Even before gas prices hit all-time highs, the best electric bikes and electric scooters have become increasingly popular ways of getting around. But, their increased presence has brought with it an increased danger of fires, both from uncertified batteries and from improper charging and storage.

In New York City, for instance, there were 18 deaths as a result of fires from lithium-ion batteries, which prompted the city to implement stricter regulations on the sale of e-bikes — and specifically, their batteries. As a result, the number of e-bike fatalities from fires in the city dropped to just one in 2025.

But, there are dozens upon dozens of ebikes and electric scooters for sale on Amazon and other online retailers, so how do you know which bikes are safe, and which pose a potential hazard? And, once you buy an e-bike, how to you properly store and recharge its battery?

To find out, I talked to Dr. Robert Slone, the Senior Vice President and Chief Scientist for UL Solutions, which regularly tests and certifies thousands of products each year to make sure they’re safe for consumers.

What are some of the tests that you put a battery through?

We do a full range of tests in terms of overcharging. We test the battery management system, which is like the software system of the battery. We address environmental concerns in terms of hot and cold conditions, water exposure.

I live in the New York City area and the streets are not always the smoothest, to say the least. So vibration testing, drop testing, shock testing, those sorts of things are also part of what we do, both for the battery and then also for the bike itself, for the frame and the motor and those sorts of components.

We look at aging and cycling of the battery. Is it showing signs prematurely of overheating or aging and danger signs like that? And then electrical elements like overcharging the battery also play a role.

And then basics on the design manufacturing. What's the quality of the manufacturing? Do you see metal bars and sharp edges, whether on the frame in the bike or in the battery itself?

More from Tom's Guide

• Electric bike laws are badly needed, but New Jersey's new rules go way too far
• I never want to have my e-scooter stolen again — this folding electric .scooter will make sure of that
• Segway Muxi electric bike review

I've been testing the best electric scooters for years here at Tom's Guide; I've probably put hundreds of miles on models from Segway, GoTrax, Razor, Unagi and more, with prices ranging from less than $300 to $2,000.

The good news is that you don't have to spend anywhere near that top end to get a great scooter that'll get you around, whether that's to the train station, to work or school, or just around town to have a little fun. And, thanks to Prime Day deals, many of my favorite models are on sale.

The quick list

• Segway C2 Lite: was $199 now $132 @ Amazon
• NIU 100F: $259 @ Amazon
• Hiboy S2 SE: was $399 now $290 @ Amazon
• Segway E3 Pro: was $599 now $529 @ Amazon
• GoTrax G6: was $899 now $628 @ Amazon
• Segway Ninebot Kickscooter Max G3: was $1,499 now $999 @ Amazon
• Apollo City: was $1,799 now $1,299 @ Apollo Scooters

A lot goes into making the best electric scooters. Some pack in high-tech parts and design at every corner. Some try to deliver all-around quality without the high-price that comes at the cutting edge.

Comparatively, the GoTrax G6 doesn’t seem to strive for much. Between tame looks and specifications, it’s not liable to catch much attention. It has modest capabilities that fit its price and role as a daily commuter. It checks some important boxes, like including lights, suspension, and UL2272 certification.

With such tame bonafides, it has a hard time standing out against great all-arounders like the Segway E3 Pro and Apollo Go or discounted flagships of yesteryear like the Segway Max G2. What the GoTrax G6 is left with, then, is a really big battery for the money.

In over a week of riding, I didn’t find much to love about the G6, especially after testing some other great rides. But that big battery is one thing even some more expensive models don’t keep up with. For range alone, it’s worth a peek.

GoTrax G6 review: Pricing and availability

The GoTrax G6 launched in 2023. Since then, it has been followed up by the G6 Commute model that simply adds a combo lock. While it has a list price of $799, it has been available directly from GoTrax steadily for between $599 and $629. It’s available only in one color scheme: gray and black.

GoTrax G6 review: Design

The GoTrax G6 isn’t much to look at. Aside from some blue underglow LEDs, it offers a pretty utilitarian design, doing what it needs to and little else. It’s still reasonably equipped, fitting a few reflectors, a bell, a functioning brake light and a headlight. It gets dual drum brakes and electronic braking in the rear, both actuated by simple brake levers. It just doesn’t really stand out from others on the market.

In fact, it’s pretty simple right from the start. Out of the box, the scooter was easy to assemble. It just needed the internal cables connected where its headset and steering tube meet and then four bolts screwed in to connect those two parts. GoTrax includes an allen key to get the job done and a few extra bolts in case you drop one. Before the first ride, you’ll want to charge up fully. In my case, there was a little over 210Wh to top up before the scooter was full, and this took close to 2.5 hours to deliver.

The folding mechanism is practically generic, splitting near the bottom of the steering tube with a simple latch and lever with a safety catch. It’s not too tight or loose, and it’s easy to operate with a single hand.

The GoTrax G6’s folded position is an awkward one, though. Rather than clipping along a point on the steering tube or at the back of the headset so the deck and tube are parallel, the G6 has a spring clip on the left handlebar that latches to the rear fender. The handlebars end up angling out to the side slightly when folded. It’s not the end of the world, but it’s an odd choice. The scooter’s not any easier to carry or store as a result, and the tight tolerance for the clip actually makes it a bit fussy to get in position.

Thankfully, when it comes to the ride, there’s a little more straightforward quality. The GoTrax G6 offers big, beefy handlebar grips with rubber ribs that feel great to hold. The base has a decently spacious deck and tail that’s good and grippy if a little small for someone with size-12 shoes.

The front and rear fenders have good coverage to keep riders dry on wet pavement. The scooter feels plenty sturdy riding along even while carrying a 240-pound rider. The brake levers and thumb throttle do feel a bit cheap, though.

A small kickstand on the side is easy to kick into place, but doesn’t hold the scooter very close to straight upright.

The user manual suggests that the recommended pressure for the scooter tires is 50 PSI while the tires themselves only mention 30 PSI in the context of their max load. The front wheel is easy to inflate, but the rear has a recessed valve stem that calls for an adapter to get at. GoTrax includes that adapter, but it’s a nuisance to have to keep track of.

The G6 packs in a bit, and ends up sizable as a result. It’s definitely not a small scooter. It’s easier to find space for than some of the 2000W, full-suspension offroaders out there, but it’s no Unagi One or Niu KQi Air. It’s also not nearly as light. GoTrax lists the G6 at 45 pounds, which would be decent, but I weighed it at 52.1 pounds, erasing one of the big advantages it might have had over the NIU Kqi3 Max or Segway Max G2.

GoTrax G6 review: Display

The display on the G5 is rather rudimentary. It’ll show your speed, trip distance, and speed mode, but it’s not very bright and has a glossy surface, so it’s almost impossible to see in daylight. At the bottom of the screen, there’s a five-bar battery indicator, which tends to be less useful since it’s so imprecise.

At power-up, the display will show a total odometer reading, but that’s the only time you’ll see this figure. Navigating settings is all done with the power button. Single taps cycle through speed modes, double taps toggle the headlight, triple taps toggle metric and imperial units.

GoTrax G6 review: Security features

To get going, pressing the power button for three seconds will turn the scooter on, but to actually get started riding, you’ll have to first get past the password. The user manual might forewarn you if you read it fully, but the scooter doesn’t have any tags or labels as a heads up.

It’s all the more confusing as there don’t immediately appear to be any controls. By default, the password is “000,” and the process for entering it is to tap the throttle to go up or pull the brake lever to go down a digit, tapping the power button once to move onto the next digit, and finally double-tapping the power button to input the complete code.

If that seems tedious, trying to figure out the instructions for setting your own password will be even worse. The manual’s explanation doesn’t make a lot of sense.

When you park, the only decent locking point is around the neck of the scooter, but there’s no firm loop, so any large U-locks or chain locks will leave the scooter insecure against thieves with a couple alley keys and some know-how.

GoTrax G6 review: Performance and handling

I tested the GoTrax G6 coming off the back of testing some really impressive scooters with the kind of suspension I was happy to leap off curbs with, and it brought me back down to earth. The G6 does little to get beyond the basics.

The G6’s 500W motor is sufficiently powerful, but not mighty. It could push me along at 20mph just fine, and it didn’t take forever getting up to speed. I could even start up on slight grades and get up to 17mph on that slope. The motor emits not-so-subtle whirring while operating that makes it sound both strained and a bit cheap.

The flipside of having a motor that’s not too peppy is that it’s also not too jerky. The G6 was a pretty smooth ride as far as starting and stopping was concerned. The electronic braking is quite meager, though. That’s a shame, as regenerative braking can add some extra range to the tank while providing less wear and tear. Alas, I consistently had to rely on the physical drum brakes to stop the scooter. With the cheap levers and somewhat weak bite, the brakes don’t feel great, but they do their job.

The biggest downside of the ride is that the G6 just feels stiff. It rides on 10-inch, pneumatic tires and even has a suspension fork in the front. Even then, I found the road a constant rattling in my hands. The suspension fork does little to help. Pits, divots, and bumps in the road hit hard and would occasionally knock one of my hands loose from the handlebars. Ultimately, because of this ride quality, the G6 calls for smooth roads or slower, more careful riding.

For longer trips, the scooter offers cruise control, but it behaves in unfortunate ways. For one thing, it takes 10 seconds before it will activate, which can make it hard to anticipate and especially hard to set at anything other than full speed. The system communicates in beeps that aren’t very loud, which can make it hard to notice when the scooter has gone into cruise control.

The scooter also doesn’t react to subtle brake pulls very well. In fact, I can hear the brakes engaging before cruise control will deactivate, leading to situations where the motor is actively working against the brakes. That brake lever behavior also means the brake lights don’t always come on during gentle braking pulls.

GoTrax G6 review: Battery life and range

The G6 might not be leading the pack in terms of ride quality or speed, but it has one big thing going for it: a big battery. Scooters around its price tend to have smaller packs, like the Segway E3 Pro’s 368Wh battery. The GoTrax G6 goes big with a 48V/16Ah battery for a total 720Wh.

This gives it an estimated range of up to 35 miles. I’m a heavy rider at 240 pounds, and I try to take advantage of the speed on offer from scooters, so I never expect to get that full estimated range.

I covered 19.3 miles on the G6 before the battery died, which is fairly solid. The first 12 miles were fast city riding. With the battery getting down to the last two bars, I babied it a little for the last 7 miles, but was still hitting 15 mph reliably. It certainly didn’t feel as zippy.

Once the scooter got down to one bar on the battery meter, performance sank lower still. It took about four seconds to get up to just 10mph even with a strong kick, and it took a full 10 seconds to reach 13mph where the scooter leveled off and stopped accelerating.

Though the scooter went 19.3 miles, performance dwindled over that last mile, with the scooter’s speeds gradually dropping to a crawl and a few heavy kicks required to get any sort of speed back from a standstill.

Still, that range is competitive for a scooter at this price. It could have been even more impressive if the G6 operated more efficiently and took better advantage of regenerative braking. I have seen better range from smaller batteries.

A flipside to the big battery is a big charging time. GoTrax lists a 3-amp charger in the specifications, but the included charger was only 2.5 amps. This took a bit over 7 hours to fully recharge the scooter. With a 3-amp charger, it might have been closer to 5 hours.

GoTrax G6 review: App and features

The GoTrax G6 lacks a companion app for advanced metrics and customization. That’s no surprise at this price, but it does hold it back some. The Segway E3 Pro is competitively priced and works with an app for ride customization.

Despite the lack of an app, the G6 isn’t without special features. It has an integrated tether cable lock that uses a four-digit combo. This can make it easy to post up and lock to a bike rack. I wouldn’t count on it as heavy security though. Tethers are notoriously easy for thieves to cut, and this isn’t even a thick on.

Then there’s the fact that the scooter’s own handlebars give thieves about a two-foot lever they can use to break the lock. With the lock set around a sturdy pole, one swift tug was all it took for me to break the locking pin and free the scooter. Do yourself a favor and invest in one of the best bike locks.

GoTrax G6 review: Verdict

Some electric scooters seem to do it all. It’s that all-around quality that makes the Segway E3 Pro such a compelling option. By contrast, the GoTrax G6 is utterly utilitarian. That’s a quality I often find commendable, but GoTrax may have stayed too simple in its utility.

The G6 is quick enough and it has good range for the money, so if you have a simple, smooth route from A to B that calls for as much range as possible, it might make sense to get. But its ride quality and build fail to impress. It folds up awkwardly and proves heavier than specified by no small margin.

This all puts it in a tough spot. If you’re going by list price alone, the G6 is less expensive than the competition. We’ve seen the G6 go for as little as $599, and at that price, it may be compelling enough for the range. However, depending on the day, you might be able to get the Segway Max G2 or Apollo Go for a very competitive price and enjoy a superior scooter.

Alternatively, if you can live without all that range, the Segway E3 Pro is strongly worth considering as it delivers more in just about every other regard.

What happens when an electric scooter company sets out to design a flagship model inspired by supercars? You get the Navee UT5 Ultra X, a dual-motor model boasting a max speed of 43 mph, a range of up to 75 miles, disc brakes, hydraulic suspension, built-in lights and turns signals, a heads-up display, and an oh-so-sporty design.

I swapped out my beloved Honda CR-V for the Navee UT5 Ultra X as my primary "grocery getter" vehicle here in rainy, hilly Seattle, Washington, for one week, and running errands has never been more of a blast.

Navee UT5 Ultra X: Specs

• Max speed: 43 mph
• Max range: 75 miles
• Acceleration: 0-12 mph in under 2 secs
• Brakes: Dual disc
• Motor: Twin 2,400W front and rear; max output 4,800W
• Weight: 88 pounds
• Weight limit: 330 pounds
• Price: $2,500

Navee UT5 Ultra X e-scooter review: Price and availability

The Navee UT5 Ultra X is $2,499 direct from the brand. However, as of writing, this top-of-the-line scooter is on sale for $200 off. Still, it's one of the pricier scooters we've tested in recent memory.

$2,499 is roughly five times the cost of the Segway E3 Pro, the best electric scooter in 2026. That said, the Navee has far more power, speed, and battery capacity than the E3 Pro. A fairer comparison, perhaps, would be the $1,050 Segway Ninebot Kickscooter Max G3, our top pick for range.

Navee UT5 Ultra X e-scooter review: Speed and power

The Navee UT5 Ultra X is hands down the fastest and most powerful electric scooter I've ever piloted. However, by default, your top speed is seriously limited so that users can get a feel for the scooter before unlocking its full potential.

Users can dial in the maximum attainable speed for their scooter via the Navee companion app in just a couple of clicks. The app also provides setting controls for other features, like the lights and cruise control, as well as the current battery level and range of the scooter.

When I say this bad boy accelerates like a bat out of hell, I mean it. I straight up lost my hat (I know, I should've been wearing a helmet), the first time I gunned the throttle with maximum speed unlocked.

Twin 2400W front and rear motors output an impressive 4800W of max power, enough to accelerate from zero to 12 mph in just 1.8 seconds. This flagship scooter also promises the ability to climb hills with a grade of up to 46%.

While I have yet to test ride the Navee UT5 Ultra X up the steepest hill in Seattle, which has a 27% grade, I have taken the scooter up rain-slicked streets nearly as steep without any issue... that is, unless you ride the throttle too hard. This can potentially result in the front wheel lifting off the ground.

Navee UT5 Ultra X e-scooter review: Battery range

In addition to speed, the Navee UT5 Ultra X offers impressive battery range, up to 75 miles per charge, assuming an average speed of around 10 mph. It also charges up impressively fast from zero to 100% in just about two hours.

By comparison, our current best electric scooter pick for distance is the Segway Ninebot Kickscooter Max G3, which promises a less impressive range of 50 miles per charge.

That said, with the battery located in the base of the Navee UT5 Ultra X, it's not swappable like some other popular e-scooter models.

Navee UT5 Ultra X e-scooter review: Supercar-inspired design

The Navee UT5 Ultra X was designed to look like a Rolls-Royce supercar, and though the aesthetic doesn't completely align with my tastes — I prefer an old-school vibe — I think it looks pretty darn cool/futuristic nonetheless.

Sleek angular lines and Tron-like glowing light strips below the riding platform definitely give the UT5 Ultra X a level of flair you won't find on most other e-scooters, even competing flagship models.

That said, I have but one design-related complaint. The Navee UT5 Ultra X is ridiculously heavy. Forget lugging it up a flight of stairs. I struggled to navigate it out of my back door, up a few steps, and over some paver stones.

At a whopping 88 pounds, the Navee UT5 Ultra X is more than double the weight of the Segway E3 Pro. It's also 23 pounds heavier than the beefiest model in our best electric scooter guide, the Segway ZT3 Pro (our top pick for offroading).

Navee UT5 Ultra X e-scooter review: Suspension and brakes

No offense to the Seattle Department of Public Works, but the roads in my city are a mess with potholes, cracks, and decay. Fortunately, the UT5 Ultra X's hydraulic suspension system proved more than up to the task of smoothing out what would've otherwise been several rather rough and bumpy rides to and from my local grocery store.

Similarly, dual disc brakes provide ample stopping power, even when descending steep hills. The UT5 Ultra X also offers a downhill motor assist option that switches the motors into low gear for greater control.

Navee UT5 Ultra X e-scooter review: Safety features

In addition to the ability to set one's preferred max attainable speed, the Navee UT5 Ultra X offers a lot of other handy safety features, including a fairly loud built-in horn, turn signals on the handlebars, front and rear lights, 'self-healing' tubeless tires with plenty of grip, and even traction control mode.

There's also 'find my' functionality to help you locate your scooter, should it unfortunately go missing. Users can even remotely lock their Navee UT5 Ultra X via the companion app for added peace of mind.

Finally, a large and bright 5-inch heads-up display provides your current speed, battery levels, and other key riding metrics.

Should you buy the Navee UT5 Ultra X e-scooter?

The Navee UT5 Ultra X is easily the most fun and powerful electric scooter I've tested. Moreover, it truly lives up to its supercar-inspired aspirations, both in terms of the sporty design and ridiculous, quick, and powerful performance.

But should you buy the Navee UT5 Ultra X? That depends on four things. Do you have $2,500 to spend on an e-scooter? Do you have a need for speed? Do you want to go the distance without having to visit an outlet? And, do you own a garage?

The last question is especially crucial to consider because the Navee UT5 Ultra X is one heck of a large and heavy electric scooter. This is to say, I don't reccomend it for apartment dwellers or anyone who might need to navigate up/down stairs.

Then again, the Navee UT5 Ultra X wasn't designed to be your standard, commuter-friendly e-scooter or grocery-getter; it was built with adrenaline junkies in mind. As someone who occasionally considers himself one, I can confirm that the Navee UT5 Ultra X is blood-pumping, eye-watering, handlebar-clutching pleasure to ride.

Electric scooters have become a regular part of my daily transportation mix, especially for short trips where walking feels too slow and biking feels like too much effort. After testing several of the best electric scooters, I’ve learned that the best beginner models aren’t necessarily the fastest or longest-range — they’re the ones that feel safe, comfortable, and easy to live with day to day.

That’s where the Segway Ninebot E2 Plus II comes in. As an updated version of the original E2 Plus, it adds front suspension and a few quality-of-ride improvements while staying firmly in budget territory. I spent time riding it around my neighborhood to see whether these upgrades actually make a difference — and whether this scooter earns its place as a go-to option for new riders and casual commuters.

Segway Ninebot E2 Plus II review: Price & availability

The Segway Ninebot E2 Plus II is available from the Segway store or Amazon, with a regular retail price of $399.99. At the time of writing, it is on sale for $319.99.

That pricing puts it squarely among entry-level commuter scooters, competing with models from GoTrax and TurboAnt. What Segway offers in return is strong build quality, wide parts availability and customer support — factors that matter more than specs alone if this is your first scooter.

Segway Ninebot E2 Plus II review: Design

Design-wise, the E2 Plus II looks like what I’ve come to expect from a modern budget scooter: clean lines, a mostly black frame and nothing that really stands out. That’s not a knock at all; the E2 Plus II feels solid and well put together in a way some cheaper scooters don’t.

At just over 36 pounds, it’s noticeably heavier than the 26-pound Swagtron Swagger 5 Boost, which I found much easier to lift, and about the same weight as the NAVEE V40 Pro. Even so, I was able to pick up the E2 Plus II to get it into a car trunk or over a step, but carrying it up a full flight of stairs would be impossible for me. Folding it down is quick and secure, and it locks in place without any wobble.

The biggest design upgrade — and the one I appreciated most — is the front double spring suspension. Neither the Swagger 5 Boost nor the NAVEE V40 Pro has true front suspension, and the difference here is immediately noticeable. Paired with the 8.1-inch hollow tires, the E2 Plus II felt more forgiving on cracked pavement and uneven roads, while still giving me the peace of mind of not worrying about flat tires.

Up top, the cockpit is simple but well done. The large 2.8-inch display is big and easy to read, and I could glance down at my speed or battery level without taking my attention off the road for long. The ambient RGB lighting under the deck is more fun than functional, but it does help with visibility at night, along with the bright headlight and rear brake light.

Like some other scooter models, the E2 Plus II relies on the app for certain features, including locking the scooter. I’m never thrilled when locking is app-only, but the app itself was easy to use and responsive.

Segway Ninebot E2 Plus II: Performance & battery life

I tested the E2 Plus II the same way I’ve tested every scooter so far: riding it around my hilly city neighborhood. At a top speed of 15.5 mph, the ride always felt controlled and stable. Acceleration was smooth and predictable, with none of the jerky starts I’ve experienced on cheaper scooters. In that way, it reminded me of the Swagtron Swagger 5 Boost, though the E2 Plus II feels more refined and less rattly overall.

Hills are where the E2 Plus II shows its limitations. It handled mild inclines fine, but steeper hills slowed it down noticeably. That puts it closer to the Swagger 5 Boost than the NAVEE V40 Pro, which powered through my neighborhood hills with far less effort. If you live somewhere mostly flat, this won’t matter much. If you don’t, it’s something to keep in mind.

Battery life landed about where I expected. Segway advertises up to 16 miles in eco mode, but riding mostly in sport mode, I made it about 11 miles on one charge. That’s roughly what I got from the Swagger 5 Boost and well below the NAVEE V40 Pro’s longer range. For the way I use a scooter — short trips and errands — it was plenty, though the long charge time of seven hours means this is more of an overnight plug-in situation.

The front electronic brake paired with the rear drum brake brought the scooter to a smooth, controlled stop every time. I did hear an odd clicking sound when braking, but it never affected performance and never made me feel unsafe.

By the end of testing, the E2 Plus II felt exactly like what it’s meant to be: a comfortable, predictable scooter for shorter rides. It won’t win any speed or power contests, but it does the basics well — and does them consistently.

Segway Ninebot E2 Plus II review: Bottom line

After riding the E2 Plus II for a few weeks, it feels like exactly the kind of scooter I’d hand to someone new to e-scooters: predictable, comfortable, and solidly built. It won’t wow you with speed or crazy range, but it never left me feeling unsure or frustrated on short rides around the neighborhood.

Compared to the other two scooters I last tested, it lands in the middle. It’s slower and doesn’t go as far as the NAVEE V40 Pro, and it’s a bit heavier and less portable than the Swagtron Swagger 5 Boost. But it rides more comfortably than either, thanks to the front suspension and solid construction. For running errands, short commutes or casual rides around flat areas, it hits the sweet spot between usability and ease.

It’s not the scooter for hills or speed demons, and some of the app-only features — like locking — can be frustrating. Still, for anyone looking for a reliable, beginner-friendly ride from a brand you can trust, the Segway E2 Plus II is hard to beat at this price. It’s not flashy, but for everyday rides, it does the job.

Let’s clear the air. I ran over someone's foot at CES 2026 today, specifically, while testing the just-released Navee E-Wagon 4X, a rideable, electric-powered cart designed to haul everything from camping gear to camera and video equipment. Did I mention that it’s rideable?

Not only that, the Navee E-Wagon Cart 4X accelerates nothing short of what I’d classify as ‘heckin fast.’

There’s a slight learning curve, which I attempted to overcome in a crowded convention center hall, with varying success. Overall, though, Navee’s latest electric ‘vehicle’ is both a blast to ride and incredibly practical. Here’s why.

Navee E-Wagon Cart 4X: Price and availability

The Navee E-Wagon Cart 4X is available today, on its launch date, albeit in limited quantities. Priced at $2,099, it’s certainly not cheap, but for folks used to lugging lots of gear (drummers, gardeners, outdoor adventurers, filmmakers, content creators, etc.), that price could be easily justifiable.

Navee E-Wagon Cart 4X: Speed, battery and power

The top speed on the Navee E-Wagon Cart 4X is 10 mph, which might not seem all that quick, but let me assure you, when you’re sitting about two feet off the ground, it feels like you're flying.

Power comes from a 3000W motor and a detachable 36V rechargeable battery. The total charge time is four hours, and I fully expect Navee to make additional batteries available soon. Nevertheless, the max range per charge is roughly 45 miles.

According to brand reps, the E-Wagon should also have enough gusto to make it up even the steepest of hills. For example, with a load of 220 pounds, the Navee cart is rated for inclines as steep as 50% grades.

Navee E-Wagon Cart 4X: Design and cargo capacity

The Navee E-Wagon can haul a seriously impressive amount of stuff as well, including yourself, a friend, and enough camping gear to keep you both comfortable. The max carrying capacity is 1,300 pounds, while the total storage volume is 183 liters.

For easy transport, the cart collapses down small enough to fit in the trunk of most cars. It also sports 6.5-inch tires with plenty of traction to navigate gravel and other off-road environments.

Navee E-Wagon Cart 4X: Lights, display and USB charging

A 2.4-inch Full-Color TFT screen in the center of the handlebars relays speed and other key details, like whether the front and rear navigation lights are switched on. The Navee E-Wagon Cart 4X also offers a port to charge up USB-C devices from the onboard battery.

Navee E-Wagon Cart 4X: Outlook

I’m a sucker for small, electric-powered vehicles that don’t require a license, especially ones that offer more than just the thrill of riding.

From its foldable design, simple-to-use steering, acceleration, and braking, massive carrying capacity, long range, impressive power, and ludicrously fast acceleration, the Navee E-Wagon Cart 4X is something I gladly work into my daily life, both for pleasure and practicality.

Stay tuned for a full review!

More from Tom's Guide

• I just test rode the ‘Rolls-Royce’ of electric scooters — and I’ve never had so much fun
• I powered around CES 2026 with some help from an ultra-lightweight exoskeleton
• These are the 5 coolest wearable tech gadgets I tried at CES 2026 (so far)

I just test rode the new Navee UT5 Ultra X electric scooter at CES 2026, and it’s the most fun I’ve had at the show so far. With a design that’s inspired by the Rolls-Royce Phantom supercar and a top speed of 43 mph, the UT5 Ultra X is a seriously high-tech scooter with a fun disposition.

Despite a few near crashes early on — the test track was mighty small with sharp turns — I got a hang of the UT5 Ultra X in less than five minutes. While pricing details have yet to be released, I have a sneaking suspicion that the Navee UT5 Ultra X will be a lot less pricey than even the cheapest Rolls.

Here’s everything you need to know about the new Navee UT5 Ultra X electric scooter.

Navee UT5 Ultra X: 43mph max speed + 87 mile range

I sadly was unable to speed test the new Navee UT5 Ultra X at its fastest, but I did ride it at a comfortable seven to ten mph on the small tradeshow floor track.

To start the electric motors, you first have to push the scooter to a speed of 3 mph... then the fun begins. The throttle is located on the right handlebar and is easy to access. A center display console provides your current speed and other crucial details about the scooter, like whether the lights are on.

Navee UT5 Ultra X: Front and rear motors

The Navee UT5 Ultra X sports not one but two onboard motors with a maximum output of 240W each. With all that power, the scooter can accelerate darn quickly: 0-12 mph in under two seconds.

It also has enough gusto to make it up grades as steep as 46 degrees. Having tested an electric bike on Seattle's steepest hill (with mixed results), I'm really looking forward to putting the Navee UT5 Ultra X through the same challenge. Fortunately, Seattle's steepest has a grade of 26 degrees.

Navee UT5 Ultra X: Hydraulic suspension + disc brakes

The suspension system on the Navee UT5 Ultra X is no joke. Front and rear hydraulics provide a cushioned ride, whether you're traversing pavement or gravel. The UT5 Ultra X even has onboard traction control for those rain-slicked streets and an 'intelligent driving' feature that automatically adjusts the suspension based on riding conditions.

All this should add up to one extremely comfortable ride. Speaking of rain, the Navee UT5 Ultra X also features front and rear disc brakes for maximum stopping power.

Navee UT5 Ultra X: Built-in blinkers and lights

As you might expect from such a swanky-looking electric scooter, onboard front and rear lights come standard. The Navee UT5 Ultra X even has onboard blinker lights tucked into the handlebars. A set of buttons to the left of the center screen activates them (and the lights).

Navee UT5 Ultra X: Foldable design

With such powerful motors, the Navee UT5 Ultra X is a fairly heavy electric scooter (I don't have a weight figure at the moment). Fortunately, it's incredibly painless to collapse down for easy storage. A lock on the front stem allows the handlebars to fold down flat against the riding platform and even locks into place.

Ultimately, while my time with the Navee UT5 Ultra X has so far been brief, I'm incredibly excited to get back on one for thorough testing and a full review. Navee says that units should become available in the coming months. So stay tuned.

More from Tom's Guide

• 5 wearable tech predictions for 2026 — from futuristic Fitbits to the ever-elusive Apple Ring
• Best cheap smartwatches in 2025: Our favorite wearables that don't break the bank
• I powered around CES 2026 with some help from an ultra-lightweight exoskeleton

If you were to combine Professor X's wheelchair with a Tesla, you might end up with something like the Strutt ev1. This four-wheeled "personal everyday vehicle" is not only voice-controlled, but also has LiDAR and navigation built in, so you can simply speak to it and tell you where you want to go.

At CES 2026, I had a chance to take the Strutt ev1 for a spin, and it was fun enough for me to be tempted to give up my step goals for the year and just drive this thing everywhere — if I could afford it.

At first glance, the ev1 looks kind of like a more modern version of a wheelchair; it has a seat in the middle and a wheel at each corner. However, it's also outfitted with a 360-degree sensor array, which includes LiDAR, cameras, and a combination of time-of-flight and ultrasonic sensors.

A small display on the right armrest shows a live view of what the Strutt's cameras are seeing; As I drove it around a crowded conference hall, the screen showed all the obstacles around me, and the Strutt would stop if I drove too close to anything.

Just below the display are the Strutt's controls; a small circular dial lets you turn and move the vehicle around. I especially liked that the display automatically turns into a backup camera if you drive in reverse.

The Strutt's obstacle avoidance is also used in its self-driving mode. You can program in destinations into the chair, and it will take you there automatically, being careful to not hit anyone or anything along the way. It even has voice controls, so you can tell it to "take me to the kitchen" or any other location.

The Strutt's four motors can power it at speeds of up to 7 mph (11.3 km/h), can carry a maximum payload of 350 lbs (160 kg), can climb hills as steep as 13-degrees, and ride over curbs up to 2 inches in height. Its 18.5Ah/592Wh battery is good for about 20 miles of range, and can be removed from the back of the chair for recharging.

Strutt is not positioning the ev1 as purely a mobility device for the differently abled, but rather one for anyone who wants to scoot around and have some fun. (In fact, the company is working on another model with fewer smart features so it can gain FDA approval).

Not surprisingly, the Strutt doesn't come cheap. You can preorder it for $5,299, but its regular price will run you $7,499. That's a lot to pay for fun.

More from Tom's Guide

• I tested more than 40 EVs this year — here's the top 5 most efficient models (and 3 worst)
• Best electric scooters
• I rode this electric bike 40 miles through every borough in New York City

After testing dozens of scooters for more than five years, ranging from models that cost less than $200 to ones that cost more than $1,500, I think the best electric scooter for most people is the Segway E3 Pro.

This midrange model has good range, a comfortable top speed, a great design, and some nice extras, like turn signals and integration with Apple's Find My network. For what it offers at its price, it's a good value.

If you're looking for something that doesn't hit your wallet as hard, NIU also makes my favorite budget scooter, the NIU KQi 100P. This model costs less than $400, but if your needs are modest, it can get you around comfortably. Just don't expect it to perform well on hills, or take you for extra-long rides.

As part of our evaluations, I've ridden electric scooters for hundreds of miles, taken them up and down hills, on subways and trains, through cities and suburbs, to see how well they perform in a variety of conditions.

Whether you need a scooter to get back and forth to school or work, a scooter that can go the distance, or a scooter that can help you haul groceries from the store, we have a pick for you.

The best electric scooters available right now

Best electric scooter overall

The Segway E3 Pro isn't the fastest, nor the lightest, nor the most powerful, nor the least expensive scooter I've ever tested. But you know what? It's plenty fast, plenty powerful, and priced just right for the vast majority of people who are looking for a dependable ride, with a few extra niceties thrown in.

I found the E3 Pro's top speed of 20 mph easily fast enough for cruising around town, and while it wasn't a hill champ like the Apollo City, it was able to get be from the train station to my home just fine.

I did find myself having to charge it more often, as the inclines did drain the E3 Pro's battery faster, giving me a much shorter range than the advertised 17.5 miles when using its highest speed setting (you only get up to 34 miles if you poke along as a very slow 9 mph).

The E3 Pro is also well-designed, with a new folding mechanism that's a lot easier to use. And it has turn signals in the handlebars, as well as some fun rainbow LEDs on the underside of the scooter which give you better visibility at night.

However, I wish there were turn signals in the back, too, as it would make it easier for cars behind you to see where you're turning and improve overall rider safety.

Speaking of user safety, the scooter has not one but two brakes — a front drum brake and a rear electronic brake, with a traditional hand brake on the right handlebar.

You also get dual suspension (not often seen on a scooter at this price), traction control, and Apple Find My integration; I still use a bike lock to secure the scooter, but it's nice having a little bit of extra protection in case it goes missing.

• Read our full Segway E3 Pro review

Best budget electric scooter

With a starting price of less than $400, the NIU KQi 100P undercuts many comparable electric scooters by a good amount, yet doesn't compromise on features or performance.

Black with gray accents, the KQi 100P has a fairly clean design, as the scooter's cables are routed through its body. Its headlight was enough to illuminate my way home in the dark, but I wish it could have been brighter for even better visibility.

For a budget scooter, the KQi 100P offered a very smooth ride, thanks to its large 9.5 x 2.3-inch tires and front suspension, and it has a nice folding mechanism for when you want to store it. And, if you connect it with NIU's app, you can lock the scooter via Bluetooth, and set an alarm if someone tries to steal it.

You can also use the app to customize a few aspects of the scooter, including the strength of its regenerative braking system.

Make no mistake, though — this scooter's specs are far more modest than the other models on this list. With a 300W motor, a max speed of 17 miles per hour and a hypothetical range of 18 miles (I got about 10 in practice), this isn't a scooter designed for long distances or big hills.

But, if you're riding on flat terrain, or looking for an electric scooter for your teen who's ready to graduate from one of the best electric scooters for kids, this is a pretty good option.

The KQi 100P unseated the Hiboy S2 as my favorite budget scooter. Both performed similarly in my tests; the Hiboy is lighter, so it's easier to carry around, but the KQi is significantly cheaper.

If you want something more compact — and with turn signals — you should check out the NIU KQi 100F, which costs $100 more, but has handlebars that fold down, and features flashers in the handlebars to let traffic know which way you're going.

• Read our full NIU KQi 100P review

Best electric scooter for long distances

The Ninebot Kickscooter Max G3 is the third generation of Segway's long-distance electric scooter; this model sees a new, slicker color scheme — black and red — and an updated design, including raked handlebars, hydraulic disc brakes, dual suspension, and even a loop through which you can attach one of the best bike locks.

In addition, the Max G3 has a longer theoretical range than the G2 (50 miles vs. 43) and a higher top speed (28 vs. 23 mph). In my day-to-day use, I found the G3's range to be about the same as the G2 — around 20 miles — but that was riding it up and down hills at top speed. If you're more conservative and travel on more level ground, you should see a much better range.

I also like that the G3 has turn signals in the handlebars (although I wish Segway would add them to the deck too, like on Apollo's electric scooters, as it signals to cars behind you which way you're turning), and the display is bigger and brighter than ever. Plus, its double-action piston disc brakes help bring you to a safe and controlled stop.

The G3's 850W motor (2000W peak) roared me up hills, and I liked that top speed allowed me to better keep up with local traffic. I also like that, similar to the G2, the G3 supports Apple Find My network as well as a digital locking system; they can't prevent your scooter from being stolen, but at least it'll help you find it.

There are a few quirks that I would like Segway to work out with a firmware update: if you don't depress the throttle fully, the G3 has a tendency to jerk forward, and it also slows down for a split section after you drive over a pothole. Otherwise, this scooter will let you go the distance.

Another option around this price is the Apollo City, which has a higher top speed of 32 mph and crushes hills just as easily. It has a slightly shorter range, though.

• Read our full Segway Ninebot Kickscooter Max G3 review

Best electric scooter for hills

If you live in a hilly area, you're going to need a scooter that can muscle you up those inclines; there's nothing worse than having your ride slow to a crawl as you get to the top.

Thanks to the Apollo City's 500W motor, I was able to roar up and down even the steepest of hills with ease. And, with its top speed of 32 miles per hour, I could keep pace with most local traffic.

I also liked its full suspension and puncture-proof tires, which helped keep the ride smooth. Apollo's app even lets you customize the scooter's performance and has a remote-locking function to engage the scooter's brakes, so that others can't ride it.

The Apollo City has something most other electric scooters lack: turn signals. It's a lot easier to let other drivers know you want to go left or right if you can switch on a light, rather than holding your arm out — even better, they're on both the deck of the scooter as well as the ends of each handlebar, so it's even easier for cars to spot you.

It has multiple choices when it comes to brakes, too, with a thumb-activated regenerative braking system on the left handlebar, and there are also hand brakes on both the right and left sides. Plus, no matter which braking method you use, the Apollo City’s taillight will flash red, warning those behind you that you’re slowing down.

Still, at 57 pounds, this is a pretty heavy electric scooter — it's not my first choice if you have to carry it up a flight of stairs — and its latching mechanism is more finicky than you'll find on many other electric scooters. But otherwise, this is a fun and fast electric scooter with some good safety features built in.

• Read our full Apollo City review

Best electric scooter for kids

The Segway Ninebot Kickscooter C2 Lite is the best electric scooter for parents who want to get a scooter for their kids to safely ride around town.

It's easy to learn, with a simple thumb lever on the right to control acceleration and a hand brake on the left for controlled and easy braking.

Parents can set the max speed to either 7.5 mph or 9.9 mph depending on the age of their child and experience (the recommended age range is 6-10 years). I (and my kid testers) liked the C2 Lite's design, especially the color-changing LEDs on the bottom of the scooter, which make it look even cooler when it's dark outside. I just wish the scooter came in more colors than just blue.

While the C2 Lite has rubber wheels, it was still comfortable enough to ride over small bumps, and its 120W motor gave it just enough oomph for our test kids to enjoy the ride safely.

The C2 Lite has a rated battery life of up to 70 minutes — you'll most likely see closer to 50 depending on how hard your kid decides to ride it — but there's a big clear battery life indicator to let you know how much juice is left.

If your child is a little older, you might also want to check out the Segway C2 (ages 6-12), which has an even sleeker folding design and adjustable handlebars, but the same top speed as the C2 Lite; or the C2 Pro (ages 6-14), which has a higher top speed of 12.4 mph, and has a Bluetooth speaker built in.

• Check out our full guide to the best electric scooters for kids

Best electric scooter for commuters

Thanks to its dual 250W motors, the Unagi Model One Voyager powers up hills with aplomb, zipping along twice as fast as other scooters with just a single motor. Using both motors (you can opt to use just one) causes the battery life to drop significantly lower than the scooter's advertised 20-mile range.

The Unagi also has a great display that's bright enough to easily see even in daylight; we also liked its intuitive controls and loud, electric-sounding horn. It has both head and taillights, the latter of which blinks rapidly when you hit the brakes to signal to those behind you that you are doing so.

I was also enamored with the Unagi's sleek design; its carbon-fiber front post changes in geometry from a circle to a triangular shape, making for an intriguing look. No other scooter on the road looks quite like it.

At 26 pounds, the Unagi is also super-light, which makes it really easy to carry around — helpful if you have to lug it up stairs. However, part of what makes it so lightweight are its small rubber tires, which I found delivered a much rougher ride over potholed streets.

All of this comes at a price: The Model One Voyager costs $1,490 — and it's often on backorder. However, Unagi's scooter rental program lets you rent the Voyager for $79/month, or the Unagi Model One Classic for $59/month with an annual subscription.

• Read our full Unagi Model One Voyager review

Best scooter for carrying stuff

The Glion Balto is the best electric scooter for those who want something they can use to pick up groceries or carry things to and from the store. And, it can fold up on itself, making it much easier to store.

One thing I really appreciated about the Balto is that it comes with a side-view mirror, lights, and turn signals, which made me feel safer in traffic. And, the Balto's battery is removable, so you don't have to park the scooter near an outlet. As a bonus, you can also use the battery to charge your phone — but you'll need to buy an adapter first.

If you're looking for another scooter with a basket, you should also check out the Razor EcoSmart Cargo; it has a bit more zip than the Balto, and its basket can be swapped out for an extra seat, but it can't fold up, and its chain drive is a bit noisy.

• Read our full Glion Balto review

Best offroad electric scooter

With huge 11-inch tires, full suspension, and a 1600W peak motor, the Segway ZT3 Pro is designed to be taken almost anywhere outdoors. I certainly had a lot of fun riding it both on- and offroad around my town.

I was able to comfortably take it up a pretty steep grassy hill — which proved a touch too steep at the end — where lesser scooters would have bowed out.

What's more, the ZT3 Pro really looks the part; it has some great gray and red accents, and the scooter's large X-shaped running light in the front sets it apart from others. The handlebars were easy to grip even on bumpy terrain, and the controls on either side, such as the turn signals, were easy to reach.

It has both front and rear disc brakes — although they’re cable-operated, not hydraulic, unlike on some of Segway's more high-end models. They are operated via a traditional handbrake on the right handlebar.

Like some of Segway's newer scooters, the ZT3 Pro also has Apple's Find My support and a remote electronic locking feature. While I still recommend using one of the best bike locks, it's nice to have a bit of extra insurance.

Also like most electric scooters, the advertised max range of the ZT3 Pro (43.5 miles) is a highly optimistic figure. If you ride it like I did — at top speed — you're more likely to get around 20 miles before it needs a recharge.

I also wish its top speed were a little higher than 24.9 mph (check out the Apollo City if you're looking for something faster), but otherwise, I have few quibbles.

• Read our full Segway ZT3 Pro review

Best premium electric scooter

The Navee UT5 Ultra X wasn't designed with the standard user in mind. Instead, this Rolls-Royce-inspired, top-of-the-line scooter was designed for adrenaline junkies who'll get the most out of its speedy acceleration and high speeds.

The fastest and most powerful electric scooter I've ever piloted, it's capable of going from zero to 12 mph in under two seconds and has a maximum speed of 43 mph. With this being said, you'll need to dial in the maximum attainable speed via the Navee companion app, although this does take just a couple of clicks.

This doesn't mean you don't have control, though. Its dual disc brakes provide excellent stopping power, even when descending steep hills. Plus, the UT5 Ultra X also offers a downhill motor assist option that switches the motors into low gear to give you more control as you do so.

You can also control other settings, like the lights and cruise control in the app, as well as checking the current battery level and range.

Speaking of, the Navee UT5 Ultra X offers an impressive battery range of up to 75 miles per charge, assuming an average speed of around 10 mph. You can also fully charge the battery from 0% in just about two hours. It also has a decently high max rider weight at 330 pounds.

One of its major flaws, however, is its sheer weight. At 88 pounds, it's 23 pounds heavier than the second heaviest model in this guide, the Segway ZT3 Pro. It was a struggle to get it up a few steps, let alone a full flight of stairs.

I also have to mention the elephant in the room — the price. At $2,499, the Navee UT5 Ultra X is roughly five times the cost of the Segway E3 Pro. However, this increased price also comes with increased power, speed, and battery capacity.

Overall, I don't recommend the Navee UT5 Ultra X for apartment dwellers or anyone who might need to navigate up/down stairs. However, if you're looking for a premium electronic scooter that'll do more than just grocery runs, this may be the one for you.

• Read our full Navee UT5 Ultra X review

Best electric scooters compared

Also tested

We've tested a lot of electric scooters at Tom's Guide, and while many are great, not all can crack our top list. Still, if none of the picks above satisfy your needs, you may want to check out these below.

Scooter accessories you'll need

The majority of our picks on this page are for adult riders. However, if you're looking for something for your child, be sure to check out the best electric scooters for kids.

It's also important that you wear a helmet while riding a scooter. In the event of an accident, it could very well save your life, or prevent a traumatic brain injury. Our current top pick is the Giro Register MIPS, which is light, comfortable, and very affordable. For other options, check out our guide to the best bike helmets.

You'll also want to pick up one of the best bike locks to make sure that your scooter doesn't get stolen. Considering that it's a little tricker to lock up a scooter than a bike, a chain lock, like the Kryptonite New York Legend Chain 1515 & New York Disc Lock, might be your best option. It's heavy, but it's incredibly hard to cut.

• Back to top

How to choose the best electric scooter for you

How are you going to use the scooter?
How you plan to use your scooter will go a long way to determining the best electric scooter for your needs. If you're using it as a "last-mile" vehicle — getting you from your home to the bus or train, and then from the bus or train to your office — you'll want to prioritize an electric scooter that's small and light. Look for a scooter that weighs between 20 and 30 pounds.

You'll also want an electric scooter that folds quickly and easily. There's nothing worse than having to fumble with a latch when you're rushing to catch a train — and your fellow passengers will appreciate it, too.

Are you riding on hilly terrain?
Where you plan to ride your scooter should also help determine your purchase. If you live in a flatter area, a scooter with a 300W to 350W motor should give you all the power you need. If, however, you live in, say, San Francisco, you'll want a scooter with a stronger motor to get you around. Larger individuals should also consider electric scooters with more powerful motors.

Battery life/range: After price, this will be the next deciding factor for many. It's a bit difficult to provide an accurate estimate of battery life and range, because it's dependent on a variety of factors, including the rider's weight, the temperature, and the terrain — if you're riding on flat surfaces, you'll be able to go much farther than if you're riding up and down hills. Battery life is typically measured in Amp Hours (aH); the higher the number, the longer you'll be able to ride.

Speed: Most electric scooters will top out at around 20 miles per hour on a flat road. That's plenty fast for most uses, but there are scooters that will zip along at speeds in excess of 25-30 MPH.

Motors: The majority of electric scooters will have a single hub-mounted motor (meaning the motor is built into the wheel itself), and will typically have a power rating of around 350 Watts. If you live in a particularly hilly area (or want to go fast) you'll want a motor with higher wattage.

Tires/suspension: There's nothing worse than a jarring ride as you bump over potholes and cracks in the road. To mitigate this, most electric scooters are now outfitted with air-filled (pneumatic) tires, which help cushion things. Others will have front or rear suspension (or both), which makes for an even more comfortable ride. Bigger tires also mean a more stable ride, too.

Lights: If you plan on riding your electric scooter in the early morning, at dusk, or among city traffic, it's worth getting a model with lights so you can see and be seen. Look for electric scooters with headlights and taillights — the better ones will have taillights that flash when you apply the brakes. Unfortunately, turn signals are rare, so you'll have to look out when changing lanes.

How much does an electric scooter cost?

For many, the price of an electric scooter will be the starting point for any buying decision. Here's a quick rundown of what to expect at each price tier.

• $100 to $200: These scooters tend to be very inexpensive and come with smaller motors, low-capacity batteries and simple braking mechanisms. This is where you'll also find most electric scooters for kids, but for adults, I would recommend you look for something in the $300-$400 range.
• $300 to $400: This is where you'll find the best budget scooters for adults that are actually worth owning. You'll get the basics, though most won't be great for hills or long distances.
• $400-$600: These scooters can be considered as either mid-range or entry-level commuters, and they tend to include bigger wheels, slightly longer ranges, fast-charging batteries and the ability to scale hills.
• $600 and up: These scooters are in the premium range. You can expect a longer, more comfortable ride, along with larger tires, faster speeds, disc brakes and better suspension.

• Back to top

FAQs

• Back to top

How we test the best electric scooters

There are dozens of varieties of electric scooters on the market, but only a few are worth bringing home to ride.

To test electric scooters, we ride them around a New Jersey suburb and, if the scooter is light and small enough, we take it on a train and into New York City. As increasing numbers of people are bringing scooters on public transportation, we like to see how easy it is to lug a scooter up stairs, and to see how well it can be stowed under a seat.

Once in New York, we ride the scooter some more to see how well it handles potholes and other road obstacles. We also take each scooter up a street with a 6% grade, to see how well its motor performs under strain. More powerful scooters will be able to maintain a somewhat consistent speed, while lesser models will slow to a crawl.

In addition, we evaluate each scooter to see if it can reach its advertised top speed, and how close its range comes to the company's estimates. Spoiler alert: most electric scooters will get around 60% of their advertised range.

As part of the testing process, we also evaluate a scooter's brakes, lighting, and design, as well as its price.

For entry-level and commuter scooters, we primarily consider things such as portability — how easy it is to fold up to bring on the bus or other types of public transportation, or how light it is to cart up a long stretch of stairs — along with range and top speed.

Commuter scooters don't need to be the fastest things around, but it helps if they can manage at least 15 mph for a sustained time so that you're not holding up anyone in the bike lane.

We also looked at braking mechanisms, including hydraulic disc brakes, which are the best for stopping quickly and safely at top speeds, and mechanical disc brakes, which are considered the second best for their reliability. Extra features like headlights, reflectors and available speedometer also factored into our commuter picks.

For the performance-based, higher-end rides, we consider range, speed and braking mechanisms, but we also looked at suspension. If you're paying upward of $1,000 for an electric scooter, it should be comfortable to ride and able to scale curbs, hills and bumpy roads.

For our picks for kids, electric scooters in this category don't offer the same bells and whistles as commuter models. For instance, many of the child and preteen picks don't fold up for portability, so we considered overall weight and size for kids with longer rides to school.

We also stuck with scooters that topped out at 15 mph for utmost safety. And like our commuter and high-performance picks, we pored over reviews from parents where accessible.

• Back to top

When it comes to the best electric scooters, the models that stand out the most tend to be either high-priced rides that can go faster than the speed of light, or the ones you can buy with spare change from your couch cushions.

The Segway Ninebot E3 Pro fits into neither of those categories. It’s a midrange model that delivers good speed and good range — more than enough for someone who is looking for a daily commuter.

But, it also has a few niceties that set it apart from other models in this price range: A full suspension system makes for a smoother ride, turn signals and Apple Find My make it safer and more secure.

I rode the Segway Ninebot E3 Pro for several weeks to see how it would hold up, and while it might not turn heads, it’s a more than dependable model.

Segway Ninebot E3 Pro review: Price and availability

The Segway E3 Pro was released in the second half of 2025; its list price is $699, but at the time of this writing, could be found for $599. It’s only available in one color and configuration.

Segway Ninebot E3 Pro review: Design

The E3 Pro continues the same design language as all of Segway’s 3-series scooters. The frame is mostly black, with some red and gray accents, the downtube is raked back slightly more than previous generations, and the front fork looks a bit beefier than before. Unlike the Segway Max G3, though, there’s no loop through which you can thread a bike lock.

Like most scooters, the E3 Pro has a small LCD display in the middle of the handlebars, but Segway has put some effort into its screen. It’s bright and colorful, and shows you just what you need to know at a quick glance.

On the right handlebar are turn signals within thumb’s reach, and a traditional hand brake. The left side has a thumb throttle, as well as the power button.

To add a bit of splash, the E3 Pro has a set of multicolored LEDs below the deck, which light up the road beneath the scooter. While they’re not fully customizable, you can choose between a few patterns when you connect the scooter to the Segway app on your phone.

I also liked the new unlocking mechanism on the E3 Pro. Now, you simply lift up one tab, and then press down on another with your foot to fold the scooter. Nice, simple, and quick.

Segway Ninebot E3 Pro review: A smooth ride

Anyone who’s ridden a scooter over potholed city streets knows the importance of soft tires and a good suspension.

The E3 Pro not only has large 10-inch tubeless tires, but also dual suspension — something you don’t often see in a scooter at this price. That combo did its job really well. I cruised over cracks and divots with no issues.

Segway Ninebot E3 Pro review: Just enough power and battery

The E3 Pro has a 400W motor (800W peak) which should be enough for most folks, but if you live in a hillier area, you may want something with a little more oomph. On my test hill (a 6% grade), the E3 Pro was able to maintain a speed of around 10 MPH when at full charge, but slowed down when the battery was lower. Its top speed of 20 MPH on flats felt plenty fast for local riding.

Packing a 368 Wh battery, Segway says that the E3 Pro should get up to 34 miles in Eco mode and 17.5 miles in Sport mode. Riding exclusively in the latter mode, I was able to scratch out about 10 miles, which is far less than advertised, but typical for my experience with just about every scooter I’ve tested.

Segway Ninebot E3 Pro review: Turn signals

This section feels like a long diversion into what seems like something minor, but hear me out. I really wish I could combine Segway’s turn signal controls with Apollo’s turn signals. Let’s start with the controls: Segway’s are on the left side; a rocker switch lets you activate either the left or right signal, and turn it off when you want. It’s very similar to what you’ll find on a motorcycle, and ensures that you don’t have to take your right-hand thumb off the accelerator.

In comparison, Apollo’s scooters have a button on either side of the handlebar, and once you press either button, the signal only stays on for about seven seconds, so if you’re stopped at a light, you’ll have to re-press the button.

However, Apollo’s scooters have turn signals on both the handlebars and at the rear of the scooter, which I like more than Segway’s, which only has turn signals on the handlebars. Apollo’s configuration means that cars behind you are more likely to see the signals.

Segway Ninebot E3 Pro review: Bottom line

At $599, the Segway E3 Pro is a good, all-around midrange scooter for those looking for a little more oomph than a budget model.

While we haven’t tested it, the Hiboy S2 Max is about $100 less, and also has a comparable range and speed as the E3 Pro. The S2 Max also has 10-inch pneumatic tires, but lacks suspension of any kind. It also doesn’t look as splashy as the E3 Pro.

If you want to go a little higher in price, the Apollo Go is about $200 more expensive than the E3 Pro, but has a higher top speed (28 MPH), same range, a brighter headlight, dual suspension, and the aforementioned turn signals. Its dual motors also deliver greater power, but the scooter also tips the scales at 49 pounds.

In many ways, the E3 Pro feels like the Honda of electric scooters. It isn’t the fastest or flashiest, but it’s designed well and will get you where you need to go at a good price.

What do you get when a Formula One engineer takes his talents and designs an electric scooter? I found out for myself when I took the Bo Model-M for a test ride in Brooklyn last week.

This new electric scooter has an aluminum monocoque chassis and a unique steering system that makes it unlike any other electric scooter on the market today. But how does this $2,000 machine compare to the best electric scooter? I went for a ride with CEO Oscar Morgan, who previously worked for Williams Racing, to see how well it handled.

Bo Model-M: Price and availability

The company is slowly introducing the Model-M to the U.S. You can order the base model — which has a top speed of 16 MPH and a range of up to 25 miles — for $1,990 at Bo's website. A version with a top speed of 22 MPH and a range of 40 miles sells for $2,490.

The Model-M is also offered in four colors — silver, gold, black, and chrome — with the latter three being a bit more costly. For example, a gold version of the top-end Model M costs $3,399.

That's a lot more expensive than the best electric scooters, but the company doesn't plan to release it in large numbers; each scooter is hand-built.

Lest you think it can't go faster, Bo is developing a modified version of the scooter that can reach speeds of up to 100 MPH. At $30,000, it'll cost you as much as a car, though.

Design

Unlike most every other electric scooter, the Bo Model-M has a monocoque chassis, which means that the outer shell of the scooter itself provides support, rather than an internal frame.

So, there's no vertical downtube like you'll see with most scooters; rather, you get an L-shape that swooshes down and blends seamlessly with the deck; it's the sleekest scooter design I've seen since the Unagi Model One.

A running light sits about a third of the way up the scooter, with a headlight in the middle of the handlebars.

Partly because of this design, the top of the scooter doesn't fold down, which makes it more suited for those who have a garage to store it.

There are two small design touches I particularly liked. The first is the Model-M's kickstand, which is designed that that you'd find on a motorcycle: It folds down on both sides of the scooter, so it's propped up level, and more securely, than a kickstand that's just on one side.

The other feature I loved are the folding loops for a bike lock. These are located about halfway down, and pop out so that you can slide a bike lock through the frame of the scooter, and then fold them back in for a sleeker look. These loops also have a small tab at the top, so you can use them to hang a bag from the scooter while you're riding.

The Model-M lacks a built-in display. Instead, there's a mounting bracket in the middle of the handlebars, to which you attach your smartphone, and use the Bo app as your dashboard.

Handling

Also, the steering is a lot tighter than a traditional scooter — you feel a lot of resistance as you turn the handlebars to either side, as they automatically return to center. In some ways, it feels like the steering wheel of your car.

While I didn't try it, you could almost ride the scooter one-handed, as you don't have to focus on keeping the wheel pointed forward.

The Model-M is powered by a 400W (1200W peak) rear motor, which felt pretty zippy around the admittedly flat streets of the area around the Brooklyn Navy Yard; I'd be interested to see how it would fare in hillier environs.

Still, it felt very zippy during my time riding it; the Model-M has two speed settings, so you can keep it at a lower top speed until you get used to riding it.

Another conscious design decision was to forego any sort of suspension system on the Model-M, and instead rely on its 10 x 2.5-inch pneumatic tires to absorb any bumps in the road. It was definitely more jarring than full suspension scooters like the Segway Max G3, especially when riding over the cobblestone streets of Brooklyn.

Initial impressions

There's a lot to like about the Bo Model-M; not only does its design stand out from the crowd, but it's thoughtfully made; I especially like touches such as the folding bike lock.

While I'd like to test it out further, the Model-M's steering is also unlike any other electric scooter I've ridden, and definitely feels more stable when making turns; it felt more like skiing than scooting. I do wish there were some sort of suspension, though.

At $2,000, this is definitely a boutique ride, and, as it doesn't fold and weighs around 50 pounds, I would not recommend it for those who live in a walk-up apartment. But, if you're looking for a scooter that will make a statement, this is it.

More from Tom's Guide

• Best electric bikes
• Best electric scooters for kids
• I just rode the Honda Motocompacto — and it's the weirdest scooter

As electric scooters and electric bikes gain popularity, could electric mopeds and motorcycles be far behind? How about one that looks like it comes from the future?

The Infinite Machine P1 is an electric moped that has a futuristic, cyberpunk-like design, as if you took an 80s Lamborghini Countach and put it on two wheels. Available now for $10,000 — the company is in its early stages — it definitely looks different than every other scooter out there.

I took the P1 for a test ride around Long Island City, NY, to see what it could do — and if it's worth its price. Here's my impressions.

3 things I liked

It was fast

Cruising around the streets of Queens, it was hard to really open up the throttle of the P1, but when I got the chance to try it even a little, I was thrown back into my seat as the machine took off.

Its throttle was very responsive, accelerating at the slightest twitch of my hand, which made it easy to maneuver at slow speeds, when all I needed was a short burst here and there.

You can set it to operate in three riding modes (you can limit it to under 30mph or, if you have a motorcycle license set it to its max of 65mph), plus there's a Turbo Boost button to blast you out even faster. I didn't dare try this on the streets.

It was a smooth ride

Infinite Machines' showroom is in Long Island City, New York, which afforded me some great views of Manhattan as I was cruising around. Part of the charm of this neighborhood are its cobblestone streets, which, while lovely to look at, can be a nightmare for anyone on two wheels.

So, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the P1 handled these bumps with ease; while there was a little bit of rumbling underfoot, the whole experience was far more pleasant than I anticipated. Its ABS brakes were also very responsive, stopping the P1 very quickly.

Smart features

When you first turn the P1 on, you're greeted with a huge display in between the handlebars. Even better, if you connect your iPhone, it will work with CarPlay, so you can get a massive map and navigation features right before your eyes.

There's some other nice tech features: You can lock and unlock the P1 via NFC, it has GPS location tracking, and also boasts front and rear cameras to not only record your rides, but provide extra safety when backing up. An alarm system will also sound a siren and immobilize the scooter if someone tries to make off with it.

The P1's 3.2 kWh/45Ah battery is also removable, so you can charge it up separately from the scooter itself, which is handy if you have to park it in a public space.

1 thing I didn't

The price

At $10,000, the P1 is not a cheap bike, even by electric moped standards. By comparison, the Vespa Elettrica is $8,000, and the NIU NQI GTS starts at $4,800.

So, you're definitely paying a premium for this ride. I get that Infinite Machines is a small start-up, so their costs are going to be higher than a bigger manufacturer. Here's hoping that its future mopeds will cost less.

In the meantime, if it's the design you're after, the company also announced the Olto, a really cool-looking electric bike (also for a rich $3,495) that has a top speed of 33mph and a range of up to 40 miles. It will ship this fall.

I dunno

Fairly or unfairly, the Infinite Machines' P1 looks very similar to the Tesla Cybertruck (there's no affiliation between the two companies).

I'm sure when the P1's design was originally developed, Elon Musk enjoyed a much higher reputation than he does now. Maybe the company should sell stickers that say "this was designed before I knew Elon was crazy."

Still, it is an eye-catching design. During my test ride, one passerby even commented "cool bike" as he walked in front of me. If we're going for sci-fi movie comparisons, it gives off more "Judge Dredd" than "Tron" vibes. Time will tell if its look becomes as iconic as a Vespa.

I also wish the seat compartment were a touch bigger, so it could accommodate a helmet. While it does have a locking hook where you can attach the chinstrap, I'd prefer something more fully concealed.

I didn't hate the design of the P1, but it's definitely an acquired taste. One advantage to its flat sides, though, is that if you drop the bike — accidentally or otherwise — the fact that there's no protruding surfaces means you're less likely to dent the panel. And, in the event you do, it can be unscrewed and replaced fairly easily.

Final thoughts

I genuinely enjoyed my time riding around Queens on the Infinite Machine P1; it was fast, smooth, and comfortable, and its unique design certainly made it stand out.

owever, I'd have to really think hard about buying one, and how much I'd use it, before plunking down ten grand. (I'm also really tempted by company's new electric bike, the Olto, which also isn't cheap, but it's more attainable).

Despite its high price, the company's first two batches sold out; you'll have to wait until the fall if you order one from its third batch now. So apparently the company is doing something right.

Is this a bike you would ride? Let me know in the comments.

More from Tom's Guide

• I just rode the Honda Motocompacto — and it’s the weirdest scooter I've ever tried
• I just took Segway's new flagship scooter for a test ride — 3 things I liked, and 2 I didn't
• Segway’s new performance driven electric scooter is a speed demon on wheels — 0 to 30 mph in under 4 seconds

If you use one of the best electric scooters to commute to work every day like I do, then you know one of the more tedious chores is making sure that you keep it charged, especially if you have to travel long distances. There's nothing worse than having to hoof it at the last minute because the battery on your scooter is dead.

One of the reasons I liked the Segway Max G2 was for its great battery life and range, which meant I only needed to plug it in once a week or so.

I tested its successor, the Segway Ninebot Kickscooter Max G3, for more than a month. And aside from a few little quirks, I found it to be an excellent follow-up model, with a refreshed design, higher top speed, and a longer range. Provided you don't need to carry the Max G3 up and down stairs, this is a scooter that can go the distance.

Price and availability

The Segway Max G3 went on sale in the spring of 2025. Its list price is $1,499, but you can often find it for less; at the time of this writing, it was on sale for $1,199 at Best Buy and other retailers, including Segway.com.

Design

For 2025, Segway refreshed the look of its entire lineup of electric scooters, going from a gray and yellow scheme to red and black. It definitely makes the Max G3 look sharper.

Aside from the color, the most noticeable change is a large cowling covering the front suspension fork and U-shaped piece right above the front wheel. It makes the front of the scooter look a lot bulkier, but it also gives you a really convenient slot through which you can loop one of the best bike locks.

Segway also changed the design of the handlebars. Instead of a straight bar, they're now raked back slightly, which I found made them more comfortable and gave me a little greater control.

I also really liked the new material on the handlebar grips, as well as the control pad on the lefthand side. Now, the buttons for the turn signals, headlights, and modes are arranged in a little circle, within easy reach of your thumb. And, there's even a button which you can customize for a specific function.

Like the Max G2, the Max G3 has turn signals at the end of the handlebars, which is a nice warning to oncoming traffic that you're about to turn.

However, I wish Segway had also added turn signals to the rear of the deck, as Apollo Scooters has done with the Apollo City and some of its other models. As bright as the Max G3's turn signals are, they're blocked by my body, which means cars behind me can't see them.

Performance and handling

For the third generation, the Max G3's top speed is now 28 MPH, 5 MPH faster than the G2. While not as fast as the Apollo City (32 MPH), I found the G3 to be fast enough to keep up with traffic around town.

In addition to being speedy, the G3's 1000W motor was also powerful enough to get my up my test hill (a 6% grade) at around 22 MPH; it also managed to get up even steeper 10%-grade hills, only slowing down to about 17 MPH.

My only real issue with the Max G3 is its throttle control; it likes to be pushed all the way down. While you can gradually increase the G3's speed by pressing the throttle part way, it can sometimes result in a jerking motion as the scooter lurches forward.

I also noticed that if I had the throttle pushed down and I went over a pothole, the G3 would slow down for a split second after going over the hole.

As I was testing the Max G3, I reported the issues to Segway, and the company sent out a firmware update that alleviated the issue somewhat. If the company issues any more fixes, I'll update this review accordingly.

Battery life and range

In Eco mode, Segway says you should see up to 50 miles, while in Sport mode, it should get up to 25 miles before needing a charge.

With the battery fully charged, I set out on a ride in Sport mode. At the start, it estimated I had 25 miles of range. I then rode the Max G3 nonstop for just over 7 miles, at which point the G3 said that I had 36% battery remaining. Calculating that out means that I could eke out about 11 miles in Sport mode.

I've found that difference is par for the course with just about every electric scooter I've tested, as I tend to ride them over more hilly terrain, and I'm bigger than the typical rider used for most estimates.

App and features

As with its previous model, the Max G3 connects via Bluetooth with the Segway app, which lets you adjust various features and functions on the scooter. For example, you can set the top speed for each of its riding modes (Eco, Drive, Sport), and turn on things such as the Traction Control System, which helps provide extra stability in wet weather.

Additionally, the app allows you to activate AirLock, which will automatically lock and unlock the scooter when your phones moves in and out of Bluetooth range, as well as Apple FIndMy, so you can locate your scooter if it goes missing.

Verdict

A few caveats aside, the Segway Max G3 is a nice successor to the previous model, offering longer range, an updated design, and a higher top speed. I especially like the small loop, which makes it easier to chain the scooter to a bike rack.

While its range will vary greatly based on a lot of factors — I was only able to get about 11 miles while riding it fairly aggressively — you should be able to get a much greater range if you're a bit more conservative.

Among the best electric scooters I've tested, there are few that can match the range of the Max G3, hypothetical or otherwise, making this the best option for those who have to travel long distances.

More from Tom's Guide

• Best electric scooters for kids
• The one thing you should look for when buying an electric scooter or electric bike
• I just rode the Honda Motocompacto — and it’s the weirdest scooter I've ever tried

If you're looking for a new electric scooter to get you to and from work, many of the best electric scooter makers are releasing new models, just in time for warmer weather.

For example, Segway just started preorders for the Ninebot Kickscooter F3, and for a limited time, you can get it for $599, a discount of $250 off its regular price.

Segway announced the Kickscooter F3 at CES 2025 in January; it's positioned as an Urban Daily commuter. The F3 is a more affordable version of the Kickscooter G3 Max, with more modest specs, but should prove more than capable for those who need something to get around town.

The F3 is powered by a 450W motor (1000W peak) with a top speed of 20 MPH, with an estimated range of between 25-44 miles, depending on how hard you ride the scooter.

It has 10-inch air-filled tires, a front hydraulic suspension and a rear elastomer suspension, which should provide some cushioning when riding over bumps and potholes.

Like all of the scooters that Segway is releasing this year, the F3 has a very big and colorful display. You also get turn signals built into the handlebars, and there's a new d-pad on the left side to control everything.

Security-wise, you also get Apple FindMy built in and automatic remote locking via Bluetooth. And, a new U-shaped bar above the front wheel makes it easier to attach one of the best bike locks to the scooter to help prevent it from being stolen.

However, this isn't the lightest of scooters, at 42 pounds. You're going to need some real muscle to get it upstairs.

Accessorize it!

Another neat feature with the F3 is that you'll be able to customize it with an assortment of accessories, such as a seat, a cargo rack and a battery pack that will extend its range by up to 37.5 miles.

Pricing and availability of the accessories has not yet been announced.

Outlook

The Segway Kickscooter F3 is currently available for preorder for $599 until April 14, at which time it will be offered for its regular price of $849. Segway is releasing preorders in two batches: The first batch is expected to ship by April 18, while the second batch should ship by April 24.

At $599, the F3 is very attractive, price-wise, and comparable to the Apollo Air, which is also currently discounted to $599 at Apollo Scooters.

While I haven't tested it, on paper the Segway F3 looks to be a very capable mid-range scooter with a good range. Stay tuned for our full review.

More from Tom's Guide

• Best electric scooters for kids
• I took the Segway Xyber ebike for a test ride, and I've never had so much fun
• Segway recalls 220,000 electric scooters - what to do if yours is on the list

Segway, the brand perhaps best associated with some of the best electric scooters, has issued a recall for one of its more popular models after receiving reports that it can accidentally collapse while in use.

As posted yesterday (March 20) on the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission's site, the company issued a notice for all Segway Ninebot Max G30P and Max G30LP KickScooters.

According to the notice, the models in question have a faulty mechanism in the hinge, which can cause the handlebars to fold down even while someone is riding the scooter.

Segway has received 68 reports, which have resulted in 20 injuries which include "abrasions, bruises, lacerations and broken bones."

In the notice, Segway says that anyone with either of these scooters — which were sold at major retailers (such as Costco, Best Buy, Amazon, and Segway) from from January 2020 through February 2025 — should immediately stop using the scooter and contact Segway at this recall site, or call Segway at 800-914-6110 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or email them at recall@segway.com.

However, instead of sending you a new scooter, the company will send you instructions to see if the folding mechanism on your scooter isn't working properly, and if so, it will send you a repair kit.

The Segway Ninebot Max G30P and G30LP were midrange models in the company's lineup, capable of speeds of up to 18.6 MPH and a range of up to 40 miles for the G30P (25 miles for the G30LP), making them good options for those who needed to travel longer distances.

The Max G30P is listed as sold out on Segway's site, while the G30LP has been discounted for $499.

Both models are likely going to be replaced with the E3 and F3 scooters, which were announced at CES 2025, and are expected to come out later this year.

More from Tom's Guide

• I took the Segway Xyber ebike for a test ride, and I've never had so much fun
• Best electric scooters for kids
• I just took Segway's new flagship scooter for a test ride — 3 things I like, and 1 I don't

The Segway Ninebot eKickscooter Max G2 has long been on our list of the best electric scooters for its long range and smooth handling. However, this two-year-old model is being replaced with the eKickscooter Max G3, which has a longer range and faster top speed.

In addition, the Max G3 also has traction control, Apple FindMy, and other lighting effects that make this a nice upgrade over the previous model.

Segway recently sent me the Max G3 to review, and the weather finally warmed up enough for me to take the electric scooter on its first ride. I rode it for a little less than 4 miles around my neighborhood, up and down hills, to see how it handled.

I'll have a full review once I've really put the scooter through its paces, but here are my initial impressions of the Segway eKickscooter Max G3.

Nice new design

While the eKickscooter Max G2 was functional, it wasn't overly stylish. The Max G3 has much more of a wow factor; for starters, instead of gray, the scooter is black with red accents.

You're also getting a beefier suspension system both in the front and the rear, which I found made riding over potholes feel a bit smoother.

I also liked that the Max G3's handlebars are now raked slightly back, which helps to improve ergonomics when riding.

Similarly, the controls on the handlebar are a lot easier to use, especially on the left. Now, the buttons for the turn signals, headlights, and modes are arranged in a little circle. And, now there's even a button which you can customize for a specific function.

Last, the Max G3 has a large color display, a huge improvement over the smaller screen on the G2.

It goes fast(er)

The Max G2 was no slouch when it came to zipping around, but the Max G3's top speed is 5 miles per hour faster. The scooter gets up to 28 MPH pretty quickly, and was fast enough so that I was able to keep pace with most local traffic in my neighborhood.

It's great on hills

While I don't live in San Francisco, my town is fairly hilly, which can prove to be an issue on lesser electric scooters.

Not so with the Max G3; I was able to roar up my test hill (a 6% grade) at around 22 MPH; it also managed to get up even steeper 10%-grade hills, only slowing down to about 17 MPH.

Its throttle is a little twitchy

Whether it's the sensitivity of the throttle, the power of the motors, or a combination of both, I found that the G3 could be a little jerky. When riding in Sport mode, if I pushed slightly on the throttle as the scooter was in motion, it had a tendency to lurch forward a little, rather than smoothly accelerate.

It's something I'm going to have to experiment with more in the coming weeks.

I wish there were turn signals in the deck

As with its predecessor, the Max G3 has turn signals at the end of the handlebars, which is a nice warning to oncoming traffic that you're about to turn.

However, I wish Segway had also added turn signals to the rear of the deck, as with the Apollo City. As bright as the Max G3's turn signals are, they're blocked by my body, which means cars behind me can't see them.

What I'm still testing

The biggest remaining question I have about the Max G3 is its range. In Eco mode, Segway says you should see up to 50 miles, while in Sport mode, it should get up to 25 miles before needing a charge.

Starting at 100%, I took off in Sport mode, and rode 3.7 miles; at the end, the Segway app said that I had 75% battery remaining. If those calculations hold up, then I'd get just 14.8 miles, which is 10 less than Segway's estimates.

To be fair, there are a lot of variables that go into a scooter's battery performance, and I've often found that most manufacturer's claims are a bit optimistic.

Stay tuned for my full review.

More from Tom's Guide

• I took the Segway Xyber ebike for a test ride, and I’ve never had so much fun
• Segway’s new performance driven electric scooter is a speed demon on wheels

Sure, all of the best electric scooters do well on pavement, but what about when you want to literally travel off the beaten path? That’s where scooters like the Segway ZT3 Pro come in; this model has grippy 11-inch tires, a beefy suspension, and the ability to get up hills as steep as 25%.

It’s as capable on the road, too, with a top speed of 25 miles per hour and a max range of 43 miles — though it was far shorter the way I rode the scooter. And, you also get some nice add-ons like Apple FindMy, which helps protect your investment. So, should you pick up the Segway ZT3 Pro, or go for another road-worthy option?

Segway ZT3 Pro review: Price and availability

The ZT3 Pro went on sale in the fall of 2024; its list price is $1,049, but you can find it on sale for $949.

Segway ZT3 Pro review: Design

From the beefy 11-inch tires to the dual suspension to the massive “X”-shaped light in the front, this is a lot of scooter. It feels like it could eat the Unagi Model One for breakfast, but still be hungry. Weighing in at 65.5 pounds, this is not a scooter you’ll be taking up any stairs.

And with good reason: The ZT3 Pro is designed to be taken pretty much anywhere, on-road or off. It has front and rear disc brakes — though they’re cable-operated, not hydraulic, as with Segway’s higher-end GT series — and its front suspension has six inches of travel. The tubeless air-filled tires are nice and grippy, and the whole machine has a water resistance rating of IPX5, which means you can ride it in the rain and splash through some puddles, but you shouldn’t take it through serious amounts of water.

Aside from its bulk, the ZT3 Pro’s large X-shaped running light in the front is certain to attract attention. There are also some pretty slick red accents along the base of this otherwise all-black scooter.

On the left handlebar is a large circular pad with buttons to turn the scooter on, activate the headlight and turn signals and change the riding mode. The center has a spacious color display, while the right has a thumb throttle and traditional handbrake.

Segway ZT3 Pro review: Performance

The ZT3’s top speed is 24.9 MPH, so it’s not as fast as the Apollo City (32 MPH), but it was fast enough to keep up with some local traffic.

It’s a very torque-y motor, especially on the low end. I found that if I were riding and tapped the accelerator just so, the ZT3 would jolt me forward; it took some getting used to.

The ZT3 handles hills well. The only one it had trouble with was when I tried climbing up a grass-covered hill that had an incline of around 20%, which is close to the scooter’s max of 25%. The ZT3 slowed to around 4 MPH, but I was able to keep up my momentum by turning the scooter slightly to make the ascent a bit less steep.

Thanks to its 6-inch suspension, the ride felt very stable and comfortable the entire time I was rumbling over the grass; potholes were no problem for it, either.

Segway ZT3 Pro review: Battery life

Segway says that the ZT3 has a max range of 43.5 miles — if you’re cruising at a very leisurely 9.3 miles per hour. If, however, you’re zipping along at its max speed of 24.9 MPH, you’ll get about 18.6 miles before you need a recharge.

I rode the scooter fairly aggressively at or near its top speed, and climbed some steep hills along the way for 6.7 miles, and had 44% battery life remaining. If we were to extrapolate that, I’d get about 15.2 miles, which is a little below Segway’s estimate, but fairly accurate, all things considering.

Segway ZT3 Pro review: App and extra features

Like most other scooters, the ZT3 connects to an app via Bluetooth that lets you customize the performance of the scooter, and has some security features, too. For instance, you can set the max speed for each of the ZT3’s riding levels, adjust the level of regenerative braking, and turn on features like traction control and hill parking.

I also like, though, that there’s a remote locking function — the scooter won’t activate unless you’re in Bluetooth range — and it has Apple FindMy, in case someone makes off with your ride.

Segway ZT3 Pro review: Verdict

When it comes to offroad electric scooters, there are some truly outlandish models with massive tires, dual-fork downtubes, and crazy-powerful 2000W motors. The Segway ZT3 Pro isn’t quite that — look elsewhere for your doomsday prepper needs — but it will provide a lot of fun for someone who wants to do more than just scooting to and from work.

While we haven’t tested it, the GoTrax GX1 ($999 at GoTrax) is around the same price as ZT3 and has a faster top speed of 30 MPH (as well as dual 600W motors), but weighs 76 pounds and has slightly smaller 10-inch tires — and arguably doesn’t look as cool as the Segway.

If you’re not the offroading type, it’s worth checking out the Segway Max G2 or the NIU KQi3 Max, which offer similar on-road performance but a longer range for around the same price or less. But, if you want to have a little more fun, then the ZT3 is worth a look.

CES 2025 is well underway and Segway-Ninebot isn’t wasting any time introducing its next-generation electric scooters to the world. You’re going to want to strap your helmet tighter riding them, just because of how they’re turbocharged in more ways than one to deliver longer range and faster speeds.

While those top-of-the-line models are feature packed, the rest of the new lineup gets an upgrade as well. Its commuter escooters look stylish, all while focusing on range and speed to give them a more balanced ride for your money. Here’s all the new electric scooters coming soon.

Segway GT3 Pro and GT3

Like we said, these new electric scooters are on steroids and take riding to a whole new level. The Segway GT3 Pro leads the way with its mind-bending acceleration that gets it from 0 to 30 mph in 3.9 seconds, with a top speed of 49.7 miles per hour. Believe us when we say that you’re going to want to hold on tight because at these speeds, you’re going to be flying on the roads. It’s all thanks to its dual 3,500-watt motors. It also has a range of 86 miles from its 2,160Wh battery.

If this is too much scooter for you to handle, the Segway GT3 would be your next option for a performance driven electric scooter. It’s still incredibly fast and blessed with endurance due to its top speed of 31 mph and 45 miles of range. And even though it’s not quite as fast from a complete stop, its 0 to 30 mph time of 9 seconds is still no joke.

Both models include a suite of smart features, including Bluetooth connectivity to your phone, 2.4-inch displays, and real-time riding stats like your speed, navigation, and range. The GT3 is available for preorder right now through Segway’s online store for $1,699 with an extra $200 off discount for a limited time — bringing down its cost to $1,499. As for the GT3 Pro? It’s coming sometime in spring/summer 2025, but its pricing will be disclosed later.

Segway Max G3

Targeted to a broader range of rides, the Segway Max G3 is technically the company’s flagship model — mainly due to how it balances performance and value. Thanks to its dual hydraulic shock absorbers and SegRide stability enhancement system, it makes for a much smoother ride when the road’s a bit bumpy. However, it still outperforms its predecessor with a top speed of 28 mph and 50 miles of range.

The Max G3 also comes with its own set of smart features, including a multi-function display, AirLock, and Apple Find My support. Segway’s also not shy to add a bit of style with this model, since it boasts a 360-degree lighting system with underglow lighting to make you visible on the road at night. It’ll be available in spring 2025, but pricing has yet to be disclosed at this time.

Ninebot F3 and E3 Series

Commuter scooters are the lifeline for many folks in larger cities and towns, so the Segway F3 and E3 Series are upgraded to satisfy their needs to get to their destination in a timely manner.

Starting with the Ninebot F3 and F3 Pro, they’re comfortable to ride thanks to their front hydraulic and rear elastomer suspension — as well as a longer footboard. They have a range of 44 miles and a top cruising speed of 20 mph, making them all the more ideal for commuters.

Meanwhile, the Nineboth E3 and E3 Pro have one-click folding designs that make them a breeze to store or carry around, while an underglow lighting keeps them in sight at night. Both the F3 and E3 series are expected to come in at entry-level pricing, but exact details will come as we near their release in spring/summer 2025.

More from Tom's Guide

• Help me, Tom's Guide! What electric scooter should I buy for my kid?
• I spent three months testing this e-bike conversion kit — and it turned me into an actual cyclist
• I test electric scooters for a living and here are my top 5 buying tips

I've been testing the best electric scooters since before the exploded in popularity. Back then, there were far fewer options, so you were stuck with just a couple of brands.

Now, however, you have a wealth of choices, and a lot of my favorite models are on sale for Black Friday. For example, my favorite scooter overall, the NIU KQi Air, is on sale for $949 at Amazon — a price cut of $450! Why do I like it so much? It's very light (less than 30 pounds), yet has a great range and enough power to get you up hills with ease.

If you're looking for an electric scooter for your kid, I (and the kids who tested it) love the Segway C2 Lite, which is on sale for $119 at Amazon. That's a discount of 20% and the lowest price it's ever been.

Those are just two of my favorite picks. Read on for more Black Friday electric scooter deals, and be sure to check out all of our Black Friday deals on everything from TVs to toys.

• Segway C2 Lite: was $169 now $119
• GoTrax GKS: was $149 now $125 at Amazon
• Hiboy S2: was $399 now $284 at Amazon
• NIU KQi3 Max: was $999 now $599 at Amazon
• Segway Ninebot Kickscooter Max G2: was $999 now $799 at Amazon
• NIU KQi Air: was $1,399 now $949
• Apollo City: was $1,899 now $1,519 at Best Buy

In my quest to find a successor to my Fluid Freeride Mosquito, I’ve come across ultra compact electric scooters like the Dynamic Scooter Model B. While I was able to fit that into my backpack, its tiny wheels and poor build quality doesn't instill confidence in me that it could survive New York City’s hazardous streets.

Enter Honda’s suitcase looking electric scooter, the Motocompacto ($995), which could be one of the few electric scooters that could go where other scooters are banned in NYC. That’s because of the Motocompacto’s intriguing (or odd) design, which collapses so that the wheels, seat and handle bars all tuck away into its briefcase-like body.

I got to try one out when I met up with Honda to test drive the company’s Prologue electric vehicle, and I got to admit that the Motocompacto is one of the weirdest electric scooters I’ve ever tried out.

Honda Motocompacto: Specifications

Sneaking it into places where scooters are banned

One of the reasons why I’d consider replacing my Fluid Freeride Mosquito for the Honda Motocompacto is because I could probably sneak it into places where most other electric scooters are banned from entering — like the mall at Hudson Yards or some other fancy shopping plaza. In the last couple of years, more and more locations throughout New York City have banned electric scooters from entering their premises.

It’s an annoying issue I didn’t have before, so finding a scooter that I could discreetly carry would be ideal. Due to its untraditional design, I have no doubt that I could bring the Motocompacto into more public places than a traditional scooter. With its all-white plastic exterior and carry handle, it almost looks like a folding table I’d bring with me for an outdoor gathering — which is exactly why I think I could sneak it into places in NYC.

The only telling thing about the Motocompacto are the two wheels that stick out from the bottom. Although, there are duffle bags on Amazon that I’m confident that could fit it.

Leisurely ride

After getting it all set up, I was ready for my first ride with the Motocompacto. First of all, I felt weird sitting on it because I felt like I was riding a kid’s bike. Considering how I’m used to standing upright with an electric scooter, sitting down instead feels like a foreign concept for me.

Still, I eventually got acquainted with the Motocompacto and immediately took off. Since I’m used to the zippy acceleration of my Mosquito, the Motocompacto’s gradual acceleration caught me by surprise. Thankfully, it didn’t take me long to reach its top speed of 15 mph. Is it exhilarating? Not really, but at least I wasn’t feeling every bump I went over on the path — unlike the Dynamic Scooter Model B.

I also noticed that the Motocompacto has a narrow turning radius, so it’s really not the kind of thing that’ll weave in and out of tight spots like my Mosquito. Another thing I noticed riding the Motocompacto is that it doesn’t have a regenerative brake, which means stopping is solely done by the handle brake. I’m perfectly okay with all of this because the overall ride was smooth at the very least.

Compact design, hefty weight

One of the biggest criteria I want satisfied when choosing a commuter scooter I could use to and from work is how well it can easily travel with me during my train ride, as well as how heavy it is. For example, my Fluid Freeride Mosquito is one of the lightest electric scooters for adults at 29 pounds — but I’ve tried heavier ones that tip the scale at over 60 pounds.

The Honda Motocompacto might feature a unique compact design that I could easily stow away under NJ Transit seats during my train ride into the city, but lugging it around is another thing. At 41.3 pounds, I’d be getting one serious workout bringing it up and down stairs — but I know I could endure that. However, I can see how it could be a burden for other people.

The Motocompacto has a rated 12-mile range, which is super short for its weight. I don’t mind the shorter range because it could easily carry me on one charge for an entire week, assuming I don’t make any additional stops from my normal route.

And finally, the Honda Motocompacto fetches for $995 — which I would consider as the average cost for a decent electric scooter. I really love how its uncharacteristic design that I could see bringing with me on my daily commute, but its hefty weight and short range makes it less of a commuter scooter for me.

While it's feasible for me to carry around the Motocompacto and use it throughout the city, it's a tougher sell given its shorter ranges and slower speed, especially at its price point. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love its intriguing design that covers up what it is, but I would prefer something much lighter with better range.

More from Tom's Guide

• Help me, Tom's Guide! What electric scooter should I buy for my kid?
• I spent three months testing this e-bike conversion kit — and it turned me into an actual cyclist
• I test electric scooters for a living and here are my top 5 buying tips

Now that electric scooters are just about everywhere, it’s a lot harder for companies to distinguish their models from the competition. The NIU KQi 100P stands out mainly for its price. At $349, it’s one of the cheapest electric scooters out there that I would actually recommend. It’s being sold exclusively through Kohl’s and Walmart, who are probably subsidizing the cost of the NIU KQi 100P to get more people into their stores. 

But while this electric scooter is cheap, it doesn’t feel like it. While the NIU KQi 100P has pretty modest specs when it comes to range and speed, it’s solidly built and would make for a great starter scooter. I rode the NIU KQi 100P for a few weeks to see how it performed against the best electric scooters. Read on for all that it can do.

NIU KQi 100P review: Price and availability

The KQi 100P is on sale at NIU.com, Kohl’s and Walmart for $349. 

A similar model, the KQi 100F is widely available at Best Buy, Amazon, Target, and other retailers. It will cost $449, but will have handlebars that fold down, as well as turn signals.

What I liked about the NIU KQi 100P

It’s cheap

For $349, it’s hard to beat the NIU KQi 100P’s price, especially if you’re looking for a basic starter scooter for your teen. By comparison, the Hiboy S2, which is also one of our favorite budget scooters, costs $399 as of this writing. A comparably specced model from Segway, the F2, costs $549 on Amazon. 

It has a nice design

For a cheap electric scooter, the NQi 100P doesn’t look cheap. The bottom frame of the scooter curves gracefully up from the deck to where it connects to the downtube, and the scooter’s wires are all housed within the frame itself. There’s a headlight in the center of the handlebars, and a taillight on the rear fender. The deck and handlebars are covered with a gray rubber that’s just grippy enough. 

I liked its unfussy folding and locking mechanism, too. You pull up and out on a tab to release the downtube, which snaps smartly and securely into place on the rear fender. To make the 100P road-ready, you pull back on a spring-loaded tab on the fender to release it. 

The cheapest part of the scooter was its basic LED display, which shows you your speed and battery life. It gets the job done, but it’s nothing special.

It's easy to ride and has a good set of features

The KQi 100P is outfitted with 9.5-inch air-filled tires and front suspension, which made for a very comfortable ride. I ran the scooter over lots of bumps, but it never felt jarring.

Front and rear lights are incredibly common even on the cheapest scooters, but it’s good to see them on the 100P just the same. Compared to other NIU scooters I’ve tested, the 100P’s headlight is pretty weak, but it’s bright enough that you can adequately see the road in front of you.

NIU’s smartphone app lets you customize a few aspects of the scooter, such as the strength of its regenerative braking system. You can also lock and unlock the scooter from the app, and activate its alarm, should anyone try and make off with it. There’s no Apple Find My, as you’ll find on pricier scooters such as the NIU KQi Air and Segway Kickscooter Max G2. 

What I didn’t like about the NIU KQi 100P

It’s not the best on hills

Like all budget scooters, you have to make some compromises with the KQI 100P, and most often it comes down to the motor and battery. The 100P’s 300W motor was able to scoot me around on level terrain just fine — its top speed of 17 MPH is a bit slow for my tastes — but it had trouble getting me up my usual test hill, which has a 6% grade. (The Hiboy S2 performed about the same.)

Most electric scooters worth their salt will be able to maintain a speed of around 6 MPH or better, but the 100P slowed to 4 MPH, slow enough that I considered getting off and walking. 

The range could be better

As I’ve found, the advertised ranges on electric scooters tend to be very generous, especially when it’s used by someone like me, who’s a bit taller and heavier than average. And, if you’re riding your scooter up hills, its range will decrease even further. So, while NIU says the KQi 100P has an 18-mile range, you can expect closer to 10 miles on a good day. Expect to charge the scooter every other day.

NIU KQi 100P review: Verdict

In many respects, the NIU KQi 100P is identical to the HiBoy S2; they both have a similar top speed, range, power, and tires, and both scooters can also be configured and locked via a smartphone app. The Hiboy is about 10 pounds lighter than the NIU, but the NIU has larger tires, a more comfortable ride, and is $50 to $150 cheaper, depending on when you buy it. 

At this price, the NIU KQi 100P is ideal for someone who’s looking for an inexpensive but comfortable ride, and doesn’t plan to make too many demands on the scooter. And, at $350, it’s hard to beat the NIU KQi 100P's price.

One of the biggest compromises when it comes to buying an electric scooter is sacrificing weight for range. The heavier the scooter, the further you can generally go, as it packs in more batteries. But once you get to where you’re going, lugging it up a flight of stairs can literally become a Sisyphean task. 

The NIU KQi Air is the exception; thanks to a carbon fiber chassis, it’s both lightweight, yet delivers a comfortable ride and a long range. And, it’s got some other niceties, such as turn signals and anti-theft features. While its asking price isn’t cheap, it’s the best electric scooter you can find. 

NIU KQi Air review: Price and availability

The KQi Air was released in September, 2023; it was originally listed for $1,399, but is currently available for $1,049. You can purchase it from NIU directly or through Best Buy. 

NIU KQi Air review: Design

The KQi Air is one of the lightest scooters I’ve tested; only the Unagi Model One (26.1 pounds) is in the same league. That’s because, like the Unagi, the Air uses carbon fiber as part of its frame — specifically the top of the deck as well as the downtube and handlebars.

Compared to the Unagi, the Air is slightly larger. It has a longer wheelbase, wider platform, and larger wheels. As a result, it’s not quite as compact as the Unagi, which makes it a bit harder to stuff underneath a train seat. The KQi Air’s latching mechanism, while easy to use, also involves a step or two more than the Unagi’s, so folding it and unfolding it is not as seamless.

On both ends of the handlebar is a bright orange LED turn signal, which is controlled via two buttons on a control panel by your right hand; I’ve found this is the best place for these controls, because it allows you to still use your left hand to operate the scooter’s brakes. Also here is a power button, which doubles as the scooter’s headlight on and off control, and a button for the electronic horn. Just to the left is a twist throttle that I found very responsive, but having tested a lot of electric scooters, I have a preference for a button. 

In the middle of the handlebars is NIU’s trademark halo light; it looks like a small ring light, and stays on all the time, to help make you more visible. In the center of it is the Air’s headlight, which was more than bright enough for me to find my way home in the dark. Cleverly, the light is flat at the top and rounded on the bottom, so there’s less of a chance of you blinding oncoming drivers.

A triangular magnesium bracket connects the deck to the downtube on the Air; not only does it look neat, but conveniently, there are some large gaps that made it really easy for me to thread one of the best bike locks through and secure it. Also here is the scooter’s proprietary charging port, as well as an array of LEDs that change color based on the scooter’s status; for instance, they’ll turn green when the batteries are recharging, and red when you’re really hitting the gas.

NIU KQi Air review: Performance, battery life, and range

While it lacks suspension of any kind, I found the Air’s air-filled tires to deliver a comfortable ride; it was much less jarring than the Unagi, which has smaller rubber wheels.The scooter accelerated swiftly when I twisted the throttle, and it was equally quick to stop when I applied the brakes.

Its 350W motor worked as advertised, and reaching speeds of 19 MPH on level terrain. It was also strong enough to get me up a 6-percent grade hill at 9-10 MPH. That’s similar performance to the Unagi Model One, but if you have steeper hills to climb, you may want a scooter with a more powerful motor, such as the NIU KQi Max 3. 

NIU claims that the Air has a max range of 31 miles, but as I’ve found with most electric scooters, the actual range will be a good deal less, depending on the size of the rider and the hilliness of the roads you’re using. I took the scooter on a 40-minute ride, traveling about 10 miles in total, and drained the battery 60%. That would come out to a max range of 17 miles, which is far below NIU’s claims, but on a par with most electric scooters I’ve tested. 

However, I did find that if you use Bluetooth via your phone to lock and unlock the scooter, its battery will run down a lot faster when you’re not using it. I let it go for a few days in my garage with a 50% charge, only to come back and find the battery completely drained.

NIU KQi Air review: Features and app

Apart from its weight, the KQi Air has a few other features that help it stand out from other scooters. To help prevent the scooter from being stolen, you can enable two security measures. The scooter comes with two NFC cards, about the same size as a credit card, that you tap on the scooter’s display to turn it on.

If you’re in the habit of misplacing things (as I am), you can also configure the scooter to automatically unlock once it comes in Bluetooth range of your smartphone. This needs to be set up using NIU’s smartphone app.

Try to move the scooter without either of these methods, and its wheels will lock up and its lights will flash. Via the app, you can even have the scooter’s alarm sound. I tested it, and it’s obnoxiously loud.

Within the NIU app, you can also set the max speed of the scooter, as well as the level of its regenerative braking; the higher you set it, the faster the scooter will slow down when you ease off the accelerator. The app also shows you distance traveled, battery life remaining, and lets you customize the lighting. You can also configure the scooter so that up to five other people can unlock it with their smartphones, too. Connecting the scooter to my iPhone via Bluetooth was a little finicky, and weirdly, when it was linked properly, the scooter showed up twice in the list of connected Bluetooth devices. That’s not an error, according to NIU. Apart from that, though, it all worked well.

NIU KQi Air review: Verdict

Picking a scooter to call the best overall is pretty tricky, as everyone has different needs. However, I think that the NIU KQi Air is, for now, the best electric scooter for most people. It’s reasonably fast and powerful, has very good range, and is light enough for almost anyone to carry around easily. What’s more, its turn signals and electronic locking add some needed safety and security elements when using the scooter. 

However, at $1,000, the KQi Air is not cheap. If you’re on a budget, the Hiboy S2 costs less than half as much, offers a nice ride with a few frills for the price, but has a more limited range. 

If you need a scooter that can literally go the distance, both the Segway Ninebot Kickscooter Max G2 and the NIU KQi3 Max will get you around 40 miles, and have the power to get you up steep hills. However, they both weigh twice as much as the KQi Air. If you want something even more compact, the Unagi Model One Voyager is a great pick for around the same price, but gives you a rougher ride.

So, if you’re looking for a highly portable scooter that can get you around — and has some nice extras — look no further than the NIU KQi Air.

I’ve been riding electric scooters through the streets of New York City as far back as 2017, when food delivery people were still using regular bikes and roasting during those summer months. Since then, I’ve been leaning on commuter electric scooters since they offer just the right balance of portability and range.

That’s what makes the Apollo Go appealing to me — it's an electric scooter that could reliably get me to and from work in no time at all. I’ve been riding it for the past couple of weeks now, getting a good feel of what it has to offer for the everyday commuter. There are clearly must-haves on my list when it comes to commuter scooters, so I’ll share them throughout this Apollo Go review.

Apollo Go review: Price and availability

The Apollo Go costs $1,299 and sits somewhat in the middle of the company’s electric scooter lineup, scrunched in between the $999 Apollo Air and $1,799 Apollo City; the Apollo Phantom tops them all at $2,399. For a limited time, you can get the Apollo Go for $1,199, which pretty much puts it in line with commuter scooters I’ve used like the InMotion S1 and Fluidfreeride Mosquito.

The Apollo Go went on sale back in February through Apollo directly, so if you’re interested in snatching it up, that's the only place you’ll be able to buy it. But do expect to pay up for the Go.  I think it’s a fair price given the Apollo Go's features set and solid construction. 

Apollo Go review: Design

I’ll be straight to the point: the Apollo Go isn’t my kind of commuter scooter. That’s because I prefer something much lighter — less than 30 pounds, preferably, because it’s a chore trying to lug around anything heavier up and down stairs. The Apollo Go tips the scales in at a heftier 46 pounds. 

On top of that, it doesn’t fold up as compactly to fit underneath the seats in most train cars I ride each day. While the Apollo Go doesn’t have the qualities I want in a commuter scooter, though, I see a lot of other people who carry similarly sized scooters on their commute.

I think of the Apollo Go more as an all-around scooter, the kind that’s perfect for beginners and those that want a smooth ride. And I think Apollo does a nice job of that here. 

For starters, the Go's build quality is impeccable, clearly better than most of the electric scooters I’ve used. The choice of materials feel and look premium, down to small details like the Apollo Go's 360-degree lighting, IP66 water resistance rating, and self-healing tires that are lined with PunctureGuard gel.

I have confidence that the Apollo Go would hold up well over the years due to its premium materials and solid construction. My only criticism about the design is the clunky folding mechanism. Sometimes the latch that fastens the handlebars to the board requires a jiggle in order to dislodge. I prefer something that’s more intuitive and quicker to release. 

Apollo Go review: Performance

On my first ride, I was struck by the Apollo Go's slower acceleration, but I later found out that it, along with the braking, could be tweaked in the app to bring things more in line with my preference. 

I will say that the Apollo Go rides oh-so smooth, thanks in part to its Airflow system that eases the impact of bumps in the road. Additionally, I want to mention how its solid construction gives it a maximum rider load of 265 pounds.

I took the Apollo Go on a much longer spin through the Henry Hudson Trail that hugs the Jersey coast — about an 8-mile stretch — and it was a smooth ride throughout. While the Apollo Go does have a handle brake on the left handle bar, I mainly relied on the regenerating braking control because it moderately applies the brakes, whereas it feels much more jarring with the Mosquito.

Turning could be a little wider, but I guess that’s because I’ve grown accustomed to the Mosquito’s handling. However, I think the Apollo Go offers that perfect balance to rideability and comfort for first-time riders.

Apollo Go review: Battery life and range

Naturally, there are several factors that impact a scooter's battery life, so being gentle with the braking and acceleration will yield longer times between charges. Apollo has it rated for a range of 20 to 30 miles with a top speed of 28 mph, which I think is about what I expect for this kind of scooter. 

The Go is definitely better than the Apollo Air if distance is your priority, while the Apollo City and Phantom go farther at 43 and 50 miles respectively.

In my ride through the Henry Hudson Trail, I kept the Go's acceleration in the middle setting and cruised at around 20 mph for most of the time. Once I got back home, I noticed the scooter's battery level went down by 28%, so it almost reached Apollo’s rating. 

I still think the Apollo Go is pretty good on battery life, but my ride didn’t involve a lot of inclines, which ultimately isn’t as taxing on the battery.

Apollo Go review: Apollo app

Call it the most underrated part of the Apollo Go, but the companion app unlocks even more features. The most important has to be the ability to lock the scooter when it’s not being used. I accidentally put it into lock mode and didn’t realize what the default code was, so the wheels pretty much locked up. This is a handy safety feature if you intend on locking it up somewhere because a potential snatcher will come to realize the scooter's not rideable unless it’s unlocked.

Secondly, the app also keeps track of the scooter’s many statistics — like its average speed during a ride — and logs a history of them. And like I mentioned earlier, the app lets me customize many of the Apollo Go’s settings, such as its cruise control speed and acceleration. These are great touches that I don’t find in other scooters, so I do like how its ride can be tuned to specific preferences.

Apollo Go review: Verdict

If there’s a scooter that I want to introduce to someone who’s never ridden one before, the Apollo Go is definitely it. While it could suffice as a commuter scooter for some, I think of it more as an all-around, everyday scooter for any experience level to get them to confidently get around on their first ride.

The Apollo Go is arguably one of the best electric scooters I’ve used for comfort and rideability. Add to that its premium construction, custom settings, great range, and safety features, it’s the kind of scooter that makes you feel like you’re getting an iPhone — something you know that’s reliable with excellent performance.

While the best electric scooters are great in their own right, they're pretty much a single-use device. Greenworks, the maker of a range of electric-powered lawncare equipment and power tools, has other ideas. 

At CES 2024, the company showed off its Stealth series electric scooter, which has fairly modest specs, but has one unique feature: Its batteries can be removed and used in other Greenworks products. While Greenworks announced the electric scooter back in September, CES was the first opportunity we had to see it in person.

First, the specs: The Greenworks Stealth — it's not very stealthy — has a 350W rear hub motor, a top speed of 18.6 miles per hour, and a max range of 14 miles. It rides on 10-inch tubeless tires, and supports a max weight of 265 pounds. In addition, it has a front drum brake, rear electric brake, white LED headlight, red rear LED taillight, a front dampening shock suspension and rear central shaft suspension. All pretty standard stuff. 

But where the Stealth stands out is its removable batteries: Underneath the deck is a door that opens to reveal two ports for Greenworks' 24V batteries, as well as storage for two more batteries, should you want to extend your range even further. 

So, it potentially solves two problems: First, you can swap out the batteries for fresh ones should you run out of charge. We've seen other electric scooters with swappable batteries, but none that are as small as those on Greenworks.

And, because Greenworks has a large portfolio of battery-powered products — it has  more than 125 devices that use the same battery as the scooter — you can get more use out of the batteries than just zipping around town. 

The Greenworks Stealth series is currently listed for $649 on Greenworks.com, and is marked as sold out, but the scooter won't officially go on sale until later in 2024. Replacement 24V, 2Ah batteries cost $59 each on Greenworks site.

The Stealth scooter is just one of several rideables shown off by Greenworks at CES; the company is also launching two electric bikes, an electric Go-Kart, and an electric utility vehicle.

Check out our CES 2024 hub for all the latest news from the show as it happens. Follow the Tom’s Guide team in Las Vegas as we cover everything AI, as well as the best new TVs, laptops, fitness gear, wearables and smart home gadgets at the show.And be sure to check out the Tom's Guide TikTok channel for all the newest videos from CES!

More from Tom's Guide

• Best electric bikes
• Best electric scooters
• Best budget electric bikes

If you thought all the best announcements at CES 2024 would happen on the first couple of days, you were mistaken. Day 4 of the show is now here, and the end of the show is drawing ever nearer, but there’s no shortage of cool gadgets and products out on the show floor.

• Best of CES 2024 is live — 23 best gadgets of the show!

Some of those gizmos are a little bizarre, like brain-reading headphones, while others could prove to make a real difference in your day to day lives. Alexa getting generative AI capabilities is one notable example, even if you think AI is just a gimmick.

Here are 7 new products you should know about heading into CES 2024 day 4...

Generative AI comes to Alexa

One of countless numbers of AI announcements at CES 2024 is that generative AI is coming to the Alexa virtual assistant. Large language model capabilities were made available to Alexa skill developers last year, and the first ones are now here. 

Three new skills are coming, including an updated version of the game 20 questions — uses AI to enhance user interactivity. There’s also a character creation tool, which lets you interact with fictional characters in real time. They can be totally original or based on people who do or have existed. Then there’s a music creation tool that will generate new tracks based on your own prompts, with the added ability to customize it after the fact. Once done, that'll be sent to your phone to download.

Those skills are available now, and you simply need to ask Alexa to “open Volley Games”, “open Character.AI” or “open Slash Music”.

HiSense UX Mini-LED TV

There’s no shortage of extreme TVs at any tech show, but the new HiSense UX Mini-LED TV looks like the best of the lot. In fact, if the specs touted by HiSense are accurate it could be a record breaker in itself — all thanks to a 110-inch screen with 10,000 nit brightness and 40,000 local dimming zones.

Essentially that means it’s one of the brightest TVs ever made, and in a larger form factor. On top of this you also have 4.2.2 channel Dolby Atmos speakers, 4K resolution, covers 100% DCI-P3 color space and the Hi-View Engine X — which utilizes a 16-bit AI neural chip to offer object-based upscaling. 4 HDMI ports are included too, though only 2 of them are full speed HDMI 2.1.

There’s no word on pricing or availability just yet, but we expect the HiSense UX Mini-LED TV will launch sometime later this year.

Lockly Zeno Series Visage smart lock

We’ve already seen plenty of smart locks with biometric security, but that usually involves fingerprint scanners. What if your lock could scan your face and have your door ready to open when you reach it? The Lockly Zeno Series Versage smart lock can do just that.

Aided by built-in Wi-Fi and a pair of 2MP IR face-scanning cameras, this lock is capable of recognising up to 100 face profiles and have your door ready to unlock in less than 2 seconds. Of course it still has a fingerprint reader, an auto-scrambling PIN pad and the option to unlock via iPhone or Apple Watch via HomeKit. But they’re not quite as impressive, or convenient.

The LocklyZeno Series Visage smart lock goes on sale this summer, for $349.

MW75-Neuro brain-scanning headphones

Yes there really are headphones that can scan your brain activity at CES 2024, made thanks to a partnership between Neurable and audiophile brand Master & Dynamics. Using this brainwave-scanning feature, and paired with a companion app, the MW75-Neuro can apparently measure how focussed you are.

They’re also capable of detecting signs of stress, at which point the headphones prompt you to take a break. The feature has more of a practical use too, with testing showing how a user could simply mouth commands like “skip track” and have it be picked up by the headphones. Plus compared to more scientific brain-scanning tech, a simple pair of cans looks a lot less threatening.

If these sound interesting, they’ll be available to buy before the end of March for the princely sum of $649.

Segway E2 Pro 

If you’re looking for a new electric scooter to aid your commute, Segway’s $499 E2 Pro might be the CES reveal to keep an eye on — especially since it has safety features you won’t find on other similarly priced scooters. 

This scooter offers a 16.8-mile range, a top speed of 15.5 miles per hour and a 750W motor for hill gradients up to 18%. Plus handlebar turn signals, ambient lights, traction control (with 10-inch tires) and support for Apple Find My. The cheaper Segway E2 and E2 Plus will also be available for lower price tags, but with slightly less powerful hardware. Be sure to check out our overview of Segway’s CES 2024 announcements for more details.

Minitailz AI smart collar

That’s right AI for your pets, in the form of a smart collar for cats and dogs. Priced at $99, the Mintailz AI smart collar is able to track usual things like location, heart rate and activity, while also monitoring heart health and appetite. The AI is involved to help analyze that information and ensure you’re up to date on any potential health problems. 

Battery life is rated for 10-14 days per charge, while IP67 water and dust resistance and real time location tracking using a combination of GPS, LTE and Wi-Fi, Though this will require a SIM Card and an $8.30-per-month subscription. Which is a small price to pay if you have a dog that likes to slip off for a solo adventure when you’re not looking.

Linxura Smart Controller

There are loads of ways to control your smart home, but if you’re not a fan of using voice controls or having to meddle with apps, then CES 2024 could have the perfect smart home controller for you. And the Linxura Smart Controller has an iPod-style scrollwheel that’s oh-so satisfying to use.

The best part is that this physical controller works for products from multiple manufacturers, including those compatible with Alexa, Sonos, LIFX and Phillips — plus upcoming support for Matter and Google Home. The controller can store up to 52 devices, and you use the scroll wheel to move between them and control things like brightness or temperature. The e-ink display also means you can get up to 3 months on a single charge.

The Linxura Smart Controller is available now for $99.

Honorable mentions

As ever there are plenty of impressive products on the CES show floor that deserve an honorable mention. Either for being impressive, albeit not that exciting, or just plain bonkers. Like Sony’s new spatial computing headset, complete with dual 1.3” 4K OLED microdisplays, a Qualcomm XR2+ Gen 2 chipset and a pair of bespoke controllers. Sadly this isn’t a PSVR 2 successor, because it’s built for making games rather than playing them.

Klipsch and Onkyo have also joined forces for a new soundbar that’ll have audiophiles excited, due out in April later this year. If you want something truly bonkers, then there’s always the eVTOL Flying Car, an actual car that features fold-out propellers that supposedly allow the car to take off and fly over upcoming traffic jams. We’ll believe it when we can actually buy one, though. 

Check out our CES 2024 hub for all the latest news from the show as it happens. Follow the Tom’s Guide team in Las Vegas as we cover everything AI, as well as the best new TVs, laptops, fitness gear, wearables and smart home gadgets at the show.

And be sure to check out the Tom's Guide TikTok channel for all the newest videos from CES!

More from Tom's Guide

• Robots are dominating at CES 2024 — these are the 9 best so far
• Best of CES 2024: The 23 top gadgets
• Nvidia’s latest display tech breakthrough has this hardcore PC gamer incredibly excited — here’s why

At CES 2024, Segway introduced its newest made-for-commuters electric scooter, the $499 E2 Pro. While it has somewhat modest performance specs by the standards of some of the best electric scooters, it does offer a few safety features not found on other scooters in its price range.

I was able to take the E2 Pro for a test ride at CES, and also check out Segway's other offerings, including two new radical electric bikes and an updated GoKart that can be used to play video games. Here's a rundown of everything I saw.

Also, be sure to check out our Best of CES 2024 award winners to see the 23 best gadgets of the show.

Electric scooters

Segway E2 series

The E2 series — The E2, E2 Plus, and E2 Pro — look to be Segway's new bread-and-butter offering this year. All three share some commonalities, such as a 2.8-inch display and IPX6 water resistance, but there are a few variations between each model.

The Segway E2, which is the starting model, has a 12.4-mile range at top speed and a max speed of 12.4 m.p.h. Its 450W motor can handle grades of up to 12 percent, and it has a front electronic brake, a rear drum brake, and 8.1-inch tires. When I rode the E2 Pro around a parking lot, it accelerated smoothly and quickly, was very nimble and felt smooth (though there were very few bumps). 

The E2 Plus has a slightly more powerful 500W motor, and can reach a top speed of 15.5 MPH. In addition, it has ambient RGB lights underneath the bottom deck, so you can put on a bit of a light show.

The E2 Pro is the standout model, with a 16.8-mile range, 15.5 MPH top speed, and a 750W motor that can handle grades of up to 18%. In addition, it has turn signal indicators in its handlebars (like the Segway Ninebot Kickscooter Max G2), Apple FindMy, ambient lights like the E2 Plus, a traction control system and 10-inch tires.

All three models can be preordered now; the preorder price for the E2 Pro is $449; its regular sale price will be $499.

Segway Superscooter ST1

If you're looking for something a bit more wild, the Segway Superscooter (ST1) has a maximum speed of 31 mph and dual suspension, putting it in the same class as the Apollo City 2023. However, the ST1 has larger 11-inch tires and dual disc brakes. Other features include a 2.4-inch color display, Apple Find My built-in (in case someone tries to steal it), and a switchable hi- and low-beam headlight, a first for any scooter I've seen. 

Segway has not released expected range, but the ST1 has a 716Wh battery. That's about 200Wh less than the Apollo, but should get you at least 30 miles on a charge. Pricing has not been announced, but the ST1 should be available for sale in late 2024.

Electric bikes

Segway is also expanding into the electric bike category with two very striking models, the Segway Xafari (pronounced "safari") and the Segway Xyber ("cyber"). While neither could be described as having "traditional" ebike looks, the Xafari comes closest, while the Xyber looks like a futuristic cafe racer.

While both have different use cases in mind, they do share some common features, including a "smart cockpit" display that will give the rider constant updates on their speed, mileage, sensors and navigation. 

A feature called Active Scene Perception will cause the bikes to adjust power output, lighting and other settings based on the road conditions and what the rider is doing. 

Both bikes will also connect to an app, and have several anti-theft features, such as hidden real wheel hub locks, GPS and location-based alarms. 

Pricing has yet to be revealed for either model, both of which should be available later this year.

The more radical of the two bikes, the Segway Xyber, looks even better in person than in the renders. It's packed with a 175Nm Torque high speed motor that can accelerate the ride from 0 to 19.8 mph in 2.5 seconds. The seat is designed to accommodate a rider and a passenger. 

The bike can be outfitted with two batteries, for a maximum output of 1440 Wh, which Segway says can extend its range up to 95 miles. Additionally, it has front and rear 120mm suspension, as well as custom wide tires. As it's classified as an electric bike, its top speed will be limited.

I wasn't able to take the Xyber out for a real ride, but I was able to pedal it around for a little, and despite the bike's size and weight, it was fairly easy to get around. However, I expect that most riders will just use the throttle.

The Xafari is an off-road ebike, with a full suspension design (80mm in the front and 70mm in the rear) with fat 26x3.0 all-terrain tires. It's powered by a 750W motor and a 913 Wh battery. It has a step-through design, and can fit riders from 4'11" to 6'3". The bike also comes standard with a rear rack, though I would have also liked to see fenders, given its offroad capabilities. 

Go-Karts

Last but not least, Segway is releasing its second-generation Go-Kart, the GoKart Pro 2, which looks to be as much fun on the road as well as when it's parked in your house.

On the street, the Go-Kart can hit speeds of up to 26.7 m.p.h — faster than that of the current Go-Kart Pro's 23 m.p.h — and has a range of up to 15.5 miles. A new detachable Bluetooth speaker also lets you listen to tunes on the road, and can also simulate engine sounds. Like Segway's earlier GoKarts, this one was serious fun to drive, though it is a bit cramped for someone who's as tall as me.

But the fun continues inside your home, too, as the Go-Kart can turn into a racing controller — complete with haptic feedback — when connected to a gaming console. At the time of this writing, Segway would not say which consoles or games it would work with, but I imagine that Mario Kart would be pretty epic. (I'll have more on this in a later story.)

The GoKart Pro 2 can be preordered for $1,799; its regular price will be $2,299.

Check out our CES 2024 hub for all the latest news from the show as it happens. Follow the Tom’s Guide team in Las Vegas as we cover everything AI, as well as the best new TVs, laptops, fitness gear, wearables and smart home gadgets at the show.

And be sure to check out the Tom's Guide TikTok channel for all the newest videos from CES!

Electric scooters like the NAVEE V40 Pro remain a hot ticket item after their popularity soared during the pandemic. The best electric scooters are now a visible part of the commuting scene in many cities and towns, with users preferring them as a greener option to cars but less physically taxing than bicycles. 

Its pneumatic tires make for a fairly comfortable ride and the scooter can travel up to 25 miles on one battery charge in ideal conditions. Even if you live in a hilly area, like I do, you should easily be able to commute to work or run errands without worrying about ending up with a dead scooter on your hands. 

Speaking of which, if that does happen, the NAVEE V40 Pro has a brand-new innovative dual-folding design — it not only folds down, but the handlebars fold parallel to the deck — that makes it easier to carry or stash in a car. 

All in all, the NAVEE V40 Pro is a good mid-range electric scooter if you want a bit more range than a budget model. Read the rest of my NAVEE V40 Pro review to see if this e-scooter is the right one for you.

NAVEE V40 Pro review: Price and availability

The NAVEE V40 Pro costs $529.99, which is $30 more than the regular V40 model. It’s available for purchase at Best Buy.

The Boost’s price is comparable to other mid-range scooters like the HiBoy S2 ($549), Razor Icon ($599), the Glion Dolly XL ($649) and the Levy Electric Scooter (on sale for $479).

NAVEE V40 Pro review: Design

These days, most electric scooters look similar to each other — all black with some color and metallic accents. The NAVEE V40 Pro doesn’t buck that trend. Its simple, sleek appearance won’t stand out on the street or bike lane. 

The major aesthetic difference among scooters is whether they store the battery in the stem or underneath the deck. The NAVEE V40 Pro chooses the latter. I prefer it in the stem as I live in a city riddled with potholes and bumps, which could damage the battery over time. But it doesn’t really make a difference in how the scooter operates. 

With the upgraded dual-folded system, the stem can fold down and lock onto the back wheel while the handlebars turn flush with the deck. This makes it even easier to carry, store under a train seat or overhead rack, or place in a car trunk. 

Unfortunately, carrying the NAVEE V40 Pro isn’t an option for me. At 35 pounds, it’s significantly heavier than either of the two scooters I’ve reviewed before, the Slidgo X8 (30 pounds) and the Swagtron Swagger 5 Boost (26 pounds), not to mention higher-priced models such as the Unagi Model One Voyager (29.6 pounds). I have to suppose that’s due to a heavier battery, as the NAVEE V40 Pro has a longer range than either of the two models I’ve tested.

The handlebars and an LED display sit atop the stem. On the left handle, you’ll find a bell at the brake lever that controls both the front E-ABS and rear disc brake. The right handle holds the power button and accelerator lever. The power button turns on the headlight and can toggle between the three modes (pedestrian, normal and sport). 

In the middle, the LED display shows the speed in large type and the mode and battery charge level. There are also status indicators for the headlight, tire inflation, temperature, Bluetooth connection and lock. 

The bottom of the stem can open up to reveal a small hiding spot where you can place an Apple AirTag tracker (and possibly a Tile, though I didn’t have one to try to fit). 

The deck is 6.5 inches wide and covered in a grippy material, which should fit most riders. The entire scooter has a IP55 dust and water resistance rating, which means it was tested against dust and water for up to 55 minutes at a pressure of one atmosphere. In real-world terms, you could probably ride the NAVEE V40 Pro in a drizzle or maybe even a light shower.

The 265-pound rider weight limit is pretty standard. Of course, a heavier freight will reduce performance, so take note when going on longer rides.

The NAVEE V40 Pro also lacks a foot brake, which is the main reason I personally use the Slidgo X8. I’m not sure why more scooters don’t include one.

The NAVEE pairs with the Xiaomi Home app via Bluetooth. The app gives more detailed stats on the scooter and also allow you to lock it. I tried the locking system and it worked, essentially turning the scooter into a heavy, inoperable lump. However, I didn’t test it in a real-world setting, not wanting it to be stolen before this review was complete. Would I trust it if this was my own scooter? Probably not. I’m sure some ingenious thief would absolutely take the scooter lump and figure out a way to unlock and reset it. And since the NAVEE V40 Pro is too heavy for me to carry, I would have to always be sure my destination would allow a scooter to roll in. 

NAVEE V40 Pro review: Performance and battery life

The NAVEE V40 Pro got quite the workout in my hilly neighborhood and beyond. It performed superbly, hitting 19 mph on a straightaway and 14 mph on a steep incline. This mostly matches the other two scooters I’ve tested. 

Acceleration was powerful yet smooth, with no jerky movements. I mostly relied on sport mode (again, hilly area) as the other two modes, pedestrian and normal, max out at 3.7 mph and 12.4 mph, respectively. 

The NAVEE V40 Pro has 10-inch pneumatic tires, which did give me pause. Both the Slidgo X8 and Swagtron Swagger 5 Boost have solid, airless tires which guard against flats. That’s better for city dwellers like myself. However, I quite enjoyed the smoother, more comfortable ride on the pneumatic tires. Then again, I only tested the NAVEE V40 Pro for a few weeks; after several months on pothole ridden streets, I might rue trading comfort for durability. 

I rode it once on a misty morning for about 15 minutes, which is my personal safety max. It functioned just fine and I never felt like the scooter might slide or skid. Your mileage may vary.

At a rated 25 miles, the NAVEE V40 Pro’s range is higher than either of the two scooters previously mentioned. I took it out on several longer trips, including three times around a park loop for a total of 10 miles. Even after that, the battery charge remained at an impressive 70%. Of course, your mileage will vary, based on your size, how fast you ride, and how many hills you climb.

As I mentioned before, the NAVEE V40 Pro doesn’t have a foot brake, which I prefer in addition to a hand brake. The V40 Pro’s brakes functioned well, though at high speeds, I opted to slow down first before braking. The brake is responsive, but not too tight, so I didn’t feel in much danger of pitching headfirst over the scooter. 

NAVEE V40 Pro review: Bottom line

By the end of testing, I was impressed by the NAVEE V40 Pro’s combination of range, features and performance. It won’t replace the Slidgo X8 for my personal use, but I like it better than the Swagtron Swagger 5 Boost. But the NAVEE V40 Pro is the heaviest of those three, so the dual-folding design isn’t particularly helpful to me as I will never be able to carry it anywhere. 

At $529, it’s a decent option if you’re looking for a commuter scooter with a longer range. If you wait for a sale event, that price is likely to be lower (it was $399 at Best Buy during Black Friday). It’s not meant to be a budget starter scooter, nor a high-end, long-range ride. The NAVEE V40 Pro sits comfortably in the middle. 

Most importantly, it does everything you want an electric scooter to do — gets you places faster than walking or biking, in a more environmentally friendly way than a car.

I’ll never forget the time after I was leaving an event from a fancy hotel in NYC to find my electric scooter gone. I left it locked outside near the hotel’s entrance, but the U-lock I had on it was cut using an electric saw. I was pissed, and I vowed to never let it happen ever again.

From that point on, I made sure to never lock up my electric scooter outside in New York City — choosing instead to carry it around with me indoors. My replacement e-scooter ended up being the Fluid Mosquito, which I still use today because it perfectly blends speed and portability. It’s one of the lightest electric scooters around at 29 pounds, with a range and top speed of 25 mph and 22 miles respectively. 

For a good long while (almost a year), I was able to fold it up and roll it into venues and places throughout New York, including the indoor shopping mall at Hudson Yards. However, that soon changed in late September when I attended another event there when the security guard at the mall’s entrance stopped me. He said that I couldn’t bring my electric scooter inside, even though it was folded up and I was carrying it by its handle.

Needless to say, I was annoyed because I didn’t have this problem the last time I was there. But this issue was short lived because I happened to cross paths with a folding electric scooter that fits in my backpack — the Dynamic Scooter Model B — which gets into places in NYC where most e-scooters are banned.

Folding design makes it the most compact scooter for adults

One of the compelling reasons why I like the Model B is because of its compact, folding design. This thing puts most other e-scooters I’ve tested to shame with its 22 pound weight and unique folding design. Yes it’s crazy light and makes for the perfect commuter e-scooter, but it’s the folding mechanism that truly distinguishes it from other “folding” scooters.

That’s because of how the board can fold to make it more compact than simply folding down the handles to make it parallel to the board. This effectively cuts its size in half over the traditional folding designs of other e-scooters, allowing me to stuff it in my backpack (or duffel bag) in those situations when I can’t simply roll it into places or carry it in my arms.

It’s essentially hidden away from prying eyes, but I always have to make sure to not overstuff my backpack with other gear — which is why I ended up buying a duffel bag on Amazon that folds down to a compact size. Since I refuse to lock up my electric scooter outside, I never have to worry about it getting stolen.

Great commuter e-scooter

I frequently rely on my electric scooter to commute into the office, saving me time and the heartache of dealing with New York’s notorious gridlock traffic. When I get on my train in the morning, I’m able to easily stow it underneath my seat — something you can’t do with most other e-scooters I’ve seen on the train.

Its top speed of 15 mph is ideal for NYC’s unpredictable traffic, but it’s slow compared to the 25 mph top speed I can get with my Fluid Mosquito. Despite that, it’s a reliable commuter scooter with its 12-mile range with a full charge. Albeit, with my weight and added gear, it’s realistically more like 8 to 10 miles — more than enough to get me to and from the office from Penn Station. There’s also its built-in cruise control function that retains the Model B’s top speed without me constantly holding down the throttle, along with an option to remove the battery from the scooter.

These are all the reasons why it’s a good electric scooter for commuters. So far, I typically need to recharge it every three days, but at least the charging adapter is equally compact and doesn’t take much room in my backpack.

It’s affordably priced — with some compromises

Many of the best electric scooters can easily cost over $1,000+. However, they’re usually much faster and offer greater range than the Model B. That’s why if you’re on a budget, the Dynamic Scooter Model B’s early bird price of $339 on Kickstarter is hard to overlook. By comparison, my Fluid Mosquito fetches for $999. I really hope that the Model B’s retail price doesn’t exceed more than $500, which would give it more value as a commuter scooter.

However, there are still some trade-offs you may have to accept in using one of the most compact electric scooters around. For starters, there are no shocks or a suspension system of any kind — so you’ll feel every small bump that you hit with its 5.5-inch honeycomb wheels. I suppose that’s why it has a much slower top speed, mainly because I’m always on the lookout for any debris or Kraktoas hidden in the road.

Whenever I have an upcoming event to attend, I make sure to bring the Dynamic Scooter Model B on my commute because I’ll never have to worry about it being stolen.

More from Tom's Guide

• Help me, Tom's Guide! What electric scooter should I buy for my kid?
• Honda launches a charming little electric scooter and it costs less than $1,000
• I test electric scooters for a living and here are my top 5 buying tips

The Apollo City is one aptly named electric scooter. This machine has the endurance to handle long-distance commutes, the power to keep pace with urban traffic, and the tires and suspension needed to ride smoothly over the U.S.’s crumbling infrastructure. In a key upgrade from its predecessor, the Apollo City 2023 also has turn signals on both the deck and handlebars to make you even more visible to cars around you.

I rode the Apollo City around my town for a few weeks to get a handle on its speed, capabilities, and range, and came away impressed with its performance. But, you’ll want to read the rest of my Apollo City review to see if this is the best electric scooter for you, or if there is another model that will better meet your needs.

Apollo City 2023 review: Price and availability

The Apollo City went on sale in the fall of 2023. It comes in two variants: The dual-motor model, which has 500W motors in both the front and rear tires, and can reach speeds of up to 32 MPH, costs $1,649, while the single-motor variant (which tops out at 27 MPH) costs $1,499. 

The single-motor variant has a range of 23-40 miles, while the dual-motor version has a range of 23-43 miles. Not surprisingly, the single-motor version is slightly lighter (57 pounds) than the dual-motor model (65 pounds).

Apollo City 2023 review: Design

Visually, the Apollo City 2023 is very similar to the original Apollo City; It has a large deck that tapers gently toward the rear, with a large bar at the back that makes it a little easier to pick up this 57-pound monster. 

The biggest visual difference between the 2023 City and the 2022 model is that the newer version has turn signal indicators not just at the rear of the deck, but also at the ends of the handlebars. I recently tested the Segway Ninebot Kickscooter Max G2, which also has turn signals on the handlebars. As someone who rides scooters on busy streets, I like this feature, as it makes your intentions a lot clearer to traffic.

I like that the Apollo has lights both on the handlebars and on the deck, but I prefer some things on the Segway more. For example, on the Segway, the turn signal buttons are next to your left thumb. On the Apollo, the left turn signal button is by your left thumb, while the right button is near your right thumb. The problem with Apollo’s setup, I found, is that if you’re trying to make a right-hand turn, you have to take your thumb off the throttle in order to activate the turn signal.

Another key difference: On Segway’s scooter, the turn signal stays on until you press the button again. On the Apollo, the turn signal stays on for seven seconds, then turns off automatically. If you’re waiting for a while at an intersection, you may find (as I did) that the signal will turn off before you can actually make the turn.

Speaking of the handlebars: The Apollo City has a thumb throttle on the right, with a thumb-activated regenerative braking system on the left. And, as a backup, there are hand brakes on both the right and left sides. I do like that, regardless of which braking method you use, the Apollo City’s tail light will flash red, warning those behind you that you’re slowing down.

On the other end/hand, the Apollo City’s headlight isn’t the most powerful. At night, it was able to illuminate a small patch in front of me, but it was a lot smaller than with other scooters I tested in this price range.

My other quibble is with the City’s latching mechanism: It’s easy to unlock the downtube, but in order to secure it to the deck, you have to pull out a hook from the stem, then lift up a metal bracket from the deck. None of the steps are difficult; it’s just that there’s too many.

Apollo City 2023 review: Performance

One thing I like about scooters that can go fast — but not too fast — is that I can keep up with local traffic. I don’t need, or want to rocket along at 40+ MPH, but being able to zip around at 25 to 30 MPH meant that I was traveling at, or close to, the same speed as cars on local roads. With a top speed of 32 MPH, the Apollo City hits the sweet spot for me. 

Thanks to its large 10-inch pneumatic tires and full suspension, it also handled bumps on the road very well, too. While I definitely didn’t fly over potholes at full speed, the City made any imperfections in the road feel much less imperfect.

The City’s 500W motors were more than up to the task of getting me uphill. On my “tough hill test” — a 9 percent grade — the Apollo City roared up the hill at 20MPH. Along the way, I cruised past someone riding an Unagi Model One, who had to occasionally kick the ground with his foot to keep up his momentum.

Apollo City 2023 review: Battery life and range

As with all electric scooters, the range of the Apollo City will vary greatly depending on how you ride it. If you’re riding in Eco mode — which tops your speed at 9 miles per hour — you can get up to 40 miles on a charge. If, however, you ride all-out in Sport mode, you’ll only manage about 23 miles before you need to recharge the battery. 

My testing bore those numbers out: After I charged up the scooter and set it to Sport mode, I went for a 9-mile ride, averaging 19 MPH,  which ate up 43 percent of the battery. So, Apollo’s 23-mile estimate seems pretty accurate. 

That’s on a par with the Segway Ninebot Kickscooter Max G2 and the Niu Kqi3 Max, both of which lasted for about 20 miles on a charge.

Apollo City 2023 review: App

In the Apollo app, you can also “lock” the scooter — it will engage the brakes so that it’s nearly impossible to roll. Unlike the Segway Ninebot, there’s no Apple Find My built in, so you won’t be able to locate it remotely.

The app also lets you record your rides, using your phone’s GPS to track your location. You have to manually start and stop recording, but afterwards, the app will show you where you traveled, your average and max speeds, time elapsed, battery consumption, and temperature of the motor.

Apollo City 2023 review: Verdict

The Apollo City 2023 electric scooter is a very nice improvement over the original. My favorite new feature is the turn signal not just on the deck, but on the handlebars, too.  

Among the best electric scooters I’ve tested, the closest comparisons to the Apollo City are the Segway Ninebot Kickscooter Max G2 and the Niu Kqi3 Max. Both of those models offer a similar range, and are each around $600 less than the Apollo City. However, neither are as fast as the Apollo City, nor do they have as robust a suspension system. If you want an electric scooter that can go fast and far, this is it. 

Outside of some of the best electric scooters for kids, Honda's new Motocompacto is probably the most adorable electric scooter we've seen in quite some time. Announced today (Sept. 14), the Motocompacto is an updated, electrified version of its Motocompo scooter that was around for a brief while in the 1980s.

When folded, the Motocompacto looks like a rectangle with rounded edges; when it's time to ride, you pop out its wheels, handlebars, and seat, and off you go. Here's everything you need to know about it.

Honda Motocompacto: Price and availability

The Motocompacto will cost $995, and will go on sale in November. You'll be able to order one at Motocompacto.honda.com, or at Honda and Acura automobile dealers. 

From the looks of it, the Motocompacto will be available with only a white chassis and tan leather seat and handlebars. The large white sides of the scooter look like a prime location for lots of stickers, though that would mar its otherwise pristine appearance.

Honda Motocompacto: Specs

Don't expect a speed demon or long-range transport with the Motocompacto. Compared to some of the best electric scooters, its top speed and range are more in line with a budget model that would cost around $400. 

On Honda's site, it says that the Motocompacto has a top speed of 15 miles per hour, and a range of up to 12 miles. Considering that most electric scooter estimates are roughly double that of what I get in the real world, you can expect 6-8 miles before you'll need to recharge it. Fortunately, you can top off the battery in 3.6 hours.

Its front-wheel drive motor has a peak output of 490W, which should be good for modest hills. However, most electric scooters will hit speeds of 18 to 20 MPH, so the Motocompacto will be a hair slower.

When folded, the Motocompacto measures 29.2 x 21.1 x 3.7 inches. In riding mode, it's 38.1x 35 x 17.2 inches. All together, the scooter weighs 41 pounds, which is on the heavy side, but a convenient carrying handle and a slim profile should make it easy to stow in a luggage rack, or underneath a seat on a bus or train. 

According to Honda, the Motocompacto will also have on-board storage, a digital speedometer, and a charge gauge. Judging by the images, it also has a headlight and a tail light. It appears that there's a phone holder in the middle of the handlebars; a smartphone app will then let you adjust the scooter's lighting and ride modes. 

Honda Motocompacto: Outlook

The Motocompacto looks like a fun little electric scooter that pays homage to Honda's past. I'm particularly curious as to how easy it will be to carry to work; one of my biggest issues with electric scooters is that it's hard to store them under train seats, as their handlebars have a tendency to stick out. 

If you do pick up the Motocompacto, you're not going to be the fastest out there, but you're certainly going to be the most noticeable. 

When I tested the original Segway Ninebot Kickscooter Max, I was a big fan of the scooter’s range, design, and handling — it’s why that model remained on my list of the best electric scooters for so long. Its replacement, the Segway Ninebot Kickscooter Max G2, surpasses the original in almost every way, with a smoother ride and some welcome amenities including turn signals and some theft-prevention measures such as Apple Find My support.

Yes, the Segway Ninebot Kickscooter Max G2 is every bit as heavy as the original, so it’s not good for those who have to tote their scooter up or down stairs. But its excellent range means you’ll be riding this scooter for a long time. Read the rest of my Segway Ninebot Kickscooter Max G2 review to see why I’m so high on this model.

Segway Ninebot Kickscooter Max G2: Price and availability

The Segway Ninebot Kickscooter Max G2 started shipping in July 2023. Its regular price is $1,299, though you can often find it on sale at Best Buy and other retailers.

Segway only sells this scooter in one color: black with yellow accents. 

Segway Ninebot Kickscooter Max G2: Design

The look of the Max G2 isn’t all that different from the original; it’s a scooter that leans more toward the functional rather than the flashy. Except for some yellow trim around the wheels, the design is best described as subdued. I do like how the rear fender swoops upward for the much larger tail light; it’s vaguely reminiscent of a car from the late ‘50s, minus the chrome.

The rear wheel of the Max G2 connects to the body with two large spring shock absorbers; a third hydraulic shock absorber cushions the ride for the front wheel.

Aside from that, the biggest design change from the original Kickscooter Max are turn signals at the end of the handlebars. Flip a little switch on the left handlebar, and bright orange LEDs will start flashing, letting cars know which way you’re planning to turn. Depending on your size, though, your body may block the turn signals from being seen by the cars behind you.

I like that the turn signals are mounted up high; thus far, other scooters with turn signals I’ve tested (the Glion Balto and the Apollo City) have them mounted down low, near the wheels. Ideally, there should be turn signals in both locations, but if I had to guess, having them on your handlebars would make them more visible.

Like many other Segways, the Max G2 has a simple but functional display in the middle of the handlebars, which shows your current speed, estimated battery life, and related info.

As with the original, the Max G2 is a heavy scooter. At 53.5 pounds, I’d be loath to carry it up one step, let alone a flight of stairs. It even outweighs the Niu Kqi3 Max, itself a chunky 46.3 pounds.

Segway Ninebot Kickscooter Max G2: Performance

The 1000-Watt rear motor in the Max G2 provided more than enough power for me to get up both a 6% grade hill at around 11-12 miles per hour, and a 9% grade at around 5-6 MPH. I would say that the Max G2’s performance was very close to the NIU Kqi3 Pro, which is our favorite scooter overall. 

I also liked that, even if I hammered the Max G2’s throttle, the scooter accelerated at a steady pace, and struck just the right balance between aggressive and pokey. I didn’t feel like the scooter was going to fly out from beneath my feet, nor was I left waiting for it to get up to speed. Likewise, its brakes slowed me down quickly, but not so fast that I felt like I was going to go over the handlebars.

I also appreciated the Max G2’s suspension, which offered a comfortable ride over potholes and other road obstacles. I wouldn’t advocate running over big cracks on purpose, but it’s nice to know that the scooter can handle the occasional divot.

At night, the Max G2’s headlight was very bright, illuminating everything starting at about 10 feet in front of the scooter. I liked that the top of the beam was flat, rather than curved; it’ll help prevent your headlight from blinding oncoming drivers. The turn signal lights were also much more visible in the dark, too.

In the middle of testing the Max G2, the scooter started losing power while I was riding it, and displayed an error message on its display. I sent the scooter back to Segway, and they sent me a second review unit, which did not have any issues. Should you encounter any issues like I did, Segway offers a two-year warranty.

Segway Ninebot Kickscooter Max G2: App and features

Once a rarity, more and more electric scooters can now be paired with an app to customize various aspects of your ride. Even so, the Max G2 and the Segway Ninebot app (Android, iOS) have a couple of features that hopefully will become standard on more rides. 

Two anti-theft features are included: The first requires you to enter a code on the scooter in order to operate it. Enter the code wrong, and the Max G2’s brake engages, making it difficult to even roll the scooter. The Max G2 also has Apple Find My support built in, so even if the scooter goes missing, you can locate it on a map. As with Apple AirTags, the scooter’s FindMy data was accurate, allowing me to keep tabs on it all day long. 

Other features in the app include regenerative braking and traction control; in my experience, regenerative braking doesn’t add all that much to your battery, but it’s nice to have in any case. I did not test traction control, as I didn’t ride the scooter in the rain.

Segway Ninebot Kickscooter Max G2: Range

Segway estimates the Max G2 will have a range of 28 to 43 miles, depending on the size of the rider, how aggressively you ride, and the weather conditions you ride in. With the battery at 100%, the Segway app estimated I had 25 miles left in the tank, so to speak. A somewhat hilly ride of 5.5 miles on an 85-degree drained the battery by 25%, so that would leave me with an estimated range of 22 miles. Similar rides left me with similar results. That’s at the low end of what Segway advertises, but that’s the norm for most electric scooters.

Segway Ninebot Kickscooter Max G2: Verdict

The second-generation of Segway’s long-range scooter has a number of nice improvements that make for a better overall ride. The range is largely the same — mine was on the lower end of the company’s estimates — but I enjoyed its handling, as well as features such as the turn signals and built-in Apple FindMy, which is why it made our list of the best electric scooters. If you're looking for a long-range scooter, but want to save a few hundred bucks, the original Segway Ninebot Kickscooter Max is still available for around $699.

Still, the Max G2 is heavy — one of the tradeoffs for its endurance. If you live in a walkup, or need to carry your scooter on a train or a bus, I would go with something much lighter, such as the Unagi Model One Voyager; you’ll sacrifice range and riding comfort, though. But if you want a scooter that can go the distance, the Segway Max G2 should be at the top of your list.

In addition to the best laptop or best Chromebook, many kids are looking at one of the best electric scooters to get them to class on time when they go back to school this fall. 

Whether it's scooting from class to class, going into town, or zipping back and forth to school, they need a dependable ride that's safe, durable, and has a long enough range that they'll make it to wherever they need to go. 

But there are a ton of electric scooters on the market, so which scooter is the best for a student's needs? That's the question that one of our readers sent us. 

"My son is going to be a freshman baseball player at the University of Maryland this fall and is already in his apartment there playing summer collegiate baseball and taking a class. All of the boys use electric scooters to get around. A friend whose son already has one strongly suggested we get a scooter with solid rubber wheels (without fillable air tubes inside), because the scooters with air filled tires puncture easily and are difficult and expensive to repair. The two we were looking into are the Segway Ninebot Max G2 (“self-healing tubeless gel tires” but has great suspension) and the new Unagi Model One Voyager (solid rubber tires with no suspension and a rougher ride). 

The boys on the team have had issues with tires popping and they have had to take their scooters to a local repair shop near campus and it’s cost upwards of $150 to put a new tire on.

I haven’t seen any reviews about the Segway’s new gel filled tires and am not sure if they will be as durable as the Unagi’s solid rubber tires. I also read that Unagi’s customer service is significantly better than Segway’s. Which scooter would you suggest and have you learned anything about these new types of gel filled tires?"

— Alicia

Rubber wheels vs. inflatable wheels is definitely a big debate with electric scooters. Tubber wheels can't pop, but they offer a much rougher ride than inflatable wheels. 

Let's take a look at the two models that Alicia has mentioned. Both are newer versions of some of the best electric scooters we've reviewed.

The Unagi Model One Voyager is a long-range variant of the original Unagi; the Voyager gets between 12 and 25 miles before it needs to be recharged, has dual 250W motors, and can be paired with an app that lets you lock it remotely. And, because it's made of carbon fiber, it's also very light — just 29.6 pounds, which makes it much easier to carry around, or stash in your dorm room. In my testing, I was able to get about 12 miles on a charge, and found it worked great when going up hills. However, it has hard rubber tires, which means you'll feel every bump you go over. And, it's not cheap — it costs $1,190 — and it's currently on backorder at Unagiscooters.com, the only place from which you can purchase it. (The company says it should get a new supply soon). Unagi also offers a student discount of $65 off, or 10% off the monthly rate. 

I'm currently in the middle of testing the Segway Ninebot Kickscooter Max G2, which is the successor to the Segway Ninebot Kickscooter Max, one of the best scooters if you need to travel long distances. The G2 model so far looks to be an improvement in every way — it has a better range (up to 43 miles — expect about 20+ with typical use), dual suspension, remote lock, Apple Find My built in, and it even has turn signals built into the handlebars, so cars can see which way you're going.

However, the G2 is a heavy thing at 53.5 pounds, so it's not the kind of scooter if you have to go up stairs at all. And, as Alicia mentioned, it has air-filled tires, which help smooth out the ride tremendously. The tires are self-sealing, but only to a point - any more than 4mm (0.15 inches) and you'll be dealing with a flat. A replacement for the older model costs $60 for the front wheel, and $132 for the rear tire. 

One model that might give your son the best of both worlds is the Segway Ninebot KickScooter E45. This model has rubber (non-inflatable) tires, but they're relatively large at 9 inches, and the scooter has front and rear shock absorbers to help smooth the ride. It also has an advertised range of up to 28 miles, so you should get about the same endurance as the Unagi. It weighs around 36 pounds, so it's not as light as the Unagi, but not nearly as heavy as the Max G2. 

The E45's 300W motor isn't as powerful, though, so don't expect to climb hills as easily. Best of all, though — the E45 costs $767, a few hundred less than the Unagi and the Kickscooter Max G2. We have yet to test this model, so we can't say how it performs in the real world. However, it has some pretty awesome LED lights along the bottom. 

More from Tom's Guide

• The one thing you should look for when buying an electric scooter
• I test electric scooters for a living and here are my top 5 buying tips
• Best bike helmets

As the editor of the best electric scooters buying guide on Tom's Guide, I've had the chance to ride dozens of scooters over the years. As part of my testing, I've them all over the suburbs of New Jersey, onto and off of trains, and scooted around New York City to see how they hold up over a variety of conditions. 

In the process, I've learned more than a few things about makes makes a good scooter great, and things I would want to know before buying one myself. And now, I'm passing that knowledge to you. Here are five things you should consider when buying an electric scooter, so that the model you get will serve you well.

Range estimates are wildly optimistic

Almost all electric scooters will come with an advertised range — the distance it can go before its battery needs to be recharged. Unless you weigh less than 150 pounds and only plan on riding the scooter on a completely flat road, don't expect to get anywhere close to what the company claims. 

In my experience — as someone who lives in a hilly area and weighs closer to 200 pounds than he'd like to admit — I will typically get about 50 to 60 percent of the advertised range. Mostly, this is a matter of convenience, as you'll have to charge the scooter more frequently than you thought. But, if you have a longer commute — say, upwards of three miles each way — you may find yourself recharging your scooter every night. 

If range anxiety is an issue, then look for a scooter with a larger battery, like the Niu Kqi3 Max or the Segway Ninebot Kickscooter Max. Just keep in mind that larger batteries mean heavier scooters. Both models have an advertised range of around 40 miles but they're both relatively heavy at about 40 pounds each.

Keep it light — if you can

If you're planning to use the scooter as a last-mile transportation — you take the train or bus, but then have to walk a good distance to get to your work or your home — you'll want to look for a scooter that's small and light enough to easily carry up and down station stairs. 

Here, you want a scooter that weighs less than 30 pounds. The Unagi Model One and the Unagi Model One Voyager, both of which weigh around 26 pounds, are at the top of my list here, but the Razor Icon is another less expensive alternative. 

Get air-filled wheels

Electric scooters generally come with two types of wheels: air-filled (or pneumatic) and solid rubber. If you can, find a model that uses air-filled wheels; your arms and legs will thank you, especially if you're riding over rough terrain.

While there's a greater risk of puncturing the tire on a nail or something sharp, pneumatic tires have a lot more give than hard rubber, so it's not as jarring when you go over potholes or other bumps. 

However, your choices may be limited, especially with smaller and less expensive scooters. In an effort to mitigate the harshness of a rubber wheel, some scooters will have holes cut into the rubber for a little more give.

Get a more powerful motor if you live in a hilly area

The power of an electric scooter's motor is measured in Watts, and as with many things in life, the higher the number the better. However, you don't always need the most powerful motor around. If you live in a relatively flat area — or you're a smaller person — a scooter with a 250W or 300W motor should more than suffice.

If, however, you live in San Francisco or some other area with lots of hills, you'll want an electric scooter with at least a 500W motor. That way, you'll have enough power to get up the steeps.  

Get a scooter with a basket if you're going shopping

Scooters are a great way to get from work to home, but if you want to use it for more — such as picking up some groceries from the store — you'll want to get a scooter with a basket. Otherwise, you'll have to either load up your backpack, or try and balance grocery bags on your handlebars. Not ideal.

Of the scooters I've tested, the Razor Ecosmart Cargo and the Glion Balto are two of my favorites with baskets. The Razor is the faster of the two, and looks more like a moped; the Glion Balto is a little slower, but it folds into a more compact shape, so it's the better option if you're tight on space.

More from Tom's Guide

• Best bike helmets
• I test electric bikes for a living — 3 things I look for
• The best electric scooters for kids

If your kid wants to get a taste of what it’s like to ride a motorbike, the Droyd Blipper could be a good place to start. This electric bike has a 250W motor and cruises along at a top speed of about 12 miles per hour, but has the styling of a more adventurous ride. We gave the Droyd Blipper to a kid to try it out for a few weeks to see what he thought — and if it’ll be fun for your child, too. It was so much fun that we just had to add it to our list of the best electric scooters for kids, even if it blurs the lines a little bit. 

Droyd Blipper review: Price

The Droyd Blipper is available on Amazon and other online retailers. When it was released in 2023, it originally cost $529, but you can now often find it for less than $500. It comes in three colors: A white frame with green accents, a tan frame with beige accents, and a black frame with red accents. 

Droyd Blipper review: Design

The Blipper looks somewhat like a mini dirt bike. It has a very sturdy trapezoidal steel frame with a long cushioned seat. The bike’s battery sits at the bottom of the frame, just above the foot pegs. A large, protected headlight sits at the top of a chunky front fork, and the bike rides on beefy, 16-inch tubeless tires. If it weren’t for the fact that it lacks suspension, it’d be tempting to take it offroading.

The bike is meant for kids aged 13 and up weighing up to 165 pounds, and its 250 rear hub motor is capable of a max speed of 12.5 miles per hour, and a range of 12.5 miles or 60 minutes. 

Getting the Blipper ready to ride was pretty easy; the bike comes mostly assembled, so all you have to do is attach the handlebars and the front wheel. It took me between 15 to 30 minutes; however, you’ll want to make sure its battery is fully charged, which can take up to 6 hours if it’s drained. 

Controls are fairly simple: There’s a handbrake on the left handlebar, and on the right is a throttle, above which is a power indicator and a button to turn on the bike’s headlight. 

To help prevent theft, the bike’s battery can be secured with a small key; while you can’t physically remove the battery, removing the key will prevent the bike from being able to be turned on. 

The Blipper measures 52.4 x 33.1 x 22.1 inches and weighs 43.7 pounds. You’ll want to store it somewhere on the ground level.

Droyd Blipper: Performance

As I’m too old and too big to test the Blipper, I gave it to a friend’s son Chase, who was more than happy to take it for a spin and give his impressions.

Off the bat, Chase dug the Blipper’s styling, which he likened to a motorbike. He just wished that it came in more than the two colors offered: white and sand.

Chase said that the Blipper’s seat, handlebars, and footpegs were all comfortable, and rode really well on pavement. The location of the controls made it easy to use and he liked that it shows the battery level, too. However, it wasn’t as good on dirt — he wished that the tires were a bit bigger to accommodate less smooth surfaces. 

Because of the bike’s low center of gravity, Chase said that it was easy for a beginner to ride and overcome any fear they might have of falling over. He also liked the large LED, which made the Blipper great for riding in darker conditions — such as if he stayed a little too late at a friend’s house, and had to get home for dinner. 

Chase found that the Blipper’s battery life was ideal for short rides around the block and to and from friends’ homes. However, its top speed of 12.5 miles per hour meant that he had trouble keeping up with friends and adults who were riding electric scooters with faster top speeds

He also found that the Blipper wasn’t as good for longer rides, as the battery didn’t have the stamina. He did find it recharged fairly quickly, though, so that he could get a few rides in per day. 

Droyd Blipper review: Verdict

In all, the Droyd Blipper is a fun ride for children who want to (safely) get a taste of what it’s like to ride a motorbike. At around $500, it’s a bit more expensive than some of the best electric scooters for kids, but it’s a great alternative, and has limits on its top speed that will help to reassure nervous parents. 

If you think the Blipper is a bit too much power for your kid, Droyd also sells the Droyd Weeler ($349 Amazon), which has a lower top speed of 10 MPH, 14-inch tires, and a max range of 8 miles before it needs to be recharged. 

As the editor in charge of the best electric scooters page, I've ridden a lot of two-wheeled scooters, but the Dragonfly is the first four-wheeled scooter I've come across — and man, can this thing fly.

But more than that, the Dragonfly's four wheels, suspension, and unique tilt-steering make it unlike any other electric scooter around. Its starting price of around $4,000 also puts it in rarified air, as most scooters cost about a third of the price — or less.

I was able to test ride the Dragonfly for an hour or so one blustery afternoon in New York, and came away impressed with all it could do, and where it could go.

Dragonfly scooter: Price and availability

The Dragonfly is being offered in two versions: the Dragonfly DF and the Dragonfly DFX. The latter model is the beefier (and pricier) of the two, with wider handlebars and mudguards over all of the tires. It also has a larger front downtube section, offroad tires, and a few other extras. The Dragonfly DF costs $3,995; the price for the DFX model, nor the accessories to turn a DF into a DFX, have yet to be announced.

You can currently reserve the scooter at Dragonfly's site; it should ship this summer.

Dragonfly scooter: Design and specs

As you might expect, the Dragonfly has some pretty impressive bona fides, starting with its dual 500W motors which have a peak output of 1,650 Watts. The Dragonfly's deck is made of carbon fiber, as are a number of other pieces, such as the mudguards. It helps keep the weight somewhat down, though the whole thing checks in at a beefy 80 pounds.

Like most scooters, the Dragonfly's downtube folds onto the deck, making the whole contraption a bit easier to store; just don't try carrying it up too many stairs. Both of the scooter's batteries are housed in the downtube section, which you might think would make things top-heavy, but I never felt as if the scooter would tip over while I was riding it.

Dragonfly hands-on: The ride

The Dragonfly's suspension and steering really set it apart. While you can turn the handlebars left and right just like any other scooter, you can also tilt them left and right to change the scooter's direction. It's akin to skiing or snowboarding; you simply shift your weight in the direction you want to go. It took me a few runs to get used to both tilting and turning the handlebars. But once I did, I was able to start carving through turns, just as I would schussing down the slopes. 

The full, tunable suspension and large, 10 x 2.5-inch pneumatic tires also let me take the Dragonfly "offroad"; I drove it right up a curb and onto a grassy section of a park. I definitely had to concentrate more on where I was going, but the scooter handled the bumps, dirt, and tree roots with ease.  

Between the handlebars of the Dragonfly is a large 5-inch color touchscreen that's your digital dashboard; it shows your speed, battery life, and lets you adjust things like your acceleration curve and braking. It was large and bright, and what I'd expect from a $4,000 scooter. (A requisite smartphone app will also let you control the scooter.)

Three presets let you control the max speed of the Dragonfly, from 5 to 25 miles per hour. While it wasn't the fastest scooter I've ridden — that would be the Apollo Ghost, which could hit 35 MPH — the preproduction Dragonfly I rode had some pretty strong torque tuning, so at its max level, I rocketed off when I hit the accelerator, causing the tires to skip a little at first. A company rep said that the full production model will let you adjust the acceleration, so it's not as abrupt.

Dragonfly hands-on: Outlook

The $4,000 Dragonfly scooter is definitely in rare company; few other scooters — even those designed for offroad use — are this expensive. The Dragonfly's top speed of 25 MPH is definitely slower than other premium scooters; while that's plenty fast for me, it may not be enough for some speed demons. The $3,300 Kaabo Wolf King GT Pro, for instance, has an advertised top speed of 63 MPH, which is dangerously fast, even for its 11 x 3.5-inch tires. 

But the Dragonfly is more than just speed; its unique 4-wheel design is more about stability when traveling over uneven surfaces, and is an inventive approach for those who want to travel much further afield. 

More from Tom's Guide

• Best electric bikes
• Best bike helmets
• Best electric scooters

One reason many people pick up one of the best electric scooters is for that last-mile ride from a bus or train station to their home or office. However, many electric scooters are too big or bulky to easily fit on public transportation. 

Despite its larger size, the Glion DollyXL helps you avoid this problem with handlebars that fold up, so you can more easily tuck it into tight spaces. And, a pair of luggage wheels let you roll the scooter around even when it’s folded. 

The Glion DollyXL is an upscaled, longer-range version of the Glion Dolly, the company’s original electric scooter, which came out a few years ago, and which has many of the same features. You’ll want to read the rest of this review to find out if either model is best for your commute, or if you’d be better off with another one of the best electric scooters.

Glion DollyXL review: Price and availability

The Glion DollyXL first went on sale in late 2022; it’s currently available on Glion’s site for $699. 

That’s about $200 more than the original Glion Dolly, which is still for sale on Amazon and elsewhere.

Glion DollyXL review: Design

Like its name suggests, the DollyXL is a supersized version of the Dolly. It has nearly twice the range (28 miles vs. 15 miles), a slightly faster top speed (18 MPH vs. 15 MPH), a more powerful motor (400W vs. 250W), and larger tires (10-inch vs. 8.5-inch). 

Oh, and it weighs a lot more, too: The original Dolly is a relatively light 28 pounds — not much more than the Unagi Model One Voyager — but the DollyXL is a hefty 40 pounds. Don’t skip arm day if you plan on picking it up. 

The DollyXL does have a clever feature to make it easier to transport: Behind the rear wheel is a second, smaller pair of wheels that lets you roll the scooter when it’s folded. A small handle extends out the front of the scooter’s deck so you can tote it like luggage. It’s a good thought, but not always practical. I found that if you’re using the wheels on anything but a smooth surface, or if you try to turn, the scooter starts wobbling uncontrollably.

Despite its larger size (it’s 41 x 19.5 x 8.5 inches when folded), the DollyXL can better fit underneath a train or bus seat than many smaller scooters I’ve used. That’s because the DollyXL’s handlebars collapse against the downtube in its folded state. A small, but smart idea.

Another clever feature: two headlights. The first, mounted just above the front wheel, gives you a good look at the road directly ahead. The second light, which is just below the handlebars, illuminates things higher up, and makes you more visible to oncoming cars.

The DollyXL has a workmanlike design — it’s nowhere near as sleek as the Unagi — but it gets the job done. However, the DollyXL has something the Unagi doesn’t: A water bottle holder.

Glion DollyXL review: Performance

I would have preferred a little more pep when accelerating — the DollyXL gets up to speed more gradually than other scooters — but once at speed, it cruised along nicely. 

I definitely appreciated the DollyXL’s 400W motor, which got me up my standard test hill — a 6 percent grade — at 10 miles per hour. However, when it had to work hard, its motor was a lot noisier than other scooters; it emitted a whine that I didn’t hear with competing models. I also found that when the battery level was lower, the top speed on this hill decreased to around 5 MPH.

Despite its lack of a suspension, the DollyXL’s 10-inch x 1.5-inch air-filled tires delivered a fairly comfortable ride, even over bumpy roads. It’s one advantage it has over more compact scooters such as the Unagi Model One, which has harder rubber tires.

Unfolding the DollyXL takes a few more steps than other electric scooters — you lift up the downtube from the base, extend it up, then fold the handlebars up — but it took no more than 20-30 seconds once I got the hang of it.

Glion DollyXL review: Battery life and range

The DollyXL’s 36V 12.8 Ah battery is rated to deliver up to 28 miles of range under ideal conditions (flat terrain with a 165-pound rider). As with most scooters, you’ll get about half the advertised range.

Realistically, I’d say you could get around 15-18 miles on the DollyXL, but you’d have to nurse it along towards the end. After I rode the scooter for about 12 miles, I found it really struggled to get up hills that were no problem when the battery was fully charged. 

Glion DollyXL review: Bottom Line

When you’re looking for an electric scooter that can take you the extra mile, you have to weigh which means more: portability, power, or range. The Unagi Model One Voyager sacrifices the third in favor of the first two. The Glion DollyXL, on the other hand, gives you both power and range at the expense of portability. The DollyXL mitigates this somewhat with its two travel wheels and handle, but you’re definitely getting a workout if you try and carry it around. 

If you’re looking for a more portable version — albeit with a shorter range — check out the original $499 Glion Dolly, which also has folding handlebars and a second set of wheels. But if you have a longer commute and don’t mind its weight, the Glion Dolly XL is worth a look.

Whenever you’re shopping for a new electric scooter or electric bike, there’s one thing you should look for above all else — it just may save your life. 

Remember all those stories about hoverboards catching fire? When hoverboards started gaining popularity, a good number of them had defective wiring that caused them to ignite, causing lots of property damage and injuries. In fact, it got so bad that the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission issued a recall for all hoverboards sold in the United States.

Out of that came a new third-party certification standard, UL 2272, that helped ensure that the batteries in hoverboards would be less susceptible to spontaneously igniting. It was expanded to include electric scooters and, in 2019, UL created a new standard, 2849, that also covers electric bikes.  

“UL” stands for Underwriter Laboratories, an organization that tests all sorts of consumer products, from appliances to furniture to toys, to help ensure they’re safe to use. 

Last year in New York City, e-bikes and e-scooters caused 216 fires, 147 injuries, and six deaths, according to The New York Times. As of April 10, there have already been 59 fires with five fatalities in 2023. That’s because, unlike other fires, those caused by lithium-ion batteries — the kind you find in e-bikes, e-scooters, and electric cars — are much more difficult to put out

While those are pretty low figures when you compare it with the number of scooters and bikes sold — an estimated 40 million worldwide this year, according to ebicycles.com — it’s still something you don’t want to happen to you or someone you know.

Most fires caused by electric scooters or e-bikes are either the result of poorly made components or because someone tried to repair or modify the device’s battery or motor. A product that’s passed UL certification, though, is far less likely to experience any of these issues. 

When shopping for a new scooter or e-bike, make sure that it’s been certified by UL or some other recognized third-party testing agency; the CSA Group is accredited in Canada and the U.S. In Europe, the CE label is the one to look for, though manufacturers are required to do their own testing, rather than submit it to a third party.

Most of the companies that make the best electric scooters — Segway, Razor, et al — should have this certification. It's when you start looking at cheap scooters from no-name brands that you can run into trouble.

New York City residents will soon not have a choice: the New York City Council passed a measure that any company selling or leasing an e-bike or e-scooter in the city have a battery that’s certified by a third party by September 16, 2023. 

And, if your e-bike's battery does get damaged, do not attempt to repair it yourself, or have someone who will fix it "for cheap." Contact the manufacturer and make sure it gets repaired properly. 

More from Tom's Guide

• Best bike helmets
• Best electric scooters for kids
• Best electric bikes
• Best budget electric bikes

When the Unagi Model One made its debut, it was an impressive scooter not just for its design, but its capabilities. Not only did it look amazing, but it was very light, yet powerful for its size. So how do you improve on one of the best electric scooters? 

The Unagi Model One’s successor, the Model One Voyager, doesn’t make too many radical changes, but nearly doubles the range of the original, and adds some new features, such as a Bluetooth locking mechanism. And it does so while keeping the weight nearly the same, too. Read the rest of my Unagi Model One Voyager review to see if this is the best electric scooter for that last-mile ride. 

Unagi Model One Voyager review: Price and availability

The Model One Voyager was initially available to order as of April 1, 2023, and was originally scheduled to ship at the end of that month; however, it's been delayed by nearly a year, and now is expected to ship in March 2024.

It will be available in four colors (Deep Cobalt, Cool Mist, Matte Black, and Latte) and retail for $1,490. 

If you want to get it sooner, Unagi offers a subscription plan, whereby you can pay $69 per month plus a one-time $119 setup fee. You can also get theft protection for an extra $5/month. 

The Model One Classic (formerly known as the Model One E500) is now only offered on a subscription basis for $39/month. 

Unagi Model One Voyager vs. Unagi Model One Classic

The biggest difference between the Unagi Model One Classic and Voyager comes down to range: the Voyager has about twice the range as the Classic. In addition, the Voyager is a bit more capable when going up hills and, as we’ll discuss later, it also connects to an app that adds a few more features.

Unagi Model One Voyager review: Design

There’s almost no difference between the Voyager and the Classic Unagi Model One. Side by side, they’re practically identical. And that’s a good thing: even though it’s been on the market for around five years, there has yet to be a scooter that looks as sleek as the Unagi. 

The Voyager’s downtube is made of the same carbon fiber, and has a unique pyramidal shape that’s thinnest in the middle, and flares out at both ends. Not only is it elegant, but it also makes the Voyager very easy to carry when folded.

A large black and white LED display between the handlebars displays your speed, distance traveled, battery life, and if you’re using one or both of the scooter’s motors. On the left side is a push lever for the brakes, and on the right is the throttle.

As should be expected of a scooter at this price, the Voyager has a headlight and a tail light; the latter remains on all the time, and flashes when you hit the brakes, which is a feature I like. The headlight — two LEDS — serves up a nice large bright beam that hits the ground about 15 feet in front of the scooter, which gave me ample time to see and avoid potential obstacles.

One of the best design elements of the Voyager — really, of any scooter I’ve tested — is the downtube’s folding and locking mechanism. Simply pull down on two tabs, and the downtube folds down and locks into place; no extra latches or hooks here.

Unagi Model One Voyager review: Performance

The Model One Voyager was every bit as speedy and responsive as the original. On my test hill, which has a 6 percent grade, the Voyager sped up it at around 11 miles per hour, the same as the Model One Classic. 

When you first unbox the Voyager, you can select from three speed modes, which limit the top speed to 9, 12, and 15 miles per hour, respectively. A special code unlocks the Voyager’s top speed to 20 MPH (turn the scooter on, press and hold both the brake and accelerator, and then press the power button 10 times quickly. You should hear a few beeps from the scooter). Then you’ll really fly.

My two main issues with the Voyager are the same as the original. Its rubber wheels and lack of any sort of shock absorption make for a pretty rough ride. A tubeless air-filled tire would go a long way here.

The other quibble is that the Voyager’s electronic horn is pretty feeble. When I was riding it in Manhattan, I could barely hear it over the din of the city traffic. It needs something louder to alert others in front of you.

Unagi Model One Voyager review: Range and battery life

Unagi advertises the Voyager as having a range of between 12 and 25 miles, depending on the weight of the rider, the terrain, and other factors. That range is double the Unagi Classic (7-12 miles), though it should be noted that when the Classic first came out, Unagi said it had a 15-mile range. 

I’ve found with every scooter I’ve tested that the range estimates are very optimistic, especially for a rider such as myself who weighs closer to 200 pounds than he’d like to admit. I also live in a fairly hilly area, which further decreases the range.

On the Voyager, I was able to get just about 12 miles out of the scooter before the battery died. When the battery gets to about 10 percent remaining, the scooter starts beeping intermittently. When the battery drops to 5 percent, the beeping gets more persistent, and the Voyager’s top speed drops, so as to eke out as much range as possible.

The Voyager also can be charged up completely in three hours, half the time it takes the Model One Classic.

Unagi Model One Voyager review: App

Another difference between the Voyager and the Classic is that the Voyager can be paired with an app via Bluetooth, which lets you change some settings, such as the max speed, whether you want to use one motor or two, and turn on the headlight. 

The app also provides an estimate of how many miles you can go before the battery dies; however, you need to enter your weight into the app to get an accurate estimate. Also, the app has a remote lock feature, which is a nice anti-theft measure — not that you shouldn’t also lock up the scooter.

Unagi Model One Voyager review: Verdict

Unagi originally planned to follow up the Model One with the Model Eleven, which was going to cost around $2,400 and have such features as automated driver assistance, a Bluetooth speaker, GPS tracking, and a swappable battery. However, that proved overly ambitious. Instead, it has come out with something a bit more practical (and affordable) with the Model One Voyager — if you consider $1,500 affordable. 

Among the best electric scooters, it's worth checking out the Hiboy S2, which is a third of the price; it doesn't have the range of the Unagi, but it should suffice for many. In the same price range as the Unagi is the Niu Kqi Air ($1,399, Best Buy), which weighs the same as the Voayger, but has an even better 31-mile range. 

The Voyager is a nice step up from the original, and while I wish it had different tires and a beefier horn, it’s still the best scooter for those who need a last-mile transport to get them from a train or bus to their office or home. And it looks really awesome, too.

How much scooter is just enough? While it’s not the flashiest electric scooter, the Hiboy S2 delivers a lot of value for those looking for an affordable ride to get them from their home to the office, or to scoot about town. It has a reasonably strong motor, a sensible design, and niceties such as a dual-braking system and lights that wrap all the way around the scooter. While it’s not perfect — I would have preferred a smoother ride and a longer range — it’s well-suited for that last-mile commute. See how it compares to the best electric scooters by reading the rest of our Hiboy S2 review. 

HIboy S2 review: Price and availability

The Highboy S2 is available online at Amazon and other retailers. Its regular price is $549, which feels a little overpriced for what it offers, but I’ve seen it on sale for as little as $399. If you see it for that price, it’s definitely worth the purchase.

Highboy also sells a version of the S2 with a detachable seat for $479.

The company sells an upgraded version, the S2 Pro, for $669 (which was discounted to $532 at the time of writing). It has a more powerful 500W motor (to the S2’s 350W motor), larger 10-inch tires (the S2 has 8.5-inch tires), and a longer maximum range of 25 miles, versus 17 for the S2. The S2 Pro is also available with a detachable seat for $559.

HIboy S2 review: Design

This is a functional scooter. Design-wise, it looks a bit nicer than other budget scooters, such as the GoTrax GXL V2 — the Hiboy S2’s cables are all routed internally down the front, and only pop out at the bottom.

The right handlebar has a push-button throttle and a handbrake to operate the scooter’s mechanical disc brake. On the left handlebar is another push button for the regenerative brakes. The controls were all comfortable and easy to use.

In the middle of the S2’s handlebars is a small color display, not unlike the one on the Segway Ninebot Kickscooter Max. In the center is a large readout that shows your speed; below that is a battery meter, and at the top is a bar that shows how much power the scooter’s motor is using or — if you’re using the regenerative brakes — how much energy is being sent back to the battery.

The S2’s deck is coated with a nice, grippy rubber that has small diamond-shaped nubs. While I felt the size of the deck was a touch small (at least for a big person like me), I never felt like my feet would slip off.

HIboy S2 review: Performance

The S2’s 350-Watt motor isn’t going to win you any races, but it was able to scoot me along at speeds of up to 19 miles per hour on flat roads. Uphill was another matter; when riding up my standard test incline (about a 6 percent grade), the S2 slowed down to around 3-4 miles per hour — slow enough that I almost had to get off and walk. If you’re a larger person, and plan to take your scooter up hills, I recommend a model with a beefier motor. 

In addition to a headlight and a tail light, the S2 has a series of LEDs that run the length of its base, and illuminate the ground on either side of you. It’s a neat effect, and it helps others see you a bit better, too.

The S2’s headlight was fairly bright, and projected a beam that lit up the ground about 15 feet in front of the scooter. It was helpful when trying to spot potholes at night, but I wish it were just a tad closer to the front of the scooter.

The S2 rides on 8.5-inch rubber tires. While they will never go flat, it does result in a somewhat bumpier ride than I’d like over uneven pavement. I found myself avoiding cracks and potholes more than I would on a scooter with air-filled tires.

I liked that the S2 has both regenerative braking as well as a rear mechanical disc brake. I found myself using the former more than the latter; the regenerative braking was more gentle, so I came to a stop much more gradually than when using the disc brake, which was very aggressive - not that it’s a bad thing.

Good for commuters, the Hiboy S2 can fold up quickly, thanks to a sturdy but smart latching mechanism in the front. I wasn’t as big a fan of the rear latch, which keeps the downtube in place when the scooter is folded. 

You have to manually lift up a small metal loop, and snag a small hook on the downtube. It’s a little fussier than it should be. And, at just under 30 pounds, the S2 is heavier than the Razor Icon and the Unagi Model One, both of which weigh around 25-26 pounds.

HIboy S2 review: Battery life and range

Hiboy says that the S2’s max range is 17 miles, assuming you weigh 150 pounds, you’re riding in 77°F temperatures, and the throttle is at 50% on level pavement.

After about 7 miles of riding, which included some hills but was mostly flat, the S2’s battery was down to two bars out of five, so I’d estimate that the scooter would get around 10 miles before it needed a recharge. That’s not horrible, but it’s not much better than some of the best electric scooters for kids. Then again, your mileage may vary based on your size and where you ride.

HIboy S2 review: Verdict

If you can find the Hiboy S2 for $399, it’s a great value, as it delivers more features and a more powerful motor than other electric scooters around that price. The GoTrax GXL V2, for instance, has a 250W motor, a shorter 12-mile range, and costs about $330. The Swagtron Swagger 5 Boost, which has a 300W motor and a 12-mile range, is $289.

We have yet to test it, but the Segway Ninebot ES2 ($349, Amazon) has a 300W motor, a top speed of 18.6 MPH and a range of 15.5 miles, and can be upgraded with a removable external battery to extend its range to 28 miles.

The Hiboy’s ride was on the rough side — which is not surprising, given its rubber tires — and its range could be better, but I did appreciate such niceties as the regenerative and manual brakes, as well as all the lighting. If your scooting needs are modest, you’ll find the Hiboy S2 will more than satisfy. 

Some 20 years ago, Razor invented the scooter craze with its simple, iconic aluminum scooter that quickly became an icon during the dot-com boom. While many of the companies from that era have gone bust, Razor is still around, and has revisited its original design for the electric scooter era. 

The Razor Icon is its aptly named successor, adding a motor but keeping the same overall look. Beneath the exterior, though, is a great midrange scooter that’s affordably priced, with  good range and a suitably strong motor. For this Razor Icon review, I took the scooter out for a number of rides to see how it would perform in the city and the burbs.

Among the best electric scooters, it’s definitely a standout compared to its peers. 

Razor Icon: Price and availability

The Razor Icon went on sale in the late fall of 2022, and is available at a number of retailers, both online and in stores. The scooter sells for $549.99, and is available in five colors: orange, red, black, pink and blue. Not all retailers carry every color, but you can find them all at razor.com.

Razor Icon review: Design

This certainly is an iconic look. The all-aluminum Razor Icon is like the DeLorean of electric scooters. Its shininess and lack of paint really makes it stand out from competing models. Razor sent me a version with orange wheels, hand grips and a big orange Razor logo on the deck — and I can say, if you’re going to buy one of these scooters, pick the boldest color you can find. The orange really pops against the Icon’s aluminum frame. However, its pristine look quickly becomes marred with dirt, as I found out. 

The Icon looks like a scaled-up version of its original scooter. The base is very angular, with sharp edges in the front and back that give it a raw, almost unfinished look, but it works. All of the Icon’s wires are routed through its frame, furthering the clean lines of the scooter.

A small red LED display on the right handlebar shows your speed and battery life, and it has two buttons to turn the scooter on and off, and to activate its head and tail lights. 

Below this is a push-button throttle. On the left handlebar is a push-button electric brake; you can also step on the rear fender to slow the scooter down.

Just above the front wheel is a small triangular cutout through which you can conceivably thread a bike lock, but it’s a pretty small opening.

Razor’s mechanism for folding the Icon is pretty simple and foolproof. You loosen and then pull a small lever at the base of the downtube to unlock the handlebars, which then swing down and lock into the stored position. It feels a lot more secure than on scooters which require you to latch the handlebars to the rear fender.

At 26.5 pounds, the Razor Icon is the same weight as the Unagi Model One and GoTrax GXL V2. It’s about as light as you’re going to get without venturing into the best electric scooters for kids, but for smaller individuals. I was able to carry it up the steps of a train and through Penn Station without too much difficulty, though you’ll get an arm workout.

Razor Icon: Performance

In terms of power, the Icon’s 300-Watt motor falls in the middle of the pack; it’s a bit stronger than you’ll find on sub-$500 budget models like the GoTrax GXL V2, which typically have 250W motors, but not as beefy as the dual motors found in the Unagi Model One. 

The Icon got me around pretty easily, both in my neighborhood and up and down the avenues in New York City. It has a nice, smooth pickup, and its motor was strong enough to get me up my test hill (and its 6% grade) at around 5-6 MPH. That’s on the slow side, but typical for a motor with this output. On level terrain, I was able to easily hit the scooter’s max speed of 18 MPH. 

The Icon’s front headlight is mounted pretty low to the ground — just above the front wheel — so it provides some, but not great, visibility in darker conditions. I did like the rear brake lights, which are nicely integrated into the rear of the Icon’s frame.

While it’s nice to have the reassurance of a mechanical brake, the Razor Icon’s electronic brake was responsive, and slowed me down quickly. I did find that it would continue to brake for a split second after I released the lever, which caused a weird sort of lag.

Razer says that the Icon’s 36V battery is good for about 18 miles of range under ideal circumstances; I came closer to 10 in my riding, which included a number of hills. As they say, your mileage will vary.

Razor Icon: Verdict

Yes, the Razor Icon looks tremendous, but underneath its shiny aluminum exterior is an electric scooter that offers a good value for its features. At $549, the Razor Icon hits a sweet spot between budget models like the sub-$400 GoTrax GXL V2 that are great for level terrain but may not have the power to get you up steeper hills, and pricier models like the $900 Unagi Model One, which might be out of your price range. So with the Razer Icon, you’ll be able to get around on an affordable electric scooter with a great retro look.

The Razor EcoSmart Cargo is just one of a handful of electric scooters with a very handy basket. While the best electric scooters all excel at getting you from point A to point B, it’s up to you to carry everything you need, which makes them less useful if you want to go to the store to pick up some groceries. 

Even better: you can swap out the basket for a second seat, so you and a passenger can ride around town. That makes it unique among Razor’s electric scooter offerings, though the company does have another model with a basket. And, at $1,000, it’s also the most expensive electric scooter in the company’s lineup. Where does the EcoSmart Cargo rank among the best electric scooters? Join me on my test ride to find out. 

Razor EcoSmart Cargo review: Price and availability

The Razor EcoSmart Cargo went on sale in the fall of 2022; you can find it at retailers and online for $999. 

Razor EcoSmart Cargo review: Design

The EcoSmart Cargo has somewhat more aggressive styling than the Razor EcoSmart Metro, and looks closer to a moped. The Cargo’s seat is also much longer than the Metro’s, and is big enough to accommodate a passenger. There’s even fold-down foot pegs for the second rider. However, with a maximum payload weight of 300 pounds, the two of you will have to be fairly light. 

The EcoSmart Cargo is the second sit-down scooter from Razor with a basket. The first — and still available — is the Razor EcoSmart Metro, which has a less powerful (but quieter) motor, and a slightly larger basket. Still, the Cargo’s basket is large enough to fit a bag of groceries, or a case of canned beer. You’ll want to get some bungee cords to strap everything down, though.

In order to swap the seat for a basket, you have to remove six screws (with a Philips Head screwdriver), pull off the seat, and then secure the basket with another screw, which requires an Allen wrench. I hope that in future iterations, Razor makes this a simpler process — and one that doesn’t involve easily-lost screws (sorry, Razor).

On the left handlebar is a small LCD display with two buttons on its left side. The lower button turns the scooter on and off, while the upper button turns the headlight and taillight off. The entire display also acts as a rocker switch — press the upper section to increase the top speed; there are five levels, with the top speed of the scooter at 19.9 MPH.

At around 5 feet long and weighing 75 pounds, this is not a scooter you’ll be able to carry up and down stairs with ease; it’s best for those who can store it in a garage or somewhere else on the ground floor.

The Cargo comes with a nice, large headlight as well as a taillight, but curiously, there’s no bell, something I’d like to see on a scooter that costs $1,000. Also, it only comes in one color — olive green — it it does look nice, especially with the bamboo accent on the footrest.

Razor EcoSmart Cargo review: Performance

With a 1,000-Watt motor, the EcoSmart Cargo can haul some ass. It tore up and down my streets at a top speed of around 18 miles per hour, and while it wasn’t as powerful as the Niu Kqi3 Max on hills, it was still able to get me up my standard test hill — a 6 percent grade — at around 10 miles per hour, which is good for most scooters.

Because the EcoSmart Cargo uses a chain drive system rather than a hub motor (as is standard on most scooters these days), it’s a lot noisier — there’s a constant whirring sound when you hit the accelerator. It helps make up for the fact that the Cargo doesn’t come with a bell or horn — at least this way, people will hear you coming.

I also found that, because of the motor’s high torque, it can cause the chain to make a loud “CLUNK” as it hits the gear teeth if you hammer the throttle. Better to ease into the accelerator than to slam it.

The Razor EcoSmart Cargo rides on 16-inch air-filled tires, which, when combined with its padded seat, offered a comfortable ride around my town. The seat is also adjustable, good if you’re a taller rider.

The rear disc brake on the Cargo worked, but it’s not as grippy as I would like, so you have to allow yourself a little more stopping distance.

Razor EcoSmart Cargo review: Battery life and range

Razor says the 46.8V battery in the Cargo should last you for around 16.6 miles or up to 50 minutes of continuous use. I got a bit less than that, as I was taking it up and down a few hills around my town. I wish this scooter had a removable battery, like the Glion Balto, so I could charge it up indoors.

Razor EcoSmart Cargo review: Verdict

I’ve now tested three sit-down electric scooters with basket attachments on the back, and all have their merits. The Razor EcoSmart Cargo separates itself from the Razor EcoSmart Metro and the Glion Balto with a sportier look, more powerful motor, and the ability to carry more than one person. 

However, the EcoSmart Cargo is about twice as expensive than those two models, and doesn’t have as big a basket. But it’s a heckuva lot of fun to ride. If you live in a hillier area — or simply want to be able to ride around with your partner, the EcoSmart Cargo could be worth its higher price.

Getting the kids outside and away from their screens can be a challenge. Before getting on an e-scooter, kids must see it to love it at first sight. And the first impression is the last impression when dealing with children and teens.

Research has shown that the most important two senses that offer children positive stimuli are sight and sounds. So, let’s start with aesthetics, the first thing to attract a young person.

Ride on the rainbow with rhythm – the SmooSat E9 range

The E9 Apex comes in two flavors. The first is literally the Lamborghini Centenario of electric scooters with its rugged black and yellow finish, the second an elegant and cozy combination of pink and black. Ideal for encouraging everyone to adventure outdoors.

Next, the E9 Apex lets your kids rock out to tunes as they ride safely in front of you, having the time of their lives thanks to the Bluetooth surround speakers built right into the scooter. They can play their favourite soundtrack whilst still playing it safe, with no headphones shutting out the surroundings.

In another great combination of fun and safety, rainbow lights built into the board flash in time to the rhythm of the music, delighting riders and turning visibility to the max.

Similar to its E9 Apex sibling, the E9 Pro comes in smart and inimitable black, pink, or blue styles, although without speakers.

Both models can grow with your or your friends’ children – the E9 Pro comes with handlebars that will adjust to sizes 28in/32in/36in, while the larger E9 Apex can be set to 32.5in/35 in/37.5in.

Safety is paramount and with SmooSat scooters you can be sure you’re getting class-leading safety features. The E9 Apex and the E9 Pro are each built around a compression-resistant durable aluminium alloy frame, with anti-skid reinforced rubber wheels, and super-fast stopping courtesy of rear fender brakes.

Add reflectors and a quality helmet to help make riders more visible on the cycle path or road.

To prevent accidental starts, the motor only engages when the speed reaches 3 mph – just raise the stand and kick off from the ground for the power to start effortlessly.

The maximum speed can be set to 5 mph, 8 mph or 10 mph depending on skill level, and the LED screen tells the rider all they need to know, displaying the pedal mode, riding speed and battery level.

The E9 models can travel 5 miles on a full charge. When you’re done just fold it up in one easy step for carrying and storing anywhere and everywhere.

This Black Friday, the E9 Apex and E9 Pro are available with over 20% off for Amazon Prime members.

Safety and Independence has never been such a bargain.

Adults ride long range – SmooSat SA3

As you may well have noticed in your town or city, E-scooters aren’t just for kids. With global sales rising by almost 50% last year, these simple, flexible devices are becoming the urban travel and exploration option of choice for riders of all ages.

The SmooSat SA3 is built from the ground up to deliver a grown-up experience with the size, range and power adults demand. Environmentally friendly, simpler, and more portable than a bike, the SA3 transforms urban travel.

The 350W motor can reach a top speed of 15.6 mph and will whizz a full-sized adult uphill with ease, while the automotive-grade battery will cover 20 miles on a single charge, and with over 1200 cycles will last around seven years.

All that juice powers more than just wheels. The tech-heavy feature set out-specs some cars, with cruise control as standard, so you can lay off the accelerator and focus on the road. The LCD display keeps track of speed, battery life and pedal mode, while powerful front and rear lights keep you safely visible.

Crucially, the SA3 folds up in seconds to measure just 42.1 inches by 19.7 inches by 20.3 inches. That’s about the size of a sports bag and easy to take on the bus or train. Then just tuck it away under a desk when you reach your destination, arriving unruffled and sweat-free. Try doing that with a mountain bike.

So, there it is. The Smoosat SA3, an ideal gift for the busy urban traveler in your life, the perfect present for a free-spirited wanderer and, let’s face it, far too tempting a prospect not to pick one up for yourself.

Find your SA3 here for around $400, you’ll find the shopping experience just as smooth as the ride.

Why are e-scooters good gifts for kids?

Getting the kids outside and away from their screens can be a challenge. Before getting on an e-scooter, kids must see it to love it at first sight. And the first impression is the last impression when dealing with children and teens.

Research has shown that the most important two senses that offer children positive stimuli are sight and sounds. So, let’s start with aesthetics, the first thing to attract a young person.

Ride on the rainbow with rhythm – the SmooSat E9 range

The E9 Apex comes in two flavors. The first is literally the Lamborghini Centenario of electric scooters with its rugged black and yellow finish, the second an elegant and cozy combination of pink and black. Ideal for encouraging everyone to adventure outdoors.

Next, the E9 Apex lets your kids rock out to tunes as they ride safely in front of you, having the time of their lives thanks to the Bluetooth surround speakers built right into the scooter. They can play their favourite soundtrack whilst still playing it safe, with no headphones shutting out the surroundings.

In another great combination of fun and safety, rainbow lights built into the board flash in time to the rhythm of the music, delighting riders and turning visibility to the max.

Similar to its E9 Apex sibling, the E9 Pro comes in smart and inimitable black, pink or blue styles, although without speakers.

Both models can grow with your or your friends’ children – the E9 Pro comes with handlebars that will adjust to sizes 28in/32in/36in, while the larger E9 Apex can be set to 32.5in/35 in/37.5in.

Safety is paramount and with SmooSat scooters you can be sure you’re getting class-leading safety features. The E9 Apex and the E9 Pro are each built around a compression-resistant durable aluminium alloy frame, with anti-skid reinforced rubber wheels, and super-fast stopping courtesy of rear fender brakes.

Add reflectors and a quality helmet to help make riders more visible on the cycle path or road.

To prevent accidental starts, the motor only engages when the speed reaches 3 mph – just raise the stand and kick off from the ground for the power to start effortlessly.

The maximum speed can be set to 5 mph, 8 mph or 10 mph depending on skill level, and the LED screen tells the rider all they need to know, displaying the pedal mode, riding speed and battery level.

The E9 models can travel 5 miles on a full charge. When you’re done just fold it up in one easy step for carrying and storing anywhere and everywhere.

This Black Friday, the E9 Apex and E9 Pro are available with over 20% off for Amazon Prime members.

Safety & Independence has never been such a bargain.

Adults ride long range – SmooSat SA3

As you may well have noticed in your town or city, E-scooters aren’t just for kids. With global sales rising by almost 50% last year, these simple, flexible devices are becoming the urban travel and exploration option of choice for riders of all ages.

The SmooSat SA3 is built from the ground up to deliver a grown-up experience with the size, range and power adults demand. Environmentally friendly, simpler, and more portable than a bike, the SA3 transforms urban travel.

The 350W motor can reach a top speed of 15.6 mph and will whizz a full-sized adult uphill with ease, while the automotive-grade battery will cover 20 miles on a single charge, and with over 1200 cycles will last around seven years.

All that juice powers more than just wheels. The tech-heavy feature set out-specs some cars, with cruise control as standard, so you can lay off the accelerator and focus on the road. The LCD display keeps track of speed, battery life and pedal mode, while powerful front and rear lights keep you safely visible.

Crucially, the SA3 folds up in seconds to measure just 42.1 inches by 19.7 inches by 20.3 inches. That’s about the size of a sports bag and easy to take on the bus or train. Then just tuck it away under a desk when you reach your destination, arriving unruffled and sweat-free. Try doing that with a mountain bike.

So, there it is. The Smoosat SA3, an ideal gift for the busy urban traveler in your life, the perfect present for a free-spirited wanderer and, let’s face it, far too tempting a prospect not to pick one up for yourself.

Find your SA3 here for around $400, you’ll find the shopping experience just as smooth as the ride.

As more of us use electric scooters for alternative transportation — say, to go to work or the grocery store — the likelihood that your scooter will get stolen increases. While it’s a good idea to lock your scooter up to a bike rack or light post, many of the best electric scooters don’t have a good way for you to do this.

The TurboAnt V8 is one of the few electric scooters with a dedicated slot for a bike lock, so you can leave your hoopty secure in the knowledge that someone won’t walk — or ride — off with it. Plus, the V8 has dual batteries with a promised 50-mile range, so you won’t have to charge it as often, either. Does this $649 scooter rise to the level of some of the best electric scooters? You’ll have to read the rest of our TurboAnt V8 review to find out.

TurboAnt V8 review: Price and availability

The TurboAnt V8 was released in August of 2022; it’s available for $799 on TurboAnt’s website. 

TurboAnt V8 review: Design

This is one aggressively designed scooter. Where I thought the TurboAnt M10 was a bit generic, there’s no mistaking the V8’s angular, ridged design. Starting from the top, the handlebars are connected to the beefy, hexagonal downtube by three struts. 

The connector between the downtube and the deck is a chunk of machined metal, with large cutouts giving it an industrial look. Even the rubber mat on the large 19.7 x 6.9-inch deck has a similar pattern, allowing the design to flow all the way to the back of the scooter.

In the middle of the angled connector is a fairly large opening through which you can thread a bike lock.

The V8 has two batteries: one in the deck, and one in the downtube, which can be removed so that you can charge it wherever. The combination of both batteries gives the V8 a hypothetical range of up to 50 miles. However, the resulting thickness of the downtube, plus the weight of the scooter — a hefty 47 pounds — makes it very hard to carry.

In the center of the handlebars is a small black and white display that shows your current speed as well as how much charge remains in each of the V8’s batteries. The right handlebar has a thumb-activated throttle along with a single button to turn the V8 on and off, activate its lights, and switch between its three riding modes (Eco, Comfort, and Sport).

The scooter also features mechanical disc brakes and electronic brakes, as well as a headlight and a tail light. I liked that there were lights not just at the top of the handlebar, but also in the front and back of the desk; the more lights, the easier it is for cars to see you on the road.

TurboAnt V8 review: Performance

Like many of the electric scooters I test, I rode the V8 several times to and from my local train station as part of my daily commute, as well as around town. Overall, I found the V8 to be a solid performer. 

The V8’s 450W front hub-mounted motor was able to scoot me around comfortably at speeds up to 20 miles per hour. The V8’s 9.3-inch pneumatic tires helped smooth out bumps somewhat, as did its full suspension: The front tire has a single shock absorber, while the rear tire has dual springs mounted horizontally inside the chassis.

Going up a steeper hill, I was a little disappointed that the V8 slowed to around 6 mph; that’s the speed I usually get from scooters with much smaller motors. The Segway Ninebot Kickscooter Max, which has a 350W motor in its rear wheel, was able to keep me going at around 10 mph.

The two-step quick-release mechanism that lets you fold the V8’s downtube was as beefy as the rest of the scooter, yet it was very easy to use. And, the bike lock slot was more than large enough for my Kryptonite lock.

TurboAnt V8 review: Battery life and range

Turboant advertises the V8 having a range of up to 50 miles, thanks to its dual 36V, 7.5 Ah batteries. Of course, that’s under ideal conditions; in actuality, I saw far less of a range. 

After riding the scooter for 10 miles under somewhat hilly streets, the battery(s) had dropped to 50%  — indicating that I’d most likely get about 20 miles out of the V8 before I’d need to recharge it. Of course, your mileage will vary based on your terrain, and the size and weight of the rider. 

One thing in the V8’s favor is that one of its batteries — the one in the downtube — is removable, so you don’t have to lug this 47-pound behemoth up a flight of stairs.

TurboAnt V8 review: Verdict

Among the best electric scooters we’ve tested, only the $899 Segway Ninebot Kickscooter Max, with a 40-mile range, is comparable to what the TurboAnt V8 offers. The Segway has a more subdued design, and its slimmer downtube and marginally lighter weight (41 pounds) makes it easy to carry. 

We also found that the Segway offered a bit more power when climbing up hills. But, there’s no security slot for a bike lock, and its battery is non-removable. If you’re looking for an electric scooter with some range — and don’t have to carry it up stairs — the TurboAnt V8 is worth checking out. 

To some degree, riding any electric scooter involves some amount of fun, but some are more fun than others. The Niu Kqi3 Max is one of those. It’s fun and fast, has a long range, and is very comfortable to ride.

Among the best electric scooters, the Kqi3 Max isn’t the lightest of models — if you have stairs to climb, look elsewhere — but its 450W motor is powerful enough to get even larger riders (like myself) up hills. Add to that a great design, grippy brakes, and an app that lets you customize your ride, and you’ve got an excellent all-around electric scooter.

Read the rest of our Niu Kqi3 Max review to see if this is the best electric scooter for you.

Niu Kqi3 Max review: Price and availability

The Kqi3 was first released in 2022, and is available in three versions: The Kqi3 Max, which I tested, costs $999, has a 450W motor, a 40-mile range, and a top speed of 23.6 miles per hour. The Kqi3 Pro retails for $799, and has a 350W motor, 31-mile range, and a top speed of 20 miles per hour. The Kqi3 Sport sells for $699, and has a 300W motor, a range of 25 miles, and a top speed of 17.4 MPH.

The Pro version comes in black with gold trim, while the Sport model is offered in black with four trim options: white, blue, red, or black.

Niu Kqi3 Max review: Design

The Kqi3’s headlight is a large circular LED; it looks kind of like one of the best ring lights, and certainly stands out among the other electric scooters I’ve tested. Its taillight is more traditional — a red LED bar across the back of the fender.

The Kqi3 Max is equipped with dual mechanical disc brakes, which are probably overkill but certainly look cool — they’re painted red — and stop the scooter incredibly fast. It also has a rear electronic brake which can be used to recover a little bit of energy and put it back into the battery; Niu says at the top setting (which you can adjust in the Niu app), you can get about 4% battery life back. It’s not a ton, but it’s something.

The Kqi3 Max’s deck is spacious — a good 22.4 x 6.3 inches — which gave my feet plenty of room to rest. Like many electric scooters, the deck is covered in a rubberized material that offers plenty of grip for your shoes.

At 46.3 pounds, the Kqi3 is pretty hefty. Although you can fold its handlebars down very easily — it has a simple but effective latching system — you’d have to be pretty strong if you wanted to carry it around.

For that, you’ll want something much lighter; the Unagi Model One, for instance, checks in at around 27 pounds and is a good deal smaller, making it better for those who need to lift their scooter up stairs. However, the Unagi’s ride isn’t as smooth, as it has smaller rubber wheels.

Niu Kqi3 Max review: Performance

This scooter was a real joy to ride. While its 450W motor is on paper not all that much more powerful than other models I’ve tested, its peak output of 700W really gave the Kqi3 Max some real pickup. It was most noticeable when getting started — the Kqi3 got up to speed faster than other models — and on hills, where this scooter excelled where others dared go. 

On my standard test hill — a 6 percent road grade — the Kqi3 Max was able to maintain a speed of around 10 MPH, which is pretty good. Other scooters, such as the TurboAnt V8, which has a 450W motor, could muster 6 MPH at best.

I then took the Kqi3 Max on an adjoining street, which has a much steeper grade — around 9 percent in one section — that’s a bane to both scooters and cyclists alike. Here, the scooter slowed down to about 5-6 MPH, but still kept chugging.

On level terrain, the Kqi3 Max quickly accelerated to its max speed, and flew me around my neighborhood with ease. It doesn’t have any suspension, but its large 9.5-inch self-healing tires more than padded things along my ride.

Niu Kqi3 Max review: Battery life

Niu says that the Kqi3’s 46.8V 486.7Wh Lithium Battery is good for a range of up to 40 miles — similar to the 40+ mile range of the Segway Ninebot Kickscooter Max and the TurboAnt V8. Also like those other scooters, the Max’s actual range was much less in my testing. 

After riding it up and down a good number of hills and at full speed, I was able to get about 20 miles out of the Kqi3 Max before it needed a recharge. To be fair, the expectation vs reality of the Kqi3 Max is not too different from other scooters I’ve tested. If you’re smaller or lighter than me, or plan to ride it on mostly level roads, you’ll most likely see a better range.

Niu Kqi3 Max review: App

One clever feature in the Niu app lets you increase the maximum speed of the Kqi3; while you only get a boost to about 23MPH, it feels like you’re unlocking a cheat code.

Other features of the app let you see how far you’ve traveled on the scooter, your average speed, and where you’ve gone (provided you initiate a riding session in the app). The app also lets you remotely lock and unlock the scooter — a nice safety measure — and adjust how much.

Niu Kqi3 Max review: The competition

Niu Kqi3 Max review: Bottom line

As someone who reviews a lot of electric scooters, there are generally several models in my garage at any one time — much to the chagrin of my wife, who would like to park our car in there sometime. Lately, when I’ve opened the door and picked a scooter for a pleasure ride, it’s been the Niu Kqi3 Max. It’s fast, it’s fun, and it’s powerful enough to get me up and down the hills in my town. It looks great, too. At $999, it is on the pricey side, so I also suggest taking a look at the Niu Kqi3 Pro, which is $200 less. 

If you need to lug an electric scooter on a train or up a flight of stairs, the 26-pound Unagi Model One or its successor, the Unagi Model One Voyager, is still the best option. And, if you need a scooter that can really go the distance, the Segway Ninebot Kickscooter Max G2 has an even longer range, and also comes with turn signals and Apple FindMy built in. The Apollo City 2023 has an equally long range and a faster top speed, but costs a bit more.

But, if you're looking for a great all-around electric scooter — and don’t mind the price — the Nui Kqi3 is a top pick.

Electric scooters like Swagtron’s Swagger 5 Boost rocketed in popularity during the pandemic, but they are no passing fad. The best electric scooters will only become more and more part of the mainstream as a fairly affordable commuting option that’s greener than cars and less physically demanding than bicycles. 

The Swagger 5 Boost replaces Swagtron’s entry-level commuter scooter, the Elite, while upgrading the motor and tires. While its extremely basic appearance won’t win any points for style, it hits a good balance between price and features. I found it perfectly capable of transporting me around and between neighborhoods in a fair amount of comfort and convenience. 

Read the rest of my Swagger 5 Boost review to see if this e-scooter is the right one for you.

Swagger 5 Boost review: Price and availability

Swagger 5 Boost costs $399, the same as the previous Elite model. It’s available for purchases on Swagtoron’s website or retailers like Amazon.  

The Boost’s price is comparable to other entry-level, mid-range scooters, like the GoTrax GXL V2 ($349) and TurboAnt M10 ($449). 

Swagger 5 Boost review: Design

The bones of the Swagger 5 Boost look nearly identical to the Elite, though the colors are different. Then again, I really haven’t seen any major aesthetic differences among the various electric scooters in the market. 

The black aluminum alloy frame is punctuated by silver-gray lettering and red wires. Unlike some brands, the front stem doesn’t hold the battery; it’s located beneath the deck. This can be an issue when you’re going over bumps or potholes, as the battery compartment may get damaged, but it’s a rare occurrence.

The stem folds down and locks onto the back wheel, so you can stash it in a car trunk or carry it more easily. At 26 pounds, it’s a touch lighter than the GoTrax GXL V2 and even more than my personal e-scooter, the now-unavailable Slidgo X8. The lightweight Boost was easy to get over one step into my apartment, but I’m too much of a weakling to attempt a full flight of stairs.

A few cables for the brakes and battery run partially along the stem. I wish they were a bit more tucked away and unobtrusive, as I could envision scenarios where they snag on something in its path.

At the top of the stem are the handlebars and LED display. The left handle is home to a bell, the brake lever controlling the rear disc brakes, and a clip that locks into the rear wheel when the scooter is folded. On the right handle is the accelerator push lever.

The display shows the two most important things you need to know: speed and battery level. The on/off button can also toggle between the Boost’s three speed modes.

The deck is wide enough for most people, with an IPX4 water resistance rating and decent grip. I still wouldn’t ride it in anything more than a very light drizzle, though. The Boost can carry up to 320 pounds, which is on the heavier side of weight capacity. Of course, higher freights will reduce performance.

One of the biggest upgrades the Boost has over the Elite is the airless honeycomb tires, which the company trumpets as “no flats.” Air provides cushioning, so the solid tires will result in bumpier rides. Since I don’t ride very long distances, I’m fine taking the trade-off and not having to worry about replacing a tire.

One thing the Boost lacks is a rear foot brake, which I love about my Slidgo X8. Well, at least Swagtron doesn’t advertise a foot brake for the Boost. More on that below.

Swagger 5 Boost review: Performance and battery life

While I’m on the lighter side, I live in a very hilly area, so any electric scooter I review will get a thorough performance test up a steep incline. The Swagger 5 Boost performed admirably, hitting 14 mph (about as fast as my Slidgo). On a flat surface, it had no problem achieving its top speed of 18 mph. Acceleration was immediate and powerful. The two lower speeds, first gear and second gear, seem superfluous and I never used them aside from an initial tryout. 

The Boost’s honeycomb tires did make for a slightly more rattling ride than electric scooters with pneumatic tires, but it was more than tolerable. If you live in a city like me, you may find yourself riding over more debris like glass, so it was also comforting to know I wouldn’t get a flat or blowout. I rode through a sprinkling and on rain-soaked streets, and found traction to be good. 

In terms of battery life, a range of 12 miles is on the lower end for even an entry-level commuter scooter. I never had an issue with it, never riding for more than four miles at a time. After at least three of these jaunts, I was pleasantly surprised to find the Swagger 5 Boost was still a quarter charged.

Now, let’s talk about braking. The second-best feature on my Slidgo X8 is the foot brake. Nothing in the Boost’s specs — either on Swagtron’s website or in the materials that came in the box — indicated it had a foot brake. When I first began testing the Boost, I relied only on the hand brake, which honestly, was scary. I performed the speed tests in long, carless, stoplight-less stretches so I could slow down naturally and then apply the hand brake. The few times I rode in bike lanes or streets, I made sure to reduce speed. Even then, anytime I squeezed the lever, I felt like my body might pitch forward over the front of the scooter.

After a week or so, I decided to see what would happen if I just stepped on the back fender. It took a few tries and I had to place my foot farther back than expected, but doing so slowed the scooter more naturally. Is this recommended by Swagtron? Probably not. For the Elite, the company put out a PSA that the rear fender is not a brake: “The rear fender of an electric scooter is likely housing important electrical components, including motor connections or brake light connections. Slamming down on the fender with your foot might damage important wiring components.”

So, maybe I did it wrong, yet I don’t regret acting in a way that makes me feel safer.

Swagger 5 Boost review: Bottom line

Ultimately, I found the Swagger 5 Boost to be a solid, dependable electric scooter that does exactly what it sets out to do: provide an option for commuting and journeying short distances. At less than $400, it’s also affordable for anyone looking for a starter scooter with decent range and speed. Your personal preferences will determine if my issue with the foot brake is a dealbreaker. 

If you need to go faster or longer distances, you’ll need to invest in a more powerful, expensive model. But for most people and most purposes, the Swagger 5 Boost is a good option. 

If you're looking to tempt your children away from their screens, picking up one of the best electric scooters for kids can be a great way to get them out of the house.

To get the best idea of what these electric scooters are like to use, I recruited my friends' kids — boys and girls who range in age from 7 to 10 — and who were all too eager to try out these fun new toys. I let them ride around for a while, observed how easy or difficult it was for them to use the scooters, and got their opinions on the scooters, too

Based on this testing, the best electric scooter for kids is the Segway Ninebot eKickScooter C2 Lite. Its lengthy name notwithstanding, the kids who tried it out loved its looks and its handling — I had to force them to come in for dinner! Plus, at $169, parents loved its price too.

However, if that model isn't quite what you — or your kid — is looking for, we have plenty of other kid-tested recommendations, including models with colorful LED lights and even Bluetooth speakers.

Here are the rest of our picks for the best electric scooters for kids.

The best electric scooters for kids today

Best overall

The neighborhood kids could not wait to try out the Segway Ninebot eKickscooter C2 Lite, and took to it instantly, scooting up and down the block like they'd been riding it for years. The C2 Lite's handbrake on the left and thumb throttle on the right were intuitive for kids to learn.

I also like the C2 Lite's design; there are few exposed cables, and its blue deck sweeps elegantly from the front stem to the rear tire. Parents (including myself) also appreciated that the deck was covered with a very grippy material, lessening the chances that a kid might slip off. Another nice safety feature for parents: The C2 Lite has three speed modes, so you can limit its top speed to 7.5 miles per hour (MPH), which I found helpful for kids just starting out.

While you can't see them during the day, the underside of the C2 Lite has some colorful LEDs that illuminate the ground beneath the scooter; however, as with most kids' scooters, there's no headlight or taillight.

If you have a child who's a bit older, you should check out the Segway Ninebot Kickscooter C2 Pro ($249 at Amazon). Designed for kids aged 6-14, it has a top speed of 12.4 MPH, a max range of 9.9 miles, an adjustable handlebar, ambient lights, and even a Bluetooth speaker, so your kid can rock out on their way to school.

Best Razor scooter

Razor has been making scooters — both electric and traditional — for decades, so it has a pretty good idea of its target audience. The Razor Power Core E100 has been one of its more popular electric scooters for kids for several years now, but while our child tester had a grand time on it, I found its design to be a little dated.

Our kid tester Chase found it easy to learn; as with most electric scooters, it has a twist-grip acceleration controls and a hand-operated front brake. It tops out at 10 mph, so it's fast enough for your kid to get to school on time but not so fast that it ventures into dangerous extreme sports territory. He also liked the E100's air-filled tires, which delivered a smoother ride over bumpy sidewalks.

However, you can't limit the top speed, as you can with other scooters. The Razor E100 can manage up to 40 minutes of drive time, or up to 10 miles of distance, which is a bit shorter than our top pick.

The Power Core E100 comes in a bunch of colors, but it has what I'd generously call a "classic" design — others might call it dated — that doesn't hold up well against newer models from Segway and even Razor. For instance, the battery feels like it's just tacked on to the bottom of the scooter, and its motor juts out from the rear hub.

However, because it's a bit older, you can often find it for less than some of the other models on this page. This is especially true since Razor has released an updated version of this scooter, the Razor Powercore XLR100 ($159 at Razor).

• Read our full Razor E100 review.

Best for teens

When your kids get a little older, they're going to want a more grown-up electric scooter. The NIU KQi 100P should satisfy that urge, as it reaches a top speed of 17.4 MPH and has a range of up to 18 miles. Plus, its relatively low price of $349 will likely appeal to parents worried that their child might damage something more expensive.

Even better: your kid can electronically lock the scooter using their smartphone and set an alarm to go off if someone tries to steal it. While your kid should always secure it with one of the best bike locks, we know they can be forgetful.

The KQi 100P is perfect for teens, but it actually performed so well in testing that I named it the best electric scooter for adults on a budget. If you don't mind spending a little more, the KQi 100F has folding handlebars as well as turn signals, though it has a lower top speed of 15.5 MPH and a range of 15 miles — though that may not be a bad thing if your kid is a bit of a daredevil.

• Read our full NIU KQi 100P review.

Best dirtbike-style scooter

Chase, our test rider, couldn't get enough of the Blipper, which is more of an electric dirtbike than a scooter, but was too fun not to include here. This zippy little ride has 16-inch tires and a 250W motor to give them a safe, but enjoyable time as they rip around the block.

While the Blipper doesn't have any suspension, its large tires and padded seat offered Chase plenty of comfort as he rode over bumps and holes — or maybe he was enjoying himself so much that he didn't notice. And, with a top speed of 12.5 mph, they won't be going so fast as to be dangerous — not that they shouldn't wear a helmet regardless.

Our only quibble with the Blipper is that its battery ran out too quickly, which goes to show you how much fun our test rider was having.

• Read our full Droyd Blipper review.

Best sit-down scooter

Stylish kids who prefer to sit down instead of standing up may like the Razor Pocket Mod Miniature Euro electric scooter, which is a seriously cool ride.

Like the rest of the Razor family, it comes in a variety of colors and even features a cubby for stowing books, jackets, or whatever else needs to be stored.

Like the Vespa you'd see zipping around the streets of Paris or Rome, the Pocket Mod features a twist-grip throttle and a rear suspension system. In testing, this made for a comfortable ride.

The 12-inch tires are a bit bigger than the norm, but that's to help sustain its top speed of 15 mph for up to 40 minutes of riding time.

Also consider

Electric scooters compared

Still undecided? Here's a quick look at each scooter, its top speed, range, and recommended rider age. Bear in mind that the advertised range of an electric scooter is based on ideal circumstances; in practice, it will often be 60-70% of what the company claims.

How to pick the best electric scooter for your kid

Here are three things to consider before buying an electric scooter for your child:

How big is your kid? Many electric scooters made for kids have a weight limit of 120 pounds. Even though your child may weigh less than that, a bag loaded with schoolbooks may push it over the limit.

How old is your child? The electric scooters we recommend on this page are intended for children ages 8 and up. For kids younger than that, we recommend nonelectric scooters. However, as your child grows older, they may need — or want — an electric scooter with more capabilities. Plus, they may not want to ride the same scooter as when they were a small kid.

How far does your child have to go? If you're getting your child an electric scooter so they can get to school and back, consider how far they have to travel. If it's a longer distance, you'll want to get a scooter with a better range, so your kid doesn't get stuck pushing the scooter home.

Safety tips for children

Always wear a helmet
According to a national poll at the University of Michigan (initially reported in the The New York Times), only 59% of parents said their child wears a helmet while riding a bike, skateboard or scooter. Don't be part of the 61% whose kids don't. While our list of the best bike helmets is geared more for adults, those same companies also make helmets designed for children. You'll want to look for a helmet that has MIPS or a similar shock absorption technology, which helps prevent rotational head injuries.

A little less than half of all states have laws that require children age 17 and under to wear helmets when riding bicycles, while nearly all states have laws regarding the use of helmets when riding low-powered cycles, such as electric scooters.

For extra protection, consider investing in a pair of elbow and knee pads for your kid. Look for a set that includes wrist guards. Reflective gear is also a good idea if your child will be riding close to sundown.

Add bells, horns, and lights
To keep the price down, many electric scooters for kids lack bells, horns, or lights, as kids should not ride their scooters after dark. Still, a little extra safety measures don't hurt, and all of these can are inexpensive and can be easily found online or at a local bike shop. At the very least, we recommend adding a bell to the handlebars. You can also check out our picks for the best bike lights, which should easily fit on many scooters.

Don't buddy up
Kids like to have fun, but remind them that buddying up with a friend on an electric scooter isn't the best idea. Every scooter has a weight limit, and even if your child and a friend come under that number, putting an extra person on the vehicle makes it harder to balance and steer.

Check local laws and regulations
A Consumer Reports survey found that more than 1 in 4 riders weren't entirely sure about the traffic laws related to riding electric scooters. If you, too, aren't sure, check with your city about its rules. In most cases, you can't ride e-scooters on sidewalks and instead have to use bike lanes and share the road with cars. If you're anxious about your kid riding across busy intersections, try to map out a route that avoids streets with high pedestrian and car traffic.

Learn to use hand signals
It's never too early to learn the universal language of hand signals. That's right: The DMV-mandated signals for turning left, turning right and stopping come in handy when riding an electric scooter. To keep your kid safe out on the road, make sure that they not only know these signals, but also understand how to properly use them. However, it can be tricky to make a hand signal and ride a scooter with one hand.

Avoid hauling extra weight
Your child will likely travel with a backpack on the way to school. But make sure they understand that hanging a bag, or even a sweater, on the handlebars of their scooter can throw the vehicle off balance. If carrying cargo is a concern, consider an electric scooter that's outfitted with a basket or storage space.

Check for defects
Electric scooters require a bit of assembly before they're ready for the road. For models like the Razor E100, you'll have to attach the handle to the base before the scooter's ready to roll. Once it's assembled, do a thorough safety check. First, perform a visual inspection, to confirm that everything is connected correctly and the wheels are inflated and sturdily in place.

Then, charge the battery to full power and take the scooter for a test run. Check out the brakes and throttle, trying them really hard. If you find a defect with the product after you've taken it around the block, contact the manufacturer immediately.

Teach your kid how to ride properly
Electric scooters are not as tolerant of bumps and potholes than cars because the wheels are smaller. Before your kid ventures out on their own, take them around the block for a few test runs. Teach them how to safely take off, accelerate and decelerate, hit the brakes, and maneuver around uneven sidewalks and sticks in the road. Manufacturers often include safety instructions with the scooter that you can refer to as you teach your child the ins and outs of driving their new vehicle.

How we test the best electric scooters for kids

You can only test the best electric scooters for kids by actually letting kids test them. Since my own child is too young, I recruited my friends and neighbor's kids to try out the scooters on streets and roads that were closed off to traffic.

All of the kids who tested the scooters — both boys and girls — were between the ages of 7 and 10, with various levels of riding experience. Some were already familiar with riding non-electric scooters, of both the two- and three-wheeled variety.

As part of the testing, I wanted to see how easy it was for a child to figure out how to use an electric scooter. While most have standard controls — a grip throttle and a hand brake — others use different methods of acceleration and braking. For the most part, kids are pretty fast learners, and can gain a good level of competence fairly quickly.

After they're done riding, I asked them for their impressions, beyond the usual kid response of "it's cool." A kid not wanting to get off a scooter — or if multiple kids are arguing over who gets to ride it next — is a pretty good barometer of a scooter's popularity.

Because most of these scooters requires at least some assembly, I also consider how long, and how difficult they are for parents to put together. Usually it's a simple matter of attaching the handlebars, which only takes a few minutes.

All rides are done under the supervision of adults, and the children are wearing appropriate safety equipment. After, we ask them for their impressions — that is, if we can get them off the scooters.

Frequently asked questions

Given how the company literally started the scooter craze, it’s surprising that you don’t see more electric scooters like the Razor ePrime III on the streets. It’s a good-looking ride that’s pretty light, folds up easily, and has a taillight — something rarely found on an electric scooter at this price. 

However, among the best cheap electric scooters, the ePrime III lacks a display, so you don’t know how fast you’re going. Then again, it doesn’t go fast enough to really warrant a speedometer. The real question of whether you should get this scooter comes down to its price, which I’ll explain further in our Razor ePrime III review.

Razor ePrime III review: Price and availability

The ePrime III was originally available at Razor.com for $499, but can now be found at other online retailers such as Amazon and Walmart for as low as $389. 

Razor ePrime III review: Design

The ePrime III has a few nice design flourishes that help set it apart from other sub-$500 electric scooters. For starters, it has not just a headlight, but also a tail light that lights up when the brake is activated.

The headlight is a long slim LED that makes the head of the scooter look more like some sort of droid, and is definitely different than you’ll find on most other electric scooters. But, it gets the job done.

I also like that the ePrime III has a series of 5 LEDs at the base of the scooter to show the charge level of the battery. However, the scooter lacks a display of any kind, so you never know how fast you’re going.

The ePrime III’s deck is a bit compact for larger riders - 16.5 inches long and 5.5 inches wide — but has some nice chamfered edges which, along with the two-toned finish, gives this scooter a sharp look.

Razor ePrime III review: Performance and range

Similar to other sub-$500 electric scooters, the ePrime III has a 250W motor that’s good for younger and lighter riders, but may feel underpowered to older and larger riders. It certainly struggled a bit under my weight (I’m about 6 feet tall and 190 pounds), especially going up hills. However, its 8-inch air-filled front tire did a pretty good job of smoothing out bumps in the road. 

With a max advertised speed of 18 miles per hour and a max range of 15 MPH, the ePrime III is comparable to budget scooters like the GoTrax GXL V2, the Swagtron Swagger 5 Elite, and the slightly more powerful TurboAnt M10.

The Razor’s folding and locking mechanism was quick and easy to use - you can snap it open and closed in a flash - and the scooter’s weight of 24.2 pounds means it’s pretty easy to carry around, too. 

It also has a small cutout towards the front wheel where you can attach a bike lock; you don’t often find this feature on an electric scooter, and it’s a welcome one.

Razor ePrime III review: Verdict

Overall, younger and smaller riders will enjoy the Razor ePrime III for its good styling and capable ride. Razor advertises the scooter for those 18 and up, but I can see getting this for a high school student who needs to zip back and forth to class.

However, given its performance isn’t all that different from less expensive scooters, it’s not worth buying unless you can get it for less than $400. Otherwise, your money is better spent elsewhere. Among the best cheap electric scooters, the GoTrax GXL V2 is about $50 less and has a display, though it lacks a taillight and has a lower rated speed and distance. Given that the taillight is a good safety option, it may be worth spending the extra cash for that feature. 

If you're looking for something to get your child out of the house this summer, this Prime Day deal could be just the ticket. 

Starting today, the Segway Ninebot eKickScooter ZING C10 is $199, which is 20% off its regular price of $249. It's a good deal on an electric scooter from a well-regarded company, and will have your kid out and about all day long.

The Segway eKickscooter Zing C10 is the bigger brother to the Segway Zing E8 and Zing E10, both of which made our list of the best electric scooters for kids. 

The Zing C10 has both a faster top speed (11.2 MPH) and longer range (6.2 miles) than the E8 and E10. It's also meant for kids who are between 4'3" and 5'3" in height and weigh up to 132 pounds — a bit more than the E8 scooter. Weighing 17.9 pounds, the C10 is fairly light, so it shouldn't be too much trouble for your child to carry it around. 

Unlike the E8 and E10, which are available in some fun colors, the C10 only comes in a light gray and yellow color scheme. Three riding modes let you limit its top speed, so that kids can get accustomed to the scooter gradually.

Segway says that the scooter is made of steel and passed a 621-mile riding durability test. The C10's 180W motor will only activate once its speed reaches 1.9 MPH or more, so there's a bit of a safety measure built in. However, you should definitely invest in one of the best bike helmets if you're going for a ride.

If you're looking for other discounts, be sure to check out our main Prime Day deals hub for more sales and savings. 

Last week, I had an accident while riding an electric scooter. But things would have been a lot worse if I wasn’t wearing a helmet. 

For my Apollo City review — as with all other electric scooters I test — I rode it around my town, evaluating how well it performed when accelerating, braking, and traveling over bumps. I also took it up and down hills to see how well the Apollo City could handle inclines, revved it as much as I could to test its claimed top speed, and rode it around to check its battery life claims.

In the course of testing the Apollo City, I was cruising along at about 20 miles per hour, taking it down one street no more exceptional than the next, when I hit a pothole at an odd angle. It wasn’t any bigger than others I’d ridden over in the past but this time, I hit it weirdly and, at that moment — from what I can remember — I didn’t have as firm a grip on the left handlebar as usual.

In an instant, the scooter’s handlebar twisted out of my control. The scooter veered toward the right and fell to the pavement; I continued my trajectory straight forward until I, too, smashed into the asphalt. 

The left side of my body suffered the worst parts of the impact. My left elbow was skinned pretty well, my left hip has a bruise the size of a small pineapple, and my left ankle swelled up the size of a golf ball. My hands escaped any injury because it happened to be a chilly day and I was wearing a pair of leather gloves.

But more importantly, even though my head whacked the ground, I didn’t get a scratch anywhere near my face, because I was wearing a helmet.

In 2019, nearly 900 bicyclists died, and nearly half-a-million people were injured as a result of an accident, according to the CDC. Figures for electric scooter riders are smaller, but are rising rapidly as more and more people take to the streets. Emergency room visits from electric scooter accidents rose to 25,400 in 2020 from 7,700 in 2017, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and accounted for more than half of all injuries from micromobility products. 

Those numbers are only going to rise the more people use electric scooters and alternate forms of transportation, such as electric bikes. 

The helmet I was wearing, a Bontrager Charge ($160, REI), got a bit dinged up, and now there are some light scratches along the side where it hit the ground. The Charge is similar to the Bontrager Specter on our list of the best bike helmets; both models use what the company calls WaveCel technology, whose structure and design helps to reduce rotational motion when it — or you — hit something. While it was in the middle of the pack among 144 bicycle helmets tested, it received a 5-star rating by the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab, which tests helmets of all kinds for their ability to reduce linear acceleration and rotational velocity. 

Aside from the other injuries to my body, I was otherwise ok. I was a bit shook up, to be sure, and it’s going to be a little while before I can start running again, but things could have been a lot worse. 

So let this be a warning: If you’re planning on riding a bike or an electric scooter, please wear a helmet.