Electric scooters are an easy and low-cost way of getting from A to B, and have surged in popularity across America in recent years.
If you have a short commute to work, they’re a great alternative to using a car, or using public transport - and often a scooter can be far cheaper than either of those options.
They’re also great for doing some exploring on weekends, or even just running errands such as grabbing groceries or getting to appointments.
At Electroheads, we specialize in reviewing electric vehicles such as scooters and ebikes. So we’ve brought together our favorite electric scooters currently on sale in the US.
How we test electric scooters:
We test electric scooters on four main criteria...
- Components and build quality
- Safety and security
- Performance and handling
- Comfort and practicality
These four key areas determine how we rate a scooter, as well as taking value for money into account.
Best escooters under $500
- iScooter - $239.99 - Best value for money
- Segway Ninebot E2 Plus - $279.98
- Jasion JS3 - $359.99 - Best for comfort
- Niu K3 Max - $459.00
Best escooters over $500
- iScooter iX4 - $539.99
- Inmotion S1F - $599.00 - Best for tall and big riders
- Hurtle - $599.99
- Inmotion Climber - $949.00 - Best for hilly areas
- Gotrax G4 - $999.00 - Best overall
- Etwow GT SE - $1,099.00
Best overall: Gotrax G4 - $999
(Words by Richard Beech)
The Gotrax G4 is a tried and tested scooter that has been a popular model for a number of years now.
It’s available in several different power levels, but for the purpose of this review, we’re focusing on the entry level model, which is the 500w single motor version, which is available for around $569.
Generally, commuting scooters tend to have around 250w-350w of power, so Gotrax’s 500w motor is a step up, and is a good option for heavier riders (up to 264 pounds), and those who live in hillier areas.
Personally, I prefer a scooter that has a top speed of 20mph or more. So many scooters are limited to 15.5mph, and it just feels too sluggish. But the Gotrax G4 hits 20mph quickly and easily (for reference, I weigh 187 pounds).
Dual motor versions of this scooter are available, so for riders who need something more powerful - you can go for the dual 500w or dual 650w motor option.
Something I really liked about the G4 is how comfortable the footplate is. The grippy tread makes you feel safe in all weathers.
My criticism would be that the combination of the hard pneumatic tyres and the lack of suspension do lead to the G4 being a “sporty”/hard ride, which can be tough on the wrists if you’re riding long distances.
If suspension is important to you, consider the Gotrax Eclipse.
But for short commutes on smooth surfaces, this is a great scooter.
Best value for money: iScooter - $239.99
The iScooter Electric Scooter turned out to be a surprisingly fun and practical ride. I tested the 350W model, and while it’s not the most powerful out there, the 19 mph top speed felt zippy enough for commuting without feeling like I was crawling. The acceleration is smooth, and the cruise control feature saved me from holding down the throttle during longer stretches—definitely a nice touch for city riding.
One thing I really appreciated was how lightweight it is. At just 26 lbs, folding it up and stashing it in the trunk was easy enough. I could easily see this being useful for quick errands or hopping on public transport. It folds in three seconds, according to their website (though, I have to say, it took me a bit longer), so it’s perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to wrestle with their scooter at the end of the day.
The ride itself is decent for a scooter without suspension. The honeycomb tires do an okay job absorbing smaller bumps, though you’ll feel it if the road gets rough. What impressed me was the braking system—having both disc brakes and an anti-lock system made stopping feel controlled and reliable, even when I had to make a sudden stop.
Charging didn’t feel like a hassle either. It took about 4 hours to top up, and the 18-mile range felt solid for my daily trips. Plus, the smart app is a neat bonus. I could lock it remotely, adjust the settings, and check battery life, which added some extra peace of mind.
Overall, the iScooter hits the sweet spot for convenience and value, especially if you need a lightweight, easy-to-store option for commuting. Just be prepared for a bumpier ride if your streets aren’t the smoothest!
Segway Ninebot E2 Plus - $279.98
The Segway Ninebot E2 Plus is a smooth, stylish ride that brings comfort and performance together in a compact frame. While it doesn't break any land speed records, it makes up for that with its reliability and comfort. The 300W motor gets you up to 15.5 mph, which is decent for quick city rides, though it does cap out at a modest 12.4-mile range when pushing it at top speed.
One thing I really appreciated was the ride comfort. The 8.1-inch shock-absorbing tires and low center of gravity give it a steady, almost cushioned feel even on less-than-perfect streets. It's not exactly suspension-laden (unless you're eyeing the ES1L model), but it absorbs bumps well enough that I didn't feel like I needed a chiropractor after. The braking system—a combo of electronic and drum brakes—felt responsive and reliable, especially when weaving through traffic.
A fun bonus? The 256-color RGB ambient lights. They sync up with your speed and add a pop of flair to your ride. It's not a game-changer for performance, but hey, if you're going to cruise at 15 mph, why not do it in style? The large 2.8-inch LED dashboard is another great touch, making it easy to track your speed and battery life without squinting.
If you need a scooter to fold up and toss in the trunk, the E2 Plus’s portability stands out. It's lightweight enough to carry, and the folding mechanism is quick and painless. The water-resistance rating of IPX4 adds peace of mind for those surprise rainy commutes, though you won’t want to drench it.
Overall, the Ninebot E2 Plus feels like a reliable city scooter—perfect for short commutes and nighttime rides, with just enough power to handle small hills and smooth stops.
Hurtle - $559.99
The Hurtle Folding Electric Scooter surprised me with how much power it packs into a sleek, foldable frame. With its 500W brushless motor, it effortlessly tackled inclines up to 20 degrees—yes, even those steep neighborhood hills I usually avoid. It tops out at 19 mph, which feels just fast enough to keep things fun without crossing into nerve-wracking territory. And the range? Depending on the terrain and how much you’re carrying, you can get anywhere from 20 to 31 miles, making it a reliable option for commutes or weekend adventures.
One of my favorite features is the triple braking system. The front drum and rear disc brakes combined with the E-ABS system gave me confidence when riding through city streets, especially when quick stops were needed. The ride itself is smooth, thanks to the 10-inch pneumatic tires that absorb most of the bumps, making even rougher roads feel manageable. I also appreciated the dual shock absorbers—my back thanked me after.
The Tuya app control was a neat touch, letting me lock/unlock the scooter and keep an eye on battery life and mileage. The cruise control was a nice break for longer rides. The high-resolution LCD display is clear and easy to read, showing everything from speed to headlight status. And speaking of the headlight, it’s bright enough to make evening rides safer, with a red taillight that warns others when braking.
Weighing in at just over 55 pounds, the scooter is heavier than some, but the folding mechanism makes it easy to carry and store. Whether you’re tucking it into a trunk or squeezing it into a closet, it doesn’t take up much space, which is a big win for city dwellers like me.
Overall, the Hurtle Folding Electric Scooter combines power, safety, and convenience in a fairly stylish package. It’s a solid option if you’re looking for something that can handle longer distances, steeper climbs, and still fit in your apartment without taking over your entire living space.
Best for comfort: Jasion JS3 - $359.99
I recently had the chance to ride the Jasion JS3 Electric Scooter (with seat), and I have to say, it definitely made my daily commute easier. The 650W motor gives the scooter plenty of power. I hit speeds of 20 mph with no problem, and it even tackled a few steep inclines with ease, which is a huge plus if you live in a hilly area like I do. On a full charge, I was able to go about 20 miles, and the fast-charging feature meant I didn’t have to wait forever to get back on the road — a full recharge took just about 5-6 hours.
What I really loved was the adjustable seat. It’s perfect if you don’t want to stand the whole time. The seat’s height can be adjusted, so whether you're tall or short, you’ll find a comfortable position. It was also surprisingly smooth, thanks to the 12-inch pneumatic tires. They really help absorb shocks, which made riding over bumpy streets much more comfortable than I expected. Plus, the anti-slip deck provided great grip, so I never felt like I was going to slip, even when I wasn't sitting down.
The braking system was solid — front and rear mechanical disc brakes made me feel safe, especially when I had to stop quickly. At night, the headlights and taillights made it easy to see and be seen, which is important when you’re riding after dark. And the LCD display was a nice touch, giving me all the info I needed, like battery level and speed, at a quick glance.
One thing I didn’t expect was how easy it was to fold up the scooter. When I was done riding, I just folded it up and tossed it in the trunk of my car without any hassle. The scooter isn’t super light at 44 lbs, but it’s still manageable, especially with the removable rear basket. It’s great for running errands or even bringing along a small pet, since the basket can hold up to 39.6 lbs.
Setting it up was a breeze too. The scooter came 80% assembled, and with the instruction manual and video, I was able to finish putting it together in no time. Overall, the Jasion JS3 is a solid choice if you're looking for a scooter that’s both comfortable and practical.
It also stands out as a good choice for people with limited mobility, due to the option of being able to sit down while you ride.
Etwow GT SE - $1,099
The e-TWOW GT SE Electric Kick Scooter is a pretty solid option for anyone looking to have a little fun on their commute. The 700W motor is the star of the show—it gets up to 25 MPH with no problem, and it handles slopes up to 25 degrees without too much of a struggle. I tested it on a few steep hills around my neighborhood, and it powered right through without any stuttering.
The battery gives me about 25 miles on a single charge (though that’s depending on a few things, like the rider’s weight and the terrain). That’s more than enough for a daily commute or running errands around town. Plus, with the dual suspension, the ride is way smoother than I expected.
The best part for me? The foldability. This thing is lightweight, and when I’m done riding, I can easily fold it up and carry it with one hand—seriously, it feels like carrying a grocery bag. I’ve tossed it in the trunk of my car or just stored it under my desk when I’m at work, and it takes up barely any space.
I also played around with the e-TWOW app, and it’s nice to have that control over things like speed settings and even locking the scooter remotely. Plus, the KERS braking system is pretty cool—it helps recover energy when braking, making it feel more efficient when riding.
Overall, if you’re looking for something quick, comfortable, and portable for city commuting, the e-TWOW GT SE definitely ticks all the boxes.
Best for hilly areas: Inmotion Climber - $949
I took the Inmotion Climber Electric Scooter for a test ride, and it definitely impressed me. If you're someone who has to deal with hills on a regular basis, this scooter might be a game-changer. With dual 750W motors, the Climber easily handles 36% inclines. I took it up a steep hill near my place, and honestly, it didn't even feel like a challenge. Whether you’re commuting or just out for a weekend ride, this scooter has the power to tackle whatever terrain you throw at it.
The top speed of 23.6 MPH is more than enough for me, and it’s fast enough to get you around without feeling like you’re creeping along. What really stood out was the range—I got about 35 miles on a full charge, which is pretty solid for a scooter this powerful. The waterproof design is also impressive (IP56 rating), and I didn’t hesitate to ride it through a bit of light rain, feeling confident that the weather wouldn’t stop me.
Riding the Climber is a comfortable experience, especially with the 10-inch pneumatic tires that absorb a lot of the bumps and cracks in the road. The brake system is solid, with three different mechanisms to ensure smooth stops even when you're going at higher speeds.
Another nice touch is the scooter's foldability. At 45 lbs, it’s not super light, but it folds up quickly and fits easily into my car’s trunk, making it easy to take along wherever I go.
Overall, the Inmotion Climber is a fantastic option if you live in a hilly area or just want a more powerful scooter that can handle long rides and rough terrain. With its robust motor, long-lasting battery, and solid build, it definitely earns its place as a go-to for daily commutes and leisurely rides alike.
Best for tall and big riders: Inmotion S1F - $599
I have to say, the Inmotion S1F is something else. I'm 5'3" and weigh about 143lbs, so I was curious how a scooter built for larger riders would feel for someone my size, and it was great! The 300lb weight capacity means that this scooter is built for durability, and it made me feel confident right away.
One of the first things I noticed was the comfort of the 10-inch pneumatic tires, which are perfect for handling bumps and uneven surfaces. The ride was smooth even when I hit cracks or went over rough patches of road. Plus, the dual suspension made a huge difference. It absorbed a lot of the shocks, so I didn’t feel the usual jarring that comes with riding over rough terrain.
The 1000W motor gives you some serious power, and while I wasn’t pushing it to its limit, I did hit the 25 MPH top speed a few times, and it was smooth. I also gave the 30% hill-climbing capability a test, and even though I live in a hilly area, it had no trouble getting up the inclines without losing momentum. This scooter is not only fast but also really reliable when it comes to tackling different terrains.
Another feature that impressed me was the range. I managed to get about 50 miles on a single charge without worrying about running out of battery, which is perfect for my longer rides or commutes. The dual charging ports make it easy to top up, and the smart battery management system ensures everything stays in check, from temperature to short-circuit protection.
The S1F also has three riding modes: eco, standard, and sport. I mostly stayed in sport mode for the added power, but it’s nice to know I can switch to eco mode if I want to conserve the battery.
At 45 lbs, the S1F is heavier than some other scooters I’ve tested, but it folds up really quickly and fits easily into my car trunk, which is great for when I need to take it places. For those looking for a sturdy, long-range scooter that can handle hills and varying terrain without compromising comfort, the Inmotion S1F is definitely worth checking out.
Niu K3 Max - $459
I was curious about how well the NIU K3 Max would hold up in terms of performance and comfort, and it definitely surprised me in a lot of ways.
First off, the 350W motor with a 700W peak output packs enough punch to get you moving up to 20 miles per hour without breaking a sweat. I did a mix of flat and uphill terrain, and I was impressed by its ability to handle about 20% grade hills—it didn’t struggle at all, which is a huge plus if you live in a city with some elevation. On a full charge, I managed to get close to the 31-mile range without worrying about the battery running out, which is perfect for a longer commute or weekend ride. It takes about 6 hours to fully charge, so not too bad if you leave it charging overnight.
One feature that really stood out for me was the comfort. The deck is 13% wider than some other models, and that made a noticeable difference in terms of stability. I didn’t feel cramped, even when I was standing for longer stretches. The 25% wider handlebars (at 47.3 inches) felt more secure in my grip, especially when navigating through traffic. And those 2.5-inch thick tires? They made the ride so much smoother, even on rougher patches of road. I felt the shock absorption working, and it definitely made the experience more comfortable.
When it comes to safety, NIU didn’t skimp. The scooter comes with a triple braking system—front and rear disc brakes plus electric braking—which gave me confidence when I needed to stop quickly. The regenerative braking is also a nice touch, helping to recover some energy while you're stopping, which adds a bit to the overall efficiency of the ride. Plus, the scooter has Halo headlights and brake lights for better visibility, which I really appreciated when riding at night.
Another cool feature is the smart connectivity. With the NIU app, you can lock the scooter, track your ride stats, and customize the speed settings. It’s a great way to get a more personalized experience. The LED display on the scooter shows real-time updates on your speed and battery life, which makes it easy to keep an eye on everything.
Overall, the NIU K3 Max is a great scooter for anyone looking for a balance between performance and comfort. It’s got decent power, a good range, and the added safety features make it a solid choice for city riding.
iScooter iX4 - $539.99
The iScooter iX4comes with an 800W motor that gives it plenty of power, letting me hit speeds of up to 28 MPH and easily cover about 28 miles on a single charge. I took it through different terrains, and the 10-inch off-road tires with dual shock absorbers made sure I was comfortable, even on bumpy paths.
One thing I really liked was the height-adjustable handlebar. Being able to adjust it between 44.5 to 52.8 inches made it easy to find a comfortable riding position. And it’s foldable, so carrying or storing it is a breeze. However, at 51 lbs, it’s a bit on the heavier side, so you might want to keep that in mind if you need to carry it around a lot.
The turn signals and ambient lights are great for evening rides, and the MiniRobot app adds a fun element by letting me lock the scooter remotely and adjust settings like speed. If you're in the market for something that offers power, comfort, and practicality, the iScooter iX4 definitely delivers.
Specs comparison
Fact check: Price and specs checked 21st November, 2024.
