The Best Electric Scooters

You may have been looking for our review of electric bikes.

e-Zip E750 Electric Scooter by Currie Technologies

This electric scooter, the e-Zip 750, is currently the top-rated electric scooter on Amazon, with an average 4.5 out of 5 stars from 69+ reviewers. It has a 12-mile range (depending on rider weight) and top speed of 15 miles per hour.

It’s available from Amazon for about $350. Note: this scooter is currently out of stock, but the e-Zip 450 is in stock.

 

Moped-Style Electic Scooters

Today, electric scooters or electric mopeds are just as powerful as their gasoline-powered counterparts, with the added advantage of being virtually silent, clean machines that can plug into a standard electrical socket to recharge. Typically, a charge will give you enough juice to travel 20-60 miles, depending on the scooter and battery system. Most scooter comes with lead-acid or nickle-metal hybrid (NiMH) batteries, but they can usually be upgraded to the more expensive lithium-ion batteries, which are lighter and last longer. A scooter’s top speed is usually limited or “governed” to 25-28 mph in the U.S. in order to be classified as a “moped”.

You can find a range of moped scooters on Amazon.

 

91 thoughts on “The Best Electric Scooters”

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  1. EMPED Electic Scooters & Electric Bicycles are a reliable, affordable & sustainable option also. With prices starting @ only $1,000, +65 mph top speed, & 2 year warranty EMPED is a cool ride @ a sweet price. 90 day test ride try EMPED Electric bicycles & electric scooters risk-free today!

  2. Hello guys,
    I am considering buying an electric scooter. I talked with a local retailer and he offered me a chinese brand – ‘Hongli’. He says, its a 800Watt-battery scooty. It has a maximum speed of 50km/h and mileage per charge is between 50 to 50 km. Do you have any idea about the brand Hongli? Could the claimed mileage and maximum speed be real?

  3. Can anybody shoot me some advice?

    With all the smog, the increasingly ridiculous gas prices, and the super high cost of car insurance- I’m thinking of bidding my SUV adieu. I would very much like to try out a scooter. Here are a few very important things to factor in:
    1. I weigh about 300 pounds and I’m very tall (6 ft).
    2. I do not want to pay any insurance.
    3. I don’t want to have to get a special license (unless it’s unavoidable).
    4. I only have about $1000.

    I’m really worried about getting ripped off, or sold a piece of junk that will last me a year. 🙁

    …Don’t get me wrong, I’ve seen people that are about my height and weight that are up and running either with electric or gas scooters- I just don’t have the chance to ask them. I’ve heard of Baccio and uhm… that’s about it.

    Have any recommendations?

    Appreciate it :o)

  4. I have an electric moped, and it only goes 30-40mph,
    I was wondering if there was a way to increase that, but not too spendy.
    And then it only goes like 30 miles an hour or less on a full battery,
    and I want to make it go a bigger distance fully charged.
    I believe it’s a 50cc electric baja moped.
    Please help.

  5. NATIVE Z6 Electric Scooter Impressions and 450 Mile Opinions and Views – Product Review
    with LIFEPO4 battery

    GOOD POINTS
    Regen braking does 90% or more of braking – however, the twist throttle must be turned back slowly, otherwise the regen braking does not engage.
    35 mile range in real-world driving to 100% drain; 25 mile range allows for 70% depth of discharge which is suggested for optimum battery longevity.
    Low center of gravity – good balance and side-wind resistance.
    An infrared thermometer shows that all components stay under 50 degrees Celcius including disc brake, controller casing, motor casing, batteries, and Battery Management System circuit.
    Good headlights.
    Foot board allows for different sitting positions comfortably.
    Excellent (durable-looking) quality materials throughout.
    Motor does not draw high amps at low speed (in contrast to the Ego electric scooter, and most other brushed DC scooters)
    Tires stick well to the road in dry and wet weather.
    Good acceleration.
    Very good brakes.
    Fun to ride!
    Looks great.
    Excellent ride characteristics once the rear shocks has been tuned for softer riding by an experienced motorcycle mechanic.

    BAD POINTS
    Fuel/energy gauge sits at full, or near full, until the very last mile.
    No storage unless an after-market box is added (from $50 or more)
    Manufacturer did not provide a user guide or service manual. The said manufacturer of the BMS in California does not answer their phone, and this company has no contact info on the Internet, should something go wrong.
    Surges (controllably) at very low speeds.

    NUETRAL POINTS
    Battery charger has a cut-off relay “kludged” with fragile-wires that will need attention if not handled very gingerly.
    Brake lever does not disengage motor.
    Like most other electric scooters, without modifications to ruggedize and weatherize the Native Z6 Lithium, weather and durability issues will likely crop up by 1000-2000 miles, and may be hard to diagnose due to lack of service and maintenance information.
    No motion-sensing alarm, but an aftermarket alarm can be added.
    Manufacturer states that motor brushes may need to be replaced at 4,000-6,000 mile intervals.

    INFORMATION FOUND ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THE Z6 (snipped text)
    We are advised that the Electric Motorsport (made by Native Cycles?) Native Z6 requires motor terminal re-torquing at 300 miles and yearly intervals. (No user manual from the company, unlike their GPR-S.

    A look at the Z6 electrical terminal shows that there is no lockwasher. Fairly hard to reach one terminal which is underneath the chassis. Might be impossible to reach with a torque wrench — only a long thin piece of wood can be inserted far enough in my exerience. Do you think that using thread-locker liquid on the nut would hold it, and prevent slippage?

    Since this appears to be a brushed/brush motor, we’re thinking of vacuuming the brush dust every 500 miles — does this seem reasonable?

    Chains — to lubricate every 300 miles.

    I oil the non-O-ring chain on my GPR-S every 100 miles and have only had to adjust the chain slack once within 1200 miles. I recommend oiling the chain more frequently than 300 miles if it is not an O-ring design.

    My 2009 GPR-S manual (which I can send to you if you PM me) has little advice about maintenance. I also have the Tiger Boxer owner’s manual (which I can also send you) and it also has almost no maintenance advice. There is no information about changing brake fluid, changing fork fluid, greasing and adjusting steering bearings and swing arm bearings, removing and replacing the wheels and brake calipers, etc. Chassis maintenance is left up to you to figure out. There is also little in the way of torque values for the chassis fasteners available. The recommendation is for you to take it to a local motorcycle dealer – whom I am sure would not touch the bike with a ten-foot pole for liability reasons. These bikes are designed for hobbyists who will have do their own maintenance and repairs, in my opinion.

    I lubricate the chain of my Brammo Enertia every 200miles and tighten the chain every 1k miles. I also inspect brake pads and tire tread at 1k intervals.

  6. There’s no mention of the 2009 EVTamerica, R-30. I’ve owned one for over a year. With the exception of a problem with the Soneil Charger,(it was replaced,free),I’ve had no other glitches. It’s advertised at a top speed of 45mph, but mine is closer to approx. 42mph. Great acceleration on a full charge.(5-6hrs.) Excellent brakes,and can carry its own weght,which is 320lbs.

  7. Great Story,

    It is high time Americans supplement their short-range use of cars on days when the weather is pleasant. Don’t forget cost with value although electric vehicles have high initial cost, but the ROI is in the .007 cents per mile operation cost and zero-emissions and the wear and tear on your vehicle by parking you gas vehicle on the bays you opt to use your Electric Scooter or bicycle. You can drive your old gas-guzzler when the weather permits or basically when it’s too dreary or otherwise too hospitable to EMBRACE your world with your Green EMPED EV

    A fun filled and spiritually exhilarating way to see your world EMPED SCOOTERS offer high sustainable electric transportation at affordable prices 40% cheaper than vectrix with LifeP04 and their light electric bicycles and beach cruisers also cannot be beat in quality or value. EMPOWER you world with EMPED ELECTRIC VEHICLES please include them on your list of domestic suppliers of quality electric scooters and bicycles that can have you offsetting your carbon footprint inexpensively today.

    Faster than Vectrix

    WEIGHTS VERSUS POWER

    The EMPED EV Line of bikes weighs 285 lbs to 305 lbs. The Vectrix weighs 515 lbs. It takes more power to move more weight. That extra 210 lb. of Vectrix weight cuts range and acceleration while making the bike harder to handle and slower stopping.

    Vectrix claims a faster “62 mph” top speed than these models. But that is still not fast enough to keep up with the 64 mph EMPED EMOTO 5.0Li (about half the price of a Vectrix or EnertiaBike).

    Additionally, the EMPED EV bikes have the largest diameter disks for 20% more swept area of braking.

    WARRANTY- Compare the EMPED EV two-year warranty to: ZAP, ZEV, AND X-TREME BRAND SCOOTERS has only 30 days. Zap has only 6 months.

    Only the $10,000 Vectrix has a comparable warranty.

    If the company will not trust their product enough to warranty it, why should you trust it?

    Quality (Sustainability) – No one can match EMPED EV for low replacement parts cost. New frame $200, Motor Controller $395, Complete painted bodywork ready to install $150.00.

    You can get the parts you need at a price you can afford if you need.

    Also EMPED EV have available 36 month Extended Service Plan (ESP) which covers you for wear items and gives you discounts for all future upgrades and warranties your EMPED EV for a full 36 months. The longest warranty available in the LEV category.

  8. Jim, Hal, Justin, Dennis

    You can also check out http://www.Daymak.com. The sell and E-bike called the “Smart” bike. Range is 50 miles with two battery system. Not sure of the quality although I hear they honour the warranty. I still recommend the Veloteq for quality.

    John

  9. Jim

    You will have no problems with the Veloteq. Mine goes about 40 miles on a full charge including hills because it charges the batteries while coasting. They also have a built in transmission for quick starts and tackling hills. If you want more info you can contact Peter Steinke at info@golectric.com. They are governed for a top speed of 32 km/hr. This makes them legal in Canada without a license, insurance or plates. The governor can be over-ridden for a top speed of 36 km/hr but this will reduce the milage slightly.

    Dennis

    You may want to check out these bikes as well. They are good quality and I know they sell them in the states out of Texas.

  10. I purchased a mid-level scooter from Green Scooters.com. After speaking with Mark, the distributor in Gresham, OR., I was confident that it was a reliable machine. Boy, was I wrong!!! He not only fails to stand behind the product, but the scooter eats batteries. Have had two sets fail in four months, even though I’m diligent in recharging. If anyone is considering a purchase from this company, e-mail me, and I can send you a litany of documented problems that I’ve encountered with this product and company. When contacted, Mark said he would have to send the issue to his factory in China to get it resolved. Two months…..nothing.

    It’s rip offs like these that are casting a dim light on electrics, and reputable internet sellers. Hope nobody else gets ripped off from this guy.

  11. Mike Zev,

    I checked out some of the scooters at tradingcompany.com. Everything seemed to be conditional on buying at least 2 scooters. I only need one. Am I missing something?

  12. John,

    I went to the Veloteq site and had several questions.

    How accurate is the mileage claim? Is it really 35 miles or is that based on ideal conditions (perfectly level track, 140-lb rider, no wind, no rain, etc.)

    I didn’t see anything about the top speeds for the scooters? What is your experience and which one do you own?

    How easily does it handle the hills?

    There also didn’t seem to be any prices attached to the various scooters. It just gave a range of between $1900-2100. Accurate?

    Aloha and thanks for your help. I am kind of fed up with my scooter at this time although it was a blast for about a year and a three-quarters. Maybe the ocean air is hard on the components, giving it the benefit of the doubt.

  13. Jim & Hal

    It is a shame you are both having bad luck with your bikes. I would suggest fixing them up and selling and then buying a quality bike. Veloteq is the brand I have been riding for two years without a problem. It is great on hills and is top of the line and they back the warranty. Best of luck and don’t give up.

    John

  14. From Dennis Thorn Forwarded by Justin:

    Jim, I replaced all four of my batteries a month ago. (The originals
    only lasted nine weeks.) So, I don’t think mine is a battery problem.
    Took it to a professional shop in Phoenix about three weeks ago, and
    still don’t have the verdict back from them.

    I liked your comment…”they sure don’t make it easy”. And the
    problem is compounded by sellers that have little understanding of, or
    the integrity to stand behind their products. All they supplied with
    the bike was an 8 page leaflet translated from Mandarin to broken
    English.

  15. Hal,

    I just checked out the scooter this morning. I had a friend sit on the scooter and twist the throttle while I put the voltmeter on each battery. The needle didn’t move on three of the four, but, on the fourth, the needle dropped to the bottom. Which I think tells me that that battery is kaput. In which case, I’m told that all four need to be replaced. Frustrating since I just replaced all four last September for about $400 (it costs a lot to have batteries shipped out here and it’s a weird amperage (12V22aph SLA). The whole scooter only cost me about $1500 when I first bought it back in 1/07. The battery problem might be related to the fact that a power surge fried my battery charged back in December and I had a hard time finding a replacement. So the scooter sat without being charged for a long time. I’m trying to do the right thing for the environment but they sure don’t make it easy.

    Aloha.

  16. Jim, I am having identical problems with my electric scooter.

    Mine was purchased from GreenCycle in Gresham, OR. I’ve had 12 issues with the bike since purchase four months ago. It has been in the shop, or merely inoperable three of those four months. Unfortunately they don’t back their product or honor the warranty for an hour after it leaves their door. “Your tough luck” is their attitude. If anyone is considering purchase, please let me know, and I’ll send you a list of what to expect.

  17. Aloha. I have an iMoto2 Verde electric scooter which has been a lot of fun even though it never came close to matching the specs for mileage and speed. It has trouble with the hills in Kailua Kona but used to have about a 30 mile range and a top speed of about 25mph on flat roads. Of late, the mileage has dropped off significantly. I rode it to the library yesterday and, when I hopped back on, it wouldn’t go when I twisted the throttle. I could feel it trying, but it vibrated for a few seconds and then cut off. The manufacturer suggested it could be the batteries, but I’ve checked the connections and put a voltmeter on them and everything checks out. The scooter doesn’t seem to be able to carry any weight. But when I put it up on its stand and twist the throttle, the wheel spins. I was wondering if anybody has any suggestions or thoughts on this problem. Mahalo.

  18. 66 y/o with emphysema, need something (?) to carry me and my photography gear around off-road. Would really hate to get jammed up in mud. Need something with a minimum of red tape for its use in most public places, like parks and sidwalks.

    A little direction would be a good thing.

  19. Hal

    Your weight would not be a factor. Is there any torque when you lift it up. Try touching the ground slightly and see if it still runs. If so, again a short somewhere, possibly inside the motor. Try other loose wires first but you may have to take the motor apart to look for short. Again, an electrician could probably find it quickly.

  20. Howard and John,

    Thank you both so much for your suggestions. I will try the fuse first (if I can find it) then look for a loose wire or connection. I have noticed that if I elevate the rear wheels off the ground, and turn on the power, they turn freely and seem to be getting power consistently (instead of intermittently) Gosh, I’m not THAT heavy, about 180, so am hoping that the weight isn’t an issue. Please let me know if any further thoughts.

  21. Hal

    It sounds like you have a short where a exposed wire is touching the frame, etc. I would suggest getting an electrician to check it out for you.

    John

  22. Hal, I had the same symptoms on a 24 volt Chinese BMX freedom someone gave me, and it turned out to be the fuse. It looked OK but it had intermittent internal disconnect. After replacing it, no problemo.

    Maurice, I’m a retired ham and my first electric scooter project was a 2003 Viento made in California. They have notoriously weak rear wheels. After much $$$ and some pain it runs again like a bat out of LA. Although I haven’t ridden motorcycles in many years, the Viento can be scary. It is silent yet develops massive torque with a touch of the throttle. This means if you aren’t firmly seated, it runs away without you. I once hit a small dip in the grass while parking and it almost took me through a hedge. This led me to a habit of switching it off as I approach my destination. It goes about 30 mph and has three 30 pound batteries so it weighs about 200 pounds. Compare the Chinese Freedom BMX scooter which weighs about the same as a single Viento battery and goes about 5 mph. Apples & oranges. Anyway, I use it for trips to the post office (about two miles), and I’ve learned to exercise caution.

    1. Hello,
      Howard Olsen, I also own a Viento scooter and have a problem w/ the back wheel…
      I wondered if you could tell me how you got yours on the road again and if there is a way I could use that resouce to get mine going as well?
      Thanks Much,
      Kenneth

      1. Dear Kenneth,
        After three tries, I finally bought the right size wheel on Ebay for $.99 although shipping pushed the cost up to $30. If I remember it is an 18 inch, 36 hole motorcycle wheel that accepts a 2.5 inch tire. The rim is purple but much stronger than the original. The biggest problem was the motorcycle rim accepts much larger spokes than the Viento hub. I had to use homemade cone shaped washers for the new wheel so the nipples wouldn’t slip through the holes. I also installed a new tire and tube. The original tire was 2 inch and going to 2.5 inch is a VERY tight fit, but I’m rolling again. Let me know if you need more details or photo. Aloha, Howard

  23. I need your honest opinion. I have a regular beach cruiser-type bicycle that is still under warranty, but I’m thinking about converting it by mounting an electric motor and battery. I’m also considering purchasing a new EZip Mountain Trailz electric bike. Which option would be more economical? Should I buy a ready-built e-bike, or build one from scratch? Thank you for your time. 🙂

    1. Hello

      You should look into EMPED SCOOTERS I bought one early in the summer I get to ride mine often already clocked 1500 Km which doesn’t sound like much but on the island that I am on Statia (St Lucia) its all I need & more. I have the EMPED ePed 4.0 Li a 4000 watt model from an US Manufacturer who also offer hi end electric mountain bikes. My top speed is over 110 kph or 60mph. With a standard 2 year warranty & a extended warranty (ESP) like Bestbuy hopefully next year they can be included.

      Electric scooter & electric bike are tge future I can’t say enough about how much I love my EMPED ePed

      e Ryder!

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