfunding phase and is less serviceable and moddable than its alternatives.
We’ve also included some honorable mentions on this list.
For a quick mid-tier performance e-scooter, you can’t go wrong with the VSETT 10+. Its hydraulic shock gives you a nice ride, but its short deck awkward throttle and brake ergonomics make it a questionable purchase.
For novice riders, you have the OKAI Neon Pro. OKAI is a company synonymous with reliability. Plus the Neon Pro is an upgrade from the Neon. It has a nice design, a unique stem light, and a powerful motor with a strong battery.
The best-seated and most addicting e-scooter is the EMOVE RoadRunner. It can travel smoothly at 35.5 mph with its dual motors. Each batter swap also gives you 33 miles.
Consider the Uscooters Booster V if you’re in for a portable utility scooter.
But if you’d like a safer one with an intangible factor, go for the INOKIM OxO. The OxO will surely get looks from bystanders but its smooth suspension and throttle will make you not want to get off it. It also stops from 15 miles per hour in just 8.6 feet.
Coming later this year, watch out for the Apollo Pro and Phantom V3, as they could set the standard in the performance category.
The BO M is also highly anticipated so watch out for that too.