6 Cool Electric Scooters That Are Reliable and Easy to Store

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THE RISE in popularity of electric scooters is no mistake. Thanks to the continued refinement of what e-scooter tech can reach, the best ones combine durability and steady speed with affordability and collapsible design. The best electric scooters are great for joyriding, but what many might not know is how useful they are for running errands and commuting.

The editors and writers at Men's Health have spent the past year testing and researching the best electric scooters. We focused on each scooter's ability to deliver value for the price, because, to be honest, there are a lot of quality e-scooters on the market you can buy these days. We looked for electric scooters with unique features like a wide deck (for being able to stand with your feet next to each other pointing forward), sturdy wheels, and long battery life.

Should I Buy an Electric Scooter or an Electric Bike?

If you are on the fence about buying an electric scooter over an electric bike, consider this: an electric scooter can collapse and store in a much smaller space. Electric scooters weigh less than e-bikes too, so if you live in an apartment with stairs or an elevator you'll be able to carry your e-scooter easier; and unlike how you have to find a place to chain up an electric bike, an electric scooter can be folded up and carried wherever you please. Electric bikes are great for traveling longer distances than electric scooters though, and so if you are looking to put in long rides at the park or seeking a more comfortable method of transportation when commuting, then an electric bike would be the one to go with.

The best electric scooters ahead are going to appeal to all types of riders and showcase the wide variety of styles you can buy here in 2023. Before we get started though, we need to make one thing clear: Always wear a helmet when riding an electric scooter. These bad boys can get up to some pretty fast speeds and should not be looked at as a toy. With that being said, let's get to the list.

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Ninebot ES2 Electric Kick Scooter

Segway's Ninebot series is a trusted go-to for many buyers. You can buy these electric scooters at multiple prices, with some models featuring boosted specs that include thicker wheels, faster speeds, and longer range. While it would be fun to run through the entire lineup, we recommend skipping the trial period and going straight for the ES2: it's Segway's top-selling electric scooter, and it commands a great mid-tier price point.

Aside from the price, we love how the ES2 is compact. You can fold it up and store it neatly in a closet. It's only 27 pounds too, so you can carry it up and down stairs with ease. The ES2 comes with electric brakes and mechanical brakes, making it comfortable to stop at a moment's notice even when flying up to 15 mph.

The tires are non-pneumatic, meaning they don't have any air pressure inside. This is a nice design detail in the fact you don't have to worry about blowing a tire, but the way the wheels are set up makes for a bumpy ride on uneven terrain sometimes. The deck you stand on is thin, which is something to consider before buying, as it could be uncomfortable riding the ES2 for long periods of time.

Nevertheless, the ES2 promises a ton of functional use and reliable performance. It's excellent at keeping score, and if you plan on using it outside of pleasure you can still get a sizable 15 miles of range on the battery to run errands or commute to work. Here is a great example of an electric scooter providing excellent value for its price.

GXL V2 Electric Scooter

It's possible to get an electric scooter for under $300, and the Gotrax GXL V2 is the perfect example of how you can get solid performance on a budget. The Gotrax is similar in some ways to the Segway Ninebot ES2, with 8.5" pneumatic tires that roll well over pavement and dirt. It has your traditional scooter design, meaning you don't have any special details like a wide deck for your feet or special headlights. You get a 15 mph top speed and 12.5-mile max range, which is actually pretty decent too.

Comparing it back to the Ninebot ES2, the Ninebot ES2 does have suspension and more advanced brakes. The Ninebot ES2 also has solid tires, so you don't have to worry about inflating them like you do here with the Gotrax.

Ultimately the decision to go with a cheaper pick like the Gotrax here is if you are looking for an electric scooter to ride for fun. It's not loaded with any features that could make it more smoother and comfortable for a commute or long-range right, nor is it outfitted to handle true off-roading over grass or dirt. But, with all that being said, the Gotrax is fun, affordable, and reliable. Call it a great deal that also makes for a unique gift idea.

KQi3 Max Pro Electric Scooter

Like Segway, NIU offers a ton of different electric scooters at different price points. The KQi3 Pro is the most impressive electric scooter we've tested, and while it does have one of the higher price tags on this list, the Pro also has some of the best performance we've seen; we're talking a high-speed of up to 23.6 mph and a range of over 40 miles.

NIU opted for an all-aluminum frame for the Pro to help ensure durability while cutting weight. The Pro does weigh 45 pounds, but if you take into account the amount of hardware the electric scooter needs (like its battery stacks and motor), then the under-50 pound mark is still an impressive feat.

Aside from the Pro's high speed and long range, we also love the thickness of the tires. The thickness makes rides feel much smoother, and the strength of the tires allows them to power over all types of terrain. You also get a wide deck, which makes it so you can ride the electric scooter standing with your feet side-by-side pointing towards the handles. The deck probably adds some considerable weight to the Pro, but when you realize how comfortable standing in the side-by-side position is when riding for long distances, then the extra pounds are worth it.

Last to point out are all the little bells and whistles of the Pro. You get a bright Halo headlight, dual disc brakes, and IP54 water and dust resistance. Oh, and of course the Pro folds right up into a neat position for storage. We call it the Ford F-150 of electric scooters: reliable and high-performing.

VE1 PRO Electric Scooter

Another brand to know in the space, Hiboy makes a wide array of electric scooters (and electric bikes). The VE1 Pro has turned out to be our favorite from its electric scooter lineup thanks to a couple of unique features—namely the 16-inch tires and wide deck.

We'll start by saying the 16-inch tires are awesome, especially when needing to commute for work or trudge over grass or dirt. The tires provide a buttery smooth ride, especially when paired with the 8.25-inch deck that allows you to stand with your feet side-by-side pointed forward. The features make for some of the most comfortable riding possible. The only downside about the large tires is the VE1 Pro takes up a little more space when folded down for storage.

In terms of performance, the VE1 Pro packs a 23 mph max speed and a 31-mile range, more than enough to help you get to and from work in a jiffy. The range is a tad bit less than the NIU Pro, but then again the VE1 Pro is about $100 less at retail price. Really what you paying for here is the combination of high-end performance with the special comfort and reliability of the thick wheels and wide deck.

EcoSmart Metro HD Electric Scooter

Leave it to Razor to drum up such an interesting design of a seated electric scooter. It might take a second to get used to the EcoSmart Metro, but the seat actually makes riding so much more comfortable. You also have the storage rack in the back for small items, plus two massive tires for going over pavement, dirt, grass, and whatever else you please (well, maybe not sand).

The tires on the Razor are 16-inch bicycle tires, and the deck of the scooter is definitely wide enough to place your feet side-by-side on. The performance of the EcoSmart Metro reaches up to a respectable 15 mph and 12-mile range. While it might seem low compared to the others on this list, it is important to remember that electric scooters with faster speed and higher range are some of the most expensive. The Eco Smart Metro touches a mid-tier price point as far as electric scooters go.

There are some glaring tradeoffs to buying the EcoSmart Metro over other electric scooters. The first is the weight of it is heavy, around 72 pounds. The second is the scooter's design makes it so you pretty much have to sit down while riding; there's not enough space to stand up without the seat hitting you in the back of the legs while riding.

Nevertheless, this is a unique option to turn to if you're looking for comfort and function, and willing to sacrifice speed and range. The best thing about the EcoSmart Metro is it has been seen to go on sale. If you can find it for under $400 then you have a certified deal on your hands.

Power Core E90 Electric Scooter

If you're looking into buying an electric scooter for kids, it's worth starting with something a little less powerful. Razor makes some excellent electric scooters for kids, and we specifically love the Power Core E90 model. It has a wide deck so they can balance easier while riding, as well as a push-button throttle so they don't have to worry about learning how to work a regular throttle.

The electric scooter weighs just 22 pounds and goes up to 10 mph (not too fast, but not too slow either). As for range? Talk about an impressive 13 miles.

Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Scooters

Which brand of electric scooter is best?

There are a ton of good electric scooter brands to buy from in 2023. A few years ago, that was not such the case. Our favorite brands of electric scooters include Segway, Hiboy, NIU, Razor, and Gotrax; and you'll find there's a specific reason for why we like each in this guide. In terms of what brand we'd name the best (as in best performance), that would be NIU.

What is a powerful electric scooter?

Powerful electric scooters often trend up to a higher price point, as brands are adding more batteries and tech to ensure a faster speed and longer range (while also staying safe). The most powerful electric scooter we have on this list is the NIU Pro, but the Hiboy VE1 PRO is also powerful.

How much should I pay for an electric scooter?

Depending on what your needs are, an electric scooter can range from $250-$2000. The electric scooters that go over $1,000 are more of a specialty buy, and really you're only buying those for pleasure. Our rule is to not go over $1,000 on an electric scooter, as we believe there's a ton of value on the market right now. Electric scooters near $1,000 on our list are going to be better for commuting and going through different types of terrain, while the more you go down in price the more barebones you get.

A mid-tier price point for an electric scooter is going to be around $500-$600, while an entry-level scooter is going to be around $250-$300. We say avoid anything less than $250, as we have concerns about long-term durability for scooters that are cheap.

Do I need a driver's license to ride an electric scooter?

No, unless you've bought something that has a VIN number, which would likely mean you actually bought a moped instead of an electric scooter. Anything with a VIN number will need to be registered with the state and likely result in you needing a driver's license to ride.

How We Selected

We consulted with Men's Health writers and editors on the best folding e-bikes in 2023. Experts, including our gear and commerce editor, John Thompson, reviewed a number of electric scooters and evaluated their design, performance, durability, and features. We also considered price point, as some electric scooters promise a better overall value than others.

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