Instead of driving for every short trip to the store or your commute to work, you can ride an electric scooter and easily move through your neighborhood. With an electric scooter, you don’t need to worry about paying for parking or circling around looking for an open space. Just pull up, put down the kickstand, and you’re good to go. Electric scooters are easier to ride than electric skateboards and easier to carry around than electric bikes. This makes them a great choice for people living in the city who may not have room for a car or who prefer something smaller for short rides.

Today, you can find plenty of electric scooters that are both affordable and built to last. Some are made just for short daily rides, while others can handle rough roads, high speeds, and long distances. We tested a variety of electric scooters on real commutes to find the best electric scooters for adults.

Top Picks for Electric Scooters for Adults

• Best Overall: Segway Ninebot Kickscooter Max

• Best for the Price: Gotrax XR Ultra Electric Scooter

• Best for Comfort and Storage: Gotrax Flex Ultra Electric Scooter

• Best Safety Features: Segway Ninebot KickScooter ES4

• Best Suspension: Navee Off-Road Electric Scooter S65C

Understanding E-Scooter Laws

In many places, you can’t ride electric scooters on sidewalks. Instead, you may have to use bike lanes or ride on the road. Some places also have speed limits for scooters and other small electric vehicles. For example, in Florida, if your scooter has a seat, you may need to register it and have a license plate. You should always check your local laws before riding, especially if your scooter has a larger battery or different features.

How We Chose and Tested the Scooters

We picked these electric scooters based on real-world testing. We used them during daily commutes to see how they performed in terms of power, speed, range, and comfort. Our tests included riding over bridges, going up hills, and riding on streets that didn’t have bike lanes. We also paid attention to how each scooter felt while riding—how it accelerated, how well it braked, and how smooth the ride was over rough ground.

For the scooters we didn’t test ourselves, we looked at expert reviews and customer ratings. We also checked each scooter’s important features like motor power, battery range, and safety add-ons. We only chose scooters from trusted brands that are easy to find and reliable.

1. Segway Ninebot Max G2 Electric KickScooter

If you want a well-rounded scooter with good range, the Segway Ninebot Kickscooter Max is a solid choice. It can travel up to 40 miles on a full charge, climb hills with up to a 20% incline, and support riders up to 220 pounds.

It has 10-inch tires filled with air, which help smooth out bumps in the road, and it folds up for easy storage. The tires also have a self-healing feature, which helps seal small punctures automatically. So, if you hit a nail or a sharp rock, you can keep riding without needing a new tire right away. It weighs a little over 40 pounds, which is more than some others, but that’s because of the larger battery that gives it more range.

While it may not be made for long-distance travel, the 40-mile range is enough for several days of riding around town. It’s more expensive than some other scooters, but because of its strong performance in all areas, we think it’s worth the price.

2. Gotrax Flex Ultra Electric Scooter

This electric scooter may look like a small moped or bike, but it’s still a scooter—just one that comes with a seat and basket, making it great for more than quick rides.

When testing this scooter, I rode it from Central Park to my home in Brooklyn. I placed my 20-pound backpack in the basket and sat on the seat for most of the ride.

Right away, I noticed how strong the motor was. It hit nearly 20 mph on flat roads and handled the Queensboro Bridge climb without slowing down. I also really liked the seat—after a long day, it was nice to sit instead of standing for the whole 30-minute ride. Even with the seat, I still reached my destination faster than I would have by subway.

The throttle responds well, and the 14-inch tires handled potholes and cracks in the pavement easily. While it’s a bit large for storing in a closet, even though it folds, this scooter has the power, comfort, and space you need for grocery runs or longer city trips.

3. Navee Electric Scooter Off-Road S65C

At first glance, the Navee S65C might look like many other scooters, but it comes with useful features and upgrades. One standout is its dual suspension system, which helps absorb bumps and makes it comfortable to ride on uneven surfaces—not just paved roads.

On a commute from Brooklyn to Midtown, I liked that this scooter had different drive modes. The regular mode was great for neighborhood rides and crowded streets. It capped the speed at around 12 mph and used less battery.

The sport mode helped me get up to 20 mph on long flat roads like the Williamsburg Bridge, which saved time and helped balance out battery use. It was a helpful feature for commuting, especially when I needed to get to work quickly.

4. Gotrax XR Elite Electric Scooter

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly electric scooter, the GoTrax XR Elite is a great option. It weighs just 32 pounds, making it one of the lightest scooters we tested. Its slim design and folding feature make it easy to carry or store.

It can go up to 16 miles on one charge, reach about 15 mph, and handle inclines of up to 15 degrees. The best part is the price—it costs about $400 less than the Segway Ninebot Max, while still offering solid performance.

It’s not built for high speeds or long trips, but it’s great for getting around town. The battery charges in only four hours, so you can get back on the road quickly.

5. Apollo City Electric Scooter

If speed is important to you, the Apollo City electric scooter is worth considering. It reaches a top speed of 32 mph and can travel up to 43 miles on a full charge. It also has a regenerative braking system, which turns braking energy into power for the battery.

The scooter comes with two strong 500-watt motors and a solid aluminum frame. It’s also rated IP66, meaning it’s resistant to dust and water, making it a good option for off-road rides.

Even if you’re riding on rocks or gravel, the triple-spring suspension helps absorb bumps. For night riders, it has a headlight, taillight, and turn signals to help you stay visible.

What to Keep in Mind When Buying an Electric Scooter

Range

The range depends on the size of the battery and motor, and also on things like your weight, the weather, the type of surface you’re riding on, and how steep the roads are. Most scooters go about 10 miles on a charge, while others can go 40 miles or more.

Some scooters have different ride modes that help save battery. For example, an eco or low-power mode can reduce how fast the scooter uses energy. If you want to go further, try to stick to smooth, flat roads without a lot of stops and hills.

Speed

Most scooters in this guide have a top speed between 15 and 20 mph. That’s fast enough for most people riding in cities. The Apollo City scooter is the exception, reaching 32 mph. While some scooters go up to 60 mph, we didn’t include them here since many places don’t allow those speeds without a license.

Motors

Most electric scooters come with motors between 250 and 350 watts, which is fine for daily use. If you’re heavier or will be climbing steep hills, you might need a motor with more power. Keep in mind that more powerful motors are usually heavier and more expensive.

Tires and Suspension

Electric scooters usually have rubber tires—some are solid, others are tubeless, or have inner tubes. Solid tires last longer and are better for short, smooth rides, but they don’t absorb bumps well. Tubeless and tube-ready tires are more common now and give a smoother ride, even though they can still get punctured.

Safety and Extra Features

If you’ll be riding early in the morning or at night, look for scooters with good front and back lights. It’s also smart to have a bell or horn to warn people. Some high-end scooters come with turn signals and under-deck lights for added safety.

All scooters should have good brakes. Some only have a rear or front brake, but stronger scooters usually come with both, plus a motor brake. Motor brakes can also recharge the battery slightly when you slow down.

Extras like seats and baskets are useful if you want a more relaxed ride or plan to use your scooter for errands like shopping.

Criss Peterson