(Last updated on March 30th, 2023)
My kids all wanted electric scooters for Christmas. But then they got excited and said I should have one, too! Honestly, I thought they were just being silly until I realized that electric scooters for adults are real. Electric scooters are a reliable and efficient means of transportation for commuting, running errands, and having fun with your family. Now that I spent a little time learning about electric scooters, I’m seriously considering getting one to keep up with my kids and use it to get around town.
In this article, we’ll look at the five best electric adult scooters. First, I’ll tell you which one I’m considering and all of the reasons why. Then, we’ll give you some vital information on each of our top pics and how we rated them. But first, let’s take a quick look at what electric scooters are and why adults need them.
What is an Electric Scooter?
When I think of a scooter, I think of a kid’s toy resembling a skateboard with a handlebar. Perhaps this is from watching my children scooting along the driveway, pushing with one foot while standing on the other. And although an adult electric scooter has a similar shape and appearance, it does so much more.
Obviously, an electric scooter for adults will be significantly larger than a kid’s toy. They are generally around 3 feet tall, weigh approximately 30 to 40 pounds, and have a longer deck to stand on.
An electric scooter will have a spot for a battery and display so you can see your speed, distance, and battery life.
While a kids’ scooter may be intended for riding around the neighborhood, an adult electric scooter is intended to go much further. The range of an electric scooter is somewhere between 20 to 50 miles, so that you can use them for your daily commute, a trip to the store, or just having fun.
These scooters will have more boisterous wheels, suspension systems, and of course, a powerful battery too. A few models offer seats for those with trouble standing for the duration. And some are intended for paved roads, while others can handle gravelly and rough surfaces.
So which scooter is best for you? Let’s take a look at some of the options.
Best Electric Scooters for Adults at a Glance
| Scooter | Price | Where to buy? | Top Speed | Range | Weight Capacity | Best For | Rating |
| Segway Ninebot MAX G30P | $885.15 | Check price | 18.6 mph | 40.4 Miles | 220 pounds | Hilly terrain | 9/10 |
| Hover – 1 Blackhawk | $599.99 | Check price | 18mph | 28 miles | 220 pounds | Urban Commuting | 9.5/10 |
| Inokim Quick 4 | $1249.00 | Check price | 24 mph | 40 miles | 220 pounds | Best All-Around | 10/10 |
| Hiboy S2 Pro | $598.59 | Check price | 19 mph | 25.6 miles | 220 pounds | Best for Those Who Need a Seat | 10/10 |
| TurboAnt V8 Dual Battery | $799.98 | Check price | 20 mph | 50 miles | 275 pounds | Best for Long Distance | 9/10 |
Best for Hilly Terrain
1. Segway Ninebot MAX G30P
Our Rating
9/10
$885.15
KEY SPECS
| Top Speed | 18.6 mph | |||||||||||||
| Range | Up to 40.4 miles | |||||||||||||
| Weighs | 41.2 pounds | |||||||||||||
| Hill grade | 20% | |||||||||||||
| Tires | 10-inch tubeless self-sealing | |||||||||||||
| Protection | Water-resistant | |||||||||||||
| Style | Folding | |||||||||||||
| Brakes | Dual braking system and powerful motor |
PROS
- Great for hills
- Folds up to save space
- Tubeless tires
- Moderately priced
CONS
- It is on the heavier side
- There are faster models of scooter
The Segway Ninebot is a well-balanced scooter – a combination of hill climbing, speed, and range for a very reasonable price.
If you live in a hillier area, you’ll need to consider a scooter that can handle the hills. The Segway Ninebot MAX G30P can easily tackle a 20% gradient, so you won’t have to huff and puff your way up – you can just let the scooter handle it.
I’ll admit, this isn’t the fastest scooter available. But it’s fast enough to get you there at a good clip, since its top speed is a well-rounded 18.6 mph. Keep in mind that your hill speed will be much slower than your speed on flat roads, but it will still get you there.
Even better than its speed, though, is the range that this scooter is capable of reaching. The Segway Ninebot has an extended range of around 40 miles – that’s more than enough for a typical commute. Of course, you can always charge your scooter up while you’re at work, so you can push your commute out a little further, if you needed to.
VERDICT
We give this scooter a 9/10 because of its moderate price, excellent range, and nice speed, although other scooters are significantly faster. The Segway Ninebot makes a great all-around scooter whether you are a seasoned rider or just starting out in the world of scooter commuting.
Best for Urban Commuting
2. Hover-1 Blackhawk Electric Folding Scooter
Our Rating
9.5/10
$599.99
KEY SPECS
| Top Speed | 18 mph |
| Range | Up to 28 miles |
| Hill grade | 15 % |
| Weight capacity | 220 pounds |
| Weighs | 33 pounds |
| Style | Folding |
PROS
- Electric throttle
- Rear Disc Brakes
- Includes pneumatic tires for comfort
- LED headlight, and LCD
CONS
- The deck is narrow and doesn’t make a lot of room for your feet
- It does not have cruise control
With up to 28 miles in range, this scooter can take you far! It’s more than enough range for typical scooter commutes. It can manage hills with an incline of up to around 15%. Any more than that and you’re probably better off walking, but don’t worry, this will get you up most typical hills.
The scooter tops out at about 18 mph, which is a really nice pace on flat roads. It’ll be a bit slower on the hills, but that’s to be expected from any scooter on the market. So while it isn’t the fastest scooter out there, it gets going at a good clip to get you to work on time.
The pneumatic tires are self-healing, so you don’t need to worry about flat tires. If you run over a nail, the tire will (in most cases) fix itself. The tires also give you a little comfort from the road chatter, as opposed to a hard wheel.
The scooter provides an LCD display as well as an LED headlight. You’ll be able to see where you are going – and be seen. The display gives you critical functions such as speed and battery power.
The electric throttle makes it easy to move, and the rear disc brakes give you plenty of stopping power.
VERDICT
We give this scooter a 9.5/10 because it doesn’t have any form of cruise control. However, this is overall an excellent scooter for your urban commute. It folds up easily and is lightweight, and has a nice, long range.
Best All-Around Electric Scooter
3. Inokim Quick 4
Our Rating
10/10
$1,249
KEY SPECS
| Top Speed | 25 mph | ||||||
| Range | 25 miles | ||||||
| Hill grade | 10 – 15 % | ||||||
| Weight capacity | 220 pounds | ||||||
| Weighs | 47 pounds | ||||||
| Style | Folding | ||||||
| Tires | 10inch air tires | ||||||
| Brakes | Front and Rear drum brakes | ||||||
| LED lights | Front and Rear |
PROS
- You can take this scooter off of paved roads with ease
- Three-speed settings and cruise control
- Dual damper suspension for a smooth ride
- Adjustable stem
CONS
- This scooter is heavier than most at 47 pounds
- Although the deck is wide, it’s a bit shorter
If you want a scooter that can do it all, you’ll want to consider the Inokim Quick 4. I think this is the best all-around electric scooter for adults. Here are all the reasons why.
First of all, the Quick 4 has large beefy ten inch tires, so it can handle rocky roads and grassy trails with ease. So if you want to go off- pavement, this one makes a great choice.
But with a top speed of 25 mph, it’s not only powerful, it’s fast. So if you need to get somewhere in a rush, this scooter can do it! It can also handle inclines of 10 to 15%. It’ll get you up all but the steepest grades.
I really like that this scooter can fold down easily, so you can stow it away at work. And its generously sized – it can hold up to 220 pounds of rider and cargo.
The only drawback that I can really see with this scooter is its weight. It weighs in at nearly 50 pounds, so it might be a little bit heavy to carry onto the train or up the steps to your office. But if weight isn’t a concern for you, all of the other characteristics add up to a top-knotch, all-around scooter.
VERDICT
It has the speed and range needed for commuting, but its beefy tires and powerful motor mean it can handle grass and dirt roads. We give this scooter a 10/10 because it can do just about anything with great speed and a good range.
Best Electric Scooter with a Seat
4. Hiboy S2 Pro Electric Scooter
Our Rating
10/10
$598.59
KEY SPECS
| Top Speed | 19 mph | |||||||||
| Range | 25.6 miles | |||||||||
| Hill grade | 10 – 15 % | |||||||||
| Weight capacity | 220 pounds | |||||||||
| Weighs | 40 to 42 pounds | |||||||||
| Style | Folding | |||||||||
| Tires | 10-inch air tires | |||||||||
| Suspension | Rear Dual shock absorbers for extra comfort on rough surfaces | |||||||||
| Brakes | Double Brakes with anti-lock braking | |||||||||
| LED lights | Ultra-bright headlights for safety | |||||||||
| Security | Includes Hiboy app to lock scooter and customize acceleration and braking |
PROS
- It Includes a detachable seat
- Extra comfortable ride
- Antilock brakes and bright headlights for safety
CONS
- Not as fast as other electric scooters
- The riding range of this scooter is somewhat short compared to other scooters
If standing for long periods of time is taxing for you, you might need a scooter with an attachable seat. The Hiboy S2 Pro is one of the few battery-powered scooters that have a seat attachment. But if you feel that the seat is in the way, you can easily detach it, too.
Not only can you take a seat, the Hiboy has 10 inch pneumatic tires and rear dual shock absorberes, which will take away some of those uncomfortable road vibrations. It gives you a nice smooth ride whether you are sitting or standing.
There are extra bright headlights, helping you to be seen both in the daytime and to see at night. And of course, it folds up so you can storage even when space is at a premium.
With a top speed of 19mph, it’s a pretty fast scooter, although not the fastest. Double brakes give you plenty of stopping power, though, which gives me a lot of confidence when I ride.
What I really like about this scooter, though, is the app. You can use the app to customize how the scooter accelerates and brakes, so it will work just how you want it to. You can also use the included app to lock and unlock your scooter, giving you a little peace of mind when you have to leave it unattended.
VERDICT
The powerful motor means reaching speeds up to 19mph with a range of 25.6 miles. We give this scooter a 10/10 because you can attach a seat, which makes commuting by scooter more accessible for those who have trouble standing.
Best for Long Distances
5. TurboAnt V8 Dual Battery
Our Rating
10/10
$598.59
KEY SPECS
| Top Speed | 20 mph | ||||||||
| Range | 50 miles | ||||||||
| Hill grade | 10 – 15 % | ||||||||
| Weight capacity | 265 pounds | ||||||||
| Weighs | 47.62 pounds | ||||||||
| Style | Folding | ||||||||
| Tires | 9.3-inch pneumatic tires with tubes |
PROS
- Long distance rides
- Front hub motor
CONS
- Big and heavy compared to other scooters due to its extra battery
- Can’t tackle steep hills and you might find yourself walking
Your long commute is no match for the TurboAnt V8 with Dual battery. The extra battery power means you get extra range – up to 50 miles of distance on one charge. So if your commute is long, this might be the best scooter for you.
I really love the range on this scooter. You can take it on a long commute or even all day rides because it has dual batteries. Of course, the extra battery means the scooter is on the heavier side. So that’s a real trade off here – extra range or a lighter-weight scooter.
Also, because of its weight, it isn’t the best on steep hills. Sure, it can take on the smaller and shorter gradients, but if you’re living in a hilly area, you may want a scooter with a little extra torque for hill climbing. It’s heftiness makes it extra sturdy, though, and it can handle up to 265 pounds worth of rider and cargo.
The other drawback is that the tires are not self-healing. So if you are going to be far from home, you may want to pack a spare tube and some tools along in case you get a flat tire. The tires are only 9.3 inches, a little smaller compared to some of the other scooters on this list.
VERDICT
We give this scooter a 9/10 for its long range and great speed. However, it is pretty heavy and is a little bit wimpy on steep climbs. Overall, though, this is a very capable commuter, especially for anyone with a long and flat commute.
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Buying Guide
So, how did we choose the scooters on our list? First, look at some of the characteristics you might need when selecting the best electric scooter for your ride.
Terrain and Hills
The first thing you need to consider when choosing a scooter is where you will be riding it. For the most part, scooters excel on smooth, paved roads. But you may also encounter potholes, speed bumps, gravel, and even off-road conditions. So will your scooter be able to manage all of the terrains you need to ride? Or will there be places you need to get off and walk or carry the scooter? For example, the Quick 4 Scooter by Inokim can handle some gravelly roads and even grassy areas, but other scooters, like the Fluid Horizon, are better off on a flat smooth road.
Another aspect of the terrain is what kind of hills you will be riding. Some scooters are best ridden on flatter terrain with less than 10% hill grades. However, a few scooters, like the Segway Ninebot MAX, can actually handle hills up to 20% or even more. This is important if you live in a hilly area and don’t want to walk that scooter uphill on your power.
Attachments and Peripherals
Most scooters don’t have too many attachments, but you may want to consider whether or not you’ll need a seat. For example, if standing is difficult, you’ll want to remember something like the Hiboy S2. We like this scooter because it has a separate seat that you can attach if you need it.
A few other items you might want to include in your scooter are built-in headlights and taillights, a user screen or display, adjustable handlebars, and stem, and whether or not you can attach bags to the bars.
Other accessories could include a spare battery and a rear basket for groceries and supplies.
Battery Power and Range
The batter’s size and scooter’s range are closely related. So if you need a long-range scooter, you’ll probably want one, like the TurboAnt, which has dual batteries. This gives you extra battery power to go further. Sometimes, you can carry a spare battery and swap them out if you need to go further.
A few things may affect the battery life and range as well. For example, the rougher or hillier the terrain, the more engine power it will take, which means a shorter battery life.
Higher speeds may also wear out the battery power faster. Lastly, the weight of the rider and cargo, as well as the weight of the actual scooter, can wear down the battery faster.
Top Speeds
How fast do you need your scooter to go? Of course, a more powerful motor will help you go faster, but being a heavier rider might slow you down. However, the scooters on this list fall into a range of speeds, from about 18mph to about 25 mph as their top speed.
If speed isn’t important to you, then scooters on this list will be great. However, if you need to go faster, consider the Fluid Horizon for urban commuting of the Quick 4 if you also need to go off-road.
Scooter Weight
Scooter weight matters if you need to carry the scooter up the stairs to your apartment or fold it up to carry on a commuter train. A really heavy scooter will make these tasks difficult. On the other hand, if you are just opening up the garage door and riding to work, the scooter’s weight might not be an issue.
The Segway and the Hiboy are the lightest scooters on this list, weighing around 40 to 42 pounds. However, the other scooters are only around 5 pounds more, but you’ll also want to keep in mind how much cargo you’ll be carrying with it. Extra batteries also add extra weight to the scooter, such as in the case of the TurboAnt, which has dual batteries and is one of the heaviest scooters on this list.
Scooter Weight Capacity
Weight capacity is how much the rider and cargo weigh. This won’t be much of an issue if you’re a small person. But if you are a larger rider, you’ll want to consider which scooter will best manage your weight.
The TurboAnt can handle up to 275 pounds of rider and cargo, so this is the best one for larger riders.
Folding
We think folding is a pretty important aspect of owning a scooter. Every scooter on this list folds down in some way to make storage easier. So you’ll save on space when you’re scooter isn’t being used, especially if you commute to work and need to keep it under your desk.
But there’s another reason to get a folding scooter. If you commute to the train or bus station, you’ll need to be able to carry the scooter and your gear onto the train or bus. This is usually much easier if your scooter folds into a carryable package.
Tires
The tires you have on your scooter can make a big difference to the feel of your ride. The bigger the tire, the more comfortable the ride and the rougher the terrain you can tackle. On the other hand, bigger tires also require more motor power to turn the wheels.
Smaller, thinner tires with less tread will go faster, but only over smooth surfaces. So if your commute is over smooth urban roads, you’ll be OK with the 8-inch tires. But if you need a little more grip for bad weather or rough terrain, go for the scooter with bigger tires.
Tubeless, self-sealing tires are great if you are worried about getting a puncture. They will, in most cases, reseal before you even lose much air. However, solid tires will be a little less comfortable, but you won’t get any flats at all.
Deck Size
One of the last considerations is deck size. The deck is part of the scooter that you stand on. A longer, wider deck will be more stable, but a shorter, thinner deck will be lighter, more aerodynamic, and, therefore, faster.
Just ensure you have enough room for your feet to fit comfortably on your scooter.
Our Choice for the Best Adult Electric Scooter
So, after all of these characteristics, you’re probably wondering which scooter I will choose. It’s a tough call – these are all great scooters, and none are cheap. But I’m going for the Inokim Quick 4. Here’s why.
We have some minor hills where I live, but I have a long gravel driveway. So I want an electric scooter that can tackle some gravel and some mild climbs and get me around town quickly and easily. This is where the Inokim Quick 4 excels.
It’s the perfect all-arounder. It can handle gravel as well as paved roads. It has a nice suspension system to take out the lumps and bumps of my local potholes, and it has some nice wide tires so I can ride around in the park with my kids.
I love this scooter because it works great for commuting and running errands with plenty of speed and battery range. But it also has enough oomph for playing with my kids. So in my eyes, it’s the clear winner of this list of great scooters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Laws vary by state and location about helmets. However, common sense says it’s a good idea to wear one, especially because of the high speeds that you can reach riding an electric scooter. Generally speaking, a good bicycle helmet should be enough to provide protection for you while you are riding an electric scooter, but you can find more details here.
If your scooter won’t turn on, it’s probably because the battery needs charging. Just follow the manufacturer’s directions to charge the battery. However, if the battery is completely dead, it might take longer to charge.
Yes. If your electric scooter battery has died, you can technically turn off the scooter and ride it like a manual scooter. If you’re out on a long ride and your battery dies, you can manually scoot back home!
However, electric scooters are significantly heavier than your typical manual scooter is. This is due to the extra weight of the motor, the battery, and the extra bulk of the scooter. So while it is possible to ride it without a battery, it will be a lot more work on your part.
Most scooters are water-resistant and will work fine in light rain. However, heavy rain could be difficult to ride in, and it might not be good for your scooter. Also, keep in mind that roadways can be very slippery when they are wet, especially at the start of a rainstorm. Any areas of the road that are painted will be extra slippery when they are wet, as well.
Yes, electric scooters can go uphill, to a point. So if you live in a very hilly area, you’ll want to look for a scooter that is built for hills. Most scooters can handle a hill up to around 10%, but if you have steeper hills, you’ll need something that can go up to 20 or 30%.
Amanda Whittington is an expert writer, impassioned cyclist, and musician. Coming from a diverse educational background, Amanda discovered a deep-rooted passion for encouraging others through her love of all things cycling, writing, and inspiring hope.
You’ll likely find Amanda pouring over bike specs, comparing the hottest cycling tech, and sporting the latest jerseys while juggling the demands of her editorial calendar, training schedule, tiny homestead, and 6 busy kids.
She spends her free time absorbed in her own gardening and fitness, cycling, and reading, all while encouraging adoption and foster care, championing the underdog, and of course, working with her chickens and goats.
