The Best Electric Kick Scooters
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Best OverallApollo Go (2024)Read more
Runner-UpNiu KQi3 ProRead more
Best Lightweight ScooterUnagi Model One VoyagerRead more
Best Budget ScooterSegway E2 PlusRead more
Riding an electric kick scooter isn't the coolest way of getting around. There you are, standing stock-still and upright, gliding around like a meerkat on wheels. But reducing our reliance on gas-guzzling cars is cool and important. If bikes or electric bikes aren't your thing, escooters are another eco-friendly way to travel short distances without burning fossil fuel. They're easy to fold up, lighter than ebikes (usually), and you don't need to wait on public transportation.
We've spent more than four years testing over 40 electric scooters, and these are our favorites. There are a mind-melting number of companies and escooter models coming out every month. Need a helmet, bell, or phone mount? Our Best Biking Accessories guide has you covered.
Updated July 2024: We've added the Apollo Go, Niu KQi Air, TurboAnt M10 Lite, Dualtron Mini Special, Veo Cosmo X, and Dragonfly. We've also added specs throughout.
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How We Test Electric Scooters
I test-ride every electric scooter for several weeks. I unbox and assemble them myself and use them to attend meetings around New York City or for simple errands like going to the post office or grocery store. I keep a log of my distance traveled to measure range, and I often do the same type of trip with every scooter (if it is capable of that range), which usually involves going up a steep path like on the Williamsburg Bridge. This gives me an idea of how the scooter handles slopes.
It's worth noting that electric scooters will work a bit differently for everyone. The rider's weight greatly impacts range and performance, as will the weather and road conditions. For reference, I'm a 6'4" human and weigh around 240 pounds, which means if you are shorter and weigh less, you'll get longer range and will more easily reach the top speed on some of these escooters.
If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more. Please also consider subscribing to WIRED
- Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Best Overall
Apollo Go (2024)For anyone looking to make most of their trips around town on an electric kick scooter, I recommend the Apollo Go (8/10, WIRED Recommends). It's not the lightest scooter, not the fastest, nor does it have the longest range, but it triangulates these points to offer the best combination of specs.
At 46 pounds, carrying the Apollo Go up a few flights of stairs isn't a back-killing task. It folds down with a simple latch system (though the latch requires some force to pull down), and the stem locks into the deck.
The riding experience is excellent, with plenty of power from the dual 350-watt motors. Self-healing 9-inch tubeless tires pair with front and rear suspension to offer a decently smooth ride. I also love the ability to customize the gears to your preferred speeds via Apollo's app. Don't care for the 28-mph top speed and want to only ride at 15 mph? Set it up in the app and you're good to go! I also maxed out the regenerative braking in the app so I rarely had to use the rear drum brake and just used the regen thumb brake to come to a quick halt. Apollo includes a lot of extras too, like a bell, excellent turn signals, LED lighting for visibility, a headlight, and a dot display that is super visible in broad daylight. The Apollo Go is a great all-around escooter and an excellent first ride for anyone looking to enter the world of micromobility.
Specs: Top speed: 28 mph Motor: Dual 350-watt motors Weight: 46 pounds Max load: 265 pounds WIRED's tested range: Around 15 miles Manufacturer's range: 20 to 30 miles - Photograph: Niu
Runner-Up
Niu KQi3 ProMy initial impressions of the KQi3 Pro weren't stellar. The first unit's clasp broke during shipping. After I unboxed my second one, I had to ride it for 500 meters at a purposefully slow pace in a “training mode" of sorts. Don't baby me! Niu must have sensed my shaking fists because it has since updated the firmware to reduce this distance to 200 meters, which is when you can unlock the full capabilities. You don't need to use the app, but it's useful to try at least once to set the level of regenerative braking you want, turn on cruise control, and set a custom speed mode.
Over many rides, I became quite fond of the KQi3 Pro. It offers some of the best range for the money. Despite riding over steep bridges around New York City, I frequently got around 15 miles out of it, but you can probably expect 18 to 20 miles (unless you're also a tall giant like me). It goes 20 miles per hour, the 9.5-inch tubeless tires offer a comfy ride, and the disc brakes reliably bring it to a quick stop. You get perks like a bell, lights, and space on the handlebar for attaching a phone mount. It's super easy to fold, but it weighs 45 pounds, so it's not what I'd call lightweight. I also wish the handlebars could fold down since they can snag on stair railings.
Specs: Top speed: 20 mph Motor: 350-watt motor Weight: 45 pounds Max load: 220 pounds WIRED's tested range: Around 15 miles Manufacturer's range: 31 miles
- Photograph: Unagi Scooters
Best Lightweight Scooter
Unagi Model One VoyagerThe Unagi Model One Voyager (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is a slick scooter weighing just 30 pounds, but it can hit a top speed of 15 miles per hour and can handle slopes pretty well. (You can unlock a 20-mph speed.) I was able to eke out 10 miles of range, but most people will be able to get a little more. Having such a lightweight vehicle makes it a great last-mile option when paired with public transportation. It's much easier to carry up or down flights of stairs than many other scooters in this guide, and it doesn't take up much room on the train. It helps that the folding system is fast and simple, and it recharges quickly (50 percent in one hour), so you can top it up while enjoying breakfast at the coffee shop.
Downsides? Excluding the limited range, the 7.5-inch solid rubber tires don't do a great job of mitigating bumps and holes, so try to stick to flat roads. Unfortunately, Unagi seems to have removed the ability to buy the scooter outright. You can only rent it now for $89 per month, though this does include maintenance and theft protection. While I strongly prefer owning my own ride, you might find it more hassle-free to rent and have access to Unagi's service team if an issue crops up.
Specs: Top speed: 15 mph Motor: Dual 250-watt motor Weight: 30 pounds Max load: 220 pounds WIRED's tested range: Around 10 miles Manufacturer's range: 31 miles - Photograph: Segway
Best Budget Scooter
Segway E2 PlusThe Segway E2 Plus isn't going to get you very far. I eked out less than 10 miles on a single charge (though most people are lighter than me and can get better range). It's about 32 pounds and is easy to fold up and tote up and down steps. It has a top speed of 15 mph, though that speed decreases on slight inclines; the 300-watt motor just isn't that powerful. The 8.1-inch tires are small and don't fare well on bumps and holes in the road, so the E2 Plus is ideal for anyone in flat areas with good road conditions.
Still, for its price, it's well built, it handles wet conditions nicely without splattering mud all over your back, and the brakes come to a quick stop. I've used it to go to the drugstore, pick up groceries, and go to the barber, and it never failed me. The charger is light enough to carry, but it takes 7.5 hours to get back to full (a full workday!). Also, as a safety precaution, you have to pair it with an app to unlock the full speed. I am about to start testing the newer Segway E2 Pro, which is worth considering as it doesn't cost much more, supports a higher max load, and Segway claims a greater range.
Specs: Top speed: 15.5 mph Motor: 300-watt motor Weight: 32 pounds Max load: 198 pounds WIRED's tested range: Around 10 miles Manufacturer's range: 15.5 miles
- Photograph: Speedway
My Favorite Electric Scooter
MiniMotors USA Rovoron CuteIf I had to buy one scooter in this guide and money was no object, I'd pick the Rovoron Cute. This is nearly identical to the Speedway Mini 4 Pro (9/10, WIRED Recommends) I reviewed in 2022, but it has a slightly larger battery, so you can expect even better range than what I initially got with the Speedway (around 15 miles).
I like it so much because, similar to the Apollo Go, it has an excellent blend of range, speed, and weight. It can go up to 28 miles per hour, but you're better off sticking to the second mode that hovers around 18 to 20 mph. It crushed the steep Williamsburg Bridge without dropping in speed much, and I've been able to take it more or less anywhere I want to go on an escooter. Best of all, it weighs just 36 pounds, is easy to fold, and the handlebars fold down, making it compact and simple to carry at a moment's whim. You get front and rear LEDs, but you'll need to supply a bell, and there are no turn signals. There's a little display by the right handlebar that shows speedometer data, but thankfully there's no app to worry about.
Specs: Top speed: 28 mph Motor: 500-watt motor Weight: 36 pounds Max load: 265 pounds WIRED's tested range: Around 15 miles Manufacturer's range: 35 miles - Photograph: Apollo
Best Commuter Scooter
Apollo Phantom V4If range is your biggest concern, you should consider Apollo's Phantom series. I tested last year's Phantom V3 (9/10, WIRED Recommends), but Apollo has a Phantom V4 out now that has some very minor upgrades to how the steering handles, plus motors that cool down faster and require less maintenance. There's a slight boost to the range, too.
I took the V3 on a 22-mile trip, crossing state lines, and it had 43 percent left in the tank at the end—that's after climbing two different bridges! The Phantom can go up to 38 miles per hour (41 if you use the Ludo mode), but this is far too fast for comfort. I instead restricted the speed to 20 mph using the companion app. Much more reasonable. The suspension is excellent, the brakes are strong, and it folds down easily. You even get turn signals! On the downside, it weighs 77 pounds, meaning it's not something you want to carry up a flight of stairs every day.
Specs: Top speed: 38 mph (41 in Ludo mode) Motor: Dual 1,200-watt motors Weight: 77 pounds Max load: 300 pounds WIRED's tested range: More than 30 miles (on the V3) Manufacturer's range: 50 miles
- Photograph: MiniMotors USA
For Insane Power
MiniMotors Dualtron Victor (Gen 2)The same company behind the Rovoron Cute above—MiniMotors USA—is also the maker of the Dualtron Victor (9/10, WIRED Recommends). I tested the original Gen 1 version of the product, but there's a Gen 2 out now with some slight tweaks, like wider tires and a better kickstand. It can hit nearly 50 miles per hour (yes, fifty) and is heavy at 73 pounds. But it has excellent range. I rode from Williamsburg, Brooklyn, to Fort Lee, New Jersey, and back—the longest trip I've ever taken on an escooter (24 miles), and it still had 30 percent battery life left. Not having to worry about whether the scooter will die on your trip is seriously awesome.
I don't recommend you ride at the Victor's top speed (follow local speed laws), but if you limit it, you can extend the range. It has great suspension and hydraulic brakes that come to a stop quickly. Dualtron also sells accessories for adjusting the handlebar height.
Specs: Top speed: 45+ mph Motor: Dual 2,000-watt motors Weight: 73 pounds Max load: 265 pounds WIRED's tested range: More than 25 miles (on the Gen 1) Manufacturer's range: 62 miles - Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Honorable Mentions
Other Good ScootersI've tested a ton of scooters. Not all of them deserve a spot above, but some are still worth considering. These are a few other good scooters I like, just not as much as the ones above.
MiniMotors USA Dualtron Mini Special for $1,399: The instructions to assemble this scooter are vague, and a few steps aren't even mentioned in the instruction booklet. (I found the handlebar grip hard to put on—rubbing alcohol is your friend.) This is also the first time I tried the MiniMotors Dualtron app, and honestly, it's not beginner-friendly. None of the terms and functions are well explained. It's not a scooter I'd suggest for newcomers, but once you get everything up and running, the riding experience is quite nice. It has a top speed of 35 mph, and while the company claims a 40-mile range, you can expect closer to 25 to 30 miles. It'll handle slopes just fine, but I do find it weird that despite being fairly hefty (59 pounds), it has a max load capacity of 200 pounds.
Segway P100S for $1,500: This Segway (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is 73 pounds but has a max speed of 24 mph, so it's a little less intense than the Apollo or Dualtron Mini Special. At that speed, I was able to get 16 miles in with 35 percent left in the tank. If you limit the speed to 20 via the app, you should easily be able to get close to 20 or 25 miles. I just hate the loud turn signal.
Fluidfreeride Fluid Mosquito for $849: If the lightweight Unagi Model One Voyager doesn't interest you but you still want an ultra-lightweight scooter, then check out the Fluid Mosquito (7/10, WIRED Recommends). At just 29 pounds, it's one of the lightest scooters in this guide and has a comfy, built-in grab handle for easy toting. It's fast to fold and is powerful, with a top speed of 24 mph. But shaving down the weight on this nimble scooter does have drawbacks. The suspension is just OK—you'll feel most of those bumps—and the wheels are narrow. The braking system works fine, but you might encounter some skidding if you make a sudden stop, and the range is lackluster (around 9 miles in my testing, going over the Brooklyn Bridge). There's also no easy way to change speed modes on the fly; you set it before you ride.
Niu KQi Air for $1,399: I was so excited to test this scooter, but my experience with it over several months is mixed. I still like it, but a few quirks hold it back from being a top pick. The KQi Air has a carbon fiber frame, allowing it to be a mere 26 pounds with a 20-mph top speed. That makes it the lightest scooter I have ever tested. It's easy to fold and has turn signals, a slick app, and reliable regenerative braking. The range is a bit lackluster—I usually got just under 10 miles on a single charge, but it's so lightweight that when it died on my way home once, I strapped it to a Citi Bike's front basket and cycled home (don't do this!). The ride quality is great, but I had issues with it refusing to connect to my phone until I disconnected the internal power cable in the stem. There's a theft protection that sounds an alarm and slows down the scooter if someone tries to roll it away, but bizarrely, while you can permanently turn off the alarm, the only way to stop it from braking as you roll it is to turn the scooter on. My initial model also stopped working completely and wouldn't turn on, so Niu had to send me a second model. Oh, and sometimes, during rides, the scooter slows down and doesn't hit its top speed until a few minutes later. I suspect there's some thermal issue causing this. Overall, there's a lot of promise, but it's just annoying.
TurboAnt M10 Lite for $290: This is a perfectly fine budget scooter best for folks under 200 pounds. (I wasn't able to hit its top speed of 16 mph.) The assembly requires a few extra steps (more things to screw in, like the rear mudguard). I was only able to get around 8 miles riding it, but I like that the folding system is quick, the display is bright, and it's pretty light at 31 pounds. Just don't take it up any steep hills.
Gotrax Apex for $350: The Apex is 32 pounds and easy to fold up. It has an integrated bell and a digital display that shows your speed and battery life, and it can go up to 15 mph. The Apex is reliable—I've gone to coffee shops, remote video shoots with a backpack full of camera gear, and the grocery store—though it's not the smoothest ride. The 250-watt motor struggles with any slight incline, and slopes drain the battery fast. The battery usually doled out around 9 miles for me. I'm also tall, and I had to constantly outstretch my arms to reach the handlebars. You'll want to tighten the rear disc brake; it works fine, but I wouldn't have minded more stopping power.
Gotrax GX2 for $1,499: The GX2 is akin to the Apollo Phantom and Segway P100S in that it's 76 pounds and packs a lot of power and range. This gunmetal scooter looks a bit like a Transformer and can hit a max speed of 35 mph via the dual 800-watt motors, but I usually rode it at 20 mph. It took me to midtown and back to Brooklyn (a total of 18.4 miles) with some juice left over. I hate carrying it up and down the stairs, because the stem is super thick, making it difficult to grasp. When you're waiting at a light, the GX2 also switches to Parking mode after a few seconds, so you constantly have to remember to press the mode button to switch it to the driving gear. It's super annoying, and Gotrax says there's no way to disable it. I am a little concerned about build quality—the motor makes a noise as if something is brushing against it, and this sound disappears if I lightly press the left brake lever while riding. The latch to keep the stem upright comes down too easily, despite a sliding lock mechanism to keep it in place; Gotrax says it might just be that it's installed too tightly. If you see any of these issues, I recommend reaching out to Gotrax and going to a local scooter shop to have them take a look.
Navee S65 for $1,099: Navee is a relatively new brand growing its presence in the US, and I had a great time using the S65 (7/10, WIRED Recommends). I was able to regularly complete 16-mile round trips at 20 mph, but that pretty much depleted the battery. It has great acceleration, thanks to its geared hub motor, and it climbs slopes with ease, but this also makes it very loud. The motor's sound disappears if you're in a noisy city like New York, but it can make you self-conscious on quiet streets. It's 53 pounds, so it's heavier than our top pick despite a similar range, and its customer service is up in the air since it's so new. Still, I had fun riding it.
Evolv Terra for $1,231: I enjoyed my time with the Evolv Terra (7/10, WIRED Recommends). It's 53 pounds and thanks to the thin stem, not too annoying to carry. It's powerful, with the potential to go as fast as 31 miles per hour when you engage both 600-watt motors (check your local speed laws first!). Otherwise, you can cruise along at 20 mph as I did on the second gear speed setting (there are three in total) with the single motor. Range is pretty average, with around two bars left on the meter after 15 miles, so it can potentially last more than 20 miles, especially if you're conservative with its speeds. The suspension is OK but the solid tires on rougher roads can feel quite bumpy. The fenders also seemed pretty useless to me as, after a wet ride post-rain, my back was covered in specks of dirt kicked up from the rear tire. The stem's angle was also a little too close to my body, and the lack of a thumb throttle meant my wrist hurt after long rides. You can tweak the angle of the throttle and brakes to improve this though.
Radio Flyer S533 for $599: Honestly, I'm surprised at how well this scooter did in my tests. The folding mechanism is just a latch and a sleeve you pull down to keep the latch from coming undone while you ride. It's super easy to fold and unfold, and lightweight at 30 pounds. It's not a commuter scooter by any means—my range hovered under 8 miles on a single charge—and despite exceeding its 220-pound load capacity, I averaged around 14 mph of its 16 mph top speed. It's a nice little scooter for going to the post office, grocery store, or Cinnabon when my wife asks for a cinnamon roll. However, its price doesn't match its power and performance; it should be cheaper. It's also worth noting that the first model the company sent me didn't turn on and the second model had a deflated front tire. Inflating it was a quick affair and I haven't had problems since.
Apollo Air Pro (2022) for $899: I have not tested the new 2024 model, but the Apollo Air Pro (2022) was a perfectly fine scooter (6/10, WIRED Review); I just don't think it's worth the high price. It goes up to 21 mph, and I was able to ride it for about 13 to 15 miles before it died. You get all the accouterments, like a front light and bell, and there's app connectivity to tweak settings to your liking. However, the app is required to unlock the Air Pro's true speed—otherwise, you're restricted to 12 mph. I'm more miffed at the folding mechanism, which is more work than it should be. It also doesn't accelerate too fast and, despite its 39-pound weight, is uncomfortable to carry due to its thick stem.
- Photograph: Oleg Elkov/Getty Images
What Kind of Scooter Tires Are Best?
Solid, Tubed, or Tubeless?A few scooters mentioned in this guide have multiple tire options. You'll most commonly come across these two terms: pneumatic tires and solid tires. The former, which are filled with air, come in two variants—tubed and tubeless.
Solid tires are made of solid material, like rubber or silicone, and require very little maintenance. However, they don't absorb bumps in the road that well, so you won't get the smoothest or grippiest ride. If you're in a city with mostly nice roads, you're taking short trips, and you go less than 20 mph, this is a completely fine option.
Tubed tires have an inner tube that holds the air and an exterior rubber tire to protect it. That means you'll need to regularly check the pressure in your tires, like on a bike. These are usually easy to replace if you get a flat, and you most likely will, as tubed tires aren't very puncture-resistant.
Tubeless tires don't have an inner tube—an airtight seal keeps the air in—and that allows for higher-quality, thicker, and tougher tires (though not as tough as solid tires). You'll still need to keep an eye on air pressure. These are usually found on pricier escooters, but like the tubed counterpart, it's what you want if you prioritize ride quality. I prefer tubeless tires, as they offer a comfier ride and are less likely to get a flat.
- Photograph: OLIVER HELBIG/Getty Images
Beware the Battery Gauge
Check the MeterThe battery meter on the display of your electric scooter might not be reliable. The bars dip really low when you ride uphill, and they suddenly flood back full when you go downhill. These meters show voltage. When the motor is working hard, the voltage drops as the motor pulls power from the battery. This can be anxiety-inducing if you go up a hill and suddenly see you only have two bars left. You might think you won't have enough juice to make it home. Over time, you'll get a better idea of your scooter's range, but until then, I recommend carrying the charger with you when possible. Escooters usually take six or so hours to fully recharge, but even an hour of recharging at the coffee shop might add just enough for your return trip.
- Photograph: Kenneth Kristiansen/Getty Images
Scooter Advice
Pro TipsScooters are electric vehicles, so there are a few things you should and shouldn't do if you get one. First, if you've never ridden an electric scooter and are nervous about shelling out for one, try a rideshare service. Companies like Lime, Lyft, and Bird let you grab an escooter for not a lot of money, which is a good way to test the waters.
Wear a helmet. Need I say more? Protect your noggin. Our Biking Accessories guide has some helmet options—my favorite is the Thousand Heritage helmet. Follow this guide to fit your helmet the right way.
Check your local laws. Are electric scooters legal where you live? If so, what's the maximum speed limit? Do you have to be in the bike lane? Over the past three years, escooters have become a common sight in many cities. Chances are your state or city has spelled out rules about riding them.
Don't charge your escooter overnight or when no one is home. The manuals of several scooters I've tested say the same. Not every battery or charger has a UL certification for safety, and I've seen one too many stories of battery fires. Always be around when you're charging your scooter, and unplug it when it's finished charging.
Try to avoid the rain. You'll want to check your scooter to see whether it has official IP water- and dust-resistance ratings. If not, avoid riding in the rain. If there is a rating, it's still a good idea to get out of the rain quickly. More importantly, do not plug the charger in without wiping down the charging port and ensuring it's dry.
Be wary of potholes. My first and only accident on an electric scooter is thanks to a deep pothole. I noticed it too late. If you're driving a car, you'd probably try and avoid a pothole, so do the same with a scooter.
Don't store your escooter in excessive temperatures. Extreme heat and extreme cold are not good for batteries. Store your escooter indoors in a cool, dry place, like you would your breakfast cereal! Avoid riding it in these temperatures as well.
One rider only, please. Unless a manufacturer explicitly states that an escooter can carry two people, only one rider should be on the deck. These vehicles can go pretty fast, and you don't need to go more than 20 mph to be in a serious accident. It's also a good idea to check the weight limit on your scooter.
Check the manufacturer's servicing and repair options. Before investing in a new scooter, check if the manufacturer offers spare parts or can service your scooter if any issues arise. You may want to connect with local ebike and escooter shops to see if they have experience with the brand you're going with.
Don't leave your escooter unattended outdoors. Scooters aren't easy to secure, so they're easy to steal. Roll them indoors if you need to, but keep them within sight if you don't want to walk home, helmet in hand. Make sure you are allowed to bring them indoors if you plan on taking them somewhere. I've been denied entry in some buildings in New York City with a scooter.
- Photograph: LaScoota
Avoid These Scooters
You Can Do BetterWe try to test electric scooters for two to three months, oftentimes even longer. Not all of them are winners. That's what you'll find below—escooters that are OK but not as good as our picks above.
Veo Cosmo X for $3,499: This is not a kick scooter, but a sit-down scooter. I used it for a few months and enjoyed the ride, but the range is terrible—I barely got 10 miles out of this 94-pound behemoth at its top speed of 17 mph. Veo has its roots in the rideshare market and this is its first entry into the consumer segment, but the specs on this scooter do not match up with the exorbitant price.
Dragonfly Four-Wheeled Scooter for $3,995: I was only able to do two test rides with this scooter, but that was enough for me to strongly dislike it. The quad-wheel setup makes for a riding experience similar to an electric skateboard, with the benefit of a handlebar, but it takes some getting used to. More importantly, the range is really bad; after about 6 miles of riding, it hit 44 percent, then randomly died while I was crossing the Williamsburg bridge (when it still supposedly had 37 percent left). I had to cram it into an Uber to get back home. The price is also just nuts.
LaScoota Skate-X Pro for $899: I actually had a nice time riding the Skate-X Pro. It was responsive, hit a top speed of around 20 miles per hour, and usually lasted me around 15 miles or so. The deck is designed like a skateboard, allowing you to actually use your body weight to lean side to side to control the scooter. It's fun! The problem? On my third ride, the rear air-filled tire went flat. I fear this will become a common problem with the Skate-X Pro. I reached out to the company internally and via its support email and haven't heard back, which doesn't bode well.
Gotrax G6 for $650 and Eclipse for $630: These scooters have decent range and are comfy to ride. However, both of them have an overheating problem. On an 80-degree summer day, the G6 gave me the overheating error after 20 minutes of riding. It especially struggled going up a bridge. I kept having to turn it off, wait a few minutes, and start riding again, but the issue kept repeating. This same problem happened with the Eclipse too. They're rated to carry up to 265 pounds, so there should not have been any issues.
Taur Electric Scooter for $995: I liked riding the Taur (4/10, WIRED Review) but there are just too many flaws with the hardware and software that make it difficult to recommend at this price. There's no deck—just two pedals you can stand on, so it feels like you're gliding. That means it has a compact profile, and it's the only scooter in this guide that can stand upright by itself, which is excellent for tiny apartments. It's a smooth ride with good suspension, even if it's a bit bouncy, and I had to tighten the brakes to get the stopping power I wanted. It's powerful, delivering speeds up to 24 mph, and has no trouble clearing slopes, but you may want to limit its speed because the range suffers greatly at the high end—I got a measly 8 miles going from Brooklyn to Manhattan. It'll go a good deal farther if you restrict it to 15 mph but the ride experience is much more choppy as the scooter struggles to maintain the speed you want. The folding mechanism could stand to be more elegant and it's a little tough to carry because of the thick stem (it weighs 38 pounds). The app is clunky too. Worse yet, the company seems to be ghosting customers seeking repairs. Stay away.
Atomi Alpha for $329: This is one of the most attractive scooters in this guide (5/10, WIRED Review), but it has the worst kickstand of them all. It’s so small and vertically angled that a light wind can knock it over. The scooter offers a pretty comfy ride, with some fun visibility lights, and the whole thing is easy to fold up and carry. It just struggles to hit its top speed despite me being under its weight limit. My first unit also died after a few months.
Levy Plus for $749: My fellow WIRED reviewer Adrienne So tested a prototype of the Levy Plus in 2020. She liked its replaceable battery and reliable disc brakes but found the whole thing “agonizingly slow on hilly terrain.” It goes up to 18 mph and is rated for 5 to 10 percent inclines, so it's best for flat roads. It's one of the lighter escooters out there, at just 30 pounds.
Unagi Model One Classic for $59 Per Month: Unagi lets you rent a refurbished version of its older Classic for $59 per month. I think you should stick with the new Model One Voyager instead. The specs on the Model One Classic are just too outdated.
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Groupon Coupon: Extra 15% Off Any Size Order