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The Best Electric Scooters for Climbing Hills

Nely Hayes
12 March 2022
Nely Hayes
12 March 2022

 

The hill-climbing ability is the feature many buyers seek in an electric scooter.

Electric scooters are practical, modern micro-mobility tools ideal for commuting around town. They are fast, efficient and get the job done.

Most scooters are best suited for when you’re running small errands in the nearby areas. That being said, there are times when you have to deal with hills, especially if you live in communities with slopes.

 

After range and speed, the hill-climbing ability is the feature many buyers seek in an electric scooter. For some, it’s a necessity, while for others, it’s for fun and recreation.

 

The majority of electric scooters that are extremely good at climbing don’t come cheap. Indeed, you’ll rarely see a budget scooter that comes with enough power to climb angles more than 10˚ (17.63%).

But that shouldn’t discourage you from going for what you want.

This article covers the ten best electric scooters for climbing hills, including a few little-known bargains.

 

We also have a buyers’ guide for purchasing hill-climbing scooters, as well as a quick FAQs guide regarding everything there is to know about electric scooters for climbing.

Shall we get started?

 

Dualtron X2 – Winner

 

 Front shot of Dualtron X2 electric scooter

Specs

  • Incline Capabilities: 35˚ (70.02%)
  • Motor: 8300 Watt
  • Range 93 Miles
  • Top Speed: 68 MPH

 

A durable, heavy-duty electric scooter for climbing hills, the Dualtron X2 electric scooter almost defies gravity. This bad boy is no joke regarding power. It packs so much punch that climbing an incline of 35 degrees is a breeze. The Dualtron X2’s stunning hill-climbing ability largely stems from its engine power. The X2 is endowed with a powerful 8300-watt max hub motor that provides enough juice to scale near-vertical hills.

 

The X2 reaches 68mph for its top speed, making it an adrenaline junkie’s favourite. This beast is a perfect fit for experienced riders. Inexperienced ones may find it difficult to tame it. On safety, the scooter’s dual ABS hydraulic disc brakes deliver reliable braking even when riding at top speeds. The high-quality, responsive coil-over-hydraulic shocks keep the scooter steady when riding up rocky mountainsides.

The Dualtron X 2 comes fitted with some of the biggest wheels we’ve ever seen. It sports tubeless, pneumatic tyres measuring 13 inches high and 4 inches wide. The front and rear wheels offer a huge contact patch for better stability and balance. Plus, the wide tyres generate more traction, propelling the scooter up on stubborn inclines.

 

The Dualtron X 2’s 72V, 42Ah LG battery keeps the scooter going for up to 93 miles when fully charged. The deck is expansive and supports a maximum weight capacity of up to 330 lbs.

Pros

  • Sturdy scooter (built from a 6082-T6 aluminium alloy)
  • Unbelievably long travel range
  • Dual spring shock absorbers
  • Sensitive hydraulic brakes with ABS
  • EY3 LCD control
  • Foldable electric scooter

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Heavy at 145 lbs.

Qiewa Q1 Hummer – Runners Up

Qiewa Q1 Hummer

Specs

  • Incline Capabilities: 35˚ (70.02%)
  • Motor: 800 Watt
  • Range 65 Miles
  • Top Speed: 37 MPH

 

Qiewa Q1 Hummer electric scooter delivers stellar performance in climbing steep hills and slopes. Only a few other scooters can stack up with this model as far as speed and range go, too!

Powered jointly by an 800-watt motor and a 48V 26Ah lithium battery, this scooter can climb hills as high as 35 degrees. The electric scooter’s speed and range top out at around 37mph and 65 miles, respectively.

Design-wise, the Q1 Hummer is sleek and attractive with a water- and rust-proof aluminium construction complete with an ABS plastic body. This electric scooter for climbing can handle extreme terrain without compromising its structure and shape.

The electric scooter weighs a measly 60 lbs. yet has a higher weight capacity of up to 550 lbs. This scooter is not designed for kids, nor is it intended for inexperienced teens and adults.

The scooter churns out breathtaking engine power and torque and requires some handling expertise. Thankfully, for the less experienced folks, the scooter is built for stability on the road.

The Qiewa Q1 Hummer has a dual braking system for a safe, balanced, and smooth ride. In addition to the dual disc brakes, a dual suspension system soaks in all impact and vibration on jagged terrains.

With two 10-inch pneumatic tyres, the scooter grips perfectly when climbing hills. Its long neck, sturdy construction and powerful motor make it one of the best electric scooters for climbing hills.

Pros

  • Sturdy build with medium weight
  • Relatively easy to control
  • Large thread all-terrain tyres
  • Foldable electric scooter
  • Incredibly powerful battery

Cons

  • Brakes need to be adjusted to increase sensitivity
  • Pricier than most scooters

UberScoot 1600W – Best Budget Scooter

UberScoot

Specs

  • Incline Capabilities: 30˚ (57.74%)

  • Motor: 1600 Watt

  • Range 12 Miles

  • Top Speed: 30 MPH

 

UberScoot, the best electric scooter from Evo Powerboards, looks like it was designed for young people. But make no mistake. This is a fantastic scooter for climbing hills. The scooter’s high-grade steel frame can lug up to 265 lbs. on hills. As far as powerful scooters are concerned, UberScoot is up there, with more than enough power to breeze through hills as high as 30 degrees.

 

This scooter for climbing hills comes fitted with a single 1600-watt motor. Despite not having a dual-motor system, its engine generates high power torque and enables you to ride at a maximum speed of 30mph. Backing the machine’s motor is the battery power. A 12V 12Ah lead-acid battery takes you to a distance of 12 miles. Switch to the economy mode to save on battery life and travel even further.

 

The single motor scooter utilizes a chain drive system. It features a variable twist throttle that lets you set the speed you’re comfortable with. Moreover, it presents a front and rear double braking system that stops the scooter when activated. UberScoot electric scooter has air-filled sports tyres that measure 11 inches. You don’t need to worry about bumpy roads as the tyres ensure you have traction to overcome bad terrains. These large-grip all-terrain tyres are also designed to provide ample ground clearance over objects.

 

Look no further than the UberScoot 1600W electric scooter for the best electric scooter on a budget. It has a fantastic combination of sturdy build, sweat-wicking grips, and calm ride quality.

 

Pros

  • One of the most powerful single motor scooters available

  • Suitable for teens and adults alike

  • Premium aluminium alloy construction

  • Switchable economy mode to save battery power

  • Adjustable, detachable comfort seat

Cons

  • Limited range per charge

  • Not waterproof

OUTSTORM Ultra-High-Speed – Best Foldable Scooter

Outstorm folding electric scooter

Specs

  • Incline Capabilities: 30˚ (57.74%)

  • Motor: 3200 Watts

  • Range: 67 Miles

  • Top Speed: 56 MPH

 

Power and speed are two exciting combinations possessed by the OUTSTORM Ultra-High-Speed electric scooter. For starters, it comes with dual motors, each rated at 1600W. The two motors provide a combined output of 3200 watts of power. As a result, this tremendous electric scooter can move at a trailblazing top speed of 56mph. When its 25Ah battery is fully charged, the scooter can travel over a distance of 52 miles.

 

Huge, jagged 11 inches polyurethane wheels, coupled with high-impact hydraulic suspension brake friction barriers and take you up any hillside. The scooter boasts a climbing power of 30 degrees and a maximum weight capacity of 385lbs. As for the braking system, the scooter features electronic brakes. The brakes work to stop the scooter instantly on sand or muddy surfaces in conjunction with the tyres.

 

When you purchase this best electric scooter for climbing hills, you receive two spare brake pads as a bonus. Depending on how skilled you are and what road conditions you are riding in, you get to enjoy 3-speed modes and two power modes. These modes are intended to give you total control over your scooter.

 

Perhaps where the OUTSTORM excels the most is in its ability to fold. Even though OUTSTORM is relatively heavy at 101 lbs., it is one of the few foldable electric scooters in the scooter world.

Folding up an electric scooter quickly and easily saves on storage space in the home, office, or classroom.

 

Pros

  • Powerful torque and speed

  • Strong hydraulic suspension

  • UL 2272 certified scooter

  • Foldable into a compact size

  • Bright LED lights for night riding

Cons

  • Not for kids or seniors

  • Not suitable for riding in heavy rain

Apollo Pro 52V – Best Value

apollo pro electric scooter

Specs

  • Incline Capabilities: 21.8˚ (40%)

  • Motor: Dual 1000 Watts

  • Range: 56 Miles

  • Top Speed: 38 MPH

 

The second most powerful scooter in the Apollo lineup – after the Pro 60V-the Apollo Pro 52V not only scales 21.8-degree inclines, but it boasts of a supersonic acceleration curve. This sleek, multi-functional machine is motivated by dual 1000 W motors, giving you jaw-dropping climbing abilities at a value price of $1,799.

 

The Apollo Pro 52V’s motor is mated to a 52V 22.5Ah battery manufactured by the legendary LG. This amalgamation lets you go from 0 to 30mph in 6.2 seconds and travel over 56 miles on a single charge. Keep in mind you can only achieve this range when riding in eco (single-motor) mode. If you ride in turbo (dual) mode, you will drain the battery life faster. So, expect a realistic range of around 22-35 miles when riding in dual motor mode.

 

In eco mode, you should be able to climb most hills, except the most challenging ones. Steeper hills require both motors activated. The Apollo Pro 52V’s cable disc brake system isn’t the sharpest, stopping the scooter within 16 feet. Nevertheless, for an extra $150, Apollo allows you to upgrade this disc brake system to a crispier, more efficient hydraulic system.

 

The Pro 52V rides on 10-inch pneumatic tyres, which sail over obstacles smoothly and provide excellent ground clearance. At a price under $2000, this electric scooter is excellent value for money.

 

Pros

  • Excellent value for money

  • Powerful and versatile

  • Soaks up any bumps

  • Features Apollo display for hill stats

  • IP54 water-resistant

Cons

  • It doesn’t come standard with hydraulic brakes

  • Struggles climbing hills in eco mode

NANROBOT D5+ – Best Quality Scooter

Nanrobot D5+

Specs

  • Incline Capabilities: 45˚ (100%)

  • Motor: 2 x1000 Watts

  • Range: 50 Miles

  • Top Speed: 40 MPH

 

NanRobot e-scooter lines are built to last, so is the NanRobot D5+. This electric scooter for climbing hills is ideal for scaling up steep hills and terrains or just daily commuting. The NanRobot D5+ is an upgrade from the popular NanRobot D4+. Much like its predecessor, it has a robust frame that can accommodate 330lbs., perfect for both teens and adults.

 

But the D5+ is much more than meets the eye. This is one of the best electric scooter models around that features a 2000W (2×1000) brushless motor. It has powerful acceleration to climb slopes as steep as 45 degrees. With its ultra-large, 10-inch pneumatic off-road tyres, along with a dampening system comprising six shock absorbers, climbing hills has never been easier.

 

The D5+ offers high stopping power on safety, and you won’t be exposed to any risk. The scooter features a rear EBS brake and a front brake, ensuring safety even when riding at maximum speed. The scooter’s large deck is exciting to see as it is to rest your legs on. The ride feels smooth, and even when you hit some bumps, the dampers absorb the energy, and you won’t feel the vibration in your legs.

 

If you are looking for the best electric scooter for climbing that is an all-rounder, NanRobot’s D5+ model might be your best bet.

 

Pros

  • Durable aluminium frame

  • Dual brushless motors for added power

  • Professional-grade e-scooter

  • Quality suspension and tyres

  • Performance-oriented brakes

Cons

  • Not a portable scooter

 

WideWheel Pro – Best Wide Wheel Scooter

mercane widewheel

Specs

  • Incline Capabilities: 16.7˚ (30%)

  • Motor: 2 x500 Watts

  • Range: 30 Miles

  • Top Speed: 26 MPH

 

With a combo of a large battery, double hydraulic braking system, reinforced design, and a crisp display, the WideWheel Pro is one of the best mobility scooters for climbing hills. Many people jokingly call it the “bat scooter”. That’s because it looks like something that’s hard to miss in Batman’s arsenal of wheels.

 

The 1000W base power in WideWheel Pro has the appetite for steep slopes. It can storm up 16.7-degree inclines, ideal for urban landscapes seated on sharper gradients. In addition, this scooter for climbing hills drives to a top speed of 26mph. Our real-world tests exceeded this maximum speed, taking on rough tracks and undulating roads without lags.

 

One of the favourite things we love about the WideWheel Pro is that, as the name suggests, it rides on seriously wide wheels. Both the front and rear wheel measure eight inches tall and nearly four inches wide, providing adequate balance across all types of terrain. The tyres are filled with polyurethane foam and are softer than traditional rubber tyres. And although these airless non-pneumatic tyres don’t provide as much cushioning as pneumatics, the front and rear suspension offer protection against bumps.

 

This electric scooter is portable, weighing a mere 50 lbs for added reliability. Plus, its handlebars are foldable. This means the scooter collapses into a reasonably compact package for hassle-free transportation and storage.

 

Pros

  • Wider wheels than most scooters

  • Powerful torque for hill climbing

  • Lightweight and portable

  • LED display for stats like the voltage, speed, mileage, etc.

  • Bright front headlights and rear brake lights for nighttime riding

  • Includes a bell

Cons

  • The throttle has some lag (an optional upgrade is available)

 

Kaabo Wolf Warrior 11 – Best All-Terrain Scooter

wolf warrior 11

Specs

  • Incline Capabilities: 24.2˚ (45%)

  • Motor: 2 x1200 Watts

  • Range: 70 Miles (eco/single drive)

  • Top Speed: 50 MPH

 

Touted as one part e-scooter, one part motocross racer, and one part mountain bike, the Kaabo Wolf Warrior 11 is nothing short of what its name says – a warrior. This electric scooter for climbing hills is designed to provide the ultimate on and off-road experience. Two 1200W brushless motors and two 40A controllers deliver a peak output of 5400 watts. As a result, the scooter glides through hills as high as 24.2 degrees with absolute ease. The Wolf Warrior 11 hit 24mph in our hill climb test before veering off the runway, completing the climb in a record 7.6 seconds. That’s no child’s business!

 

To ensure this powerful scooter doesn’t toss you off, it features motorcycle-grade inverted front shock absorbers and a rear suspension spring. Add that to full hydraulic brakes with the optionally enabled ABS, and get ready for some smooth rides in any terrain. Front and rear hydraulic brakes bring the scooter to a standstill from a maximum speed of 50mph. The scooter’s range varies by the mode chosen.

 

The scooter can reach up to 70 miles in eco or single-drive mode without any recharge in between.

Put simply, the Kaabo Wolf Warrior 11 rivals most higher-priced scooters, and in some instances, is far more superior to other e-scooters. It’s a monster.

 

Pros

  • Well-suited for all terrains

  • Superb front and rear hydraulic springs

  • 11 inches tubeless tyres

  • Front, side and rear LEDs

  • Minimotors throttle display

Cons

  • Relatively bulky at 101 lbs.

 

Zero 10X – Most Reliable Scooter

Zero 10X scooter

Specs

  • Incline Capabilities: 35˚ (70.02%)

  • Motor: 2×1000 Watts

  • Range: 60 Miles

  • Top Speed: 40 MPH

 

Another good electric scooter for climbing hills, Zero 10X, is endowed with everything, from the sheer power to the ride quality and more. Tipping the scale at 80 lbs., the scooter is a reliable choice for bigger and larger riders who weigh up to 220 lbs. As the best electric scooter for climbing hills, Zero 10X features two 1000-watt motors that collectively churn out 3200-watts of power. The scooter can climb up to 35 degrees without much fuss.

 

A Samsung 60V 21Ah battery in the Zero 10X outperforms older models, such as Zero 8X and Zero 9. The battery life offers an extended travel range of 60 miles. The problem, however, is that the battery requires 10-12 hours to recharge on a standard charger fully. The Zero 10X’s formidable speed and acceleration place it firmly on the list of high-speed scooters.

 

An average rider’s weight reaches a maximum speed of 40mph on a flat urban track. For reliable, pop-free safe riding when climbing uphill, the front and rear spring hydraulic suspension are designed to absorb bumps with ease. Besides, the scooter’s 10-inch pneumatic tyres are a huge plus for hill climbing nerds.

 

The tyres offer a smooth ride needed when going off-the-road or climbing hills. What’s more, the front and rear disc brake system bring the electric scooter to a halt immediately when it’s activated.

 

Pros

  • Remarkable travel range

  • Powerful dual motors for fast acceleration

  • Dual disc brakes for excellent braking power

  • Wide deck space for comfort

  • Exceptional protection from road bumps

Cons

  • Standard lights aren’t good for night rides

  • Batteries take longer to recharge

Razor E300 – Best for Kids

razor E300 electric scooter

Specs

  • Incline Capabilities: 10˚ (17.63%)

  • Motor: 250 Watts

  • Range: 10 Miles

  • Top Speed: 15 MPH

 

The Razor E300 is the best electric scooter for climbing hills retailing under $300. This amazing scooter is a nice way to keep kids entertained in the neighbourhoods. Adults can use it for short trips too, but, for the most part, it’s a suitable choice for kids. The Razor E300 is a 250-watt, chain-driven, single-speed electric scooter. The motor power, teamed up with two 12V sealed acid batteries, pushes the scooter to climb 10-degree inclines.

 

The scooter has a maximum speed of 15mph, something adults will undoubtedly find less thrilling. But for kids, the scooter’s top speed is actually safe. Besides, it drives manually in the event the battery fails. The scooter’s two rechargeable batteries can hold a charge for 40 minutes. You can go as far as 10 miles. Again, it’s not the best solution for long distances.

 

Meanwhile, the E300’s engine is ultra-quiet and powers from a standing position. Thanks to the convenient hand throttle and brake lever, controlling the acceleration is stress-free. Notably, this scooter comes fitted with a solid steel frame that withstands a maximum weight of 220lbs. The front suspension fork, also made of steel, makes the uphill ride smooth and enjoyable.

 

With 9-inch air-filled tyres, the E300 can take a lot of abuse from bumps. For comfort, the scooter’s deck is oversized. The Razor E300S version of the scooter includes a seat as standard.

 

Pros

  • Easy to use kick start engine

  • Ultra-quiet engine

  • All-steel frame, resistant to wear

  • Simple controls

  • Attractive and fun colours

Cons

  • The run time is pretty short

  • The scooter is not collapsible

  • Requires up to 12 hours to fully charge

The Best Electric Scooters for Climbing Hills: Buying Guide

There are several features to consider when buying the best electric scooter that is capable of going uphill. Let’s see what features matter the most:

 

Climbing Angle

The most crucial factor to consider when shopping for the best hill climbing scooters is the angle of climb. The steeper the incline is, the more the climbing angle you will need from your scooter.

Electric scooters have varying hill-climbing abilities. If your area or routes have less stubborn hills, then an angle spec of 10 degrees on your scooter should suffice. But for steeper slopes, your best electric scooter should have a climb angle of at least 20 degrees. Remember that scooters designed to climb higher grades don’t come cheap.

 

Power

The greater the motor and battery power, the better the ride uphill on your electric scooter. Most budget scooters usually have a 12V battery and a 250W motor and can climb slopes up to around 10 degrees.

If you want to climb an incline above 15 degrees, then a powerful 36V battery and a strong 750W motor should be ideal. Anything above 18 degrees will demand a more advanced model with 2000W to 2500W of power.

 

Battery Life

Most scooters come with removable lithium batteries as standard. Batteries that can often hold a charge for up to 15 miles before recharging are great.

However, depending on your needs, you might want to go for considerably bigger batteries that can hold a charge for as long as 15 miles.

While choosing your battery, remember that the bigger the battery is, the heavier the scooter will become. So, weigh your options before getting a bigger battery pack.

 

Tyres

Right from the size to the grip, tyres are significant in climbing hills. Larger tyres help cushion bump effects, distribute rider weight and accelerate hill climbing ability.

In terms of sizing, pick tyres with at least 8.5 inches. Tyres of this size create the right frictional resistance to push the scooter up the hill. Also, consider grooved or treated tyres for better traction.

 

Weight

The heavier you are, the harder it is for the electric scooter to go uphill. Your weight provides a pulling force that makes it difficult for the electric scooter to scoot ahead.

To mitigate this, choose the best electric scooter with a load weight that’s higher than your body weight. Most electric scooters have a weight capacity of 250 lbs.

However, when picking an electric scooter, it’s essential to strike a balance between weight capacity, portability, and sturdiness.

 

Suspension

When climbing hills using an electric scooter, the rider’s weight tends to shift toward the back wheel, causing the machine’s rear wheel to wear and tear faster. A good suspension system prevents this from ever happening.

The suspension system in an electric scooter absorbs your weight instead of passing it to the rear wheel. On top of that, it cancels out the negative impacts of uneven terrains, resulting in a more comfortable ride.

 

Safety Design

Several features go into the design of an electric scooter for climbing hills. However, the brake design is of utmost importance. Brakes in your electric scooter provide safety, stability and convenience.  

Electric scooters can have different brakes, including calliper, drum, hub, and disc. Of all these, the disc brake is practically a must-have feature in any scooter being driven uphill.

The proper rear disc brake should provide great stopping power. But for added convenience, pick a scooter with a dual braking system. Front and rear braking systems guarantee your safety when going uphill.

Aside from brakes, you should also consider features like ergonomically designed handles to prevent slippage.

 

Extras

The best scooter for climbing hills will usually come with some extra features, like LED lights, headlamps and sidelights for night riding. Similarly, a scooter’s seat comes in handy when you don’t feel like standing.

Other extras include an LCD display for settings and monitoring, Bluetooth connectivity, USB port for charging devices on the go, app integration, etc.

FAQs

Below, we’ve compiled some frequently asked questions about hill climbing electric scooters, along with short, objective answers, to help you make an informed purchase decision:

 

Can electric scooters climb up steep hills?

Not all of them. Generally speaking, any scooter with at least a 250W engine should scale up approximately 10 degrees. However, other factors like the rider’s weight will determine how steep the scooter can go.

 

Are tyre types really important?

Yes, of course. Larger tyres with grooves or treads provide adequate grip to push the scooter up the incline. Likewise, larger wheels absorb the entire load and provide a bump-free ride.

 

How is a hill-climbing electric scooter different from a normal scooter?

Hill climbing electric scooters have more motor power to overcome hills. Also, unlike a normal scooter that can only manage 5 degrees, a specialized electric scooter for climbing hills can manage up to 45 degrees or more.

 

Can you ride an electric scooter in the rain?

You cannot ride an electric scooter in the rain unless stated explicitly by the manufacturer.

Often, even scooters listed as waterproof or water-resistant are not necessarily rain-safe. Therefore, it’s best to assume that all scooters are vulnerable to water damage.

 

How do you ride an electric scooter uphill?

There is no defined pattern for riding an electric scooter uphill. However, it’s important to ensure the vehicle can actually go uphill before attempting to do so.

Depending on how steep the incline is, it would help to accelerate the electric scooter to pick momentum before climbing the hill.

Then, use short and frequent thrusts to assist the motor during the climb. You could also alternate your feet to maintain stability while going uphill. 

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Author:
Nely Hayes

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.