Best Electric Scooters For Adults

ANYHILL UM-1-Friendly, Light and Fun!

ANYHILL UM-1 is a breakout brand we’ve talked about alot this year, and it was mainly thanks to their flagship e-scooter, the ANYHILL UM-2. The UM-2 is an incredibly stable scooter, with decent performance stats, unique features like a center stand in place of a kickstand, and the best (and lightest) removable battery we’ve seen. Following the UM-2’s success, ANYHILL proceeded to release another scooter, this time in the entry-level category, a scooter we think could be the modern day Xiaomi M365 alternative, and that’s the ANYHILL UM-1.

Why Do We Love It?

It doesn’t excel in any particular area, but is instead an all-around electric scooter.

When asked why we love the UM-1, our expert riders have this to say, “The scooter has an intangible charm to it when riding.” Now, while this is not exactly quantifiable numbers, it does tell you that you will enjoy riding the scooter. If you’re a new rider, the first thing you will appreciate about the UM-1 is that there’s no learning curve involved. It is pretty straightforward–you hop on, and throttle. We understand that sometimes adults do not want to try things at the cost of looking ‘unskilled’, therefore, if that’s a fear you have, the UM-1 has got you covered.

The UM1 is an inexpensive scooter–but despite that, there are 3 things it gets right, plus a bonus. First of all, the brand is ANYHILL, therefore it only makes sense that the scooter is good at hill climbing. On our 10%, 200.0 ft hill test climb, the scooter managed to reach the top in 20.4 seconds, and maintained top speed whether it was going up or downhill. 

The second thing it gets right is in portability. The scooter weighs an ESG-certified 30.8 lbs, and is therefore relatively easy to lift and carry for pretty much any adult. It also folds down to a really small package that can be stashed away in tiny corners, or under your seat in public transportation.

Thirdly, the electric scooter comes with a battery with name brand cells, which allows the scooter to cover more range per pound from its small battery. Now, 11.8 miles per charge doesn’t feel too thrilling, but it helps to know that you get good battery life since the energy efficient cells can withstand multiple recharges better than generic batteries.

The bonus? Well, we talked about a charm factor, and we think that one of the reasons it feels so good to ride the UM-1 is because of what ANYHILL terms as ‘a durable, built-in adjustable vibration damper’ located in the stem. This is basically a wedge of rubber that one, keeps the stem firm, while two, absorb any vibrations before they get to the rider’s hands. This damping supplements the shock absorption provided by the scooter’s 9.0-inch pneumatic tires, and the increased stability lets you ride more confidently, contributing to that wow-factor.

Basically, if you’re looking for a simple, inexpensive, fun, and lightweight scooter to cover that last mile, the ANYHILL UM-1 is the scooter for you.

Unagi Model One-Sleek, Portable, and Carefree

When the Unagi first came out, it was (and still is) one of the sleekest scooters ever to hit the market. But the Unagi featured such premium build and engineering that it couldn’t retail for what commuters of the day went for. All that’s history now. Unagi wanted to make their premium scooters available, which prompted the most ingenious marketing model, based on ‘hardware as a service’–the Unagi Model subscription. Unagi CEO David Hyman called it the ‘Netflix of electric scooters’ in a recent interview with our team.

Why Do We Love It?

For adults,  this is what you want to be seen with. It’s a device that earns respect.

The Unagi Subscription is a pretty straightforward contract. Sign up, receive your Unagi scooter in two to three days, pay $55 monthly to retain your ‘ownership’, cancel the subscription any time. In simple terms, it’s a rental model, but one that lets you own your scooter for the duration that you’re paying the (low) subscription fees. You also have the option to bundle in insurance against theft and damage.

The model has been successful, and that comes as no surprise. The scooter itself is a good product, and one that fits the ‘adult brand’. It’s adoption also speaks to the efficiency of both the subscription model and the scooter. It is public knowledge that Google partnered with Unagi and covers the subscription fees for its employees–as one of their noteworthy clients.

The Unagi Model One is currently retailing for $490, a one-time 2022 model clearance, which is an insane price point and one you shouldn’t let pass. We like that the Unagi is ultra portable, and that it comes with dual motors that really show off on hills, has maintenance free solid tires, rides to a decent 20.0 mph, not to mention that it is also quite stable thanks to the solid build quality. Owning this premium scooter just makes sense. But if you’re planning on going the monthly rental way, we have a $350 coupon off your subscription. 

That said, there’s another Unagi we can’t wait to get our hands on, a new model coming in–the Unagi Model One Voyager. The Voyager is set to solve some of the original Model One’s downsides, like the limited range as it comes with energy efficient 21700 cells. It should have improved top speed and acceleration, and more sustainable hill climb, thanks to the more efficient motors and controllers. 

NIU KQi2 Pro-Best Build 

From a world renowned electric vehicle manufacturer to the next big thing in the scooter market, NIU is reinventing the kick scooter space, one amazing scooter after another. Their high volume output and many years of experience culminate in high-quality scooters that are competitively priced, as evidenced by the NIU KQi2 Pro–a scooter we’ve previously tagged as the ‘best value under $600.’

Why Do We Love It?

Unbeatable build and ride quality.

The KQi2 Pro may be the most affordable of NIU’s scooters, but there’s nothing cheap but the price tag. The scooter looks and feels vehicle-grade. Key highlights here include, the taller and wider handlebars, the larger 10.0-inch tires, the large 15-degree rake angle that prevents a tumble should you take one hand off the bars and the ultra-solid frame. NIU scooters, the KQi2 Pro included, also come with an adjustable, always-on halo light that ensures good visibility night or day and can be projected where the light is needed.

Further testimony to the excellent build is seen in the water protection. While the scooter is only rated IP54, the frame design and fender positioning is so good, you might be tempted to keep riding through puddles. Besides that, the deck is covered with grip tape, which is uncommon in this class of scooters. Grip tape has better stability than a rubber mat, and the KQi2 Pro even comes with a spare one, with even more colorful options on the site.

The dash is simple, but easy to read in sunlight. The kickstand is solid and easy to deploy. And the folding mechanism has a quick folding and unfolding latch. It goes without saying that the KQi2 Pro over-delivers on build quality. But nothing beats the 2-year warranty on all parts including the dash, motor controllers, and battery–which is the truest testament of a company that believes in the quality of their products.

If your budget is $600, we’re yet to find a scooter that’s better value than the KQi2 Pro.

Apollo Air 2022-Best Ride Quality under $1,000

Apollo are absolute experts when it comes to giving the rider what they need–but ever since they took design and production in-house, we’ve gotten a lot of exciting upgrades. Even their budget scooter, the Apollo Air, got an upgrade. So, here is the Apollo Air 2022.

Why Do We Love It?

The great ride quality and portability.

The Apollo Air has a truly solid build quality, with great specs and features. However, it’s the feel of the ride that really takes the Apollo Air to the next level. This scooter comes with front and rear 10.0-inch air pneumatic tires that do a stellar job at absorbing a lot of the shocks from uneven tracks. But imagine pairing that with front, dual fork motorcycle-style suspension. The ride just feels buttery, which is quite the steal, considering the price tag.

The deck allowance is okay, at 19.5 inches x 7.0-inches and the handlebars are superwide, giving you great ergonomics. Something else newer riders will appreciate is the front drum brakes, which are less grabby than mechanical disc brakes and ensure that you won’t put yourself over the handlebars when braking.

The scooter will give you a decent 19.9 mph of top speed, and if you really want to enjoy the ride even further, there’s the provision for a cruise control mode. The state-of-the-art app also allows you to really fine-tune your riding, which further improves the ride experience.

NIU KQi3 Max-We Can’t Stop Riding It!

With over 2 million Vespa style scooters sold, and now 4 new kick scooters in the market, NIU is definitely doing something right. Despite being new to the kick and electric scooter world, they definitely got us talking in 2022. The scooter that broke ground for them was the NIU KQi2 Pro, that remains the best value for money under $600. But as the brand gained traction, they needed something new for heavy-duty users, and that’s where the KQi3 Max e-scooter comes in.

Why Do We Love It?

It delivers performance you can grow into.

The KQi3 Max is NIU’s Ninebot Max killer–designed for max performance, max thrill, max safety, max efficiency, max everything. Out of the box, the set-up required is minimal for anyone that’s worried because they’re not particularly handy. Once you’re set up, you can’t just zip away on this scooter. There’s a mandatory beginner tutorial that takes you through the riding basics and ensures that you can safely get on the road before allowing you access to full throttle–something that’s confidence inspiring for beginner riders of any level.

The KQi3 Max has an aggressive, powerful motor with a 450 w rating. It has no zero start, but once you get it running, there’s no stopping it, well, unless you engage the dual, front and real mechanical brakes, plus one of the most efficient variable regen. The scooter goes from 0-15.0 mph in 4.6 seconds, and will accelerate to a top speed of 22.0 mph. For a commuter scooter, anything around the 20.0 mph top speed is more than sufficient. And if you do need to stop, the brakes set-up brings you to a stop from 15.0 mph in just 9.3 ft, one of the best braking distances on our performance database.

The KQi3 Max is a 48V scooter with a 608 wh battery. Cruising in the highest riding mode on our challenging range test course, we got 23.3 miles of range, which is plenty to get around when running your errands or as a last mile commuter. It also helps that it has one of the neatest folding mechanisms–so you can fold your scooter and carry it with you on the train or bus, guaranteeing that you don’t slow down, (or sweaty) as you cross that last mile or two getting to the office or to your appointments.

Uscooters GT Sport-Ultimate Portability

They may not be the flashiest, or have the most advanced features, but at the end of the day, on some days, it’s the reliable one that takes home the crown. Uscooters is a brand known for its manufacture of some of the most reliable electric scooters. The scooters are not big on aesthetics–but if you want a scooter that will take you from point A to B reliably, this brand is one of your best bets. Their most recent iteration is the Uscooters GT Sport.

Why Do We Love It?

For adults that lead busy lives, sometimes you want something that just works.

A scooter can have all the bells and whistles, but if it’s truly meant to ease that first and last mile commute, then it really needs to be portable. Ultraportable even, like the GT Sport. This is an electric scooter that weighs 29.6 lbs–we’ve called it ‘the scooter you can bicep curl.’ It’s easy on the arms when carrying for nearly all adults, whether it’s up a flight or stairs or across the campus or office hallways.

The GT Sport also folds down to some of the smallest dimensions–42.0 inches x 13.0 inches x 6.0 inches, thanks to the foldable handlebars and retractable stem. The scooter also has small solid rubber tires that reduce the folded dimensions, making this a scooter you can store in very tiny spaces; including under your seat in buses, trains, or at the dentist’

Now, we know there are other lighter and equally portable electric scooters available, but this one is the cheapest you can get without sacrificing performance. It goes up to 30.0 mph, which is even higher than the manufacturer stated max speed. What’s more, it’s fitted with a large battery that uses energy-dense Samsung cells, again, again, to keep the weight low, and achieve a max range of 13.8 miles.

The 20.0 inch x 5.6-inch deck is pretty narrow, to keep the folded dimensions slim, but makes up for it in length to maintain riding ergonomics. The handlebars are also narrow, but on the bright side, make it easier to reach for controls. Nevertheless, the scooter’s small frame does not deter heavier riders as it can carry a max rider weight of 275.0 lbs, which is sufficient for a large class of adult riders, without sacrificing efficiency. 

Priced under $1,100, and given the company’s track record, the Uscooters GT Sport is the adult electric scooter for you, and more so, if you’re looking for long term efficiency, but not looking to spend too much on it. 

Apollo City Pro-Everything You Need. Just Bring a Helmet

Apollo went on what felt like spring cleaning and upgraded their entire scooter line-up. Since the success of the 2021 Apollo Phantom in-house upgrade, Apollo brought the heat and decided to revamp their entire (well, almost) line up of scooters. And what a treat this has been as we’ve gotten some of the best spec-sheets on these redone scooters across the different categories. For urban dwellers, we have the Apollo City Pro.

Why Do We Love It?

So many features at price point! 

This has been called ‘the most integrated electric scooter of 2022.’ But is it?

Well, spoiler alert, it actually is!

We had a teaser for this commuter scooter before it debuted at the Europe Micromobility Conference held in Amsterdam earlier this year, and we really couldn’t wait to experience it for ourselves. The sleek lines, no exposed parts, the quality feel, the allure of its crisp gray coat of paint–there’s a reason the City Pro keeps gathering new titles even months after its release

From the top, the scooter’s handlebars look sleek and have been crafted to accommodate accessories without feeling cramped. The ends are grippy, with a thumb throttle on the right and variable thumb regen on the left. The display is nice and can be read in any light condition. And it helps that the City Pro has one of the best app support–an app that accurately predicts remaining range and allows you to dial in regen braking and acceleration intensity.

The City Pro electric scooter delivers on performance. It’s not an extreme performer–as the name suggests, it is best suited for the urban rider. That said, you get a decent top speed of 30.9 mph, with an acceleration of 2.9 seconds from 0-15.0 mph. That’s plenty of thrill and it allows you to keep up with traffic. You also get 22.7 miles of riding thanks to the 648  wh battery with energy dense 21700 cells. The 3 A charger also comes in handy with its fast charging ability, juicing up the scooter from 0 to full in just 4.5 hours. 

 The original City was fun and easy to ride, and so is the City Pro. The Pro gets even better with the new 10.0-inch, tubeless flat-proof tires. We tested them, they work. This combined with the City Pro’s front and rear dual swing arm suspension, means you’ll enjoy a comfortable ride as you cruise along–yes, it has cruise control, although the suspension did feel stiff for our 165.0 lb rider. The max rider weight is 220.0 lbs, which is a bit of a low cut off but not uncommon in the commuter class of scooters.

Riders living in hilly terrain will appreciate that the City Pro now comes with dual motors, whose impact is best felt when ascending inclines. On our 200.0 ft, 10% hill test, the scooter sustained an average speed of 13.4 mph, reaching the top in just 10.1 seconds. And if it does happen to rain, you have the highest IP rating on the City Pro at IP66. It really is a scooter with everything and at a price that doesn’t make you want to scream your head off.

Vsett 10+-Boost mode!

Vsett is an evolution of the Zero line of electric scooters, and the Vsett 10+ was one of the most highly anticipated electric scooters of 2021. The Zero 10 X did a lot of things great,which set the bar pretty high for the Vsett.

Why Do We Love It?

Impressive performance 

Vsett is one of the best light heavyweight scooters we have. Beast scooters are great–they have all the power and performance you need. But they’re not practical for everyday usage. This is why light heavyweight scooters are critical for brands. They are a nice middle ground between commuters and performance scooters–giving you tons of range and speed, while being manageable enough for everyday life.

That said, the Vsett’s performance is incredible. The dual 1400w scooter is quick off the starting line, getting to 15.0 mph in just 1.9 seconds. The scooter can run to a top speed of 43.3 mph. You can control the speed using three dedicated gear modes. However, the scooter also comes with two dedicated buttons for Dual Motor mode and Sport Mode. The Dual Motor button stays in when engaged and gives you the full 2800 w of continuous power.

Sport mode is the Vsett’s version of boost mode. When engaged, the gear indicator on the dash shows S, and you get 2 minutes of higher output, i.e., more power, higher acceleration and higher speed. After your two minutes are up, Sport mode disengages and the motor takes 5 minutes to cool down. Having sport mode increases the potential for fun, just in knowing that you can boost your ride when, say, overtaking, going through challenging terrain, or even avoiding potential collision.

Kaabo Mantis V2-Performance Bargain

Kaabo makes great performance electric scooters, and the Mantis models have been well-received, probably due to their pocket friendliness. You get a lot of the same build and ride quality, a lot of the high performance stats, but without having to pay over $2,000—without counting the Mantis King GT, of course. The Kaabo Mantis V2 is a great place to start, if you’re only just getting into the exciting world of high-powered, performance scooters.

Why Do We Love It?

Like the Wolf Warrior X (base), it’s also resetting base model standards.

It’s hard to believe the Matis V2 costs under $2,000, especially when you look at the specs sheet and performance stats. This is a scooter that’s, first of all, equipped with dual sine wave controllers, which are not typical in this class. They are, however, responsible for the smooth and powerful acceleration of the Mantis V2, letting the Mantis hit 15.0 mph in just 2.2 seconds. The smooth controllers eliminate wheel spin, letting the scooter launch faster, and thus, the quick acceleration.

Once you get going, you can ride the scooter up to 37.3 mph, bringing it dangerously close to the big dogs. The scooter is also great at hill climbs, and it reached the top of our 200.0 ft, 10% hill in just 8.1 seconds, beating legends like the Phantom V2, Segway’s GT1, the Eagle Pro, and the Wolf Warrior X Pro (all big performance scooters). The Zoom Hydraulic disc brakes, another feature not common in this class, bring the scooter to a stop from 15.0 mph to 0 in just 9.7 ft, the 7th shortest braking distance, and a tie with NAMI’s BURN-E 2 Max.

The excellent stopping power is also thanks to the scooter’s great front and rear spring suspension. The dual suspension keeps the scooter from bouncing too much, which is great for a smooth ride. The 10.0-inch tires also do a stellar job at improving the quality of the ride. And with a ride as smooth as the Mantis V2, the 27.2 miles of range from the 1092 wh battery don’t feel exhausting. You also get a large deck and comfortable handlebars that greatly improve ride ergonomics.

Kaabo Mantis King GT-Breakout, Best-in-Class

For several years now, Kaabo has been the go-to brand for riders that wanted high efficiency, performance, durable, and fairly-priced electric scooters. That has not changed–in fact, it’s only gotten better. The year 2022 saw many brands upgrade existing models, and Kaabo was not left behind. And if it warrants saying, we’ll say it, but Kaabo knocked it out of the park, as always. The Kaabo Mantis Pro got a complete overhaul of its performance and features, and the outcome was the Kaabo Mantis King GT.

Why Do We Love It?

Feature packed, and a class-leader.

The Kaabo Mantis King GT is the new king of the light heavyweights. We give this term to scooters that weigh under 80.0 lbs, have 10.0-inch tires, and have dual motors. The Kaabo Mantis King GT  weighs 74.0 lbs, dual 1100 w motors, and large 10.0-inch tires. But that only qualifies it–what actually makes the Mantis King GT a class leader?

For starters, the performance is bonkers for its price. It has outstanding numbers for each performance spec–45.1 mph in top speed, 1.9 seconds acceleration to 15.0 mph, a braking distance of 9.6 ft from 15.0 mph speed, 36.6 miles of range on a single charge, and 7.5 seconds to the top of our 200.0 ft, 10% hill climb. Now, let’s see how the Mantis King GT electric scooter achieves such amazing numbers.

The scooter now comes with upgraded 2* 30 A motor controllers that give it smoother, faster, and more powerful acceleration. This impact is felt as the scooter takes off, gains speed, and even moreso, as it tackles hills on its path. It has the same thumb throttle we see on many performance scooters–the one with the dead zone at the beginning of travel, and we hope you check out the independent review to see how to solve this problem.

When it comes to braking, the Mantis King GT has front and rear Zoom hydraulic brakes–and hydraulic brakes are just the standard for good braking. It also helps that the scooter has good traction from the large and wide 10.0 inch x 3.1-inch hybrid off road tires–though they do tend to get noisy on road. On the plus size, they come with split rims for easy tire change should you choose to switch them out.

The decent range is thanks to its large 1440 wh battery that’s made with efficient 21700 samsung cells, giving the Mantis King GT more wh per pound, and a longer battery life. Kaabo also installed 2 charging ports for this Mantis and supplies the user with 2 chargers, cutting the charge time to just 6 hrs for this huge battery.

Now, performance is nothing without good ride quality, and luckily the Mantis King GT delivers on a comfortable ride. The large pneumatic tires have a lot to do with it, but so does the front and rear adjustable hydraulic suspension, the large 21.0 inch x 8.7-inch rubberized deck, the silky smooth sinewave controllers, the built-in steering damper, and the stiff stem, though it could be stiffer still.

All this goodness, and the scooter doesn’t cost a dime over $2,500. If you’re looking for an adult ride that means business, then this is it.

Kaabo Wolf Warrior X GT- Dual Stem Stability

The Wolf Warrior X is perhaps the most underrated electric scooter we have. It doesn’t get enough props for being a base model scooter that outdid its pro version in almost everything. The X base model was, for us, a fine balance of everything–build quality, performance, price, plus a tonne of efficiency. Then shortly after Kaabo released the Mantis King GT, we also got word of a Wolf Warrior X GT. Here’s how they made the best scooter ever, even better.

Why Do We Love It?

The X base model was already the best scooter ever, then they went ahead and gave it the GT treatment.

Kaabo might have won the lottery on the Mantis King GT design, but there’s one thing that the Warrior X GT has that makes it better for a whole host of riders, and that’s dual stem stability. For scooters that ride as fast as these Kaabos, the slightest wobble is enough to slow you down and keep you from enjoying the intensity of the scooter’s top speeds. That’s why NAMI invests in built in dampers, while Dualtrons make the provision as accessories. But none of them beats Kaabo’s dual stem. Even at high speed, the Warrior X GT and others like the Warrior 11 and Wolf King feel extremely stable, which helps you keep riding fast.

Riding the Wolf Warrior X GT will also be a breeze since it comes with twin sinewave controllers, meaning more power and smoother acceleration. It doesn’t accelerate as fast as the Mantis King GT–but it gets to 15.0 mph in a whopping 2.1 seconds. The top speed is, however, better at 45.3 mph–and you can choose one of the 5 programmable riding modes to the one that best suits your needs. And thanks to the large, hybrid off-road tires, traction is incredible, and you can test out this new-found power on any kind of terrain.

During our range test, we set it to the highest (5) mode, and got 44.2 miles of range, which is in the top 10 longest ranges we’ve tested out of over 100 scooters. On hills, it absolutely crushes–7.6 seconds to the top of our hill test climb, which is a tie with the Wolf Warrior 11 and 0.2 seconds shy of the Dualtron Thunder. Braking is also in the top 10, thanks to the Zoom Hydraulics that bring it to a stop from 15.0 mph in 9.8 ft. Unfortunately, you cannot completely turn off regen braking on this electric scooter. 

The Wolf Wolf Warrior X GT is for you if you like dirt biking, but for scooters.

Segway GT2- Ultimate Ride Quality

The biggest scooter company in the world, Segway, has long been known to produce some of the best commuter scooters we have. In fact, the Segway Ninebot Max was so successful that it became a benchmark for anyone trying to break into the market at the commuter level. Therefore, when Segway decided to dabble in the performance class of scooters, we knew it had to be something good. Enter, Segways GT2.

Why Do We Love It?

An electric scooter that embodies what the future looks like for micromobility.

Segway released two versions of the GT line of electric scooters simultaneously–the GT1 and the GT2. While the build quality is largely the same for both scooters, the GT2 is a little more advanced than its less expensive, lower performance, single-motor GT1 sibling. The Segway GT2 is the adult ride for someone that wants to blend performance, quality, and aesthetics. 

The ride quality on this scooter is top tier. For starters, the scooter rolls on large 11.0 inch x 3.6-inch, self-sealing tires that go over obstacles like a dream. To complement the function of the tires, the scooter is equipped with a front double-wishbone suspension and rear trailing-arm suspension. The comfortable ride you get is nearly unprecedented, whether you’re riding through the city or exploring some off-road trails. And, the suspension is adjustable, so you can tune it to your weight or riding conditions.

But it’s not just the ride that feels great. You will also enjoy the ergonomic and thoughtful set up of the controls and riding platform. You get a twist throttle that is smooth and also quite responsive. The scooter also feels incredibly stable, probably thanks to the 18-degree rake angle. It’s the largest we’ve seen and makes the scooter even more stable than the NAMI’s that come with an installed steering damper. And you’ll never have your wheels spinning out of control because the GT2 comes with traction control that works so well, you’ll only feel the impact when it gets turned off.

Other features on the GT2 are just bonuses that make this quite the premium purchase, e.g, the transparent PM OLED dash, sentinel mode for scooter safety and its best-in-class lighting profile. If luxury is what you want, then the GT2 certainly delivers.

NAMI BURN-E 2-Beast Scooter, Not Beast Price

In 2021, NAMI debuted their first scooter, the BURN-E, a beast scooter that obliterated most of our performance records–13/16 records, to be specific. This was THE performance scooter. But $4,500 is quite the price tag, even though the performance and ride quality actually justified it. However, NAMI had already cracked the formula and were not going to let this i$$ue get in the way. Earlier this year, NAMI reimagined the BURN-E and brought it back in a less expensive package–the BURN-E 2.

Why Do We Love It?

Exotic looks, with the performance of much more expensive e-scooters.

The first sign that you’re getting more than you pay for with the NAMI BURN-E 2 scooter, is the fact that it’s being constantly compared to scooters with a $4,000 plus tag, while retailing for under $3,500. This is a hand-built scooter, whose main body is made of a hand-welded tubular frame that looks and feels exotic. It is sturdy enough to support the extreme performance that you get when riding hard. Let’s delve into the numbers. 

From 0 to 15.0 mph, the BURN-E 2 takes only 1.8 seconds, which is the third fastest acceleration in our database, behind the original BURN-E and the BURN-E 2 Max. The BURN-E 2 then accelerates to a top speed of 43.8 mph. The top speed is out-run by a bunch of Kaabos, Dualtrons, and the other two NAMI’s, but let’s face it, unless you’re out racing everyday, 40.0 mph is usually sufficient for most riders. For safety, the Logan 2 piston, front and rear hydraulic brakes outperformed the NUTT brakes on the original BURN-E to bring the scooter to a halt in just 10.3 ft from a speed of 15.0 mph.

The BURN-E 2 has smaller dual 30 A sinewave controllers acting on the dual 2000W motors. The scooter has a provision to independently control motor output, allowing you to customize your riding modes. However, the motors remain quite torquey as we experienced during the hill test climb. The scooter sustained an average speed of 19.9 mph, behind the other NAMI scooters, the Dualtron Thunder, Segway’s GT2. 

Other than that, the ride feels quite smooth and comfortable. You get a large deck, large TUOVVT tires, front and rear adjustable hydraulic suspension, an adjustable steering damper for stability, the tallest handlebars at 42.5-inches, and you can even engage cruise and reduce riding fatigue on your fingers. And with a 330.0 lbs rider weight limit, this electric scooter is sure to accommodate most adults looking for a thrilling scooter without spending too much.

Hiboy S2- Entry Level Performance

Hiboy’s S2 is another classic–and one that seems to always get the job done. It’s a cheap, lightweight scooter without any of the bells and whistles. But if you’re on the fence about getting into scooting, this is a safe bet that won’t break your bank. And let’s face it, with all the responsibilities going on as an adult, you don’t need to splurge on everything.

Why Do We Love It?

The Hiboy is the fastest budget electric scooter we can recommend.

This burger electric scooter featured prominently in the best of 2022-23. It is still an excellent scooter, and very fast for your price point. Sadly, it’s beginning to lag in innovation. And we expect by the time we do best of 2023, there will be some real shake up in the new rider/entry level category

If you’re looking for an entry level scooter, the Hiboy S2 doesn’t disappoint in performance. The highlight remains the top speed, which is relatively high given its low price point. It maxes out at 19.0 mph; accelerating from 0 to 15.0 mph in 6.2 seconds. It also does surprisingly well on hills, and the 350 w motor maintained an average speed of 7.1 mph on our 200.0 ft 10% hill grade.

The 270 wh battery is a bit of a meh, with 12.7 miles of range. But remember, with budget electric scooters (under $500), you will have compromises. And the other big compromise with the Hiboy S2 electric scooter is the ride quality. The scooter comes with 8.5-inch front and rear honeycomb tires which already speaks to a stiff ride. And despite their attempt to salvage this with a rear shock absorber, the tiniest cracks on our path still gave us a brain massage.

The scooter also has a small form factor, which doesn’t offer the best riding ergonomics despite the 265.0 lb rider weight limit–the deck gives a 17.0 inch x 6.0-inch riding platform and the handlebars sit 38.0-inches above the deck. 

However, for the price you pay, what you get is quite value-matched.

TurboAnt X7 Max- Cheap Swappable Battery

The TurboAnt X7 line remains one of the most interesting electric scooters we have. They have near-cemented their position in the halls of fame as the most affordable scooter with a swappable battery. And it’s a formula that works–especially for riders that are not able to immediately afford long-range scooters (those tend to cost more). Your riding needs could change as life happens, and this option is less hectic compared to selling your old scooter and repurchasing.

Why Do We Love It?

It’s way better than the X7 pro, which was in our last Best of 2022.

Besides being slightly heavier than the TurboAnt X7 Pro, we pretty much think that the X7 Max is absolutely better in every way possible. It has a higher top speed of 18.6 mph against the Pro’s 15.8 mph. On our hill test climb, our Max averaged a top speed of 5.7 mph, while the Pro did 4.8 mph. Stopping is also better on the Max, with a braking distance of 14.6 ft against the Pro’s 17.5 ft from a speed of 15.0 mph. Also, and quite surprisingly, the Max currently retails for less than the Pro; but are retailing for under $550, which is a steal.

However, the battery is the main highlight for both scooters. They come with a swappable battery, which means if you have a need for better range (even if that comes after you’ve purchased the scooter), you can extend the range. The battery is a 360 wh, which is mounted on the stem and secured with a keyed lock. It gives you a stated range of 32.0 miles. We tested ours in peak performance mode and got 18.0 miles. The X7 Pro only got 15.3 miles. You can ride more conservatively to get extra riding miles, or simply order a second battery for around $220.

Okai Neon Pro-Outstanding Range!

For years, Okai dominated the OEM space, building electric scooters for rental companies like Bird, Lime, and Spin. They had quite the successful stint. But after years of doing that, Okai felt ready to make scooters that you could buy. With that, came the Neon line of scooters, consisting of two adult scooters–the base model Okai Neon (ES20) and the latest release, the Okai Neon Pro, and one kids’ scooter, the Neon Lite.

Why Do We Love It?

It’s got a good spec sheet and is also very accessible since Okai has a strong new relationship with Best Buy.

One thing you have to agree with, is that rental scooters are just built differently. With the amount of abuse they have to go through, it makes sense that manufactures double down on the quality of materials used if the e-scooter is to last any significant period of time. Okai brings this experience to the consumable space, and their Neon scooters are visibly of quality build.

The Okai Neon Pro is one of our Segway Ninebot Max Alternative picks. It’s a true range champ. It comes with a large 705.6 wh battery, made with energy dense 21700 Samsung cells. On a single charge, the scooters gave us 26.8 miles through the range course in max performance against a manufacturer stated 50.0 miles. It may be lower than the stated range, but this is definitely a best-in-class. Although the 3 amp hour charger takes a lengthy 6 hrs to charge the battery to full. You can monitor the range on the display that comes with three switchable faces–we prefer the one with the large digital speedometer as it is much easier to read.

The Neon Pro is also quick and fast. The throttle is smooth and predictable, and gets you from zero to 15.0 mph in just 4.8 seconds. The ease of use means that anyone can ride the Neon Pro, and that’s including beginner adult riders. You can throttle all the way to a top speed of 20.5 mph, which is more optimistic than the scooter’s speedometer states (20.0 mph), a true rarity. Braking is not the best, with a stopping distance of 17.1 ft from a speed of 15.0 mph–but on the bright side, with regen only in the front and a rear disc brake, it’s impossible to put yourself over the bars.

Synergy Aviator 2.0-Flat-out Performance, Flat-free Tires

Synergy is a new brand–but only to the US. They are a well-established brand in Canada with 32 dealers countrywide. Their launch in the US is an exciting one and they’re intent is to set up shop in Seattle and Miami. Synergy bring with them a whole line up of new scooters, but today we focus on Synergy Aviator 2.0

Why Do We Love It?

Performance at a bargain.

The Synergy Aviator 2.0 is a rare combination of dual motors and solid tires–but not unheard of (think the Unagi Model One). For people that really hate getting flats or checking tire pressure, solid tires are really the only way to go. But often, that means you’re getting a budget electric scooter or a single-motor, low performance scooter. Not the Aviator 2.0. This electric scooter has dual motors rated at 1200 w, which during our performance testing felt like they peaked at 2000 w plus solid tires, front and rear. And if you’re wondering about performance, here we go:

The Aviator’s dual motors generate plenty of torque, and as always, we felt the scooter’s power really come to life on our hill test, where the scooter reached the top in just 9.3 seconds. The scooter also gave us the quickest accelerations in its class, reaching 15.0 mph in just 2.6 seconds. We got a top speed of 27.2 mph, which  is also above average for its class. The range in max performance mode was also decent at 22.5 miles on a single charge–we had to max out our P settings, but we think that with the stock settings, the scooter might have gotten to the manufacturer stated 25.0 miles.

The 8.0 inch x 2.4-inch solid tires are puncture proof, but as we all know, the biggest downside of solid tires is the ride quality. Fortunately, Synergy managed to fit the Aviator 2.0 with quite the effective suspension setup. The scooter has a front and rear adjustable spring suspension–the kind we see on premium scooters, that additionally come with a polyurethane bushing inside to keep the scooter from springing back hard. They smoothen out vibrations quite well, to the point of forgetting that the tires are solid. However, if you’re not sold on the solid tires, a tubeless tire version is in the works and might soon be available.

And in keeping up with the maintenance free theme, the scooter also comes with a front and rear drum brake for stopping.

In summary, if your lifestyle does not accommodate the inconvenience of tire changes, constantly checking tire pressure, or adjusting brakes, but you still want a dual motor scooter that performs at a bargain–the Synergy Aviator 2.0 is your best bet.

EMOVE RoadRunner-Best Seated Electric Scooter

Voro Motors has one of the funnest scooters we’ve ridden–the EMOVE RoadRunner. It’s an outlier from other electric scooters because it looks like an ebike, and loads of people are convinced it’s one. It’s not. The RoadRunner does not come with pedals, and instead comes with foot pegs.

Why Do We Love It?

That intangible ‘can’t stop riding’ factor.

There’s a lot going for the EMOVE RoadRunner electric scooter. For one, it is the best seated scooter. A lot of adult riders might love this over standing, since let’s face it, regular scooting is not for everyone. The make of the scooter’s seat ranks top for us since it is so thoughtfully designed and the memory foam makes it super comfortable.

But that’s not all for this scooter. While it comes with decent range per charge, the 1253 wh Dynavolt battery is also removable, meaning you can extend the 33.0 mile range to 66.0 miles or 99.0 miles if you can swing the price. This is where the comfortable seat really makes sense–if you’re going to double the range, you might as well ensure that the ride is comfortable enough.

The scooter’s design also optimizes stability and ride comfort. First, it is fitted with 14.5-inch air-filled tires and a front fork spring suspension. Then, the handlebars are also adjustable and you can position them to the most comfortable angle for your riding. It also helps that the throttle is fast and smooth, further improving the ride experience. 

It’s an electric scooter that can handle a max rider weight limit of 330.0 lbs and ride to a top speed of 35.5 mph. Therefore, we feel like this is a good electric scooter that will suit most adult riders, if not all. As a bonus, it costs significantly less than you’d expect for all the value you’re getting.

Yinke i5-Breakout Design From a New Brand

It’s been quite the year for new brands and we have Yinke, another brand with a strong projection for 2023. We got a pre-production unit of their i5 to test around; and the numbers are good.

Why Do We Love It?

It’s a delicate looking design with so much power hidden behind its curves.

You would not expect the Yinke i5 to perform as it does at first glance. The design is so intricate with smooth curves, neat placement of the individual parts, a nice coat of paint, and well-routed wiring. 

This premium design is also visible in the finer details. The gorgeous OLED display, the clamped down grips, the motorcycle style turn signal switch, and the stand-out turn signals, tell the story of an experience-centric, lifestyle scooter. Well, the deck is short, but it also brings all the aesthetic energy.

We took it out on our standard tests–it hit an impressive top speed of 40.0 mph, acceleration from 0 to 15.0 mph in 2.1 seconds. Besides that, we got great range, excellent braking power, and powerful hill climbing. The ride quality was also quite the treat.

Definitely a great scooter for experienced riders.

Kaabo Wolf King GT- 61 mph Speed That Lives Up to the Spec

The Kaabo Wolf King GT was the first GT scooter model for Kaabo. The base model, the Wolf King, was already an excellent performance scooter, but Kaabo saw great room for improvement and upgraded a whole bunch of specs  to create what has arguably become one of the best extreme performance scooters, the Kaabo Wolf King GT.

Why Do We Love It?

A leader that seems to stand the test of time.

We’ve just finished testing the Dualtron Storm Limited, what was supposed to be the new fastest production scooter, but it didn’t quite meet the Wolf King GT’s mark. The Wolf King GT is still the fastest at 61.0 mph, but the Dualtron comes close at 59.9 mph. We’ve seen many other electric scooters try, but the King GT holds on to it’s throne.

The Wolf King GT goes on to deliver some of the best riding stats, and remains a top choice for beast scooters despite having been around for a while now. The sine wave controllers mean better efficiency and a smoother ride, accelerating from 0 to 15.0 mph in just 1.8 seconds. The 2520 Wh battery with 21700 LG cells should give you 55.0 miles of range, while the Zoom hydraulic brakes bring the scooter to a stop from 15.0 mph in just 10.0 ft.

The ride quality on the Wolf King GT remains something for the books, especially its stability at high speed. And this scooter also first introduced Kaabo’s TFT display, which has further been improved in later models on the Mantis King GT and the Wolf Warrior X GT. In fact, unless you’re really set on riding to 61.0 mph, or feel that 45.0 miles is insufficient range for daily use, then we think the two alternative GT models offer better value for money than the Wolf King GT. The ride quality, build quality, and the rest of the performance specs are a near match for match and you’d be saving nearly $1,000. 

Varla Eagle One Pro- Off Road Beast on a Budget

The Varla  Eagle One Pro is a scooter in its own category, alongside the original Dualtron Thunder. It’s not light enough to be a light heavyweight and has large 11.0-inch tires, but it’s not as heavy as typical beast scooters like the NAMIs or the Wolf King GT. What it is, is a new benchmark that we quite enjoy.

Why Do We Love It?

It’s not quite the leader in the category in our opinion, but it’s in the discussion and worthy of inclusion here.

The Varla Eagle One Pro is a different kind of off-road beast. It only weighs 90.4 lbs, making its weight way more manageable than the 100.0 lbs + we are used to seeing on typical beasts. That said, it does not underperform in any way a beast should. The e-scooter’s 2000w motors are powerful and you can feel the power in the fast acceleration and hill climb that’s right at par with the Kaabo Mantis Pro.

The e-scooter is powered by a 1440 wh battery with energy efficient 21700 cells, meaning you get plenty of power for your off-road excursions. The 11.0-inch, tubeless, air-filled road tires are also great going over dirt and gravel, but you can always switch to self-sealing knobby ones if you predominantly ride the Eagle One off road. And for your throttling, the Eagle One Pro electric scooter uses a thumb throttle, the same one we’ve reported to have a dead zone at the beginning of travel.

Now, we have a special shout out to Varla. One thing we’re super impressed with is that after our initial tests on the Eagle One Pro, we gave our feedback to them on the mechanical disc brakes and the spring suspension, suggesting that hydraulic options would be better, and guess what? The Eagle One Pro now comes with hydraulic brakes and hydraulic suspension, making the scooter way better than it was, and it was already a decent enough scooter.

If you’re looking to go off-road on a budget, this scooter is pretty great.

TAUR

This is a premium e-scooter, from a new brand, but they are currently only piloting in LA and we had to offer alternatives that were readily available for our riders. But stay tuned–this is a great adult electric scooter to look out for.

Apollo Ghost 2022

This year’s Apollo Ghost got the tagline, ‘No frills, No Thrills.’ While we’d have loved a spot for this incredible scooter, the Apollo City Pro made a bigger impression, and made the list in its place.