Best Electric Scooters for Teenagers (13-18 Years Old)

When Fluid Free Ride launched the original Horizon, the entry-level scooter market nearly capsized. Bringing power, portability, inclusivity, and durability into one melting pot, this wasn’t a scooter that did well in one or two areas – it aced them all.

The Horizon V2 channels this all-rounder energy and adds a few upgrades to the formula. These include an improved display, an ergonomic thumb throttle, and a carry handle that also acts as a footrest.

But Fluid Free Ride knows better than to rip up what was already an outstanding blueprint. It remains the fastest scooter you’ll find in the sub $800 category thanks to its rear-mounted 48V 500W motor, while the 20A controller and new throttle help it zoom from 0-15 mph in just 4.7 seconds.

What sets it apart from most of its competitors, however, is ride quality. Despite its power, the Horizon never feels out of control. This is down to two facets of its design. The first is the dual suspension system that combines a single spring at the front with dual shocks at the rear. The second is the well-balanced frame which promises good handling of the chassis and steering column.

Adding to this are the tires. At the front, there’s a pneumatic tire that cushions your ride and aids the scooter’s maneuverability with its narrow, rounded profile. The tire at the rear, however, is solid, squarer, and 0.5 inches thicker. This not only affords protection against punctures but promises traction by working with the rear-mounted motor to channel the torque produced and propel you forward.

And torque, of course, is a valuable commodity when it comes to climbing hills. Thankfully, most neighborhood inclines pose little difficulty.

Another area where the Horizon succeeds is in its appeal to a broad range of riders. With a load capacity of 265 lbs and a telescopic stem that can be adjusted to suit your height, it's one of the most inclusive models there is. You just need to be mindful that it runs a little short for anyone over 6 feet.

It’s incredibly portable, too. Not only does it have a cantilevered folding mechanism that lets you collapse it down in seconds, but its foldable handlebars reduce its profile even further. And with the new carry handle in place, it’s also easier to lift.

And fear not if you’re a parent worried about safety; the Horizon will still bring riders to a complete stop from 15 mph in 5.0 meters. This is around the average for a scooter with its price class.

With so many great features to talk about, I almost forget to highlight the Horizon’s range. But before we dive into the mileage stats, it's important to know that the scooter is available in two versions – one with a 10.4Ah battery, and the other with 13Ah.

The maximum range of the 10.4 model is 23 miles, but based on our tests, if you ride fast, you can expect 17 miles. For an extra $80, the 13Ah battery increases the max range to 30 miles (or 23 miles under real-world riding conditions).

As for build quality, it’s a tough cookie. It’s been designed to be a low-maintenance everyday scooter that can take a scrape or two, and following our tests we can confirm that it’s the gift that keeps on giving.

Possibly the only areas of its design that could be improved are better-calibrated brakes, the inclusion of a water-resistance rating, and although the lighting package is bountiful, it would benefit from a brighter headlight.

Overall, the Horizon V2 is an excellent scooter with few weaknesses. Its union of performance, practicality, and affordability makes it a great choice for teenagers taking their first steps into the world of electric scooters.