I’ve examined a ton of scooters. Not all of them deserve a spot above, however some are nonetheless price a point out. These are just a few different good scooters I like:
Gotrax GX2 for $1,499: The GX2 is akin to the Apollo Phantom V3 and Segway P100S in that it is 76 kilos and packs lots of energy and vary. This gunmetal scooter appears to be like a bit like a transformer and might hit a max velocity of 35 mph by way of the twin 800-watt motors, however I normally rode it at 20 mph. It took me to midtown and again to Brooklyn (a complete of 18.4 miles) with some juice left over. I hate carrying it up and down the steps, as a result of the stem is tremendous thick, making it troublesome to understand. While you’re ready at a light-weight, the GX2 additionally switches to Parking mode after just a few seconds, so that you always have to recollect to press the mode button to modify it to the driving gear. It is tremendous annoying, and Gotrax says there is not any approach to disable it. I’m slightly involved about construct high quality—the motor makes a noise as if one thing is brushing in opposition to it, and this sound disappears if I evenly press the left brake lever whereas using. The latch to maintain the stem upright comes down too simply, regardless of a sliding lock mechanism to maintain it in place; Gotrax says it’d simply be that it is put in too tightly. If you happen to see any of those points, I like to recommend reaching out to Gotrax and going to an area scooter store to have them have a look.
Navee S65 for $1,099: Navee is a comparatively new model rising its presence within the US, and I had an incredible time utilizing the S65 (7/10, WIRED Recommends). I used to be in a position to frequently full 16-mile spherical journeys at 20 mph, however that just about depleted the battery. It has nice acceleration, due to its geared hub motor, and it climbs slopes with ease, however this additionally makes it very loud. The motor’s sound disappears in the event you’re in a loud metropolis like New York Metropolis, however it may well make you self-conscious on quiet streets. It is 53 kilos, so it is heavier than the Niu regardless of having an identical vary, and its customer support is slightly questionable since it is so new. Nonetheless, I had enjoyable using it.
Apollo Ghost for $1,649: At 64 kilos, the Apollo Ghost (8/10, WIRED Recommends) will not be the scooter for walkups, but it surely’s great enjoyable. I examined the 2021 mannequin, however the 2022 model has some upgrades. The twin 1,000-watt motors can vault you to 34 miles per hour (if that is authorized the place you reside), however I largely relied on the one motor and cruised at round 20 to 25 mph—there is a button to modify between the 2, and modes to additional restrict your velocity. Anybody in a hilly metropolis will profit from the facility and prolonged vary of the Ghost. I hit round 20 miles on a single cost (Apollo claims a beneficiant 37). There are entrance and visibility LEDs constructed underneath and across the deck, together with a taillight. As for the brakes, you will get wire-controlled discs or improve to hydraulic ones. The previous delivered sufficient stopping energy for me, however the latter is extra responsive and dependable.
Evolv Terra for $1,130: I loved my time with the Evolv Terra (7/10, WIRED Recommends). If you happen to’re contemplating the Apollo Ghost above, take into account this primary as a result of it is barely cheaper, slightly lighter at 53 kilos, and simpler to hold. It is simply as highly effective, with the potential to go as quick as 31 miles per hour if you interact each 600-watt motors (examine your native velocity legal guidelines first!). In any other case, you may cruise alongside at 20 mph as I did on the second gear velocity setting (there are three in whole) with the one motor. Vary is not dissimilar both; I normally had two bars left after 15 miles on the Terra so it may well probably final greater than 20 miles, particularly in the event you’re conservative with its speeds. The suspension is OK however the stable tires on rougher roads can really feel fairly bumpy. The fenders additionally appear fairly ineffective to me as, after a moist experience post-rain, my again was coated in specks of dust kicked up from the rear tire. The stem’s angle can be slightly too near my physique, and the shortage of a thumb throttle meant my wrist damage after lengthy rides. You may tweak the angle of the throttle and brakes to enhance this although. These are comparatively minor quibbles contemplating the worth.
Radio Flyer S533 for $599: Truthfully, I am stunned at how properly this scooter did in my exams. The folding mechanism is only a latch and a sleeve you pull all the way down to maintain the latch from coming undone whilst you experience. It is tremendous straightforward to fold and unfold, and light-weight at 30 kilos. It isn’t a commuter scooter by any means—my vary hovered underneath 8 miles on a single cost—and regardless of exceeding its 220-pound load capability, I averaged round 14 mph of its 16 mph high velocity. It is a good little scooter for going to the put up workplace, to the grocery retailer, or to Cinnabon when my spouse asks for a cinnamon roll. Nonetheless, its worth would not match its energy and efficiency; it actually must be cheaper. It is also price noting that the primary mannequin the corporate despatched me did not activate and the second mannequin had a deflated entrance tire. Inflating it was a fast affair and I have never had issues since.
Segway Ninebot F30 for $450: This was my high advice for most individuals, however after an extended testing interval, I’ve discovered that the vary has dramatically decreased at a a lot quicker tempo in comparison with different electrical scooters I’ve tried. It used to final round 10 miles or so, however recently, I’ve solely managed round 6. I nonetheless suppose it is an incredible scooter. It goes 15 mph, is comfortable to experience, and also you get set of necessities, akin to dependable lights, brakes, and an intuitively designed bell. It is pretty light-weight, too, at 33 kilos. In case your funds can stretch, I might go for the Ninebot F40 ($800), which might go a bit quicker and has higher vary, however I nonetheless want the Niu KQi3 Professional at that worth.
Apollo Air Professional (2022) for $799: I’ve not examined the brand new 2023 mannequin, however the Apollo Air Professional (2022) was a wonderfully effective scooter (6/10, WIRED Evaluate), I simply do not suppose it is definitely worth the excessive worth. It goes as much as 21 mph, and I used to be in a position to experience it for about 13 to fifteen miles earlier than it died. You get all of the accouterments, like a entrance gentle and bell, and there is app connectivity to tweak settings to your liking. Nonetheless, the app is required to unlock the Air Professional’s true velocity—in any other case, you are restricted to 12 mph. I am extra miffed on the folding mechanism, which is extra work than it must be. It additionally would not speed up too quick and, regardless of its 39-pound weight, is uncomfortable to hold as a result of its thick stem.
