Best of both worlds! We're talking an electric scooter that's a safe, solid ride for those daily commutes. And a cool, kickboard glide for scootering round the hood in double-quick time.

If you've just started looking for an electric scooter to get your fix of fast, fun rides - as well as a solid, reliable commute - you're sure to be checking out the Mercane WideWheel Pro. But there's some hot rocking scooters out there, which may have your name on it, too.

To get you started on e bikes, we've put together some alternatives, but let's first get the low down on the WideWheel Pro...

Mercane WideWheel Pro

Going wide for the ride! All high-performance for urban commuters but getting their speed kicks too. The Mercane WideWheel Pro definitely feels comfortable and stable - with the funky, chunky ultra wide tires on an entry-level scooter.

Performance

Speed

There's a reason why the Mercane WideWheel Prop can be 'unlocked' to hit a maximum speed of 26 mph - 2 x 500 watt dual motors.

Which is also why the Pro is 50 - 60 per cent faster than many other urban commuter scooters, fixed at a standard 15 mph.

Acceleration

With a total 1000 watts of motor power at your fingertips, it doesn't take a massive jump to see some tasty test speeds of:

• 15 mph in just over 3 seconds.
• 20 mph in 5 seconds.
• 25 mph in around 8 seconds.

Hill climbs

When an e scooter is packing a dual motor it's no surprise to find that the Mercane WideWheel Pro has enough grunt to make light work of 15 degree inclines.

Tests have found the Pro polishing off 10 per cent gradients in as little as 11 seconds at an average 12-13 mph. So no idler in handling some light terrain, off-road scootering.

Components

Battery charge and range

Powering up that extra oomph definitely needs some serious battery capacity. The Mercane WideWheel Pro carries a 720 watt, 48V 15Ah high-efficiency, Lithion-ion battery pack. Not just a big battery but double the size of a standard electric scooter.

It does mean a single charge takes 6 to 7 hours to complete. But when fully fired-up the Pro offers a greater range of 19-20 miles in regular conditions, including start/stops, and dealing with those less smooth roads.

Tires and suspension

The Mercane WideWheel Pro definitely sticks out from the average e scooter crowd sporting those 8 x 4 inch, airless, ultra-wide, tires. The Pro electric scooter is sometimes described as having solid tires because each wide wheel tire is actually filled with soft, polyurethane foam instead of an inner tube.

As you might expect, wide tires give that extra firm stability and absorption to deal with sidewalk cracks, seams and bumps.

Making turns with extra wide wheel depth is a different experience from other scooters. The accompanying dual-spring suspension lends a further extra smooth, super thrill ride quality. In some cases though, the WideWheel is definitely not intended for off-road adventures in rough terrain.

Braking

Scootering at high speeds on a wide wheel scooter naturally demands serious braking power. The Mercane WideWheel Pro comes equipped with powerful dual 120-mm mechanical disc and dual electronic brakes. New, fast lever action at the cockpit instantly delivers a super-controlled and precise stop from 15 mph in only 12.5 feet.

Lights

An extra-bright, flush-fitted LED light is high-mounted in front of the display. Together with a rear, red LED tail light, the front and rear lights of the Mercane WideWheel are powerful enough for safe riding in well-lit, urban neighbourhoods.

However, if you're often travelling before or after dusk, and daily commutes or crosstown routes are in poorly lit areas, you may also need an extra bright, long-throw light.

Handlebar Controls

The Mercane WideWheel provides a full range of handlebar controls, firmly assisted by some tough, ergonomic two-tone grips, brake lever and intuitive hand controls.

The cockpit features a backlit LCD display of mph/kph, total mileage, voltage, and battery status.

And when you need quickly switch speeds you have two modes at your fingertips:

• Eco Riding Mode - battery saving, low performance.

-and-

• Sports Riding Mode - high performance.

Build quality and load capacity

The latest version of Mercane WideWheel Pro is beefed up with aluminum-alloy components. More than capable of carrying a maximum rider weight of 220 pounds.

Frame

A cool, brooding charcoal grey frame and wide mudguards ( for protecting those wide tyres) definitely rocks a designer, sports performance vibe.

Deck

A funky shaped deck and chic red trim form into an elegant, streamlining taper - from a roomy 8.6 to a slender 5-inches wide.

The WideWheel may well be viewed as sporting one of the neatest, slimline decks on an e scooter. The deck can also be fitted with a seat if needed by individual riders.

Portability and Ride Quality

The stem and handlebars can both fold on The Mercane Widewheel, packing right down to a portable 43 (L) x 9 (W) X 16 (H) inches.

Weighing in at 54 pounds the Pro is no lightweight but can still be comfortably carried over a short distance. The stem can also be locked in the folded position for an even easier carry.

The Mercane is a solid sturdy ride - those extra 4 inches of wheel width lending this e scooter that "riding on a cushion" effect. Built for plumped up speed in Sports mode, the wide wheels may be a little less agile than other scooters on a sharp manoeuvre and some off-road, rough terrain scootering.

Specifications

Weight: 54 pounds

Folded dimensions: 43 (W) x 9 (L) x 16 (H) inches

Motor power (continuous): 1000 watts (2 x dual 500 watts)

Top speed: 26 mph

Travel Distance: 22 miles

Battery capacity: 720 Wh

Battery recharge time: 7 hours

Max rider weight: 220 pounds

Brake type: Dual mechanical and Dual electronic

Tire type: 8 x 4 inch ultra wide foam filled.

Built-in lights: Front LED and Rear Red LED

Water resistance: IP54

Apollo Explore

Here's another tasty 1000 watt motor e scooter. Built a little less for upvotes in style cred - despite some pretty awesome stem lights - and more for endurance scootering. A heavier machine for those who want ride durability for eating up those extra sidewalk miles.

Apollo have dubbed this scooter the "urban warrior". So let's go Explore..

Performance

Motor

Straight-off, the Apollo Explore packs a 1000 watt single motor. Boasting some 86 per cent 'energy conversion rate' for more power to put out 1400 watts at peak.

Speed and Acceleration

As a result, this mean machine pumps out a max speed of some 31 mph (50 km/h) at a relatively zippy acceleration rate, achieving:

• 3.5 seconds to reach 15 mph (24 km/h).
• 9.6 seconds to hit 25 mph (40 km/h).

Hill Climbs

The Explore uses its single rear motor well to tackle those unexpected slopes and inclines - even on flat ground - with relative ease on an urban commute. At an average speed of 11.1 mph (18.2 kmh), the Apollo scooter can make a 10 per cent gradient in 12 seconds - and even take on a more tricky hill climb of up to 20 degrees.

Components

Battery charge and travel distance

The Explore is powered by a 52V 18.2aH (946.4Wh) Lithium-ion, Dynavolt battery - the electric scooter industry's go-to brand.

Enough juice is generated for travelling a maximum of 34 miles (55 km) - and an average of 23 miles (37 kms) - on a single standard charge of around 8 hours (or 5 hours with a fast charger).

Tires and Suspension

Generous 10in (25 cm) x 3in (8 cm) air-filled, inner tube tires with rounded profiles are designed to give that extra-smooth ride and shock absorption. Not all scooters have the added diameter and tread-width to simply glide over poor ride surfaces, such as uneven tarmac, cracks and those pesky potholes.

Pneumatic tires definitely perform better in wet conditions too. Air-filled tires flex and spread their tread to gain a larger contact area, and a firmer grip on a slippery surface.

Ride comfort is pumped up again by rear dual spring suspension and front spring suspension. Well-balanced - neither creaking or rattling - as the Explore firmly holds the road when opening up the throttle, braking, or simply leaning into those sudden turns.

Braking

A zippy speedster like the Apollo Explore has be packing some serious braking to handle the faster acceleration. It's reassuring to know that this electric scooter has both front and rear mechanical disc brakes, as well as regenerative braking.*

*Regenerative braking is linked to the rear brake system. Extra stopping power is automatically triggered by a tough, hand-lever control to instantly apply the stored energy. The brake strength can also be set on the P-Settings display, which brings you to a complete stop from 15 mph in just 3.3m (10.8 feet).

Lights

Explore is nicely loaded with electric-blue LED lights - running across both sides of the deck and stem. Enough to keep you visible and safe during your after-dark scootering.

The road ahead is illuminated by a single LED headlight and there's two brake lights and a reflector on the rear fender. The low position of the headlight does have a limited throw at night. An extra headlight would be recommended if your daily commute involves riding after nightfall.

Handlebar Controls

When you're riding fast and focused it makes good sense to have super-easy, steering column control on your electric scooter.

Apollo Explore gives you all the lightning response you need - two brake levers and the standard QS-S4 trigger-style scooter throttle.

You have total visibility over your riding read-out on a color LCD display including speed, distance travelled, and battery level. Plus, you can keep close tabs on your riding mode, swap out acceleration strength and double down on the regenerative braking.

• Cruise Control

Forget about the hassle and any pain in keeping pressure on the finger trigger. If you're a scooter rider who's gotten the finger cramps, it's sure to be a total relief having cruise control for maintaining a steady speed over a long ride.

Build quality

Frame

The Explore rocks a good-looking vibe that definitely makes it a cut above other electric scooters in the range. The sturdy but neat design, aluminum alloy frame is finished in sleek black with steel grey highlights, and hard-wearing plastic and rubber.

Deck

The riding deck - covered in a geometrically shaped, anti-slip grip tape throughout - measures a sturdy and generous 21 x 9 inches. Large enough for finding your own comfortable riding style - and to attach a seat for those longer, urban rides. There's 5 inches of ground clearance which is more ideally suited for urban ground and dirt track than rough terrain.

Factory-certified with an IP rating of IP54 water-resistance, this scooter body won't be too bothered by unexpected showers or a little light rain.

Portability and load capacity

A folding stem and handlebar means in just 20 secs you can shrink the Explore down to a handy 46in (117cm) x 10in (25cm) x 17in (43cm) for instant portability and easy storage, compared to most electric scooters.

The stem not only telescopes open and shut it also folds parallel with the scooter deck and locks into place for carrying with just one hand.

As a good all-rounder, the Explore is actually a heavy scooter. It weighs in at a fairly hefty 24 kgs (53 lbs) - designed for supporting up to 120kgs and sturdy enough for heavier riders. Some riders, however, may consider this scooter only portable for shorter rather than longer carrying distances.

Specifications

Weight: 24 kg (53 pounds).

Folded dimensions: 46in (117cm) x 10in (25cm) x 17in (43cm)

Motor power (continuous): 1000 W

Top speed: 50 km/h (31 mph)

Range: 55 km (34 miles)

Battery capacity: 946 Wh

Battery recharge time: 8 hrs

Max rider weight: 120 kg

Brake type: Front and Rear mechanical Disc

Tire type: 10in (25 cm) x 3in (8 cm) air-filled, inner tube tires

Built-in lights: Single, front LED headlight, two rear and reflector

Water resistance: IP54

Unagi Model One (E500)

An electric scooter that also 'models' its cool-ride looks in the name...

The One.

Arguably, the best e scooters will put out the vibe that says, "you know you want to subscribe to this". If you're big on scooter aesthetics, Unagi is the One.

Here's an electric scooter designed to turn the heads of both entry-level and experienced riders. Whether you're heading uptown or simply scootering in your neighborhood.

The design team at Unagi give you Apple-style ergonomics. Superior rider comfort, exquisitely balanced. Silky, streamline smooth with elegant, finger-touch control.

Ultimate tactile refinement. Gliding not riding.

Let's get to grips...

Performance

Motor power and Speed

The Unagi Model One was originally launched with a single motor. The newly forged E500 amps up the speed factor with a 250 watt dual motor. Giving a neat boost to the urban commute with a max speed of 32 km/ h (20 mph), and hitting 24 km/h (15 mph) in around 4 seconds. Ideal for most local speed limits.

Acceleration

As with the best electric scooters, you get to 'customize your ride' for when 'maximum speed is what you need'. Whatever your riding level.

The 3 top speed settings are:

14 km/h (9 mph): First-time riders can get to grips with some light acceleration for building confidence and trigger finger, ride control.

19 km/h (12 mph): Perfectly suited for the urban daily commute or the casual rider. A "balanced" throttle is on-board for cruising a steady-paced ride - from kickstart to curb stop.

27 km/h (17 mph): Top speeds for fun rides and thrill-seeking highs are all part of Model One's built-for-pure-pleasure scootering.

Hill Climbs

Unagi Model One is more than capable of handling typical inclines of 10 per cent. The scooter takes a little over 12 seconds at around 17 km/ h (11 mph). Its newly-fitted dual motors pack a torque-crunching lift for tackling hill climbs up of to 15 degrees.

Components

Battery Charge and Travel Range

The Model One is perfectly equipped for urban commuters looking to subscribe to daily, shorter distance scootering.

Its 500 watt battery is stacked with HG2 18650 lithium-ion cells from global tech giant, LG. They offer a 1.6 km (1 mile) range under best conditions, and a distance of 16 kms (10 miles), overall from a single battery charging time of around 5 hours.

Whatever the terrain, your on-board monitor display helps you prevent overheating, and keeps your ride power reliable, longer lasting, and low maintenance.

Tires and shock absorption

Not all electric scooter brands go for air-filled inner tubes. They sometimes can be prone to unexpected flats, and who needs the hassle of swapping out a fiddly inner tube?

Instead, the Model One sports solid, 7.5 inch puncture-proof, rubber, airless tires - on both front wheel and rear. To pump up the shock absorption, and for ensuring excellent ride quality, Unagi have also designed air pockets throughout the rim of each tire.

Brakes

The Model One is designed for everyday, urban scootering. Unagi have fitted dual electronic brakes, and a rear fender foot brake to assist with emergency full stops.

When you do need to make a full stop on a typical, flat urban route the electronic braking system prevents tyre locking and delivers a safe, stable response.

To bring the Model One to a full-stop takes:

• 5.5 m (16.9 feet) - both electronic and foot brake.
• 7.7 m (25 feet) - only the electronic brakes.

Lights

Visibility is absolutely a number one for safe scooter riding. Especially, after dark. A single headlight may simply not be enough.

The Model One is fitted with two forward-facing, flush-mounted 1.8 watt LED headlights. A low-slung red LED light on the scooter rear also throws out a powerful beam for safe night riding.

Handlebar control

Looking good and feeling good to touch. This scooter's design has both rider comfort and practical efficiency at your fingertips.

The Unagi handlebars and top bar control centre are formed from a single casting of magnesium alloy, which is one third lighter than aluminum, and seamlessly joined.

Smart and elegantly tapered, elliptical silicon grips are securely fused as one to the handlebars. A perfectly-positioned thumb throttle sits below an instantly-switchable speed and distance control button.

Completing the ergonomic chic are touch response brake paddles, horn and LED headlight.

Build quality

Build quality is a safety factor. It can be often standard for electric scooters to opt for the jazzed-up deck and reinforced frame look. The team at Unagi have gone for giving subscribers to the Model One an altogether more chilled-out scooter experience.

Here build quality goes well beyond standard. The Model One rocks quality-control precision throughout - from design and manufacture to final finish.

Unagi have engineered the Model One to a high-spec, strength-weight ratio. Not only looking and feeling every micro-inch a cool and comfortable ride. But actually calibrating carbon fiber, aluminum and magnesium alloy into a safe and durable urban travel machine.

Frame

The frame for the Model One is made by TORAY - a top producer of carbon fiber - a material recognized for its lightweight property and unbreakable, titan strength. Look carefully and you'll see it also lends reinforced frame support at potential stress points.

Ride Deck

A sleek, but tough rubber-grip deck - much larger than the typical scooter deck - is elegantly tapered for riding comfort. Plus, there's an in-built kickstand on the left-hand side, which neatly vanishes from view when retracted.

Portability

This is a scooter that's totally all about the quick and easy "ride and carry". The urban commuter's handy, travel pal. The Unagi weighs in at a modest 12.2 kgs (27 pounds), a 'model' of lightweight portability.

The Unagi scooter is also super-light and compact for frequent folding and unfolding. Fast thumb slide action, combined with 90 degree stem angle, folds the Model One down to a carry under your arm size of 91 cm (37 in) x 40 cm 16in) x 38 cm (15 in).

Specifications (E500)

Weight: 12.2 kgs (27 lbs)

Folded dimensions: 91 cm (37 in) x 40 cm (16in) x 38 cm (15 in)

Motor power (continuous): 500 W

Top speed: 20 mph

Travel distance: 24 kms (15 ml)

Battery capacity: 282 Wh

Battery recharge time: 5 hours

Max rider weight: 127 kgs (280 lbs)

Brake type: Dual electronic and rear, foot brake assist.

Tire type: 7.5 inch solid rubber

On-board lights: Dual front LED and Rear light red LED

Water resistance: IP54

Emove Cruiser

Just one look tells you...

Emove Cruiser is built for enduring the daily urban commute. It's another e scooter all-rounder you can totally rely upon for a long-range, reliable ride.

Let's find out why...

Performance

Motor power and speed

The Emove carries a single 1000 watt motor rather than dual motors. So this e scooter is definitely a steady cruiser. Suited more for travel range than thrills on the throttle.

It might be a more mid-range kind of a mover compared to other scooters but it can still pack a poke on the dial, jabbing at speeds of 48 km/h (30 mph).

• Cruise control

How could you not have cruise control on a scooter branded up as the Cruiser?

Hitting a simple P17 setting on the cockpit QS-S4 display sets a constant speed - which means no keeping your finger on the trigger.

Acceleration

While other scooters with comparable spec might shave a few seconds here and there, on the getaway the Emove is still no slouch.

Typical acceleration times from stationary can be:

• 4 secs - 24 km/h (15 mph)
• 6 secs - 32 km/h (20 mph)
• 11 secs - 40 km/h (25 mph)

Hill Climbs

As an urban commuter, the Emove motor is more than equipped to tackle hill climbs of up to 20 degrees.

Rising to the challenge, it packs a 1600 watt peak output in some 12 seconds at an average speed of nearly 18 km/h (11 mph).

Components

Battery Charge and Travel Distance

If you're looking for more distance for your dollars, the Emove is definitely in your travel and wallet range.

It's massive 52V 30Ah LG battery just keeps on going - between 75 - 100 kms (46 - 62 miles) on a single charge - according to riding conditions.

Filling up with all that extra juice does mean that battery charging time can take anywhere between 9 to 12 hours.

Tire and Shock Absorption

When a scooter like Emover majors on distance endurance it will need some solid, chunky tires. The Cruiser doesn't disappoint.

Here we have 25.4cm (10in) by 8cm (3in) dual, air-filled 'tubeless' tires.

No messing around with a fiddly inner tube. The tire seals directly against the scooter rim, giving a stronger solid, puncture-resistant performance. All firmed up to handle just about any urban surface your commute wants to throw at you.

The tires are also mostly hidden by huge front and rear fenders, so definitely no road debris will be kicking up and spoiling your ride.

Add in the Emove's large dual, front spring and rear suspension, air shock absorbers. For totally reliable traction and stability. And you've gotten yourself a comfortable, long distance ride.

Brakes

The Emove team have fixed up some awesome braking to stop this scooter in it's riding tracks when needed. The Cruiser boasts dual, Xtech 140 mm (5.5 in) semi-hydraulic disc brakes, front and rear. Plus, electronic braking on the rear wheel.

Hydraulic brakes on e scooters are not only rare but actually easier to use than cable-operated disc brakes. It means at a comfortable urban sprint of 24 km/h (15 mph) you come to a complete stop at a wheel turn or two shy of 3.5 metres (10-11 ft).

The Cruiser may not be fitted with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), but any risk of locking up at sudden stops can be prevented by giving the hand-operated brake a gentle squeeze.

Lights

The Cruiser has 5 lights in total. A super-powerful front LED headlight - fixed low on the stem above the front fender. This light is supported by 2 white button lights, fitted either side of the front of the deck, and 2 red button lights at the rear.

The 4 button lights also act as turn signals, easily operated by a side-deck button and slider. An extra warning alert is also given with an audible beep, not always present on other scooters.

Another big difference here from other scooters is that the brake lights operate independently from the head/tail lights and turn signals.

Handlebar Controls

There's at least two good reasons why the Cruiser sports wide 25 cm handlebars. First, the width is designed for a natural shoulder position to give firm yet comfortable, long rides. Snugly wrapped in rubber flat-palm, hand grips, too.

Secondly, its stacked with smart cockpit features...

• Left handlebar - features a brake-lever and button console to control the electronic horn (green button), headlight (red button), and turn signals (black slider).
• Right handlebar - operates a key-start ignition, battery-life voltmeter and waterproof display. This QS-S4 style finger, trigger-throttle reads out speed, riding mode, and distance travelled.

Plus, a hand-operated brake on both left and right hand sides of the handlebar.

Build Quality

It's heavier than usual look - capable of carrying a 160kg (352 lbs) rider - straightaway tells you The Cruiser was built for the long ride. From the fully-stacked cockpit, and details such as the nylon sheath protected, plug-and-play cables.

Frame

The scooter frame - which comes in five colours (black,white, red, orange, and purple) - is engineered from a lightweight and extremely, durable aluminium alloy. Firmly and neatly combined with rubber and reinforced plastic in specific applications, such as the handgrips and mudguards.

Deck

If the Cruiser is built for long rides, you definitely would want comfort and ease on the deck. No problem. Here we have 58.7cms (1.9ft) x 19.5cms (0.63ft) of ample deck space, covered in dual-column grip tape, for long but safe scootering.

Your safety is also helped by a deck rounded-off with every edge encased in a hard plastic, acting as a protective bumper.

Portability

The Cruiser folds down both its handlebars and a telescoping stem to a very portable 127cms (4.1 ft) (L) x 25cms (0.8 ft) (W) x 41cms (1.3 ft) (H). A single pin easily locks the stem when folded down for easier carrying and locks the stem upright again for a new journey.

However, this "built for the long commute" e scooter does weigh in at 27kgs (59.5 lbs) so not every rider may be up for frequent carrying.

Specifications

Weight: 27 kg (59.5 lbs)

Folded dimensions: 127cms (4.1 ft) (L) x 25cms (0.8 ft) (W) x 41cms (1.3 ft) (H)

Motor power, continuous: 1000 W

Top speed: 48 km/h (30 mph)

Travel distance: 75 - 100 kms (46 - 62 miles)

Battery capacity: 1560 Wh

Battery recharge time: 9 to 12 hrs

Max rider weight: 160 kg (352 lbs)

Brake type: 40 mm (5.5 in) semi-hydraulic disc brakes, front and rear

Tire type: 25.4cm (10in) by 8cm (3in) dual, tubeless, air-filled

Built-in lights: LED headlight and button lights, front and rear

Water resistance: IPX6