Best electric scooters 2023: top e-scooters for adults, kids, commuting and more

The best electric scooters for greener commutes, fun rides and safe trips. Welcome to the future of travel.

Best electric scooter 2023
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(Image credit: Segway)

The best electric scooters you'll find on our list aim to help commuters find a solid scooter to tackle the streets safely. With the rides we've selected offering a range of benefits as an alternative form of transportation, mot only are they environmentally friendly but these two-wheeled wonders also make traversing big cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles a breeze.

Allowing riders to zip past pedestrians and slow-moving traffic, electric scooters are portable, versatile, and just downright fun. Most can even fold up when you reach your destination for easy carrying and storage, and can even be taken on public transportation due to their compact size.

There's more info at the bottom of this article on what you need to go, or you can explore our guide on how to choose an electric scooter. Don't forget to stay safe and always wear a cycle helmet for protection, and you can also accessorize with the best electric scooter accessories to make your ride even more enjoyable.

The best electric scooters you can buy today

Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Segway Ninebot Max G30LP reviewT3 Award

(Image credit: Future)
Best electric scooter overall

Specifications

Best for: Urban commutes
Max Speed: 18.6mph
Range: 25 miles
Weight: 38.6lbs

Reasons to buy

+
Long-ranged
+
Decent top speed
+
Nice handling

Reasons to avoid

-
Heavy
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Slows on hills

Picking the best overall electric scooter isn’t exactly easy. Not only because there are so many excellent options out there, but also because most of the top offerings come with similar features and capabilities. That said, giving that title to the newer model of the popular Segway Ninebot MAX line is a bit of a no-brainer. 

Perfect for urban commutes, this e-scooter comes with all the trimmings, from a battery life that will give you up to 25 miles of travel and a decent maximum speed of 18.6 miles per hour, to an LED dashboard, three speed modes, app support and even cruise control. 

It has a hill grade of 20% which makes it ideal for use in cities with mixed terrain, and an IPX5 water-resistance rating, making it great for splashes and light rain. And, while it isn’t exactly the lightest out there, it’s easy to fold and put away.

But what really makes this the best overall pick is its price tag. Cheaper than the original Segway Ninebot MAX as well as rivals with comparable capabilities, this model is a sure win, whether or not you’re on a budget. And, unlike other solid black e-scooters, this one comes in a classy brownish-gray color.

Read our full Segway Ninebot MAX G30LP review.

TurboAnt M10 electric scooter

(Image credit: Michelle Rae Uy)
Best e-scooter under $500

Specifications

Best for: Short commutes
Max Speed: 20mph
Range: 18 miles
Weight: 29.8lbs (13.5Kg)

Reasons to buy

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Lightweight
+
Powerful 
+
Great shock absorption

Reasons to avoid

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Narrow deck
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Not great up hills
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No app or security features

Electric scooters now span a wide price and feature range. Although it's nice to have one that does everything, sometimes all you need is something that will get you from A to B, quickly and not weigh a ton when you have to carry it into the office (or bar). If that's all your looking for, and you want to keep you budget under $500, the TurboAnt M10 is a great choice. 

This svelte e-scooter weighs less than 30lbs and can run for a respectable 18 miles on a single charge. It's also pretty quick off the mark, topping out at 20mph – which is better than most models in its price range. The ride isn't bad either. As we discovered in our full TurboAnt M10 review, the scooter feels sturdy in use and thanks to the pneumatic 10-inch tires, it's pretty smooth sailing too. 

It's not the ideal choice if you want to go up hills, and as there's no app to connect to, there's no way of tracking the device or immobilizing it when you park it up. But these are premium features that not everyone needs, and considering the price here, you can't expect the world. 

Apollo City 2022 electric scooterT3 Award

(Image credit: Future)
Best premium electric scooter

Specifications

Best for: Commuting
Max Speed: 27mph
Range: 30 miles
Weight: 57lbs (26kg)

Reasons to buy

+
Solid build
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Smooth riding
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Blisteringly fast

Reasons to avoid

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Too much scooter for some
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Heavy to pick up

If you're looking for a scooter to completely replace your regular transport options rather than just get to that bus or train faster, the Apollo City 2022 is for you. This is one serious scooter. It has a 30-mile range and a top speed of 27mph. Riding is silky smooth thanks to large tubeless 10-inch tires and sprung suspension on the front and rear. It even had indicators to help keep you safe on the road. 

We loved the build quality of the Apollo City 2022 and the fact that it's IP56 rated, so you can put a power washer to it when it gets dirty. For those looking for a lightweight scooter to fold and take on the bus, this isn't for you, but if you want to go fast or far, it will certainly deliver. 

Ninebot Segway Air T15 reviewT3 Award

(Image credit: Ninebot Segway)
Best lightweight electric scooter

Specifications

Best for: Light travel
Max Speed: 12.4mph
Range: 9.3 miles
Weight: 23.2lbs

Reasons to buy

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Incredibly lightweight
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Impressively compact when folded
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More affordable than its rivals

Reasons to avoid

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Shorter range
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Slower top speed

The Ninebot Segway Air T15 may look like the stuff of science fiction movies, but we can assure you it’s real and readily available for purchase. In fact, it’s already gathered some accolades, including being a CES 2020 Innovation Awards Honoree. 

Designed to be extremely portable, this electric scooter is only 23.2lbs – one of the lightest out there – and has a beautifully crafted folding system that cuts it down to only 8.7 inches thick.

That’s not all that’s impressive here. It’s also got four riding modes – Pedestrian Mode, Energy-saving Mode, Standard Mode and Sport Mode – instead of the usual three, a bezel-less dashboard, a retractable handlebar, LED ambient light with customizable colors, and its own stands for vertical and horizontal storage. That’s without mentioning its unique, head-turning design.

If those nifty, futuristic features aren’t enough to convince you, then its price might. At less than $800, this is a great bargain for those folks who only need an electric scooter for short rides. Is this the face of future e-scooters? We hope so. At the very least, it sets the tone for where these green vehicles should be headed.

GoTrax XR EliteT3 Award

(Image credit: Michelle Rae Uy)
A great budget choice

Specifications

Best for: Short commutes
Max Speed: 15.5mph
Range: 18.6 miles
Weight: 31.88lbs (14.46Kg)

Reasons to buy

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Looks great
+
Powerful motor

Reasons to avoid

-
Small wheels
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Short range

What the GoTrax XR Elite does, it does very well. This budget model has features you would expect on a more expensive model, from the powerful headlight and large deck to the cruise control and dual braking system. While the range isn't huge, it will easily cope with a city commute, and it's still light enough to carry into the office or on to the train. And though there are much faster e-scooters out there, this stays within the speed limits of most states, so you can floor it with impunity. 

At this price, it's no surprise that there are some features it does miss out on, such as an app, decent suspension and a heavier weatherproofing. This is not the model if you intend to go off-tarmac or out in heavy showers. However, for day-to-day use, the XR Elite is a bargain. 

Read our full GoTrax XR Elite review.  

Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 3T3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Future)
A light, feature-packed and affordable scooter

Specifications

Best for: Short commutes
Max Speed: 15.5mph (25kmh)
Range: 18.6 miles (30km)
Weight: 29lbs (13.2kg)

Reasons to buy

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Very lightweight
+
Great range
+
Quick to fold

Reasons to avoid

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Tires only 8.5in
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Top speed is limiting

The latest edition in Xiaomi's scooter range offers a few subtle updates from the Mi Pro 2. With its 600W max power motor it provides a top speed of 15.5mph and a range of 18.6 miles. While this range is less than the Mi Pro 2, the Mi 3 is lighter and comes in two great new color options. 

The Mi 3 includes regenerative braking and coasting to extend the range, along with a combination of dual disc brakes and eABS to bring you to a stop quicker. The air-filled 8.5-inch tires provide a smooth ride and a new bracket design ensures quick folding so you can pick it up. 

This scooter strikes a great balance between performance, weight and price that make it the ideal choice for many looking to use it for a short commute. It's a lot of fun to ride and easy to pick up and take on the train, bus or into the office.   

Yadea KS5 Pro escooterT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Mat Gallagher)
Big and fast scootering

Specifications

Best for: Longer commutes on smooth roads
Max Speed: 21.8mph
Range: 37 miles
Weight: 46lbs

Reasons to buy

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It’s seriously fast
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Impressive range
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Looks great

Reasons to avoid

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Big and heavy
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Not a smooth ride
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Glitchy app

The Yadea KS5 Pro is a giant of a scooter, with tall handlebars, a 7-inch wide footplate, and weighing in at 46lbs. This is actually great if you intend to use it on the road, as it feels a lot more secure than some of the more miniature models. 

The other good thing about its weight is that it means it has a big battery and motor, which deliver a 37-mile range and a top speed of 21.8mph respectively. It gets up to speed fast, too, so you don't feel like you're holding up traffic from the lights. In fact, you might beat some off the mark. 

The downside here is that all this size and weight make the KS5 Pro less portable. Carrying it up and downstairs is a bit of a workout. Though it features front suspension forks, the ride is also not that smooth due to the solid tires. Anything other than super-smooth surfaces are likely to shake your fillings loose, or at least give you a less comfortable ride. Still, you will get there quicker. 

Read the full Yadea KS 5 Pro review

xiaomi mi blackT3 Award

(Image credit: Xiaomi)

8. Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter

Best budget electric scooter

Specifications

Best for: Urban commutes
Max Speed: 15mph
Range: 18 miles
Weight: 27.5lbs

Reasons to buy

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Great range
+
Lightweight
+
Affordable

Reasons to avoid

-
Top speed is only 15mph
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Not as sturdy as more expensive rivals

If you only need to cover short to mid-length trips, you don't need to shell out big bucks to get the e-scooter you need. With up to 18 miles on a single charge range, the Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter can easily take you to work and back – as long as you don’t work more than 7 miles away. With a charging time of only 5 hours, you can ride it to the office 18 miles away, charge it there while you’re working, and ride it home at the end of the day. Not bad for something that now retails for less than $600.

The top speed is only 15mph and the hill grade rating is at 14% so we wouldn’t count on it if you live in a hilly city. However, for fairly flat places, it’s more than up to task, especially if you live in states where the speed limit for motorized scooters is 15mph – like California, for example. 

Another perk worth mentioning is that it's surprisingly light. Granted, it has a smaller battery, but usually lighter scooters tend to cost more. This one’s only a little over 27lbs. Combine that with its foldability, and you can certainly bring this one into the office with you without hassle.

hiboy s2 blackT3 Award

(Image credit: Hiboy)

9. Hiboy S2 Electric Scooter with Seat

Best electric scooter with a seat

Specifications

Best for: Folks with knee, ankle and leg issues
Max Speed: 18.6mph
Range: 17 Miles
Weight: 33lbs

Reasons to buy

+
Economical
+
Seat is removable
+
Decent range

Reasons to avoid

-
Quality control could be better
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Slightly flimsy build

We’re adding this category to our list with a caveat: depending on where you live, you might have to register your motorized scooter if you’re riding it with a seat. In Florida, for example, you not only have to register it, but you also need to get a title as well as a license plate. However, if that’s something you’re willing to do, the Hiboy S2 Electric Scooter with Seat is an appealing option for its top speed, affordable price, and decent range.

It wouldn’t be the most robust of scooters out there – for that, you’d have to pay more – but it’s solid enough for typical daily commutes. That 17-mile range on a single charge should also get you across town without issue. The whole thing also folds away, including the seat, for easy storage. And, if you want to take a trip without the seat, it’ll only take you a few minutes to remove it.

If you’re suffering from leg or knee issues, but still want to skip driving and travel green instead, this one’s worth checking out.

turboant x7 pro blackT3 Award

(Image credit: Turboant)

10. Turboant X7 Pro Electric Scooter

Best long-range e-scooter

Specifications

Best for: Long commutes and fast travels
Max Speed: 20mph
Range: 30 miles
Weight: 33lbs

Reasons to buy

+
Impressive range
+
High top speed
+
Surprisingly light for something so robust

Reasons to avoid

-
Not very compact
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Longer charging time

Long commutes on standing e-scooters are not exactly everyone’s cup of tea. But, if it’s yours – or if you simply can’t be bothered charging every single day – then you will appreciate the Turboant X7 Pro Electric Scooter’s 30-mile range per charge. It might not be the longest range scooter out there, but it’s certainly near the top of the pile. 

It gets our vote as it also keeps the price down – for similar money to many of the mid-range offerings here, it offers that impressive range on top of a 20mph top speed and 33-pound weight. It’s hard to beat that price to performance value. It’s all thanks to that 10 Ah battery, which by the way is removable. So, if you’re really bad at remembering to charge, you can shell out for another one and only charge on the weekends when you won’t have to leave the house.

Other features worth mentioning: it has 10-inch tires for better shock absorption, a triple braking mechanism and a red-on-solid-black look that screams urbanite. The Turboant gives you the option to do either detached battery charging or scooter unit charging. It also offers two-in-one bundles so you can get one for yourself and one for your partner at a slightly discounted price.

Buying Advice

How to buy the best electric scooter for you

When picking the best electric scooter to buy, the choice can seem overwhelming, especially If you’re new to the electric scooter world. In reality, though, it’s probably harder picking your next laptop or TV than it is choosing the best electric scooter for your personal use. 

That’s partly because these green transports are pretty straightforward in their features and what they can do. You won’t need super technical knowledge to know which one suits you best, and you won’t have to go through a long checklist of considerations.

In fact, there are only a handful of things you need to look at, with range and battery life, top speed, weight and portability, and cost being the top metrics. It helps to consider the build as well. 

A few other things like max slope incline, app availability, braking system, maximum load, and ruggedness and weather-proofing might be important to some, but not all. For example, if you live on a hill, you’ll certainly want to know whether or not your e-scooter is capable of climbing steeper slopes. On the other hand, if you live in a wet zone or an area that sees its share of extreme temperatures, you’ll want to look at the motorized scooter’s operating temperatures and weather-sealing.

In most cases, those four aforementioned features are what you’d want to prioritize. Many e-scooters offer a range or battery life of up to 18 to 25 miles, which is more than plenty for daily work commutes, let alone quick errands. If your office is more than 15 miles from your home, you’re better off taking the car or the train anyway. However, there are also quite a few electric scooters that only offer a 10-mile or less range – only opt for one of those if you can charge long enough at your first destination or if you plan on only using it for short trips.

As for speed, adult electric scooters offer a top speed of anywhere from 15mph to 50mph. Though your first instinct might be to get the one with the highest number, you’d want to check first how fast you can take it on the road. Federal law states that motorized bikes and scooters can only run at up to 25mph, and each state and some cities set their own limits as well. In California, for example, e-scooters are only permitted to run at 15mph, even on 25mph roads. Though if you are planning on taking it with you while traveling, having a higher top speed limit might benefit you in the long run. Just keep in mind that you’ll be paying more for it.

Consider an e-scooter’s weight and portability as well. Many of the best electric scooters in the US are foldable for easier transport and storage. This is certainly useful when you have to take it with you in your office for safekeeping, if you have to climb stairs, or when there’s no bike rack on hand to chain it to. However, these scooters are never going to be very light, despite their minimalist footprint. Most adult e-scooters are 30 pounds or more. There are some that are under 25lbs, but they’re also going to be slightly pricier.

Finally, carefully consider the price. There are some really cheap ones on Amazon that’ll set you back $300 or less, and at the other end of the spectrum, there are models that’ll cost you $2,000 or more. While you may find you pay a premium for certain names, if you’re working with a budget, remember that cheaper isn’t always better. More often than not, you’re better off getting something in the mid-range as it’ll be more robust and have better features.

If you want more information on the factors to consider and the features to look out for, you can explore our how to choose an electric scooter guide. 

Should you buy an electric scooter instead of an electric bycicle?

Electric scooters are a lot more portable than an electric bicycle, plus it's easier to master than a skateboard and much more environmentally friendly (not to mention, much cheaper) than cars. It will save you money on gas, lower your carbon footprint and emissions, and help to minimize traffic congestion. 

They’ll also help keep you active, save you money on parking spots and tickets you won’t have to pay, and simply get you out there and breathing fresh air again — especially after a long day cooped up in your air-conditioned office. 

So, while they might not be great for longer-distance travel (yet), utilizing one of the best electric scooters for shorter trips have proven to be beneficial, whether you’re making a quick trip to your local neighborhood grocery store or going to your office several blocks away on a sweltering hot day. And, the best part is, most of them will only cost you a fraction of a used car.

Michelle Rae Uy

Michelle Rae Uy is a tech and travel journalist, editor and photographer with a bad case of wanderlust. She is a regular contributor for IGN, TechRadar and Business Insider, and has contributed to Thrillist, Paste Magazine, Nylon, Fodor's and Steve's Digicams. Living mainly in California with her adorable cats, she splits her time between Los Angeles, London and the rest of the world.

With contributions from