E scooters for camping: choosing the best electric scooter for camping - what you need to know

An all terrain electric scooter can take you far. From off road to national parks and creek trails, "where rough terrain be like a ride in the park".

Up until recently, riding off road, climbing hills on camping vacation or a weekend in the countryside often needed an electric bike, at least.

Today, more people are simply jumping on an off road electric scooter for camping adventures in the great outdoors.

Taking an e scooter camping has taken off in recent years. If you have an all terrain electric scooter with enough power and battery life to climb hills and handle a heavier, more rugged terrain.

You can even use an electric commuter scooter for light, flat trail paths - if it has some basic, essential off road capabilities.

In this article we'll check out:

• Why e scooter camping is taking off.
• What makes an electric scooter ideal for e scooter camping.
• Types of terrain you are likely to be riding on your camping trip.
• What you need to look out for when choosing a camping scooter.
• Some of the best electric scooters to handle your camping trip.

Why e scooter camping is becoming a thing

Hitting the camping trail has taken off in leaps and bounds in recent years.

• More than 1 in seven (13.4 per cent) in the US took at least 11 camping trips in one year - equivalent to nearly one trip every month.
• Half of all US campers used a vehicle, typically a RV, camper or car.

(Source: Annual camping trends report - The Dyrt, 2022)

Not every getaway to a US or Canadian country park, for example, is always a family camping trip. More younger folk than ever are going camping with their friends, and whenever they can.

• Nearly half (45 per cent) of young campers are Millenials (born 1981-1997).
• 44 per cent are GenZ (born 1997- 2013).

(Source: Condor Ferries, 2023)

But here's the thing... many young people are using an electric scooter as a low-cost, eco-friendly fun way to explore the natural world.

It's not hard to see why...

Why use an e scooter as a camping scooter

Using motorized vehicles, such as an RV or electric bike to transport you from one campsite to another is what most people do. But taking your e scooter... points to a different way of doing things among a new generation of campers in their 20s and 30s.

It's an age group which can often be more active, and most likely to also pack an electric scooter for taking off onto a country trail. It means you can just kick off and go when you want.

Instant freedom without the hassle - or the expense.

An electric scooter for camping is ideal because it's:

Fold up and go

Most electric scooters are sufficiently lightweight and portable. More than enough for easy storage and transportation in an RV, or to stow in an auto trunk. The average weight of an electric scooter is 25lbs (11.3 kgs) - 50lbs (22.6 kgs) and 60lbs (27.2 kgs) for dual motor scooters.

Eco-friendly and sustainable

An electric scooter has zero emissions. As with similar motorized vehicles, the power to drive an e scooter motor is obtained from an electric charge stored in an array of lithium-ion batteries.

Light on the wallet or purse

No maxing out on cards and hard earned dollars. An e scooter is inexpensive and affordable to run compared to RVs, campers, cars, and even e bikes.

Fun to ride

A relaxed ride scootering in the fresh air. And the challenge of rough terrains. What better way to feel yourself immersed into the natural world than freewheeling through woodland paths, and winding creek trails. All from the cool view of your ride deck.

So what should you be checking for when choosing a camping scooter?

What type of terrain will you be riding on your camping trip?

Flat grass terrain

Some e scooters designed for urban commuting can also handle a little light off roading. Mostly confined to the flat grass terrain of local parks and fields.

Uneven dirt track terrain

Sometimes a scooter will have a more powerful motor (or dual motors), a larger battery capacity, sturdier frame, dual suspension and wider wheels. This often means it is capable of handling more uneven riding surfaces, such as dirt tracks, hiking paths, and woodland trails.

It's likely your camping trip will most often involve riding this type of more uneven terrain mostly filled with larger gravel size stones and rocks.

Rugged hill climb terrain

A more rugged terrain, with almost sheer, steep gradients and deep craggy boulders will demand a heavy duty scooter which doubles down on the motor, battery, tire size and frame build specifications.

What makes an electric scooter ideal for e scooter camping?

Going for an all terrain electric scooter when camping is always a sensible option. But what should the best electric scooter have for handling a heavier, more uneven terrain, steeper gradients, longer range - and whatever else your camping trip throws at you?

What exactly are the all-important factors an electric scooter needs for e scooter camping?

First up...

Powerful motor

A scooter motor rated with a higher number of watts gives you:

• More torque - amount of rotational force.
• Faster acceleration
• Higher top speeds
• Longer range
• Easier steep hill climbs
• Extra maximum load carry

Double motor

E scooters fitted with a single motor are far less likely to be suitable as a camping scooter than one packing a dual-motor, which effectively doubles its power output.

Wattage power

• 750 watts - generally, a motor packing at least 750 watts of power is suitable for going off road, and tackling more rough, uneven terrain. Whether it's dirt track, gravel, or perhaps, slightly more rocky tracks.
• 1000 watts - it's generally recommended a scooter needs around 1000 watts of motor power to properly deal with steep hills or those moderate to very steep climbs.
• 3000 watts - most high-performance scooters designed for off road are rated at 3000 watts plus, which are likely to be more than capable for scooter camping.

Balanced 3-phase motor

Many, if not most electric scooters should have a 3-phase motor. Which delivers a good balance of torque and speed. Coil phases control the speed and torque of your scooter motor.

A motor with more coil phases, such as 4-phase, produce more torque but with lower maximum speed. While a 2-phase motor - has less torque and lower top speed.

Bigger Battery

If you're going scooter camping you'll definitely need a bigger capacity battery. To hold a single charge for a longer range.

This means carefully checking out:

• Battery amp hours (Ah) - and -
• Battery watt hours (Wh)

Amp hours (Ah) - are the number of amps (how much electrical charge) can be supplied within one hour.

The higher the number, the greater amount of energy stored, which gives you greater mileage. And adds to max range your e scooter can travel on a single charge.

Watt hours (Wh)

Battery capacity is rated in Watt-hours (Wh) - this means electrical energy equivalent to one watt of power that can be used over one hour.

As with amp-hours, more watt-hours means more power stored to extend your range for longer rides.

Higher voltage

Scooter motors with a higher voltage - force of electric current - will produce a greater torque.

Voltage also affects scooter range and how far you will be able to travel on a single charge. Extending battery life is vital for scooter camping.

You're more likely to cover greater distances when exploring on camping trips. So your scooter battery should be capable of a 20 mile (31.1 kms) range, at least. If you don't want to suddenly run out of juice far from base camp.

Voltage values for an escooter are:

• 36V, 48V, 52V, 60V, 72V or 84V

An e scooter for camping would ideally need a motor with a voltage of at least 48v or 52v.

Battery charging time

Each e scooter will have a slightly different charging time. Some may need longer than others. It's important to know if your electric scooter has removable batteries for charging directly at the campsite.

And ensure you always have enough juice on a single charge for your planned rides.

Larger Tires

It's no brainer that an all terrain electric scooter for camping should have large tires. For handling a rougher, uneven terrain than a typical dirt track, local park area or open green field.

It's always recommended to choose an escooter with pneumatic (air-filled) tires of at least 8.5in diameter. Ideally, you should be looking at tires between 11in and 13in diameter.

A larger size tire copes more easily with a highly uneven, rough terrain of equally larger size stones and rocks.

Pneumatic tires

You might think that a puncture resistant solid tire would be ideal for handling those rougher camping trails. Where getting a flat is an ever-present risk. But most off road scooters will actually be fitted with pneumatic (air filled) tires.

This is because air filled tires are made from synthetic and natural rubber with thick side walls. Which means they can flex and stretch, and still be able to retain their shape with a firmer surface grip.

Even under more difficult riding conditions when extreme maneuvres are needed for retaining scooter stability, balance and control.

Deeper tire treads

A large size pneumatic tire will also have deeper tire treads for maintaining a firmer surface grip. They also lose around a third less tire mass, and only half the tread loss than similar size tires made of natural rubber.

Better shock aborption

Pneumatic tires give a higher level of shock absorption. They act as twin air cushions to soak up those sudden shocks and judders.

Taking your scooter camping and riding rougher uneven ground doesn't mean you shouldn't get to enjoy a comfortable ride.

It's important, however, to remember that pneumatic tires can always be prone to getting flats, no matter how large the size of your tires.

Maintenance check...

A pneumatic tire needs to be at the right pressure when riding on different ground surfaces. Particularly, over rough terrain.

You need to make regular maintenance checks with an electric pump. Plus, hotter temperatures during the summer months can also cause the air inside your scooter tires to expand.

REMEMBER to take your electric pump, a puncture repair kit, self healing sealant, and even a spare tire on your camping trip. Flats can happen at any time, anywhere.

Dual suspension

The best electric scooter for camping should have a dual suspension system. To get a more cushioned, comfortable ride when riding on seriously bumpy ground.

A scooter with front suspension, as well as rear suspension, can fully absorb the most violent shocks. There's always the unexpected random shudders and jolts causing more serious vibration damage to your scooter's working parts, such as wheel axles. Or the loosening of retaining screws and locking systems.

And you always run the risk of losing your balance and being thrown from your deck when scampering over rocks and dipping into ditches.

E scooters can be fitted with one of 3 types of suspension system:

• Hydraulic suspension

The best option for all terrain riding. As the ground surface raises or falls, the hydraulic tube and piston system - called an 'actuator' - quickly fills to firmly resist, and pushes back to restore scooter balance.

• Spring suspension

A dual spring suspension is more effective than a single coil. A coiled spring helps absorb bumps and jolts. However, a single coil on either the front suspension or rear suspension can be less efficient as a shock absorber.

• Rubber suspension

Better suited to urban riding surfaces, such as pavements and roads. Where it cushions against noise and less forceful vibrations for a smooth ride on the daily commute.

Steeper hill climbs

Camping scooters will always need to tackle a tricky gradient. You should be prepared for those steeper hill climbs.

• Your electric scooter should be able to handle a hill climb of at least 15 degrees.

Most scooters tend to manage 10-15 degree inclines. The best scooters for camping and off road riding can generally handle up to 20-30 degree gradients, or more.

You don't want to suddenly become stuck halfway up a long, steep hill.

What you also need to know...

Attempting to climb an extra steep hill will eat up a lot of motor power and battery charge.

• Up to 50 per cent of travel range can be lost.
• Your motor may overheat and could even be damaged.
• The added effort needed could also impact or even damage scooter wheels, axles and electrics.

REMEMBER: The heavier the rider or carry load, the more 'work' your scooter will need to do. Placing increasing stress, overall, and a potential risk of causing permanent damage.

It's essential to know your scooter's weight limit before you set out to do the climb. Always check you're not exceeding your scooter's maximum load capacity.

Dual braking

An e scooter for camping rides needs to have reliable, solid and above all, responsive braking.

When riding on rough, rocky or slippery ground, a powerful electric scooter can still reach speeds difficult for maneuvering without instant braking to slow down.

Front and rear brakes are always recommended for camping scooters. Many e scooters do have front and rear braking, which is often a combination of electronic brake and manual brake, as follows:

• Front - mechanical disc or drum brake
• Rear - electronic disc or drum brake

One brake lever controls both the front disc or drum brake and rear electronic brake.

Regenerative brakes

This is usually an added feature on some electric scooters. And a great little power boost. When the going gets tough on scooter camping rides, you'll be thankful for the extra battery energy.

How it works...

Kinetic energy is generated when the brakes are applied. The added energy is instantly stored in the battery, which could be needed for say, sudden acceleration or simply to add extra travelling distance.

Stronger frame

An e scooter for camping needs to be built for rough terrain conditions. Durability is key.

High quality performance scooters can be made from carbon fibre or aircraft-grade aluminum alloy - a blend of pure aluminum and manganese.

The alloy combination gives the scooter frame and stem:

• Lightweight but sturdy build
• High corrosion resistance and finish
• Almost identical strength as mild steel

Portability

Transporting your electric scooter to and back from your camping trip means you need it to be portable. For stowing in a car trunk or taking up hardly any room in a family camper. It means your e scooter has to have a folding design, including:

• Folding handlebars and stem

Secure locking stem

It's important the folding mechanism should have a solid, locking-latch on the stem, which can be easily and securely bolted into place.

A secure locking system must not allow any movement, whatsoever. Essential advice before heading off on a bumpy ride down a rocky park trail.

Spare Parts

It's recommended to take essential replacement parts with you on your camping trip. You should always give your scooter a thorough check before you leave.

But you need to be prepared for the unexpected!

Even small bumps, jolts and scrapes may cause something to work loose, break off, or fail completely.

An inventory of spare parts should always include, at the very least, puncture repair materials, and a selection of parts for lighting and brakes. Always include emergency repair tapes, sealants and materials. And a good quality toolkit.

Best electric scooters for camping

Riding off road is gaining wider popularity. Some of the top quality commuter scooters are also designed for adventure rides along dirt track and country lane.

Different riding surfaces and conditions

It's important to keep in mind the variety of riding surfaces you are likely to encounter. From a moderately flat dirt and mud trail to a heavy, rugged terrain.

Some urban commuting scooters with off road capabilities can seriously struggle with even slightly bumpy, rocky surfaces. They simply don't have the motor power, big enough tires or twin hydraulic suspension to cope with more extreme surface conditions.

But can an all terrain electric scooter hack it as a camping scooter?

Check out a few of the latest hot kickers...

Kaabo Wolf King

Recently, the Wolf Warrior II gained a big brother. It's called Wolf King, which many are already calling top dog.

Straight off, you need to know this is a high performance e scooter. You may consider the Wolf King a fantastic option for e scooter camping. But this beast really needs to be handled by an experienced rider. Before letting the throttle off the leash, or attacking the most mighty of hill climbs.

The big power-busting specs are:

• 6,720 watts dual motor max power
• 60 mph ( 96.56 km/h) max speed
• 50 miles ( 80.46 km) range (single charge)
• 45 degree hill climbs
• 11 in 'tubeless' tire size
• 399 lbs (181 kg) max load
• Twin suspension - Front hydraulic + Rear dual spring
• Dual hydraulic braking

Portability for e scooter camping

Both Kaabo scooters are heavy machines but the Wolf King weighs in a few pounds heavier at 104.94 lbs (47.6kg) compared to Warrior at 101 lbs ( 45.81 kgs).

Hardly surprising when you consider the frame of the Wolf King is built with:

• 6082 heavy aircraft-grade, aluminum-alloy frame

This is the highest strength of the 6000 series alloys, typically used in constructing bridges, cranes and similar heavy duty structures, such as load-bearing trusses.

Folding size: you should also know that folding size of Wolf King is actually larger than when scooter is unfolded.

• Folded - 150cm (L) x 47cm (W) x 27cm (H)
• Unfolded - 126cm (L) x 125 cm (W) x 66cm (H)

In a nutshell ...

This supreme superweight scooter is born to triumph over the rigours of many a rugged camping expedition. But it's weight, heavy folding mechanism, and a larger folded size means you may have issues with ease of portability and storage.

Let's check out this next likely contender for your camping scooter...

Mantis 8 Base

This electric scooter is also from Kaabo, the manufacturer of Wolf King and Warrior. And a different animal. While it's definitely a more modest scooter by far, it's still a sturdy off-roader. An e scooter able to handle a more flat, even terrain - with some uneven, bumpy riding.

So it's best to definitely know something about the specific location of where your camping trip. And what the riding conditions are likely to be in the surrounding area that you plan to explore.

If you're just starting out, the Mantis 8 Base (not to be confused with the very similar-spec Mantis 8 Pro or Mantis 8 PLUS) will give you a smooth, easy ride - for following dirt tracks, hiking paths and forest trails.

Great specs for a camping scooter

• 800 watts motor power
• 25mph (40 km/h) max speed
• 25 miles (40 km) max range (single charge)
• 20 degree hill climbs
• 8in (diameter) x 3in (wide) air-filled tires
• 264.5 lbs (120 kg) max load
• Twin suspension- Front and Rear spring
• Dual mechanical disc brakes

Portability for e scooter camping

At 52.9 lbs ( 24 kgs), and built with high grade aluminum alloy, the Mantis 8 Base is half the weight of Wolf and Warrior.

Which means you get the same robust construction - a rock solid, secure stem with no movement noise - but lighter to carry and easier to transport.

The stem folding design has two clamps that attach to the deck, which also makes for easy carrying. On the downside, the handlebars do not fold down.

• Unfolded size: 114.3 cm (L) x 60.96 cm (W) x 121.92 cm (H) and: 48.26 cm (H)- folded.

In a nutshell ...

Mantis 8 Base may still not be as lightweight as some electric scooters built for urban commuting. But you have the reassuring feel of a solid, secure machine you can rely upon for your weekend e scooter camping.

Hiboy Titan Pro

Raising the level of motor power once again... here's another strong contender as an all terrain scooter for hitting the camping trail.

Hiboy Titan Pro is a fairly tough-looking commuter scooter. And one that easily crosses over to off-road.

Switch between single and dual motors

Out on rugged creek trails a camping scooter needs to be able to handle those tricky, all terrain maneuvres. A push button function enables you to switch between single and dual-motor function, which gives:

• Flexible speed and power choice
• Added boost to tackle steep hill climbs - up to 35 percent inclines.
• Useful energy saving

Titan Pro has some more impressive specs to make it a worthy scooter camping choice.

Mighty specs and the Titan scooter

• Dual 2400 watt (1200w x 2) motor
• 30 mph (38 km/h) max speed
• 40 miles ( 62 km) max range ( single charge)
• 35 degree hill climbs
• 10in tires (pneumatic)
• 286lb (130kg) max load
• Dual spring suspension
• Dual mechanical disc brakes

Portability for e scooter camping

This scooter weighs a fairly hefty 62 lbs (28 kg), so you might find Titan is not an easy carry.

Weight factors include a heavy motor in each of the front and rear wheel hubs, and a large size 48V, 17.5Ah lithium-ion battery. Plus a wider ride deck for added rider load.

Titan is built with all terrain-ready aluminum alloy - aviation-grade, once again.

Its folding design means you can easily fold and unfold its frame stem, for stowing in a car trunk or similar small luggage space in rail carriage or transit bus.

• Unfolded size: 120cm (L) x 26cm (W) x 11 cm (H) - and: 52cm (H) folded
  

In a nutshell ...

Hiboy Titan Pro is a quality off road performer with the necessary power and build for jumping from urban commute to durable and safe, all-terrain camping.

Next up is an off road electric scooter attracting a ton of interest as a hardy off road scooter for camping.

Dynamic Scooter Model X

Dynamic Scooter is a Canadian brand, and Model X is one of their range of e scooters, built to meet different riding needs. From urban commuting to off road.

Unlike most other scooters, Dynamic Scooter have definitely aimed Model X at those looking for a camping scooter, claiming it's, "designed for off road and wild life".

All the camping-ready specs

• 500 watts dual motor power (2400w max output)
• 25mph (40 km/h) max speed
• 43.5 - 60 miles (70 - 100km) Max range
• 30 degree hill climbs
• 11in (diameter) air-filled tires
• 264.5 lbs (120 kg) max load
• Twin suspension - 1 x Front spring | 2 x Rear spring
• Dual mechanical disc brakes

Easily steers over most rugged ground surfaces

Model X also features a huge 11.4 in (29cm) clearance from deck to ground. Dynamic Scooter clearly want to ensure you'll easily steer over most rugged ground surfaces.

It means your deck underside is unlikely to get snagged, or even scraped by hilly mounds, steep craggy drops, large rocks, fallen branches, or other obstacles.

Those extra inches of clearance can also be a crucial lifesaver to prevent you from being thrown from the deck. Or even losing your balance.

Portability for e scooter camping

Like other scooters packing powerful dual motors, and a tough aluminum alloy frame built for rough terrain, the Model X is no featherweight - weighing in at a hefty 30 kgs (66 lbs).

And like other heavy duty off roaders, this e scooter is also no easy carry. But a quick and simple folding mechanism means folding for carrying and storage takes only seconds.

• Unfolded size: 134.5cm (L) x 13.2cm (W) x 70cm (H) - and: 63.5cm (H) folded

Waterproof level

Not every scooter is IP rated at the required waterproof level, or at all. Your scooter needs to be protected from potential damp conditions, moist air and any sudden downpours on the camping trail.

The Model X is rated IPX4 -protection against 'water splashes from any direction'. This compares favourably to some scooters waterproof-rated for light rain and showers only.

In a nutshell ...

The Dynamic Scooter Model X has to be a strong contender as one of the best electric scooters for camping trips.

As a camping scooter it offers 2400 max output motor, triple spring dampeners, 30 degree hill climbs and - a big design plus - nearly a foot of deck clearance from the ground.

Before you go ...

Summary

Taking an electric scooter camping needs the right scooter to handle the right terrain.

• Will you mainly be riding on flat dirt and gravel hiking trails? Or clambering up rugged hill sides, over large rocks and uneven grassy mounds?

A recommended MINIMUM requirement an electric scooter needs for camping trips are:

• Powerful motor (min. 500 - 750w) - ideally, dual motor.
• Big, detachable, high voltage battery (min. 48V).
• Large pneumatic tires - min. 8in, ideally, 11in.
• Dual suspension - hydraulic or spring.
• Dual brakes - front mechanical | rear electronic.
• Aluminum alloy frame - ideally, aviation grade.
• Portability with easy folding mechanism - expect a heavier than normal carry weight.

What to look for when choosing your electric scooter - best tips and top insight