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Glide with confidence on our pick of the top battery-powered scooters for all ages
While electric scooters might all look the same at first, they’re not all created equal. The best electric scooters are rated for their reliability, comfort, range and – above all – their safety.
But despite their booming popularity, local laws have been slow to adapt to this emergent form of green transport. There are imminent plans in the UK to regulate and authorize the use of private scooters on public streets, but until these new rules are implemented – and depending on where in the world you are – the e-scooters in our list are only permitted for use on private land. So always scoot responsibly.
Finding the best electric scooter for your needs depends on a range of factors. Does it have enough range to go the distance? Does it have durable tyres to cope with the road surfaces you ride on? Can the motor handle steep hills? Does it fold up easily and fit in the back of a Smart Fortwo?
Our list of the best electric scooters includes models to suit most riders: scooters with impeccable all-round performance, affordable models that don’t cut corners when it comes to quality and safety, and long-range models for those who want to ride for longer.
A big part of why electric scooters still occupy a legal grey area is simple regulation. That’s why the e-scooters in our list are models we’ve tested from brands we know and trust, so you can be sure you’re making the right choice.
We’ve tested nine of the best electric scooters on the market, taking into consideration the range, comfort, portability and safety of each. Bear in mind that the ranges stated below are given by the manufacturer and measured under ideal conditions. Things like hills, the weight of the rider, your speed and the weather conditions can all make a big dent in the actual range. If we’ve found that the real-world range differs significantly from the advertised one, we’ll point it out.
Yes, but only under certain conditions. Trials of electric scooter rental services are currently taking place in cities across the country. It’s legal to ride these rental scooters within the area the scheme operates. However, the law has yet to catch up with how electric scooters are being used, so there are still some technical limitations on where you can ride privately owned e-scooters.
Private scooters can only be used on private land. If you use a private electric scooter on a public road the police can fine you for operating a motor vehicle without insurance or a licence, you can receive penalty points on your licence, and you could have your scooter impounded.
Legislation is in the works to formally classify electric scooters as a new vehicle class, which would make them legal to use on public roads.
General road safety laws apply when riding an electric scooter. You can be issued a fixed penalty notice for riding on the footpath. You can receive six penalty points and a fine for using a mobile phone while riding an electric scooter. Riding through red lights can result in £100 fine and points on your licence.
And if you’re found to be drunk or intoxicated while riding an electric scooter, you can technically face the same charges as when driving any other motor vehicle: fines, a driving ban and even jail time.
Since December 2021, electric scooters have been prohibited from being carried on TfL services, after defective batteries caused fire incidents.
The government has issued the following advice on the use of rental scooters:
For unbeatable all-round performance, top build quality and affordability, our choice of the best electric scooter is the Pure Air Go. However, riders who need to carry extra weight or want spicier performance should consider the Pure Air Pro.
If your main priority is portability and simplicity, the stylish and lightweight Xiaomi Mi 1S is the electric scooter for you.
To stay visible on the road, read our review of the best bike lights