Best electric scooter in 2025
Electric scooters have become an increasingly popular solution for urban commuters and casual riders alike. Whether you’re looking for a quick way to zip through city traffic, a fun ride for short trips, or simply an alternative to public transportation, electric scooters offer a convenient and affordable option for getting from point A to point B. However, with so many types and brands on the market, it can be challenging to decide which one best electric scooter suits your needs. To help you make the right choice, the Gear Team tested eight of the most popular adult electric scooters available today. By doing so, they aimed to provide you with the insights needed to select the perfect scooter for your lifestyle.
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Things to Consider When Buying an Electric Scooter
So, you’ve decided to buy an electric scooter. That’s a great idea—but with so many options available, which one should you choose? To start with, the first step is to determine what you plan to use your scooter for. For instance, do you prioritize portability, so you can easily carry it up and down stairs or on and off a commuter train or subway? Alternatively, is a smooth, comfortable, and easy ride more important to you? On the other hand, maybe you’re looking for an impressive range, so you’re not stuck charging your scooter every day.
With that in mind, here are some key things to consider before you spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on an electric scooter. By carefully evaluating your needs and preferences, you’ll be able to make a more informed decision and find the perfect scooter for your lifestyle.
Performance
How fast do you want to go? To begin with, entry-level electric scooters usually cruise at 12 to 15 mph. On the other hand, the fastest “superscooters” can reach speeds of over 80 mph. For everyday use, however, a good middle ground is typically in the 15-to-30-mph range.
In addition to speed, stopping power is also something to keep in mind. Most scooters are equipped with brakes—usually drum or disc—and they can be positioned on the front or back wheels (or both). These variations, as a result, can make a big difference in braking performance. That said, some scooters don’t have traditional brakes and instead rely only on regenerative braking from the electric motor to slow the scooter down.
Range
When considering an electric vehicle, it’s important to think about how far you’ll need to go on a single charge comfortably. To begin with, there are a variety of battery options available, and generally speaking, higher output tends to result in faster top speeds and longer ranges. However, it’s crucial to remember that higher speeds will drain a battery more quickly. Therefore, if you want to maximize your distance, you’ll need to adopt a more economical riding style. In other words, balancing speed and efficiency is key to achieving the range you desire.
Comfort
Especially if you’re riding for extended periods, you’ll want to ensure you’re comfortable standing on your scooter. In fact, having a suspension makes a huge difference in ride quality. After all, after our time with the selection of scooters we had, most of us wouldn’t choose a scooter without some sort of suspension. Moreover, you should also think about the size of the deck, as well as the type of throttle control (thumb versus twist). Interestingly, our preference for throttle types varied by tester, which highlights how personal preferences can play a significant role in choosing the right scooter.
Features
Although not usually deal breakers, the accessories that scooters can come with are still important. For instance, features like head- and taillights, turn signals, brake lights, and similar additions may matter greatly to some riders, while others may not find them as essential. However, it’s worth noting that not all scooters offer these accessories. Most scooters have a digital gauge, but the information displayed can vary significantly. Therefore, if you prefer having all your pertinent information easily accessible at a glance, the type of display on your scooter might be a key consideration.
Portability & Storage
The dimensions are certainly something to take into account. Consider situations where you might need to carry the scooter somewhere, such as down a flight of stairs or to the trunk of your car. Additionally, if you live in an apartment building, you may need to store it under the stairs, or tuck it into a closet once you get home. In general, entry-level scooters have a fairly small footprint and are usually light. However, it’s important to note that the more serious scooters can weigh over 100 pounds, making them significantly harder to manoeuvre. On the other hand, some scooters are designed to be foldable, which greatly simplifies both carrying and storage.
Security
Some scooters are equipped with built-in security measures, such as activation cards and alarms. Additionally, there are many types of security devices available, some of which function similarly to a typical bike lock. Furthermore, these features provide an extra layer of protection, ensuring that the scooter remains secure in various situations.
Cost
The prices of electric scooters can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as performance, features, and material. For instance, entry-level scooters typically cost a few hundred dollars, while top-of-the-line models can go for a few thousand. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider your needs and budget to ensure you find a scooter that not only meets your requirements but also comes at a reasonable price for you
Safety
Operating an electric scooter can be dangerous, particularly on public roads and bike lanes. Therefore, it is extremely important to wear protective gear while riding. Specifically, we strongly encourage wearing a helmet, at the very least, and additionally recommend knee and elbow pads along with wrist guards. Furthermore, eye protection and gloves are also worth considering. Always know your own limits, and be cautious of obstacles in your environment to ensure safety.
In addition to protective measures, we also highly recommend checking your local laws for any restrictions. For instance, many places prohibit motorized scooters on sidewalks, while others may ban them from roads or bike lanes. To help with this, Unagi Scooters provides an excellent state-by-state explainer on its website. However, it’s important to note that towns and municipalities may have their own local ordinances. These regulations may not only restrict where electric scooters can be ridden but also mandate requirements such as helmets and lights. By staying informed, you can ride safely and within the law.
