Types

Five kinds of scooter

The category a scooter belongs to decides more than any single spec: it sets how much battery it carries, whether you can pick it up, and whether its brakes are adequate for its own top speed. Start here rather than with a brand.

  • Long-range commuter

    16 · ~$550–$1,199

    600 Wh and up, still one motor. Bought for the distance between charges rather than the speed.

    Longest estimated range: EMOVE Cruiser V2 · Most watt-hours per dollar: EMOVE Cruiser V2

  • Commuter

    12 · ~$299–$850

    Single motor, 15-20 mph, enough battery for a few miles each way. The volume half of the market.

    Longest estimated range: Gotrax GMAX Ultra · Most watt-hours per dollar: Gotrax GMAX Ultra

  • Off-road / hyper

    12 · ~$549–$3,899

    Big tires, long suspension travel, 40 mph and beyond. Garage vehicles with motorcycle-class consequences.

    Longest estimated range: NAMI Burn-E 2 Max · Most watt-hours per dollar: Ausom GoSoul 2 Pro

  • Performance

    9 · ~$599–$1,999

    Dual motors, high twenties and up. Enough power that brakes and tire size stop being footnotes.

    Longest estimated range: NAMI Klima · Most watt-hours per dollar: Inmotion Climber

  • Last-mile

    6 · ~$299–$1,190

    Under about 32 lb and built to be carried. Short range is the trade, and the fold is the feature.

    Longest estimated range: E-TWOW GT Sport · Most watt-hours per dollar: Hiboy S2