Best 15 MPH Electric Scooters: 3 Selected From 6 Tested Models
Top Picks: Best 15 MPH Electric Scooters
To find the 3 best electric scooters that can reach speeds of up to 15 mph, I shortlisted 6 models and tested them all across the criteria of top speed, acceleration, motor power, ride quality, and braking.
Best By Type: Electric Scooters By Use Case
Cheapest
Further Information:
Best Cheap Electric Scooters
Heavy Riders
- NIU KQi2 Pro – Supports riders up to 220 lbs
Further Information:
Heavy Duty Electric Scooters for Heavy Adults
Tall Riders
- NIU KQi2 Pro – Riders up to 6.3 ft
Further Information:
Electric Scooters For Tall Riders Up to 6ft 6″
Fastest
- NIU KQi2 Pro – 17 mph
Further Information:
Fastest Electric Scooters
Longest Range
- NIU KQi2 Pro – 25 miles max (17 miles real-world)
Further Information:
Long Range Electric Scooters
Off-Roading
- None
Further Information:
Best Off-Road Electric Scooters for All Types of Terrain
Most Portable
- Turboant M10 Lite – 31 lbs and easy to collapse
Further Information:
Best Foldable Electric Scooters (Portable, Compact & Small)
Commuting
Further Information:
Electric Scooters For Commuting
Suspension
- None
Further Information:
Best Electric Scooters With Suspension
Waterproof
- NIU KQi2 Pro – IP54 water-resistance rating
Further Information:
Waterproof Electric Scooters: Best Scooters For Riding in the Rain
Optional Seat
- None
Further Information:
Best Seated Scooters
Biggest Wheels
- NIU KQi2 Pro – 10 x 2.3 inches
Further Information:
Big Wheel Electric Scooters
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Best Under $400
Turboant M10 Lite
Performance Report:
Tester: Josh Frisby (190 lbs, 6.1 ft)
- Top Speed: 16 mph
- 0-15 mph: 7.8 s*
- Max Range: 15.5 miles
- Real Range: 10 miles*
- Braking: 2.9 meters*
- Max Incline: 15 degrees
- Optimal Incline: 7 degrees*
- Weight: 31 lbs
- Load: 220 lbs
Turboant M10 Lite Overview:
When it comes to sub-$400 scooters, the Turboant M10 Lite is quite simply the gold standard. It’s redefined what customers can expect from a budget model, raising the bar to a height that no competitor has yet to reach.
Harnessing the reliability, simplicity, and practical design of its predecessor, the Lite exhibits greater refinement in its cockpit, brakes, and general build to deliver an all-together superior experience for everyday riders seeking speeds of up to 15 mph.
Compared to the rickety entry-level models of the past, this is a quantum leap forward that’ll leave you rubbing your eyes at its affordable price tag.
The Good:
- Outstanding value for money
- Chart-topping performance in the sub $400 category
- Ride and build quality are impressive
- Dual-braking system is strong
- Clean and tidy cable management
- USB charging port that works
- Super quick and easy folding mechanism
- Anti-glare display
- Long fenders prevent splashback
- IP54 water-resistance rating
The Bad:
- Deck is a little short
- Cruise control has a habit of kicking in uninvited
- Taillights could be more visible from behind
Why I Recommend the Turboant M10 Lite:
Hitting the sweet spot between fun and welcoming, its front-mounted 36V 350W motor spurts out a zippy, yet controlled top speed of 16 mph. Likewise, its acceleration rate of 0-15 mph in 7.8 seconds is fast enough to navigate busy city environments without being overwhelming.
Yet, what makes it such a joy to ride is that its power delivery is incredibly smooth. This is largely the work of its upgraded thumb throttle, which facilitates a more controlled build-up through the gears than what its predecessor's finger variant was capable of.
Then again, Turboant is a brand known for improving its scooters to make them easier to handle. The M10 Lite is perhaps the best of the bunch in this regard; at 19.7 inches, its handlebars are 3.2 inches wider than those found on your typical budget scooter, while the newly designed cockpit is far more ergonomic than the one featured on the M10. Everything is within easy reach and simple to use, requiring minimal thought on your part as you glide down sinewy city streets.
It even comes with a fully functioning USB charging port, which you’ll find below the anti-glare display.
Elsewhere, the M10 Lite’s appropriately lightweight aluminum frame aids its overall maneuverability. It’s tough too, as its IP54 water resistance rating and battle-hardened stem attest. This is a scooter that can withstand the trials of everyday use. You can even take it out after dark thanks to its high-mounted headlight and dual taillights.
My one bone of contention is the deck; it has plenty of grip thanks to its premium rubber mat, but it’s a little on the short side compared to similarly priced models. These offer around 2-4 inches more space.
It makes amends in the braking department, however. Its rear disc and front electronic brake duo are nothing short of superb, delivering an exceptional stopping distance of 2.9 meters from 15 mph. This far outstrips the 5.0-meter average of other models in its price class.
I was also left hugely impressed by the 8.5-inch pneumatic tires. These are feathers in its cap; they mitigate the lack of suspension by providing ample shock absorption, while their size and tread pattern ensure plenty of traction. Combined with the 6.6Ah battery you’ll able to enjoy the M10 Lite’s agile ride for up to 15.5 miles, though, as per my tests, if you go hard on the throttle you can expect closer to 10 miles.
With everything considered, it’s easy to see how the M10 Lite achieves its all-round appeal. It brings a host of features and a well-calibrated design into a price category that historically hasn’t been associated with either.
Best Under $500
GoTrax Apex
Performance Report:
Tester: Josh Frisby (190 lbs, 6.1 ft)
- Top Speed: 15.5 mph
- 0-15 mph: 7.5 s*
- Max Range: 15 miles
- Real Range: 9 miles*
- Braking: 5.0 meters*
- Max Incline: 8 degrees
- Optimal Incline: 5 degrees*
- Weight: 32 lbs
- Load: 220 lbs
GoTrax Apex Overview:
If there’s one brand that can go toe-to-toe with Turboant in the budget category, it’s GoTrax. The Apex is the jewel in its crown, rising above its peers with a suite of features that augment its underlying reliability and ruggedness.
It has everything you could want from an everyday scooter: a top speed of 15.5 mph; shock-absorbing pneumatic tires; an IPX4 water-resistance rating; a small, compact frame; and a well-balanced build to bolster its smooth-riding credentials.
Indeed, with such an affordable price tag, the Apex represents outstanding value for money. Whether you’re new to scooters, a commuter, a student, or just a casual rider looking for a reliable sidekick, this is a model that’s sure to leave you beaming.
The Good:
- 8.5-inch pneumatic tires provide decent shock absorption
- Offers a strong sense of balance and control
- Reliable brakes
- Smart battery management system
- Cruise control
- Folds easily
- Robust frame
- IPX4 water-resistance rating
The Bad:
- Display could be brighter
- Taillight doesn’t flash when braking
- Short handlebar height means that only those below 5’10” can comfortably ride it
Why I Recommend the GoTrax Apex:
GoTrax has long been a big deal in the budget category, thanks to the likes of the GXL V2 and XR Ultra. We’re talking about two legendary models here – and yet the Apex soars higher than both.
Its 36V 250W motor may be small, yet it’s still able to summon the same 15.5 top speed as its rivals. This establishes it as an ideal choice for first-time riders who want a gentle introduction to the world of electric scooters. It does, however, go toe-to-toe with the Turboant M10 Lite where acceleration is concerned. Here, it takes 7.5 seconds to reach 15 mph.
The fact that the motor is rear-mounted is also important. Its positioning grants more thrust and control as you accelerate, while the 6.0Ah battery stored in the grippy deck ensures a low center of gravity to maximize your sense of stability.
This balance is further strengthened by the wide 18.5-inch handlebars, which house an ergonomic cockpit comprising of a thumb throttle, handbrake, and LED display.
Being a GoTrax scooter, you can also bet your mortgage on the Apex’s ability to handle the rigors of daily use. Its frame is fashioned from an aerospace-grade aluminum alloy that comes complete with an IPX4 water-resistance rating, while the stem is sturdy with no signs of wobble.
The Apex’s robustness is all the more impressive considering that, with a net weight of 32 lbs, it’s among the top 15% of lightweight scooters. Its impish stature is great news for those who value nimbleness. This is one nimble model that’s a dream to handle when flitting across the city.
Its 8.5-inch pneumatic tires deserve a lot of credit for this agility. They’re the perfect size for carving and tackling corners, while their air-filled centers offer heaps of cushioning on bumpy and uneven roads. But that’s not all: the tires are slightly thicker than those usually found on GoTrax’s budget models, meaning they’re less prone to punctures.
Any everyday scooter worth its salt is portable, of course, and I’m pleased to report that the Apex has ticked this box. I’ve already mentioned its weight, which makes it pretty easy to carry in bursts, but there’s also the slick folding mechanism at its heart. It can be operated with just one click, meaning it’s super convenient when it comes to getting on and off public transport or packing it away for storage.
Safety is also of the utmost importance – especially if you plan to max out the Apex’s speed. Once again, the Apex seemingly cuts no corners despite its price tag. The hand brake operates a rear disc and an electromagnetic braking system to stop the scooter from 15 mph in 5.0 meters. Impressively, this beats its pricier brethren, the GoTrax G4, but it shapes up poorly against the Turboant M10 Lite’s 2.9-meter performance.
Elsewhere, the Apex builds on its safety features with a high-mounted headlight and a rear taillight that flashes when you brake – a feature precious few budget scooters can claim to share. I do, however, recommend adding a clip-on light if riding at night is going to be a regular occurrence.
Best Under $600
NIU KQi2 Pro
Performance Report:
Tester: Josh Frisby (190 lbs, 6.1 ft)
- Top Speed: 17 mph
- 0-15 mph: 6.0 s*
- Max Range: 25 miles
- Real Range: 17 miles*
- Braking: 5.2 meters*
- Max Incline: 8.5 degrees
- Optimal Incline: 6 degrees*
- Weight: 41 lbs
- Load: 220 lbs
NIU KQi2 Pro Overview:
Has there ever been a sub-$600 model built and designed with such unerring quality as seen on the NIU KQi2 Pro?
The fanfare that’s followed the KQi2 Pro since its launch is a testament to the seismic impact that it’s had on the budget market. It’s forever recalibrated expectations of what an affordable model should offer, with a raft of premium features and incredible attention to detail already establishing it as a modern classic.
But then, we shouldn’t expect anything less from NIU, one of the world’s leading electric vehicle manufacturers. Its entry into the world of budget scooters has long been anticipated – and the hype has been wholly justified.
The Good:
- Winner of an iF Design Award
- Best build quality in the sub-$600 class
- Comprehensive two-year warranty
- Exceptional folding mechanism
- Thick tubeless tires promise excellent traction
- Advanced battery management system
- Mobile app integration
- Bright and easy-to-read display
- Wider-than-normal handlebars inspire confidence
- Cable management is among the best I’ve seen
- Well suited to tall riders
- Iconic halo headlight
- IP54 water resistance rating
The Bad:
- While the taillight is bright, it doesn’t flash when you brake (instead, it just glows brighter)
- The brakes could be better calibrated, though it does have a regenerative system that recycles braking energy into battery power for extended mileage
- With just 3 inches of ground clearance, you need to avoid curbs and other obstacles
Why I Recommend the NIU KQi2 Pro:
So, let’s start with the 48V 300W motor. The interesting thing about this mini jet thruster is that it operates at 48V, instead of the 36V that you’ll typically find on similarly priced models. The result is more torque, a peak power output of 600W, and a spritely top speed of 17 mph.
From a performance standpoint, everything about the KQi2 Pro is smooth and comfortable. This extends to its acceleration rate of 0-15 mph in 6.0 seconds; there’s enough zip to raise a smile, but inexperienced riders won’t be spooked by the Pro’s power.
To put this into perspective, it’s approximately 22% faster off the line than both the Turboant M10 Lite and GoTrax Apex, making it a great choice if you want a scooter that can reach its top speed faster.
The only area of its performance that lets it down, however, is its braking. The front drum brake will bring you to a stop from 15 mph in 5.2 meters, which is considerably longer than the 2.2-meter stopping distance demonstrated by its better-equipped sibling, the KQi3 Pro.
It is, however, the only sub-$600 model that has a regenerative braking system. The regen brake is activated as soon as you release the throttle, where it then uses the forces of kinetic energy and drag to slow the scooter whilst also recharging the battery. The strength of it can be adjusted via the mobile app, too.
Ah yes, the mobile app. This is a real differentiator, given that not many scooters in the Pro’s price bracket come with such a level of integration. As well as modifying the strength of the regen brake, you can record rides, activate a digital lock, and create a custom riding mode with its own top speed.
Other areas of its design divert from the norm, too. The handlebars, for one, are 24% wider than its closest competitor, the Turboant X7 Max. At 20.4 inches, they guarantee excellent balance and handling at any speed.
They’re also home to one of the most ergonomic cockpits that I’ve tested. The thumb throttle is the best of all budget scooters – it’s perfectly positioned and super smooth – while the display is perhaps the brightest that I’ve ever seen.
The frame, meanwhile, is artfully designed, lightweight, and, with an IP54 water resistance rating, robust enough for everyday use. The cable management is pristine, and the tapered deck is super grippy. Everything about the scooter’s build and design screams premium.
This is particularly apparent when assessing the folding mechanism. It’s so good that the brand patented it. With one slide of the safety latch, the wobble-free stem can be folded down and locked securely in place. It takes just three seconds from start to finish.
The folding mechanism isn’t the only component that’s subject to a patent. though. The 365Wh battery – which delivers a maximum range of 25 miles – comes equipped with a patented battery management system that offers 14 different types of protection.
Then there are 10-inch pneumatic tires. These do a fantastic job of absorbing shocks and vibrations from the road – and because they're 15% thicker than your average budget scooter tires, they offer oodles of traction.
I can’t end this review without a nod to the halo headlight. It’s destined to become iconic; an outer ring stays lit the entire time for pizzazz, while the inner light illuminates when turned on. It's the best light that I’ve tested on a budget model – and it’s bright enough that there’s no need to buy any extra clip-ons. It's not often that I say that.
After all, this is a scooter that defies conventional wisdom across the board.
Compare 15 MPH Electric Scooters
The table below compares the electric scooters across top speed, acceleration, motor power, performance, specs, price, and more.
Turboant M10 Lite | GoTrax Apex | NIU KQi2 Pro |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Where to Buy | Turboant | GoTrax | NIU Official |
| Price | $279.98 | $244 | $449.98 |
| Award | Best Under $400 | Best Under $500 | Best Under $600 |
| Review | Review | Review | Review |
| Performance | |||
| Top Speed | 16 mph | 15.5 mph | 17 mph |
| 0-15 MPH | 7.8 s | 7.5 s | 6.0 s |
| Max Range | 15.5 miles | 15 miles | 25 miles |
| Tested Range | 10 miles | 9 miles | 17 miles |
| Braking | 2.9 meters | 5.0 meters | 5.2 meters |
| Max Incline | 15 degrees | 8 degrees | 8.5 degrees |
| Optimal Incline | 7 degrees | 5 degrees | 6 degrees |
| Specs | |||
| Motor | 36V 350W | 36V 250W | 48V 300W |
| Throttle | Thumb | Thumb | Thumb |
| Battery | 36V 6.6Ah FST | 36V 6Ah FST | 48V 7.6Ah FST |
| Charge Time | 5 hours | 4 hours | 7 hours |
| Brakes | Disc, Electronic | Disc, Electronic | Disc, Regen |
| Suspension | None | None | None |
| Tire Size | 8.5 inch | 8.5 inch | 10 inch |
| Tire Type | Air (Inner-Tube) | Air (Inner-Tube) | Air (Tubeless) |
| Weight | 30.9 lbs | 32 lbs | 41 lbs |
| Load | 220 lbs | 220 lbs | 220 lbs |
| Foldability | Folds at Stem | Folds at Neck | Folds at Stem |
| Lights | Headlight, Taillight | Headlight, Taillight | Headlight, Taillight |
| IP Rating | IP54 | IP54 | IP54 |
| Terrain | Street | Street | Street |
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How Did I Test the Scooters?
To find the 3 best electric scooters that can reach speeds of up to 15 mph, I shortlisted 6 models and tested them all across the criteria of top speed, acceleration, motor power, ride quality, and braking.
These assessments were conducted as part of a wider testing process, which you can learn more about below:
Electric Scooters That I Tested:
Click through the photo carousel to see all of the scooters that I tested for this guide.
Test Criteria:
Top Speed
To accurately report the top speed of each scooter, I tested them on a dry, flat road and made sure to have each fully charged with maxed-out performance settings and their tires inflated to the recommended PSI.
However, to allow for a wider comparison of scooters so that I could pick the top performers, I expanded the field of candidates to include models that could reach speeds of between 15 and 18 mph.
Acceleration
While top speed gives you an indication of a scooter's power, acceleration is the determining factor in how fun it is to reach that speed.
To ensure a level playing field, the performance settings of each scooter were dialed up to the max, their tires were pumped up to the recommended PSI, and their batteries were fully charged.
I then kicked off from a standstill and recorded the time that it took for each scooter to hit 15 mph. I ran this test multiple times and averaged the data.
Motor Power
The size and power of each scooter’s motor served as a useful comparison to help benchmark performance.
Here, I reported on the watts and volts of each motor.
Watts indicated the amount of power that a motor could produce, while volts determined the intensity at which electricity was being pushed through a motor. The higher the watts, the greater the top speed, and the higher the volts, the greater the torque and acceleration.
Following my analysis, it became clear that scooters with top speeds of 15 mph typically had motors that ranged from 250 to 350W and operated between 36 and 48V.
Ride Quality
To determine each scooter’s ride quality I assessed their handling, comfort, and power delivery.
Key to my assessment was the geometry, dimensions, and build of each scooter. Aside from measuring their handlebar width, deck-to-handlebar height, and usable deck space, I also took notes on how the angles of their steering columns affected stability.
From these measurements – alongside my hands-on tests – I was able to garner the following insights: the wider the bars, the greater the control; the higher the deck-to-handlebar height, the better your posture; and, the bigger the deck space, the more room there was to find a natural riding stance. Additionally, the smaller the rake angle, the less effort required to turn the handlebars, but the less stable the scooter. Conversely, the larger the rake angle, the more effort to turn, but the less nimble the scooter.
Following this, I reported on each scooter’s ability to soak up shocks, as well as their throttle responses (i.e. were they smooth or jerky).
Braking
Across the spectrum of electric scooter performance, 15 mph can be considered slow, however, a reliable set of brakes is still required.
To test each scooter, I measured the distance that it took for them to stop from 15 mph. I conducted 5 braking tests per scooter and averaged the data.
If electronic or regenerative braking systems were present then I dialed their strength up to the max. I also assessed the position and responsiveness of the brake levers.
Results From My Performance Tests:
See how the electric scooters stack up against each other across the metrics of top speed, acceleration, maximum range, tested range, and braking.
Top Speed
Ordered from fastest to slowest – Learn about how I test top speed.
| Scooter | Price | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|
| NIU KQi2 Pro |
$449.98
| 17 mph |
| Turboant M10 Lite |
$279.98
| 16 mph |
| GoTrax Apex |
$244
| 15.5 mph |
Acceleration (0-15 MPH)
Ordered from fastest to slowest – Learn about how I test acceleration.
| Scooter | Price | 0-15 MPH (Seconds) |
|---|---|---|
| NIU KQi2 Pro |
$449.98
| 6.0 s |
| GoTrax Apex |
$244
| 7.5 s |
| Turboant M10 Lite |
$279.98
| 7.8 s |
Maximum Range (Riding Slow)
Ordered from longest to shortest range.
| Scooter | Price | Max Range |
|---|---|---|
| NIU KQi2 Pro |
$449.98
| 25 miles |
| Turboant M10 Lite |
$279.98
| 15.5 miles |
| GoTrax Apex |
$244
| 15 miles |
Realistic Range (Riding Fast)
Ordered from longest to shortest range – Learn about how I test real-world range.
| Scooter | Price | Real Range |
|---|---|---|
| NIU KQi2 Pro |
$449.98
| 17 miles |
| Turboant M10 Lite |
$279.98
| 10 miles |
| GoTrax Apex |
$244
| 9 miles |
Braking (From 15 MPH)
Ordered from shortest to longest stopping distance – Learn about how I test braking performance.
| Scooter | Price | Braking From 15 MPH |
|---|---|---|
| Turboant M10 Lite |
$279.98
| 2.9 meters |
| GoTrax Apex |
$244
| 5.0 meters |
| NIU KQi2 Pro |
$449.98
| 5.2 meters |
Recent Updates
In the interest of delivering the most timely, relevant, and credible reviews/guides in the industry, I have detailed the recent updates and changes to my list of the best 15 mph electric scooters. Learn more about my editorial policy.
- August 13, 2024: Confirmed my picks for relevancy and availability.
- April 30, 2024: Improved the design of the page and confirmed my picks for relevancy and availability.
- November 24, 2023: Replaced the GoTrax Apex with the Turboant M10 Lite as the "Best Under $400", and then moved the GoTrax Apex to the "Best Under $500" category. I also replaced the AnyHill UM-1 with the NIU KQi2 Pro as the "Best Under $600". Following this, I refreshed the text throughout, expanded the commentary about how the scooters were tested and selected, added performance reports, and made improvements to the design of the page.
- August 11, 2023: Confirmed my picks for relevancy and availability.
- May 2, 2023: Confirmed my picks for relevancy and availability.
- March 2, 2023: Added a quick list module and comparison table, as well as commentary explaining how the scooters were tested and selected.
- December 19, 2022: Confirmed my picks for relevancy and availability.
- July 15, 2022: Refreshed the guide with 3 new top-performing scooters across 3 price categories.
