I’ve examined a ton of scooters. Not all of them deserve a spot above, however some are nonetheless value a point out. These are a number of different good scooters I like:
Navee S65 for $1,099: Navee is a comparatively new model rising its presence within the US, and I had a good 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, because of its geared hub motor, and it climbs slopes with ease, however this additionally makes it very loud. The motor’s sound disappears for those who’re in a loud metropolis like New York Metropolis, however it may make you self-conscious on quiet streets. It is 53 kilos, so it is heavier than the Niu regardless of having the same vary, and its customer support is somewhat questionable since it is so new. Nonetheless, I had enjoyable using it.
Apollo Ghost for $1,549: At 64 kilos, the Apollo Ghost (8/10, WIRED Recommends) just isn’t the scooter for walkups, but it surely’s large 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 principally 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 beneath and across the deck, together with a taillight. As for the brakes, you may 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 $1,242: I loved my time with the Evolv Terra (7/10, WIRED Recommends). Should you’re contemplating the Apollo Ghost above, contemplate this primary as a result of it is barely cheaper, somewhat 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 while you have interaction each 600-watt motors (examine your native velocity legal guidelines first!). In any other case, you’ll be able to 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 probably final greater than 20 miles, particularly for those who’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 journey post-rain, my again was coated in specks of dust kicked up from the rear tire. The stem’s angle can be somewhat 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 value.
Radio Flyer S533 for $599: Actually, I am stunned at how properly this scooter did in my checks. The folding mechanism is only a latch and a sleeve you pull all the way down to maintain the latch from coming undone when you journey. It is tremendous simple to fold and unfold, and light-weight at 30 kilos. It is not a commuter scooter by any means—my vary hovered beneath 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 submit workplace, to the grocery retailer, or to Cinnabon when my spouse asks for a cinnamon roll. Nevertheless, its worth would not match its energy and efficiency; it actually must be cheaper. It is also value 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 $400: This was my high advice for most individuals, however after an extended testing interval, I’ve discovered that the vary has dramatically diminished at a a lot sooner 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 important scooter. It goes 15 mph, is comfortable to journey, and also you get a great set of necessities, equivalent 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 would go for the Ninebot F40 ($800), which might go a bit sooner and has higher vary, however I nonetheless favor the Niu KQi3 Professional at that worth.
Apollo Air Professional for $799: The Apollo Air Professional (2022) is a superbly effective scooter (6/10, WIRED Assessment), 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 journey it for about 13 to fifteen miles earlier than it died. You get all of the accouterments, like a entrance mild and bell, and there is app connectivity to tweak settings to your liking. Nevertheless, 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 resulting from its thick stem. I’ve not examined the brand new 2023 mannequin.