Electric scooters are the ideal way to get around without the hassles of parking or gridlock, because they’re small, folding, and portable.

Why We Love Electric Scooters
Since their appearance as shared vehicles on city streets a few years back, standing electric scooters have evolved to conquer commuter paths, race tracks, rough off-road trails, and high-speed streets, with high performance, rugged builds, large capacity batteries, and powerful dual motors. Along with these components come advances in braking, suspension, tires, and controllers to provide the smoothest, safest of rides.
These innovations notwithstanding, the reasons most people ride lightweight electric scooters in the first place haven’t changed much. E-scooters may serve a wider range of uses, but they are still primarily sought out as last-mile solutions, i.e., small, portable personal electric vehicles that make the commute to and from the office more ecologically responsible, personally liberating, and convenient. In this regard, electric scooters have also improved as small, portable vehicles, perfect for covering short distances.
Electric scooters are the ideal way to get around without the hassles of parking or gridlock, because they’re small, folding, and portable.
What Makes an Electric Scooter Portable?
It might seem like an obvious question – you can pick it up and carry it, of course. But portability doesn’t just mean “able to be carried.” Ideally, a portable electric scooter should fold quickly, be light enough to carry with one hand without difficulty, and fold down compactly enough to fit in the back of a car or on public transit. The most lightweight scooters tend to be the most portable, but they’re not always the best on the road. A light, compact electric scooter should also be competitive in terms of its speed, construction, ride quality, power, braking, and handling. It should be safe, fast, fun, and portable!

Electric Scooter Weight
How much can electric scooters weigh? Scooters can weigh well over 100 lbs, depending on their form factor, or they can weigh less than 30 lbs. The overall weight of an electric scooter is determined by its frame materials — from lightweight aluminum to strong but tensile materials like magnesium and carbon fiber that can shave kilograms from the overall bulk.
Weight is also determined by a scooter’s components. Suspension systems and pneumatic tires reduce vibration but can also add additional weight, as can larger motors and batteries. A portable scooter can be an unbearably harsh, or even unsafe ride, so it’s critical to choose a model that doesn’t sacrifice its most important features for portability, but rather one that considers portability one important feature among others like safety, ride quality, durability, speed, power, and battery life.
Folding Mechanisms
Without systems of hinges and locks that allow the stem of a lightweight scooter to fold and unfold securely, portability would not be possible. But not all folding mechanisms are made equally well. Cheaper electric scooters tend to be weak in this area, often requiring frequent retightening, when possible, and causing vibration in the handlebars and wobbly handling on the road.
Some light electric scooters fold more easily than others, and some feature telescopic stems and handlebars that fold as well, making their footprint even smaller. At the same time, such features increase portability and compactness but also introduce more possible weak points into the scooter’s design.
The lightweight electric scooters on our list have stood the test, and they have come out with consistently solid user reviews and critics’ approval for being some of the most high quality, lightest electric scooters you can buy. What’s the best lightweight electric scooter? That depends on your needs as a rider.
The Lightest and Most Compact Folding Electric Scooters in 2022
Inokim Light 2
$799.00


Inokim Light 2 Specs
Motor | Brushless DC 350W Motor |
Battery | 10.4Ah Li-ion battery |
Charge Time | 4 hours |
Range | 15-20 miles (25-32 km) |
Max Speed | 21 mph (13 kph) |
Climbing Range | 10 degrees |
Braking System | Front and rear drum brakes |
Tire Type | 8.5-inch pneumatic tires |
Suspension | None |
Lighting | Front & Rear LED / Side reflectors |
Max Load | 225 lb (102 kg) |
Scooter Weight | 30 lbs (13.5 kg) |
Product Material | N/A |
Size (L x W x H, cm) | Unfolded: 42 x 43 x 19 inches Folded: 38 x 7 x 15 inches |
Horn | Bell |
Water Resistance | None |
Portability & Weight
With its 30-pound weight, the Inokim Light 2 is an excellent choice for a portable electric scooter. It just meets criteria for “ultra-portable” (30 pounds or lighter) without compromising range or ride and build quality. While the Light 2 doesn’t fold as quickly as some other scooters on this list, it does rank as one of the most compact scooters on the market once it’s folded.
The lightweight scooter’s telescoping stem and folding handlebars collapse it down to an easily manageable 37-inches long, 10-inches wide – small enough to fit into tight commuting spaces like subway cars or buses without needing its own seat. Inokim’s folding mechanism is rugged and durable, and has the added benefit of providing a slot for locks of all kinds.

Speed, Power & Range
A single 350 watt motor doesn’t place the Light 2 in the range of high-powered commuters but it does provide enough power to climb hills with relative ease, though the scooter does slow down significantly on hills with a more than 10% grade. The combination of a fully-charged battery and the single motor pushes the Light 2 up to 21 mph, quite fast for a lightweight, portable scooter.
The Light 2’s range maxes out at 20 miles, which is only possible in the most ideal conditions. With riders closer to 200 pounds and a ride with hills and rough terrain included, the scooter can still match some of the best lightweight scooters on this list for range and speed.

Braking, Handling & Ride Quality
The Light 2 has an unusual braking setup, using two drum brakes rather than disc or electric brakes. These brakes give the scooter excellent stopping power, require little adjustment and no maintenance, and will seriously outlast other mechanical braking systems. Low, 2.3 inch ground clearance makes the scooter’s deck susceptible to rocks and road debris, but also give it exceptional handling, thanks to a low center of gravity, on smooth urban roads.
Ride quality for the Light 2 is top notch thanks to a relatively sizable deck that lets riders spread out their stance, and to 8.5 inch pneumatic tires. These provide great traction and absorb bumps in the road, compensating for the electric scooter’s lack of suspension. Foam handlebar grips increase comfort and a slightly curved back handlebar angle makes for improved ergonomics over straight handlebars.

Additional Features
Front and rear LED lighting on the Inokim Light 2 come on as soon as it gets dark, making sure you’ll always be visible to others. The lights are mounted low on the scooter, and for added safety, riders might want an additional light mounted on the handlebars so they can see where they’re going at night.
Riders will not be disappointed with the electric scooter’s responsive thumb throttle, which provides smooth acceleration from the first kick-start (the Light 2 does not have “zero start” ) up to the fastest speeds. The display is small and harder to read than larger, center-mounted displays, but it saves all the scooter’s settings when powered off and enables the handlebars to fold neatly down the middle.
Inokim Light 2 Pros
- cushiony pneumatic tires
- rugged build quality
- maintenance-free drum brakes
Inokim LIght 2 Cons
- very low deck clearance
Apollo Air
$999.00


Apollo Air Specs
Motor | Brushless DC 500W Motor |
Battery | 15Ah Li-ion battery |
Charge Time | 5.7 hours |
Range | 15-20 miles (25-32 km) |
Max Speed | 21 mph (13 kph) |
Climbing Range | 15 degrees |
Braking System | Front drum and rear electronic regenerative brakes |
Tire Type | 10 inch pneumatic tires |
Suspension | Front dual spring suspension |
Lighting | Front & Rear LED / Side reflectors |
Max Load | 220 lb (100 kg) |
Scooter Weight | 38.5 lbs (17.5 kg) |
Product Material | Aluminum |
Size (L x W x H, cm) | Folded: 47 x 22 x 21 inches |
Horn | Built-in bell |
Water Resistance | IP54 |
Portability & Weight
At 38.5 pounds, the Apollo Air is not an “ultraportable” electric scooter, but it is very easy to carry once it’s folded up. A quick latch secures the stem to the deck, and while it does not have folding handlebars, which make it wider than it needs to be when folded, it should fit easily into the backseat or trunk of a car when traveling.

Speed, Power & Range
A single, 500 watt motor drives the Apollo Air, and a large battery provides enough power and capacity for longer-range travel, fast acceleration, and reliable climbing. This is one area where the Apollo Air adds extra weight to great effect. Its larger motor and battery combo also make it a solid choice as a portable electric scooter for larger riders. At an advertised 31 miles, the Air has the longest range of the scooters on this list.

Braking, Handling & Ride Quality
With a front drum brake and rear electric braking, the Apollo Air boasts best-in-class braking power in an affordable entry-level package that extends range with regenerative braking. Riders can decide to use only regenerative brakes with a small, throttle-like thumb brake on the left, or they can apply both regen and mechanical brakes with a brake lever that controls both.
Braking is adjustable through the Air’s impressive app (more on that below), and the scooter does an excellent job of combining both mechanisms for just the right amount to stop securely and quickly.
The Air’s ride quality is what makes it one of the best portable scooters on the market, even if it’s a few pounds heavier than most. Yes, it’s not one of the lightest scooters you can buy, but the Air’s beefy, 10-in pneumatic tires, front dual shock suspension, generously wide handlebars, and spacious deck make it comfortable on the roughest of roads and have made one reviewer call it “the SUV of electric scooters.”

Additional Features
The Apollo Air’s display is a small LCD panel at the top of the stem, showing the usual speed, battery status, cruise control, and riding mode. It also features Bluetooth integration with an app that allows riders to check remaining miles, set riding mode and top speed, modify the acceleration and braking, turn zero start on/off, and update the scooter’s firmware. Lighting on the Air is top-notch, with a rear LED brake light/tail light and a bright headlamp at the top of the stem for the best visibility.
Apollo Air Pros
- Excellent ride quality
- Best-in-class braking
- Great for larger riders
Apollo Air Cons
- Heavier and less compact than similarly-priced competitors
Unagi Model One E500
$55/month subscription service or $590.00


Unagi Model One Specs
Motor | Brushless DC 350W or 500W Motor |
Battery | 9Ah Li-ion battery |
Charge Time | 4-5 hours |
Range | 15.5 miles (25 km) |
Max Speed | 21 mph (13 kph) |
Climbing Range | 15 degrees |
Braking System | Electric brake E-ABS/Rear fender step brake |
Tire Type | 7.5 in solid tires |
Suspension | None |
Lighting | 1.8W LED headlights, LED taillight |
Max Load | 220 lb (100 kg) |
Scooter Weight | 38.5 lbs (17.5 kg) |
Product Material | Aluminum / Carbon Fibre / Magnesium |
Size (L x W x H, cm) | Unfolded: 37.8 x 16.5 x 43.31 inches Folded: 37.8 x 16.5 x 15 inches |
Horn | None |
Water Resistance | IP54 |

Portability & Weight
Unagi’s Model One comes in two sizes, the single-motor E350 and dual motor E500. Both weigh in at under 30 pounds, and with its stylish design and easy one-click folding mechanism the Model One ranks as one of the most portable, high-quality, lightweight folding scooters on the market.
The patented folding mechanism on the Model One is both durable and quick-release, making it possible (if maybe unlikely) to fold the scooter with one hand in a pinch. Stuff it in a trunk or in Unagi’s own carrying case for a quick transfer to a subway car, elevator. It may be the ideal urban commuter.
Part of what makes the Unagi Model One so portable is found in its high-strength carbon-fiber stem and magnesium handlebars, which are 33% lighter than aluminum, the company reminds us. Along with enhancing its visual appeal (check out that clean cable routing!), the scooter uses such materials to cut down significantly on weight.

Speed, Power & Range
The Unagi Model One is not a long range electric scooter, nor does it pretend to be, with a posted max range of 15.5 miles in its most economical riding mode. It’s tailor-made for short city commutes and quick errands.
The scooter’s range can be extended with more conservative riding, but such an approach is hard to maintain with the Model One because it’s simply so much fun to ride. On level pavement, it glides, and its dual-motor E500 makes the scooter a surprisingly powerful hill climber.
The Unagi Model One can be unlocked to reach speeds of 20 mph. Even at its factory limited setting of 16 mph, however, the electric scooter feels plenty fast, with smooth acceleration all along the throttle.

Braking, Handling & Ride Quality
The Model One uses dual electronic brakes for highly efficient stopping. These are not, unfortunately, regenerative and will not increase the scooter’s range, but they work very well. For extra stopping power – or in the event the scooter runs out of power and the brakes don’t work – Unagi has included a foot brake on the rear fender that can bring the Model One to a full stop.
On level pavement, the Model One handles beautifully. Its low clearance and thus low center-of-gravity give it a very stable feel and smooth ride. The scooter’s greatest strength, its portability, also contributes to its greatest weakness, however: poor ride quality. Unagi’s solid, vented tires can take small bumps but will rumble and bounce on rougher pavement.

Additional Features
The scooter’s elegantly designed display functions, like the rest of its components, exactly the way it’s supposed to while looking beautiful doing so, as does an integrated kickstand, ergonomically-designed stem that doubles as a tapered handle, and silicon-covered thumb throttle and brake lever for braking and acceleration that make the scooter even more of a joy to ride.
Unagi Model One Pros
- No-contract monthly subscription
- Elegant styling
- Ultra-portable
- Powerful hill climbing
Unagi Model One Cons
- Poor ride quality on rough roads
- Short range
Turboant M10
$359.98


TurboAnt M10 Specs
Motor | Brushless DC 350W motor |
Battery | 7.5Ah Li-ion battery |
Charge Time | 5 hours |
Range | 18 miles (29 km) |
Max Speed | 20 mph (32 kph) |
Climbing Range | 10 degrees |
Braking System | Electronic and disc brakes |
Tire Type | 10 inch pneumatic with tubes |
Suspension | None |
Lighting | 2W white LED headlight, red LED tail light |
Max Load | 220 lb (100 kg) |
Scooter Weight | 29.8 lbs (13.5 kg) |
Product Material | Aluminum |
Size (L x W x H, cm) | Unfolded: 42 x 17 x 46 inches Folded: 42 x 17 x 15.5 inches |
Horn | None |
Water Resistance | IP54 |
Portability & Weight
At just under 30 pounds, the Turboant M10 qualifies as an ultraportable scooter, in that nearly anyone of any body type can carry it. The scooter folds easily with a single latch, and it has a utilitarian construction that shows in its design and in the sturdiness of its build quality.
In other words, the M10 feels inexpensive, but never cheap. And while the scooter offers few frills to mark up its price tag, it does have 10-inch pneumatic tires, a minimal weight trade-off that pays dividends on the road.
The M10 gets high portability scores overall for its quick-folding latch and the system that secures the handlebars to the rear fender.

Speed, Power & Range
With a 350 watt motor in the rear wheel, the M10 puts out enough power to move the scooter at speeds of up to 20 mph on level ground, but it’s not a powerful hill climber and can slow down significantly on steeper grades. The battery capacity is underwhelming and riders closer to the 200 lb mark will more likely get 15 miles of range or less than the promised maximum range of 18 miles.
The finger throttle works smoothly but some riders might find it more fatiguing than thumb throttles. Nonetheless, it is an ergonomic design with the added advantage of activating cruise control when held down for a few seconds.

Braking, Handling & Ride Quality
The M10 uses a double braking system, with regenerative electronic brakes complemented by a mechanical rear disc brake, all activated by a single lever above the throttle. This system works particularly well and the scooter as a whole feels durable and comfortable on the road.
Although it lacks a suspension, something you’ll rarely find on an electric scooter priced under $500, the large pneumatic tires really do an excellent job of taking on bumps on the road and soaking up vibrations that make ride quality suffer on so many other budget models. It’s rare to find tires like this on a scooter at this price point, and they might even be the M10’s best feature.

Additional Features
The M10 comes in one color, black, and its styling could be summed up with a shrug. This is a good thing if you don’t want to draw attention to yourself. It’s also indicative of the electric scooter’s approach to design overall – what it does, it does straightforwardly well, without pretension. It’s a budget-priced scooter that rides like a much higher-priced model thanks to regenerative braking, a powerful 350 watt motor and, especially, large, pneumatic tires. The well-placed headlamp, LED taillight that doubles as a brake light, attractive display screen, and low weight all combine to make a scooter that excels in value over any on this list.
TurboAnt M10 Pros
- Easily portable
- Large, air-filled tires dampen vibrations
- Great value for the money
TurboAnt M10 Cons
- Nondescript styling
EMOVE Touring
$899.00


EMOVE Touring Specs
Motor | Brushless DC 500W Motor |
Battery | 13Ah Li-ion battery |
Charge Time | 3-4 hours |
Range | 25 mph (40.2 kph) |
Max Speed | 25 mph (40.2 kph) |
Climbing Range | 20 degrees |
Braking System | Rear drum and regenerative brakes |
Tire Type | 8 inch front pneumatic tire, 8 inch rear solid |
Suspension | Triple spring |
Lighting | Front and rear LED |
Max Load | 308 lbs (140 kg) |
Scooter Weight | 39 lbs (17 kg) |
Product Material | Aluminum |
Size (L x W x H, cm) | Unfolded: 43 x 7 x 22 inches Folded: 43 x 7 x 11.5 inches |
Horn | Built-in bell |
Water Resistance | IP54 |
Portability & Weight
Not an ultra-portable scooter at 39 pounds, the EMOVE Touring is nonetheless a compact wonder, with its telescoping stem and folding handlebars. The latest versions of the Touring have greatly improved earlier user complaints about stability in the stem, and the scooter feels stable while still collapsing to very manageable size for almost any kind of use.

Speed, Power & Range
For a few more pounds more than lighter scooters on this list, riders get significant upgrades in speed, power, and range. Rated at a top speed of 25 mph, the M10 has a tested top speed of 21.5 mph with a 165 lb rider. Its 500 watt motor makes it a very able hill climber, and its large-capacity LG battery tests at almost 19 miles of range and promises 32 miles under ideal conditions. This is a great commuter scooter for all sorts of reasons, not least being its high-quality battery and powerful single motor, which gets the job done on hills without the added weight of dual motor designs.

Braking, Handling & Ride Quality
In almost every area, the EMOVE Touring justifies its relative extra bulk in comparison with similarly-priced scooters. Its dual braking system is quite good, with one drum and one regenerative brake in the rear wheel (though dual-wheel braking is usually preferable). The Touring also substitutes a solid rear wheel in place of two pneumatic tires.
A solid rear wheel introduces weight and maintenance savings as solid tires cannot get punctures, but this can also negatively affect ride quality. Not so with the Touring. The scooter lives up to its name. With a triple-spring suspension system in the front, cushiony swingarm rear suspension, and a very large deck relative to its folded size, this electric scooter is a smoother ride than most for longer hauls.

Additional Features
The Touring is highly customizable, with five colors to choose from and plug-and-play replacement throttles and displays, including options for a thumb or a twist throttle. Its P-settings for electronic braking are also highly adjustable, scooter features rarely found at this price point.
EMOVE Touring Pros
- Customizable options
- Suspension system provides excellent ride quality
- Very compact
EMOVE Touring Cons
- A little heavy
- Utilitarian looks
Fluid Mosquito
$999.00


Fluid Mosquito Specs
Motor | Brushless DC 350W Motor X 2 |
Battery | 9.6Ah Li-ion battery |
Charge Time | 5-6 hrs |
Range | 22 miles (35.4 km) |
Max Speed | 25+ mph (40.2 kph) |
Climbing Range | 10 degrees |
Braking System | electronic , regenerative braking; rear drum and rear step on brake |
Tire Type | 8 in x 2 in (20.3 cm x 5 cm) solid tires |
Suspension | Dual spring based suspension |
Lighting | Front and rear LED |
Max Load | 265 lbs (120 kg) |
Scooter Weight | 29 lbs (13 kg) |
Product Material | Aluminum |
Size (L x W x H, cm) | Unfolded: 43 x 7 x 22 inches Folded: 43 x 7 x 11.5 inches |
Horn | Built-in bell |
Water Resistance | IPX5 |
Portability & Weight
The Fluid Mosquito is one of the most compact electric scooters on the market, at 29 pounds and folding down to a minuscule 13 in x 6 in x 42 in (incorporating its own carrying strap into the design). A telescoping stem and folding handlebars further bring the Mosquito down to size.

Speed, Power & Range
As a dual-motor ultraportable scooter, the Mosquito is bound to be fast, and it is, pushing a tested maximum speed of 28 mph on level ground. With a combined 700 watts to conquer hills, it can outperform nearly every competitor. This is a truly rare example of the struggle between weight and power in which, miraculously, both win.
Range does not suffer either, despite the relatively lightweight, 460Wh battery. The scooter promises over 20 miles on a single charge and it delivers, conditions depending, at least in the upper teens.

Braking, Handling & Ride Quality
The Mosquito might qualify for many as the best lightweight scooter, with its dual brakes, consisting of a rear drum brake and front regenerative brake that extends range (and a redundant stomp brake on the rear fender in case of panic or power failure). But no scooter can be all things to all riders, and ride quality on the Mosquito takes a hit due to its solid tires.
While a front-and-rear spring suspension system dampens vibration, solid tires will never perform as well on rough pavement as pneumatic. Nonetheless, on smooth pavement, the Mosquito feels rock solid, and with its large deck and adjustable stem height, it’s also great for larger, taller riders, with enough power to carry those over 250 pounds without lagging, a rare feat indeed for an ultra-portable electric scooter named after a Mosquito.

Additional Features
The Fluid Mosquito’s cockpit and overall styling feel a little underwhelming but its high build quality, dual motors, and ultra-portability make up for this shortcoming. It is probably the most powerful ultra-portable you can buy.
Fluid Mosquito Pros
- Fast and powerful dual motors
- Ultraportable
Fluid Mosquito Cons
- Solid tires can make for a rough ride
UScooters GT Sport
$1,099.00


UScooter GT Sport Specs
Motor | Brushless DC 350W Motor x 2 |
Battery | 10.5Ah Li-ion battery |
Charge Time | 4-5 hrs |
Range | 31 miles (49.8 km) |
Max Speed | 28 mph (45 kph) |
Climbing Range | 10 degrees |
Braking System | electronic , regenerative braking; rear drum and rear step on brake |
Tire Type | 8 in x 2 in (20.3 cm x 5 cm) solid tires |
Suspension | Dual spring based suspension |
Lighting | Front and rear LED |
Max Load | 275 lbs (125 kg) |
Scooter Weight | 29 lbs (13.6 kg) |
Product Material | Aluminum |
Size (L x W x H, cm) | Unfolded: 43 x 7 x 22 inches Folded: 43 x 7 x 11.5 inches |
Horn | Built-in bell |
Water Resistance | IPX5 |
Portability & Weight
UScooter’s GT Sport’s folding mechanism is unique to E-TWOW/UScooter models, however: a very sturdy, one-click latch that folds the stem down and locks it to the fender. Couldn’t be easier.
It’s hard to improve upon this form factor for an ultra-portable electric scooter, except with air-filled tires, which would likely push its weight over 30 pounds. But these kinds of trade-offs are part of what makes shopping for a compact, portable folding electric scooter something of a challenge. There are more than a handful of great options on the market, even from UScooters themselves. But none of them can do everything perfectly.
Speed, Power & Range
Few ultra-portable electric scooters come with dual motors, and the GT Sport’s incorporation of two 350-watt motors should, ideally, make it not only fast but also more powerful over hills than its lightweight competitors, including ultra-portable, dual-motor scooters like the Unagi Model One E500.
In meeting these expectations, the GT Sport succeeds on nearly all fronts, though the Model One is, surprisingly, still a slightly better hill climber. The GT Sport is fast, achieving a tested speed of 30 mph with ease. It uses the same E-TWOW controller as the Fluid Mosquito, which means smooth and reliable acceleration, but it’s even faster.
The GT Sport does fall short in the range department, and is not a scooter you’ll want to take on long-range rides in any case.
Braking, Handling & Ride Quality
The GT Sport triples up on the brakes, with a front regenerative brake, rear drum brake, and a stomp brake on the rear fender. All of these combined provide decent stopping power in most dry conditions, though you won’t want to ride the GT Sport on uneven or wet roads since its 8-inch solid tires lack traction and shock absorption. As an ultra-compact urban commuter, the scooter succeeds admirably.
In any other category, the GT Sport faces stiff competition from scooters with pneumatic tires or wider handlebars. The GT Sport’s handlebars are quite close together and can make handling a challenge.
The long deck, however–although low to the ground–allows for a wider stance than most ultra-portables, and the stem is adjustable to two different heights, giving taller riders a back-saving adjustment.

Additional Features
UScooter’s GT Sport is not a premium electric scooter, lacks a solid lighting profile, and doesn’t wow on the style front, but it does what it does very well. From its uncluttered cockpit, full color display, and powerful dual motor design, to its ultra-compact frame, durable build quality, and long range (thanks to light weight and regenerative braking), it’s hard to ask for more except an app. Luckily, UScooters has now added Bluetooth support for the E-TWOW mobile app, making a great scooter even better.
UScooter GT Sport Pros
- Very fast
- Super compact
- Bluetooth compatible
UScooter GT Sport Cons
- Needs additional lighting for riding at night
- Solid wheels don’t absorb bumps

Josh Jones
BIO:
Josh is a writer, electric vehicle fanatic, avid cyclist, and all around gearhead.