If you haven’t tried an electric scooter, you’re truly missing out. Whether it’s for last-mile commuting or recreation, the electrified rental scooters seen in most city sidewalks these days are an excellent choice for urban mobility.
Hopping on a rental unit here and there won’t hurt your pocketbook much, but anyone riding an electric scooter more than a few times a week should seriously consider one for private ownership. And with the holidays ahead, now is the perfect time to start shopping for one for you or a loved one.
Anyone looking for an electric scooter should consider a few factors as they prepare for the purchase. Like an electric car, things like price, range, and warranty are some of the top factors to weigh in your purchase consideration. Any scooter worth your time will have a minimum of 10 miles of range and a price tag of $350 and up. But with this level investment, you’ll undoubtedly be buying into a reputable brand with a decent warranty should anything go wrong. Here are a few of the electric scooters on in our consideration set.
Segway Ninebot E22
Photo credit: Segway
Brought to you from the company that pioneered electric personal mobility, the Segway Ninebot E22 is the company’s entry-level adult scooter, priced at $499.99. With a top speed of 12.4 mph and a range of 13.7 miles, the E22 will appease the 80th percentile. Its 3.5-hour charging time and under 30 pound weight make it a fantastic option for city dwellers or those dipping their toe into electric scoters. You’ll also get a decent warranty covering the battery and motor for 180 days and 1 year respectively.
Gotrax XR Elite
Photo credit: Gotrax
For a little less coin, you can acquire Gotrax’s XR Elite scooter, sitting at the top of the company’s lineup. A max speed of 15.5 mph and 18.6-mile range gives this kit some serious capability. Tipping the scales at 31.2 pounds though, it may be too much for some riders to carry. Priced at $399.99, the scooter offers a 90-day warranty. Coming from a less-reputable brand, the G4 Elite may not be worth the gamble for some.
With any personal transportation device, we strongly recommend adhering to local rules and regulations. And while electric scooters are a good choice for recreation and transportation, they can be dangerous. Please wear a helmet when riding.
