Electric scooters have surged in popularity as a convenient and eco-friendly mode of urban transportation. As we navigate 2024, the market is flooded with options, making it challenging to choose the right one. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a weekend explorer, or just seeking a fun way to get around, finding the best e scooter 2024 for your needs is crucial. This guide breaks down the top electric scooters of the year, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
Essential Safety Gear: Helmets
Before diving into scooter models, let’s emphasize safety. A helmet is non-negotiable for any e-scooter rider.
Beam Virgo Helmet
For riders prioritizing safety at higher speeds, the Beam Virgo Helmet is a top contender. If you plan to consistently ride above 15 mph, a full-face helmet like the Virgo offers superior protection. Its striking design is matched by practical features, including a flip-down visor that proves invaluable in wet conditions, shielding your eyes from rain and road spray. While the snug fit (especially for larger sizes) might require removing glasses initially, they can be comfortably repositioned once the helmet is on. Thoughtful design elements like earbud holes enhance usability. Comfort is paramount, although occasional padding adjustments might be needed. Crucially, the Virgo incorporates MIPS technology, a critical safety feature that minimizes rotational forces during accidents, thereby reducing the risk of brain injuries. This helmet is a solid investment for safety-conscious, faster e-scooter riders.
Thousand Heritage 2.0 Helmet
For those who prefer leisurely rides at slower speeds, the Thousand Heritage 2.0 Helmet offers a stylish and comfortable option. Praised by multiple reviewers for its appealing aesthetics and comfortable fit, the Heritage 2.0 is also remarkably user-friendly with its one-handed clasp mechanism. It’s an excellent choice for riders who value both safety and style for everyday, lower-speed e-scooting.
Top E Scooters of 2024: Picks for Various Needs
The electric scooter market caters to a wide spectrum of needs and preferences. Here are some of the Best E Scooters 2024, categorized to help you find the perfect match.
Best Budget-Friendly E Scooter
Niu KQi3 Pro
The Niu KQi3 Pro stands out as an exceptional value proposition in the best e scooters 2024 category. Consistently praised for its impressive range for the price, the KQi3 Pro has been a top recommendation for a good reason. Even with demanding use, including navigating hilly terrains, it reliably delivers around 15 miles on a single charge, with potential for 18-20 miles under less strenuous conditions. It reaches a practical top speed of 20 mph and features comfortable 9.5-inch tubeless tires that smooth out urban roads. Disc brakes ensure reliable and quick stops. Practical additions like a bell, lights, and handlebar space for phone mounts enhance its urban commuting functionality. While it folds easily, its 45-pound weight leans towards the heavier side. The handlebars’ inability to fold down can be a minor inconvenience in tight spaces. Although succeeded by newer models like the KQi 300X and 300P, the KQi3 Pro remains a fantastic choice, especially if found on sale, offering a blend of range, features, and affordability that’s hard to beat in the best e scooters 2024 market.
Best Lightweight E Scooter
Fluidfreeride Fluid Mosquito
If portability is your primary concern, the Fluidfreeride Fluid Mosquito is a leading contender for the best e scooters 2024 title in the lightweight category. Weighing a mere 29 pounds, it’s among the lightest scooters featured, further enhanced by a built-in grab handle for effortless carrying. Its quick folding mechanism adds to its portability. Despite its light weight, the Mosquito is surprisingly powerful, reaching a top speed of 24 mph. However, the focus on lightness comes with compromises. The suspension is adequate for smooth surfaces but less forgiving on bumps, and the narrow wheels contribute to a less stable feel on uneven roads. Braking is effective, though sudden stops can lead to skidding. Range is limited to around 9 miles in real-world testing. A notable quirk is the lack of on-the-fly speed mode switching, requiring pre-selection before riding. For those prioritizing extreme portability and nimble handling over long range and plush ride quality, the Fluid Mosquito remains a compelling option as a best e scooter 2024 for lightweight needs.
Best Commuter E Scooter
MiniMotors USA Dualtron Togo
The MiniMotors USA Dualtron Togo presents a mixed bag, particularly at its standard $850 price point. However, if you can find it at a discounted price, closer to the $499 mark occasionally seen, it transforms into a phenomenal value proposition and a strong contender for a commuter-focused best e scooter 2024. In testing, it managed a 13-mile round trip commute, which is adequate for many urban commutes. The ride quality is on the stiffer side, and its ergonomics seem better suited for shorter riders due to the handlebar reach. A built-in safety feature, which locks the throttle after a few seconds and requires brake activation to unlock, might initially feel intrusive but becomes appreciated as a safety measure against accidental throttle engagement. While capable of reaching 25 mph, 15 mph was the tested speed. Battery performance can be inconsistent, with the gauge proving unreliable and range diminishing faster than indicated, especially towards the end of the charge. The 220-pound weight limit might restrict range for heavier riders. Despite these drawbacks, especially battery gauge inaccuracy and stiff ride, the Dualtron Togo, especially at a lower price, is a solid, compact scooter for urban commuting, making it a worthwhile consideration for the best e scooters 2024 list for commuters on a budget.
Best High-Performance E Scooter
Gotrax GX2
For riders seeking power and extended range, the Gotrax GX2 emerges as a strong contender in the high-performance best e scooters 2024 category. Similar in spirit to the Apollo Phantom, the GX2 is a robust 76-pound machine packed with power and range. Its “Transformer”-esque gunmetal aesthetic hints at its capabilities. Powered by dual 800-watt motors, it can reach a top speed of 35 mph, though typical riding speed might be around a still-brisk 20 mph. Range testing showed it capable of completing an 18.4-mile trip with remaining battery, indicating a substantial overall range. However, its heft becomes apparent when carrying it, especially up stairs, due to its thick stem. A somewhat inconvenient “Parking mode” engages quickly at stops, requiring a button press to re-engage driving mode. Potential build quality concerns were noted, including motor noise and a latch issue. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Gotrax GX2 offers a compelling blend of high speed and long range for performance-oriented riders looking for a top-tier best e scooter 2024.
Other E Scooters to Consider
While the above represent top picks, several other scooters are worth considering depending on specific needs and priorities:
- MiniMotors USA Dualtron Mini Special: A powerful but complex scooter, best for experienced riders seeking high performance.
- Navee S65: Offers great acceleration and hill-climbing ability, but can be noisy.
- Evolv Terra: Potentially long-range and powerful, but with solid tires that may compromise ride comfort on rough surfaces.
- Radio Flyer S533: A surprisingly capable, lightweight scooter for short trips, but overpriced for its performance.
- Apollo Air Pro (2022): A decent all-around scooter, but its high price and inconvenient folding mechanism detract from its value.
E Scooters to Skip in 2024
Not all e-scooters live up to expectations. Here are some models to avoid in 2024 due to various shortcomings:
- Niu KQi Air: Despite its ultra-lightweight carbon fiber frame and innovative features, it suffers from reliability issues and lackluster range.
- Veo Cosmo X: An overpriced sit-down scooter with poor range for its size and weight.
- Gotrax G6 and Eclipse: Both models suffer from overheating issues, making them unreliable in warmer weather.
- Taur Electric Scooter: Innovative design but plagued by hardware and software flaws, compounded by questionable customer support.
- Atomi Alpha: Attractive design but hampered by a poorly designed kickstand and struggles to reach advertised top speed.
- Levy Plus: Underpowered for hilly terrain, making it suitable only for flat urban environments.
- Unagi Model One Classic: Outdated specs compared to newer models, making it a less compelling choice in 2024.
Conclusion
Choosing the best e scooter 2024 depends heavily on individual needs and priorities. Whether you prioritize budget, portability, commuting range, or high performance, this guide offers a starting point to navigate the diverse market. Always consider safety, range, portability, and intended use when making your decision to ensure you select the perfect e-scooter for your 2024 rides.
