Best Electric Scooters for City Commutes and Last Mile Commuting

Congestion is one of the biggest urban problems facing metropolitan areas today.

If you live in the city, the chances are high that you’ve experienced endless traffic jams and tedious commutes. If you use public transport, you’ll have to grapple with delays, cancellations, poor hygiene, overcrowding, last-mile commute challenges, and even lack of safety. On the flip side, if you own a private car in the city, you’ll have to keep up with lots of frustrations, including snarled traffic, challenges in finding secure parking, and crazy expenses, including high parking fees and general car expenses. With such challenges, it’s no surprise that electric scooters have grown in popularity to be the leading choice for urban commutes and last-mile commuting. 

Electric scooters, particularly those designed for urban commuting, offer plenty of benefits. They are compact enough to fit in public transport, easily carry over short distances, are generally fast, and don’t get stuck in traffic. Moreover, electric scooters are free of oil and fossil fuel, providing a green and quiet urban commuting.

If you’re considering a move to electric scooters, there are a slew of options to choose from. Electric scooters come in different designs, power options, and add-ons such as a standing board, removable seat, water resistance, and more. Commuter electric scooters should be light, compact, and foldable and have the perfect balance of speed, range and ride quality to make your daily commutes convenient and comfortable.

To help you choose an ideal electric scooter for your city or last-mile commutes, we’ve compiled a catalog of top-ranking commuting scooters, starting with the Unagi Model One E500, which is hands down the best overall commuting scooter. Read on to find one that matches your exact commuting needs.

What to Look For in a City Commuter/ Last Mile Electric Scooter

The best electric scooters for city/last mile commuting are practical, light, fold into an easily portable package, and offer a good balance between performance, safety, and comfort. A commuting e-scooter is essentially your personal mode of transport-It should be able to streamline your commutes by allowing you to cut through heavy traffic and get to work or college in less time. It should also be compact enough to fit in tight spaces next to you on public transport to be used as a last-mile commuting solution.

You’re very much unlikely to be pulling off any sick tricks on any commuting scooter-it’s not even recommended. The little torque and average top speed are meant to shorten your commute time, keep you safe while commuting and help you seamlessly maneuver up hills if you live in hilly cities such as San Francisco.

Choosing the best electric scooter for commuting is absolutely imperative-it’s a long-term investment; therefore, it should be able to suit your needs perfectly. When buying an electric scooter for commuting, there are several things you ought to consider to ensure you get the best possible commuting outcomes. They include:

Performance

The performance in terms of motor power and maximum speed is a crucial factor to consider when choosing an e-scooter. Just how powerful or fast do you want the electric scooter to go? You should choose at least 250 watts of motor power for general commuting. This will be sufficient to get you across flat terrain and over lesser hills. However, if you live in hilly cities, you’ll need a more powerful single motor or dual motor scooter to tackle the inclines without losing power.

A scooter with a top speed of 20 mph is often recommended for general city commuting. Keep in mind that cities have different restrictions regarding speed. In most instances, if you’re found speeding, weaving through traffic, or driving recklessly, you’ll likely pay hefty fines or risk having your e-scooter confiscated. All in all, 20 mph is fast and safe enough for your urban commutes.

Range (Miles per Charge)

Range is another critical factor to consider when purchasing an electric scooter for city or last-mile commuting. If you’re essentially looking for an e-scooter to streamline your last-mile commutes, maybe from your house to the train station or from the subway to the office, a scooter with a short-range would still work.

However, if you commute long distances to work or college and back, you’ll need to go for a scooter with a more extended range. Some commuting scooters come with a replaceable battery such that you can carry an extra battery for a more prolonged range. Note that electric scooters with longer ranges are usually fitted with larger batteries which adds weight. However, the trade-off is worth it, especially if you commute longer distances.

Portability

A commuting scooter, especially those that can be used as a last-mile commuting solution, needs to be portable. This means it should have just the right weight and fold down to a compact package that can fit tight spaces.

Most commuting scooters are constructed with aircraft aluminum alloy, both sturdy and lightweight, to keep the weight at a minimum. With a minimum weight, you can comfortably carry the electric scooter

over short distances, when maneuvering upstairs, or even when boarding the train or bus.

Tyres

Electric scooters are fitted with either solid (airless) tires or pneumatic tires. The two types of tires have different comfort levels. While pneumatic tires offer a higher comfort level than their counterparts thanks to the enhanced shock absorption, they are maintenance intensive.

Apart from the type of tires, their sizes also matter as they influence several aspects of electric scooters, such as acceleration, ride quality, and speed. While bigger wheels allow faster movement and offer more comfortable rides, they add overall bulkiness to the scooter, limiting its portability. Smaller tires benefit from being portable and easily foldable, but they compromise speed and comfort.

For commuting purposes, medium-sized pneumatic tires are often recommended as they offer a sweet spot between performance, portability, and ride comfort.

Safety

Safety is a vital factor when seeking to buy electric scooters for commuting. You wouldn’t want to ram into oncoming traffic or hit a car in front of you during busy rush hour commutes. Consider an electric scooter with outstanding safety features, including sufficient lighting to keep you visible in the dark and impeccable brakes. Some commuting electric scooters come with additional safety features, including an electric bell, traction control, and water-resistant rating to keep you and your scooter safe during your commutes.

Price and Warranty

While the price is solely a personal decision, you’ll need to consider an electric scooter that fits your budget—the best electric scooters for commuting or last-mile commute range from $500 to $900. As you would expect, the quality and features typically graduate with the price tag. Therefore, spending a bit more will guarantee you good quality with great add-ons.

In addition to price, you also need to factor in the warranty. Not all electric scooters come with a warranty; you need to be especially cautious. To be on the safe side, consider buying electric scooters with over one-year warranty.

Best Overall Scooter- Unagi Model One E500

Specifications: Top speed: 20mph (32 kph) | Range: 15.5 miles (25 Km)| Weight: 26.5 lbs. (12Kg) Max Load: 275 lbs. (125Kg) Colours: Cosmic Blue, Matte Black, Scarlet Fire Red

 The Unagi Model One is the true definition of an excellent electric scooter. Unagi went overboard to create a truly elegant and fashionable commuting scooter that checks every box. This scooter can indeed transform your cumbersome, stressful daily commutes into a breeze, ensuring you reach your destination while still fresh and ready to tackle the day’s tasks.

Many reasons make this e-scooter the best overall commuter aside from its futuristic lightweight design. To begin with, the scooter sports a sleek design with the front steering tube tapering elegantly from the bottom of the handlebars and gradually going from a circle to a triangular shape. There is minimum fuss about the cockpit, which features elegantly constructed ergonomic handlebars wrapped in grips made of quality silicon rubber for the utmost riding comfort. In addition to the quality rubberized handlebar grips, the cockpit integrates a super bright premium LCD display coupled with a thumb throttle and brake control to give you maximum control of your commutes.

The Model One E500 is fitted with dual 250W motors, which propel it to a zippy top speed of 20 mph (32 kph); this is above average for a commuting scooter. To accommodate a broad spectrum of commuters, the Model One is integrated with three-speed modes allowing riders to choose a top speed that is ideal for their experience and preference. You get mode one, which is suitable for a beginner rider or eco riding to prolong the range at a top speed of 9mph, mode two with a top speed of 12 mph ideal for daily riding or commuting, and finally, the third mode, which is graded as “Sport” giving you a more aggressive acceleration with a top speed of around 20 mph.

The scooter is a deft hill climber thanks to the dual motors, which offer enough torque to propel it up 15% gradient without a drop in performance. The dual motors produce a combined torque of 32 N.m with an instant maximum power of up to 1000W. With such an immense amount of power, the Model One E500 can pretty much tackle even the steepest hill in your city.

The Unagi Model One is fitted with Sony’s 33.6 V, 9.9 Ah lithium-ion battery, which boasts high energy density and low charging time. The battery offers a real-world maximum range of 15.5 miles (25 Km) on a single charge, perfect for daily commutes. Aside from the industry-leading battery, the Model One is also integrated with an innovative Intelligent Battery Management System that ensures the battery is protected against overcharging or overheating for enhanced durability. The battery takes 4-5 hours to charge fully, meaning that you won’t have to wait for ages before you can start your daily commutes. Preferably, leave your scooter to charge overnight as you recharge for the next day.

And while Unagi recommends a maximum weight of only 100Kg, the scooter has been tested to withstand a weight limit of up to 125Kg with minimal reduction in performance. This makes it a good fit for heavy riders seeking a futuristic commuting scooter.

Like you would expect of any commuting scooter, the Model One excels in portability thanks to the combination of a clever folding mechanism and lightweight design. The scooter is constructed with a combination of magnesium and aluminum frame and TORAY carbon fiber in the stem keeping the overall weight at a paltry 26.5 lbs. (12 Kg), heightening the scooter’s portability. The TORAY carbon fiber is the same one used on Elon Musk’s SpaceX spacecraft: accentuating the scooter’s eye for quality. The materials used in construction are both lightweight and sturdy, immensely contributing to portability and durability.

Besides the lightweight design, the scooter’s patented one-click folding mechanism makes it the ultimate convenience scooter for a busy commuter. Unlike other electric scooters such as the Glion Dolly, where the stem needs to be locked to the rear fender, the Model One’s stem locks itself into a floating position thanks to the stainless-steel hinged system. It’s the most excellent and most simple folding mechanism you’ve ever seen in a scooter. To fold the scooter, simply push the thumb slider at the base of the stem and fold the stem to a 90-degree carrying angle. A ‘click’ affirms that the scooter’s stem is well folded.

Once folded, the scooter is effortless to carry, not just because of its lightweight design. The stem’s small diameter coupled with the tapered shape and the 90-degree angle makes the scooter extremely easy to carry for both teenagers and adults alike. You shouldn’t have any problems carrying the scooter even if you have small hands. Once folded, the scooter measures 94 centimeters by 41 centimeters by 38 centimeters; hence can fit in compact spaces. Indeed, the scooter’s ultra-portability makes it adept at being part of your routine commutes or even last-mile commutes that involve other forms of transit, including cars, subways, or trains. It folds quickly, is light enough for frequent lifting, and compact enough to fit in tight spaces. What more could you ask for in a commuting scooter?

The Model One is rated highly in terms of rider comfort and stability. Starting with the deck, it’s ingrained with silicone padding for extra support while riding. The premium silicone handle grips feel soft and comfortable, ensuring a bespoke ride experience. The stem doesn’t wobble with the 7.5″ solid rubber wheels with air pockets doing the most to absorb road impacts, guaranteeing stable and comfortable commutes. As a commuter with a heavy schedule, you may not have time to repair punctures or maintain the tires: the solid tires ensure just this, as they are impervious to punctures. Even with the absence of shock absorbers, some of which are pretty useless in some scooters, the Model One still manages to offer a smooth ride on typical urban terrains.

The Unagi Model One ensures a high level of safety while commuting. The scooter is fitted with dual electronic brakes and a rear foot brake, providing quick and precise stops. It has a tested stopping distance of 5.1 meters at a speed of 24kmh while using both the rear foot brake and mechanical brake. As such, you can be sure of smooth and consistent braking.

The Model One’s safety features don’t end there-the scooter is equipped with two forward-facing Lumen LEDs which illuminate at 1.8 watts, offering brilliant frontward light. A rear blinking LED also keeps you visible to the trailing traffic. In addition, the scooter has several reflectors on the sides to enhance visibility at night. Aside from the excellent brakes and lighting system, the Model One has additional safety features, including a horn and an IP54 water-resistance rating.

The E500 typically comes with a one-year, industry-leading warranty, guaranteeing you repair at the manufacturer’s discretion. Within the first three months of purchase, Unagi will send you a replacement scooter if the damage comes. No other company does this; the reason Unagi is the best in industry warranties and guarantees. Unagi also offers excellent US-based support with customer service provided by well-trained and friendly experts. The company has a proven history of producing outstanding, sleek e-scooters and offers all-access financing. Other companies may come and go, but Unagi will surely continue creating industry-leading two-wheeled PEVs.

It’s no surprise that the Unagi Model One has been dubbed the “Tesla of e-scooters,” and it’s easy to see why. The scooter is indeed every commuter’s dream: it’s lightweight and easy to carry without compromising on durability and sturdiness. The scooter has a little more to offer than other commuting scooters such as the Glion Dolly and the Xiaomi M365, especially regarding design, build quality, portability, safety, and overall performance. If you’re looking to transform your daily commutes or maybe shave a few miles off your car’s odometer, the Model One is the right commuting e-scooter for you. By buying this scooter, you’ll not only be transforming your daily commutes but also be joining a proud and outgoing community of Unagi e-scooter owners.

Best Commuter Scooter in Terms of Weight and Portability- Glion Dolly

Specifications: Top speed: 15 mph (25 km/h) | Range: 15 miles (25 Km)| Weight: 28 lbs. (12.7Kg) Max Load: 255 lbs. (115Kg) Color: Black

The Glion Dolly takes portability to a whole new level thanks to its lightweight design, vertical self-standing feature, dolly wheels, and telescoping carrying handle, which allows the scooter to be towed easily like a suitcase. It’s best to use a last-mile commuting solution to seamlessly move you from the subway to your office or from taking you around the city as you run your errands. However, its ultra-portability comes with several trade-offs. The scooter doesn’t tick all the boxes like other commuting scooters. For instance, the scooter lacks performance with dismal ride quality, especially on rough terrains, not to mention the tired brakes.

For the design, the Glion Dolly leverages a tanky build. The scooter is constructed with aircraft-grade, powder-coated aluminum (6061-T6), which resists corrosion and daily use and abuse sustained on your daily commutes. Its handlebars can be seamlessly adjusted to three height levels, making the scooter compatible with a wide range of riders. The vintage-looking wheel fenders also make the scooter stand out, not forgetting the dolly wheels, which is perhaps the most enticing feature of this scooter- never seen before in an e-scooter.

Don’t expect any fireworks when it comes to Dolly’s performance. This is just a simple commuting e-scooter to take you from one point to another. The 250W brushless DC motor fitted in the rear wheel is responsible for a top speed of 15 mph (24 km/h), much slower than other commuting e-scooters. While it’s not fast enough for riders seeking a thrill, it’s sufficient to get you to your destination in no time or move you around your neighborhood, or even sightseeing in a park. With a top speed of 15 mph, the Dolly is an excellent option for teens and novice riders, as they don’t require much speed just yet.

The Glion Dolly has a claimed gradeability of 15 degrees. However, you should expect a drop in performance, as the scooter isn’t powerful enough to climb hills at top speed. The scooter is by no means a hill-climbing machine, and you may have to fold up or walk the scooter when climbing a steep hill. Preferably, get a dual-motor commuting scooter.

The scooter’s premium 36v, 7.8 Ah lithium-ion battery composed of 30 LG NMC 18650 cells delivers a range of 15 miles; therefore, it is suitable for short commutes, running errands, and movement around your neighborhood. However, you should expect a reduced real-life range based on your weight, terrain, riding conditions, and more. The battery quickly charges in 3.5 hours, offering an excellent charge and discharge cycle rate. Thanks to the impressive charge/discharge cycles, the battery can last 3-5 years, thanks to the remarkable charge/discharge cycles. Most customers have complained of the battery indicator being faulty, meaning you can run out of battery unexpectedly.

The Glion Dolly is one of the most portable scooters ever made. From its lightweight design to innovative portability-enhancing features, it’s clear that the manufacturer wanted to create a highly portable commuting scooter. It’s designed around the concept of portability, and it can easily be brought into crowded public transportation to be used as a last-mile commuting solution. The scooters achieve a high level of portability via several factors. To begin with, the aircraft-grade aluminum construction keeps the overall weight to a bare minimum of 28 lbs. (12.7Kg), 0.7Kg heavier than the Unagi Model One E500. The low weight allows riders to carry the folded package seamlessly when boarding public transport or going upstairs.

Aside from being a lightweight scooter, the Dolly integrates innovative features that make it ultra-portable. It features a telescopic folding stem, folding handlebars, dolly wheels, not forgetting the telescoping towing handle. To fold the scooter, simply pull the handlebars, flick the quick-release lever and stomp the silver pedal-it will fold down to a compact package. Once folded, you won’t be needing to carry the scooter off the ground unless you want to put it in your car’s trunk or board a train or bus. The telescopic towing handle coupled with the dolly wheels allows you to seamlessly pull the folded package like a roller bag suitcase, meaning you avoid the hassle of carrying it.

What’s more, the Dolly integrates a vertical standing feature perfect for storage. In simple terms, the scooter can stand upright, all by itself, taking up very little space. As such, you can easily place it next to you while commuting on a crowded bus/train. You’ll also appreciate that the handlebar folds inwards, making the scooter more compact and less likely to snag on something.

The Glion Dolly is not the most comfortable scooter to ride. The scooter is fitted with airless 8-inch tires with a honeycomb interior developed by the military. While the tires benefit from minimal maintenance with no risk of flats, they absorb minimal shock leading to a rough ride experience unless you’re riding on a flat smooth surface. The scooter also lacks suspensions, which could have come in handy to enhance ride comfort. All in all, the deck, covered with some sort of grippy surface coupled with the small, compact handlebars that can be adjusted to three height levels, does the most to make the ride a bit comfortable. However, the controls feel cheap and lack cushions, which is annoying.

Talking safety, the Dolly tries to achieve a high level of safety with its dual braking system. The scooter features an electronic anti-lock brake on the left handle and a flexible rear-wheel mechanical break. The brakes are efficient, ensuring quick and precise stops. The scooter is fitted with a headlight above the front wheel and a red rear light in the rear fender to provide visibility and safety at night. It’s also equipped with a pedestrian bell.

The Glion Dolly was indeed made with commuters in mind. It’s no surprise that the scooter is among the best commuting scooters in the market today. The Dolly’s lightweight design and innovative portability-enhancing features make it highly suited to last-mile commute. However, frankly speaking, the scooter has some shortcomings, including lackluster ride quality, lack of an IP (water-resistance) rating, poor hill-climbing ability, and a murky warranty that doesn’t cover wear and tear. Overall, the Glion Dolly is perfect for commuters who use public transport at some point in their commutes.

Best Scooter in Terms of Commuting Range- Turboant X7 Pro

Specifications: Top speed: 20 mph (32.19Km/h) | Range: 30 miles (48.38 Km)| Weight: 33 lbs. (15 Kg) Max Load: 275 lbs. (125Kg) Colour: Black with red accents 

The Turboant X7 is a leading choice among long-distance commuters with a professional design, prolonged battery capacity, and rugged tires. This is not your ordinary e-scooter; it can replace your car or public transport struggles, enabling you to commute to work entirely on a two-wheeled PEV.

What stands out in the X7 Pro is its impressive range compounded by the high-capacity battery coupled with the detachable battery design, which offers lots of conveniences. It makes charging the scooter less of a hassle as you don’t have to carry a dirty scooter up several flights of stairs to charge it. You can leave the scooter in the basement and bring the battery pack to charge instead. In addition to being convenient, the detachable battery offers an additional layer of security in the sense that you can remove the battery and leave it in the parking unattended- it won’t move an inch. 

Turboant X7 spots a peculiar design that has got the scooting community talking. Probably most apparent about the scooter’s design is the battery pack bulging out of the stem. Unlike most e-scooters that have their batteries embedded in the deck, the X7 Pro has its battery fitted to the stem to facilitate easy removal and attachment. This particular design concept elicits different reactions among the scooter community. Some scooterists love the convenience of detaching the battery, while others hate the cosmic effect of the design, which makes the scooter pretty challenging to carry over long distances.

The X7 Pro is powered by a 350W powerful motor that achieves an impressive top speed of 20 mph, higher than average for a commuting scooter. With such speeds, you can be sure to keep up with traffic flow in the city and reach your destination in no time.

Like the Unagi Model One, the X7 Pro also integrates three-speed modes, enabling riders to regulate their top speed to match their riding skills and preferences or even abide by the set speed regulations in urban areas. The Beginner mode limits the speed to 6 mph, ideal for novice riders or teenagers. In Eco mode, where the maximum speed is capped at 12 mph, you’ll be able to conserve battery for even longer commutes but enjoy more speed than beginners. The Sports mode allows you to experience the full power of the scooter at top speed.

The acceleration is pretty responsive and punchy, providing a bespoke riding experience. The scooter also comes with cruise control, which is pretty helpful to enable you to maintain a constant speed and avoid riding fatigue on your long commutes. To activate the cruise control, you simply hold your thumb down on the throttle and maintain a continuous speed for around 10 seconds. A beep will mean that the cruise control is turned on.

Moving on to the range, an aspect where the scooter excels thanks to the 36 V, 10Ah Li-ion detachable high capacity battery embedded along the stem. The X7 Pro delivers an astonishing range of 30 miles on a single charge, the longest you’ll ever find on a budget commuting scooter. Just to compare, the X7 Pro’s closest competitor in terms of range is the GoTrax G4 which has a maximum 25-mile range.

As mentioned earlier, the electric scooter comes with an external battery pack that weighs 2.9 Kgs, providing plenty of convenience and versatility in terms of charging, range and transportations. Since the battery is detachable, you can double the range to a whopping 60 miles by purchasing a second battery pack and carrying it in your backpack as a spare. Needless to state, the real-world range is impacted by several factors such as speed mode, terrain, battery level, weight, and others. The long-range coupled with a decent top speed makes the X7 Pro a true commuter workhorse that nails its function.

Despite the removable battery pack fitted along the stem providing lots of convenience regarding range, security, and charging, it has many trade-offs, and it’s easy to see why. While the scooter folds down to a compact, averagely lightweight package weighing 33 lbs., it’s pretty hard to carry the package on a single hand due to the stem’s girth. Besides, the positioning of the battery adds a little weight to the front of the scooter and makes the scooter a tad heavier than other commuting scooters.

All in all, the X7 Pro still manages to remain portable owing to its super-simple one-step compact folding mechanism that will have the scooter collapsed and stowed away in mere seconds. Additionally, the folded scooter is compact enough to fit in tight spaces such as under a bus seat, which is a plus for commuters.

Despite being a budget commuter scooter, the X7 Pro doesn’t compromise on comfort or safety. For comfortable rides, the scooter is fitted with 10-inch pneumatic tires, which offer a good level of dampening when riding on bumpy city sidewalks. The lack of suspensions doesn’t make much difference in ride quality. The large tires are also responsible for decent ground clearance (of 4.5 inches), enhancing the ride quality and the scooter’s off-road capabilities. With such clearance, you can seamlessly go over potholes, bumps, or uneven road surfaces without the underside of the deck scratching or colliding with the objects underneath.

Cruising down the street, the X7 Pro comes to a halt smoothly and precisely thanks to the triple braking system consisting of an electronic regenerative braking system, a fender brake, and a disc brake on the rear wheel. More on safety, the scooter comes with a powerful 3W headlight, tail lights, and side reflectors for enhanced night safety. The anti-slip foot deck will keep you firmly rooted on the scooter, while the IPX4 waterproof rating allows safe riding in wet conditions. 

Overall, the Turboant X7 Pro is a decent commuter scooter, especially for long-distance commutes. The impressive 30 miles range coupled with the capability of removing the battery to attach the spare battery for extra juice makes it a bonus for commuters despite the thick stem that makes it a bit challenging to carry. It’s also comfortable and safe to ride. However, the 6-month warranty and 7-day free return seem like a bit of a letdown. Customer support also takes a bit of time to respond to your queries.

Best City E-Scooter in terms of Safety- Brakes, Horns, Lights – Levy Plus

Specifications: Top speed: 18 mph (29 Km/h) | Range: 20 miles (32 Km)| Weight: 30 lbs. (13.6 Kg) Max Load: 220 lbs. (100Kg) Colour: Matte Black with a choice of green, grey or red accents

Levy has a reputation for manufacturing the highest standard quality scooters, and the Levy Plus doesn’t disappoint either. Unlike its predecessor, Levy, the Levy Plus comes with enhanced performance in terms of additional torque and acceleration. The scooters also sport an elegant, sleek design that blends seamlessly into the urban landscape. Perhaps an aspect in which the Levy Plus excels the most is its impeccable safety levels that are achieved with the front and rear lights, horns, and brakes. The high safety levels offered by the Levy Plus guarantee commuters impeccable safety during their commutes, enabling them to get around the city efficiently.

Levy Plus has been painstakingly designed with commuters in mind. The Levy Plus effortlessly matches your description for individuals looking to streamline their daily commute without compromising on safety. It has impressive brakes, good lighting, and all the bells and whistles you might need for a safe ride.

The Levy Plus sports an innovative, stylish design synonymous with all Levy scooters. The matte black finish with a choice of three different accents (grey, green or red) gives it a premium vibe, just perfect for the urban environment. Like the Turboant X7 Pro, the Levy Plus’s battery is fixed along the stem, plus it’s detachable to provide the ultimate flexibility to your commuting needs. The sleek design coupled with the aviation aluminum keeps the weight to a bare minimum, a true satisfaction for any commuter.

The Levy Plus is not the electric scooter with the most torque on the block (Unagi Model One E500 takes the lead here), but it is sufficient for the occasional hill here and there. Levy advertises a 5%-10% max hill-climbing angle (depending on rider weight), which holds true based on tests done on it.

The Levy Plus won’t ride you at supersonic speeds, but this isn’t the point here. The 350W front hub motor is responsible for a top speed of 18 mph (29Km/h) which is still enough to power you through most urban tracks. Like most commuting scooters, the Levy Plus features three modes: Beginner Mode, Eco Mode, and Sport Mode for enhanced riding versatility. The scooters also come with an integrated cruise control feature, allowing for additional safety and more precise speed control, especially in long commutes where fatigue sets in. Thanks to the punchy motor, the scooter accelerates from 0 mph to 15 mph in just 6 seconds. The acceleration is smooth and linear as the motor picks up.

For the range, the detachable 36V, 12.8aH, 460 Wh Panasonic lithium-ion battery achieves an impressive range of 20 miles on Eco mode. However, you’ll rarely get the 20 miles range in real-life, considering that the miles per charge dramatically varies based on rider weight, ride mode, terrain, and riding condition. However, like the Turboant X7 Pro, you can prolong the range by carrying an extra charged battery weighing only 3 pounds.

The battery is easily detachable with a simple button press and charges in under three hours, providing absolute convenience, especially if you forgot to plug it in charging overnight and you have to commute in the morning. The battery is also safeguarded against potential risks with an anti-fire battery case, another reason why this scooter is one of the safest commuting scooters.

Weighing 30 lbs. (13.6 Kg), the Levy Plus somewhat falls in the category of portable e-scooters. There are lighter models, but the Levy Plus can still be carried over short distances daily or carried up multiple flights of stairs without spraining a muscle. Levy Plus also has a robust folding system to make the scooter easy to carry and store. The folding mechanism consists of a black safety collar and a metal lever. The scooter is easily folded by pulling the black safety collar to the side then pulling down the metal lever.

What’s more, the stem is fitted with a hook that attaches with the rear fender to lock the folded scooter in position for easy carrying. The scooter’s folded size is a modest 104-centimeters by 42-centimeters by 44.5-centimeters (LxWxH), compact enough to stow away in tight places. However, the battery pack on the stem limits portability because it makes the scooter pretty challenging to carry, especially for individuals with small hands. You may need to detach the battery to carry the scooter comfortably.

The Levy Plus takes safety to a whole new level, coming with a hoard of safety-related bits and bobs. On top of the well-built aluminium alloy frame, the scooter is fitted with a triple braking system involving a front e-brake, a rear disc brake system, and a rear fender brake. When engaged, the braking system functions in unison to bring the scooter to a smooth and precise stop. The scooter has a tested stopping distance of 7 meters while traveling at 15 mph. The high-performance triple braking system guarantees a high safety level, even in wet conditions where most scooters skid and spin out of control on braking.

The super-bright LED headlight and red LED taillight at the rear offer excellent visibility for safe night riding. You also get many other safety features, including a bell to notify other users of your presence, cruise control for additional safety, IP54 water resistance rating, and an extra-spacious deck with textured grip rubber ensuring enhanced stability.

Aside from the high safety levels, the Levy Plus is comfortable to ride thanks to the 10-inch pneumatic tires that offer an impressive level of dampening even with the lack of a suspension system. The tires also provide decent ground clearance allowing seamless gliding over obstacles.

Levy offers outstanding customer service, understands, and readily addresses customers’ concerns. The company promises to stand behind its products, keep to its warranties, and do not hesitate to provide repairs if necessary. The Levy Plus comes with a 6-month limited warranty covering manufacturing defects. Surprisingly, you have to pay extra for an extended 1-year warranty on checkout or within 30 days. Original purchasers are also offered a 14 days return policy, which is pretty short compared to the Unagi Model One’s three-month replacement policy-the best in the industry.

Best Budget Last-Mile Scooter GOTRAX GXL COMMUTER V2

Specifications: Top speed: 15.5 mph (25 Km/h) | Range: 12 miles (19 Km)| Weight: 26.45 lbs. (12 Kg) Max Load: 220 lbs. (100Kg) Colour: Black

Looking for a commuting scooter on a tight budget, the GoTrax GXL Commuter V2 fits your bill. Despite being a budget e-scooter, it neither skimps on construction nor sacrifices some aspects of performance at that price. The design won’t win the “best looking scooter award” but will turn heads thanks to the sleek, modest design with the construction, which screams quality. You’ll undoubtedly be impressed by the modern, smart aesthetic design perfect for urban riding. The scooter is constructed with lightweight aluminum, which creates a good balance between sturdiness and weight. The design, construction, and excellent finishing featuring red detailing throughout the scooter for that price makes it quite appealing to the avid commuter.

Performance-wise, the GXL V2 reaches a top speed of 15.5 mph, just within the speed range of most commuting scooters. The 250-watt motor offers smooth acceleration with decent power to tackle up to 10-degree hills. The critical point is that the GXL V2 is a kick-to-start scooter; it doesn’t have a zero start. Therefore, you’ll have to kick in up to about two mph before the motor kicks in. At 15.5 mph, the GXL V2 will see you keep up with traffic in busy-city areas and navigate heavy traffic to reach your destination in no time.

Talking of speed, you also get the option of two speed modes (High and Low), allowing you to ride at 10 mph or 15.5 mph, based on traffic flow, personal preference, or speed restrictions common in urban centers. What’s more, it’s impressive that the scooter comes with cruise control functionality at that price range. This feature will not only make your riding experience incredibly enjoyable but will also enhance ride safety.

On to range, the GoTrax GXL V2 Commuter is marketed with a range of 12 miles on a single charge. Compared to other pricier commuter scooters such as the Turboant X7 Pro (30 miles), Levy Plus (20 miles), and the Unagi Model One E500 (15.5 miles), the GoTrax GXL V2 Commuter scooter has quite the shorter range. At that range, the scooter is perfect for short commutes or short-distance trips. But at that range (expect 10 miles in real life), the GXL V2 is well appreciated considering the entry-level price. Besides, the impressive 187-watt hour lithium-ion battery pack takes 3-4 hours, meaning that you can charge it in between rides.

With 31 lbs. max weight, the GXL Commuter V2 is about as light as any commuter scooter. While the scooter folds down to a compact package (measuring 99 cm by 43 cm by 36 cm) that can easily be carried, the lever-activated folding mechanism is pretty cumbersome. To fold the scooter, you first have to manually unscrew the safety pin that locks the folding mechanism into place, then pull down the red folding lever at the base of the handlebar stem to have it collapse over the deck. Nonetheless, the scooter folds into a compact package in less than 10 seconds and can seamlessly be carried over short distances.

Talking of safety, the scooter comes with a dual-braking system encompassing a rear disc brake and front regenerative electronic brake providing safe and smooth stopping. In the scooter world, it’s hard to find a scooter under $300 with dual braking, another reason why the GoTrax GXL V2 Commuter is the best budget commuting scooter. The headlight and rear reflectors keep you safe at night, but you may need to get a taillight to make you visible from the rear.

The GXL Commuter V2 doesn’t compromise ride quality despite the affordable price. Of course, the ride comfort isn’t as buttery-smooth as more expensive models. But the 8.5-inch pneumatic (air-filled) tires do the most to provide a comfortable riding experience on typical urban terrains. The deck is covered with anti-slip material and offers a decent amount of real estate, ensuring comfortable and sturdy rides.

The GXL V2 doesn’t come with a good warranty. It comes with a 90-day warranty, which is limited to issues caused by manufacturer defects.

It’s hard to imagine that a scooter exists so cheap, yet it ticks all the boxes vital for a commuting scooter. Overall, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a commuting scooter with decent performance, good portability, and commendable ride quality with additional features such as cruise control. LCD display and IP54 water resistance rating at that price.

Best Scooter in Terms of City and Last Mile Commuting Tech Solutions- Segway Ninebot Max Electric Kick Scooter

Specifications: Top speed: 18.6 mph (30 Km/h) | Range: 40.4 miles (65 Km)| Weight: 41.2 lbs. (18.6 Kg) Max Load: 220.5 lbs. (100Kg) Colour: Dark Grey

For those with a taste for things technology, the Segway Ninebot Max e-scooter is a dream come true. Coming with innovative & superior technology, notably Bluetooth capabilities, cruise control, mobile app connectivity for additional security and firmware updates, LED display, and built-in charger, the Segway Ninebot Max Electric Kick Scooter is indeed the best in terms of city and last-mile commuting tech solutions. 

While not as elegant as the Unagi Model One, the Segway scooter sports a cohesive design. The scooter appears like it has been carved from a single piece of metal, evidenced by the clean, rounded lines with no hanging wires. Everything seems in its rightful place. The sturdy world-class construction earns a well-deserved compliment and can sustain daily use and abuse, synonymous with routine commutes.

Fitted with a powerful 350W motor, the Segway Ninebot Max reaches a top speed of 18.6 mph, just within the commuter category. It also boasts of a zippy acceleration, reaching 24kmh in 5.4 seconds. It has a better acceleration rate than other commuter scooters such as GoTrax GXL V2 and the Levy Plus. With a 350 watt motor with 700 watts of peak power, the Ninebot Max can seamlessly conquer 15% hills without a drop in performance.

The Ninebot Max has an incredible range for its class. It’s 551 Wh. the battery offers a manufacturer-claimed range of 40.4miles (65Km), which is just exceptional given its weight and price. While you should expect the range to be slightly lower in real-life riding based on riding conditions, rider’s size, terrain, etc., it’s still perfect for long-distance commutes. The battery takes 6 hours to charge, which is still decent considering the long-range. You can go for weeks without really charging the battery for shorter commutes, an absolute convenience for commuters with busy schedules. The Smart Battery Management System comes in handy to prolong the battery safety and extend the battery life.

The Segway Ninebot Max falls at the top of the range regarding the use of innovative technology in electric scooters. The scooter integrates many superior technologies, not too familiar with commuting scooters. To begin with, the scooter comes with a bright color LED display that informs you of vital information such as battery power, speed, and riding mode. The premium display is super bright, and you can read it under direct sunlight as it also automatically dims at night.

The scooter is also compatible with the Segway-Ninebot app, which can be downloaded on your smartphone (Android and iOS). It links to the app via Bluetooth and can be used to monitor critical vitals of the scooter, including the remaining mileage, remaining battery, and total mileage. The app also informs riders of their riding record and vehicle statistics, including total mileage. What’s more, the app enhances security and facilitates firmware updates to the scooter. 

Still, on the technology aspect, the scooter has a built-in DC converter with a standard IEC 320 C5 “Mickey Mouse ears” power connector, meaning that you can use any standard power cable to charge your scooter on the go.

While the Ninebot Max excels in innovation and technology, portability is a bit of a letdown. Weighing 41.1 lbs., the Ninebot Max is a tad heavier than the average commuting scooter. At that weight, you wouldn’t want to carry the scooter for more than a city block or a few flights of stairs, especially after a busy day at work.

The scooter tries to remain portable by folding down easily with the stem latching to the rear fender. However, with a folded dimension of 117 cm long by 48 cm wide by 53 cm tall, the scooter isn’t compact enough to fit in tight spaces in public transport. Besides, it may take a bit of angling to fit into the trunk of a sedan. The ride quality is laudable thanks to the combination of the thicker stem, beefier build, and large 10-inch inflatable tires, which offer sufficient dampening.

Ninebot Max Electric Scooter maintains high safety thanks to a plethora of safety features, including zero-wobble safety collar folding mechanism, big and loud bell, dual braking system(front drum drake and rear electronic brake), IPX5 water-resistance rating, high-mounted front LED lights, and a rear red LED brake light attached to the rear fender. 

Overall, the Segway Ninebot Max Electric scooter sets itself apart from other commuting scooters with its superior & innovative technology. In addition to technology use, it is a powerful scooter that excels in different aspects, notably range, construction & design, and general performance. However, the scooter compromises portability to some extent since it’s a bit heavier than the average commuting scooter. All in all, for a techy commuter, the Ninebot Max e-scooter is an outstanding choice.

BIO: 

Nely is an adrenaline junkie and one of her life goals is to sky dive, but until that day she gets her kicks from testing fast electric scooters. Part time scooter fanatic & part time SEO analyst. Nely’s favourite scooter is the Dualtron X.