Do you need an electric scooter? How can you choose the best one to fit your needs?
If there is one thing that has become abundantly clear in 2020, it’s that the Coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we do just about everything in our lives. One of the critical factors that have been impacted is public transportation, which is now severely limited due to prevention and social distancing regulations.
Of course, there are still the typical alternatives such as motorcycles, bicycles, skateboards or rollerblades, which are quite popular on city streets throughout most UK. Yet, these aren’t for everyone. Luckily, a new trend has started to appear more frequently these days, namely, electric scooters or e-scooters as they are also known. Don’t let the name fool you though, an e-scooter is not a toy, nor is it just a gimmick for entertainment. It is, hands down, an environmentally-friendly, practical, versatile and yes, fun mode of transport that is soon to become one of the most popular means of inner-city personal transportation.
If you’re considering joining the e-scooter craze, then look no further because we’ll give you the rundown on the ten Best Electric Scooters for Adults you can find on the market today, in order of popularity and ratings.
Xiaomi Mi Pro
With an eye toward more fun and enjoyable riding experience, the Pro FBC4015GL model delivers on that promise. With an extended range of 45 km, this e-scooter is for users who enjoy a more aggressive and responsive ride thanks to its Sport mode setting.
PROS:
- Maximum speed for 25 km/h (15.5 mph) and a range of 45 km (27 mph)
- Three performance modes ECO, Standard (D) and Sport (S)
- Real-time battery status and speed
- Ultra-bright headlamp
- Anti-Locking Brakes
- Excellent impact-absorbing 8.5-inch rubber tires
- Excellent power-to-weight ratio
CONS:
- Mudguard relatively fragile
- Tyres not very durable (can be improved by maintaining proper pressure or replacing with 10-inch tyres with larger air chambers)
- Difficult to repair/replace inner tubes
- Slow battery re-charging (approx. 8 hours)
Uwitgo
Optimal for storage at home or the office, this model features a vertical, height-adjustable design when it’s folded.
Uwitgo Electric Scooter Video >
https://youtu.be/P4DichUE0Hk
PROS:
- Super-fast and easy folding design
- Space-saving vertical storage design
- 45 km maximum range on a single charge
- The battery can be charged either on or off the e-scooter
- Dashboard information for speed, battery charge
- Lights and horn controlled via dashboard
- Maximum load of 150 kg.
- Weight: 16 kg.
CONS:
- No variable speed
- Longer full charging times (approx. 12 hours)
Xiaomi Mi Pro 2
Like other Xiaomi models, this e-scooter proves that this brand is the leading contender for popularity. The Pro 2 model features a 600W powerful motor with three operating modes and a KERS (kinetic energy recovery system) function to increase cruising range.
Xiaomi Pro 2 Full Walkthrough Video >
PROS:
- Sleek, elegant design
- Space-saving vertical storage design
- 45 km maximum range on a single charge
- The battery can be charged either on or off the e-scooter
- Dashboard information for speed, battery charge
- Lights and horn controlled via dashboard
- Maximum load of 150 kg.
- Weight: 16 kg.
CONS:
- Unlock process via mobile app and blue-tooth necessary before first use
Phaewo 250W Motor Foldable Scooter
Freedom and versatility. This three-speed foldable e-scooter comes with adjustable top speed to meet local regulations. Made from an aluminium alloy, it folds easily in 2 simple steps.
Phaewo Video review >
PROS:
- Easy to carry and lightweight at 10.8 kg
- Maximum load of 120 kg
- Front and rear disc brakes and shock absorbers
- Charging time: approx. 3-5 hours
CONS:
- No variable speed control
GRUNDIG 856P
You can’t beat German engineering. Developed by Grundig with its long history and heritage in automotive engineering, this is one of the sturdiest scooters on the market and is made of an aircraft-grade aluminium alloy material. This e-scooter features a triple braking system that ensures optimal safety and performance.
PROS:
- 380W Powerful Motor
- 8.5″ Inflation-free tyres
- IP54 Waterproof rating (note: should not be used in heavy rain conditions)
- High-performance brakes (front drum brake, rear e-ABS brake and a foot brake)
CONS:
- Some uses have complained of having a faulty battery
GUNAI GN10 3200W Dual Motor
This is the “younger brother” of the performance e-scooters from Gunai. They aren’t the cheapest out there, but if you’re looking for speed and rugged performance, then this is the brand for you. This model features dual independent1600W motors, rugged 11-inch off-road tyres and a detachable padded seat.
PROS:
- 3200W Powerful Motor
- Max. speed: 85-90 km/h (46.6 mph)
- Max. load: 150 kg
- Special shock absorbers (full range of cushioning and ideal for off-road)
- Three types of lights (headlamp, side lamp and brake light) for better visibility at night
- 11-inch ultra-wide off-road tires
- Excellent climbing angle: 45-65 degrees (vs competitor models offering a max. of 15 degrees)
- Max. range: 100 km – 110 km (56 mi)
CONS:
- Weight: 60.5 kg
- Not waterproof (not recommended for use during heavy rain or very wet conditions)
NIANPU 350W Foldable Scooter
Featuring a 350W motor, and weighing a little over 10kg (23 lbs), the Nianpu electric scooter is one of the more compact models in our line-up. With dimensions of 1030 mm (L) x 430 mm (W) x 960 mm (H), is extremely easy to carry and store anywhere. It requires a charging time of approximately 4 hours and a can handle a maximum weight load of 100 kg.
PROS:
- Lightweight and quick folding in 2 steps
- Max. speed: 25 km/h (15.5 mph)
- Max. load: 100 kg
- Approx. Max. range: 34 km (21 mi)
- Smooth and quiet ride
CONS:
- Relatively unknown brand
RCB Fountdot 3-Speed Folding Electric Scooter
An e-scooter that is designed for the more style-conscious adult. Weighing 12.5 kg (27 lbs.), this Fountdot e-scooter features a one-step folding mechanism which can be folded in 3 seconds. Furthermore, its 3-speed motor coupled with 8-inch tyres and an excellent shock absorption system gives one of the smoothest rides for e-scooters in this price range.
PROS:
- 350W Powerful Motor
- 3 speed modes: 15 km/h – 25 km/h – 30 km/h (9 mph – 15.5 mph – 18.6 mph)
- Max. load: 100 kg
- Intelligent electronic brake system (front / rear)
- Dimensions: 1050mm (L) x 420mm (W) x 410mm (H)
- Cruise control
- Max. range: approx. 32km (20 mi.)
CONS:
- Limited availability of the app for e-scooter connectivity (might not be available for download in all countries)
Hiboy S2 Lite Electric Scooter with 6.5″ Solid Tyres
This e-scooter features solid tyres (vs regular ones with inner tubes) compared with most other models on the market. The advantage is you will not get the inevitable and frequent punctures and won’t have to worry about the laborious process of replacing inner tubes, etc. However, if you hit a rough bump or an obstacle, you can damage the rims (also the tyres will wear down with time or heavy usage). It is a head-turner with its unique “cool” lights and excellent visibility (4 different lights).
Hiboy S2 Lite Video >
PROS:
- See and be seen: a 4-lights system for easy visibility at night.
- Max. speed: 20 km/h (13mph)
- Max. load: 150 kg
- Made using aviation-grade space aluminium alloy (lighter and more wear-resistant)
- Lightweight and easy-to-fold
- Max. range: 17 km (10.6 mi)
CONS:
- Battery life
- Solid tyres can lead to damaged rims.
GoZheec (Kugoo) ES2 Folding E-Scooter 350W Motor with Built-in USB Port
With rider safety in mind, the ES2 e-scooter features an optimized electric and disc brake system giving you a safer and more relaxed ride. This e-scooter has exceptional control and smooth handling and excellent road grip thanks to the tyres designed to limit dangerous skidding. A dual braking system and bright lighting make this an all-round perfect choice for city use.
Kugoo ES2 Video Review >
PROS:
- 350W Powerful Motor
- Max. speed: 25 km/h (15.5mi)
- Max. load: 120 kg
- Tyre size: 8.5″
- Advanced braking system (electronic and disc brakes)
- Front shock absorbers
- Max. range: 25 km (15.5 mi)
- Battery charging time: 4-6 hours
CONS:
- App usability (interface language + Bluetooth connectivity issues)
- Build quality issues (plastic parts)
- Customer support
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Buy an Electric Scooter?
The best option is to check out the listings on Amazon. You’ll see customer reviews, and you can choose from the broadest possible selection – (Check our Buyers Guide for more info)
Are Electric Scooters legal in the UK?
The Government is currently in a trial phase of e-scooter rentals. No decision has been made to-date; however, we expect it to happen here since it is already legal in most countries in the EU. It is also worth mentioning that you will need to be over 16 and have a provisional license to use it on city streets – (Check our General Info Guide for more info)
How to ride an Electric Scooter?
It’s all about balance. More straightforward than riding a bicycle. And did we mention that it’s also fun? If you’re looking for a perfect work commute, check out our first eight listings. If you’re looking for some weekend fun with your e-scooter, but at a price which is triple what you’d pay for street standard models, see the Gunai models – (Check our Beginners Guide for more info)
Final Thoughts
Once legalized for city use in the UK, electric scooters will prove to be a popular means of inner-city transportation and ideal because of their portability and ease-of-use. You can expect to see executives and students alike commuting on their e-scooters very shortly. There are some limitations, such as riding in heavy rain, which can cause your e-scooter to stop working if water seeps into the motor, and comfort when riding on surfaces that aren’t very smooth. Electric scooters are very viable and environmentally-friendly modes of transportation for today’s urban professional. They are definitely worth considering!
