The Best E-Scooters for Commuting: A Buyer’s Guide

 

Gone are the days when electric scooters were used only to zoom around for fun. Walk around a city during peak commuting hours, and chances are you’ll spot many people using e-scooters for commuting. In fact, many cities across America, like New York City, are adopting their own electric scooter share programs!

How did a scooter transform from a leisure activity to an effective vehicle for transportation? 

E-scooter use for commuting has been on the rise because of their versatility and accessibility. Electric scooters are a convenient, fast, and affordable mode of transportation. According to a 2020 survey conducted by Arizona State University and Ryerson University, e-scooters are quickly replacing walking and cycling as a preferred mode of transportation for all kinds of trips.

These vehicles are also a great solution for answering the last-mile problem because they easily allow for hybrid commutes, connecting people to buses and trains. Moreover, the quality and design of electric scooters has improved each year. A recent study by EScooterNerds found that as technology improves, e-scooter defects are becoming very rare. Currently, there’s only a 7% chance an electric scooter suffers from a malfunction within the first year. 

So now you know a scooter is perfect for getting you around. But what makes a good e-scooter for commuting? And what makes a scooter right for you? With e-scooters varying in style, features, and price, the myriad of choices can make the buying decision a bit overwhelming.

If you’re still deciding between an e-scooter and an e-bike, check out our blog, where we break down these options. But, if you’re committed to starting your e-scooter journey, we’ve rounded up some of the best e-scooter options for commuters, taking into consideration the scooters’ cost, weight, and range. 

Budget E-Scooter Recommendations for Commuters

We know price can be an important factor driving your e-scooter purchase, especially if you haven’t taken a scooter out for a spin since your childhood. Here are our top budget-friendly electric scooter recommendations:

GOTRAX GXL Commuter V2 — $349

Under $400, the GOTRAX GXL Commuter v2 is the highest quality at this price point. It’s a great scooter for those just starting out. The GXL V2 is perfect for shorter commutes, tackling about 12 miles per charge. The biggest downside, GOTRAX is known for short warranties so we recommend purchasing this scooter through retailers like Amazon in case you need customer support assistance. The Details:

• Range: 12 Miles
• Max Speed:  15.5 MPH
• 8.5" Air Filled Tires
• Weight: 26.45 Lbs
• Charge Time: 4-5 Hours
• Max Rider Weight: 220 Lbs

NIU KQi2 Pro — $599

With over 10 years of experience building electric scooters, NIU’s KQi2 Pro is a stunning vehicle. The remarkable high-quality build offers taller and larger handlebars, a high-mounted halo headlight, a larger rake angle and more, not to mention the KQi2’s vehicle-grade design makes the electric scooter completely wobble-free. The smooth ride is paired with 10-inch tubeless pneumatic tires that are resistant to pinch flats, helping you have a more stress-free commute. If safety is a major concern for you, NIU takes riders through a tutorial on their app that locks sport mode until the rider successfully completes their training course. The Details:

• Range: 24.9 Miles
• Max Speed: 17.4 MPH
• 10" Tires
• Weight: 40.6 Lbs
• Charge Time: 7 Hours
• Max Rider Weight: 220 Lbs

Lightweight Scooter Recommendations for Commuters

Scooters have a special superpower: portability. Their weight and ability to fold is crucial for those seeking hybrid commutes. If you’re looking for the best scooter to carry in and out of a train or bus, browse through our recommendations: 

Unagi Model One — $990

The Unagi Model One is a stellar e-scooter, seamlessly pairing a sleek design with incredible functionality. The scooter offers a convenient one-click folding feature that instantly folds and locks your scooter so carrying it on a bus is pretty easy. The Unagi Model One tube, which leverages Japanese TORAY carbon fiber, strikes the perfect balance of lightweight and heavy-duty strength. The outstanding design extends to the scooter’s kickstand which is designed from the ground up and seamlessly integrates into the scooter’s deck. To top it off, the e-scooter’s 7.5-inch tires are solid rubber and puncture proof. The Details:

• Range: 15.5 Miles
• Max Speed: 20 MPH
• 7.5" Solid Tires
• Weight: 26.5 Lbs
• Charge Time: 5 Hours
• Max Rider Weight: 275 Lbs

Apollo Air — $999

For longer commutes, look no further than the Apollo Air. The Apollo e-scooter has a 31 mile range per charge, so you can cruise down the city streets worry-free. The high-quality build and incredible combination of 10-inch pneumatic tires and a front dual suspension system makes commutes on this scooter some of the most comfortable rides available at this price point. The Details:

• Range: 31 Miles
• Max Speed: 21 MPH
• 7.5" Solid Tires
• Weight: 38 Lbs
• Charge Time: 5-7 Hours
• Max Rider Weight: 220 Lbs

Now that you’ve honed in on the best e-scooter option for your commute, you need to gear up with accessories to make your commute even more convenient. 

If you need to carry your laptop to work, we recommend investing in an awesome commuter backpack. The Ara Backpack (fits up to a 17” laptop) and Atria Backpack (fits up to a 15” laptop) are both durable, and made from our proprietary reflective Visi-hemp® fabric to provide extra visibility for safe night riding. Each bag boasts plenty of pockets to store all your belongings! Even better? Our new Spica Handlebar Sling Bag is specially designed for e-scooters with a taller build and secure handlebar attachments to keep your essentials within reach while you’re on the go. 

With the right scooter to fit your transportation needs and a reliable commuting bag, daily riding will feel like a breeze! 

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E-Scooter vs. E-Bike: Which is Better For Commuting?
Why Should I Get an E-Bike?
How to Ride Safety in a Skirt or Dress
How to Safely Bike to Work and Arrive Looking Presentable