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With White Glove Love, we go where you go. All-Access members who are traveling can get an Unagi electric scooter for use during their trip, delivered to their hotel or Airbnb, at no extra charge. Now available in 8 U.S. cities.
Explore our latest feature in the Voyager's smart mobile app: Ride Recording. Now, you can effortlessly track your journeys, monitor stats, and review your ride history to see how far you've traveled, and much more. Discover this and more in the Unagi Voyager’s smart app!
People all over the world are discovering how your own perfect electric scooter can make life more efficient, adventurous, and fun. Emma Magidson is a New York-based set designer who’s always on the go — the Unagi makes it possible.
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”
In this guide, we'll take you through everything you need to know about riding an electric scooter in California, from the electric scooter laws and regulations to preparing for your journey.
"How fast, how far?" are the first questions usually asked when checking out an electric scooter. There's no, one simple answer.
Many factors come into play, such as:
If you're considering a subscription on an electric scooter, designer-built for premium, daily commutes. Or looking for high-powered electric scooters to hit full throttle around your precinct - it's important to understand the limits of electric scooters when choosing the right model for your riding needs.
Let's kick straight off - with the big question first...
Here's what you need to know.
The average speed range for most urban commuting, electric scooters is in the ballpark of:
However, an ability to hit a maximum speed of 48 km/h (30 mph) is most often limited to performance-built, high-powered scooters.
The average top speed for most electric scooters, commercially available, is nearer to:
A great example of having the speed you need for different rides is the high-end, Unagi Model One. It's purpose-built for smooth, comfortable commutes at 19 km/h (12 mph) - and - an impressive top speed of 27 km/h (17 mph) - for when only a full-throttle ride will do.
Some scooters have been known for totally maxing out their speedometers...
"Which is the fastest scooter?" - everyone loves to ask the question.
To date, the Top 3 electric scooters known to hold the all-time speed records are:
1. Rion 2RE70 Thrust – 129 km/h (80 mph)
2. Rion RE90 – 121 km/h (75.2 mph)
3. Dualtron Storm Limited – 121 km/h (75 mph)
When you're hitting warp factor speeds on the fastest electric scooter, there will be a direct impact on battery charge time and travel distance. Plus, you might hear the sound of a police siren...
Which brings us to speed limits.
Unlike bicycles, e scooters are restricted by electric scooter laws as to where they may be ridden. As well as governing an electric scooter's speed limit.
Here in the USA, the maximum speed you're legally allowed to ride your electric scooter on the roadis 40.2 km/h (25 mph).
The only exceptions are:
Several states impose their own speed limits, as well as restrict where you can ride your e scooter:
In most cities too, riding e scooters in designated bike lanes is allowed. It's important to also check out the local laws on riding electric bikes in your district or around the precinct where you live.
Electric scooter riders are not only limited by the miles per hour legally allowed. Or where you can and cannot ride. A number of other important factors impact an electric scooters speed.
Your individual electric scooter model may simply not be built for hitting a higher maximum speed. In many cases, riding performance is within an average electric scooters speed ranges and travel distances.
However, it's important to note your scooter motor may have a power value stated as peak rather than as continuous power.
A brand manufacturer can often state an electric scooters motor power as:
or sometimes also include:
It's important to know the difference.
The two separate power values are based upon a motor's operating temperature.
Peak power - is where the motor requires less effort to move the scooter forward. This means less heat is generated because you're scootering in ideal riding conditions - a straight, flat and smooth riding surface. With no obstacles in the road, or making stops, turns, cornering or climbing gradients.
Real power -is where the motor needs to work harder.This means more heat is generated to move the scooter forward in "real world" riding conditions, more likely encountered on a daily urban commute.
Realistically, it should be expected that an e scooter motor can generate an average continuous, 'real' power of between 50 - 60 per cent of peak power. Some escooter motors may only reach around a third of peak power while more powerful scooter motors can achieve up to 90 per cent.
Apart from state speed limits the ability of scooter riders to extend, say, a maximum speed limit or range will mostly depend on these main factors:
An electric scooter's speed is chiefly governed by its 'size'. This is understood to mean the amount of power the motor packs so it can deliver:
-and-
An e scooter fitted with a smaller motor will simply be incapable of reaching higher speeds and range.
A motor’s power is measured in Watts - also known as 'size' of motor, and its maximum power output.
The average commuter scooter will be capable of delivering power levels of between 200 and 500 Watts.
Watts..... Average Top Speed
250...........Up to 25 km/h (15 mph).
350........... Between 25 km/h (15 mph) and 35 km/h 22 mph).
500........... Between 40 km/h (25 mph) and 60 km/h (38 mph).
1000........Minimum 50 km/h (30 mph).
Some e scooters will be fitted with a single motor while others pack a dual-motor, which can effectively 'double' the power output.
A typical example is the stylish urban mover, Unagi Model One (E500), which comes loaded with 2 x 250 watt motors. Offering typical daily commutes between 19 km/h (12 mph) to 32 km/h (20 mph), max speed.
Dual-motor e scooters not only produce more power, higher top speeds and faster acceleration rates. A more powerful motor will tackle steeper hill climbs, and are better able to handle slightly rougher terrain when going off-road.
Voltage is a measure of the force, or intensity an electric current has when it flows through a circuit. Similar to water pressure, and how forcefully a water supply flows through a pipe.
Electric scooter motors are rated with one of six voltage values:
Scooter motors with higher voltage values will produce a greater torque -the amount of force needed to cause rotation around an axis (expressed as Newton-meters, or Nm). This will deliver higher RPM (revolutions per minute), enabling the scooter motor to generate faster acceleration and higher top speeds.
As with motor vehicles generally, an electric scooter fitted with a rear-wheel motor will accelerate faster than an e scooter with a front-wheel motor. Even if both scooters have identical weight, power, and tire size.
As the scooter accelerates, weight is transferred to the rear, which forces pressure down onto the rear tire to give better traction.
An electric scooter's 'range' basically depends on its rechargeable battery.
But how far your e scooter will travel on a single charge will also rely on other key factors such as battery type and cells, tires, total weight carried, your riding style, and riding conditions.
Most electric scooters today will carry a lithium-ion battery, which has a longer lifespan, and requires minimal maintenance.
It's generally recommended to look out for electric scooters loaded with high-quality, lithium-ion batteries produced by major brands such as LG or Samsung.
Premium, top brand batteries usually contain 217000 cells* , which can produce a consistently high-powered performance of up to 500 charge cycles overa 3 - 5 year lifespan.
*21700 batteries contain cells measuring 21 mm (width) x 70 mm (length). Which have a greater charge-holding capacity than 18650 batteries measuring 18mm (width) x 65mm (length).
Batteries are rated in amp hours (Ah) - the amount of electrical charge (measured in number of amps) that can be supplied within one hour.
The higher the number of amp-hours, the greater amount of energy stored, which ultimately means longer mileage, and a better range.
Battery capacity is rated in Watt-hours (Wh) - this means electrical energy equivalent to one watt of power that can be used over one hour.
As with amp-hours, more watt-hours means more energy stored, to produce a longer range.
To calculate watt-hours (Wh): Battery voltage x Amp-hours.
Example:
The Unagi Model One (E500) comes with a 33.6 volt battery and 9.0 Amp hours.
Many riders usually refer to the efficiency of a scooter's battery performance by the number of watt-hours (Wh).
Your scooter's speed and range will be affected by the type and size of tires you're riding on. An electric scooter's tyre size is also directly related to the size of its motor. This is literally because the motors are mounted within the scooter’s wheel hubs.
This means larger tires will be fitted to an e scooter carrying a more powerful motor, designed for high performance rides, typically 25.5 - 28 cm (10 - 11 in) in diameter. And a width of 8.25 cm (3.25) - 8.75 cm (3.5 in).
A more low cost electric scooter may only be fitted with 21.5 cm (8.5 in) diameter tires, and a 5 cm (2 in) width.
Tires inflated to the correct pressure will achieve the best performance, including speed, traction, maneuverability, and wear.
Every electric scooter tire will have a recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) - between 40 - 60 PSI. It's important to regularly check both tires are inflated at the recommended pressure.
Your speed will always be affected by different road or ground surfaces. A flat, obstacle-free sidewalk can instinctively make you want to open up the throttle, and go for maximum speed. Remember - you need to stay within the permitted limit, and keep a watchful eye out for pedestrians and pedal cyclists.
Many parks and recreation areas will also have well-maintained tracks and walkways. Where you're more likely to have a pedestrian-free, safe space for hitting top speed. Or perhaps trying out a few wheelies.
You will definitely need to vary your speed when dealing with curbs or simply coming across an uneven or cracked road surface.
High-performance electric scooters offer pre-programmed P-settings as part of cockpit control. So too, some high-end e scooters designed for the urban commute.
The feature acts as a self-regulating speed limiter. It allows you to adjust your top speed and acceleration according to riding conditions or your ongoing riding skills.
For example...
The Unagi Model One (E500) has 3 onboard settings - or modes - for top speed in each mode.
Tackling hill climbs or steep gradients will always demand more speed from your electric scooter, whatever the model. How well your electric scooter is able to handle slopes and steeper climbs depends on 4 key factors:
Apart from budget e scooters, most electric scooters can handle slight inclines of 15 to 20 degrees. But some may struggle with gradients rising above 25 degrees.
The most powerful, high speed scooters should easily zip up the steepest slopes of 30 degrees or more.
High acceleration is usually needed before you reach a gradient. A maximum speed should be selected if your e scooter starts to struggle. Before easing off the throttle to slow down as you reach the top of the hill.
The ride back down a hill can be less stable. Downhill is usually taken at a slower speed to avoid a sudden jolt, and while covering the rear brakes
An electric scooter's weight capacity and weight limit are further key factors which influence how fast you can ride.
It's important to know the manufacturer's recommended weight limit for individual electric scooter models. The bigger the weight limit, the heavier and less portable the escooter is likely to be. You always need to factor in both a rider's weight and the weight of items to be carried, such as a backpack or tote bag.
The weight limit also indicates the maximum safety level in an e scooters performance. Overloading can cause slower speeds and overall scooter performance. Leading to possible stress and potential damage to e scooter components.
The weight carrying limit of most e scooters is usually between 100 kg (220 lb) and 120 kg (265 lb). You can obtain a more heavy duty e scooter with a weight limit of 181.4kg (400 lb) and above, which may be ideal for the heavier rider.
A heavier rider looking for an e scooter should always consider:
Source: Electric Scooter Guide
Your riding style and stance, and how you carry out maneuvers, can also affect your speed and scooter performance.
It's recommended to only rotate your handlebars when riding at low speed - around 8 km/h (5 mph) to 16 km/h (10 mph).
Rotating your handlebars at high speed will reduce your speed when making a turn. It could also cause your scooter to jack-knife.
The smoothest, most efficient way to make a turn when riding at speeds above 16 km/h (10 mph) is to lean into the turn without rotating the handlebar.
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