You've got places to go and people to see. An electric scooter is a great way to get to where you're going. It's more efficient than driving a car a few miles up the road, and it's faster than waiting for the bus to take you a few blocks. If you're tired of renting a Lime or Byrd scooter, or live in a city where they're not available, then you may want to consider buying an electric scooter of your own.
While scooters aren't overly expensive, starting your search can be a bit intimidating, since there are so many brands and types available. But like buying a car or looking for a place to live, taking inventory of what you need beforehand can help streamline your shopping experience. We've put together a list of criteria to consider before you click the Buy Now button for your new electric scooter, including our top five picks.
The Glion Dolly is the best all-around electric scooter. It weighs about 27 pounds, so it's not too heavy to cart up a flight of stairs, and it's foldable. It can reach top speeds of 15 mph in the right conditions and manage up to 15 miles of roaming, which make it ideal for suburban commuters and small-city dwellers. It has a bright, built-in headlight, so you're not riding around in the dark after the sun sets. Its mounted controls are also water resistant, which helps you make it through light sprinkling days or a misty blanket of morning fog.
The Glion Dolly's only drawback is that its lack of full suspension and rubber wheels makes for a bumpy ride on pothole-ridden streets. But for those merely cruising around town, the Dolly is the right choice for an electric scooter.
If you're looking to get a feel for the electric-scooter lifestyle, the Razor E Prime is an excellent choice. It's small, but it's capable. The E Prime is a beginner's electric scooter that's light enough to cart around and quick enough to get you to the office on time in the morning. The E Prime can reach top speeds of 15 mph, though the scooter is suitable only for up to half an hour of continuous riding.
If you'd rather sit for the frenzied commute across the metropolis, the Razor EcoSmart Metro is an affordable option. This scooter features a seat and a large bamboo deck for resting your feet while riding, as well as a rack on the back of the vehicle for carting around things like groceries.
The scooter has a maximum speed of 18 mph and lasts up to 10 miles per charge. The Ecosmart Metro isn't a high-performance vehicle, nor is it very portable. (Some buyers found a way around this by swapping in a higher-capacity battery pack. ) But it's a good option for casual commuters and first-time scooter riders.
