Street Legal Electric Scooters: Find a Scooter For Your State
After assessing the legality of 140+ electric scooters, we hand-selected the 8 best street-legal electric scooters.
While electric scooters are – for the most part – legal, each state has differing regulations. As a result, it's important to choose a model that meets the regulations of your state.
The overarching factor that affects legality is speed, and therefore, different states enforce different speed limits. To address this, we have listed all the states, their speed limits, and our recommended scooters below.
Find Street Legal Electric Scooters:
| State | Speed Limit | Find Legal E-Scooter |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia / Washington D.C. | 10 MPH | N/A |
| Alaska, Arkansas, California, Minnesota, Oregon, Utah, Washington | 15 MPH | See Scooters |
| Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, Wisconsin | 20 MPH | See Scooters |
| Louisiana, Michigan, Oklahoma | 25 MPH | See Scooters |
| Florida, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota | 30 MPH | See Scooters |
| Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont, West Virginia, Wyoming | No Clear Guidelines* | N/A |
| Delaware, Pennsylvania | Prohibited | N/A |
*For states where there are no clear guidelines we are unable to recommend specific scooters. However, if you are going to buy an electric scooter regardless, then we advise choosing a model that doesn’t exceed 15 mph – see models here.
For States With a Speed Limit of 15 MPH:
Alaska, Arkansas, California, Minnesota, Oregon, Utah, Washington.
For States With a Speed Limit of 20 MPH:
Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, Wisconsin.
For States With a Speed Limit of 25 MPH:
Louisiana, Michigan, Oklahoma.
For States With a Speed Limit of 30 MPH:
Florida, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota.
Click on either of the below to learn about what makes an electric scooter legal, or to discover the speed limits per state.
Learn about the different factors that affect the legality of electric scooters
Discover what the electric scooter speed limit is in your state
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For States With a Speed Limit of 15 MPH
GoTrax Apex
at GoTrax
- Speed: 15 mph
- Range: 15 miles
- Weight: 32.1 lbs
- Load: 220 lbs
The Good:
- 8.5-inch pneumatic tires provide decent shock absorption
- Reliable brakes
- Well-built for its price
- Good handling
- Cruise control
- IP54 water-resistant rating
The Bad:
- Display becomes washed out in direct sunlight
States Where Legal:
Because the GoTrax Apex has a top speed of 15 mph, it can be ridden legally in a total of 38 states.
7 of these states have a speed limit of 15 mph. Here, the top speed of the GoTrax Apex matches this regulation and can be ridden legally. These states include:
Alaska, Arkansas, California, Minnesota, Oregon, Utah, Washington.
The remaining 31 states have speed limits that are higher than 15 mph. Here, the top speed of the GoTrax Apex is slower than the regulations and can be ridden legally. These states include:
Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Virginia, Wisconsin.
Summary:
The GoTrax Apex is an affordable, street-legal electric scooter from the popular GoTrax budget line. It ticks all of the boxes without breaking the bank.
Ideal for commuters, casual riders, or those just starting on their electric scooter journey, the Apex is a versatile scooter. It's powered by a rear hub-mounted 250W motor and a 36V 6Ah battery – which, in ideal conditions – put out a street-ready top speed of 15 mph for a maximum of 15 miles on a single 5-hour charge.
A handy taillight, new and improved battery, and multifunctional LED dashboard all help the Apex stand out from previous models in the GoTrax line. Yet, following in the footsteps of its predecessors, it continues to deliver features above its price tag including pneumatic tires and an IP54 water-resistant frame.
All considered, it performs well, looks great, and is comfortable to ride.
Why We Recommend It:
With its light aluminum frame and sleek design, the Apex only weighs 32.1 lbs. Combined with its intuitive folding mechanism, it is exceptionally portable. In just a few seconds, you can collapse it into its compact folded form, pick it up by its easy-to-grip slim stem, and carry it down the road or onto a bus.
You could be forgiven for assuming that a scooter as cheap as this would have inferior build and ride quality. However, as with all GoTrax scooters, the finish is clean, simple, and could belong to a scooter at a much higher price. When you step onto the deck, the rubber tread keeps your feet firmly in place, and the 8.5-inch pneumatic tires provide protection from the irregularities of most roads.
Alongside its well-earned ride quality, the 15 mph top speed is fast enough to zip through busy streets, but also slow enough to meet the legal restrictions in 38 states.
While the 250W motor is relatively small, it performs well. The Apex requires a kick-start to save on the power needed to get you moving, but once you're in motion, you'll find that there's more than enough power under the hood to overtake cyclists and pedestrians when necessary.
You'll need to look elsewhere if you need a scooter that can take on challenging inclines, though. While GoTrax has labeled this with a maximum incline rate of 14 degrees, our tests found that it's only suitable for the gentlest of slopes.
One of the most impressive features of the Apex is its brakes. Not only do they deliver respectable stopping power, but they're better than some of GoTrax’s more expensive models. The rear wheel has a disc brake, and the front has an electromagnetic brake. It’s not often you find electric scooters this cheap with braking systems across both wheels.
On the handlebars, you'll find the central display and headlight controls. The LED screen is large, easy to read, and shows all the necessary information, including speed and battery life. The only drawback is that despite its large size, it's not bright enough and can be tricky to read in direct sunlight.
Overall, the GoTrax Apex is a sturdy, reliable scooter with higher specs than most of its similarly-priced competitors. It's ideal for beginners that are on a budget.
AnyHill UM-1
at AnyHill
- Speed: 15 mph
- Range: 18.6 miles
- Weight: 29.7 lbs
- Load: 250 lbs
The Good:
- Premium LG battery
- Exceptional one-click folding mechanism
- Extremely portable
- Best performing brakes of any budget scooter
- Plush 8.5 pneumatic tires
- Choice of three colors
- Well built
- IP54 water-resistance rating
The Bad:
- Needs better cable management (the cables protrude from the frame)
States Where Legal:
Because the AnyHill UM-1 has a top speed of 15 mph, it can be ridden legally in a total of 38 states.
7 of these states have a speed limit of 15 mph. Here, the top speed of the AnyHill UM-1 matches this regulation and can be ridden legally. These states include:
Alaska, Arkansas, California, Minnesota, Oregon, Utah, Washington.
The remaining 31 states have speed limits that are higher than 15 mph. Here, the top speed of the AnyHill UM-1 is slower than the regulations and can be ridden legally. These states include:
Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Virginia, Wisconsin.
Summary:
The lightweight AnyHill UM-1 is the perfect blend of portability, practicality, and build quality.
With better quality components than the GoTrax Apex, the AnyHill proves itself as a worthwhile investment. Not only are its 350W motor and 36V 7.8Ah battery larger, but the inclusion of high-quality LG battery cells delivers significantly better long-term performance than the generic Chinese batteries found in the GoTrax Apex and other budget models.
Alongside the sleek frame, powerful brakes, and user-friendly design, the UM-1 is an excellent choice that’s primed for running the gauntlet of city streets.
Why We Recommend It:
Boasting a 350W motor, the AnyHill sports a nippy acceleration and top speed that’ll see you riding legally through the vast majority of the United States.
Plus, with a maximum range of 18.6 miles and a premium LG battery, the AnyHill has been built to last. Thanks to the LG battery, the scooter will deliver peak performance for hundreds more charge cycles than scooters with cheaper batteries. This makes it ideal if you need a scooter that you can rely on for daily riding.
With a weight of just 29.7 lbs, this is among the lightest electric scooters you can get. It also has one of the best folding mechanisms we've ever tested. In one simple motion, the stem can be folded and securely attached to a catch on the rear fender. This practical design is easy to use and makes the UM-1 an exceptional option if you're looking for a super-portable scooter. Once in its compact form, it can easily be picked up and carried in one hand or lifted into a car trunk.
The frame of the UM-1 has been constructed with clean lines and a neat aesthetic. It's made from an aluminum alloy and has an IP54 water-resistance rating to boot. The stem is hexagonally-shaped, giving it extra strength and a unique appearance. Although the UM-1 is relatively small, it feels spacious to ride and won't have you hunched over uncomfortably.
During our tests, I was concerned that the narrow 5.7-inch wide deck might not have enough room to find a comfortable stance. However, after taking the UM-1 out for its inaugural run – where I took the battery from full to empty – I found I could easily move between several stances. The deep tread in the rubber matting works very well in the way of grip and makes your foot placement feel secure, too.
The UM-1 doesn't have any traditional suspension, so the 8.5-inch air-filled tires do all the work dampening the impacts of shocks and vibrations. They achieve this to deliver a smooth and comfortable ride (so long as you don't ride over rough roads).
Adding to the comfort level, the designers included an ergonomic thumb throttle and brake paddle. Alongside the rubberized handgrips – that sport a circular pattern – the UM-1 offers excellent control and instills confidence while riding at top speeds.
When it comes to brakes, the AnyHill UM-1 outperforms every other budget scooter we've ever tested, even those that are a lot more expensive. There are two separate braking mechanisms at work – including a disc brake on the rear wheel and an electronic brake at the front. Using them together brings the scooter to a complete stop from 15 mph in an incredible 2.2 meters. This gives you excellent control and is ideal if you live in a built-up area that requires you to ride through congested streets.
Moving our attention to the handlebars, there’s a compact LED screen that displays your speed, remaining battery, and riding mode. While this fits in well with the design of the scooter, it gets washed out when in direct light and can be difficult to read. However, it's straightforward to use.
For anyone wanting to stay within a 15 mph legal limit, the AnyHill UM-1 is a fantastic option. Not only do you get a scooter with a portable design and exceptional build quality, but it also comes with mobile app connectivity, a digital lock, and a high-quality headlight that’s passed regulations for its use on roads and streets.
For States With a Speed Limit of 20 MPH
Turboant X7 Max
at Turboant
- Speed: 20 mph
- Range: 32 miles
- Weight: 34 lbs
- Load: 275 lbs
The Good:
- A significantly upgraded version of its extremely popular predecessor
- Table-topping range in the sub $600 category
- Detachable battery with secure key lock
- Reliable dual-braking system
- Plush 10-inch tires
- Intuitive and highly effective folding mechanism
- Supports heavy riders
- Ideal for tall riders
- Sleek, sweeping frame
- Ergonomic controls
- IPX4 water-resistance rating
The Bad:
- Need to add an additional headlight for riding at night
- The thick stem can make it slightly cumbersome to carry for those with small hands
- Kickstand is flimsy
Discount Code:
- Get $100 Off. Use code:
States Where Legal:
Because the Turboant X7 Max has a top speed of 20 mph, it can be ridden legally in a total of 30 states.
23 of these states have a speed limit of 20 mph. Here, the top speed of the Turboant X7 Max matches this regulation and can be ridden legally. These states include:
Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, Wisconsin.
The remaining 7 states have speed limits that are higher than 20 mph. Here, the top speed of the Turboant X7 Max is slower than the regulations and can be ridden legally. These states include:
Florida, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma.
Summary:
When it comes to street-legal budget scooters, the Turboant X7 Max stands out above the rest.
At $599.98, the X7 Max delivers exceptional value for money. Thanks to its 20 mph top speed, long-range battery, pneumatic tires, dual braking system, and robust build (including an IPX4 water-resistance rating), it's easy to see why it's worth your investment.
Unlike the majority of electric scooters, the X7 Max’s battery pack is removable. This makes it super convenient to charge and gives you the option to switch out the battery for a new one while on the go, thereby doubling your range.
Considering all that it has to offer, it's no surprise that it's a best-selling electric scooter.
Why We Recommend It:
The X7 Max is the sleeker, more efficient update of the fantastic Turboant X7 Pro. With the perfect blend of well-loved features and new additions, it’s by far the best way to buy a budget scooter without compromising on quality.
With a budget price tag, we were surprised to learn that the X7 Max not only received an external facelift with a new sleek, refined frame, but Turboant went the extra mile to update its drivetrain hardware and software. Based on our tests, this resulted in a faster acceleration rate and longer range despite both models sharing the same size motor and battery.
Not only does the battery serve an impressive 32-mile range, but it's fitted externally to the stem. This means you can detach and charge it instead of carrying the entire scooter to a power outlet. It also allows you to significantly extend your range by purchasing a second battery. The Max now features a dedicated battery lock to keep it protected from opportunistic thieves, too.
The only drawback of having a stem-mounted battery is that it can affect portability. Nevertheless, the simple-to-use folding function enables the stem to fold back towards the deck in mere seconds. However, because the battery significantly increases the thickness of the stem, it's difficult for those with small hands to get a good grip on it. One way around this is to detach the battery and place it in a rucksack while you fold the scooter. Apart from this minor drawback, the X7 Max is fairly portable. It weighs just 34 lbs, and most can carry it comfortably.
Once you have the scooter unfolded and in its upright position, it’s a delight to ride. Thanks to its large shock-absorbing 10-inch pneumatic tires it glides comfortably through urban terrain. Plus, the thick sidewalls of the tires make them less susceptible to pinch flats, while their rounded front-on profile enhances traction when turning.
Riding the X7 Max at full flow is an invigorating experience, but to balance out the speed provided by the 350W motor, it has been equipped with a dual braking system. It includes a disc brake at the rear and an electronic brake at the front. Both of these are operated via the brake lever mounted on the handlebars. The previous edition of this scooter, the X7 Pro, featured a fender brake, but thankfully it’s not been included on the Max. As a result, there’s no risk of the rear tire becoming worn down. While the X7 Max forgoes the stomp brake of its predecessor, newly calibrated brake pads mean that, from 15 mph, you’ll come to a complete stop in an impressive 3.0 meters. This is a 40% improvement and bolsters this scooter’s appeal as a go-to model for busy city environments where precise braking control is a must.
The tall handlebars also play a pivotal role in the scooter’s handling since they remove the need to ride in a hunched-over position if you're tall. Similarly, the long, tapered deck provides ample room to find a stance that feels comfortable. Adding to this winning formula are the handgrips. The pattern of the rubber has changed from a crisscrossing of hexagons to a design that looks more like snakeskin. Surprisingly, the new design has a texturized feel that results in more grip and control over the steering column.
Bolstering your sense of control is a high-mounted headlight and taillight to ensure safe riding at night. While these are nice touches, we still recommend buying an extra clip-on headlight to improve visibility even further. The controls to operate the lights – as well as select different riding modes – are integrated into the ergonomic thumb throttle for ease of use. Next to the all-in-one throttle, there’s a small screen that’s been built seamlessly into the top of the stem. It's brighter than most and displays your current speed, remaining battery power, and riding mode.
Combining a wealth of functional features with chart-topping levels of performance in both its price and weight classes, the Turboant X7 Max is too good to miss.
Apollo Air 2022
- Speed: 20 mph
- Range: 31 miles
- Weight: 38.5 lbs
- Load: 220 lbs
The Good:
- Excellent ride quality
- Dual fork front suspension
- Plush 10-inch pneumatic tires
- Sublime one-click folding mechanism
- Strong stopping power
- Intuitive display
- Excellent build quality
- Efficient regen brake
- Has a compatible app for customized performance
- IP54 water-resistance rating
The Bad:
- No rear suspension
States Where Legal:
Because the Apollo Air Pro has a top speed of 20 mph, it can be ridden legally in a total of 30 states.
23 of these states have a speed limit of 20 mph. Here, the top speed of the Apollo Air Pro matches this regulation and can be ridden legally. These states include:
Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, Wisconsin.
The remaining 7 states have speed limits that are higher than 20 mph. Here, the top speed of the Apollo Air Pro is slower than the regulations and can be ridden legally. These states include:
Florida, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma.
Summary:
Following in the footsteps of the original Apollo Air Pro comes the new 2022 version. This stunning scooter welcomes a host of improvements to take its ride and build quality up to an entirely new level.
It retains its beautiful flowing frame and front fork suspension, but now comes equipped with a more powerful motor (350W vs 500W), a larger battery (10.4Ah vs 15Ah), a new one-click folding mechanism, and an integrated regen brake with an ergonomic thumb paddle. Even the wiring is completely internal for a much cleaner aesthetic.
If you want a street-legal electric scooter that screams luxury, this is the one for you.
Why We Recommend It:
Apollo refers to the new Apollo Air 2022 as “The SUV of Entry-Level Electric Scooters”. It comes with a spacious deck, large tires for enhanced ground clearance, and a 500W motor for better performance. While it's most at home in the urban environment, it's just as well suited to gentle strolls around the block as it is speeding through the city.
The new Air looks similar to previous models with a graphite grey frame and white highlights.
Everything has its place and fits perfectly into its smart, clean finish. Apart from a single brake cable that sprouts from the top of the stem, very little sticks out or interrupts the smooth lines.
As for the frame’s composition, it is built from aluminum alloy to provide strength while keeping the weight as low as possible. The deck is spacious, grippy, and slightly tapered, and there's more than enough room for both feet. When carrying the folded scooter, most will be able to hold it in one hand, but some may find that the stem is slightly too thick to get a decent grip. However, on the whole, this is a relatively portable scooter that can be transported in a car trunk or stashed under the seat on public transport.
One thing I love about Apollo is that they constantly update their products. One instance of this is the folding mechanism. The new Air Pro uses the same mechanism that we tested on the Apollo City 2022. The clip that holds the stem into place is significantly better than the previous mechanism which looked like three collar clamps stacked on top of each other. Plus, it features an in-built safety button that prevents it from uncoupling when confronted with jarring shocks or vibrations.
When it comes to ride quality, the front fork suspension and 10-inch air-filled tires immediately make it a step above the scooters previously mentioned on this list. As soon as you step onto the deck and rotate the ergonomic thumb throttle, you glide effortlessly forward with no juddering or shaking. Although the suspension and ground clearance means this can take on the challenges of rougher ground, it's still better suited to well-maintained roads, sidewalks, and bike lanes.
The inclusion of a 500W motor instead of the 350W in the previous Air Pro means that you get a slightly higher top speed of 20 mph and more zip when it comes to acceleration. With the additional torque, you also get better hill-climbing performance. Although you'll struggle on steep slopes, you'll have no problems on those that are gradual.
Moving on to the brakes, you'll find a front drum brake, backed up by an electronic regenerative braking system at the rear. This is the same setup that we tested on the previous Air Pro. The regen brake uses an electrical current to slow the rear wheel and redirect any harvested energy back into the battery. Most scooters – including the old Air Pro – that feature mechanical and regenerative brakes, tend to automatically trigger them together, but with this scooter, you can operate them independently. The drum brake is activated with a standard hand lever, while the regen brake has its own thumb paddle.
Besides the brake controls, the only other items on the handlebars are the thumb throttle and LED screen. The screen sits flush to the top of the stem and is about as simple as they come. From here you can see key riding stats, including speed, distance, and battery use. Further down the front of the stem, there’s a built-in headlight which is paired with a responsive taillight on the rear fender. While these two are ideally positioned, they're simply not bright enough, so for anyone wanting to ride at night, you'll need to purchase a clip-on headlight.
The final, yet most intriguing feature this scooter has to offer is its app compatibility. The app gives you lots of customization options that can be used to ensure that you follow state laws and remain street legal at all times. For instance, if you move house and reside in a new state that only allows scooters with a maximum speed of 15 mph, you can adjust the top speed in the app to make the scooter road legal.
For States With a Speed Limit of 25 MPH
Horizon 10.4
- Speed: 25 mph
- Range: 23 miles
- Weight: 40 lbs
- Load: 265 lbs
The Good:
- Nippy acceleration
- Cheapest scooter with full suspension
- Foldable handlebars enhance portability
- Telescopic stem allows riders to adjust the handlebar height
- Perfect for commuting
- Reliable and low maintenance
- Ergonomic controls
The Bad:
- Ineffective lights
States Where Legal:
Because the Horizon has a top speed of 25 mph, it can be ridden legally in a total of 7 states.
3 of these states have a speed limit of 25 mph. Here, the top speed of the Horizon matches this regulation and can be ridden legally. These states include:
Louisiana, Michigan, Oklahoma.
The remaining 4 states have speed limits that are higher than 25 mph. Here, the top speed of the Horizon is slower than the regulations and can be ridden legally. These states include:
Florida, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota.
Summary:
The Horizon is a portable, street-legal scooter with a top speed of 25 mph. At just $799, it's exceptionally affordable and provides surprisingly high performance.
Updated in 2022 to include a thumb throttle and carry handle, the Horizon V2 is aimed at riders looking for a compact, low-maintenance, easy-riding electric scooter.
It delivers bags of style, durability, and lots of practical features. The rear hub-mounted 500W motor and 48V 10.4Ah battery provide more than enough power to keep you gliding along urban roads with ease. Plus, the battery is stored in the deck, keeping the center of gravity low to provide additional stability alongside the suspension system that soaks up the vibrations from city riding.
Why We Recommend It:
Portability was clearly a design priority when the Horizon was being built. Its compact folded frame, folding handlebars, and 40 lb weight make it ideal for carrying. Now with the V2’s pre-installed carry handle, its portability credentials have been turned up a notch.
If you’re faced with a flight of stairs but are in a rush and don’t have time to fold it, the carry handle can be used to quickly grab hold of the scooter and carry it unfolded. There’s also an additional benefit to the carry handle that isn’t immediately noticeable – it doubles up as a kickplate, enabling you to place your back foot on it for a more aggressive riding stance.
Despite its small size, and many folding mechanisms, the Horizon is a sturdy, durable scooter that doesn't rattle or shake at high speeds. Plus, the deck measures 18 x 7 inches, giving you plenty of room to find a stance that is comfortable as you bob and weave through city streets. Alongside the spacious deck, the telescopic stem allows you to adjust the height of the handlebars so riders of all heights can enjoy it.
Under your feet, you get a dual suspension system. This is extremely rare to find on a scooter that costs less than $1,000, never mind one that’s in the sub $800 bracket. The front spring and 8.5-inch pneumatic tire are your first line of defense, while the dual air shocks soak up residual vibrations at the rear.
In most cases, the solid rear tire would impact ride quality, but the air shocks negate this, meaning you get a comfortable ride. There’s even a slight advantage to having the solid tire where acceleration is concerned. Because it sports a wide profile, it’s able to maintain traction. As the torque of the motor kicks in, the tire rotates without wheel spin, thereby propelling your forward. From a standstill, it accelerates to 15 mph in just 5.2 seconds.
In addition to the solid tire maintaining traction, it is extremely low maintenance (i.e. it can’t go flat). Continuing the theme of low maintenance is the rear drum and regen braking system. While these are both good systems, it's disappointing that they are both directed at the rear wheel. A better option would be to have the stopping power spread across both wheels. The result is a slightly longer stopping distance than its competitors (5.0 meters from 15 mph).
Moving our attention to the handlebars, you'll find the updated display and thumb throttle. It displays all the information you need at a glance and allows you to access P-settings to make minor adjustments to your acceleration and regen braking strength.
Elsewhere on the scooter, it’s equipped with a total of five lights. Although this is more than many of its competitors, their positioning and brightness mean that they're not strong enough to give you enough visibility while riding at night. If you intend to use your scooter at night or in low light, we recommend buying an extra headlight.
With all things considered, it's easy to see why the updated Horizon V2 is such a popular electric scooter. It’s particularly well-suited to first-time and casual riders, while also being an excellent option for commuters.
Mosquito
- Speed: 25 mph
- Range: 22 miles
- Weight: 29 lbs
- Load: 265 lbs
The Good:
- Zippy acceleration
- Great ride quality
- Excellent suspension
- Ultra-portable
- Good triple braking system
- Regenerative brake recharges the battery when in use
- Extremely low maintenance
- Nimble
The Bad:
- Handlebars are narrow
States Where Legal:
Because the Mosquito has a top speed of 25 mph, it can be ridden legally in a total of 7 states.
3 of these states have a speed limit of 25 mph. Here, the top speed of the Mosquito matches this regulation and can be ridden legally. These states include:
Louisiana, Michigan, Oklahoma.
The remaining 4 states have speed limits that are higher than 25 mph. Here, the top speed of the Mosquito is slower than the regulations and can be ridden legally. These states include:
Florida, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota.
Summary:
The Mosquito proves that good things can come in small packages. It's an ultra-compact, street-legal electric scooter with excellent handling and suspension.
As one of the lightest scooters available, you benefit from an incredible power-to-weight ratio and can reach an impressive top speed of 25 mph.
I’ve tested many portable scooters, and the Mosquito is the clear winner – no other scooter comes close to how great this model feels to ride, how easy it is to fold, and how tiny its folded dimensions are.
Why We Recommend It:
The Mosquito, from Fluid Free Ride, is a super portable commuter scooter with lots of exciting extra features. It's fun to ride and is powered by a 500W motor and 48V 9.6Ah battery. Because of its low weight and small size, the motor is surprisingly zippy, and when the conditions are right, the battery can deliver up to 22 miles on a single 5-hour charge.
Holding down the throttle gets you from 0 to 15 mph in 5.0 seconds, and there's even enough torque to scale gradual inclines.
To match its performance and ensure you always stay in control, it has three braking systems. First, a standard hand lever operates the drum brake on the rear wheel. The second is a regenerative brake that collects energy as you brake and reroutes it to the battery. And finally, the third is a stomp brake. When you activate the drum and regen brakes together, you can stop from 15 mph in 4.8 meters. However, it must be noted that it is easy to skid the rear tire, so you should be mindful of this when applying the rear drum to avoid burning the tire out.
The Mosquito's small footprint, telescopic stem, and foldable handlebars all contribute to its portability. However, the main reason why it stands out from other portable models is that it weighs just 29 lbs. Combined with its high top speed and long range, it is ideal for urban commutes, particularly if you need to carry the scooter into your office or onto public transport.
The folding mechanism takes just a few seconds, and there’s also a handle that makes it much easier to pick up with one hand. If you need to store your scooter in a small space or carry it for a relatively long distance, this is the scooter for you.
You would think that the trade-off for its tiny size and light weight is that the Mosquito wouldn’t be as comfortable to ride as some larger scooters. But, this is far from the truth. It comes with front and rear spring suspension that copes with urban terrain extremely well.
Usually, I’m not the biggest fan of scooters with solid tires, but the Mosquito is one of a few exceptions. The suspension system has a good range of travel meaning that while the tires themselves offer no shock absorption, the scooter remains comfortable to ride.
Continuing its excellent build, the Mosquito has been designed to be one of the most maneuverable scooters you can get – and it achieves that title. It’s easy to navigate tight turns and you can even carve side to side as you overtake other road users.
Now let's turn our attention to the handlebars. While these are extremely narrow, you quickly become accustomed to them.
Folding them down is super easy. You simply push in the small round buttons on either handgrip, pull both outwards away from the central T-bar, and then fold down to the stem. To unfold them, you simply lift both handgrips and they automatically snap into place.
Completing the handlebars are the scooter controls with a set of four buttons for your horn, lights, riding mode, and power, as well as a small central display that features a speedometer, odometer, and five battery bars. Lastly, the cockpit is graced with two thumb paddles, the one on the right is the throttle, and the one on the left is the regen brake. Both are smooth to operate and perfectly placed for ergonomic usage.
For States With a Speed Limit of 30 MPH
SPLACH Twin
at SPLACH
- Speed: 28 mph
- Range: 28 miles
- Weight: 53 lbs
- Load: 220 lbs
The Good:
- Cheapest dual-motor electric scooter
- Fast accelerator
- Respectable range
- Spring and swingarm suspension provide comfort at the front and rear
- Dual drum brakes spread out the stopping power
- Most ergonomic handgrips that we've tested
- Low maintenance design
- Great build quality
The Bad:
- Lights are insufficient for night rides
- Square tire profile prevents carving
- Electronic brake is too strong (but can be easily adjusted)
Discount Code:
- Get $110 Off. Use code:
States Where Legal:
Because the SPLACH Twin has a top speed of 28 mph, it can be ridden legally in a total of 4 states.
All 4 of these states have a speed limit of 30 mph. Here, the top speed of the SPLACH Twin is slower than the regulations and can be ridden legally. These states include:
Florida, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota.
Summary:
If you live in a state with an e-scooter speed limit of 30 mph, then you're in luck because, for you, the SPLACH Twin is completely legal.
This powerful pocket rocket costs less than $1000, has a top speed of 28 mph, an unbeatable suspension system for its price, and even claims the title of the cheapest and most compact dual-motor electric scooter.
With everything the SPLACH Twin has to offer, it delivers more power and versatility than any other scooter on this list so far.
Why We Recommend It:
Because of its many practical features, the SPLACH Twin is wonderfully versatile. Whether you want a fast scooter for commuting that you can fold into a compact size, or something to have fun on at weekends, the Twin has it all.
Despite its slightly heavier weight, I still consider the Twin a portable scooter. This is mainly down to its intuitive cantilevered folding mechanism, telescopic stem, and foldable handlebars. All three ensure that you can collapse the scooter into its smallest form quickly and easily.
When it comes to ride quality, the Twin comes with spring-based swingarm suspension at both the front and rear. This makes the ride exceptionally smooth and removes the vast majority of vibrations from almost all urban terrain.
Disappointingly, the suspension is matched with solid rubber tires that provide much less shock absorption than those filled with air. However, in this case, the suspension is more than good enough to smooth out the ride and prevent you from feeling the thudding effect of the tires. Besides, the solid tires are one of the Twin’s features that make it incredibly low maintenance.
When riding on the straights, the dual motors provide a maximum combined power output of 2136W. As a result, no similarly priced scooter can beat the Twin's acceleration of 0 to 15 mph in 3.0 seconds and 0 to 25 mph in 6.1 seconds.
To control the impressive speeds at which the Twin can muster, it comes with a dual drum and electronic braking system. Both systems fire into action once the brake levers are pulled. When you pull on the brake levers you can feel the electronic brake instantaneously engage, and the initial jolt of it slowing you down can catch you off-guard. However, you can adjust its intensity via the display. For anyone new to electric scooters, it's best if you turn the electronic brakes down to the lowest setting until you're used to the scooter and then slowly increase the intensity as you build confidence.
All told, the brakes bring you to a complete stop in 2.8 meters from 15 mph, which is very good.
Beyond the brakes, there are controls for the turbo setting, dual-motors, and various riding modes, as well as a QS-S4 display that lists all the key details you need while riding and even lets you customize a few settings. All of these controls work well and allow you to get the most out of your scooter, the only disappointment is the lights. There’s no headlight, and the side lights are far too dull. As a result, we recommend buying an extra headlight.
EMOVE Cruiser
at Voro Motors
- Speed: 30 mph
- Range: 62 miles
- Weight: 52 lbs
- Load: 352 lbs
The Good:
- Unparalleled range in its price class and beyond
- Great value for money
- Supports heavy riders
- Telescopic stem and foldable handlebars enhance portability
- Powerful semi-hydraulic disc brakes
- Buttery-smooth suspension
- Car-grade tires that deliver great handling
- IPX6 water-resistance rating
The Bad:
- Hand grips have some wiggle (but can be tightened)
States Where Legal:
Because the EMOVE Cruiser has a top speed of 30 mph, it can be ridden legally in a total of 4 states.
All 4 of these states have a speed limit of 30 mph. Here, the top speed of the EMOVE Cruiser matches this regulation and can be ridden legally. These states include:
Florida, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota.
Summary:
The EMOVE Cruiser is a well-built, ultra-reliable scooter with a top speed of 30 mph and an incredible 62-mile range. It's powered by a single 52V 1000W motor, making it fast, responsive, and fun.
If you want unbeatable performance from a street-legal scooter, then the EMOVE Cruiser is just what you're looking for.
In addition to its groundbreaking specs, it’s packed with a host of premium features that combine to deliver one of the most enjoyable scooters to ride – including the large 30Ah LG battery, IPX6 water-resistance rating, strong semi-hydraulic brakes, silky smooth suspension, and tires that allow you to reach a perfect flow state as you glide through city streets.
Why We Recommend It:
As well as its incredible feature set, the EMOVE Cruiser’s build quality shines through. Everything from the durable frame to the integrated battery management system – that regulates the flow of electricity in and out of the battery to deliver long-term performance – has been designed to ensure that the Cruiser stands the test of time.
Similarly, the 10-inch pneumatic tires are car-grade and work in unison with the dual spring and air shock suspension to soak up the lumps and bumps underfoot. Combined with a set of wide handlebars which feature every mod-con you could need on a scooter and a telescopic stem that allows you to adjust the handlebars to a height most suitable for you, the Cruiser prioritizes rider comfort.
While comfort is the Cruiser’s forte, if you hold down the throttle, the 1000W motor puts out a surprisingly good amount of torque that’ll take you from a standstill to 15 mph in just 3.4 seconds, to 25 mph in another 7.6 seconds, and then onto its top speed of 30 mph. Granted, this is not the fastest acceleration we’ve recorded but it's ideal for urban environments where you must always remain in control and within the law.
With a top speed of 30 mph, you’ll be happy to hear that the Cruiser passes our braking tests with a stopping distance that is on par with its competitors (3.4 meters from 15 mph). Thanks to a set of 140 mm semi-hydraulic disc brakes, you’ll always feel in control.
Despite only costing $1,499, the Cruiser manages to throw in extra features that are often reserved for more expensive models. Most notable are its turn signals.
Embedded into the deck, with a triangular, wraparound design that allows them to be seen from both the rear and side of the scooter, the turn signals are operated via a simple black slider. Sliding it over to the right or left activates each respective turn signal, and unlike several other scooters that also boast turn signals, those on Cruiser emit an audible beep, so you’ll know when they are engaged.
Ultimately, if you live in a state that allows electric scooters with maximum speeds of up to 30 mph, the EMOVE Cruiser should be at the top of your list. Not only does it feature specs beyond its price tag but its reputation as an all-time favorite in the community precedes it.
What Makes an Electric Scooter Street Legal?
I spent countless hours researching what makes an electric scooter legal or illegal.
There are several factors at play, including:
- Where You Can Ride – Sidewalks and streets (i.e. some states ban riding on sidewalks, others only let you ride on roads that have a speed limit of 35 mph, and so on).
- Scooter Requirements – Maximum top speed, motor size, wheel diameter, maximum weight, front and rear lights, and suitable brakes.
- Rider Requirements – Registrations, licenses, insurance, minimum age, and helmet requirements.
Based on the many factors above, we assessed every electric scooter in our 140+ database against the regulations of each state. After putting the scooters into two groups – legal or illegal – for each state, we picked the best legal models.
During our research, it became apparent that speed was a prominent factor used to regulate scooters, and so, we used four common speed limits to categorize the scooter – including 15, 20, 25, and 30 mph.
For instance, if you live in California, electric scooters can be legally ridden on the street so long as they do not exceed 15 mph. So, to help you find the best scooter for a state like California – where there’s a 15 mph speed limit – we listed our top recommendations of the scooters that meet this requirement.
Similarly, if you live in Florida, the speed limit is 30 mph. Here, we listed our recommendations for the scooters that meet this requirement. And so on.
To see which speed category you need to choose from, view the table below, and then click on any of the following:
- States With a Speed Limit of 15 mph
- States With a Speed Limit of 20 mph
- States With a Speed Limit of 25 mph
- States With a Speed Limit of 30 mph
Speed Limits Per State (Ordered Alphabetically):
| State | Speed Limit | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 20 MPH | Source |
| Alaska | 15 MPH | Source |
| Arizona | 20 MPH | Source |
| Arkansas | 15 MPH | Source |
| California | 15 MPH | Source |
| Colorado | 20 MPH | Source |
| Connecticut | 20 MPH | Source |
| Delaware | Prohibited | Source |
| District of Columbia / Washington D.C. | 10 MPH | Source |
| Florida | 30 MPH | Source |
| Georgia | 20 MPH | Source |
| Hawaii | 20 MPH | Source |
| Idaho | 20 MPH | Source |
| Illinois | 20 MPH | Source |
| Indiana | 20 MPH | Source |
| Iowa | 20 MPH | Source |
| Kansas | No Clear Guidelines | Source |
| Kentucky | 20 MPH | Source |
| Louisiana | 25 MPH | Source |
| Maine | 20 MPH | Source |
| Maryland | 20 MPH | Source |
| Massachusetts | 20 MPH | Source |
| Michigan | 25 MPH | Source |
| Minnesota | 15 MPH | Source |
| Mississippi | 20 MPH | Source |
| Missouri | 30 MPH | Source |
| Montana | 20 MPH | Source |
| Nebraska | No Clear Guidelines | N/A |
| Nevada | 20 MPH | Source |
| New Hampshire | 20 MPH | Source |
| New Jersey | 19 MPH | Source |
| New Mexico | No Clear Guidelines | N/A |
| New York | 20 MPH | Source |
| North Carolina | 30 MPH | Source |
| North Dakota | 30 MPH | Source |
| Ohio | 20 MPH | Source |
| Oklahoma | 25 MPH | Source |
| Oregon | 15 MPH | Source |
| Pennsylvania | Prohibited | N/A |
| Rhode Island | No Clear Guidelines | N/A |
| South Carolina | No Clear Guidelines | N/A |
| South Dakota | No Clear Guidelines | N/A |
| Tennessee | 20 MPH | Source |
| Texas | No Clear Guidelines | N/A |
| Utah | 15 MPH | Source |
| Vermont | No Clear Guidelines | N/A |
| Virginia | 20 MPH | Source |
| Washington | 15 MPH | Source |
| West Virginia | No Clear Guidelines | N/A |
| Wisconsin | 20 MPH | Source |
| Wyoming | No Clear Guidelines | N/A |
