4 Best Electric Scooters for College Students & Campus Life (15 Models Tested)
Quick List: Best Electric Scooters for College Students
To find the 4 best electric scooters for college, I tested a total of 15 affordable models that all cost less than $750. I then divided the scooters into four price categories to accommodate different budgets.
To make my selection I assessed each scooter’s performance across various tests.
Here, I completed top speed, acceleration, range, hill climbing, braking, and ride quality tests to identify the models that represented the best value for money.
I also assessed their practicality for college campuses by reporting on how portable and reliable they were for carrying and storing in dorms/classes and withstanding the wear and tear of everyday use.
I even gave some of the scooters to a close friend who attended California Lutheran University to gain additional insight into their suitability.
Top Picks:
Scooter Finder
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See how I tested and selected the scooters
Searching For the Best Model By Use Case?
See the best scooters by type (e.g. for heavy riders, longest range, etc).
Heavy Riders
- Horizon – Supports riders up to 265 lbs
Further Information:
Heavy Duty Electric Scooters for Heavy Adults
Tall Riders
- Turboant X7 Max – Suitable for riders up to 6'4″
Further Information:
Electric Scooters for Tall Adults
Fastest
- Horizon – 21.8 mph tested top speed
Further Information:
Fastest Electric Scooters
Longest Range
- VMAX VX5 Pro GT – 22 miles max (19 miles real-world tested range)
Further Information:
Long Range Electric Scooters
Off-Roading
- None
Further Information:
Best Off-Road Electric Scooters for All Types of Terrain
Biggest Wheels
- Turboant X7 Max – 10 inches
Further Information:
Big Wheel Electric Scooters
Most Compact & Portable
- Horizon – Telescopic stem, foldable handlebars, and a cantilevered folding mechanism
Further Information:
Lightweight Electric Scooters
Portable, Compact & Small Electric Scooters
Commuting
Further Information:
Best Electric Scooters For Commuting
Hill Climbing
Further Information:
Electric Scooters For Climbing Hills: Breeze Up the Steepest of Inclines
Suspension
- Horizon – Front spring and dual rear shocks (scores 6/10 on my shock absorption scale)
Further Information:
Electric Scooters With Suspension: 5 Buttery-Smooth Rides
Waterproof
- VMAX VX5 Pro GT – IPX6 water-resistance rating
Further Information:
Waterproof Electric Scooters: Best Scooters For Riding in the Rain
Seated
- Horizon – Detachable seat available for $99
Further Information:
Best Electric Scooters With Seats (Detachable & Built-in)
Best Under $300
Turboant M10 Lite
Performance Report:
Tester: Josh Frisby (190 lbs, 6.1 ft)
- Top Speed: 16 mph
- Real Speed: 15.8 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:
Campus can often feel like part catwalk, part obstacle course. You’ll therefore want a scooter that’s both stylish and practical. Well, the good news is that the Turboant M10 Lite exists – and it costs less than $300.
Featuring a simple, yet sleek matte-black finish, efficient folding mechanism, and best-in-class performance metrics, it’s pushed the dial on what students can expect from a budget scooter.
You see, while the M10 Lite is cut from the same cloth as the rest of the extremely popular Turboant line, it manages to bring a clutch of crucial refinements to elevate its appeal among the rest of its similarly-priced competitors.
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:
Aside from being the most affordable scooter in my lineup of top picks, the M10 Lite managed to impress me throughout my performance tests and design assessments.
The first noteworthy area of performance is its top speed. Sporting a 36V 350W motor, it can hit a snappy 15.8 mph and get there from a standing start in 7.8 seconds. This is fast enough to zip around campus while remaining safe.
Yet, where the M10 Lite really shines is in its range. Under my tests, its 6.6Ah battery kept the wheels rolling for 10 miles. This beats the 8.7-mile average of the other sub-$350 scooters that I’ve reviewed.
It also performs admirably in the braking department. Wielding a rear disc and an electronic braking system, it brought me to a safe stop from 15 mph in 2.9 meters. Again, against the backdrop of its most fierce rivals, this constitutes a 38% shorter stopping distance.
Of course, you’ll also want your scooter to be comfortable. Well, though the M10 Lite doesn’t come with suspension (for its price this is expected), its 8.5-inch pneumatic tires cushion most shocks and vibrations so long as you stick to well-maintained roads. Their smaller profile also means that the M10 Lite remains nimble, which proves valuable when navigating busy environments.
Its nimble nature is aided by its wide handlebars and ergonomic cockpit. Grippy rubber handgrips make steering effortless, while the thumb throttle is smooth and within easy reach. There’s even a USB charging port below the display, which allows you to re-juice your phone on the go. Out of all the scooters that I’ve reviewed, no other budget model offers this feature.
Another feature worth mentioning is its 3-step folding mechanism. To fold the scooter, you rotate the safety catch to free the lever, pull it down, lower the stem, and latch the handlebars to the rear fender. While this is super easy, I did find that the stem occasionally came loose from the latch, meaning I had to reattach it before attempting to pick the scooter up.
Nevertheless, once folded, the M10 Lite has a small enough profile to fit in a car trunk or under your desk with minimal fuss.
And, despite it being one of the lightest scooters that I’ve ever tested, it still manages to remain durable. It can take a few knocks and bumps in its stride, while its frame is also protected by an IP54 water resistance rating. This ensures that it’s protected against light showers and puddle splashes.
If I had to pick one area where the M10 Lite comes up a little short, it would be the size of its deck. Measuring just 17.7 inches in length it's around 2 to 4 inches shorter than a typical budget scooter. It’s also only capable of supporting up to 220 lbs. If you have big feet and are heavier on the scale, then I recommend checking out the Horizon V2.
Ultimately, though, with all that the Turboant M10 Lite has to offer, it serves as an excellent choice for students who are on a tight budget.
Best Under $450
Turboant X7 Max
Performance Report:
Tester: Josh Frisby (190 lbs, 6.1 ft)
- Top Speed: 20 mph
- Real Speed: 18.6 mph*
- 0-15 mph: 6.9 s*
- Max Range: 32 miles
- Real Range: 18 miles*
- Braking: 3.0 meters*
- Max Incline: 15 degrees
- Optimal Incline: 9 degrees*
- Weight: 34 lbs
- Load: 275 lbs
Turboant X7 Max Overview:
Turboant has a history of consistently pushing the envelope with what’s possible from budget scooters, and the X7 Max – a deserved winner of an Electric Scooter Insider Award – is perhaps the purest distillation of what these guys are all about. They listen to customer feedback, apply the recommendations shared, and release new scooters that better what came before them in every conceivable way.
Building on the legacy that found its roots in the hugely popular X7 Pro, the Max features the same removable battery – yet this time, there’s enhanced drivetrain hardware and software to facilitate greater efficiency and extend your range.
Beyond this, it affirms its growing legend with a simple, yet effective folding mechanism, a lightweight frame, and dimensions that make it well-suited to all types of riders, no matter if you’re big, small, short, or tall.
The Good:
- Extremely popular budget scooter
- Table-topping range in the sub $500 category
- Detachable battery means you can extend your range indefinitely with the purchase of spares
- Reliable dual-braking system
- Plush 10-inch tires
- Intuitive folding mechanism
- Well suited to both tall and heavy riders
- Sleek, sweeping frame
- Ergonomic controls
The Bad:
- Additional lighting is needed for night rides
- The thick stem can be cumbersome to carry for small hands
Why I Recommend the Turboant X7 Max:
Where else to start than with the most recognizable of the X7 Max’s calling cards: its removable battery.
Armed with this bad boy, you can feasibly double its 32-mile maximum range with the purchase of a spare. Compared to scooters that achieve this type of mileage, the X7 Max is, on average, 45% cheaper.
However, as with all electric scooters, it’s important to note that you can only achieve this mileage if you stick to best-case riding conditions, which include a rider weighing no more than 165 lbs, flat terrain, and keeping below 15 mph. My tests, on the other hand, are designed to push electric scooters to their real-world limit by riding them across undulating environments with periods of fast acceleration, cruising, and multiple stops. Here, the X7 Max achieves 18 miles.
Even without a spare, this mileage represents exceptional value – and what’s more, it can be recharged from empty to full in just 6 hours.
Additionally, removing the battery makes charging more convenient by not having to lug the entire scooter to a power outlet.
It isn’t all about its removable battery, though. For starters, there’s its spirited 36V 350W motor, which powers it to a tested top speed of 18.6 mph. This is more than enough oomph for everyday journeys. Its acceleration of 0-15 mph in 6.9 seconds, meanwhile, is a whole 14% zippier than its competitor, the GoTrax GMAX Ultra. Thankfully, you also have access to three riding modes that allow you to cap your speed – and avoid the wrath of tutors.
And fear not, when it comes to safety amidst the hustle and bustle, the rear disc and the front electronic brakes deliver. Together, they brought me to a controlled stop from 15 mph in 3.0 meters. This is a 40% improvement compared to the distance that I recorded when testing its predecessor. Newly-calibrated brake pads are the reason for this improvement.
Elsewhere, the 10-inch pneumatic tires absorb shocks and vibrations from well-maintained roads, while their thickened sidewalls make them less susceptible to pinch flats. Combine these with handlebars that now sit at 49.2 inches from the ground (a 2.5-inch increase on its predecessor), a frame that’s 2.7 inches longer, and a tapered deck that’s bigger, and the X7 Max ticks the boxes for comfort. Most notable of all, however, is the fact that it has the markings of a scooter that’s suitable for riders both short and tall.
Another set of worthwhile features worth mentioning are the display and throttle. Seamlessly built into the top of the stem, the display is bright, while the digits are well-spaced, large, and easy to read. This is convenient for when you need to keep tabs on your speed, distance, and battery life.
As for the throttle, I like to refer to it as an all-in-one command center. Unlike other scooters that spread their controls across the cockpit, the ergonomic thumb throttle on the X7 Max is home to all the buttons that you need to access its riding modes and lights.
The X7 Max’s user-friendly design can also be seen in its intuitive folding mechanism. This allows you to collapse the stem in a matter of seconds and connect it to the rear fender. Weighing just 34 lbs it’s light enough to carry, though you need to be mindful that the thick stem makes it a little tricky if you have small hands.
After this whistle-stop tour of Turboant X7 Max, I’m sure you’re as impressed as I was when I first got my hands on this little whipper snapper. In conclusion, it fuses style, performance, and practicality to offer more value than its budget price tag may lead you to believe.
Best Under $600
VMAX VX5 Pro GT
Performance Report:
Tester: Josh Frisby (197 lbs, 6.1 ft)
- Top Speed: mph
- Real Speed: mph*
- 0-15 mph: s*
- Max Range: miles
- Real Range: miles*
- Braking: meters*
- Suspension: n/a
- Max Incline: degrees
- Weight: lbs
- Load: lbs
VMAX VX5 Pro GT Overview:
Any college student navigating the hustle and bustle of campus life requires a scooter that’s in essence a Swiss army knife on wheels – in other words, it needs to be a model that does everything well. It’s no coincidence that the VMAX VX5 Pro GT hails from the same lands as its all-purpose inspiration.
This award-winning, all-singing workhorse has set tongues wagging in the budget everyday market thanks to its solid performance profile, exceptional build quality, comfortable ride, and reliable design. It’s both plush and practical; exciting and economical; refined and robust.
But, best of all, for students who need to watch their pennies, the VX5 Pro GT remains affordable. This is serious bang for your buck that, frankly, puts its competition to shame. In fact, I rate it as the most well-rounded budget electric scooter that I’ve ever reviewed.
The Good:
- One of the longest real-world tested ranges in its price category
- Shortest stopping distance among its rivals
- Top-tier ride quality in the sub-$600 class
- Wider than normal handlebars promote good handling
- Regenerative braking system recycles kinetic energy to recharge the battery on the go
- High degree of build quality with a UL2272 certified battery
- Clean, simple, and functional design
- Grippy, nimble tires
- Immaculate cable management
- Turn signals that are visible from the front, rear, and sides
- Mobile app allows for customized performance
- Slick folding mechanism
- 40.2-inch deck-to-handlebar height makes it suitable for tall riders up to 6’3”
- Protective IPX6 water-resistance rating
- Long fenders that prevent splashback
- Quiet motor
- Low maintenance
- 2-year warranty
The Bad:
- Display gets washed out in direct light
- The taillight is bright at night, but it doesn’t flash when you brake - it just glows a brighter red
Why I Recommend the VMAX VX5 Pro GT:
Well, firstly, there’s its lengthy range. Armed with a 36V 10.4Ah GT battery, the Pro can muster a maximum range of 22 miles on a single charge. You can also purchase it in 2 other variants – the ST and LT – with cheaper and smaller batteries if money is tight.
The real clincher, however, is its real-world mileage. Ordinarily, an electric scooter achieves around 60-70% of its maximum when factors like rider weight, speed, and topography enter the equation; yet under my tests, the Pro’s real-world range of 19.04 miles stands at 87%, placing it head and shoulders above the rest. This is great news for students who have to commute to or across campus to get to class.
As for motor power, the VX5 Pro hits the sweet spot between fun and steady. I tested its top speed at 17.4 mph, while its acceleration rate of 0-15 mph in 6.7 seconds brings the fun factor while guaranteeing control.
You needn’t worry about the Pro’s ability to handle the unpredictability of everyday weather, either. Its IPX6 water resistance rating ensures that it can withstand sudden showers without fear of damage, while a pair of long fenders protect your clothes from splashback.
Meanwhile, its 9-inch tires sport a wavy tread pattern that maximizes grip on wet surfaces and tight corners. Against the backdrop of competing scooters, I found that the tires on the VX5 Po elevated its overall handling above the rest.
The same can be said for the handlebars which, by my measurements, stretch 21.9 inches. This makes them a whopping 33% wider than those on the Turboant X7 Max. Couple with the extremely tactile handgrips, smooth throttle, and easy-to-use rocker switch for the turn signals, it sets the standard not only for ergonomics but control, too.
In fact, the VX5 Pro has been expertly designed from top to bottom, with longevity and ride quality in mind. This becomes immediately apparent when you compare its design to rival scooters. While many budget brands buy prebuilt scooters from various manufacturers and slap their logos on the frames, VMAX owns their manufacturing facility. This means you get a unique scooter with a proprietary build, design, and feature set.
Unsurprisingly, it ticks the safety box, too. Not only is the battery UL2272 certified, meaning it’s passed several tests for fire safety and electrical hazards, but with an extremely strong front drum and accompanying rear regen brake, it brought me to a stop from 15 mph in just 2.0 meters. This trumps many scooters that retail at triple its price. You can also use the regenerative system independently; in doing so, you can recharge your battery on the go.
The strength of the regen brake, as well as your acceleration, can be adjusted via the nifty mobile app, too. This also allows you to lock and unlock the scooter, turn the lights on and off, toggle between sport and eco modes, and select kick-to-start or zero-start mode.
For a scooter of the VX5 Pro’s price, having a mobile app is incredibly rare. Yet, this isn’t the only trick up its sleeve. To my surprise, you can rely on it to get around campus after dark. The high-mounted headlight is bright enough for night rides, while its turn signals can be seen from all angles thanks to their positioning on the handlebars and deck.
Portability is another area of strength. It passed my tests in this department with flying colors. Its slick folding lever and hook-and-latch system made collapsing the stem super easy, while its 36.8 lbs folded frame was light enough to carry.
In summary, the VMAX VX5 Pro GT is tailor-made for student life. Affordable yet oozing with quality and durability, it brings all the best of all three worlds into one complete package. Plus, with a 2-year warranty that’s, on average, double the length of rival scooters, VMAX stands out as the most reliable budget brand on the market.
Best Under $750
Horizon V2 (10.4Ah)
Performance Report:
Tester: Josh Frisby (190 lbs, 6.1 ft)
- Top Speed: 23 mph
- Real Speed: 21.8 mph*
- 0-15 mph: 4.7 s*
- Max Range: 23 miles
- Real Range: 17 miles*
- Braking: 5.0 meters*
- Suspension: 6/10*
- Max Incline: 15 degrees
- Optimal Incline: 9 degrees*
- Weight: 42 lbs
- Load: 265 lbs
Horizon V2 Overview:
If you were tasked with writing a checklist for your ideal campus scooter then I’m pretty sure you’d end up with something remarkably close to the Horizon V2.
I am, of course, talking about a model that has long been a favorite of mine. The original Horizon was celebrated for its nippy power, low maintenance design, portability, and ease of use; the V2 retains all of these qualities while bringing a new waterproof display, ergonomic thumb throttle, and carry handle to the party. It also remains one of the cheapest scooters with front and rear suspension.
Perfect for newbies and seasoned riders alike, it strikes the perfect mid-ground between a budget and premium model, giving you the best of both worlds.
The Good:
- Extremely compact
- Very popular
- Great ride quality
- One of the cheapest scooters to have a full suspension system
- Nippy acceleration
- Top performer in its price class
- Telescopic stem allows riders to adjust the handlebar height
- Ergonomic controls
- Low maintenance
The Bad:
- No water-resistance rating
- Brakes could be better calibrated
Why I Recommend the Horizon V2:
To understand the Horizon’s enduring popularity, you need only take a look at it. Blessed with a frame that’s not only compact when folded, but also one of the best where weight distribution is concerned, it plays the field of portability and agility extremely well.
Yet, despite its practical build, it still packs handlebars that are, by my measurements, 41% wider than the average budget model. Combine this with its telescopic stem that allows you to alter the height of the handlebars, and the Horizon is the only scooter in my list of top picks that can be adjusted to your preferences. The benefit of this can be felt in both its handling and balance. While testing it, I felt stable and reassured at all times, no matter if I was carving around corners, hitting speed runs on the straights, or cruising.
As you’d expect, with these qualities in tow, it’s also comfortable to ride. Armed with a full suspension system that works in cahoots with an air-filled tire at the front, the Horizon offers a level of shock absorption that’s among the best in its price category. By comparison, I tested it alongside the popular EMOVE Touring and found that the Horizon delivered a much smoother ride. The Touring clattered while going over bumps.
A top-of-the-line suspension system isn’t all that the Horizon has to offer in the ride quality department, though. With two differing tires performing different roles, it blends the gap between comfort and low-maintenance design. As previously mentioned, the tire at the front is pneumatic and cushions the ride, while its narrow, rounded front-on profile also allows you to remain nimble.
The tire at the rear, meanwhile, is solid, 0.5 inches thicker, and has a front-on profile that’s more square. This is a welcome addition since rear tires are often the first to fall prey to punctures. With its impenetrable design, the risk of flats is eliminated. Plus, with its slightly thicker square profile, it maintains traction while accelerating.
With its added capacity for channeling the torque from the rear-mounted motor, I was able to accelerate to 15 mph in 4.7 seconds and reached a top speed of 21.8 mph. This is the most powerful scooter of all my top picks which, in turn, also makes it the best option if your campus is hilly.
Perhaps one of the Horizon’s biggest draws for students, however, is its portability. With a retractable stem, foldable handlebars, and a cantilevered folding mechanism, it can be collapsed from 42.5 (L) x 23.2 (W) x 46.8 (H) inches to just 38.6 (L) x 7.1 (W) x 14.6 (H) inches. Factor in the new carry handle and its 42 lbs weight, and this is a model tailor-made for busy student life.
As for range, it's a solid display of performance. The scooter comes with either a 10.4Ah or 13Ah battery – the former will give you a maximum of 23 miles, while the latter delivers 30 miles. In my view, the 10.4 unit represents better value for money: it’s cheaper and provides enough range for most students. Under my grueling tests, it kept the wheels rolling for 17 miles.
My one gripe is with the Horizon’s braking performance. Together, the rear drum and electronic brake brought me to a stop in a somewhat lackluster 5.0 meters from 15 mph. If the Horizon went any faster, this would be more of a concern. It should be noted, however, that the drum is extremely low maintenance, while it can also be tightened or loosened by twisting the nut at the end of the brake line (you can do this with your thumb and forefinger).
So there you have it: the Horizon; a certified superstar of the entry-level market. Fun, practical, and satisfyingly hassle-free, it’s perfect for any student in search of an affordable scooter that’s well-equipped for daily use.
Compare College Electric Scooters
Turboant M10 Lite | Turboant X7 Max | VMAX VX5 Pro | Horizon 10.4 V2 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Where to Buy | Turboant | Turboant | VMAX | Fluid |
| Price | $299.98 | $439.98 | $549 | $749 |
| Award | Best Under $300 | Best Under $450 | Best Under $600 | Best Under $750 |
| Review | Review | Review | Review | Review |
| Performance | ||||
| Top Speed | 16 mph | 20 mph | 18 mph | 23 mph |
| 0-15 MPH | 7.8 s | 6.9 s | 6.7 s | 4.7 s |
| Max Range | 15.5 miles | 32 miles | 22 miles | 23 miles |
| Tested Range | 10 miles | 18 miles | 19 miles | 17 miles |
| Braking | 2.9 meters | 3.0 meters | 2.0 meters | 5.0 meters |
| Max Incline | 15 degrees | 15 degrees | 14 degrees | 15 degrees |
| Optimal Incline | 7 degrees | 9 degrees | 8 degrees | 9 degrees |
| Specs | ||||
| Motor | 36V 350W | 36V 350W | 36V 400W | 48V 500W |
| Throttle | Thumb | Thumb | Thumb | Thumb |
| Battery | 36V 6.6Ah FST | 36V 10Ah FST | 36V 10.4Ah FST | 48V 10.4Ah FST |
| Charge Time | 5 hours | 6 hours | 5 hours | 6 hours |
| Brakes | Disc, Electronic | Disc, Electronic | Drum, Regen | Drum, Electronic |
| Suspension | None | None | None | Springs, Air Shocks |
| Tire Size | 8.5 inch | 10 inch | 9 inch | 8 inch |
| Tire Type | Air (Inner-Tube) | Air (Inner-Tube) | Air (Tubeless) | Air (Inner-Tube), Solid (Rubber) |
| Weight | 30.9 lbs | 34 lbs | 36.8 lbs | 42 lbs |
| Load | 220 lbs | 275 lbs | 265 lbs | 265 lbs |
| Foldability | Folds at Stem | Folds at Stem | Folds at Stem | Folds at Stem & Handlebars |
| Lights | Headlight, Taillight | Headlight, Taillight | Headlight, Taillight, Turn Signals | Headlight, Taillight |
| IP Rating | IP54 | IPX4 | IPX6 | None |
| Terrain | Street | Street | Street | Street |
How Did I Test the Scooters?
After going to college myself, I understand that you need to make your money stretch as far as possible, so to find the 4 best electric scooters for college, I tested a total of 15 affordable models that all cost less than $750. I then divided the scooters into four price categories to accommodate different budgets.
To make my selection I assessed each scooter’s performance across various tests. Here, I completed top speed, acceleration, range, hill climbing, braking, and ride quality tests to identify the models that represented the best value for money.
I also assessed their practicality for college campuses by reporting on how portable and reliable they were for carrying and storing in dorms/classes and withstanding the wear and tear of everyday use.
I even gave some of the scooters to a close friend who attended California Lutheran University to gain additional insight into their suitability.
You can learn more about how I test 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 & Acceleration
To assess each scooter’s motor power on a level playing field, I recorded the time that it took them to reach 15 mph, as well as the speed at which they topped out.
To ensure consistent results, I completed the tests on a flat, dry road. Each scooter’s performance settings were dialed up to the max (i.e. I selected the fastest riding modes, strongest acceleration settings, and – where possible – enabled zero-start modes). I also made sure that their tires were pumped up and their batteries fully charged.
The maximum speed that I tested among all 15 scooters was 26 mph. However, I found that an average speed of 18.4 mph was most suitable for busy environments.
Range
Importantly, I wanted to make sure that the scooters had enough battery power to not only travel around campus but also beyond.
To do this, I reported on their tested range. These figures differ significantly from the maximum manufacturer range stats since they are based on real-world use.
When testing each scooter, I weighed between 190 and 197 lbs and made sure to alternate my riding style with periods of fast acceleration, cruising, and multiple stops.
Hill Climbing
Here, each scooter was tested on its ability to climb a 10% slope. Those that were most adept at climbing (i.e. at a faster pace) were chosen.
However, it’s important to note that by their very nature, cheaper electric scooters tend not to be the best hill climbers. If your campus is hilly, I recommend the most powerful scooter on the list, the Horizon V2.
Braking
Campuses can be busy hubs of students and other vehicles, so having the ability to stop on a dime is important.
To assess and compare each scooter’s stopping power, I measured the distance that it took them to stop from 15 mph.
The braking tests were completed a minimum of five times to find an accurate average. However, for each test to qualify, it had to be conducted on a dry, smooth road, while being controlled (i.e. no skidding).
If electronic or regenerative braking systems were present, I set them to their highest strength. Where possible, I also tested them independently to monitor performance without engaging the mechanical brakes.
Ride Quality
I’ve been reviewing electric scooters for many years and one of the key tests that can make or break a scooter’s overall performance is its ride quality. Without it, everything else falls by the wayside.
Unlike the other tests, this one was based predominantly on my subjective opinion, and so to test fairly, I paid particular attention to each scooter’s handling, comfort, and power delivery.
Aside from these observations, I also detailed how the geometry and dimensions of their frames impacted their stability, control, and agility.
Portability
Portability is perhaps one of the most important qualities of a scooter that’s destined for college use, so to report on each scooter’s credentials, I tested the ease of their folding mechanisms and weight to assess how easy they were to collapse and carry.
I also noted how compact each scooter was by assessing its folded length, width, and height.
Reliability
Key to a scooter’s appeal is how durable and reliable it is – especially for students who are already strapped for cash and don’t want to fork out additional funds to replace subpar scooters.
I took this into account by putting the build quality and craftsmanship of each scooter under scrutiny.
Here, I reported on the materials used, the rigidity of the frames and components (i.e. checking for vulnerabilities that could cause structural issues such as stem wobble), protection against wet weather (i.e. IP ratings), the inclusion of battery management systems, and a thorough assessment of warranty policies for peace of mind.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Horizon 10.4 |
$749
| 21.8 MPH |
| Turboant X7 Max |
$439.98
| 18.6 MPH |
| VMAX VX5 Pro GT |
$549
| 17.4 MPH |
| Turboant M10 Lite |
$299.98
| 15.8 MPH |
Acceleration (0-15 MPH)
Ordered from fastest to slowest – Learn about how I test acceleration.
| Scooter | Price | 0-15 MPH |
|---|---|---|
| Horizon 10.4 |
$749
| 4.7 s |
| VMAX VX5 Pro GT |
$549
| 6.7 s |
| Turboant X7 Max |
$439.98
| 6.9 s |
| Turboant M10 Lite |
$299.98
| 7.8 s |
Maximum Range (Riding Slow)
Ordered from longest to shortest range.
| Scooter | Price | Max Range |
|---|---|---|
| Turboant X7 Max |
$439.98
| 32 miles |
| Horizon 10.4 |
$749
| 23 miles |
| VMAX VX5 Pro GT |
$549
| 22 miles |
| Turboant M10 Lite |
$299.98
| 15.5 miles |
Realistic Range (Riding Fast)
Ordered from longest to shortest range – Learn about how I test real-world range.
| Scooter | Price | Tested Range |
|---|---|---|
| VMAX VX5 Pro GT |
$549
| 19 miles |
| Turboant X7 Max |
$439.98
| 18 miles |
| Horizon 10.4 |
$749
| 17 miles |
| Turboant M10 Lite |
$299.98
| 10 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 |
|---|---|---|
| VMAX VX5 Pro GT |
$549
| 2.0 meters |
| Turboant M10 Lite |
$299.98
| 2.9 meters |
| Turboant X7 Max |
$439.98
| 3.0 meters |
| Horizon 10.4 |
$749
| 5.0 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 electric scooters for college. Learn more about my editorial policy.
- August 15, 2024: Replaced the NIU KQi2 Pro with the VMAX VX5 Pro GT, and the NIU KQi3 Pro with the Horizon V2. All of the reviews were refreshed and I expanded my commentary about how I tested and selected the scooters.
- July 29, 2024: Improved the design of the page.
- April 25, 2024: Confirmed my picks for relevancy and availability.
- February 17, 2024: Confirmed my picks for relevancy and availability.
