4 Best Lightweight Electric Scooters (21 Shortlisted & Tested)
Top Picks: Best Lightweight Electric Scooters
Based on my experience testing a wide array of electric scooters, I consider any model weighing less than 45 lbs to be lightweight, especially when compared to the 60.2 lbs average of all those that I’ve reviewed.
With this in mind, I shortlisted 21 lightweight models, tested them, and hand-selected the 4 top performers.
Key to my decision was each scooter's weight, folding mechanisms, dimensions, and ease of carrying. I also completed full performance tests – including speed, acceleration, hill climbing, range, braking, and ride quality assessments.
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Best Low Budget
VMAX VX5 ST
Performance Report:
Tester: Josh Frisby (190 lbs, 6.1 ft)
- Top Speed: 18 mph
- Real Speed: 17.4 mph*
- 0-15 mph: 6.7 s*
- Max Range: 17 miles
- Real Range: 14.3 miles*
- Braking: 2.0 meters*
- Max Incline: 14 degrees
- Optimal Incline: 8 degrees*
- Load: 265 lbs
Weight & Dimensions:
- Weight: 35.9 lbs
- Folded (L x W x H): 42.9 x 21.3 x 19.3 in
Folding Mechanisms:
- Folding Mechanism: Stem Lever
- Foldable Handlebars: No
- Telescopic stem: No
VMAX VX5 ST Overview:
If your purse strings are tight but you still want to reap the rewards of a lightweight electric scooter, the VMAX VX5 ST is a great place to start.
Weighing just 35.9 lbs, but carrying enough power to please commuters and casual riders alike, it’s a reliable everyday model.
Relative to the other low-budget models that I tested, it scores top marks in almost every department, subverting the long-held belief that budget scooters must make compromises on quality. Truth is, no other scooter in its price class can lay claim to such all-around excellence.
The Good:
- Competitive performance profile
- 11% faster acceleration compared to the average of its rivals
- Shortest stopping distance among its rivals
- Best design and build in its price class
- Wider than normal handlebars promote good handling
- Regenerative braking system recycles kinetic energy to recharge the battery on the go
- High quality UL2272-certified battery
- Grippy and nimble 8.5-inch tubed tires
- Immaculate cable management
- 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 ST:
The first thing that comes to my mind when testing a budget scooter is how well it’ll fare in the long term. Well, at the time of writing this review, I’ve had the VX5 for well over 7 months, and it’s still going strong.
Yet, what's most impressive is the fact that VMAX's customer support is the best among all budget brands (I've tested a bunch of models from Turboant, Hiboy, GoTrax, and many more, but none compare). This is further evident through their 2-year warranty, which by my experience, is unheard of in its price class. To put this into perspective, it is twice as long as Turboant's policy.
Alongside its reliable foundations, and despite it being as tough as an anvil, it's also light enough to carry without so much as a twitch in your shoulder. There’s minimal exposed wiring, too, while the IPX6-rated frame and wobble-free stem easily withstand the stresses of everyday use.
The handlebars, meanwhile, measure 21.3 inches, making them – by my measurements – 29% wider than the average budget scooter, whilst also affording greater control and balance when riding at speed. This control is enhanced further by the tactile rubber grips and ergonomic thumb throttle.
Yet, beyond the basic controls, the VX5 has a trick up its sleeve. Despite being a low-cost scooter, it's equipped with a mobile app. Via the app, you can enable an electronic lock, turn the lights on or off, switch between riding modes, change the units from imperial to metric, and select either kick-to-start or zero-start mode. Then, in the advanced settings, you can adjust both your acceleration and regenerative braking strength.
On the topic of power, let’s take a look at how the VX5 fared in my performance tests. First up, speed. With the throttle pushed to its limit, the 36V 400W motor propelled me to 17.4 mph, and accelerated to 15 mph in just 6.7 seconds. This makes it 11% quicker than its similarly-priced competitors.
Thankfully, the VX5 also has a strong pair of brakes. With its front drum and rear regenerative braking system – another rare feature to find on a scooter of its price – I stopped from 15 mph in just 2.0 meters. This is best-in-class, taking the crown from the Turboant M10 Lite (2.9 meters).
As for range, VMAX claims that the ST model can keep its wheels rolling for a maximum of 17 miles, but based on the results from my tests its real-world range sits at 14.3 miles. Against the backdrop of the other sub-$450 scooters that I tested, its UL2272-certified battery is yet another mark of the quality on offer (it’s passed several tests for fire safety and electrical hazards).
However, it's worth noting that when compared to the VMAX VX5 Pro GT, it falls short by 4.7 miles – this is reflected in the Pro’s higher price.
Now, aside from a reliable range, satisfying speed, and responsive braking experience, ride quality is a determining factor in a scooter’s appeal. Unlike a lot of budget models that are equipped with solid rubber tires to keep costs down, the VX5 benefits from 8.5-inch pneumatics that provide ample cushioning to soak up the irregularities of streets and sidewalks.
Combine the plush tires with the well-balanced frame and the VX5’s ride quality is as good as it gets for a scooter of its price. In fact, it felt as good to ride as the more expensive VMAX VX2 Pro.
Last but by no mean least, let me give you a quick rundown of the 3-step folding mechanism – it's the epitome of what you'd expect from a Swiss-founded brand. You simply have to pull back on the lever, lower the stem, and clip the spring-loaded latch on the back of the handlebars to the hook on the rear fender.
Once folded, it isn’t as small as ultra-compact scooters like the Mosquito, but measuring 42.9 (L) x 21.3 (W) x 19.3 (H) inches it can still fit in a car trunk and under an office desk.
Best Overall Budget
VMAX VX5 Pro GT
Performance Report:
Tester: Josh Frisby (197 lbs, 6.1 ft)
- Top Speed: 18 mph
- Real Speed: 17.4 mph*
- 0-15 mph: 6.7 s*
- Max Range: 22 miles
- Real Range: 19 miles*
- Braking: 2.0 meters*
- Max Incline: 14 degrees
- Optimal Incline: 8 degrees*
- Load: 265 lbs
Weight & Dimensions:
- Weight: 36.8 lbs
- Folded (L x W x H): 43.7 x 21.9 x 18.5 in
Folding Mechanisms:
- Folding Mechanism: Stem Lever
- Foldable Handlebars: No
- Telescopic stem: No
VMAX VX5 Pro GT Overview:
It wasn’t too long ago that a budget of $600 would buy you a scooter with sub-par build quality, poor real-world tested performance metrics, and a shoddy design. The VMAX VX5 Pro GT has truly put those times to bed: this is a model that oozes quality from every pore.
The Swiss-made VX5 Pro bears all the precision engineering qualities that put the country’s clocks and knives on the map. All-purpose, meticulously crafted, and lightweight, it’s perfectly tuned for the everyday needs of commuters, students, and those seeking a recreational pair of wheels.
Boasting a smorgasbord of useful features, top-tier ride quality, and one of the most reliable warranties in the industry, it’s forever reset expectations on what a budget model can and should deliver.
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:
Weighing 36.8 lbs, it may not be in the same league as the ultra-portable Mosquito, but it’s still firmly in the lightweight category. This is great news for anyone who lives or works up a flight of stairs while getting on and off public transport poses no difficulties.
It’s incredibly easy to fold, too. Equipped with a quick and painless folding lever that facilitates the collapsing of the stem in just a couple of seconds, the Pro measures 43.7 (L) x 21.9 (W) x 18.5 (H) inches. The spring-loaded latch on the back of the handlebars seamlessly hooks into the rear fender, too. Lifting the scooter is made all the easier by the thin stem which can you grab and hold onto for extended periods.
But portability is just one string on the VX5 Pro’s bow. Another is its inclusive design. Despite being a light scooter, it can support a rider weight of up to 265 lbs, while its 40.2-inch deck-to-handlebar height is suitable for anyone up to 6’3”. However, it’s worth noting that for heavier riders, I recommend checking out the more powerful VMAX VX2 Pro GT.
That’s not to say that the VX5 Pro doesn’t have the power to satisfy first-time riders, though. Under my tests, its single 36V 400W motor produced an acceleration rate that saw me hit 15 mph in 6.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 17.4 mph. Plus, with a peak output of 840W it completed my 10% hill grade test, making it ideal for neighborhoods that gentle to moderate inclines.
The story is similar when we switch the focus to range. The VX5 Pro’s GT battery has up to 22 miles in its locker when ridden under best-case conditions, however, based on my grueling tests, I got 19.04 miles. This equates to 87% of its maximum, which not only outperforms the 60-70% average achieved by most scooters but also the 16.29-mile average of its similarly-priced competitors. What’s more, the battery is UL2272-certified, offering protection against fires and electrical hazards.
Safety is also imbued in the VX5 Pro’s braking setup. The front drum and rear regen brought me to a stop from 15 mph in just 2.0 meters. This is quite simply phenomenal for such an affordable scooter, never mind the fact that it comes to a stop 54% quicker than its rivals. The strength of the regenerative system can be adjusted via the mobile app, too, whilst it can also be operated on its own thanks to the right-hand brake lever – in doing so, you recycle kinetic energy to recharge the battery on the go.
Working alongside the brakes are a pair of extremely grippy 9-inch tires. Pneumatic and with a wavey tread pattern, they elevate the VX5 Pro’s handling and control above the rest of the budget scooters that I’ve tested. Factor in handlebars that are 33% wider than those found on popular rivals like the Turboant X7 Max, a spacious deck, and a 9-degree rake angle, and you have a scooter that’s been fine-tuned to maximize stability and maneuverability.
Completing the highlight reel is an IPX6 water resistance rating and long fenders that distinguish the VX5 Pro as the best all-weather scooter in the budget category; a lighting rig complete with turn signals that safely illuminates the path ahead; and a 2-year warranty that not only offers cover for twice as long as competing scooters but is also far more extensive.
Best Hill Climber, Suspension & Fastest
SPLACH Turbo
Performance Report:
Tester: Josh Frisby (190 lbs, 6.1 ft)
- Top Speed: 28 mph
- Real Speed: 26 mph*
- 0-15 mph: 4.3 s*
- Max Range: 22 miles
- Real Range: 18 miles*
- Braking: 2.4 meters*
- Suspension: 6/10*
- Max Incline: 14 degrees
- Optimal Incline: 9 degrees*
- Load: 265 lbs
Weight & Dimensions:
- Weight: 45 lbs
- Folded (L x W x H): 42.9 x 7.9 x 15.7 in
Folding Mechanisms:
- Folding Mechanism: Cantilevered
- Foldable Handlebars: Screw-release
- Telescopic stem: Yes
SPLACH Turbo Overview:
To be the best lightweight scooter in not one, not two, but three categories, it has to be quite spectacular. The SPLACH Turbo is just that. But then, this is the model that attracted $805k from 1,128 backers on Indiegogo upon its initial launch in 2020. Excitement has followed it for years.
And now, the Turbo has been revamped. Its rip-roaring speed and scintillating acceleration remain, as does its exquisite suspension, supremely compact frame, and low-maintenance design. But this time around, it also includes an NFC card reader for added security and turn signals for extra safety.
Best of all, however, is that at $699, the new SPLACH Turbo is cheaper than its predecessor. If it’s value for money that you seek, this scooter is worth considering.
The Good:
- Outstanding value for money
- Chart-topping speed and acceleration
- Dual swingarm suspension is rare in its price category
- Responsive dual drum brakes outperform competitors
- Exceptionally nimble
- Adjustable handlebar height
- Suitable for both tall and heavy riders
- NFC security system to unlock the scooter
- Low maintenance
- IPX5 water-resistance rating
The Bad:
- The lighting setup scores top marks for style - the problem is, there isn’t enough illumination for night rides
Why I Recommend the SPLACH Turbo:
At first glance, the SPLACH Turbo is a bit of a beast when compared to models like the VMAX VX5 Pro GT. At 24 inches, the handlebars are among the widest you’ll find, while its 45 lbs weight is the heaviest in this guide. It can, however, be carried in short bursts with relative ease.
Plus, let’s not forget that in the grand scheme of electric scooters, 45 lbs can still be considered light – especially when compared to the 60.2 lbs average of all the models that I’ve tested.
What sets it apart, however, is the compactness of its design. As well as having a cantilevered folding mechanism that enables you to collapse the stem swiftly, the Turbo sports foldable handlebars and a telescopic stem.
Something that shouldn’t go overlooked though, is the cuffs that hold the handlebars in place – these are threaded to ensure that they remain solid when tightened. This is a better design than the pop-on, pop-off cuffs on the Mosquito since they dramatically reduce wiggle room in the grips.
With everything compacted (which takes just 15 seconds), it measures 42.9 (L) x 7.9 (W) x 15.7 (H) inches. Based on my measurements of other scooters that don’t have as many folding mechanisms, it’s around 22% smaller.
Then there’s the Turbo’s crowning glory: its 48V 600W motor. By my measurements, this howitzer packs 20% more wattage than its competitors, manifesting into a standard-setting 4.3-second acceleration to 15 mph and a chart-topping 26 mph tested top speed among 14 comparable models within its price class.
It’s worth noting that you can also adjust the accelerative strength via the p-settings, which can be accessed on the display.
With the Turbo’s exceptional power, also comes strong hill climbing capabilities (relative to the rest of the lightweight category). Here, the Turbo easily conquers moderate slopes, making it well-suited to undulating environments. If, however, you live in an area plagued by steep hills, you may want to consider a more powerful scooter instead.
Another area of performance where the Turbo impressed me was in the 2.4 meters that it took to stop from 15 mph. This outstrips the 5.0-meter average of its most immediate rivals, whilst it's also the only scooter – along with its sibling, the SPLACH Ranger – to feature dual mechanical brakes in the sub-$700 class.
Where the Turbo does fall short – compared to its rivals, though, is range. Its 52V 10.4Ah battery promises to deliver a maximum of 22 miles on a single charge, though my tests revealed an 18-mile real-world range. This is still enough for everyday needs, but not particularly eye-popping when lined up against rivals like the VMAX VX2 Pro GT and its 30.6 miles.
One aspect of the Turbo’s design that is eye-popping though, is its full suspension system. It’s exceptionally rare to find dual springs and swingarms on a scooter within the Turbo’s price class. Predictably, this distinguishes it as a cut above the rest when it comes to ride quality. Combined with the air-filled tire at the front, it cushions the ride by absorbing shocks from the road, whilst it also doesn’t bottom out. I cannot praise this setup enough.
Among other highlights are an IPX5 water resistance rating, a stem strip light, turn signals, and an NFC card reader for enhanced security.
Fast, powerful, smooth, and portable, the SPLACH Turbo was one of the easiest selections that I had to make for my list of top picks.
Best Build Quality, Commuter & Longest Range
VMAX VX2 Pro GT
Performance Report:
Tester: Josh Frisby (197 lbs, 6.1 ft)
- Top Speed: 24 mph
- Real Speed: 24.5 mph*
- 0-15 mph: 3.8 s*
- Max Range: 37 miles
- Real Range: 30.6 miles*
- Braking: 3.0 meters*
- Suspension: n/a
- Max Incline: 15 degrees
- Optimal Incline: 9 degrees*
- Load: 287 lbs
Weight & Dimensions:
- Weight: 45 lbs
- Folded (L x W x H): 44.5 x 23.0 x 19.3 in
Folding Mechanisms:
- Folding Mechanism: Stem Lever
- Foldable Handlebars: No
- Telescopic stem: No
VMAX VX2 Pro GT Overview:
Switzerland is a country associated with things that are made very, very well. Clocks, knives, cheese, chocolate… and now, thanks to VMAX, electric scooters. Exhibit A: the VX2 Pro GT.
From its impeccable design, immaculate cable management, and high-quality UL2272-certified battery; to its IPX6 water resistance rating, regenerative braking system, and customizable mobile app: everything about this model exudes a rarified aura of quality.
Factor in a best-in-class real-world tested range, torquey motor, and effortless folding mechanism, and you have one heck of a lightweight scooter.
Sure, it’s a little pricier than its downgraded counterpart – the VX5 Pro GT – but if added power and stamina are important to you then frankly, there’s only one choice.
The Good:
- Longest tested range in the sub-$1,000 class
- Fastest acceleration among similarly priced single-motor scooters
- Strong brakes that use a regenerative system to recycle kinetic energy to recharge the battery on the go
- Exceptionally quiet motor
- Impeccable build quality
- Nimble tubeless tires
- Suitable for tall and heavy riders
- Bright lights with excellent turn signals that are visible from the front, rear, and sides
- Mobile app allows for customized performance
- Slick folding mechanism
- Tidy cable management
- Protective IPX6 water-resistance rating
- Long fenders that prevent splashback
- Low maintenance
- 2-year warranty
The Bad:
- Doesn’t have suspension
- 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 VX2 Pro GT:
Let’s start with the VX2 Pro’s 48V 16Ah GT battery. Usually, the real-world range of an electric scooter sits somewhere between 60-70% of their maximum. Here, however, it’s 83%. Under my tests, the Pro managed to eke out a standard-setting 30.56 miles from its 37-mile maximum. No other model in its price class gets close with the average of 12 competing scooters clocking just 21 miles.
It’s no slouch, either. Propelled by a 48V 500W motor, I hit a top speed of 24.5 mph, with only the SPLACH Turbo able to go faster among other lightweight models.
I should note at this point that, in order to fulfill the VX2 Pro’s speed potential, ‘Beast Mode’ needs to be activated. To do this, I simply tapped the On/Power button five times, selected Mode 2 on the display via a push of the thumb throttle, and pressed the On/Power button another five times to lock the setting change in.
As for acceleration, it’s another slam-dunk. I zoomed to 15 mph from a standing start in just 3.8 seconds. Not only is it the fastest among single-motor scooters, but it also tops the charts across the lightweight category. It even beats the dual-motored Unagi Voyager (4.4 seconds) – a scooter that, although lightweight, is extremely overpriced and lacking in ride quality.
Such power does, of course, require brakes that are up to the challenge of reining it in. No concerns here: the VX2 Pro’s front drum and rear regen brought me to a complete stop from 15 mph in 3.0 meters.
The regen brake can also be used independently to reduce wear and tear on the drum, whilst also recharging your battery on the go. Better yet, its strength can be adjusted via the mobile app, which also allows you to alter the intensity of your acceleration, as well as lock and unlock the scooter, turn the lights on and off, switch between riding modes (eco or sport), and choose between kick-to-start or zero-start mode.
Undoubtedly, the secret behind the VX2 Pro’s outstanding performance profile is its build quality. The silent motor and UL2272-certified battery are of the highest spec, while a supremely ergonomic thumb throttle and well-balanced frame ensure a smooth, stable, and rapid transition through the gears.
Then there are the handlebars which are the optimal width for maximizing balance, the tactile grips that are stippled on top and cross-hatched on the underside for a reassuring sense of control, and the 9-degree rake angle that strikes the perfect balance between stability and nimbleness.
If there was one area of its design that I felt didn’t live up to the rest, it would be its lack of suspension. Yet, the 10-inch pneumatic tires supply heaps of traction and cushioning to ensure a high level of ride quality – just don’t expect a magic carpet ride (for this, check out the SPLACH Turbo, or if you don’t mind a scooter that’s a little heavier, the VMAX VX4).
On the topic of weight, the VX2 Pro GT weighs 45 lbs. As previously mentioned in my review of the SPLACH Turbo – another scooter that weighs 45 lbs – this can still be considered light, especially when compared to the 60.2 lbs average of all the models that I’ve ever tested.
Sure, it may not be the lightest – that title’s reserved for the Mosquito – but with a slick folding mechanism that allows you to collapse the stem via a simple lever and a spring-loaded latch on the back of the handlebars that connects to a hook protruding from the rear fender, it can be folded and carried in a matter of seconds. The thin stem is easy to hold, too.
Once folded, it measures 44.5 (L) x 23.0 (W) x 19.3 (H) inches, which is small enough for most trunks.
One last set features that I want to draw your attention to is the lights. With a high-mounted headlight that’s just about bright enough for night rides and a set of turn signals that flash not only at the end of the handlebars but also at the rear of the deck, the VX2 Pro has one of the most complete lighting rigs of all the scooters in the sub-$1,000 class.
What impressed me the most, though, was the fact that the handlebar-integrated turn signals were impervious to damage thanks to their rubber endcaps. This is a far cry from the fragile plastic that I smashed on the Apollo Go’s turn signals.
With everything that the VMAX VX2 Pro GT has to offer, it possesses all the necessary ingredients to leave both casual riders and more seasoned scooterists feeling satisfied. It’s a standout scooter that’ll forever be a favorite of mine.
Compare Lightweight Electric Scooters
The table below compares the best lightweight electric scooters across weight, folded dimensions, performance, specs, price, and more.
VMAX VX5 ST | VMAX VX5 Pro | SPLACH Turbo | VMAX VX2 Pro |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Where to Buy | VMAX | VMAX | SPLACH | VMAX |
| Price | $299 | $499 | $699 | $899 |
| Award | Best Low Budget | Best Overall Budget | Best Hill Climber, Suspension & Fastest | Best Build Quality, Commuter & Longest Range |
| Review | Review | Review | Review | Review |
| Performance | ||||
| Top Speed | 18 mph | 18 mph | 28 mph | 24 mph |
| 0-15 MPH | 6.7 s | 6.7 s | 4.3 s | 3.8 s |
| Max Range | 17 miles | 22 miles | 22 miles | 37 miles |
| Tested Range | 14.3 miles | 19 miles | 18 miles | 30.6 miles |
| Braking | 2.0 meters | 2.0 meters | 2.4 meters | 3.0 meters |
| Suspension | n/a | n/a | 6/10 | n/a |
| Max Incline | 14 degrees | 14 degrees | 14 degrees | 15 degrees |
| Optimal Incline | 8 degrees | 8 degrees | 9 degrees | 9 degrees |
| Portability | ||||
| Weight | 35.9 lbs | 36.8 lbs | 45 lbs | 45 lbs |
| Folded Length | 42.9 in | 43.7 in | 42.9 in | 44.5 in |
| Folded Width | 21.3 in | 21.9 in | 7.9 in | 23.0 in |
| Folded Height | 19.3 in | 18.5 in | 15.7 in | 19.3 in |
| Foldability | Stem Lever | Stem Lever | Cantilevered Stem, Foldable Handlebars, Telescopic Stem | Stem Lever |
| Specs | ||||
| Motor | 36V 400W | 36V 400W | 48V 600W | 48V 500W |
| Throttle | Thumb | Thumb | Finger | Thumb |
| Battery | 36V 7.8Ah FST | 36V 10.4Ah FST | 52V 10.4Ah FST | 48V 16Ah FST |
| Charge Time | 4 hours | 5 hours | 7 hours | 8.5 hours |
| Brakes | Drum, Regen | Drum, Regen | Dual drums, Electronic | Drum, Regen |
| Suspension | None | None | Springs, Swingarms | None |
| Tire Size | 8.5 inch | 9 inch | 8.5 inch | 10 inch |
| Tire Type | Air (Inner-Tube) | Air (Tubeless) | Air (Inner-Tube), Solid (Rubber) | Air (Tubeless) |
| Load | 265 lbs | 265 lbs | 265 lbs | 287 lbs |
| Lights | Headlight, Taillight | Headlight, Taillight, Turn Signals | Stem Strip, Deck LEDs, Taillights, Turn Signals | Headlight, Taillight, Turn Signals |
| IP Rating | IPX6 | IPX6 | IPX5 | IPX6 |
| Terrain | Street | Street | Street | Street |
How Did I Test the Scooters?
Based on my experience testing a wide array of electric scooters, I consider any model weighing less than 45 lbs to be lightweight, especially when compared to the 60.2 lbs average of all those that I’ve reviewed.
With this in mind, I shortlisted 21 lightweight models, tested them, and hand-selected the 4 top performers.
Key to my decision was each scooter's weight, folding mechanisms, dimensions, and ease of carrying. I also completed full performance tests – including speed, acceleration, hill climbing, range, braking, and ride quality assessments.
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:
Weight
As previously mentioned, I shortlisted 20 electric scooters that weighed less than 45 lbs. However, to compare and assess their performance relative to similar models, I grouped them into three categories, including Ultra-Light (25-30 lbs), Super-Light (30-35 lbs), and Light (35-45 lbs).
This, alongside the results from my other tests, allowed me to select the scooters that had the best blend of performance in their weight category.
Foldability
Electric scooters are designed to be practical, so I tested each model’s folding mechanisms. Where possible, this included the main mechanism, collapsible handlebars, and telescopic stems.
While I reported on their ease of use and the time it took for each to be fully collapsed, I also assessed their rigidity (for example, I found that some folding levers loosened after repeated use, causing the stem to rock back and forth), and whether the folded scooter could be picked up and carried.
Dimensions
During my tests, it became apparent that electric scooters can vary significantly in their folded dimensions. Those with the smallest profiles combined cantilevered mechanisms with foldable handlebars and retractable stems.
Taking measurements from the most compact and least compact of my shortlisted group of lightweight scooters, the most compact model had combined dimensions (i.e. length + width + height) that were 31% smaller. The most notable difference, however, was in width. Here, there was a 75% decrease in size (7.5 vs 23 inches).
While the folded dimensions of each scooter didn’t play a particularly large role in my selection, it did prove useful in identifying the models that scored the highest in portability.
Performance
Using a set of standardized criteria for each performance test, I collected results detailing each scooter’s top speed, acceleration to 15 mph, hill climbing capabilities, real-world range, stopping distance from 15 mph, and ride quality (handling and comfort).
The results were then compared to identify the models that represented the best value for money.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| SPLACH Turbo |
$699
| 26 mph |
| VMAX VX2 Pro GT |
$899
| 24.5 mph |
| VMAX VX5 Pro GT |
$499
| 17.4 mph |
| VMAX VX5 ST |
$299
| 17.4 mph |
Acceleration (0-15 MPH)
Ordered from fastest to slowest – Learn about how I test acceleration.
| Scooter | Price | 0-15 MPH |
|---|---|---|
| VMAX VX2 Pro GT |
$899
| 3.8 s |
| SPLACH Turbo |
$699
| 4.3 s |
| VMAX VX5 Pro GT |
$499
| 6.7 s |
| VMAX VX5 ST |
$299
| 6.7 s |
Real-World Range
Ordered from longest to shortest range – Learn about how I test real-world range.
| Scooter | Price | Tested Range |
|---|---|---|
| VMAX VX2 Pro GT |
$899
| 30.6 miles |
| VMAX VX5 Pro GT |
$499
| 19 miles |
| SPLACH Turbo |
$699
| 18 miles |
| VMAX VX5 ST |
$299
| 14.3 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 |
$499
| 2.0 meters |
| VMAX VX5 ST |
$299
| 2.0 meters |
| SPLACH Turbo |
$699
| 2.4 meters |
| VMAX VX2 Pro GT |
$899
| 3.0 meters |
FAQs
What's the Lightest Electric Scooter?
The lightest electric scooter is the Mosquito. It has an ultra-compact frame that weighs just 29 lbs. Impressively, it also sports a high power-to-weight ratio, making it an extremely popular choice for riders who want the best of both worlds: portability and performance.
Is a Lighter Scooter Better Than a Heavier One?
This depends entirely on what you want from an electric scooter.
For instance, if you're searching for a model that can be quickly collapsed and carried for your daily commute, then a lighter scooter will be a good fit for you.
On the other hand, if you want to experience fast top speeds, ride for prolonged periods, and venture off the beaten track, then a heavier model with more features and power will be better.
Generally speaking, as the weight of an electric scooter increases, so too does its performance.
Why Are Electric Scooters So Heavy?
The main component that adds weight to an electric scooter is the battery. Some units can weigh up to 30 lbs. Then you have the weight of the frame, motors, suspension, and so on.
Based on my database, electric scooters for adults can weigh between 25 and 145 lbs, with the average of all those that I’ve tested sitting at 60.2 lbs.
Are Electric Scooters Heavy to Carry?
While lightweight electric scooters can be considered to weigh between 25 and 45 lbs, there's no denying that they can be heavy to carry for prolonged periods.
The most important thing to consider, though, is the angle of the folded stem, since this is what you'll hold onto. Stems that fold parallel to the deck are easier to carry since the weight of the scooter is balanced. On the other hand, stems that fold down to the deck at an angle can be more cumbersome because of the uneven weight distribution.
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 lightweight electric scooters. Learn more about my editorial policy.
- December 2, 2024: Following the VMAX VX5 LT's unavailability, I replaced it with the VMAX VX5 ST. The text was refreshed throughout.
- November 20, 2024: Replaced the Turboant M10 Lite with the VMAX VX5 LT as the "Best Low Budget" lightweight electric scooter. Refreshed the text throughout.
- November 7, 2024: Removed the Horizon V2 and Mosquito following their unavailability. Changed the VMAX VX2 Pro from the "Best Build Quality & Longest Range" to the "Best Build Quality, Commuter & Longest Range". Refreshed the text throughout.
- September 20, 2024: Confirmed my picks for relevancy and availability.
- August 22, 2024: Refreshed the entire guide with 6 new models. Instead of categorizing the scooters by weight (i.e. light, super-light, and ultra-light), I selected the best models by use case (i.e. the best budget, longest range, fastest, and so on).
- July 29, 2024: Improved the design of the page.
- March 21, 2024: Confirmed my picks for relevancy and availability.
- November 14, 2023: Confirmed my picks for relevancy and availability.
- September 3, 2023: Published my list of the best lightweight electric scooters.
