How to Choose an Electric Scooter For Commuting
In this Buyer's Guide:
We'll cover the key factors that you should consider when choosing an electric scooter for commuting, including:
- Speed & Acceleration: Navigating Urban Environments Efficiently
- Range: Ensuring Adequate Distance for Your Commute
- Comfort & Handling: Optimizing Your Riding Experience
- Portability: Balancing Weight and Convenience
- Weather Protection (IP Ratings): Evaluating Water and Dust Resistance
- Durability: Ensuring Long-lasting Performance
- Be Seen, Be Safe: Enhancing Visibility With Lights for Safer Rides
- Braking Power: Safety with Reliable Braking Systems
Whether you're navigating busy streets, climbing stairs, or dealing with unpredictable weather, choosing the right combination of features will make all the difference when selecting a commuter scooter.
In this guide, I’ll outline the key factors that impact performance, portability, and reliability, as well as offer practical insights from my real-world commuting experiences.
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Check out my recommendations and compare electric scooters below.
Speed & Acceleration: Navigating Urban Environments Efficiently
While top speed stats often make for headline figures, commuters don’t necessarily need huge amounts of power. Based on my experience, speeds of up to 30 mph are quick enough to navigate busy environments.
Besides, all city streets have speed limits meaning the ability to hit high top speeds is often less useful in practice. Fast acceleration rates, on the other hand, can be leveraged for several key reasons:
Frequent Stops and Starts: In urban environments, you’re likely to encounter frequent stops at traffic lights, stop signs, and pedestrian crossings. A scooter that accelerates quickly allows you to get back up to speed efficiently to reduce downtime and keep your commute flowing smoothly.
Maneuverability in Traffic: Quick acceleration rates allow you to navigate through traffic more effectively. By being able to speed up quickly when there’s an opening, you can avoid congestion and reduce travel times.
Safety at Intersections: Accelerating quickly from a stop can reduce the time spent in intersections, which are often high-risk areas for accidents. The faster you can move through these zones, the less vulnerable you are to potential collisions with cars and other obstacles.
With all of the above in mind, it’s important to understand the rate at which your chosen scooter can accelerate. To do this, use the tables below:
| Performance | 0 - 15 MPH | 0 - 25 MPH |
|---|---|---|
| Extremely Fast | < 2 s | < 3 s |
| Very Fast | 2 - 3 s | 3 - 4 s |
| Fast | 3 - 4 s | 4 - 5 s |
| Moderate | 4 - 5 s | 5 - 6 s |
| Slow | > 5 s | > 6 s |
Range: Ensuring Adequate Distance for Your Commute
When choosing a commuter scooter, it can be tempting to select the model with the longest maximum range. This figure, however, doesn’t reflect realistic performance because it's based on best-case conditions which often include a 165 lb rider, flat terrain, and using the slowest speed setting.
On average, real-world ranges are around 60-70% of the advertised maximum. For instance, if a scooter’s max is 40 miles, you’ll likely get 24-28 miles when accounting for factors like a heavier rider, hills, and faster speeds. For the most accurate data, you should refer to the tested range figures provided by reviewers.
Based on my tests, the maximum and real-world ranges of electric scooters can be categorized as follows:
| Performance | Max Range | Real Range |
|---|---|---|
| Extremely Long | > 60 miles | > 40 miles |
| Very Long | 40 - 60 miles | 30 - 40 miles |
| Long | 30 - 40 miles | 20 - 30 miles |
Aside from these assessments, it’s important to select a scooter with a real-world range that goes beyond the distance required for your round-trip. Here’s why:
Reliable Transportation: A longer range ensures that your scooter can cover the entire distance of your commute, including any detours or stops that you might need to make along the way. If your scooter has insufficient range, you risk being stranded mid-commute.
Less Frequent Charging: A scooter with a higher range reduces the need for frequent charging, thereby offering more convenience. This is especially useful for commuters who don't want to charge their scooter every day or don’t have access to charging points at work. Expert Tip: If you choose a scooter with a battery greater than 748Wh you can use a fast charger.
Peace of Mind: Knowing you have enough battery to reach your destination without worrying about running out creates a more stress-free commute. This is particularly important in colder weather or when riding on inclines, as both can drain the battery faster.
How I Test Real-World Range
Electric Scooter Batteries: A Beginner's Guide
Comfort & Handling: Optimizing Your Riding Experience
From handlebar width and deck space to shock absorption and cockpit ergonomics, several factors affect comfort and handling. Based on my experiences, these are the key things that you should look out for:
Handlebar Width: Put simply, the wider the handlebars, the greater your control. For scooters capable of reaching up to 30 mph, I recommend handlebars that are at least 22 inches wide as they provide a stable foundation for navigating the hustle and bustle of city streets. However, since most commutes happen at slower speeds, you can opt for slightly narrower handlebars. Be cautious, though, as going below 17 inches can significantly reduce control.
Deck-to-Handlebar Height: A comfortable deck-to-handlebar height is crucial for maintaining proper posture and avoiding fatigue. Taller riders, especially those over 6 feet, will benefit from handlebars that are at least 40 inches high to prevent slouching.
Deck Space: A spacious deck not only improves balance but also allows for a more natural riding stance. Those that measure at least 19 inches long provide enough room.
Rake (Steering Column) Angle: The angle at which a scooter’s steering column is titled back, directly impacts its stability and agility. For commuting, an angle of 9 to 11 degrees tends to strike the perfect balance between maneuverability for tight turns and stability at higher speeds. If, however, this isn’t an option, you can still maintain a good balance with rake angles up to 14 degrees – anything beyond this hinders your ability to remain nimble.
Cockpit Ergonomics: Commuting requires you to remain responsive, so the layout of a scooter’s handlebars should allow for easy access to the throttle, brakes, and controls with minimal hand movement. Importantly, I recommend choosing a scooter with a thumb throttle over a finger-operated one. Thumb throttles are far more comfortable and prevent hand cramps by promoting a more natural grip. Anti-slip handgrips are key for maintaining control during stop-and-go commutes, too.
Shock Absorption: While I don’t recommend suspension as a need-to-have feature for commuter scooters, there’s no denying that it’ll make your journey far more enjoyable – especially when rolling over pot-holes. However, don’t get suckered into marketing material or specs as each suspension system performs differently. As a minimum, I recommend choosing a scooter with a dual suspension setup that scores at least 5 out of 10 on my shock-absorption scale.
Tire Size, Type & Profile: In short, choosing the right tires ensures comfort, safety, and efficiency during commutes. The best tire configurations have three things in common. First, they are pneumatic, allowing them to absorb shocks and adapt to uneven road surfaces for a more comfortable ride. Second, they feature light to moderate tread patterns that provide good grip on various surfaces, including wet roads. Third, they have rounded front-on profiles that not only maximize their contact patch during acceleration, braking, and cornering, but also help to maintain balance and stability. Expert Tip: You may also want to consider tire durability in your selection.
Portability: Balancing Weight and Convenience
Choosing the right balance of weight, foldability, and compactness is important for commuters who need to carry or store their scooters frequently.
Weight: As expected, the lighter the scooter, the easier it is to carry, especially if your commute involves climbing stairs or using public transport. For practical daily use, look for scooters that weigh between 25-45 lbs – anything heavier becomes cumbersome. Keep in mind, however, that while lighter scooters may be more convenient, they often have smaller batteries and fewer features, so it’s essential to find a balance between weight and performance.
Foldability & Dimensions: While some scooters rely on one main folding mechanism, others are equipped with foldable handlebars and telescopic stems to enhance portability. If you need a scooter that can be easily lifted onto public transport or stored in tight spaces, then the latter two features are worth considering. Together, they significantly reduce a scooter’s folded width and length.
Ease of Carrying: How a scooter folds directly impacts how easy it is to carry. This is all down to the main folding mechanism – these typically fall into two categories: cantilevered joints that fold at the neck, and anchored levers that fold at the stem. The former results in a more compact and easier-to-carry folded form since the stem lays parallel to the deck. On the other hand, scooters that fold at the stem form a triangular shape with the steering column angled downward and the handlebars resting on either the deck or rear fender. This design can make it slightly harder to find the balance point when carrying.
Weather Protection (IP Ratings): Evaluating Water and Dust Resistance
An IP rating measures how well an electric scooter’s electrical and mechanical enclosure is protected against dust, water, and other foreign objects. Put simply, the higher the IP rating, the better the protection.
Each rating consists of two digits (e.g. IPX4, IP54, IP66) – both of which signify a different level of protection. Here's how to interpret them:
First Digit (Intrusion Protection): This measures resistance against solid objects like dust.
| Digit | Example | Intrusion Protection |
|---|---|---|
| X |  | No Protection |
| 1 |  | Objects greater than 50 mm |
| 2 |  | Objects greater than 12.5 mm |
| 3 |  | Objects greater than 2.5 mm |
| 4 |  | Objects greater than 1 mm |
| 5 |  | Partial protection against dust |
| 6 |  | Totally dust-tight |
Second Digit (Moisture Protection): This measures resistance to moisture, from light rain to submersion.
| Digit | Example | Moisture Protection |
|---|---|---|
| X |  | No Protection |
| 1 |  | Vertically falling water droplets |
| 2 |  | Water droplets when tilted at 15 degrees |
| 3 |  | Spraying water up to 60 degrees from vertical |
| 4 |  | Water splashes from all directions |
| 5 |  | Low-pressure jets (6.3 mm nozzle) of directed water from any angle |
| 6 |  | High-pressure jets (12.5 mm nozzle) of directed water from any angle |
| 7 |  | Submersion for a depth of up to 1 meter |
| 8 |  | Extended submersion for depth of 1 meter or more |
Recommendation: As a general guideline, scooters with an IPX4 rating can handle light rain and splashes. For riding in heavy rain or through puddles, you should choose a scooter with a moisture rating of at least IPX6.
Durability: Ensuring Long-lasting Performance
Prioritizing good build quality, durable tires, sturdy folding mechanisms, and reliable battery management systems can make a significant difference to the long-term performance of your scooter. Here’s what to look out for:
Build Quality: Commuter scooters have to contend with a lot of daily wear and tear, so you must choose one with a high degree of durability. Well-built scooters will have proprietary frames that are made from 6061 aluminum – an alloy known for its excellent strength-to-weight ratio – and have undergone precise CNC machining to ensure extreme accuracy for consistent quality.
Tire Durability: As mentioned earlier in the guide, pneumatic tires offer the most comfortable riding experience, however, different types vary in their durability. Those with inner tubes are more prone to punctures, whereas those that are tubeless provide greater resistance to flats thanks to their thicker walls. For the most reliable setup, it’s best to opt for no-flat tubeless tires since they are lined with a gel that automatically seals small punctures. This reduces maintenance and the risk of sudden deflation during your commute.
Sturdy Folding Mechanisms: Frequent folding and unfolding can cause joints to loosen, leading to stems that rock back and forth, and handlebars that have wiggle room. Here, you should look for folding mechanisms that use either strong anchored levers that pull the stems flush to the base of the joints, or safety pins that lock the stems in place. Similarly, there are two types of foldable handlebars – including those with either screw-release or pull-release cuffs. The former allows you to tighten either side of the handlebars to eliminate wiggle room, but you’ll need to spend 20-30 seconds unscrewing the threaded cuffs when you want to fold them. On the other hand, pull-release cuffs allow you to pull the handgrips away from the T-bar before folding them parallel to the stem. Over time, you may find that the grips develop some wiggle. Here, you need to make sure that you can tighten the grub screws on either side of the T-bar to fill the wiggle space.
Battery Management Systems (BMS): A reliable BMS is vital, especially for commuter scooters that need to be recharged every day. In short, these systems keep batteries operating within safe limits by protecting them against over-charging, low-voltage, over-discharging, over-current, and over-heating. Additionally, a BMS provides real-time data to the scooter’s display to offer accurate battery level readings and alert you to any potential issues through error codes. These help to ensure that your scooter is ready for your next commute.
How I Test Build Quality
Learn More About Battery Management Systems
Be Seen, Be Safe: Enhancing Visibility With Lights for Safer Rides
Lighting is a crucial safety feature, especially for early morning and late evening commutes. Not only does it ensure that you can see the road ahead, but it also increases your visibility to other road users. Here are the key factors to consider when evaluating a scooter’s lighting rig:
Headlights: A bright, well-positioned headlight needs to meet three criteria. First, it has to emit a minimum of 500 lumens to ensure a clear line of sight. Second, it should be mounted high on the stem to project further down the road, rather than just illuminating the immediate area directly in front of the scooter. Third, it needs to cast out a wide, equal distribution of light that not only illuminates the way ahead but also the periphery of the scooter (i.e. a beam angle of 120 degrees). If the headlight on your scooter isn't adequate, you attach rechargeable clip-on lights.
Taillights: A rear light is just as important as a headlight for safety, as it makes you visible to cars and pedestrians from behind. Many commuter scooters come equipped with taillights, but those that are the most effective flash when you brake.
Stem & Deck Lights: These are particularly useful when riding in traffic, as they help drivers spot you from all angles. However, they are nice-to-have features, as opposed to need-to-have. If your scooter doesn’t come with them, consider adding reflective decals or wearing a reflective vest for extra safety.
Turn Signals: Turn signals communicate your directional intentions to other road users, making them incredibly important for reducing the risk of accidents. They also eliminate the need for arm signals so that you can keep both hands on the handlebars to improve control and safety. The best setups have signals that flash at the end of each handgrip, as well as at the rear of the deck.
Braking Power: Safety with Reliable Braking Systems
Reliable brakes are essential for safety in stop-and-go traffic. For scooters that have top speeds of less than 25 mph, I recommend at least one mechanical brake. For speeds beyond this, dual brakes are required.
The type of brakes used doesn’t matter so much as long they perform highly. However, it’s worth noting that drums are extremely low maintenance, making them a preferable option for everyday use. Regenerative systems are hassle-free, too, while they also recycle kinetic energy back into the battery to extend your range.
When evaluating a commuter scooter’s braking setup, take note of the distance that it takes to stop.
| Performance | Stop From 15 MPH |
|---|---|
| Excellent | < 2.5 meters |
| Very Good | 2.5 - 3.0 meters |
| Good | 3.0 - 3.5 meters |
| Fair | 3.5 - 4.0 meters |
| Poor | > 4.0 meters |
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How I Test Braking Performance
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Still unsure which scooter to choose? Check out my recommendations and compare models below.
