Best Electric Scooters 2023

Once considered a child's toys, electric scooters have quickly become an evolving form of transportation for adults, too. Just take a look around and you’ll likely spot someone riding an electric scooter to work, the park or the local grocery store. Whether you’re sick of circling the block for a parking space, want to cut down on your gas consumption, or simply wish to inject a bit more fun into your everyday routine, the best electric scooters are designed to meet your needs. And because they’re more affordable than most electric bikes, you’ll be saving the planet, and the money in your wallet, in one fell swoop.

The best electric scooters provides affordable and fun transportation.

Electric scooters look more or less the same upon first glance, but under the hood, their specifications can vary drastically, so which one is best for you depends in large part on where and how often you ride. Some can take you dozens of miles on a single charge, while others lean into performance-based features like multiple speed settings. The best electric scooters offer a decent range so you don’t get stuck with a dead battery, powerful brakes so you can stop in a snap and integrated lighting or reflectors to keep you safe in the dark.

Here you’ll find our top picks for the best electric scooters along with key considerations you should keep top of mind when investing in an electric scooter of your very own.

Apollo City

Top speed: 25 mph| Range: 28 miles | Weight: 39 pounds | Max load: 265 pounds

A do-it-all scooter for your joy rides and commutes, the Apollo City is a solid option for anyone looking for a high-quality electric scooter for any road condition. You can rock around town at 25 mph and break with ease, thanks to the triple-braking system. You’ll feel comfortable navigating potholes, thanks to its cushy front and rear spring suspension. And while 39 pounds doesn’t exactly sound light, it’s lighter and easier to maneuver than models with a similar range and speed capabilities.

When you need to load it into the subway or carry it up the stairs, the Apollo City folds down into a compact package. If you still have your doubts, it also comes with a 14-day return policy, free shipping and a one-year warranty on any manufacturing defects.

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Amazon

Top speed: 16 mph | Range: 15.5 miles | Weight: 34.2 pounds | Max load: 220 pounds

This retro-inspiring scooter is eye-catching with a maple wood deck and soft, matte colors like aquamarine and rose—perfect for riders who want to prioritize style. But it’s more than a pretty face, this scooter is incredibly capable for its price point. With impressive hill climbing capabilities, you can tackle 14% grades in the neighborhoods of San Francisco or Seattle. The innovative FlexxPress design suspends the deck above the frame so it absorbs shock as you roll over rocks or bumps.

Beginners riders will love the user-friendly design: the single-button interface is simple with an LED display and three speeds, and the set-up is incredibly easy—screw on the handle grips and secure the latch and you’re ready to ride. The YES Scooter is also equipped with five safety lights, including a round headlight and deck lights so you can ride at night.

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Amazon

Top speed: 20 mph | Range: 15.5 miles | Weight: 26.5 pounds | Max load: 275 pounds

We love the Unagi Model One because it is sleek and well-crafted with an obvious attention to detail, from the flush LED display in the handlebars to the air pockets in the 7.5” tires for shock absorption. With a carbon fiber tube, magnesium handlebars and an aluminum chassis, all the components are lightweight. This electric scooter clocks in at only 26.5 pounds compared to the 30+ pound weight of other models on this list, so it’s a great choice if you plan to carry it up a flight or more of stairs.

The E500 features a 500W battery so you can ride up 15-degree slopes with ease and dual electronic anti-lock brakes to stop quickly and safely. Overall, we’re impressed that Unagi manages to pack so much in to such a light package.

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Walmart

Top speed: 18 mph | Range: 18 miles | Weight: 36.3 pounds | Max load: 220 pounds

This budget friendly electric scooter offers most of the capabilities as other models at a lower price point. What’s best? With a price tag under $500, this scooter will pay for itself after the first few months after you stop spending your entire paycheck to fill your gas tank.

With a wide deck for added stability and cruise control for easy riding, this e-scooter is very beginner friendly. It comes equipped with a headlight, taillight and a built in cable lock so you have everything you need for the ride at your fingertips. It also charges quickly—in only 4.5 hours—so you’ll be ready to ride whenever the mood strikes.

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InMotion

Top speed: 43 mph | Range: 56 miles | Weight: 74 pounds | Max load: 265 pounds

The Kaabo Mantis King GT blows the competition out of the water when it comes to battery life and range. At 56 miles, this scooter’s range has over 30 miles on any other on this list. But it’s also a great all-around option for commuters because it is has powerful hydraulic brakes—and an optional ABS system—that will instill confidence no matter how many drivers and cyclists you encounter on the road.

But the best feature? The max speed is wildly fast. At 43 miles per hour, you’ll feel like lightning as you commute around town, and the front and rear shocks will minimize bumps. And while the 4200W battery provides a lot of power, the acceleration is super smooth and won’t leave you feeling the whiplash as you take off.

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Amazon

Top speed: 15.5 mph | Range: 24.9 miles | Weight: 37.7 pounds | Max load: 265 pounds

This electric scooter is one of the best electric scooters for commuters because it’s versatile: it performs well in nearly every category. All that to say, although it doesn’t excel in any one area, it also doesn’t skimp on any features. It’s quick, easy to carry, and has a moderate range. The 10-inch tires create a smooth ride, and you’ll power up hills climbs up to a 20% grade. The walk mode is also helpful so you can roll the scooter with you when you’re boarding a train or getting to the office.

Most electric scooters are built as an environmentally friendly transportation option, but the Segway Ninebot Kickscooter takes it to another level. One of our favorite features is the regenerative braking system, which recharges the battery a little bit every time you hit the brakes.

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Amazon

Top speed: 15.5 mph | Range: 34 miles | Weight: 37.5 pounds | Max load: 265 pounds

The Xiaomi Mi 4 Pro is a reliable and playful pick that caters to all manner of riders. While no single feature stands out above the rest, it’s the scooter’s sheer versatility that takes the cake: This model handsomely balances range, speed, weight and price to appeal to casual riders, commuters, travelers and beyond.

The Xiaomi Mi 4 Pro can climb hills like a champ and has self-sealing tires that will keep you out of trouble if you experience a puncture. And when you need to hop off and walk for a bit, the handy walk mode lets you roll the scooter right alongside you—a lifesaver when you’re boarding a bus or navigating a crowded walkway. Other noteworthy features include: a regenerative double-braking system that captures energy and adds it to the battery while braking; a 2.5W ultra-bright headlight, as well as a taillight and reflectors; and a dedicated app that allows you to check detailed information like vehicle status, battery info, mileage info and more.

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NanRobot

Top speed: 40 mph | Range: 50 miles | Weight: 70 pounds | Max load: 330 pounds

When you need to climb the steepest hills, the Nanrobot D5+ won’t let you down. Thanks to two powerful 1000W motors, this electric scooter is fast and capable of chugging up 45-degree hills (equivalent to a 100% grade), far surpassing any other scooter on this list.

But it's not just its powerful performance that makes the Nanrobot D5+ a standout option. Because of its seriously long range (50 miles on a single charge), you can take it out all day without worrying about running out of juice. And while we’ll be the first to admit that the Nanrobot D5+ is a bit too heavy to be commuter-friendly (unless you live in San Francisco and need it to rev up the city’s famous hills), you’ll love the smooth performance and long range for off-road adventures and recreational rides.

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Consumer tech is evolving faster than a top-of-the-line electric scooter speeding down the street, which is why we’re committed to keeping a pulse on the ever-changing electric scooter industry. We stay up-to-date on product releases, consult experts whenever possible and regularly revise this list to reflect our findings. If we find a scooter that’s better than a model already on this list, you’ll be the first to know.

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, including the Yvolution YES scooter featured on this list.

Choosing the best electric scooter will depend on your riding style and budget. Here are some factors to consider when buying an electric scooter:

The range of a scooter refers to how far it can go before you need to charge it. If you plan to use the scooter for commuting, compare this number to your commute distance. Will the scooter get you there and back on a single charge? If not, you’ll have to bring extra gear with you to charge it on the go. But if you’re buying a scooter to ride recreationally, range may not be as big of a consideration. Scooters that feature longer ranges are generally more expensive.

Generally speaking, 15 miles per hour on an electric scooter feels a whole lot faster than it does on an e-bike, but we understand that maximum speed may be a priority when you’re shopping for a new scooter. Each model comes with a top speed, usually ranging from 10 to upwards of 45 miles per hour.

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.

If you’ll need to lug your electric scooter up and down apartment stairs, consider its weight and portability. Foldable models made with lightweight materials such as aluminum are easier to store and transport (which also comes in handy if your commute involves the subway or metro). But if you’re not doing much more than rolling up and parking your scooter, saving on weight may not be a high priority. A heavier scooter will be more sturdy and will often absorb shock better than a lightweight scooter.

Electric scooters have either disc or drum brakes. Disc brakes are more effective, especially when you’re stopping quickly after reaching high speeds, while drum brakes are quieter and require less maintenance.

The type of tires on an electric scooter can impact the ride quality and handling. Air-filled tires provide a smoother ride but require more maintenance, while solid tires are maintenance-free but can be less comfortable.

Electric scooters vary in price, which is why it's essential to consider your budget when shopping for a scooter.