- Electric scooters can be a good option for commuting around your city, but there are so many to choose from.
- If you just need an e-scooter for short rides, maybe the TurboAnt M10 Lite or the Unagi Model One E500 are for you.
- If you need more distance or performance, you can opt for the EMOVE Cruiser S, the Apollo City Pro, or the NIU KQi3 Pro.
Whether you’re commuting to work or school, an electric scooter can be a solid option when it comes to quick navigability, affordable transport, and even just plain old fun. But with so many to choose from, it can be hard to know which e-scooters out there will fit the bill for your needs. So we’ve compiled a list of the top five best electric scooters for commuting to help you decide.
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Do you just need something lightweight and inexpensive? Or do you want some more performance in your ride? Explore your options here.
TurboAnt M10 Lite: Best Budget Commuter
Based on the popular TurboAnt M10 but with a lower price tag, the TurboAnt M10 Lite strikes a perfect balance between fun and approachability. With its 350 W motor, it reaches a top speed of 16 mph, providing a zippy yet controlled ride. The scooter’s acceleration rate of 0-15 mph in 7.8 seconds gives a thrilling experience without breaking a sweat. And you don’t have much further to go to hit the top speed of 16 mph. You won’t be racing this scooter, but it’s definitely enough for economical commuting.
While the Lite features a smaller 36 V / 6.6 Ah battery compared to the original M10, it still offers a respectable maximum range of 15.5 miles, or 10 miles for more spirited rides. The scooter handles gentle hills well, with the ability to climb up to 15-degree slopes. Weighing just 30.9 lbs, the M10 Lite is highly portable and can be easily folded with its three-step folding mechanism.
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Although it doesn’t come with a suspension system, you still get 8.5-inch pneumatic tires to absorb shocks and vibrations. And in the meantime, you still get some great maneuverability in urban scenarios with a wobble-free stem, tidy cable management, and an IP54 water resistance rating to protect against rain.
The TurboAnt M10 Lite is a great, super-affordable little e-scooter, priced at just $329.98 right now.
Unagi Model One E500: A Smooth Ride for Smoother Roads
The Unagi Model One E500 is an upgrade from the previous E450, but the name really comes from the dual 250 W motors for its total 500 W output. It still manages to be a featherweight compared to other commuters, weighing in at just 28.5 lbs, but you can still reach 18 mph as a top speed and go for 15 miles on a single charge.
The scooter’s sleek design incorporates a carbon-fiber front post with a great hinge mechanism that locks the front wheel in place. The E500 also takes a clean, minimalist approach to the incorporated display and the deck.
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Despite its lightweight construction, the E500 offers impressive performance and a bright LCD panel. However, the solid tires, while low-maintenance and resistant to punctures, may compromise comfort on rough roads. Nonetheless, on smooth city streets, this scooter shines.
With its attention to detail, lightweight components, and an array of features, Unagi has managed to create a high-performing scooter in a compact and stylish package. Right now, it’s going for $990.
EMOVE Cruiser S: For Longer Commutes
The EMOVE Cruiser S is the follow-up model to the award-winning original Cruiser, and it doesn’t disappoint. This commuter scooter retains the incredible range of 62 miles and impressive load capacity of 352 lbs, but it also comes with some exciting upgrades. The addition of self-healing tires and a Sine Wave controller takes the Cruiser S to new heights.
With the Sine Wave controller, the 52 V / 1000 W motor is quieter while still delivering a top speed of 33 mph. The acceleration rate is also quite quick, reaching 15 mph in 3.8 seconds and 25 mph in 10.3 seconds, with a top speed of 33 mph.
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You get a great ride quality thanks to the front coils, rear shocks, car-grade tires, wide handlebars, and low center of gravity. The Cruiser S also features hybrid hydraulic brakes for excellent stopping power, and it boasts a robust build with an IPX6 water-resistance rating. It’s a bit heftier, weighing 52 lbs, but you get a long, comfortable ride on it (plus an optional seat if you really do have a longer commute and need to rest your legs).
The EMOVE Cruiser S is definitely the right option if your commute is a bit longer and you need some comfort and speed to help you along. Right now, it’s selling for $1,399.
Apollo City Pro: The High-Performance Commuter
The Apollo City Pro 2022 is a top-notch electric scooter designed specifically for commuters. This dual motor behemoth has an impressive top speed of 32 mph and excellent hill-climbing capability. The dual 48 V / 500 W motors provide rapid acceleration, reaching 0-15 mph in just 2.9 seconds. You also get about 38 miles of range and some really great turn signals.
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The City Pro comes equipped with self-healing tires, regenerative brakes, and an IP66 water resistance rating, ensuring a smooth and safe ride in various conditions. It also comes with an integrated mobile app for you to customize various settings, including regenerative brake strength, acceleration, top speed, and cruise control. Plus, you can set personalized speed limits and immobilize the scooter using the digital lock feature.
Despite its heavier weight of 65 lbs, the Apollo City Pro’s excellent folding mechanism and fun features make it a compelling option for commuters. Priced at $1,499, you should consider this one if you want a high-performance scooter for your daily travels.
NIU KQi3 Pro: The High-Value Commuter
We’ve written about the NIU KQi3 Pro before, but it bears mentioning again on this list. The Pro is a top-notch electric scooter that excels in performance and value, making one of the best electric scooters for commuting. The 350 W motor can reach a speed of 20 miles per hour, while you can get about 31 miles of range.
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The 9.5-inch tubeless tires are of special note. While they’re not the biggest tiers, they are nice and fat, meaning better shock absorption. Plus, the dual disc brakes and regenerative braking give you solid control when you need to make quick stops. You also get an IP54 water resistance rating, meaning you can ride this in a variety of settings and weather patterns. While the Pro isn’t the most portable or lightweight option, weighing 45 pounds, it compensates with its deck space and wider tires, enhancing shock absorption.
The Pro also comes with an anti-theft function via the app, so you can rest easy knowing your ride is secure from urban pirates.
If you need a commuter that embodies both performance and affordability, opt for the NIU KQi3 Pro. It’s selling for $799 right now.
The Best Electric Scooters for Commuting: Which Will You Choose?
Everyone has different priorities when it comes to their commuter. If you have an easy spot to charge up your e-scooter during the workday, then feel free to choose something with a shorter range. Do you have farther to go, or are charging options at work a bit limited? Opt for one with a longer range. Are you mostly riding on smoothly paved roads, or do you have some trickier terrain and some hills along your route? Factors like these can help you find the best option for your own individual needs.
But no matter what: Stay safe out there, and have fun commuting.
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SOURCES | FEATURE IMAGE: FORBES, CNET | UNAGI
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2 Responses
Here’s an example:
Unagi- the neck is a toothpick with an even thinner portion in the very center.
Everyone who has ever played the school game called PENCILS knows this is a Dumb idea.
You will MOST DEF get impaled if it snaps,
due to it’s breaking point, and it’s location.
It’s too skinny and to fast.
I promise you they do not go together.
It won’t snap. Do you understand the mater it made of?