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Micromobility is here to stay, and it’s changing how we experience urban life for the better. With Unagi’s membership program, you can enjoy all the benefits of a top-tier electric scooter without the sky-high price of ownership or the inconvenience of ride-sharing.
We’re excited to celebrate Unagi’s 5th Anniversary, and we want you to join the fun! To thank you for your support, we're hosting an exclusive $10,000 Airbnb giveaway. No purchase necessary—just enter for your chance to win! Hurry, the giveaway ends on 10/4/2024!
In today’s fast-paced world, finding an efficient and cost-effective mode of transportation is crucial. E-scooters offer a convenient and eco-friendly way to navigate urban landscapes. Unagi stands out not only for its superior design and performance but also for its affordability and unmatched rental program.
If you're wondering whether an electric scooter with a seat is right for you, this is a detailed article that would suit your need.
While e-scooters have been gaining popularity due to their convenience and relatively low cost, they have been getting more attention lately for another reason: battery fires. It's important to understand the potential dangers associated with the battery technology that lies at their core.
In South Carolina, electric scooters exist in a sort of legal gray area. There's no statewide legislation that specifically addresses them.
While electric scooters are generally lightweight, not all models are created equal. Some are inherently lighter, more agile, and more portable than others.
In fact, there's a special category dedicated to pushing the limits of portability—the lightweight electric scooter, designed specifically for ease of mobility and storage while still offering the convenience and functionality that riders demand.
Naturally, most commuters want the lightest electric scooter they can find without sacrificing other important features like speed, range, and comfort. That's precisely what we'll be exploring in this article. Our goal is to showcase the best lightweight electric scooters in 2024 for different individual needs.
How we chose the best...
To create this list, our focus was on scooters that don't just promise ease of carrying but deliver on multiple fronts—ensuring that your ride is as exhilarating as it is effortless. We considered a wide range of scooters and evaluated them based on several key factors.
In addition to weight, we closely examined each scooter's folded dimensions and overall ease of carrying. We also assessed their performance and chose models that deliver robust results across all key metrics, such as range, speed, hill climbing, acceleration, ride quality, and braking, to ensure that they offer a well-rounded riding experience.
Moreover, this article will delve into the essential characteristics that define a portable or lightweight electric scooter and address some of the most frequently asked questions by riders and potential buyers.
| Scooter Model | Price | Weight | Folded Dimension | Speed | Range | Payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unagi Voyager | $79/Month | 29.6 lbs | 37.8 x 16.5 x 15 inches | 20 mph | 25 miles | 220 lbs |
| Fluid Freeride Mosquito | $599 | 22 lbs | 41.5 x 5.6 x 13 inches | 28 mph | 22 miles | 240 lbs |
| Gotrax Flex | $349 | 46 lbs | 47.25 x 13.5 x 29 inches | 14 mph | 14 miles | 264 lbs |
| NIU KQi Air | $1,399 | 26 lbs | 44.9 x 21.3 x 18.9 inches | 20 mph | 18 miles | 265 lbs |
| Okai Neon | $699 | 35.3 lbs | 45.5 x 17.5 x 18.3 inches | 16 mph | 15 miles | 220 lbs |
| Gotrax Commuter GXL V2 | $279 | 26 lbs | 39 x 17 x 14 inches | 16 mph | 10 miles | 220 lbs |
| Uscooters GT Sport | $1,099 | 29.6 lbs | 41.5 x 5.6 x 13 inches | 30 mph | 14 miles | 275 lbs |
| Turboant X7 Max | $449 | 34 lbs | 45 x 16.5 x 19.75 inches | 19 mph | 18 miles | 220 lbs |
| Anyhill UM1 | $599 | 29 lbs | 42.5 x 17 x 19 inches | 16 mph | 12 miles | 265 lbs |
| Apollo Air 2023 | $899 | 38 lbs | 47.5 x 26 x 23.5 inches | 21 mph | 22 miles | 220 lbs |
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--a scooter that’s still widely popular, nearly 6 years after its initial launch. Both Unagi scooters are deservedly loved by commuters, not just because they weigh next to nothing, but also because they are the cheapest lightweight scooters you can acquire, courtesy of the membership plan. We’ll explain.
While you have to have your cash in hand to purchase all the other lightweight electric scooters on this list, the same doesn’t apply to the Unagi scooters. Unagi has a monthly subscription service that allows you to own your Unagi Model One Classic and Unagi Voyager for the duration of your plan. You can opt for the $ 59-a-month plan that gives you unlimited access to the Model One Classic, or the $ 79-a-month plan that unlocks the Unagi Voyager. Members are free to cancel their subscriptions without incurring penalties and can enjoy benefits like theft insurance and free maintenance.
The Unagi Voyager is the culmination of 3 years spent in research to create the ultimate portable scooter that does not compromise on performance, nor make trade-offs on quality. The Unagi Voyager weighs 29.6 lbs, which is slightly heavier than the 28.6 lbs Model One Classic. However, the Voyager has enough advantages over the Model One Classic to qualify it as the best lightweight electric scooter overall, thanks to its extended range, improved braking, and app connectivity.
The Unagi Voyager keeps its weight low by leveraging advancements like energy-dense cells in the scooter's battery that facilitate a longer range without compromising on weight, not to mention longer battery life. Additionally, the materials used in constructing the Unagi, like the Toray carbon fiber on the stem and magnesium alloy on the handlebars are significantly lighter than the usual aluminum and steel and have a high strength-to-weight ratio. The result is a super lightweight, yet durable electric scooter.
The Unagi Model One Voyager also has the best folding system–a true one-click folding mechanism that takes less than three seconds to deploy. When folded, the scooter occupies the smallest folded footprint of any good lightweight adult electric scooter, with dimensions of 37.8 inches x 16.5 inches x 15 inches.
The Unagi is an excellent lightweight commuter scooter. You can ride the scooter to top speeds of 20 mph in ideal conditions, and achieve a range of up to 25 miles. What’s more, the improved battery technology allows the Voyager to charge to 80% capacity in just two hours, meaning you’re never stranded.
Another performance area where the Voyager excels is the scooter’s hill climbing. The Voyager and Model One Unagis are the only lightweight dual-motor scooters featuring dual 250 W motors with 1000 W peak power. The benefit of dual motors is particularly evident in a scooter’s acceleration and hill climbing–and many independent testers have found the Unagi scooters to outdo some of the best, more expensive, and higher-rated single-motor e-scooters on the market.
The Unagi Voyager is an effortless scooter to ride. It rolls on 7.5-inch hybrid, honeycomb tires that carry the benefits of puncture-proof solid tires and the ride comfort of air tires thanks to the hollow cutouts. Now, like most lightweight electric scooters, Unagi foregoes a suspension system. However, the scooter’s sturdy build, and smart choice of material like carbon fiber, dissipate the vibrations that would otherwise be felt by the rider.
The Unagi Voyager is such a wholesome lightweight electric scooter–it would be nice to see some of its functions on the Model One Classic, like the companion app with functions like a range calculator, remote lock and unlock, and a place to manage your scooter subscription.
The Fluid Mosquito is the lovechild of a collaboration between manufacturer E-TWOW and retailer Fluid Freeride. E-TWOW is the name behind one of the most reliable commuter brands, Uscooters--scooters that also carry the Mosquito’s basic blueprint. The difference, however, is that the Mosquito was designed to Fluid’s spec, resulting in a high-performance, ultraportable, ultra-reliable lightweight commuter. Let’s get into it.
The Fluid Mosquito falls under the ultraportable class of e-scooters. It is super lightweight at 29 lbs and folds down to one of the smallest footprints. The Fluid Mosquito has both a collapsible and folding stem, as well as folding handlebars, bringing its smallest folded dimensions to 41.5 inches x 5.6 inches x 13 inches.
The folding system is solid, with a safety catch to keep the latch from coming undone when riding. And even without collapsing the stem or folding the bars, the scooter is still really compact. The disclaimer, however, is that to keep it ultraportable, the Mosquito gives you very narrow handlebars and an addedly narrow deck.
The Mosquito’s speed for its weight is legendary–in fact, most people just want to ride it to disprove that a 29-pound scooter can reach 28 mph. Fluid only promises 25 mph, but the majority of independent testers clocked 27+ miles per hour. The 500 W motor gives gradual acceleration but outperforms most peers on hills. The scooter also has a relatively large 48 V, 460 Wh battery that’s said to give a range of between 16 to 19 miles on a single charge in real-world conditions. As for braking, despite the triple braking system, the stopping distance could be better.
The Fluid Mosquito is big on utility, which often means a compromise on factors like ride quality. The scooter has 8-inch solid tires, which are flat-free, but don’t deliver the most comfortable riding experience. The front spring and rear coil suspension absorb some of the vibrations; however, this doesn’t fully compensate for the jittery ride by the small rubber wheels. The portability-centric design also means that the rider feels cramped in the cockpit, and has little wiggle room on the riding platform, despite having an adequate 20 inches in deck length.
The solid tires, while well intended, come at the detriment of ride comfort, and also have poor traction in wet weather. They have less grip than air tires, and when paired with the less grabby drum brake and regen combo, deliver a longer-than-ideal stopping distance for a scooter that goes as fast. Lastly, the overall design is loudly outdated.
As far as seated scooters go, the Gotrax Flex is both the most affordable one and the lightest one. Alternative purpose-built seated scooters include the more expensive Fiido Q1S, the chain-driven Razor Eco Smart, and the bulky and costly EMOVE Roadrunners. The Gotrax Flex weighs 46 lbs but is quite compact and folds down if you’re working with limited storage space. When folded, it measures 47.25 inches x 13.5 inches x 29 inches. It uniquely features a deck instead of pegs or pedals, which helps save on weight, while optimizing the scooter’s compactness.
The Gotrax Flex is an okay performer. You get a moderate top speed of about 16 miles per hour, with a smooth but gradual acceleration. The 280.8 Wh battery delivers a real-world range of 13 to 16 miles depending on riding conditions.
Where the scooter really struggles, however, is hill climbing that's affected by the larger diameter tires. Larger wheels on seated scooters are great as they cater to stability and deliver a smooth ride. On the flip side, they have fewer turns from the base of your incline to the top, leading to a slow ascent on steep hills.
The Gotrax Flex is a purpose-built seated scooter, meaning you can’t detach the seat as you would on an EMOVE Cruiser S, Hiboy S2, or Dualtron X Limited. The scooter has a soft, thick seat with springs underneath for comfort. The seat height is adjustable to ensure your riding position is optimal. And, in addition to the seat springs, the Gotrax Flex features a dual rear suspension to further neutralize track vibrations that would otherwise be felt when seated.
The Gotrax Flex is not a performance scooter and is more suited for leisurely riding. Therefore, anyone looking for a little more speed or range should consider alternative seated scooters.
NIU’s KQi Air is the sequel to the high-performance commuter scooters by professional electric vehicle manufacturer, NIU. The KQi Air and Air X are lightweight versions of the crowd-pleasing KQi3 Pro. You get the same excellent performance, and a near-similar spec sheet, but in a package nearly half the weight of the KQi3 Pro. The KQi Air is the lightest e-scooter with the longest range, but there’s so much more to this 2023 model by NIU.
The KQi Air electric kick scooter features an almost full carbon fiber build. The handlebars, stem, swing arms, and deck are all made of carbon fiber, while the deck bridge is made of magnesium alloy and the rear fender of ABS plastic. The choice of lightweight construction materials brings the gross weight to 26.2 lbs. However, you can opt for the slightly more expensive, fully carbon fiber Air X that weighs an insanely low 25.8 lbs.
The KQi Air and KQi Air X fold down to a compact size–44.9 inches x 21.3 inches x 18.9 inches. The stem is held up by a double safety mechanism that unlocks to fold in two easy steps. It clicks in place to latch to the deck and stays firmly secure when carrying.
The NIU KQi Air e-scooter, despite being featherweight, has incredible range. NIU opted for energy-dense 21700 cells that store higher energy capacity resulting in longer riding times. Resultantly, the KQi Air has a claimed range of 31 miles in ideal conditions, and a more realistic 18-20 miles in real-world riding setups. The energy-dense cells are also responsible for longer battery life.
The 48 V system means you don’t lose as much power towards the end of the battery, which is a bonus. Fully charged, you can expect a claimed top speed of about 20 mph. The rear 350-watt motor will not be splinting off on hills, but it will slowly get you to the top of most inclines. And braking is adequately facilitated by the front disc and rear regen.
The Air scooter has an airy ride courtesy of the 9.5-inch tubeless pneumatic tires. In the absence of suspension, the tires plus carbon fiber build do an adequate job of absorbing vibrations. The deck is larger than what is typical of lightweight scooters, with a 22-inch by 7.5-inch riding platform. Additionally, tall riders will appreciate the 40-inch tall handlebars, while bigger riders will love the 265 lbs true max rider weight capacity.
The NIU KQi Air’s display gets washed out in direct sunlight. The display is also fragile and gets scuffed easily. Additionally, there are some design quarks, with the ambient light being awkwardly placed at the front of the deck, and the control module being on the same side as the throttle, thereby creating an almost impossible right-hand multi-tasking situation.
The Okai Neon ES20 is the remarkable, cool-looking scooter that launched Okai's interest in the private scooter sector. They are revered as one of the largest OEMs behind many of the shared scooters we have on the streets today. The ES20 Neon is a chic, elevated, modern, clean-looking electric scooter that looks right with a lady behind the cockpit. If you’re looking for a scooter that’s going to fit your classy, sophisticated aesthetic, then look no further.
The Okai Neon is a 35-lb electric scooter–which means it’s not the lightest one on our list. However, in trying to zero in on the best lightweight electric scooter for short ladies, the Okai Neon came the closest. It has an ideal handlebar height of 38.3 inches, which accommodates riders from about 5’1’’ to 5’10’’.
The scooter is not the most compact either, but its neat design makes it look very put together. The kickstand that completely folds up is enough proof of this. Again, the stem folds without needing to latch onto the deck, further maintaining that effortless look that’s very compatible with the female aesthetic. When folded, it measures 45.5 inches x 17.5 inches x 18.3 inches, making it the bulkiest scooter on the list.
The Okai Neon is a low-powered commuter, designed for short commutes and leisurely rides. It sports a front 250-watt motor that delivers laid-back acceleration but is surprisingly torquay on hills, going faster than most electric scooters with a similarly-rated motor. The actual top speed matches the manufacturer-claimed one at 16 mph, while the 324 Wh battery delivers an average range of about 14 miles. Braking, however, falls below expectations stopping at over 18.5 ft from a speed of 15 mph.
The ride is decent, and Okai’s prowess in manufacturing shows. The long deck allows for comfortable riding stances, not to mention aids in planting your feet wide apart when braking. Additionally, the pairing of a large 9-inch tubed air tire and an 8.5-inch solid rear tire with rear suspension greatly helps with ride comfort. Finally, the ergonomically designed wide cockpit with quality textured grips also helps in alleviating ride fatigue.
The Okai Neon is not the most portable scooter on this list. For short ladies looking for a similarly (if not more) aesthetically pleasing but lightweight electric scooter, consider the Unagi Voyager.
The Gotrax GXL V2 is unrivaled, as a cheap lightweight electric scooter. It’s the cheapest adult scooter you can buy that’s not a toy. The GXL V2 is a scooter for people with the most basic scooting needs, and riders should not expect too much from this portable vehicle. That said, if you’re on an extreme budget and in need of a point A to point-B transport solution, the Gotrax GXL V2 will match your needs.
The Gotrax GXL V2 is a 26 lbs portable electric vehicle, with a basic spec sheet, and occupies a very small footprint. The small dimensions make it ideal for teenagers and average-sized adults. For perspective, the scooter's deck measures 18.6 inches by 6 inches, which doesn’t leave much room for changing stances. Additionally, the handlebars sit low at 37.2 inches, which means the scooter may not be ideal for taller riders. However, the smaller dimensions play into a very compact profile when folded measuring 39 inches x 17 inches x 14 inches.
As mentioned, the scooter is pretty basic. You get a top speed of about 14 mph, with only one-speed mode, while the 187 Wh battery powers the scooter through a 10-mile range against a claimed 12 miles.
The GXL V2 e-scooter will barely get you up steeper inclines, so people living in hilly cities should opt for more powerful electric scooters. Also, the regen plus disc brake pairing has a long stopping distance when tested in real-world conditions.
The ride quality is average for the class, and maybe even better since the scooter comes with a pair of 8.5-inch pneumatic tires. They absorb most of the road shock. Note, however, that the scooter has solid rims which makes tire change a bit of a hassle. Regardless, given that the scooter doesn’t go fast or far, the ride comfort is quite okay.
We’ll not tear down the GXL V2 scooter since it’s a pretty decent offering for the price. Other scooters that cost as little are no-brand scooters that fall short on reliability, durability, performance, quality, and after-sale support. But if we were to keep it to one flaw, it would have to be its lack of a taillight–the reflective sticker on the rear fender doesn’t begin to make up for it.
The Uscooters GT Sport is the latest ultra-lightweight electric scooter from the brand, succeeding the Uscooters Booster Sport, Booster V, GT, and GT SE. These lightweight, high-utility vehicles have earned a reputation for having the highest speed-to-weight ratio. And while it sounds like an unlikely match, these lightweight vehicles are perfectly capable of handling the higher power demands of heavier riders.
The Uscooters GT Sport is a 29.6 lbs lightweight electric scooter. The scooter bears a small frame as its predecessors, with a design centered around portability. When folded, it measures 41.5 inches x 5.6 inches x 13 inches. These dimensions are achieved by the narrow folding handlebars and the retractable stem. The scooter has an easy one-step release latch and a handlebar hook that attaches to the deck. Once folded, you also get a carrying handle that makes lifting the scooter even easier.
The Uscooters GT Sport is one of the fastest lightweight electric scooters, alongside the Fluid Mosquito. However, unlike the Mosquito, the GT Sport is rated to carry a max rider weight of 275 lbs, which is the highest on our list. And luckily, these are not just numbers on a spec sheet.
The scooter has a powerful single front 500 W motor, with a peak output of 700 W that’s up to the challenge. The motors are powered by a large 504 Wh battery–the largest on an ultraportable scooter courtesy of high-performance Samsung cells. Additionally, the updated controllers guarantee sufficient torque from motors to deliver on performance, despite the rider weight.
The scooter's solid tires are the biggest culprits for a less-than-ideal ride. Paired with the basic front and rear spring suspension, you won’t feel large bumps; however, small cracks and bumps will make their way through the frame.
The narrow dimensions compromise ride comfort, especially the 20-inch x 5.6-inch narrow deck, and the cramped handlebars. Nonetheless, most people opt for electric scooters like the Uscooters GT Sport for their efficiency as short-distance commuters, and you’ll hardly hear its owners complaining about the ride feel.
The same qualities that make the Uscooters GT Sport a high utility, ultraportable scooter, are sometimes to the scooter's detriment. For instance, the low-maintenance airless tires are jittery on ill-maintained tracks and have poor traction in wet weather. Add
itionally, while the small dimensions help keep the weight low and the footprint small, sometimes it comes at the expense of an ergonomic ride. Therefore, as a rider, you ought to know what you’re looking for in a scooter.
The name Turboant has almost become synonymous with the concept of a removable battery. The X7 Pro was the first Turboant model to feature the detachable battery leading to Turboant’s widespread popularity with commuters. 2 years later, in 2023, they released the upgraded X7 Max that was meant to deal with the quarks reported with the previous model. We’ll take a look at what makes the Turboant X7 Max the best lightweight e-scooter with a detachable battery.
The 34.6 lbs Turboant X7 Max is the third heaviest e-scooter on this list, but as far as electric scooters with removable batteries go, it is one of the lightest. Other notable lightweight scooters with removable batteries include:
The X7 Max folds down to a package measuring 45 inches x 16.5 inches x 19.75 inches. The folding mechanism encompasses a one-click, fully metal latch that keeps the stem secure when unfolded and disengages quickly when folding. Additionally, the deck has a slot that opens from the side where you slide the handlebar hook to secure it.
Commuters love the Turboant X7 Max for the convenience offered by the detachable battery. Not only does it offer charging convenience and extra security for the scooter, but it also offers a way to potentially double your range. The scooter has a manufacturer-stated range of 32 miles, with different independent reviewers placing the real-world range at about 18 miles. Whatever mileage you get, spending $220 on a spare battery could potentially double that range.
The top speed is about 18 mph, which is good for the scooter’s $449 price tag. It has brisk acceleration, reaching 15 mph in about 7 seconds. Additionally, the front electronic and rear disc brakes offer a decent and timely stopping distance. On the downside, however, the scooter’s 350 W motor and the top-heavy design will significantly slow you down on hills.
The Turboant electric scooters are welcome anomalies in their class, courtesy of the 10-inch pneumatic tires. The air tires are responsible for the plush ride experience you get on the X7 Pro and Max. Inflating the tire pressure to a PSI of 31 gives the best ride, however, it does leave your tires more susceptible to pinch flats.
Other than that, it’s a widely accommodating scooter, thanks to the 275 lbs rider weight capacity, and the 41-inch handlebar height. The 20.5-inch by 6.5-inch deck accommodates larger feet. Riders also get to enjoy sufficient grip from the textured rubber deck and snakeskin patterned grips. And you can let your hands off the thumb throttle, and enjoy the convenience of the scooter’s cruise control.
The Turboant X7 Max has a low-powered, front, high-mounted headlight that necessitates after-market lighting for anyone intending to regularly ride in the dark. It is stem bulky, making it awkward to carry over long distances–however, you can remove the battery and throw it in a backpack to remedy this. Finally, it has a short front fender that lets through a bit of road spray.
Check out our curated list of Turboant alternatives.
In 2022, the brand Anyhill entered the market with two amazing models: the Anyhill UM1 and UM2 scooters. These commuter scooters defied what the industry standard was at the time with their unusual features for their class, like the high payload, large removable battery and unique center stand on the UM2, and the IP67-rated LG battery and adjustable in-build vibration damper on the UM1. We’ll do a quick run-through of the smaller UM1, and see why it's one of the best lightweight electric scooters for commuting.
The UM1 is a 29.7 lbs lightweight electric scooter with an aluminum alloy frame and reinforced rubber and plastic consumables. However, it’s not just lightweight–the Anyhill UM1 is also very compact when folded courtesy of the slim elongated deck, with storage dimensions of 42.5 inches x 17 inches x 19 inches. The stem is also quite slender, making it easy to lift.
The Anyhill UM1 scooter is equipped with a 3-second, one-click folding mechanism. The patented latch is solid yet easy to release, and the handlebars securely hook to the deck. Locking the stem is equally as easy–however, you might want to place a foot on the deck to make the process even more seamless.
The performance per dollar and performance per pound are average for its class. The highlight for commuters would be the 36 V, 281 Wh LG battery with a claimed range of 20 miles in ideal conditions. The brand name battery means that the scooter can sustain more charge cycles over generic brands, guaranteeing the longevity of your investment.
The speed is nothing to write home about–16 mph in real-world tests. It, however, has admirable braking courtesy of the rear disc brake and front regenerative brake, with a stopping distance of 15.8 ft from a speed of 15 mph. On gentle inclines, the UM1 also outperforms the competition, overall making the scooter reliable for most city commuting.
The Anyhill UM1 offers an effortless ride. The controls are ergonomic and well laid out, particularly the long, thin, and deeply grooved handlebars. The 8.5-inch pneumatic tires provide sufficient cushioning in the absence of a suspension system. And to seal the deal, the UM1 electric scooter has a wedge of rubber built into the stem that absorbs any vibrations that would otherwise reach your hands–providing a smooth and stable ride.
The Anyhill UM1 is a budget electric scooter, thus, you can expect some compromises. The scooter has a tail light without a braking function for one. The top speed is lower than the competition. And the LED dashboard, while nicely integrated, tends to get washed out in the sun.
Apollo has a scooter for everyone, and the Air is the beginner model for you if you’re an avid commuter. However, this does not mean you get a sub-par scooter, as Apollo keeps it premium even with the entry-level models. The Air 2023 is the most recent upgrade to the Air scooter, with a lot of borrowed specs from the flagship Apollo Pro and the City Pro 2023. The Apollo Air 2023 is the lightest e-scooter with suspension worth your consideration, and here’s why.
At 38 lbs, the Apollo Air 2023 isn’t a shining example of lightweight; however, suspension systems add considerable weight to a scooter. Yes, we have lighter scooters with more basic suspension systems like the UScooters Booster Sport, UScooters GT Sport, UScooters Booster GT, Segway Ninebot ES, and the Ninebot ES2–but none of these hold a torch to the quality of Apollo Air’s motorcycle-style suspension.
The folding mechanism on the Air 2023 is similar to the one on the flagship Apollo Pro and the latest City Pro. It’s robust and keeps the stem firm when riding. In addition, the handlebar-to-deck hook has a keeper to prevent it from coming undone in transit. And the scooter’s folded dimensions of 47.5 inches x 26 inches x 23.5 inches, while not the most compact, will fit in the back of most vehicles and occupy minimal space in storage.
The Apollo Air is an average commuter that will get you from point A to point B reliably. The scooter rides to a tested top speed of about 21 mph, which matches the claimed speed. You get good acceleration from the 36 V 500 W motor and good enough hill climbing. But where the Air scooter really shines is with the dedicated regen braking, which almost renders the drum brakes useless from how efficiently it's executed.
The Apollo Air 2023 offers the best ride quality of the scooters in its price and weight class. The comfortable ride can be credited to the scooter's sturdy build, smooth throttle and braking, the large 10-inch tubeless air tires with sealant, and the unrivaled front fork spring suspension. Together, they deliver an effortless, stable, smooth, and quiet ride that’s quite addictive.
The 20-inch by 7.8-inch deck is a delight for adult riders with larger feet, as is the 40.5-inch cockpit height. The grips on the handlebars are similar to the ones on the Apollo Pro and are some of the best. You also get a ton of customization options on the app to guarantee an optimized ride experience.
The Apollo Air 2023 is not ideal for heavy riders. Besides the low 220 lbs max rider weight capacity, the scooter’s motor also gets overwhelmed with riders above 165 lbs, which feels like an unnecessary tradeoff with the number of alternative options in the market.
In conclusion, the lightweight electric scooter market has evolved significantly, with each model offering unique features and capabilities to cater to various needs. From the Fluid Mosquito, known for its impressive speed, and the Gotrax Flex, providing a comfortable ride with a seat option, there's a scooter to suit every preference.
The NIU KQi Air stands out with its exceptional range and lightweight construction, while the Okai Neon appeals to those looking for a stylish design. The Gotrax GXL V2, though basic, offers an affordable entry point into the world of electric scooters.
For heavier riders, the Uscooters GT Sport provides a reliable option with its high weight capacity, while the Turboant X7 Max offers the convenience of a removable battery and decent range. The Anyhill UM1 stands out with its folding mechanism and effortless riding experience, while the Apollo Air 2023 is the lightweight e-scooter to beat if you're after an exceptional ride experience.
Ultimately, the best lightweight electric scooter for you depends on your specific needs and preferences, whether it's portability, speed, range, or comfort. However, there's one scooter that seems to do it all, and that's the Unagi Voyager, which carries the crown for the best lightweight electric scooter in 2024. The Voyager can try keep up with the Mosquito's speed, is as elegant as the Okai Neon, has a decent range like the NIU KQi Air, and with the membership plan, is cheaper upfront compared to the cheapest scooter on this list, the GoTrax GXL V2.
The average weight of an e-scooter falls between 20–100 lbs (9–45 kg), but the exact weight depends on the scooter's components, and features.
Electric scooters weighing less than 45 lbs (20 kg) are generally considered lightweight.
Here are some of the key benefits of lightweight electric scooters:
They are easy to carry and store, which greatly enhances their utility in urban commuting. You can take them with you wherever you are going, effortlessly lug them onto subways, and sling them over your shoulder up a staircase, without feeling fatigued. They are perfect for daily short commutes or quick errands where a bulky, heavy scooter would be impractical.
Since lightweight scooters are often portable in size, they are also easy to store away at home, in the office, or in other tight spaces. Their compact design also allows them to easily fit in other modes of transport without being much of a bother to others.
Lightweight electric scooters are generally more nimble and easier to handle, especially in crowded city settings. They're also not overpowered, so you can enjoy a smooth, controlled ride without feeling like you're battling against the scooter.
This improved manoeuvrability is particularly beneficial when going through busy public spaces.
Lightweight scooters typically have a minimalist design, focusing on the bare essentials required for a scooter to function. They often lack additional parts and complicated accessories found on high-performance models, such as suspensions. This means less maintenance and fewer parts to replace over time.
Basic maintenance tasks like tire checks, brake adjustments, bolt inspections, and occasional light maintenance are usually all you'll need to keep your scooter in top shape. This minimal maintenance requirement translates into lower ongoing costs and less downtime.
More often than not, lightweight scooters do not weigh heavily on your wallet. Lightweight scooters often come at a lower price point compared to their heavier and more feature-rich counterparts making them an attractive option for budget-conscious riders or anyone new to electric scooters.
All electric scooters are generally more eco-friendly than other forms of transport. However, lightweight electric scooters have an added environmental benefit due to their reduced material use. By design, these scooters use fewer materials, which may result in a smaller environmental footprint right from the production line.
While lightweight electric scooters offer several benefits, they also come with some disadvantages that might affect their suitability for certain users or conditions. Here’s where they might not measure up:
Their smaller batteries (some as modest as 144 Wh) keep them light but also limit their range, typically capping it at less than 25 miles (40 km) on a single charge. Similarly, with motors often ranging between 250W to 500W, don’t expect these scooters to rocket up steep hills or sprint like a greyhound. They will get you there, just not very fast.
The lightweight build can feel a bit wobbly at higher speeds, windy conditions, or on less-than-perfect roads. Many skimp on suspension systems (basic spring suspensions, if any), and the smaller or solid tires commonly found on these models don’t do much to cushion your ride. They are better suited for smooth, paved surfaces.
Lightweight scooters typically have lower weight limits, often less than 265 lbs (120 kg), which might not be suitable for all riders or for carrying heavy loads. While some models like the Swagtron Swagger 5, Fiido Q1s, Emove Touring, and Inmotion L9 claim to support up to 300 lbs, pushing these limits might be a tall order for their modest motors. If you’re carrying heavy loads regularly, you might want to look at beefier alternatives that won’t buckle under pressure.
Picking the right electric scooter is a bit like choosing shoes; what fits best depends on how you plan to use them.
If your daily grind includes a mix of walking, riding, and frequent transitions between multiple modes of transport, then a lightweight, foldable electric scooter is practically tailor-made for you. They are portable, convenient, easy to fold, and light enough to carry as you hop from the subway to the sidewalk and beyond.
Live in a fifth-floor walk-up? Lack secure parking? A lightweight scooter becomes practically necessary. Without an elevator, daily trips up and down stairs with anything bulkier would feel more like a workout session. Lightweight models are also easy to tuck away discreetly at home or under your desk at work preventing the need to leave it outside where security might be a concern.
If you're chasing speed and power or if you want a scooter that’s primarily for fun and recreation, or if you can manage your entire commute on the scooter without needing to switch to other forms of transport, a lightweight model might leave you longing for more. For those who have the luxury of rolling their ride into a secure spot like a garage, where the scooter’s heft isn’t a hassle, opting for something sturdier might deliver more bang for your buck.
So, think about your typical day, your commute, and where you’ll store your scooter.
As of now, the lightest electric scooter in production is the Ninebot Air T15 from Segway, weighing just 23.2 lbs (10.5 kg). This ultra-lightweight design is achieved through the use of small 7.5-inch solid tires, a compact 144 Wh battery, and a light 250 W motor. However, these weight-saving measures come with some limitations. The battery only provides a range of around 5 miles (8 km), and the motor propels the scooter to a maximum speed of 12.4 mph (20 km/h).
Despite its limitations, the Ninebot Air T15 is designed to be a highly portable and convenient commuter scooter. It folds down to a compact size of 40.3 x 8 x 8.8 inches (102.4 x 20.3 x 22.4 cm). After folding, the top part of the handlebar acts as a convenient handle, and the front wheel serves as a rolling wheel, allowing you to drag the scooter behind you like a rolling suitcase.
Looking to the future, there is a potential contender for the title of the world's lightest electric scooter. The Arma e-scooter, currently in development, claims to weigh only 4.5 kg (9.9 lbs) and completely fold to the size of a briefcase. If the Arma e-scooter successfully moves past its Kickstarter campaign and achieves mass production of units in Q3 of 2024 as promised, it could become the lightest electric scooter setting a new record unlikely to be surpassed soon.
If you're looking for the perfect lightweight electric scooter, here's a list of the 10 best lightweight scooters, based on different individual needs and preferences.
The answer to this question depends on your intended use and personal preferences. Lighter scooters are generally better suited for last-mile commutes or situations where the scooter needs to be carried or stored in compact spaces frequently.
On the other hand, heavier scooters often outperform their lighter counterparts in terms of power, speed, range, and overall ride quality. They often have larger batteries, more powerful motors, and suspension systems resulting in higher top speeds, better acceleration, longer range, and a more comfortable ride. But they are definitely not the best for multimodal commutes or situations where easy storage and carrying is a priority.
The ease of carrying an electric scooter largely depends on its weight, design, and your strength.
Lightweight electric scooters are generally easier to carry, and most people won't struggle to lift them off the ground and transport them over short distances. However, even though they are relatively light, carrying an electric scooter can still become uncomfortable after a while. That said though, as you continue to carry your scooter regularly, you'll likely build muscles and endurance, making the task easier over time.
It's easy to underestimate the weight of a scooter based solely on the weight listed in the specifications. Many buyers get a rude awakening when their new ride arrives and they find it's more of a beast than they bargained for. It’s wise to test your carrying capacity to get a real sense of the heft. Grab something similar in weight to the scooter you're eyeing, then add a few pounds for good measure, and walk around a bit.
But keep in mind that carrying a scooter is not the same as carrying a dumbbell. The size and shape of the scooter might add a bit of awkwardness and difficulty to the carrying process. Thankfully, most scooters come with carrying handles to help distribute the weight evenly during transport easing the load. If your scooter doesn't have a dedicated handle, you might consider opting for an electric scooter bag to make carrying easier.
Also, consider setting a maximum weight limit for yourself. A good rule of thumb is to keep the scooter’s weight under 40% of your body weight if you're a man and under 24% for women. This ratio can help ensure that you can handle the scooter safely and effectively without undue strain. However, these are just guidelines, and your personal strength and fitness level will ultimately determine how comfortable you are carrying your scooter.
While weight plays a significant role in how portable a scooter feels, it's just one piece of the puzzle. True portability encompasses a range of design features that make a scooter easy to store, carry, and transport. Here are the other features that define a truly portable electric scooter:
Yes, you can trim down the weight of your electric scooter, but expect only a minimal reduction; you'll probably only manage to peel off a few grams to maybe a kilogram at best.
Scooters are inherently designed to be as light as possible from the get-go. They already employ low-density materials like aluminum and plastics in a material-efficient design, so options for weight reduction are limited.
A substantial chunk of a scooter’s weight comes from the battery. If you’re rolling with an older model that has lead-acid batteries, switching to lighter, more efficient lithium-ion batteries can cut some weight. This swap enhances efficiency without necessarily downsizing the power.
Tinkering with the frame to reduce weight is risky business. Altering or replacing parts of the frame with lighter materials could undermine the scooter’s structural integrity. A complete frame swap? You might as well buy a new scooter, as you’re altering its very foundation.
If your scooter sports bulky, knobby tires, switching to lighter street tires with fewer plies could indeed drop some weight. But try to maintain the tire size; opting for smaller tires could throw off the scooter’s geometry, clearance, and handling, potentially more trouble than the weight savings are worth.
Minimizing unnecessary items and removing any added accessories can also contribute to weight reduction. For example, you could swap out the grips for lighter alternatives.
While you can indeed trim down your scooter’s weight, the real question is, what’s the benefit? In most cases, the weight reduction is minimal and might not justify the potential downsides like reduced durability. Sometimes, the best move is simply choosing the right scooter from the start.
You can check out our in-depth article that has a section on what to look for when buying a lightweight electric scooter.
The weight of an electric scooter is primarily determined by its frame, battery, tires, motors, and other functional parts, such as suspension and dampers.
The frame is the core structure of the scooter and needs to be both sturdy and durable. It typically accounts for about 30-40% of the scooter's total weight.
The material used in the frame's construction plays a crucial role in determining its weight. While steel is sturdy, it’s also quite heavy—about 2.5 times denser than aluminum. Most modern scooters opt for aluminum due to its lighter weight, and higher strength-to-weight ratio, but for those seeking even more weight reduction, magnesium frames offer a lighter alternative, weighing about a third less than aluminum and is the lightest commercially available structural metal. At the cutting edge, some high-end models feature frames made from carbon fiber, the lightest option available.
Packing power but also pounds, batteries are next in line, making up another 20-30% of the scooter's weight. Battery weight varies significantly based on capacity and technology. Smaller, entry-level scooters might have batteries weighing as little as 3 lbs, while high-performance models like the Minimotors Dualtron Storm pack batteries that can weigh up to 29 lbs.
The type of battery also matters; lead-acid packs a lot of weight, typically five times heavier than their lithium-ion counterparts for the same energy output.
Combined, the tires and motors can make up 20-30% of the scooter's weight. The larger their sizes, the more weight they add to the scooter. For tires, solid tires tend to weigh slightly more than their pneumatic counterparts, depending on the material used and construction style. Larger wheel sizes and knobby tires also increase weight.
Larger motors required for higher power output naturally weigh more.
Additional components such as suspension, dampers, electronic controllers, and lights also contribute to the overall weight of the scooter, although to a lesser extent.
In the U.S., most states don't require a license. For those that do, they usually just ask for a regular driver's license or a learner's permit.
Yes, you can bring an electric scooter on a plane, but it needs to have a lithium battery smaller than 100 watt-hours, which most don't.
Manufacturers advise against riding electric scooters in the rain. The main reasons are: water can fry the electronics, make the ride dangerous, and void your warranty.
“Is my scooter legal?” is a question many are increasingly asking. The micromobility industry is one of the fastest-growing and most exciting in the world—with promises for...in addition to abundances of the basics of time and money savings. And with this pace of innovation comes a struggle for regulation to keep up.
So, you're thinking about joining the electric scooter revolution, huh? You've seen those sleek and stylish scooters zipping around town, effortlessly gliding through traffic, and you can't help but wonder: Are electric scooters easy to ride?
In this guide, we'll break down what defines a lightweight electric scooter, why you should choose one, and the top features you should look for.
Want to get the most out of your electric scooter battery and extend your riding adventures? We've got you covered with our comprehensive guide full of maintenance tips and best practices.
*Disclaimer: Unagi, INC. has used best efforts, but does not in any manner guarantee the accuracy of the below findings regarding electric scooter laws in the United States or internationally. Electric scooter riders or those considering to purchase or begin…
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