So, you have decided to take the leap and get an electric scooter. Congratulations! You won’t regret the decision, giving you an alternative, more eco-friendly means of transportation along with a fun way to integrate more activity into your day. Now comes the big decision: which brand and model should you get?
You want something that meets legal requirements in your area, of course. But it also needs to live up to your performance and reliability standards. Plus, you want something that fits your personal style. Here, we have rounded up the best electric scooter brands and specific models from those brands to help you with your buying decision.
Best electric scooters for performance & reliability
Electric scooters are motorized versions of traditional scooters with a flat board on wheels on which you stand and T-bar style handles for support and navigation. They add a built-in motor and can recharge via AC power. Once turned on, you get an extra push of power to help you get from Point A to Point B.
It’s important to choose an electric scooter from a reliable brand that focuses on quality. Not only do you need these motorized modes of transportation to be safe, you also want it to stand up to repeated use and navigate your preferred routes with ease. You’ll also want to ensure that the battery lasts and recharges quickly.
Lightweight, compact, and usually foldable, electric scooters, also known as e-scooters, are generally approved for riding on a trail, bike path, private property, and sometimes even roads and sidewalks. Make sure to check the electric scooter laws in your province and municipality to know when and where you can ride.
What makes a good electric scooter?
Before choosing an electric scooter, devise a checklist. There are a few key factors to consider when it comes to what makes a good electric scooter.
Build quality
The electric scooter should be made of high-quality, durable materials. It should be able to withstand inclement weather, like rain or even extreme temperatures (though you’ll want to store it safely indoors, like in a garage, in the off-season). The materials should not rust and the paint should not chip or fade beyond regular wear and tear. A good indication that a brand stands behind its quality is when it offers extended warranty periods.
Range and speed
Most provincial and municipal laws in Canada indicate that an electric scooter cannot go faster than 24 km/hr., so you’ll want something that hovers within that range. Models can go anywhere from 16km up to 55km per charge. If you’ll be riding where faster speeds are permitted, you might want to consider an electric scooter that can go faster.
In terms of range, if you’re looking to go for short rides within your neighbourhood, you might not need something with a longer range. But it’s still worthwhile to consider so you need to charge it less often. Plus, a model with a longer range is good for riding on trails and going longer distances.
Battery life
Along with the range per battery charge, you should note the charging time of the electric scooter. It can be from four hours up to 20 hours to fully recharge an electric scooter. This depends both on the model of the electric scooter as well as the power of the charger.
Durability
As noted, an electric scooter should be durable enough to withstand the rigors of daily use. If you plan to ride on uneven or challenging terrain, you’ll want to note the durability of both the electric scooter itself and the tires. Look for something extra durable if you plan to ride during colder winter months or conversely, humid summers. Many electric scooters come with puncture-proof, self-healing tires.
Brand reputation and support
Find a brand that has a solid reputation when it comes to electric scooters and other related electric modes of transportation. You can discern this from brand recognition as well as by perusing reviews. Customer support is important, too. How easy is it to contact them with questions? Can you easily obtain replacement parts if needed? And how is the warranty fulfilled?
Best electric scooters by category
The best electric scooters hail from top brands like Segway Ninebot, Apollo, Navee, and NIU. They meet all the proper safety and speed requirements in Canada, are durable and well-built, and come with enhanced features. There are models in various price points to meet every budget from these and other top brands. Here, we break it down by the best electric scooter in various categories to help you find the right fit.
Need some help making a choice? We have suggestions worth considering.
Best overall: Segway Max G3
With a powerful 2,000W motor, up to 80km range per charge (in Eco mode at 16 km/hr.), and 45 km/hr. top speed, the Segway Max G3 is the best electric scooter you can buy right now. Riding a long, winding trail? With Boost mode, you can zoom from zero to 24km/hr. in 2.4 seconds. It can also easily scale inclines and fully recharges in just 3.5 hours. Compatible with the Apple Find My app, you can keep tabs on its location to prevent loss or theft. It’s an expensive option, but for serious riders, it’s the option to choose. You can save a bit by opting for the less powerful, previous-gen version, the Segway Ninebot G30 Max.
Best overall (runner-up): Apollo Go
A second option to consider as the best overall electric scooter is the Apollo Go. It doesn’t go as far as the Segway Max G3 at a 48km range, but it can go as fast at a 44 km/hr. max speed. It has dual motors for a max power output of 750W. Features riders will appreciate include a 360° lighting system so you get visibility from every angle, handbrake, self-healing tires, and an IP66 dust- and water-resistant frame for riding in any weather condition. With double the weight capacity, it’s a better option for larger riders or those who want to ride with cargo, like a laptop backpack.
Best super scooter: Apollo City Pro 2023
Reaching up to 55km/hr. speeds, this is a super-fast electric scooter for those who might be riding in areas where such speeds are permitted. It can go up to 69km per charge of its dual 500W motors: that’s a pretty significant distance! The self-healing tires and regenerative braking keep you safe while riding as well. Foldable in design making it easy to carry, the digital display shows speed, battery life, and other metrics as you zoom from one place to the next.
Best entry level scooter: Segway Ninebot E2
Great for teens or entry-level users, the Segway Ninebot E2 has a top speed of 20 km/hr. with its 450W motor. With a 25km range, it’s great for riding through a neighbourhood or quiet city and travelling short distances, like daily commutes. The tires are puncture-proof and thus require less maintenance. It has a dual brake system and lights and reflectors for safety. It’s a fashion-friendly, entry-level model that’s great for beginners and teens just getting into riding.
Best well-rounded scooter: Segway G30P Max
A great all-around electric scooter when it comes to performance and value, the Segway G30P Max has a 350W motor, 30 km/hr. top speed, and 65km range per charge of its battery. Perfect for everyday commutes and even longer rides on the trail, the 10-inch pneumatic tires afford a smooth ride while you bring along a backpack or bag and commute in your work clothes. It can scale hills and has front LED lights built-in for riding at night. It’s durable, folds neatly once you arrive to your destination, and boasts water-resistant construction.
Best electric scooter for rough roads: Navee ST3 Pro
The Navee ST3 Pro has a damping arm suspension system that absorbs shocks and impacts. Reliable braking is provided through front drum, rear disc, and rear E-ABS. The self-healing tubeless tires, meanwhile, automatically seal punctures so you’re not left in the lurch. Bottom line: this electric scooter can handle rough terrains well. It also offers an incredibly long range at up to 75km with a 40km/hr. top speed. With a powerful 1,350W motor, the stylish electric scooter is a good choice for adventurers.
Best value electric scooter with seat for adults: Delorean 14-inch seated
Looking for a seated electric scooter to get around in more comfortably that won’t cost an arm and a leg? This Delorean model can go for 27.85km per charge at a speed of up to 25 km/hr. Equipped with a 450W motor, the adjustable seat includes a back rest and the wide platform provides a smooth and safe ride. It folds up for easy storage and you can even have a Geek Squad Agent assemble it for you after delivery. It isn’t the fastest, most feature-rich option, but it has 5-star reviews for value, comfort, and convenience.
Best electric scooter under $500: Segway Ninebot KickScooter E2
A good option for young riders is the Segway Ninebot Kickscooter E2, which allows for a slower speed of up to 20 km/hr. and shorter 25km range using its 450W motor. Kids can ride to school and back and around the neighbourhood on this ultra-affordable electric scooter. Parents will appreciate not only the price, but also the dual brake system and built-in lights and reflectors. Keep in mind, however, that there are new models coming in the budget category so stay tuned for additional options in this category!
Electric scooter brand comparison table
To help break things down for you, here’s a handy table comparing the typical features of the top brands. Keep in mind that details vary from one model to another, but this gives you an idea of how they generally compare.
| Brand | Motor Power | Price Range | Top Speed | Range | Customer Ratings | About the Brand |
| Segway | 150W-2,000W | $500-$1,600 | 45 km/hr. | 10km-80km | 3-5 stars | Top-selling e-scooter brand in North America |
| Apollo | 350W-1,000W | $1,000-$2,000 | 55 km/hr. | 48km-69km | 4-4.5 stars | Canadian brand with expertise in the super scooter category |
| Navee | 600W-1,350W | $450-$1,400 | 40 km/hr. | 25km-80km | 4-5 stars | Relatively new brand focused on value and performance |
| NIU | 300W-500W | $500-$1,320 | 32 km/hr. | 29km-65km | 3.5-5 stars | Unique form factors, growing in popularity |
How to choose the best electric scooter for your needs
Now that you have an idea of some of the best electric scooters and brands, and what makes them tops, it’s decision time! You can check out our electric scooter buying guide, which walks you through all the most important considerations to make to ensure you choose the right model to meet your needs. Learn about key factors like speed and motor power, range and battery life, weight and portability, build quality and durability, tires and suspension, brakes and safety features, and even smart features through app connectivity. We also cover common mistakes to avoid, which will further help you narrow down the choices.
Which scooter or brand should you choose?
Now that you’re armed with all this information and some great options, it comes down to some crucial factors. How, when, and where do you want to ride? What is your budget? Most of these electric scooters have similar build quality, durability, and tires. Look at reviews and additional features. Consider speed, range, and charging time. Foldability might be important, too, if you live in a small home or apartment and have limited space.
Segway Ninebot is one of the most popular brands in this space, but don’t discount others like Apollo and Navee, which continually improve on models with the latest and greatest options. With the right research, you’ll find the perfect model for you. Plus, it’s worth checking out which electric scooters are on sale because you can often save a bundle on even the more premium, most expensive electric scooters.
Check out the wide selection of electric scooters at Best Buy.
FAQs about electric scooter brands
Still have questions? Hopefully this FAQs will help.
Which electric scooter brand lasts the longest?
This is a loaded question because it comes down to the model, how often you use it and on what type of terrain. It also matters how well you maintain and take care of it. Generally, you can expect an electric scooter from one of the top brands to last for anywhere from three-to-five years. But if you take good care of it, store it properly in the off season, and keep the battery periodically charged even when not using it, you can get upwards of seven-plus years from a good model.
How long does an electric scooter battery last?
Electric scooters run on rechargeable batteries. As with any rechargeable battery, they only last so long before they will need replacing. The battery in an electric scooter should last anywhere from 2-3 years or about 300-500 full charge cycles. This is based on average riding. If you ride more often, it will last for a shorter period of time. Conversely, if you ride less often, it might last even longer. The good news is that you can buy a replacement battery to extend its life even longer. Make sure to check the owner’s manual to get the right type of battery and follow instructions for proper installation. You can also take it to a professional for installation. Don’t forget to safely recycle the old battery.
How can I extend the life of my electric scooter?
The best advice to extend the life of your electric scooter is to take good care of it! When not in use, store it in a cool, dry place. This might be a garage, large shed, or even indoors. Don’t leave it plugged in overnight or it can overcharge, and let the battery drain fully before recharging. If you aren’t using it for an entire season, still recharge it every so often to keep it at at least 30-50 percent charge. Don’t plug it in to charge right after coming home from a ride. Let it cool down for a bit first.
While riding, try not to accelerate hard and maintain consistent riding habits to avoid putting stress on it. If possible, avoid extended exposure to direct sunlight. Make sure to keep it clean by wiping it down periodically. Check for loose bolt or screws when doing so and check tire pressure as well.
What was the first electric scooter brand?
Believe it or not, electric scooters are not new. They have been around for more than a century. The first electric scooter was the gas-powered Autoped invented in 1913. The Go-ped came in 1985, a motorized scooter that was initially gas-powered but shifted to electric in 2001. Razor scooters were all the rage in the early 2000s.
Segway, however, has become synonymous with the technology. It’s one of the most enduring brands in the business. The first Segway, invented in 1999 and released in 2002, looked very different. It had two large wheels and a flat surface where two feet can stand side-by-side. A long handlebar is positioned on an angle for support as you scoot around. The company was eventually sold to Ninebot but retained the Segway name and brand reputation.
