In this article, we are going to list down the 17 best electric scooter for commuting to help you pick one for yourself. Each has its own distinct features, speed, weight limit, range, and motor.

Traveling is fun when you don’t have to rush somewhere or when public transport isn’t too crowded. However, when it comes to peak hours, the commuter buses and rails are packed with people, sometimes squeezing you in a corner with not much air to breathe properly.

Other alternatives may involve biking or walking but both of these can be too exhausting, especially when you are late for work and have to paddle harder or brisk walk. Luckily, there is another much better alternative that doesn’t involve standing shoulder-to-shoulder with equally-stressed adults or reaching work with a sweaty shirt.
That alternative is electric scooters.

GLION DOLLY ELECTRIC SCOOTER –The Best Overall

Best Electric Scooter for CommutingGlion Dolly earns great reviews from kids, adults and seniors alike. Featuring 8-inch wide tires, it can easily carry a rider weighing up to 225 pounds from one place to another. Many reviewers regard this as one of the smoothest electric scooters on Amazon.

It has a speed limit of 15 mph. With multiple speed modes, you can either ride it as fast as a bike or as slow as a granny crossing the street. It has a lithium-ion battery that allows the rider to cover a distance of up to 15 miles with ease on a single charge. It requires a charging time of 3 ½ hours in total. The 250 watts engine doesn’t make much noise and therefore it is great to enjoy a peaceful drive.

Taking a closer look at its sleek and well-constructed infrastructure, it comes with a wide robust frame with sufficient space to house both legs. It is also foldable and comes equipped with a pull-hand dolly to roll it like a stand-up suitcase. Finally, its anti-lock electromagnetic regenerative brakes are slightly slower than other models in the list but overall great and steady.

Pros

  • Airless tires
  • Decent Charging time
  • Self-standing
  • Anti-lock electromagnetic regenerative brakes
  • Foldable

Cons

  • Max Speed 15 mph
  • Not ideal for bumpy roads

GOTRAX GXL – Lightweight and Convenient

Gotrax GXL is a lightweight electric scooter with a speed limit of up to 15.5 mph. It weighs only 24 pounds in total which makes it ideal for those who are worried about tagging the electric scooter along with them. The compact design, upon folding gives makes storing convenient.

It needs a charging time of 4 hours which isn’t much compared to some other models with the same features requiring up to 12 hours of charging time.

The wide tires add to its stability and allow easier balancing even when making swift turns. The high-quality dual disc brakes ensure that you won’t have to manually stop it with your foot and rely on its swift halting motion. Despite having wider tires, this isn’t made for gravel terrains and function best on smooth roads and sidewalks.

The sleek design and study built of aluminum give it a very futuristic vibe which is most preferred by millennials today. The only drawback the LED lights that could have been designed bigger to boost night visibility. Other than that, it makes for an ideal daily commute to and from your office. You can even give it a charge boost whilst at your office to ensure you don’t run out of charge on your way back home.

Pros

  • 15.5-speed limit
  • Lightweight
  • Dual braking system
  • Great tires

Cons

  • Poor lighting

QIEWA Q1 HUMMER –Great Value

QIEWA Q1 HUMMERQiewa Q1 Hummer promises a speed limit of 34 mph with a distance coverage of 60 miles before running out of charge –how great is that! Not only does it make it reliable for those looking for an electric scooter that doesn’t require charging every now and then, but it also makes it convenient for long distances. It is powered by an 800 watts lithium motor, ensuring you keep riding without worry. It comes with plenty of lights, cruising controls and dual braking system to prevent any collisions.

It also has a dual shock absorber that allows smooth traveling even on gravel roads and uneven sidewalks. If investing in this, you must also know that you won’t ever have to worry about it being stolen s it comes with a smart anti-theft alarm system.

Talking about the design, all we can say is that it looks clean and futuristic, making it easier to store. The 10-inch wide pneumatic tires keep your balance steady. The double-disc breaks in the rear and front make it a safer alternative. Lastly, it can carry a person weighing up to 550 pounds which means you can tag along with a toddler if needed.

Pros

  • 34 mph speed limit
  • 60 miles range
  • Dual disc brakes
  • 550 pounds weight capacity
  • 800 watts motor
  • Futuristic design

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Weighs 55 pounds 

SWAGTRON 5 ELITE SWAGGER ELECTRIC SCOOTER – Best Beginner Commuter

SWAGTRON 5 ELITE SWAGGER ELECTRIC SCOOTERSwagtron, by far, is one of the best electric scooters for adults. With a high-speed model powered by a 250 watts battery, Swagtron 5 swagger can cover up to 18 mph. it is ideal for places with uneven roads as it is designed to climb faster at steep levels with a 20-degree incline.

There are multiple riding modes to choose from depending on what speed you prefer to ride it at. A single charge allows the rider to drive for up to 3 ½ hours and cover 12 miles.

The Swagtron 5 electric scooter features ABS brakes which means you won’t have any trouble making quick stops.

Next, the scooter has a durable aluminum frame that can carry a person weighing some 320 pounds –good enough for an adult. Another great feature making it a great choice for office commuting is that it is foldable which means you won’t have to pay for parking EVER! You can slide it down your work desk and no one will ever know it’s there.

The Swagtron 5 also offers connectivity via Bluetooth. With a smartphone app and a mount to securely place it, you can easily connect it with your phone and activate options like cruising control, GPS tracking, and turning on headlights, etc.

Pros

  • 3 Gears
  • 8.5 inch tires
  • Fast charging time
  • Compact structure
  • Foldable

Cons

  • Low distance/charge
  • Switching gears is impossible without app

XIAOMI MI ELECTRIC SCOOTER –Best Lightweight

XIAOMI MI ELECTRIC SCOOTERIf you are looking for a lightweight option to make daily commuting easier, there is no better option than the Xiami Mi electric scooter. It comes with a sleek body, user-friendly specifications and is efficient. Xiaomi Mi also features an easy flip, fold and clip compaction system which allows the rider to change modes from riding to walking in less than 3 seconds. It weighs not more than 27 pounds in total, comes with both headlights and taillights to improve visibility at night. This means you won’t have a difficult time driving it even under dim-lit sidewalks or run to a departmental store in the middle of the night.

One drawback that troubles many first-time electric scooter riders is the charging time. It can take up to 5 hours to fully charge the battery. Upon a single charge, it can ride up to 18.6 miles at an above average speed of 15.5 mph.

Xiaomi Mi also features an energy-saving regenerative braking system that allows it to save up some charge. It is powered by a 250 watts motor hub and has a durable aerospace-grade aluminum frame able to carry a person weighing up to 220 pounds. This is right up your alley if you are looking for an excellent choice with a minimalist design, portability, anti-locking brake system, and good speed.

Pros

  • Rides smoothly on flat surfaces
  • Lightweight
  • 15.5 mph speed range
  • 18.6-mile range
  • Foldable

Cons

  • 5 hours charging time
  • No advanced features
  • Not great on inclined surfaces

URB-E FOLDING ELECTRIC SCOOTER –Best for Speeding Up

URB-E FOLDING ELECTRIC SCOOTERThis particular electric scooter is a foldable version by the company Urb-e. This comes highly recommended by many people who wish to achieve a high-speed range. This electric scooter can go up to 17 mph and is ideal for smooth as well as inclined surfaces riding around the town.

Another great thing about this model is that it gives about 20 miles on a single charge which means if your office is nearby, you might not even need to charge it at your workplace. The charge can last for a good 8 to 10 hours. The equipped motor power is 350 watts. It comes with a sturdy frame, 8-inch tires for greater stability and minimum shock-impact. The ABS braking mechanism is also of top-notch quality enabling it to stop in a few seconds even when riding at full speed.

Thanks to its foldability, the rider can carry it with ease everywhere they go. Lastly, the portable power source ensures that you may charge the battery any time you want and anywhere with a switch.

Pros

  • High-speed electric scooter
  • 350 watts motor
  • 20 miles range
  • Foldable

Cons

  • Expensive than other models of different brands

RAZOR E300 ELECTRIC SCOOTER –Best Features

Razor E300 is another great option for a daily commute. It can go at a maximum speed of 25 mph which is ideal for sidewalks and the roads. One feature that distinguishes it from the other electric scooters in the list is that it comes with a chain-driven model. Add to that the twist-grip throttle which makes riding easier and more user-friendly. Despite being fast, it doesn’t cause a lot of noise. It features pneumatic tires which add to its stability and allows easy balancing, even when not riding on smooth surfaces.

The frame and handlebar stem of the Razor E300 is made of high-quality steel which is most durable in different weather conditions. There is a detachable seat that comes as its accessories in case the rider wishes to drive while sitting.

The only and most probably the biggest downside of this electric scooter is the 12-hour battery charging time. Upon full charge, it only allows the rider to drive it for a maximum of 40 minutes which isn’t economical.

Pros

  • Steel frame and handlebar stem
  • Large tires offering better traction
  • Cost-effective
  • 15 mph speed range

Cons

  • Requires too much space
  • 12 hour charging time
  • No battery charge indicator

EVO POWERBOARD 48V 16000 WATTS –Super-speedy Commute

EVO POWERBOARD 48V 16000 WATTSCall it a beastly version of an electric scooter for commute, this comes powered by a 16000 watts brushless motor that allows it to cover a distance of up to 17 miles upon a single charge. Its high-speed range up to 29 mph is great for those looking to push through traffic on something fast and convenient.

Some of its most outstanding features include the twist grip thrilled that makes controlling the electric scooter easy and hitting the brakes easier. It has a dual braking system and features high-end disc brakes in the front and rear tire. It has big wheels that help in maintaining balancer throughout the ride. The wheels also reduce any shock-impacts on bumpy roads and around speed breakers.

The electric scooter with different driving modes such as turbo and economy for riders to adjust their speed accordingly. There is also a removable and adjustable high-quality seat as an additional accessory in case the rider feels safer driving whilst sitting.

The charging time for a full charge is 8 to 10 hours which is slightly longer than similar models by different brands. Lastly, its collapsible design makes carrying it easier.

Pros

  • 17 miles range
  • 29 mph speed limit
  • 16000 watts motor
  • Dual braking system
  • Multiple learning modes
  • Adjustable, removable seat
  • Foldable

Cons

  • 8-10 hours charging time
  • Heavier in size

XPRIT FOLDING ELECTRIC KICK SCOOTER –Best Construction

XPRIT FOLDING ELECTRIC KICK SCOOTERAnother great electric scooter for daily commute to work or nearby places is the XPRIT folding electric scooter. It can attain a top speed of 12.4 mph and can cover a distance of up to 13 miles before running out of charge. It is powered by a 250 watts motor and weighs only 24.7 pounds in total. Add to that its collapsible feature which makes it portable and easy to carry around. Also, you can snug it in under your work desk without anyone ever noticing. Unlike other electric scooters, it takes only 5 hours to charge completely.

With robust construction, it can easily carry a person weighing 200 pounds without compromising on the speed. It has an excellent braking system which enables the electric scooter to come to a stop within a few seconds.

Its body is made of high-quality aluminum which prevents rusting. The 6.5 inches wide tires allow stability and balances even on bumpy roads. It has a dual starting mechanism since it is a kick scooter as well.

The only drawback is that it isn’t waterproof. Thus if you live in an area where it rains mostly, this isn’t the best mode of commute for you. You can ride it in a little drizzle but not in moderate to heavy rain. This will cause damage to its parts and they may require quick repairs.

Pros

  • 6.4-inch tires
  • Collapsible
  • 12.4 mph speed range

Cons

  • Not ideal in wet conditions
  • Mile range could have been better

SEGWAY NINEBOT S SMART SELF BALANCING TRANSPORTER –Best for Inclined Terrains

SEGWAY NINEBOT S SMART SELF BALANCING TRANSPORTERDespite being large in size, this only weighs 27 pounds in total and can easily carry a load of up to 220 pounds which is quite standard. Although it has dual motors of 400 watts, it only has a speed limit of 10 mph. This is also ideal for those who wish to avoid walking to nearby places such as the park or a departmental store. Its wide 10.5-inch pneumatic tires don’t decrease the speed even on bumpy sidewalks or roads. Another feature that makes it ideal is the knee control bar as it ensures precise steering and balance.

Upon a single charge, it can cover a distance of 13.7 miles and even climb inclines of 15 degrees. Moreover, it comes with an intelligent app that makes controlling easier with the smartphone. The high-end braking system has an anti-theft function associated with it as well as self-diagnosis features that let the rider know when the battery needs a recharge.
Lastly, ambient LED lights make riding it on dim-lit sidewalks even in the darkest hours of the night.

The taillights are adjustable and brighter in comparison so that any moving vehicle from behind can easily spot it.

Pros

  • 13.7 miles range
  • Dual 400 watts battery
  • 10.5-inch pneumatic tires
  • 220 load limit

Cons

  • Speed could have been better
  • Bigger in size cause storage problems

RAZOR E100 ELECTRIC SCOOTER –Best Beginner Scooter

RAZOR E100 ELECTRIC SCOOTERAnother one from the same manufacturer, the E100 by Razor is hyped because of its size –many even call it a tiny powerhouse. Despite its sleek design, the Razor E100 can reach speed up to 10 mph. It is a budget-friendly option for those who don’t want to invest in something expensive at the start and just want to try out if electric scooters are a better alternative than cars or not.

It comes equipped with twist grip throttle allowing easy control of the acceleration. The high-quality hand brakes enable it to come to a halt in a few seconds time. The frame is made of high-end steel, making it durable in different conditions. It comes in a variety of colors, allowing every individual to choose one of their preferences.

The only drawback is that it takes 12 hours to charge and only gives about 40- minutes of driving around before it runs out. This can be bothersome to some as this means that in case the battery runs out, the rider will have to use it manually using kicking motions to reach the destination.

Pros

  • Ideal for short distance commuting
  • 10 mph speed range
  • Safety features included
  • Budget-friendly

Cons

  • Takes up to 12 hours to charge completely
  • Isn’t ideal for steep hills and mountains
  • Needs some occasional repairs

XIAOMI MIJIA M365 –Best Portable

XIAOMI MIJIA M365 –Best PortableXiomi Mijia M365 is designed for adults –it is no toy for kids or toddlers. It means business and that too, 365 days of the year. It is bigger in size than most electric scooters in our top 17 with a big handlebar.

It has a speed limit of up to 16 mph and upon a single charge can cover a distance of some 20 miles.

It comes with a smartphone app that has many features such as knowing the battery charge left, the average speed you mostly drive at, cruise controls, braking, etc.

The cruise controls allow easy handling of the electric scooter by maintaining a steady speed throughout the ride, which also ends up saving you some battery life. Like most other models in the list, it takes up to 5-6 hours to fully charge which is ideal as you may charge it at your office too.

 

Another great feature is the powerful LED lighting system that allows driving it at night easier. Add to that the added protective layers that the battery and other important electric parts come sealed in. This way, you won’t have to worry about damaging them even when riding in harsh or wet conditions.

Lastly, it doesn’t weigh more than 27 pounds. This allows the rider to easily carry it along after folding it in half.

Pros

  • Cruise Controls and app
  • 16 mph speed range
  • 20 miles coverage
  • Waterproof 
  • Foldable

Cons

  • Slightly heavy

TOMOLOO TWO-WHEEL SELF-BALANCING SCOOTER –User-friendly Design

TOMOLOO TWO-WHEEL SELF-BALANCING SCOOTERTomoloo’s two-wheel scooter is ideal for those who aren’t sure whether they should opt for scooting to work or not. This is a very basic design with user-friendly features to ensure there isn’t any hassle driving it. Many even call it an introductory electric scooter.

Talking about its features, it comes with a readout screen, located on the top handle of the handlebar. It has an energy –saving braking system that saves up some charge. It has a maximum speed limit of 15.5 which is ideal for roads, sidewalks and side paths, especially during rush hours. It has a high-quality lithium battery which requires charging for up to 4 hours which is better than most models offering similar features but with 5-6 or 12 hours charging times. The motor doesn’t make a lot of noise even when riding at the maximum speed limit.

The electric scooter weighs a little heavier than other models by the same brand. Although, it has a collapsible design that makes carrying it easier, having to carry 30 pounds isn’t something everyone would appreciate doing, especially when one has to carry it up and down the stairs.

Pros

  • Collapsible 
  • 3 to 4 hours of battery charging time
  • Cost-effective
  • User-friendly features

Cons

  • Weighs 30 pounds
  • The range could be better
  • Speed isn’t fast enough

GIGABYKE GROOVE –Best Seated

GIGABYKE GROOVE –Best SeatedThis next one on the list is all about style and sleekness. It is both nimble and powerful, made to take long treks on the road and ride up steep hills. It comes packed with a 750 watts motor which enables it to reach a speed limit of up to 20 mph. Its silicone lead-acid battery ensures that the charge doesn’t’ run out before you have covered a distance of 25 miles to the least. Once the battery runs out, it takes only 6 hours to get it back on the roads again.

It comes equipped with a padded seat to allow the rider utmost comfort imaginable. It has dual suspension in the front and rear and allows easy maneuvering with the 32-inch wide handlebar.

The manufacturer offers it in a range of colors which allows every rider to pick one of their choices. Attention to detail can be seen in its LED headlights and taillights, designed to offer maximum visibility in the night and on dim-lit sidewalks. The LCD screen display located on the handlebar shows the stats of the battery charge left, miles you have covered and speed that you are traveling at.

Lastly, the disc brakes allow smooth stopping within seconds to prevent any collisions with people or vehicles.

Pros

  • 20 mph speed limit
  • 23 miles range
  • 750 watts motor
  • Sleek and durable design

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Pedals aren’t gyroscopic

NANROBOT D5+ FOLDABLE -Compact and Sleek

NANROBOT D5+ FOLDABLEThis is a powerhouse when compared with other electric scooters on the list. With a guaranteed top speed of up to 40 mph, this comes powered with dual 2000 watts motors, one located in the front and the other in the rear. Its miles range is up to 50 which means you might not have to recharge it at all when using it to travel to nearby places.

Despite housing a motor as big as 2000 watts, it is lightweight and convenient. It has a quick collapsible/quick folding mechanism that folds it into half in less than 3 seconds time. The battery is made of high-quality lithium-ion and can take up to 10 hours to charge completely. This is a slight drawback but surely nothing compared to the mileage it offers before running out completely. The adjustable twist throttle and hand brakes with shock-absorption features make stopping easier.

Add to all that the 10 inch wide tires that ensure stability, even on different terrains. Finally, LED lights in both front and rear make it easier to stop by passerby and vehicles at night with ease.

Pros

  • 3 Dual 2000 watts motor
  • 40 mph speed limit
  • 50 miles coverage
  • Dual braking system
  • Collapsible design

Cons

  • 10 hours charging time

RAZOR ECOSMART METRO ELECTRIC SCOOTER –Convenience at its Best

RAZOR ECOSMART METRO ELECTRIC SCOOTERThe Razor EcoSmart is designed with stability, good looks, and convenience in mind. As the name suggests, an emphasis has been made to ensure it is an eco-friendly option. Unlike most electric scooters with an aluminum frame, this had a bamboo deck, to begin with. The adjustable height seat ensures that people of all heights can ride the electric scooter without having to strain their arms and legs. It comes with wide 16 inch tires and has a very vintage vibe to it. A detachable basket in the rear can easily house anything from groceries to your office bag whilst ensuring their safety.

Talking about its speed limit, it can go as high as 18 mph and allow you an undisturbed riding time of 40 minutes before needing a recharge. A slight drawback is the charge time. It takes half the day (12 hours) to fully recharge.

It is powered by a 500 watts motor and a lead battery. Including the rider’s weight and that of the cargo basket, it can hold up to 220 pounds which is standard for most electric scooters in the same price range.

Lastly, it has hand-operated brakes rear disc brakes that allow the vehicle to come to a quick halt when needed.

Pros

  • Rear Cargo basket
  • Adjustable seat
  • Bamboo deck
  • 16 inch wide tires
  • 18 mph speed range
  • 40 minutes of riding time

Cons

  • Brakes get hot 
  • 12 hours charging time

NANROBOT D4+HIGH SPEED – Best Braking System

This is one of the sturdiest electric scooters, ideal for daily commuting to and from work as it can carry a load of 330 pounds without compromising on the speed. This, in itself, is a testimony of the high-quality materials used to manufacture this.

You must be thinking that since the electric scooter can reach a speed limit of 40 mph, it must take some hefty braking system to make it stop. True, the manufacturers thought of that too. The scooter has a dual disc braking system, one in the front tire and another in the rear one. The brake controls are mounted on the handlebar just like that on a regular bike.

It comes powered by dual 1000 watts motors, located in each of its front and rear wheels. This allows it to achieve a speed limit of up to 40 mph with ease, even on inclined or steep hills. The presence of the dual motors provides it with an all-wheel-drive functionality as well.

Add to that the amount of distance it can cover on a single charge. It can offer the riders to ride up to 45 miles before running out of battery. Needless to say, it will last you all day and allow you to make some stops on the way too.

Pros

  • 40 mph top speed
  • 45-mile range
  • 1000 watts motor
  • Dual braking system
  • Sturdy construction

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Heavier to carry

Considerations to Make Before Buying the Best Electric Scooter for Commuting

Before we get to the reviews, there are a number of questions you must ask yourself. How are you going to pick the best electric scooter for commuting to work? Which brand or model will you go for? Would you prefer paying over for a better model or will you suffice with whatever suits your budget?

All of these are important questions that will help you choose from various options. Therefore, we shall discuss each in detail so that by the time you get to the reviews, you already have a list of customized needs for an electric scooter.

What type should I go for?

You need to ask yourself if you will be needing the electric scooter for a daily commute or just for days when you don’t feel like taking the subway.

What weight capacity do I need?

Weight is a major consideration when choosing the best electric scooter for commuting. After all, if you plan to ride the electric scooter to work every day, you need something sturdy enough to handle your weight and also of any additional things you plan to carry along such as a laptop or gym bag.

Will I need variable battery packs?

An additional chargeable battery means you will have an insured backup plan, especially if you plan to cover long distances. Having a chargeable battery pack will also reduce the downtime in between the charges, promoting their longevity.

What should be the ideal price?

Each situation is different. You can’t just assume that buying a high-end expensive electric scooter will be the best. Since it is a competitive market, many companies offer similar features but at very different rates. Therefore, it is imperative that you understand the pricing of each, what features it offers and are there any promotions or sales going on or not.

Buying Guide for the Best Electric Scooter for Commuting

Buying an electric scooter is a big investment. Therefore, there are a number of features to look for before buying one. After all, wouldn’t you have done the same when buying a car?

This technical guide below will help you make a wiser decision by the end of the day so you don’t end up buying the first one you see in a store. The guide talks about what features to look for in an electric scooter, what price considerations to make, where to buy from and how much maintenance would it require over time.

Categorization of Electric Scooters

High-Performance Electric Scooters

Expect for portability, these rank the highest in terms of performance. These are often huge in structure as some feature double motors for achieving high speeds. They also have an extended battery life, hydraulically-activated disc brakes, large tires, and top-notch suspension. All of these features add up the weight making it weigh as much as 50 pounds or more.

As for the prices, these do come with a hefty price tag.

Premium Commuter

Premium commuters are just an upgraded version of the budget electric scooters with a larger motor, better suspension, better brakes, and bigger batteries. All these promises a smoother ride with a better range. However, the additional features also have a drawback and that is troublesome portability. Even though these are foldable, picking them up and placing them in the car or taking the stairs with them can be challenging.

Budget Electric Scooters

Budget scooters aren’t made for long distances. They are very light in weight and preferred to be used for minimal recreational activities. Since they are cheaper than most electric scooters, these come equipped with low capacity batteries, underpowered motors, spotty build, and weak brakes. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t good. Those who are just trying out how riding on them feels like can opt for these for a little beginner’s insight.

Commuter Electric Scooters

Commuter scooters are the most preferred and wide category of electric scooters. There are over a thousand models by various brands competing against each other. Since they come at a fairly-medium price, the rider can expect a balanced set of features and accessories in terms of quality, performance, and durability.

Budget Commuter

The budget commuter is a hybrid of the budget electric scooter and the commuter. This means that despite being a cheaper version, it doesn’t compromise on the quality and features. They are great to cover shorter distances, require some occasional repairs and made for the roads –not steep hills.

Distributors

Are you going to buy it for domestically from a local store like BestBuy or Costco? Are you going to have one delivered directly from the manufacturer in China via AliExpress or Alibaba? Or are you going to order one online from Amazon?

You must decide which distribution channel are you going to order it?

Electric Scooter Features

Now that you have filtered down the budget, it is imperative that you understand what features to look for in an ideal commuter electric scooter. These features include everything from motor power to the maintenance required. Let’s discuss these in detail below.

Motor Power

There are multiple classes of motor power. Some start as low as 200 watts and go up to 6270 watts. If the goal is to buy the best electric scooter for commuting daily to and from work, we recommend not going below 270 watts. This motor power is ideal for smooth surfaces and even some low hills. However, if you live in a region with moderate to high hills, we recommend looking for an electric scooter that features a 300 to 500 watts motor.

Range

The range of an electric scooter refers to how far it can go or how much distance it can cover before it runs out of charge. It is believed that many manufacturers overestimate the battery time by 30% so be cautious when looking at the range averages of multiple electric scooters.

Moreover, keep in mind that the battery capacity will slow down over time. Thus, invest in an electric scooter that will easily cover your required distance with some 20%-35% still remaining.

Top Speed

Top speed refers to how fast it can go and cover a one-mile distance. Any electric scooter that can reach a limit of 15 mph or above it will do the job. However, be sure to read about the laws in your state as many states prohibit going over 15 mph. If you require to speed higher than that, we suggest going for a premium or high-performance commuters as they can go up as high as 40 mph.

Brakes

Brakes too are of different types and styles. Mainly, an electric scooter can have any of these 4 types of brakes.

Drum Brakes: Drum brakes are known to offer consistent performance, even in wet conditions. They are enclosed in the wheel hub and require very little maintenance or repairs.

Electric/regenerative Brakes: Electric or regenerative brakes are the poorest of all choices. When traveling at a speed of 15 mph and trying to come to a stop suddenly, these alone won’t help. Human intervention will be required at all costs. These come equipped with some budget commuters but not with all. 

Foot Brakes: Foot brakes require manual intervention. These work when the rider rubs his/her foot against the rear fender of the scooter. The act rubs against the rear tire which helps in slowing it down and ultimately bring the vehicle to a halt. 

Disc Brakes: Disc brakes are the most preferred set of brakes as they have the best stopping power. They are also lighter in weight which doesn’t add weight to the electric scooter itself. These usually come attached with high performance or premium budget commuters. 

Weight

How much weight can the electric scooter hold is another important criterion to understand when buying an electric scooter for the commute. Usually, most high-end and good quality electric scooters don’t weigh more than 20 pounds. This is ideal and doesn’t cause any strain on the rider when carrying it in their hand or in storage bad on their shoulders. If your office doesn’t have a functioning elevator, choosing an electric scooter weighing more than 20 pounds will be quite problematic.

Tires

Tires of electric scooters come in two different forms:

Airless Tires

The biggest and only advantage of airless tires is that they don’t require any maintenance. Other than that, they are quite inferior when compared with the features of pneumatic tires.

Pneumatic Tires

These come with shock-absorbing powers and handle traction better than airless tires, especially in harsh weather conditions. However, unlike airless tires, these do require occasional maintenance such as low air pressure or punctures.

Maintenance

Finally, before you buy an electric scooter for commute, you must also figure out what type of maintenance it would need. For instance, some models don’t have replacement parts. This means in case something goes wrong, you will have to return it back to the manufacturer.

Frequency: Even the best electric scooter will need maintenance. However, at what frequency is another factor to be taken into account. If it requires repairs and slight tweaks every now and then, maybe it isn’t the best electric scooter for the commute.

Conclusion

Electric scooters are a great means to travel short distances. They may seem expensive in the short-run but if we calculate the fuel and maintenance charges, this surely is a great alternative. Commuting on electric scooters not only benefits the rider but also the environment. No wonder many countries have legalized them to promote a healthier lifestyle among its people. Multiple studies have also encouraged their use due to the many health benefits they offer. From correcting one’s posture to building motor skills in kids, from offering a great cardio workout to preventing skeletal problems caused due to sitting, electric scooters are best for our overall wellbeing.

If you have decided to opt for a healthier lifestyle as well, consider this a kick-starter guide to help you evaluate your options wisely. Although most of them have similar features and perks, you may have to choose one based on your customized preferences. For instance, if you are looking for a seated option, you may find the Razor EcoSmart Metro electric scooter or the Gigabyke Groove as an ideal option. If convenience is your prime concern, you may go for the Swagtron 5 elite Swagger or the Gotrax GLX. If you wish for high speed, you may want to consider one by Nanrobot.

At the end of the day, it is you who will have to ride it daily, so be sure to pick one that most pleases you.

Frequency: Even the best electric scooter will need maintenance. However, at what frequency is another factor to be taken into account. If it requires repairs and slight tweaks every now and then, maybe it isn’t the best electric scooter for the commute.

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