3 Best Off-Road Electric Scooters – I Tested 25 Models Across Varying Terrain
Top Picks: Best Off-Road Electric Scooters
To find the 3 best off-road electric scooters, I shortlisted 25 candidates and tested them across a variety of challenging terrain, including parks, fields, dirt paths, grassy knolls, forested trails, and rocky tracks.
Central to my considerations were ride quality (including handling, ground clearance, shock absorption, and tire performance), power (including torque and acceleration, braking strength, and incline ability), and durability (including IP ratings and each scooter’s craftsmanship i.e. did they withstand grueling off-road rides).
Budget
Top choices that are on the lowest end of the price scale, but still make light work of off-road terrain.
Mid-Range
Top choices that have more power, higher ground clearance, and deeper traveling suspension to take on less predictable terrain.
Premium
Top choices that are capable of adapting to any environment while maintaining a supreme level of ride quality.
Best By Type: Off-Road Electric Scooters By Use Case
Cheapest
Further Information:
Cheap Electric Scooters
Heavy Riders
- Varla Eagle One V2 – Supports up to 330 lbs
Further Information:
Heavy Duty Electric Scooters for Heavy Adults
Fastest
- Mantis King GT – 43 mph (and the fastest acceleration)
Further Information:
Fast Electric Scooters
Longest Range
- Mantis King GT – 56 miles max (38 miles under real-world riding conditions)
Further Information:
Long Range Electric Scooters
Most Portable
- SPLACH Titan – 64 lbs and a simple folding mechanism
Further Information:
Best Foldable Electric Scooters (Portable, Compact & Small)
Commuting
Further Information:
Commuting Electric Scooters
Hill Climbing
- Mantis King GT – Steep inclines
Further Information:
Electric Scooters For Climbing Hills: Breeze Up the Steepest of Inclines
Suspension
- Mantis King GT – Adjustable hydraulic shocks and swingarms (scores 9 out of 10 on my shock absorption scale)
Further Information:
Electric Scooters With Suspension: 5 Buttery-Smooth Rides
Waterproof
- Mantis King GT – IPX5 water-resistance rating
Further Information:
Waterproof Electric Scooters: Best Scooters For Riding in the Rain
Optional Seat
- Varla Eagle One V2 – Seat costs $159
Further Information:
Best Seated Scooters
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See the Scooters in Action:
Watch my video of the best off-road electric scooters.
Best Under $1,500
SPLACH Titan
Performance Report:
Tester: Josh Frisby (190 lbs, 6.1 ft)
- Top Speed: 32/37 mph
- 0-15 mph: 2.5 s*
- 0-25 mph: 4.9 s*
- Max Range: 44 miles
- Real Range: 29 miles*
- Braking: 2.4 meters*
- Suspension: 8.5/10*
- Max Incline: 20 degrees
- Optimal Incline: 12 degrees*
- Weight: 64 lbs
- Load: 220 lbs
SPLACH Titan Overview:
The best off-road scooters are a marriage of brawn and beauty. They’re built like tanks, exude bursting power, and ride like a hot knife cutting through butter. Cue the all-new SPLACH Titan, a model with few – if any – equals.
So, why is it so special? Well, SPLACH isn’t your average scooter brand. No. This outlier makes premium scooters, sells them at bargain prices, and eschews profits in the process. What’s not to love?
It’s a question you’ll be asking yourself after several spins on the Titan. Here, you get game-changing performance, exquisite suspension, and the durability required to master any terrain. If you’re looking for that WOW factor on a tight budget, you can call off the search.
The Good:
- Outstanding value for money
- Chart-topping performance in its price class and beyond
- Supremely smooth suspension
- Handles all types of terrain
- Fat tires with terrain-agnostic tread
- One of the best lighting packages in the industry
- Excellent for long-range rides
- Superb folding mechanism
- Sharp and responsive brakes
- Secret hiding spot for an Apple Air Tag
- IP54 water-resistance rating
The Bad:
- Deck is a little short
- Front-on profile of the tires is square and prevents aggressive carving/cornering (but you can opt for the 10-inch tire variant which is as good on the straights as it is in the corners)
- Higher load capacity would make it more accessible to heavy riders
Why I Recommend the SPLACH Titan:
When considering which scooter is best for your off-roading needs, attention invariably gets drawn to the suspension set-up. Bumps and jolts are two a penny when erring away from the beaten track, so you’ll want a model that gives your joints and muscles an easy time. Well, this is one of many areas where the SPLACH Titan excels.
Armed with perfectly-calibrated front and rear springs, the Titan takes everything from forest trails and dirt tracks to rocky routes in its stride. Thanks to its rubber bushings and deep-traveling swingarms, the suspension adapts to different terrain with minimal fuss. Its performance is comparable to the significantly more expensive, yet supremely smooth, INOKIM OxO. And unlike other scooters, there’s no bottoming out (clanking of the springs), even when the springs are compressed to their maximum.
But of course, a great suspension system needs a strong supporting cast. The Titan certainly has that, with ultra-wide 27-inch handlebars, ergonomic controls, and lavish, air-filled tires each playing a crucial role when it comes to balance and stability.
The wheels in particular are very interesting. They feature a tread and profile that I’ve never seen on 9-inch tires before, falling somewhere between rounded and square. Knobbly and extra thick, they feel at home on looser, scratchier terrain – their traction and cushioning credentials are faultless. And if you do decide you want a larger surface area, for an extra $150 you can purchase the Titan with 10-inch tires. These come with an even more textured tread for greater grip.
But regardless of which tires you choose, one thing you’ll notice is the Titan’s power. Brandishing dual 52V 1000W motors that can summon a peak output of 2600W, this scooter crackles with ferocious energy. It can hit a top speed of 37 mph, fizz from 0-15 mph in 2.5 seconds and reach 25 mph in 4.9 seconds. It explodes out of the blocks and keeps getting faster. No other model in its price category can touch the performance levels on display here.
Then there’s the 52V 20.8Ah battery, which delivers a maximum range of 44 miles, or 29 miles when riding across varying terrain at high speeds. These are again class-leading statistics, with even the much pricier Apollo Ghost ($1,699) unable to match it for stamina.
With the torquey motors and battery working together, the Titan is also a vanquisher of hills; steep inclines are well within its capabilities, meaning you can take on those mountainous routes without rolling back down to where you came from.
Brakes, too, are a vital component when it comes to all-terrain scootering. Predictably, this is another area where it comes up trumps. Armed with front and rear discs that deliver a performance usually only found with hydraulics, you can expect to come to a complete stop from 15 mph in an impressive 2.4 meters. This should ensure you don’t go careening into trees or lakes; but a word of warning: the electronic brake is very strong and takes a little getting used to (you can adjust its strength or turn it off completely via the display, though).
Now, I said that the best off-road scooters are built like tanks, and the SPLACH Titan doesn’t disappoint. The aluminum frame is the definition of sturdy, while the stem has been reinforced to minimize the risk of wobble. Coming complete with an IP54 water-resistance rating, you’ll find that water splashes and dust ingress are minimal threats here.
Few scooters are perfect, of course, and the one smudge on the Titan’s spec sheet is its short deck. Measuring just 19.5 inches long – with 1.5 inches shaved off by the charge ports – you may feel that space is at a bit of a premium if you have large feet.
No such shortcomings are to be found when it comes to the light package, however. The headlight shines as bright as a star, while the swaggy stem and deck LEDs are made for Instagram. You can also control their brightness and color via a mobile app, which will never not be a cool feature in my book.
To cap everything off, the Titan comes with an NFC card reader that’s based on the same technology used for apartment block key fobs. This means the scooter is immobilized unless activated by the card – which should deter thieves.
Rarely does a scooter represent such outstanding value for money. This off-road monster scores maximum points in all the right areas.
Best Under $1,750
Varla Eagle One V2
Performance Report:
Tester: Josh Frisby (197 lbs, 6.1 ft)
- Top Speed: 40 mph
- 0-15 mph: 2.3 s*
- 0-25 mph: 5.8 s*
- Max Range: 42 miles
- Real Range: 24.4 miles*
- Braking: 2.0 meters*
- Suspension: 8/10*
- Max Incline: 30 degrees
- Optimal Incline: 18 degrees*
- Weight: 82 lbs
- Load: 330 lbs
Varla Eagle One V2 Overview:
Varla has positioned the Eagle One V2 as the perfect gateway into the world of fast, all-terrain electric scooters. Does it achieve this lofty claim? Without a doubt.
Tough, versatile, and wielding enough power to conquer everything from grassy hills and loose dirt tracks to sketchy forest trails and challenging rocky paths, it’s a worthy sidekick for adventurous spirits who don’t have a mountainous budget to play with.
The Good:
- Top contender in its price class
- Packed full of features
- Extremely well-rounded performance
- Great value for money
- Powerful, yet tameable
- All-terrain powerhouse
- Plush suspension that’s primed for differing terrain
- Handling, control, and maneuverability are all assured
- Throttle response is super smooth thanks to the Sine Wave controllers
- Rock-solid stem thanks to super secure folding mechanism
- Suitable for tall and heavy riders
- Large, bright, and easy-to-read display
- NFC card reader for enhanced security
- Lights are sufficient for night rides
- Sharp and responsive dual hydraulic brakes
- IP54 water resistance rating
The Bad:
- The deck is short, but the well-designed kickplate adds an extra 5.1 inches of space
- The grip tape quickly becomes dirty and is hard to clean
Why I Recommend the Varla Eagle One V2:
Billed as an affordable entry point into the world of dual-motor all-terrain electric scooters, the Eagle One V2 has all the ingredients that you’d want in a supreme off-roader.
First, there’s its power. Equipped with twin 52V 1000W jet thrusters and efficient 25A Sine Wave controllers, it can hit a top speed of 40 mph and zooms from 0-15 mph in a sizzling 2.3 seconds. This is enough oomph to conquer steep inclines and uneven surfaces without so much as a bead of sweat.
But of course, an all-terrain scooter also requires impressive range. That’s no problem for the Eagle One V2. Its 52V 20.8Ah battery is 14% bigger than the unit sported by the V1, manifesting in an extended maximum range of 42 miles. If you go hell for leather and navigate tricky terrain, however, you can expect to keep the wheels rolling for 24.37 miles (based on my hands-on tests, where I maintained an average moving speed of 17.9 mph and climbed a total of 1,063 ft).
Then you have the lavish 10-inch tubeless tires and shock-absorbing suspension system. Boasting an all-terrain tread pattern, the tires maintain traction while the sweeping swingarms and deep traveling springs ensure a smooth, balanced ride. There’s no bottoming out and no clanking, either – even on harsh terrain. A rating of 8 out of 10 on my shock absorption scale is richly deserved.
Add the 5.1 inches of ground clearance beneath its short yet grippy deck, and it’s primed for off-roading. The 28-inch-wide swept-back handlebars, ergonomic thumb throttle, and easy-to-reach button console are tailor-made for optimal handling and control, too. As is the newly equipped 3.5-inch display which is super bright, meaning you can easily keep an eye on your key stats while riding.
A special mention must also go to the 9-degree rake angle, rock-solid stem, and robust frame. Constructed from a 6061 aluminum alloy – the same material used in heavy-duty structural applications like truck frames, rail coaches, and bridges – the V2 not only benefits from a high tensile strength but also excellent corrosion resistance – a quality further strengthened by its IP54 water-resistance rating which protects it against the ingress of both moisture and dust.
As impressive is the reliability of its braking power. Armed with dual hydraulic calipers, heat-dissipating 160 mm rotors, and an electronic braking system, it brought me to a thudding stop from 15 mph in just 2.0 meters. This is top-tier performance.
Bolstering its safety credentials is a high-mounted headlight that illuminates the way forward, dual taillights that double up as brake lights, and ambient deck LEDS. Combined, they not only allow you to navigate your way down sinewy dirt tracks at night but also keep you visible to others.
So there you have it. Powerful, versatile, and affordable, the Varla Eagle One V2 is a scooter that thrives no matter the environment.
Best Under $2,250
Mantis King GT
Performance Report:
Tester: Josh Frisby (190 lbs, 6.1 ft)
- Top Speed: 43 mph
- 0-15 mph: 1.9 s*
- 0-25 mph: 4.0 s*
- Max Range: 56 miles
- Real Range: 38 miles*
- Braking: 2.1 meters*
- Suspension: 9/10*
- Max Incline: 30 degrees
- Optimal Incline: 18 degrees*
- Weight: 79 lbs
- Load: 265 lbs
Mantis King GT Overview:
Winner of our prestigious Best All Terrain Electric Scooter award, the Mantis King GT has sent shockwaves across the off-road landscape with its savage power, balletic agility, and rugged durability.
As the latest steely assassin to emerge in a celebrated lineage of light-heavyweight champs, it won’t surprise any aficionados that not one, but two scooters from the Kaabo Mantis range feature in our off-road guide.
Yet the King GT isn’t like any other Mantis; compared to its stable-mates, this model is Godzilla in a nursery of raptors. It’s bigger, it’s meaner, and it eats any terrain that has the temerity to get in its way for breakfast.
The Good:
- Winner in our annual awards as the Best All-Terrain Electric Scooter
- Terrain-agnostic tires that sport a deep, three-dimensional tread pattern
- Adjustable hydraulic suspension to match any terrain
- Wide handlebars and ergonomic controls afford excellent control
- Extremely durable
- Powerful dual 1100W motors
- 30A Sine Wave controllers deliver a smooth, fast acceleration
- Strong hydraulic brakes
- Exceptional build and ride quality
- Best-in-class performance
- Industry-leading design
- High-quality Samsung battery
- Advanced TFT display
- Controllable LED lights
- Superb folding mechanism
- IPX5 water-resistance rating
The Bad:
- Poor rear fender design but is easy to replace with a spare (comes with one in the box)
- Folding latch slaps the stem but can be fixed using a command strip
Why I Recommend the Mantis King GT:
The first thing that leaps out when admiring the Mantis King GT’s hit parade of a spec sheet is its otherworldly suspension. This dual hydraulic system is fully adjustable. By turning a small dial, you can alter both the front and rear shock absorbers to either completely engulf bumps and vibrations from unpredictable terrain, or stiffen the springs for fast-paced, rubber-burning drag races.
The level of customization on display here goes toe-to-toe with the venerated capabilities of the NAMI Burn-e 2 – which comes at a considerably higher cost.
Supplementing this excellence is the 10 by 3-inch pneumatic hybrid off-road tires, which add an extra level of shock absorption while gripping the terrain like a limpet on a rock. They’re also mounted on split-rims, which will save you time when it comes to changing them.
Then we have the dual 1100W motors and 30A Sine Wave controllers. Together, this dastardly duo delivers an incredibly smooth acceleration from 0 to 15 mph in just 1.9 seconds, and it’ll take you just over 12 seconds to reach the scooter’s rip-roaring 43 mph top speed.
When it comes to hill climbing, those powerful motors come into their own. Generating a peak power output of 4200W, they reduce even the steepest of inclines to mere footnotes – this is a scooter that zooms uphill with the vigor of a mountain goat.
The outstanding 56-mile range (or 38 miles under realistic conditions) is another staple for the highlight reel. This long-distance capability comes courtesy of its 60V 24Ah battery. Not only does the unit deliver an excellent range, but it also has an optimal 21700 cell arrangement and is made by Samsung, meaning it can sustain its ultra-efficient performance after hundreds of charge cycles.
And thanks to the dual charging ports, a full re-juice takes just 6 hours with standard chargers, or a mind-blowing 2.4 hours if you opt for the fast chargers.
There’s no drop-off in standards when it comes to the brakes, either. The Zoom hydraulics do an exceptional job of maintaining control by bringing you to a sharp and responsive stop from 15 mph in just 2.1 meters.
When off-roading, you’ll also find that, despite weighing a hefty 74 lbs, the Mantis King GT is a dream to handle. The 23 by 8.5-inch deck provides plenty of space for both feet, while the 26-inch wide handlebars deliver exceptional control and stability.
This is a Kaabo scooter, after all, so you can also look forward to a robust premium frame, built-in steering damping to ensure there’s no wobble at high speeds, and a kickplate that allows you to distribute your weight more evenly for maximum balance and control.
On the handlebars, you’ll find a large TFT display that perfectly fits the luxury billing of this scooter. It’s centrally mounted, waterproof, and displays everything you need to know in full color. You also get detailed readouts of key information, including speed, battery life, mileage, and the temperature of core components. As if that wasn’t enough, you have the option to select which of the 6 riding modes best suits your preference and environment.
To the left, you’ll find the controls for the lights, turn signals, and horn arranged in a well-presented button pad. Adding to its ergonomically-finessed cockpit is the thumb throttle. Based on years of electric scooter tests, I find that thumb throttles allow for far better modulation of your speed compared to finger variants.
The final piece to this marvelous puzzle is the IPX5 water resistance rating that reassuringly protects the scooter’s integral workings. You can storm through puddles and swat away light showers with little to no concern.
To summarise: the Mantis King GT excels in every area. It’s a statement of intent from Kaabo that has thrust the Mantis name into direct competition with all-terrain monoliths like the NAMI Burn-e 2. Ultimately, if you’re looking for the best off-road electric scooter that can tackle any terrain, then the GT will be perfect for you.
Compare Off-Road Electric Scooters
SPLACH Titan | Eagle One V2 | Mantis King GT | |
---|---|---|---|
Where to Buy | SPLACH | Varla | Kaabo |
Price | $1,399 | $1,419 | $1,899 |
Type | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
Price Category | Under $1,500 | Under $1,750 | Under $2,250 |
Review | Review | Review | Review |
Performance | |||
Top Speed | 37 mph | 40 mph | 43 mph |
0-15 MPH | 2.5 s | 2.3 s | 1.9 s |
0-25 MPH | 4.9 s | 5.8 s | 4.0 s |
Max Range | 44 miles | 42 miles | 56 miles |
Tested Range | 29 miles | 24.4 miles | 38 miles |
Shock Absorb. | 8.5/10 | 8/10 | 9/10 |
Braking | 2.4 meters | 2.0 meters | 2.1 meters |
Max Incline | 20 degrees | 30 degrees | 30 degrees |
Optimal Incline | 12 degrees | 18 degrees | 18 degrees |
Specs | |||
Motor | 52V 1000W (x2) | 52V 1000W (x2) | 60V 1100W (x2) |
Throttle | Finger | Thumb | Thumb |
Battery | 52V 20.8Ah FST | 52V 20.8Ah FST | 60V 24Ah Samsung |
Charge Time | 6 hours | 10 hours | 6 hours |
Brakes | Discs (x2), Electronic | Hydraulic Discs (x2), Electronic | Hydraulic Discs (x2), Electronic |
Suspension | Springs, Swingarms | Springs, Swingarms | Adjust. Hydraulic Springs, Swingarms |
Tire Size | 9 inch | 10 inch | 10 inch |
Tire Type | Air (Tubeless) | Air (Tubeless) | Air (Inner-Tube) |
Tire Tread | Off-Road | Off-Road | Off-Road |
Weight | 64 lbs | 82 lbs | 79 lbs |
Load | 220 lbs | 330 lbs | 265 lbs |
Foldability | Folds at Stem | Folds at Stem | Folds at Stem |
IP Rating | IP54 | IP54 | IPX5 |
Lights | Headlight, Taillight, Deck, Customizable RGB | Headlight, Taillight, Deck | Headlight, Taillight, Deck, Customizable RGB, Turn Signals |
How Did I Test the Scooters?
To find the 3 best off-road electric scooters, I shortlisted 25 candidates and tested them across a variety of challenging terrain, including parks, fields, dirt paths, grassy knolls, forested trails, and rocky tracks.
Central to my considerations were ride quality (including handling, ground clearance, shock absorption, and tire performance), power (including torque and acceleration, braking strength, and incline ability), and durability (including IP ratings and each scooter’s craftsmanship i.e. did they withstand grueling off-road rides).
These tests were carried out as part of a wider, standardized testing process that I implement for every electric scooter that I review. Find out more about how I test below:
Off-Road Electric Scooters That I Tested:
Click through the photo carousel to see all of the scooters that I tested for this guide.
Test Criteria:
Handling
While riding off-road is extremely fun, the control that you have is vitally important as it determines your ability to successfully navigate challenging terrain.
Aside from testing each scooter hands-on to garner insights into their handling, I also conducted several assessments to determine how the geometry of each influenced their maneuverability.
To do this, I first measured the width of their handlebars. Based on my tests, there’s a direct correlation between width and control (i.e. the wider the bars, the greater your control). As a result, I only selected the scooters that had handlebars measuring 25 inches or wider.
I then measured each scooter’s deck, kickplate, and kickplate angle. Together, these provided comparable data across usable deck space. The scooters that offered ample room, as well as grip, were selected.
The last step in the process was to assess stability. Here, I measured the angle at which each scooter’s steering column was positioned to a vertical axis through their front axles (otherwise known as rake angle). The smaller the angle, the less effort required to turn the handlebars, but the less stable the scooter. Conversely, larger rake angles required more effort to turn but made the scooters more stable while riding fast. During my assessments, I made sure to select the scooters that hit the sweet spot between the two to maintain both stability and nimbleness.
Shock-Absorption
There’s a lot of subjectivity involved in testing a scooter’s shock-absorbing capabilities, but the sheer number of tests that I’ve conducted over the years places me in a position of authority on the subject.
To assess each scooter’s ability to soak up shocks, I tested them across a gauntlet of parks, fields, dirt paths, grassy knolls, forested trails, and rocky tracks. This allowed me to ascertain rebound and compression rates, the balance of shock absorption across the front and rear of the scooter, the amount of travel that the swingarms and suspension provided, and whether there was any bottoming out.
All of this coalesced into a shock absorption rating out of 10 – where 1 was extremely stiff and 10 was extremely soft.
I also reported on the adjustability of the suspension systems, as well as the ability to add preload (i.e. could they be adjusted on the fly to match the terrain / could the springs be tightened to prevent them from bottoming out).
Tire Performance
Tires are just as important as shock absorption when it comes to off-roading. To assess performance in this area, I paid particular attention to each scooter’s responsiveness, agility, and traction.
Based on my tests, the top performers had tires that were pneumatic and at least 10 inches high (with the exception of the SPLACH Titan) with a knobbly tread pattern. Combined, these design attributes were able to maintain the most traction on loose and gritty surfaces.
Ground Clearance
Having adequate ground clearance is imperative. Without it, you risk damaging your scooter’s underbelly, which is where you’ll find a lot of its most sensitive components.
By measuring the distance between the ground and the bottom of each scooter, I was able to make recommendations on the terrain that each could handle (i.e. the greater the clearance, the greater the scooter’s ability to tackle unpredictable terrain.
Torque (Acceleration & Hill Climbing)
Although all of the scooters in my shortlist had fast top speeds, the explosiveness of their motors was key to off-roading.
When traversing off-road routes, you’re likely going to encounter unpredictable terrain, so you need a scooter that has the torque and acceleration to keep you moving through it.
To establish accurate results, I conducted multiple acceleration tests across different intervals (i.e. 0-15 mph, 0-25 mph, etc). For each interval, I conducted 3x two-way directional runs and then averaged the data (in seconds). To ensure consistency across each scooter, zero-start modes were enabled, the performance settings were dialed up to the max, the tires were pumped up to their recommended PSI, and the batteries were fully charged.
However, it’s worth noting that these tests were done on a dry, flat road – as opposed to a dirt track. Nevertheless, the acceleration data served as a useful foundation for comparing performance. For clarity, I still tested each scooter’s acceleration while riding over dirt tracks, but I didn’t record the data since each test couldn’t be standardized (i.e. the environment per test would have been different as a result of displaced leaf litter, twigs, etc).
In addition to the acceleration data, I made assessments on the amount of wheel spin, the responsiveness of the throttles, and how each scooter performed on inclines (i.e. did they power up hills, or did performance wane). I also reported on the maximum and optimal incline capabilities of each scooter to provide comparable hill-climbing performance data.
Braking Power
Nature is unpredictable, so a good set of brakes is a must. To determine which scooters had the power to qualify as viable off-roaders, I ran multiple tests to measure stopping distances from 15 mph.
Based on my many braking tests, stopping distances can be interpreted as follows: Excellent (less than 2.5 meters), Very Good (2.5 – 3.0 meters), Good (3.0 – 3.5 meters), Fair (3.5 – 4.0 meters), and Poor (more than 4.0 meters).
In the interest of safety, I selected the scooters that achieved stopping distances of 3.5 meters or less. I also assessed the position and responsiveness of the brake levers.
Durability
While the grueling off-road tests naturally highlighted any flaws or vulnerabilities, I also assessed the craftsmanship and rigidity of each scooter.
To do this, I assessed the materials used (i.e. for the frame and consumables), how the parts were designed (i.e. were they OEM or proprietary, forged or cast, manufactured using one-piece CNC or welded together), and how they were assembled (i.e. did each part fit seamlessly with the next to achieve a desired outcome or did it have a clunky Frankenstein feel).
I then tested the rigidity of each scooter’s folding joint to assess stem wobble, whilst also paying attention to the cable management (i.e. is it tucked away to avoid any unwanted snags on rogue branches), and the resilience of the tires concerning puncture prevention.
As part of my selection process, I only chose scooters that felt rock-solid.
IP Ratings (Water & Dust Resistance)
IP stands for ‘Ingress Protection’ – that is, the protection of an electrical enclosure from the ingress of dirt, dust, and water.
Most scooters come with an IP rating, but they vary in the level of protection that they provide. To account for this, I reported on each scooter’s rating to provide insights into their ability to deal with different weather and terrain.
Results From My Performance Tests:
See how the electric scooters stack up against each other across maximum range, tested range, top speed, acceleration, and braking.
Top Speed
Ordered from fastest to slowest – Learn about how I test top speed.
Scooter | Price | Top Speed |
---|---|---|
Mantis King GT |
$1,899
| 43 MPH |
Varla Eagle One V2 |
$1,419.00
| 40 MPH |
SPLACH Titan |
$1,399
| 37 MPH |
Acceleration (0-15 MPH)
Ordered from fastest to slowest – Learn about how I test acceleration.
Scooter | Price | 0-15 MPH (Seconds) |
---|---|---|
Mantis King GT |
$1,899
| 1.9 s |
Varla Eagle One V2 |
$1,419.00
| 2.3 s |
SPLACH Titan |
$1,399
| 2.5 s |
Maximum Range (Riding Slow)
Ordered from longest to shortest range.
Scooter | Price | Max Range |
---|---|---|
Mantis King GT |
$1,899
| 56 miles |
SPLACH Titan |
$1,399
| 44 miles |
Varla Eagle One V2 |
$1,419.00
| 42 miles |
Realistic Range (Riding Fast)
Ordered from longest to shortest range – Learn about how I test real-world range.
Scooter | Price | Tested Range |
---|---|---|
Mantis King GT |
$1,899
| 38 miles |
SPLACH Titan |
$1,399
| 29 miles |
Varla Eagle One V2 |
$1,419.00
| 24.4 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 |
---|---|---|
Varla Eagle One V2 |
$1,419.00
| 2.0 meters |
Mantis King GT |
$1,899
| 2.1 meters |
SPLACH Titan |
$1,399
| 2.4 meters |
Off-Road Electric Scooter FAQs
How Much Are Off-Road Electric Scooters?
Off-road electric scooters cost between $1,000 and $3,500.
Typically, as the price increases, so too does the scooter's ability to tackle varying terrain. For instance, the SPLACH Titan – a scooter that costs around $1,399 – can easily glide over compacted dirt tracks, while a scooter like the Mantis King GT – which costs around $2,195 – can maintain a supreme level of ride quality over all types of terrain, including those that are unpredictable and challenging.
Can Electric Scooters Go on Grass?
Yes. Although, you’ll need to pick a scooter that has dual suspension to soak up the irregularities of the terrain.
Can Electric Scooters Go on Sand?
No. While some electric scooters are protected against dust ingress (via IP ratings), riding in deep sand can have a detrimental effect on the motors and even cause abrasion to the frame.
However, if you plan to ride on a boardwalk near a beach and it's lightly covered in sand, then you can ride your scooter here. You just need to be careful because your tires may lose traction.
Can Electric Scooters Go on Gravel?
Yes. However, normal street-grade tires tend to lose grip on gravel, making it hard to control the scooter.
If gravel is going to be a regular part of your off-road rides, choose a model that can be equipped with specialist off-road tires to minimize wheel spin as much as possible.
What Makes an Electric Scooter Good for Off-Roading?
This largely depends on the type of terrain that makes up your off-road route, but there are a few key things that you should look for when making your selection.
Tires
Most street-grade tires will be fine on flat and grassy surfaces, and they’ll even do a decent job on forest trails and dirt paths, but for the best off-road experience, we recommend choosing a scooter that can be fitted with knobby tires.
These are designed specifically for off-roading and their three-dimensional tread has more grip on loose surfaces. Not only does this make for a more enjoyable and comfortable ride, but it also gives you more balance and stability, preventing wheel spin on unpredictable surfaces.
Similarly, air-filled tires offer the plushest ride. The same can be said for the size of the tires – the larger they are, the more grip they'll have and the greater the shock absorption.
Suspension
Off-road tracks are bumpy and can wreak havoc on your wrists and knees if you’re riding a scooter without adequate suspension. Shock absorbers do exactly what they say on the tin, diffusing vibrations from uneven surfaces and making it easy for you to roll with the bumps and dips in the terrain underfoot.
If you plan to ride on varying types of terrain, we suggest you choose an electric scooter with an adjustable suspension system so that you can dial in the exact amount of damping and shock absorption that you need.
Construction & Build Quality
Your scooter is likely to be met with a fair amount of abuse if you’re a regular off-roader. As a result, you need a model that boasts a tank-like build and is reinforced in all the right places (including the stem and chassis).
Braking Power
Off-road routes can be unpredictable so you must have a braking system that you can rely on. This will give you more control and help to keep you safe. Typically, the strongest braking setups consist of dual hydraulic disc brakes.
Decent Range
I don’t know about you, but I don’t go off-roading to get from A to B – I do it for the thrill and the enjoyment of the ride. As a result, you don’t want a scooter with a flash-in-the-pain mileage that’ll run out of juice mid-ride. A lengthy range will allow you to make the most of what your scooter has to offer.
Pure Power
Lastly, a good off-roader packs a punch. Off-roading is an adrenaline sport and you can’t get those adrenal glands activated if your scooter doesn’t have the muscle to get your blood pumping.
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 off-road electric scooters. Learn more about my editorial policy.
- November 7, 2024: Removed the Nanrobot D6+ 2.0 as the "Best Under $1,500", the Mantis V2 as the "Best Under $2,000", and the NAMI Klima as the "Best Under $2,500" following their unavailability. Changed the SPLACH Titan from the "Best Under $1,400" to the "Best Under $1,500". Refreshed the text throughout.
- September 16, 2024: Confirmed my picks for relevancy and availability.
- August 9, 2024: Confirmed my picks for relevancy and availability.
- March 28, 2024: Made improvements to the design of the page.
- March 1, 2024: Replaced the Varla Eagle One Pro with the Varla Eagle One V2. Refreshed the text throughout.
- November 12, 2023: Confirmed my picks for relevancy and availability. I also made further improvements to the structure of the page.
- October 23, 2023: Added the results from my performance tests of each scooter, expanded the commentary about how the scooters were selected, and made significant improvements to the structure of the page to make it easy to find the best scooter.
- August 11, 2023: Replaced the Apollo Ghost 2022 with the Nanrobot D6+ 2.0, and the NAMI Burn-e 2 with the NAMI Klima.
- May 1, 2023: Confirmed my picks for relevancy and availability.
- February 24, 2023: Added a quick list module and comparison table, as well as commentary explaining how the scooters were tested and selected.
- December 22, 2022: Replaced the SPLACH Twin with the SPLACH Titan, and the Wolf Warrior X GT with the Varla Eagle One Pro.
- November 19, 2022: Replaced the Apollo Ghost V1 with the Apollo Ghost V2, the Apollo Phantom with the Wolf Warrior X GT, and the INOKIM OxO with the Mantis King GT.
- Septmber 7, 2022: Confirmed my picks for relevancy and availability.
- May 27, 2022: Refreshed the guide with 6 top-performing off-road scooters.