Electric scooters have revolutionized urban commuting and personal transportation, offering a convenient, eco-friendly, and fun way to navigate cities and towns. As the market expands, 2024 presents an exciting array of options, from budget-friendly models to high-performance machines. Choosing the right scooter can be overwhelming, with numerous brands and specifications to consider. This guide dives into the Best Scooters 2024 has to offer, providing expert insights to help you make an informed decision.
When considering personal electric vehicles, safety is paramount. Helmets are essential, and for higher speeds, full-face helmets offer superior protection.
Top Helmet Choices for Scooter Riders
Prioritizing safety while riding any scooter is crucial, and the right helmet is your first line of defense. Here are two recommended helmets that balance safety and practicality:
The Beam Virgo Helmet
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For riders who frequently exceed 15 miles per hour, a full-face helmet like The Beam Virgo Helmet is highly recommended. Priced at $299, this helmet provides comprehensive coverage, extending protection beyond just the top of your head. Testers have used the Virgo for several weeks and found it to be a satisfying choice. Its aesthetic appeal is immediately noticeable, and the flip-down visor is a particularly useful feature, preventing rain splatter and debris from obstructing vision during rides.
Putting on the Virgo helmet requires a snug fit, and users wearing glasses may need to remove them initially before placing the helmet and then re-inserting them. Thoughtfully designed holes on the side accommodate earbuds, enhancing the riding experience with personal audio. Comfort is a key aspect of the Virgo, although the internal padding may occasionally require readjustment when putting on the helmet. Importantly, the Beam Virgo is a MIPS helmet. MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) is a crucial safety technology that reduces rotational forces to the brain during angled impacts, significantly minimizing the risk of brain injuries in accidents.
Thousand Heritage 2.0 Helmet
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For those who typically ride at slower speeds, the Thousand Heritage 2.0 Helmet at $99 offers excellent protection and style. This helmet has been tested and favored by multiple reviewers for its attractive design and comfortable fit. A notable feature is its one-handed magnetic clasp, making it exceptionally easy to secure and remove. The Thousand Heritage 2.0 provides a blend of safety, convenience, and style, ideal for urban scooter riders prioritizing lower speed commutes and recreational rides.
Best Electric Scooters of 2024: Top Recommendations
Beyond helmets, selecting the right scooter is crucial. The market is filled with options, but some stand out for their performance, range, and overall value. Here are some of the best scooters 2024 has to offer, categorized for different needs and preferences.
Commuter-Friendly Scooters
For daily commutes, reliability, range, and portability are key. These scooters are designed to handle the rigors of daily urban travel.
Niu KQi3 Pro
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The Niu KQi3 Pro ($500) has consistently been recognized as a top pick for its excellent balance of features and affordability. Its impressive range for the price makes it a standout in the commuter category. Even with demanding routes involving steep inclines, testers have achieved approximately 15 miles on a single charge, with expectations of 18 to 20 miles under less strenuous conditions. The KQi3 Pro reaches a top speed of 20 miles per hour and is equipped with 9.5-inch tubeless tires that provide a comfortable ride across varied urban terrains. Disc brakes ensure reliable and quick stops, enhancing rider safety.
Practical features include an integrated bell, lights for visibility, and ample handlebar space for mounting accessories like phone holders. The scooter folds easily for storage and transport, although its 45-pound weight means it’s not the lightest option to carry for extended distances. One minor drawback is the non-folding handlebars, which can be cumbersome in tight spaces like stairwells. While slightly older, having been succeeded by the Niu KQi 300X and 300P, the KQi3 Pro remains a compelling option, especially if found on sale.
Navee S65
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The Navee S65 ($599) represents a newer brand making strides in the US market, offering a fun and efficient riding experience. It consistently achieves 16-mile round trips at 20 mph, though this typically depletes the battery. The geared hub motor delivers strong acceleration and impressive hill-climbing capability, but it is also notably loud, which may be a consideration in quieter neighborhoods.
Weighing 53 pounds, the S65 is heavier than some competitors with similar range capabilities. As a newer brand, long-term customer service reliability is still being established. Despite these points, the Navee S65 is praised for its enjoyable ride and robust performance, making it a solid contender for commuters seeking power and range.
Lightweight and Portable Scooters
For those needing ultimate portability, these lightweight scooters are easy to carry on public transport or store in small spaces.
Fluidfreeride Fluid Mosquito
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If lightweight portability is a top priority, the Fluidfreeride Fluid Mosquito ($899) is an excellent option. Weighing only 29 pounds, it’s among the lightest scooters in its class, featuring a built-in grab handle for easy carrying. It folds quickly and offers a top speed of 24 mph, providing a nimble and powerful ride.
However, the focus on lightweight design comes with some trade-offs. The suspension is adequate but not exceptional, meaning riders will feel bumps more noticeably. The narrow wheels and braking system, while functional, may lead to skidding during sudden stops. The range is also limited, averaging around 9 miles in testing. Speed modes must be set before riding, lacking on-the-fly adjustments. Despite these limitations, the Fluid Mosquito is ideal for those who need an ultra-lightweight scooter for easy transport and quick trips.
TurboAnt M10 Lite
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For budget-conscious buyers seeking a lightweight option, the TurboAnt M10 Lite ($300) is a perfectly adequate choice, especially for riders under 200 pounds. Assembly requires a few extra steps compared to some scooters. In testing, it achieved around 8 miles of range, but it boasts a quick folding system, a bright display, and a light weight of 31 pounds.
While it may not reach its advertised top speed of 16 mph for heavier riders and struggles on steep hills, the M10 Lite is a practical, affordable, and portable scooter for short commutes on flat terrain.
Radio Flyer S533
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The Radio Flyer S533 ($599) is surprisingly competent for its category, featuring an exceptionally easy folding mechanism and a lightweight design at 30 pounds. Its range is limited to under 8 miles per charge, making it unsuitable for long commutes. Despite exceeding its 220-pound load capacity in tests, it maintained an average speed of 14 mph, close to its 16 mph top speed.
Ideal for short errands like trips to the store or post office, the S533’s price point may not fully align with its power and performance capabilities. Initial quality control issues were noted in testing, but subsequent models performed reliably. Overall, it’s a convenient, lightweight scooter for short, local trips, but consider if the price justifies its limited range and power.
Performance and Power Scooters
For riders seeking higher speeds and longer ranges, these performance scooters deliver a more robust experience.
MiniMotors USA Dualtron Mini Special
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The MiniMotors USA Dualtron Mini Special ($1,199) is a step up in performance, offering a top speed of 35 mph and a range of 25 to 30 miles in real-world testing, despite a claimed 40-mile range. Assembly can be challenging due to vague instructions, and the associated MiniMotors Dualtron app is not user-friendly, particularly for beginners.
This scooter is not recommended for newcomers, but for experienced riders, it provides a rewarding riding experience. It handles inclines well, but its hefty weight of 59 pounds is paired with a relatively low max load capacity of 200 pounds. Despite these considerations, the Dualtron Mini Special delivers high performance and speed for experienced scooter enthusiasts.
Gotrax GX2
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The Gotrax GX2 ($1,299) is a powerful and long-range scooter, comparable to the Apollo Phantom in its capabilities. Weighing 76 pounds, it packs dual 800-watt motors, achieving a top speed of 35 mph, although typically ridden at around 20 mph in testing. It provided an 18.4-mile range with battery to spare in tests.
Carrying the GX2 is cumbersome due to its thick stem, and its “Parking mode” feature, which engages after a few seconds of inactivity and cannot be disabled, is inconvenient. Some build quality concerns were noted during testing, including motor noises and a stem latch that easily disengages. Potential buyers should inspect for these issues and contact Gotrax or a local scooter shop if problems arise. Despite these points, the GX2 offers significant power and range for serious scooter riders.
Evolv Terra
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The Evolv Terra ($1,170) is a powerful scooter that balances performance and portability. Weighing 53 pounds, its thin stem makes it relatively easier to carry. It can reach speeds up to 31 mph using dual 600-watt motors, with a more typical cruising speed of 20 mph in the second of its three-speed settings using a single motor. Range is average, with approximately 15 miles achieved with some battery reserve, potentially exceeding 20 miles with conservative speed management.
Suspension is adequate, but solid tires can make for a bumpy ride on rough surfaces. Fenders offer limited protection in wet conditions. The stem angle may feel too close to the body for some riders, and the lack of a thumb throttle may cause wrist fatigue on longer rides, although adjustments are possible. Overall, the Evolv Terra is a capable scooter that offers a blend of power and manageable portability.
Budget-Friendly Scooter
For those seeking an affordable entry into electric scooters, the Gotrax Apex offers a solid option.
Gotrax Apex
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The Gotrax Apex ($350) is a budget-friendly scooter that weighs 32 pounds and folds easily. It includes an integrated bell and digital display showing speed and battery life, with a top speed of 15 mph. The Apex is noted for its reliability in various daily uses, from commuting to errands.
However, the ride is not the smoothest, and its 250-watt motor struggles with even slight inclines, significantly impacting battery life on slopes. Range is typically around 9 miles. Taller riders may find the handlebar reach uncomfortable. The rear disc brake may require tightening for optimal stopping power. Despite these limitations, the Gotrax Apex is a dependable and affordable entry-level scooter for flat urban environments.
Scooters to Avoid
While many scooters offer great value, some models have significant drawbacks. Here are scooters to avoid in 2024 due to various issues:
Niu KQi Air
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The Niu KQi Air ($1,399) is intriguing due to its carbon fiber frame, making it incredibly light at 26 pounds with a 20-mph top speed. It folds easily and features turn signals, a user-friendly app, and regenerative braking. However, its range is limited to under 10 miles per charge.
Testing revealed connectivity issues, requiring a manual power cable disconnection to pair with a phone. The theft protection system, while present, has quirks: the alarm can be disabled, but the auto-braking feature when rolled can only be deactivated by turning the scooter on. Reliability issues were also encountered, with an initial test unit failing completely. Performance inconsistencies, such as speed fluctuations possibly due to thermal issues, further detract from its appeal. Despite its innovative features, the Niu KQi Air is plagued by too many annoyances and reliability concerns to be recommended.
Veo Cosmo X
The Veo Cosmo X ($2,499) is a sit-down scooter, diverging from traditional kick scooters. While offering a comfortable ride, its range is extremely poor, barely reaching 10 miles at its 17-mph top speed despite its substantial 94-pound weight. Originating from the rideshare market, this model’s consumer version does not justify its high price given its limited performance.
Gotrax G6 and Eclipse
The Gotrax G6 ($500) and Eclipse ($503) offer decent range and comfortable rides but suffer from a significant overheating problem. In 80-degree Fahrenheit weather, both models experienced overheating errors after just 20 minutes of riding, particularly when encountering inclines. This issue persisted despite being well under their rated load capacity, making them unreliable in warm conditions.
Taur Electric Scooter
The Taur Electric Scooter ($995) has a unique pedal-based design, offering a smooth ride and good suspension. Its stand-upright design is excellent for storage in small spaces. It reaches speeds up to 24 mph and handles slopes well, but range is severely compromised at higher speeds, dropping to a mere 8 miles. The folding mechanism is cumbersome, and it’s heavy to carry at 38 pounds. The app is also clunky, and serious concerns have emerged regarding the company’s customer service and repair support. Due to numerous flaws and poor customer support, the Taur is not recommended.
Atomi Alpha
The Atomi Alpha ($299) is visually appealing and offers a comfortable ride with visibility lights. It folds easily and is portable. However, it struggles to reach its top speed even with lighter riders. Its kickstand is poorly designed, making it prone to tipping over even in light winds. Reliability issues were also noted, with a test unit failing after a few months. The Atomi Alpha’s attractive design is overshadowed by functional and reliability shortcomings.
Levy Plus
The Levy Plus ($749) features a replaceable battery and reliable disc brakes. However, it is notably slow on inclines, best suited for flat terrain with a rated incline capability of only 5 to 10 percent. While lightweight at 30 pounds, its performance limitations make it less versatile compared to other scooters in its price range.
Unagi Model One Classic
The Unagi Model One Classic, available for rent at $59 per month for a refurbished model, is less recommended compared to the newer Model One Voyager. Its specifications are outdated, and newer models offer superior performance and features, making the Classic a less compelling option in 2024.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best Scooter for 2024
Navigating the best scooters 2024 market requires understanding your priorities. For commuters, the Niu KQi3 Pro and Navee S65 offer excellent range and reliability. If portability is key, the Fluidfreeride Fluid Mosquito and TurboAnt M10 Lite stand out for their lightweight designs. Performance enthusiasts will appreciate the power of the MiniMotors USA Dualtron Mini Special, Gotrax GX2, and Evolv Terra. Budget-conscious riders can consider the Gotrax Apex for basic commuting needs.
However, models like the Niu KQi Air, Veo Cosmo X, Gotrax G6/Eclipse, Taur, Atomi Alpha, Levy Plus, and Unagi Model One Classic should be approached with caution due to noted issues ranging from poor performance and reliability to customer service concerns.
By carefully evaluating your needs against the strengths and weaknesses of each model, you can choose the best scooter of 2024 to enhance your personal transportation and riding experience.
