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The Unagi Voyager is the best lightweight electric scooter for adults and teenagers. It is the ultraportable sequel to its predecessor, the Unagi Model One Classic.
In this article we'll run through a handful of reputable e scooter models simply explaining the important features and spec you should aim for, to ensure you buy the best electric scooter for commuting in 2024.
Stay current with the latest U.S. electric scooter laws in our 2024 guide. Updated annually since our first comprehensive guide, ensuring you have the most recent state and city regulations to ride responsibly”
Kick-starting your search for a commuter scooter? These days there are a ton of electric scooters out there to choose from. So how do you sort a genuinely reliable and affordable e scooter that gives you what you really need? Like getting you from A to B and back again - without running out of juice or getting a flat?
A budget, lightweight scooter may be great for a short hop across town. But if you want the speed, power and comfort for longer range you could opt for a mid-size to premium budget scooter. But which one? You might be better off with an all-access monthly subscription than buying outright.
The good news is ... several go-to brands are known for making consistently reliable, high performance scooters for daily commuting. Brands like Segway, Apollo and Unagi also come with cool, stylish urban ergonomics, as standard.
In this article … we'll run through a handful of reputable e scooter models - from budget and mid-range e scooter to premium. Clearly and simply explaining the important features and spec you should aim for, to ensure you buy the best electric scooter for commuting in 2024.
Let's start with the basics - the first questions you need to ask:
How far is your daily commute - short or long range? A budget scooter may simply not have the range, say, for the round trip. And suppose you want to do more than scoot around the local park on a weekend?
Will you be riding on mostly flat urban roads and sidewalks - or planning to go off-road from time to time? It’s mainly ‘performance’ scooters which can handle dirt tracks and more rough terrain. A mid size commuter scooter is mostly equipped for tackling the average city landscape.
What’s the battery capacity - is there enough storage for your daily commute? Some smaller capacity batteries are unable to hold a charge longer than around a dozen or so kilometers (around 10 miles). Especially if your riding style is fast! You’ll soon drain the battery. And some batteries can take 6 -12 hours to fully charge.
Is the motor able to give you enough speed - for typical gradients and hill climbs? There’s a difference between the “continuous” power a motor supplies, and its ability to give you the extra push - known as “peak” power - when you need it, say, for a hill climb.
Is your scooter easy to carry by hand - and quickly fold (and unfold)? Does part of your daily commute involve jumping on the subway, running up and down stairs or elevators? How quick and easy is it to fold and unfold? Will it store neatly at the office and in your apartment- or take up too much room?
How much weight can your scooter carry - will it take a heavier rider? Different scooters can have different load carrying capacity. If you’re a larger rider, you should ensure scooter frame, deck and wheels are up to the job.
How easy to use are your scooter’s handlebar controls - is there app support? You don’t want to keep your thumb on the throttle while in cruise mode! Many scooter brands will offer their own dedicated app support for more riding control options than is supplied on the handlebars. Such as “locking and unlocking the wheels”.
How safe is your e scooter - responsive brakes, bright enough lights, big enough wheels, robust frame? All crucial stuff for safer urban commuting. Riders often highlight persistent issues such as loose stems, repeated flats and poor headlights. Not every scooter is IP rated for water resistance, which soon leads to early corrosion.
What’s the ride quality - stable and smooth, or do you feel every bump and jolt? Is the scooter fitted with pneumatic tires, solid tires, or honeycomb tires? Can make a big difference if suspension is only fitted to one wheel or not at all. The deck also needs to give you enough space to stand comfortably without feeling cramped.
Costing around $400 - $700, and often a first choice for entry level riders, this class of basic scooter is designed for short range travel -
This means mostly urban trips closer to home and fun rides around your local park.
Budget scooters also tend to:
You should expect a cruising speed of around 25 km/h (15 mph), which complies with legal limits on public roads in most states. But could struggle with handling hill climbs beyond 7-10 degrees.
Other potential factors to be aware of are:
Let’s check out the contenders …
A budget scooter that in 2024, still continues to tick every box for first-time buyers ever since its release in 2017.
Hiboy S2 may be built for the short, urban commute and weekend fun rides, but it comes with some mighty respectable, value-for-money spec.
giving you:
accelerating to:
Straightaway you really are up to speed - and the power needed for a zippy, urban scoot. To get you to work, study, shop or play without a fuss.
Hiboy S2 comes with:
giving you:
Hiboy S2 carries a 36 volt battery - more powerful than the average 24 volt, and reaches full charge under the more usual 6 hours. A budget scooter may only have a range of 15 - 20 kms so, once again, even in 2024, Hiboy beats out many entry-level competitors.
Here, Hiboy runs alongside style scooter brand No.1, Unagi - by sporting:
Hiboy also offers dual, alloy-spring rear suspension, which you don’t always find on an entry-level scooter.
Another budget scooter bonus is the dual braking system.
At a typical commuting speed of 24.2 km/h (15 mph), it takes 4.45 meters (14.6 feet) to completely stop.
A 3-way lighting system includes:
Some budget scooters may have their headlight fixed right at the bottom of the stem which may not throw a sufficient beam to see the ground ahead.
Hiboy provides all the required controls from the centrally placed LED display:
Plus
Hiboy scooters are made from aviation-grade, aluminum alloy:
Not every scooter is IP rated, which is important for daily travel, if you’re caught in a light shower or road spray when maneuvering.
The ample Hiboy S2 deck is covered in a high-grip, pattern rubber. A great feature you don’t often find on many other e scooters of all types is the option to fit a detachable seat with adjustable height. For those days when you just want to take it easy!
Weighing in at 14.5 kgs (31.9lbs), Hiboy S2 is one of the lightest budget scooters out there, folding down to an easy-to-carry:
Hiboy S2 doesn’t skimp on reliably serving up many of the features you would expect to see on a more mid-price commuter scooter.
Here’s another stand-out, budget electric scooter - and a firm favorite amongst the rider community.
The TurboAnt brand was established in 2014, and continues to build its reputation for making quality, budget electric scooters, including for daily commuting.
Recently upgraded from the X7 Pro, the X7 MAX is powered by a:
giving you a top speed of:
accelerating to:
Remember, your speed can always be affected by things like rider weight, wind, and whether your battery is fully charged.
The X7 Max comes with a:
giving you:
It’s an almost identical range to Hiboy S2 (27 km (17.0 miles) but still further in real world riding than the 15 - 25 km (10 -15 miles) of a typical budget scooter.
And you can double down again for long commutes. The X7 MAX has a swappable battery attached to the stem rather than underneath the deck.
A removable battery means you can have twice the mileage by simply carrying a second, fully-charged battery.
Unusually for a budget scooter the TurboAnt X7 is fitted with:
Compared to more standard 8.5 inch wheels - and without added shock absorption - your ride quality on the daily commute is given that extra cushion for soaking up bumpy, uneven sidewalks, and cracked tarmac.
Turboant X7 Max has dual brakes:
Giving a stopping distance of 4.4 meters (14.7 feet) at an average commuting speed of 24.1 km/h (15 mph).
Standard 2 light system of:
Centrally placed LED display includes:
Plus,
X7 Max is also made from a lightweight, high-strength aluminum-magnesium alloy.
Which gives you 125 kgs (275 lbs) maximum weight capacity. Ideal for heavier riders who need a scooter capable of carrying 100 kgs (220 lbs).
Not all budget scooters are rated for water resistance, which could mean problems caused by road puddles and splashback.
TurboAnt X7 MAX is rated:
Not every scooter is IP rated, which is important for daily travel, if you’re caught in a light shower or road spray when maneuvering.
With the battery stored in the stem you get extra standing room 49cm (19in) x 17cm (6.7 in) - and extra deck-to-ground clearance of 13.4cm (5.3 in) compared to the average 7.6cm (3in).
Often needed to avoid nasty scrapes when crossing curbs and flagstones.
X7 Max is a couple of pounds heavier than Hiboy S2 - 15.5 kg (34.2 lb) versus 14.5 kg (31.9 lb) - but quickly folds down to:
And a fairly easy carry up and down stairs and elevators, and stowing in car trunks, office corners and apartment hallways.
Next …
Stepping up to a $750 - $1000 spend, a rider “who’s ready” can definitely buy more bang for their buck - faster speeds and longer range:
A mid-range e scooter is better equipped for longer daily commutes on a single full battery charge:
Most electric scooters made for average urban commuting will be equipped with a battery rated between 24 volts - 48 volts, which can produce top speeds of 40 - 60 km/h (25-40 mph)
Some mid range priced scooters may possibly be capable of a little light off-road scootering on less smoother riding surfaces. But this very much depends on whether your scooter comes with:
Pneumatic tires and shock absorbers can give you the smoothest, most comfortable riding on the daily commute. More easily soaking up uneven paving, bumpy tarmac and nuisance potholes.
A mid-price electric scooter will generally be equipped with a more powerful, single front wheel hub motor- at least 350 - 500 watts of continuous power. Or, better still, dual motors, front and rear. And better able to handle hill climbs of up to 10 - 15 degrees.
On a smooth flat surface you can definitely hit speeds of around 40 km/h (25 mph) or more - in Sports Mode setting! Most scooters feature 3-4 pre-set and capped riding modes, including:
The average commuter scooter can weigh anywhere between a relatively easy carry of 13 kgs (29.6 lbs) to 23 kgs (50 lbs) or more.
But some can also carry riders and loads of up to 120 kgs (265 lbs).
The average mid-range scooter is often equipped with dual braking, usually:
Some mid-range scooters will also offer additional braking - in the form of:
Launched in 2022, NIU KQi3 MAX has been tagged the "SUV of scooters", and in 2024, continues to be highlighted as a reliable all-rounder for daily commuting.
The added mid-range motor power gives you:
Where many scooters have 3 pre-set speeds, KQi3 has a total of 4 riding modes:
Your first 2 modes, set up for typical, daily urban commuting, are:
Plus - 2 modes accessed by NIU app only:
With 900 watts of peak power available the KQi3 is primed to tackle:
KQi3 MAX is powered by a 48v 608.4Wh lithium-ion battery - that’s above the more standard 36v.
A single charge, which can take up to 8 hours, can supply enough juice for up to 65km (40 miles).
KQi3 MAX is fitted with:
Larger than the average 8.5in e-scooter tire for cushioning against bumpy paving and cracked tarmac. And makes up for a lack of suspension.
Both tires also have pre-slimed, self healing gel on their inside surface. This means a cut or tear will be filled by the gel to prevent a flat. So you can keep riding and not have the hassle of changing the tire on the pavement or curbside.
Electric scooters aimed at the commuter market are more likely to have a dual braking system fitted. The KQi-3 comes with the added safety plus of:
A triple braking system - AND variable regenerative braking：
giving you:
Plus
"Variable" regenerative braking means the more pressure you apply to the lever - the more extra stored kinetic energy is automatically applied to both front and rear brakes.
NUI have installed a unique:
Handlebar control
All the necessary controls you would need on a commuter scooter, including:
LED display in the middle of the handlebars, gives all the key readouts of:
and the NIU app - allows to access for:
As you would expect from a mid-range scooter, KQi3 MAX is made from tough but lightweight 'aerospace grade' aluminum and a max. rider weight of 120 kgs (265 lbs).
An extra wide deck of 17cm (6.7in) × 56.8 cm (22.4in), gives you more standing space for the longer commute.
Portability
A larger motor and battery means KQi3 MAX weighs in at 21 kgs (46.3 lbs), and the "one touch" folding mechanism reduces the NIU to a handleable:
No listicle of reputable scooters built for the daily commute is complete without featuring this rider favourite
The Segway Ninebot brand is often cited when quality electric scooters are mentioned. Launched in July 2023 the MAX G2 is purpose-built as an affordable, mid-price scooter for the daily commute.
The spec is often almost identical to the NIU KQi3 MAX
giving you
You also get 4 riding modes
Speed 1. ECO "Economic" mode - Top speed 10km/h (6mph) .
Speed 2. "Sport" mode - Top speed 25 km/h (15.5 mph) - Activated on the Segway Ninebot app.
Speed 3. "Drive" mode - Top speed 20km/h (12 mph) - Between ECO and Speed mode is standard Drive mode for a comfortable and smooth ride.
Speed 4. "Walk" mode - Top speed 5km/h (3.1 mph) - Also accessed and activated by app.
Packing a rear drive motor and 900 watts of peak power gives the MAX G2 means you can fly up:
G2 MAX is fueled by:
On a standard single 6 hour charge you have a max. range of 42.8 kms (26.6 miles).
Here Segway Ninebot have fitted MAX G2 with a pair of:
The wider diameter and deeper tread gives less rolling resistance, and a firmer surface grip. As with the NIU KQi3 Pro, you also have self healing gel on the inside tire surface for automatic puncture repair.
As a mid range scooter, MAX G2 is fitted with dual suspension:
Giving you
Brakes
The MAX G2 has a securely enclosed' dual, regenerative (stored kinetic energy) braking system:
A typical stopping distance at 24.1 km/h (15 mph) is 3.6m (12 ft)
In addition to:
the MAX G2 sports added visibility with:
Key handlebar controls include: thumb throttle, brake lever and horn
The central LED display is simply operated by one single button.
and Segway Ninebot's Smart Riding Assistant app help you to manage functions, including:
A robust high-strength frame in a sleek gray finish and a water resistance of IPX5 (protected from light rain)
Deck
Its tough, robust build means MAX G2 is not the lightest of electric scooters.
Which brings us to Premium range scooters…
If you’re looking for a faster dash across town - and pushing city limits for more range - you could expect to pay around $1250 to $1750 or more.
Some electric scooters classed as commuter can - like a performance-type scooter - carry a heavier battery, larger 10 inch diameter wheels, dual motors, and dual spring coil suspension.
The added weight means it’s not so easy to quickly carry your scooter up a stairs or elevator, or hopping on and off the subway.
But it’s definitely easier on the throttle for:
It should be noted that a higher density battery (capable of storing more charge for a longer range) tends to be heavier, which adds to a scooter’s load capacity, and portability.
You should also expect to see:
which will provide up to:
and capable of tackling:
The added power will also add to overall scooter weight, which could be anywhere between 23 kgs (50 lbs) and 27 kgs (60 lbs).
While robust enough to carry heavier riders and loads - up to 159 kgs (352 lbs) - stowing and portability may be difficult for some riders.
If you’re looking for a scooter rocking that essential 2024 urban edge, Unagi is a brand where premium style is built-in to the design DNA!
Unagi Voyager is their latest offering in refined ergonomics to match the ideal, commuter performance you can rely upon every day. Let’s see how…
delivers:
which gives you:
Use of dual motors gives Voyager that performance extra you expect from a premium scooter ride.
Which also includes 4 pre-set riding modes
With the power of two motors, Voyager has a 1000 watts at the ready for making light work of:
Voyager is equipped with a:
Not only more powerful than a mid range 36V battery but - without adding to its weight - the larger battery gives Voyager:
on a single charge of only:
Plus, the essential battery management system (BMS) to prevent problems such as overheating, overcharge and discharge.
Voyager sports the distinctive "honeycomb tires", a hybrid of solid tires and pneumatic tires. measuring:
The Unagi brand is well-known for featuring this system of ribbed air pockets around the edge of the entire wheel, which gives:
Voyager is fitted with:
Plus, rear fender brake for firm assist to full stops, and no jarring wheel locks when braking.
Typical stopping distances:
Visibility is not just for night riding, it's also essential for early morning starts, bad weather and reduced winter daylight.
Where some scooters may not have bright enough headlights - and you’re advised to fix a second on the stem - Unagi have not skimped on this important detail.
Voyager comes with a powerful:
perfectly integrated into into the handlebars for
The smoothest ergonomics is the Unagi design style. The handlebar control center seamlessly formed from a single casting of magnesium alloy, one third lighter than aluminum.
At a glance you can also instantly see and control all the normal ride functions, including:
The Unagi iOS and Android smart app also adds advanced functionality to:
Latest Unagi makeover gives Voyager FOUR totally new cool colors for you to choose from:
Its high-spec frame is made from carbon fiber, aluminum and magnesium alloy, with an impressive strength-to-weight ratio. And protected by a water resistance rating of IP54 (water spray from all directions, dust and small particles).
Voyager is lightweight, and an easy, carry in your hand scooter, and storing neatly away in your car trunk, at the office or in your home.
Weighing in at 13.4kgs (29.6 lbs), it’s several pounds lighter than many other scooters in the same premium class.
Voyager also has a fast, thumb-slide folding mechanism to instantly fold down to:
Unagi offers a unique way to get your hands on their premium Voyager.
Daily commuting in style and comfort is easy and affordable with an all-access subscription.
Another strong contender for best electric scooter for commuting 2024 is…
Emove Cruiser S, launched in June 2023 by Singapore maker, Voro Motors, are known for producing some of the top performance electric scooter brands on the market, such as E Move for daily commuting (Cruiser S, Touring), Kaabo (Wolf King, Mantis King) and Dualtron (Storm, Thunder) for power riding.
Let’s see how the Cruiser S lives up to its commuter style name…
delivers:
giving you:
accelerating from dead stop to :
Cruiser S also offers the standard 3 capped speed modes for your chosen riding styles:
Given the potential higher speeds and acceleration, E move Cruiser is one of the first electric scooters with a single motor to have a sine wave controller.
This gives you greater control, and a quieter, smoother acceleration to help eliminate jerks or shudders during frequent stop-starts.
Packing 1600 watts PEAK motor power, the Cruiser S is well up for handling:
Cruiser S comes with a performance-type 52V 30Ah LG battery - a step up from more typical 42V batteries.
Giving you on a single battery charge (between 9 -12 hours):
This is a scooter equipped for longer than average range commutes. How long will depend on speed mode, ground surface, riding conditions, weather and rider weight.
The Cruiser S sports larger diameter tires:
And while many of the best electric scooters come with pneumatic (air filled) tires. Not all have front and rear fenders to prevent splashback spoiling your ride.
Where the previous model came with fiddly, time consuming inner tubes, this Cruiser is protected against the risk of a flat by self-healing tires. Internal gel quickly fills cuts and tears up to around 25mm (1 inch).
Another premium scooter feature is the large coil suspension:
Combined with the 10 inch wide tires to soak up bumpy, uneven paving stones and tarmac for that smooth feeling ride.
Brakes
Cruiser S is equipped with a unique combination of::
and
Easier to use than cable-operated disc brakes, a typical stopping distance is:
Here you have a 5 light system for maximizing visibility:
The 4 button lights also act as turn signals, and the brake lights illuminate independently of both head/tail lights and turn signals.
Handlebar Control
Cruiser sports ergonomically-shaped handlebars giving you all the necessary cockpit controls:
Left handlebar
Right handlebar
Upgraded brighter 4-color LCD (QS-S4 style trigger-throttle) displaying speed, riding mode, and distance traveled
Cruiser S is built for the rigors of the daily commute - and the longer ride.
Its robust frame can carry a 160kg (352 lbs) rider, and has a higher rated IPX6 for water resistance - protecting against heavier more rain for longer periods)
Cruiser S is also one of the few premium electric scooters that gives you the option to fit a seat (with pre-drilled holes). For taking it easy on those longer commutes.
Both handlebars and stem instantly fold down to 127 cm (4.1 ft) (L) x 25cms (0.8 ft) (W) x 41 cm (1.3 ft) (H).
It should be said that being robust for the longer range does mean Cruiser S weighs in at 27kgs (59.5 lbs), and can be a less easy carry.
Choosing and buying an electric scooter for commuting in 2024 means you will be confronted with more models than ever before.
Personal, sustainable - and affordable transportation - is on the rise, and no more so than in daily urban commuting.
If you’re new to electric scooters, you may well prefer to kickstart your journey with a budget, entry level scooter. One you can rely upon to get you to work or college and back, such as Hiboy S2 or TurboAnt X7 MAX.
If you’re upgrading to the mid range in price, power and speed, you could be looking at NIU KQi3 Pro or the well-established Segway Ninebot MAX for genuine performance busters.
Talking of performance rides … if you’re up for taking your scootering to the next level with a machine you can trust then Emove Cruiser S could be your big bang for buck choice.
But if rocking a modernist style and performance vibe is more your thing then Unagi Voyager is definitely your premium dream ride.
In 2024, “premium is affordable”. Get your hands on the Unagi Voyager right now.
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