Various electric scooters have come up in recent years, ranging from lightweight and low-powered recreational scooters to heavy-duty scooters meant for rugged off-road use and anything in between. A scooter is not a toy but a lightweight and reliable potable vehicle that gets you from one place to another with minimum fuss and ensures you look good in your daily commute.
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What Is A Commuter Scooter?
Apart from sounding fancy, a commuter scooter is an electric scooter that people use for personal transport. It can be used as part of your way and ride on public transport, or you can choose to ride the entire travel to wherever you want to go. Also known as an e-scooter, it is the most affordable type of electric scooter, and since you are choosing it for functionality, it beats the other types with more specialized specifications,
Most commuter scooters are different from other scooters, such as performance and off-road scooters, which are compact and lightweight. These electric scooters are that way since they should be more portable while you are on the go, and they average a maximum speed of 20-30KPH since the commuter scooter is used in public places, especially in the busy city. Even though you can purchase a commuter scooter with a higher speed limit, you can only ride it at the allowed speed of where you are.
However, with lots of options, a customer might feel confused, and therefore this article is the perfect guide to get you the best electric scooter for commuting. We have compiled the best choices with their pros and cons, and we have also included information to understand more about scooters and a buying guide to know what to look for in an electric scooter.
Which is the Best Electric Scooter for Commuting to Work?
1. Razor E300 Electric Scooter: Best for All Riders
- With its super-sized deck and frame, the Razor E300 electric scooter...
- Powered by a 250-watt, high-torque, single-speed, chain-driven motor...
- Rechargeable 24V (two 12V) sealed lead-acid battery system provides up...
- Features an all-steel frame and fork for a solid ride that stands up...
- Larger 9” (229 mm), pneumatic front and rear tires support older...
Razor E300 Electric Scooter is the best scooter for all riders, either kids or adults, with a fancy design designed with teenagers and explorative adults in mind. This is because it's available in bright colors that are visually appealing and can carry riders up to a weight limit of 220 pounds, and the frames and decks have been made to accommodate riders of 13 years and above.
The Razor E300 commuter scooter is powered by a high torque chain-driven motor that enables it to ride to as high as 15 miles per hour with a maximum 10-mile range. It also has 9-inch air-filled tires designed to support the scooter as its carrying riders and providing an extra smooth ride with a 15 mph impressive top speed.
Razor E300 is one of the best electric scooters in the market and is designed with a large footplate with an anti-slip surface that will help any riders avoid accidents while riding. It also features easy-to-grip handles and a twist-grip acceleration control that helps riders easily control their speed. The scooter weighs 52 pounds and is powered y several 12-volt lead-acid batteries; and it takes around 8 hours to charge fully, and you can use the scooter for 45 minutes on a single charge.
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2. Razor EcoSmart Metro Electric Scooter: Best for Short Commutes
- SIT AND RIDE – Soft padded seat and wide bamboo deck make for plenty...
- SMOOTH HANDLING – Air-filled 16" tires (406 mm) provide a smoother,...
- CARGO CARRIER – Tote your groceries, books, or bags with the handy...
- FAST AND POWERFUL – A 500-watt, high-torque, chain-driven motor...
- SAFETY AND STABILITY – Rear-wheel drive shifts weight to the rear,...
Razor EcoSmart Metro Electric Scooter is one of the best e-scooters for short commutes, and if you are looking for an all-round e-scooter since it has a 10-mile range and it's also the most environmentally conscious. It is not made like your usual scooter as it comes with a seat and a luggage carrier, but you can remove the luggage carrier and the basket if you don't want to use them or want a sleek look.
With a crisp white frame and large wheels, you can go with a speed of 18 mph, you can travel very fast and get a thrill out of it, but the speed makes it unsuitable as an electric scooter for kids as its too fast. However, the Razor EcoSmart Metro comes with a powerful 36V rechargeable battery, and this will give you a 10-mile range, meaning you could use the scooter for your daily comute comfortably.
Razor EcoSmart Metro is equipped with a powerful 5000W high-torque motor that is noise-free, adding to the scooter's environmental-friendliness. However, it's not easy to carry as it cannot be folded, but you need to take the 16-inch pneumatic tires off, put them in your bag, pick the frame, and be on your way. The e-scooter includes a battery charger and all the tools you need to assemble it and assembly is quick and easy when you follow instructions, and it packs a 90-day warranty.
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3. Hurtle HURES18-M5 Folding Electric Scooter: Best for Safety for Kids
- 300W MOTOR: The Hurtle Electric Scooter has a powerful 300W brushless...
- FOLDABLE DESIGN: The folding design of this fast electric scooter...
- HAND-ACTIVATED BRAKES: Features back disc brake & front E-ABS...
- 8.5" WHEELS: Equipped w/ 8.5” pneumatic tires which are anti-flat,...
- LED DISPLAY: This scooter features LED display which shows current...
Hurtle HURES18-M5 e-scooter is one of the best e-scooters for both adults and kids to commute and ride around town with a maximum range of 12 mph to 18 mph, depending on the driving mode you are using. The electric scooters come with a motor with three gears that will tackle all types of different terrains, and they can handle inclines of up to 15 degrees even with an adult on board. The three gears have a top speed of 19.2 MPH in its power mode, 9.3 MPH in low, and 15.5 MPH in standard gear, and these modes will affect how much acceleration your electric scooters will have battery they will consume.
Hurtle HURES18-M5 e-scooters feature an LED display screen that shows a user everything ranging from your battery life to the speed and cruise control settings allowing you to control everything without making many mistakes easily. With a weight limit of 265 lbs, the model accommodates heavy adults, and it also includes an E-brake in the front and a disc brake in the rear to enable riders to stop even when riding at a top speed. In addition, these electric scooters also come with incredible lights systems and a strong LED headlight with unique taillights feature and a brake light illumination to guarantee a comfortable ride.
Additionally, Hurtle HURES18-M5 are the best electric scooters because they include an app you can download to control as it mirrors the controlled display on your phone. This allows a parent to comfortably control their kid's scooter from their phone and see all the settings while cruising around town.
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CONS
4. Segway Ninebot ES4: Best for Long Commutes
- Dual Batteries: With an extra Lithium Ion battery and upgraded motor,...
- Portable Folding Design: Ninebot Kickscooter by Segway ES4 is sleek,...
- Safe & Comfortable Riding: Front and rear wheel shock absorbers...
- Technology Superior: With a LED display, bluetooth capabilities,...
- Quality Assurance: The ES4 is designed to bridge the gaps along your...
Segway Ninebot ES4 is one of the best electric scooters for people who handle longer commutes. It can be converted to a seated scooter without compromising any power or speed. It has a fairly impressive range with a maximum of 28 miles on a single charge; however, you can expect about 20 miles to 23 miles under unrealistic conditions, suitable for short and medium journeys.
Segway Ninebot ES4 is among the best electric scooters, and it features front and rear shock absorbers capable of soaking up any small bumps and lumps in the road. Another great feature of the e-scooter is the cruise control, which allows you to accelerate to your desired speed and ensure you hold the accelerator steady for about five seconds until you hear a beep then release. After that, the scooter will do all the work for you. In addition, this is one of the e-scooters with an IP54 water resistance rating, and this means it can stand up to routine showers, but you should avoid submerging it in water.
Segway Ninebot ES4 e-scooters has a Bluetooth Ninebot app that you can get from Google Play Store or the Apple app store and is easy to download and install and easy to pair with your scooter. In addition, the model includes a charger, and it takes about three to four hours to charge your scooter completely, and the battery will last for about three to five years.
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CONS
5. Gotrax GXL V2 Commuting Electric Scooter: Best Budget
- NEW 2020 MODEL - The 2020 edition of the GXL V2 is an improvement on...
- IMPROVED BATTERY LIFE - Featuring a 36V 5.2aH Battery the GXL V2...
- IMPROVED MOTOR - The 250 Watt Motor provides high torque but mantains...
- LOVE YOUR COMMUTE - Ride in comfort using the rubberized grips, easy...
- PORTABLE FOLDING FRAME - The GXL V2 Frame folds down to 15"x44"x6" and...
Gotrax GXL V2 Commuting Electric Scooter is one of the best electric scooters if you are looking for an affordable model with many features and high performance. It is made with high-quality materials like a reinforced metal frame that is built to last and comes with a 250-watt motor that offers a range of 9 miles to 12 miles and a top speed of 15 mph; and because of the long range, you will not need to charge it a lot during the day under heavy usage.
Gotrax GXL V2 includes 8.5-inch pneumatic tires that can handle all terrains, even the most treacherous streets, with a lot of ease and uses a robust disc braking system that can be found in the more costly scooters. The 8.5 inches allow comfort and stability, and they provide a slight bounce on the rough roads and eliminate any uncomfortable movements.
Even though Gotrax GXL V2 also includes a simple cockpit, the cockpit is made of a mechanical bell, brakes, power button, and an LCD display showing the battery level and speed. Although it is not the lightest scooter at a 26 pounds weight, it's light enough to carry around, especially since your can fold down the frame into a more compact size, making it ideal for people traveling in commuter buses and trains. Also, the 15 mph max speed is enough for most people, but it may feel sluggish to the pro riders.
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CONS
What Are Some Features of an Electric Scooter?
a). Display panel
The display panel in the best electric scooter is similar to the one you find in a car. It is necessary as it ensures a user is aware of various statistics about their comfortable ride. In addition, depending on the model, the display may be an LED display, and it may show your current speed, the status of your headlights, the remaining battery life, and your overall trip distance.
b). Lights
Since most of these best electric scooters are used for short or long commutes to school or work, they may leave at the end of the day when the sun has already set, making them an important part of your electric scooter. Even if you intend on riding during the day, ensure the choice of the best scooter is equipped with brake lights and headlights, and this will help motorists and passersby see you and increase your safety.
c). Seat
Most electric scooters are designed to be used while standing, but some come with a seat to give a user a more comfortable ride. Also, some models don't include the seats, but they allow a user to add seats as an additional purchase. Seating on a scooter will give you a feel of a traditional bicycle, and having a seat will ensure you get a more comfortable and familiar ride.
d). Height adjustability
Some of the best electric scooters have this functionality, and they allow you to adjust the height of your handlebars, which ensures you get a more comfortable and safer ride. The height adjustability is also important, especially if the electric scooter is used with more than one person of different heights.
e). Folding
Some of the best electric scooters feature a folding mechanism that you can use when not or when you are being carried. This process is done in a matter of seconds. In addition, it only needs you to pull or press on a lever near your base where it connects to the rest of your frame; if you intend on carrying your electric scooter in public transportation or to your workplace or you have limited storage space in your home, then opting for a folding model will be an ideal choice.
What are the Types of Electric Scooters For Commuting
a). Commuter
These electric scooters pack a lot of power, offer better speed and range, and generally have more features, making them suitable for the demanding streets. However, because of their large batteries, you will have to compromise on the weight, but they will still be easy to fold and carry around.
b). Budget
The budget electric scooters are suitable for short-distance trips over the paved city streets, and they have motors that offer a decent range and power but will struggle on rough terrains or steep inclines. The scooters are very portable, and even though they are generally foldable, they weigh about 20 to 40 pounds and are very easy to carry around.
c). Performance
This category of electric scooters features extremely powerful motors, and they can propel riders to high speeds. They will offer ranges of over 25 miles, with some having a maximum range of up to 80 miles. In addition, these scooters include a costly suspension system and have solid tires that will comfortably handle any rough roads. However, with all these features and their heavyweight, they may not be very portable.
What are the Benefits of an Electric Scooter for Commuting?
1. Painless Travel
This is the most significant benefit of an e-scooter as it can allow you to have a smooth trip either when getting stuck in the rush hour traffic or when walking for some minutes to the nearest bus stop. The best electric scooters allow you to navigate any busy traffic or reach your nearest bus stop in a shorter while than you would when walking.
2. Minimize Stress
It allows you to travel at your own pace without breaking a sweat, and it is fun to ride, lowering your everyday stress and also give you some extra minutes' worth of sleep.
3. Eco-friendly
One of the biggest pros of using an electric scooter for commuting is its small carbon footprint. Since electric scooters run on electricity, they don't produce CO2 or any other polluting emissions, and this means that they are an environmentally friendly and sustainable mode of transportation. Also, as the battery recycling industry continues to grow, the scooters will continue to decrease the ecological impact.
4. Affordable
The best electric scooters make an economical mode of personal transport. Not only are they affordable enough for plenty of people to purchase, but they also run on battery, making them maintenance-friendly and inexpensive. The best electric scooter will not need a lot of maintenance compared to other transportation forms, and also it will be relatively cheap to fix any damages.
Factors to Consider Before Purchasing the Best Electric Scooter for Commuting
1. Top Speed & Maximum Range
The top speed is not a major consideration for commuter scooters, and this is because most places usually have a 25kph speed limit. However, some scooters have top speeds of up to 40KPH, and you can get them but remember you will still have to stick to the speed limit on weekdays and enjoy the maximum speed on wild rides during the weekend.
A more important feature to consider would be the distance or the maximum range your e-scooter can cover on a single charge. Most electric scooters usually go a maximum of around 25 to 45 km on a flat road. That is enough for most uses. Some other electric scooters have a maximum range of 12 km, and it's still a great choice, especially for a short commuter. Others can travel long distances of about 60 to 80 km. This is perfect as long as you remember to charge your scooter.
Before choosing the best electric scooter, ensure you know your commuting needs as this will help you determine the best electric scooter for your range but remember, the higher the range, the better.
2. Portability and Weight
Before purchasing a commuter, scooter weight is another factor to consider, as you should be able to ride it without feeling like it will break comfortably. E-scooters should be carried around easily when folded as not everyone can ride their scooter along the way, and their arms will get easily fatigued with heavy scooters, and it will be even hard to lift them.
Many e-scooters feature nifty folding mechanisms that can bend and clip your scooter in half, and this will only take a few seconds, making it easier to carry your commuter scooter around. Others feature collapsible handles, and compact scooters are more comfortable on trains and buses because they don't take up much space or bother other commuters. They can also be stored under office desks or in car trunks.
Most commuter scooters weigh an average of about 12 to 15 kg, which is perfect if you need to carry your scooter up a long flight of stairs. However, other commuter scooters are built to be more sturdy, and therefore, they reach weights of up to 20 kg, which can be a bit difficult to carry but not impossible.
Gauge your options and if you think that heavy commuter scooters have better specs and are worth the discomfort of the weight, then go for them.
3. Braking System & Safety
When purchasing an electrical scooter, you should look out for safety features such as reliable breaking since a better part of commuting should be to keep you safe. Therefore opt for electric scooters that feature easy-to-use yet dependable scooter brakes where some are housed in the rear, and others have double systems in the front and rear.
4. IP Rating
The IP rating of the best electric scooters is meant to tell you how water resistant your e-scooter will be but remember, and it's never advisable to ride an electric scooter in the rain. However, if you have to ride in the rain, ensure you purchase the best electric scooter in the market, and it should have a minimum IP rating of IPx4. Such scooters will be resistant to water splashes and will be able to run under any light rain.
5. Wheel Size
The wheel size plays a major role in how the best electric scooter will operate as it influences the acceleration, speed, and effort needed to have a comfortable ride with the scooter.
Generally, bigger wheels are more efficient in commuting as they allow faster movement and offer a more comfortable commute. However, these large wheels will limit the portability of your e-scooter and add overall bulkiness to your scooter.
Alternatively, the small wheels will be easily foldable and more portable, but they will sacrifice speed, and the ideal thing to do is choose a wheel size that suits you best. If unsure which wheel size to opt for, it's better to opt for medium-sized wheels because they offer a sweet balance between rolling performance and portability.
6. Versatility/Durability
Durability is one factor that is often ignored, but you should observe this factor because it will determine how long your scooter will last and if it will stand the test of time efficiently. Additionally, the price will give you an idea of how durable the e-scooter will be, where the more expensive the gadget is, the better the build quality will be. Finally, one major area to check while checking durability is the battery quality since if you purchase a high-quality battery, you are guaranteed you will get longer battery life.
On the factor of versatility, your e-scooter should be able to handle other errands apart from commuting since sometimes you may want to ride your scooter for fun. Versatility allows a scooter to be used in other ways apart from the main purpose but within a set of some safe parameters.
7. Battery Life
The battery life can be a difficult estimation since it depends on a few factors. They include the temperature, the rider's weight, and the terrain where if you are riding on a flat surface, you will move faster than if riding on up downhills. The battery life is measured in Amp Hours, and the higher the number of hours, the longer you will be able to ride your electrical scooter.
8. Motors
The majority of electric scooters feature a single hub-mounted motor, and this means that the motor has built into the wheel itself and will generally have a power rating of between 250 and 350 watts. If you live in a hilly surrounding, it's ideal to opt for a motor with a higher wattage.
Notably, the best electric scooters have a powerful motor and a high-quality battery, which guarantees you will get a long-range and max speed. So choose a powerful motor and a great battery life to avoid spending a lot of time charging your e-scooter.
9. Lights
Lights are an important factor to consider especially if you plan on riding your scooter in the early morning hours, among city traffic, or during the night to help you see and be seen. If you fall under any of the above criteria, opt for electric scooters that feature taillights and headlights, where the best options should be ones that flash the taillights whenever you apply the brakes.
Most scooters feature an LED headlight, and some have safety lights on the side to ensure maximum security. However, turn signals are rare to find even in the best electric scooter for commuting, and therefore, you may have to look out when changing lanes.
10. Tires/suspension
It is always best to look out for this to avoid bumping over cracks and potholes in the road. To reduce this, you should opt for e-scooters equipped with air-filled pneumatic tires that will help cushion things. Others may have a front and rear suspension and sometimes both to dampen any pockmarks on the road and guarantee a more comfortable ride.
A suspension system is only necessary for users who ride on rough roads, and it's not a must for people riding over paved and smooth city roads.
11. Charging Time
The charging is an important factor to consider for everyone, especially if you intend to be using the scooter very often. The best electric scooter will have a great battery pack as this will allow the user to enjoy their smooth ride to and from their job or school without any distractions.
Most of the best electric scooters come with about four to six hours of charging time, but some can take as long as ten, so ensure you check this out. If you plan on commuting often, you will want to avoid the best electric scooter models that may take about 10-12 hours of charging time and even try to find fast chargers that will cut the normal charging in half.
What are Some Tips for Using the Best Electric Scooter for Commuting?
a). Try to wear protective equipment. As much as this is not a must, try to have a helmet on your head and pads to protect your elbows and knees.
b). Always check how air-filled your tires are before getting on your scooter and ensure you get the right amount of pressure and they don't have any damages. Checking before any ride will help you avoid any accidents, prolong the life of your tires and ensure you have a smooth ride to wherever you are headed.
c). Ensure your scooter's lighting is working well. This is an important tip, especially if you intend to ride in low-light conditions or at night, and you may want your headlight to illuminate a good distance ahead of you.
d). Try and avoid riding your scooter in the rain or through puddles. Even though your scooter may be rated water-resistant, some water may manage to get in, which might ruin the circuit and make it inoperable.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Electric Scooters for Commuting
1. How Far Can You Commute on an Electric Scooter?
How far you can commute depends on the choice of electric scooter because all brands have different ranges, but as a rule of thumb, the farthest you can go is traveling on a commuter scooter is 30 miles. This is because of the power and size of the batteries in the e-scooters. However, if you don't need a portable scooter and want a model to get you from one door to another, you can get one that can travel further.
2. Should I ride an electric scooter on the street or sidewalk?
This depends on where you are riding from and the laws for your local jurisdiction, as they vary from one jurisdiction to another. Mostly, electric scooters are ridden on the street and, if possible, in the bike lane, but some locations don't allow e-scooters on the streets with a speed limit of 35 MPH and above. Therefore, always check the laws of your jurisdiction before taking your electric scooter out for a ride.
3. Do I need to wear a helmet when riding an electric scooter?
Helmets are not mandated in most jurisdictions for adults riding electric scooters, but they sometimes are for minors. That being said, there are no doubt helmets greatly increase your safety in the event of a crash or tumble. Because of this, it is recommended that everyone, regardless of age, wear a helmet when riding an electric scooter.
4. How can I secure an electric scooter?
As e-scooters are different from standard bikes, some owners have been bothered by securing their electric scooters outdoors. The standard D-lock bike locks usually depend on the width and angle of your handlebars, and this allows a potential thief to shimmy and lift your scooter easily. Even though cable locks can be a flexible alternative to prevent your scooter from being stolen, they can sometimes be cut. Other ways to avoid your electric scooter from being stolen are using grip locks, which can be smart, or folding locks as they are strong and can be tied anywhere on your electric scooter.
5. Can an Electric Scooter be ridden manually?
Yes and no, depending on the model. Most can be ridden manually, and those that cant be can be pushed. Dual-electric scooters are made to ensure a user can easily switch from electric to manual riding, but they need a control panel. However, riding the e-scooters manually can be very difficult and may tire you quickly, and often, manufacturers don't recommend it. Also, the deck might be too high off the ground for most scooters, and the hub motors may cause some resistance.
Image Source: unagiscooters.com
