Electric scooters have surged in popularity as a convenient and eco-friendly commuting solution, especially in urban environments. Navigating traffic congestion and parking hassles becomes a breeze with the right electric scooter. As experts in personal transportation, we’ve rigorously tested a wide range of electric scooters to bring you our top recommendations for the Best Electric Scooter For Commuting in 2024. Whether you prioritize portability, range, speed, or budget, our guide will help you find the perfect ride for your daily journey.
For those prioritizing safety, especially when commuting at higher speeds, a full-face helmet is paramount.
The Beam Virgo Helmet: If your commute involves speeds exceeding 15 mph, we highly recommend a full-face helmet like The Beam Virgo. In our experience, this helmet provides superior protection, covering more than just the top of your head. The flip-down visor is a particularly useful feature for commuters, offering protection from rain and debris, enhancing visibility in various weather conditions. While the helmet has a snug fit (especially for larger sizes, potentially requiring glasses to be removed initially), it remains comfortable for extended commutes. Thoughtful design elements like earbud holes further enhance the commuting experience. Crucially, the Virgo is a MIPS helmet, incorporating technology to reduce rotational motion during impacts, minimizing the risk of brain injury – a vital safety consideration for daily commuters.
Thousand Heritage 2.0 Helmet: For commuters traveling at slower speeds, the Thousand Heritage 2.0 helmet offers a stylish and comfortable alternative. Our team of reviewers has consistently praised Thousand helmets for their blend of aesthetics and practicality. The Heritage 2.0 is notably attractive and comfortable for daily wear, and its one-handed magnetic clasp simplifies securing and removing the helmet – a convenient feature for quick commutes.
Top Electric Scooters for Commuting: Our Tested Recommendations
We’ve extensively tested numerous electric scooters, evaluating them across key commuting criteria such as range, portability, ride comfort, and value. Here are some standout models that excel as best electric scooters for commuting:
Niu KQi3 Pro: Best Overall Commuter Scooter
The Niu KQi3 Pro consistently impressed us with its balanced performance and value, making it a top pick for commuting. During our extensive testing, even with demanding routes involving steep bridges in New York City, the KQi3 Pro reliably delivered around 15 miles of range, with the potential for 18-20 miles under less strenuous conditions. Its 20 mph top speed is ample for city commuting, and the 9.5-inch tubeless tires provide a comfortable and stable ride, absorbing bumps effectively. Dependable disc brakes ensure quick and safe stops, crucial for navigating urban traffic. Commuting-friendly features like a bell, integrated lights, and handlebar space for a phone mount enhance its practicality. The KQi3 Pro folds easily for storage or carrying, although its 45-pound weight means it’s not the lightest option. While the handlebars don’t fold, potentially snagging in tight spaces like stairwells, the Niu KQi3 Pro remains an excellent all-around electric scooter for commuting, especially if found on sale as newer models have been released.
MiniMotors USA Dualtron Togo: Best Value Commuter (When on Sale)
The MiniMotors USA Dualtron Togo presents exceptional value, particularly if you can find it at its discounted price of around $499. While its standard $850 price point is less compelling, at the lower price, it’s a phenomenal deal for commuters. We tested its range with a 13-mile commute from Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, to lower Manhattan and back, which it completed on a single charge. The ride is firm and responsive. While the scooter’s design might be better suited for shorter riders (taller riders may find the handlebars a bit of a stretch), it’s a solid and safe option. A notable safety feature is the throttle lock, which prevents accidental acceleration (and can be adjusted in the app). While the battery gauge proved somewhat unreliable in our testing, the Dualtron Togo remains a capable and powerful electric scooter for commuting, especially at a discounted price. Its 54-pound weight is something to consider for portability.
Fluidfreeride Fluid Mosquito: Best Lightweight Commuter
For commuters prioritizing portability above all else, the Fluidfreeride Fluid Mosquito stands out as an ultra-lightweight option. Weighing only 29 pounds, it’s one of the lightest scooters in our guide, making it incredibly easy to carry on public transport or up stairs. A built-in grab handle further enhances its portability. Despite its light weight, the Mosquito is surprisingly powerful, reaching a top speed of 24 mph. It folds quickly for easy storage. However, the focus on weight reduction comes with some trade-offs. The suspension is adequate but not exceptional, meaning you’ll feel bumps more noticeably. The narrow wheels contribute to its nimble handling but can be less stable on uneven surfaces. Braking is effective, but sudden stops can lead to skidding. The range is also limited, averaging around 9 miles in our tests. Another minor drawback is the lack of on-the-fly speed mode adjustments. If lightweight portability is your primary concern for your commute, the Fluid Mosquito is an excellent electric scooter for commuting.
TurboAnt M10 Lite: Best Budget Commuter Scooter
The TurboAnt M10 Lite is a solid budget-friendly option for commuters, particularly those under 200 pounds. While we couldn’t quite reach its advertised 16 mph top speed, it offers adequate performance for shorter commutes. In our testing, it achieved around 8 miles of range. The M10 Lite features a quick folding mechanism, a bright display, and a relatively light weight of 31 pounds, enhancing its practicality for commuting. However, it’s not recommended for hilly commutes as it struggles with steep inclines. For flat commutes on a budget, the TurboAnt M10 Lite is a viable electric scooter for commuting.
Gotrax Apex: Reliable and Affordable Commuter
The Gotrax Apex is another reliable and affordable electric scooter for commuting, priced around $350. Weighing 32 pounds and featuring an easy folding mechanism, it strikes a good balance between portability and practicality. It includes integrated bell and digital display showing speed and battery life, and reaches speeds up to 15 mph. We found the Apex to be a dependable option for errands and short commutes, handling trips to coffee shops, remote work locations, and grocery stores. However, the ride isn’t the smoothest, and the 250-watt motor struggles with even slight inclines, significantly impacting battery life on slopes. The battery typically provided around 9 miles of range in our tests. Taller riders might find the handlebar height a bit low, requiring outstretched arms. While the rear disc brake is functional, some users might desire more stopping power. Overall, the Gotrax Apex is a dependable and budget-friendly choice for flat, shorter commutes.
Navee S65: Powerful and Fast Commuter
The Navee S65, a newer entrant in the US market, impressed us with its powerful performance and speed, making it a fun and efficient electric scooter for commuting. We consistently achieved 16-mile round trips at 20 mph, though this nearly depleted the battery. Its geared hub motor provides excellent acceleration and hill-climbing ability. However, the motor is notably loud, which might be a consideration in quieter environments. Weighing 53 pounds, it’s heavier than our top pick despite offering similar range, and long-term customer service is still developing given the brand’s recent entry into the US market. Despite these points, the Navee S65 offers a powerful and enjoyable commuting experience.
Evolv Terra: Solid Performance for Commuting
The Evolv Terra is a solid performer offering a good balance of power and portability for commuting. Weighing 53 pounds, it’s reasonably portable, aided by its thin stem. Its dual 600-watt motors deliver strong performance, with a potential top speed of 31 mph (though local regulations should be considered). In our tests, cruising at 20 mph in the second gear setting (out of three) with a single motor provided ample speed for commuting. Range is average, with around 15 miles achieved with some battery reserve remaining, suggesting a potential range exceeding 20 miles with conservative riding. The suspension is adequate, but the solid tires can transmit bumps on rough roads. Fenders offered limited protection in wet conditions. The stem angle and thumb throttle design might cause wrist fatigue on longer commutes, though adjustments are possible. The Evolv Terra is a capable electric scooter for commuting with a focus on performance.
Radio Flyer S533: Good for Short Local Commutes
The Radio Flyer S533 surprised us with its performance in testing, particularly given its brand association with children’s toys. Its folding mechanism is exceptionally easy to use, and it weighs a light 30 pounds. However, it’s not designed for long commutes, with a range under 8 miles in our tests. Despite exceeding its 220-pound weight limit during testing, it averaged around 14 mph of its 16 mph top speed. The S533 is suitable for short, local commutes like trips to the post office or grocery store. However, its price point doesn’t fully align with its power and performance, suggesting it should be more affordable. We did encounter initial quality control issues with our test units, but subsequent models performed reliably. For very short, flat commutes, the Radio Flyer S533 is a lightweight and easy-to-use electric scooter for commuting.
Apollo Air Pro (2022): Decent, but Overpriced for Commuting
While we haven’t tested the latest 2024 model, the Apollo Air Pro (2022) is a decent electric scooter for commuting, but we found its price to be high for its performance. It reaches speeds up to 21 mph and provided a range of 13-15 miles in our tests. It includes standard features like front light and bell, and app connectivity for customization. However, the app is required to unlock its full speed potential, otherwise limiting it to 12 mph. The folding mechanism is also less convenient than some competitors, and despite its 39-pound weight, its thick stem makes it less comfortable to carry. Acceleration is not particularly quick. The Apollo Air Pro (2022) is a functional electric scooter for commuting, but its price and some design aspects make it less competitive compared to other options in this guide.
Scooters to Avoid for Commuting
While many electric scooters are suitable for commuting, some models have drawbacks that make them less ideal for daily use. Models like the Niu KQi Air, Veo Cosmo X, Gotrax G6 and Eclipse, Taur Electric Scooter, Atomi Alpha, Levy Plus, and Unagi Model One Classic, while having certain features, present issues such as limited range, overheating problems, reliability concerns, or outdated specs that make them less recommendable as the best electric scooter for commuting. These models may be suitable for specific niche uses or at significantly lower prices, but for general commuting purposes, the models highlighted above offer a better overall experience.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best Electric Scooter for Your Commute
Selecting the best electric scooter for commuting depends on your individual needs and priorities. For an excellent all-around commuter, the Niu KQi3 Pro stands out. If portability is paramount, consider the ultra-lightweight Fluidfreeride Fluid Mosquito. Budget-conscious commuters should look at the TurboAnt M10 Lite or Gotrax Apex for shorter, flat commutes. For powerful performance, the Navee S65 and Evolv Terra offer compelling options. Always prioritize safety by wearing a helmet, especially for higher-speed commutes, and consider models like The Beam Virgo for enhanced protection. By carefully evaluating your commuting needs and considering our expert recommendations, you can find the perfect electric scooter to transform your daily journey.
