Lightweight electric scooters are quickly becoming popular in the United States, and with good reason. Few other modes of transportation can provide the same level of speed and portability.
If you're scouring the market for a new model, you might just find what you're looking for among our top ten lightweight electric scooters.
Not all scooters are equal when it comes to portability. Models with foldable or retractable frames don't necessarily mean that they're easy to bring along with you. Weight also plays an essential factor. Electric scooters need motors, batteries, and other components to run correctly. All of these parts significantly affect the weight of the scooter. Generally, heftier models mean bigger motors and batteries for faster speeds and a higher maximum range. Not everyone needs these kinds of models, though.
People who use electric scooters to commute or travel over shorter distances might prefer portability instead of power. This is the main selling point of lightweight electric models. They provide the conveniences of a powered scooter while being light enough to carry comfortably.
Considering the vast number of available options, finding the right lightweight e scooter can be challenging, but we're here to help. Our guide below covers the best ones we've tested, each with their own unique features and advantages.
The UScooters Booster Sport is the perfect blend of portability and power, rightfully earning our list's top spot. This model's carbon fiber/metal blend frame is much lighter than your typical scooter and strong enough to have a decent rider weight capacity (220 lb).
Like most of the scooters on our list, the UScooters Booster Sport features a foldable frame. Its 3-point folding system makes storage and transport convenient and hassle-free.
This electric scooter also excels in terms of safety. The emergency rear brake and regenerative front brake ensure a quick and safe stop. The e-scooter also comes installed with six-side-mounted reflectors, LED headlight, and rear brake light, ensuring high visibility even during nighttime.
With the UScooters Booster Sport, you should expect a smooth and straightforward riding experience. It comes with a zero-start function, so you don't need to push this model to get it going. The cruise control helps maintain a constant speed that removes the need to regulate the throttle manually. Lastly, the front and rear suspension significantly improve the stability and comfort of riding.
While not a complete necessity, this lightweight electric scooter's LCD display is incredibly convenient (and stylish). It displays useful gauges, including a speedometer, a trip meter, and an odometer.
Best for: People who want a solid riding experience without the need to lug around a heavy e-scooter.
The Uscooters GT is essentially the Booster Sport's slightly heavier but more powerful brother. If you want a little more speed out of your e-scooter, the UScooters Booster GT model will likely meet your expectations.
Despite being compact enough to be in the ultraportable category, the UScooters Booster GT houses electric components that can reach 25 mph speeds. Its battery technology is also no joke, where you can reach up to 30 miles on a single charge. This rating is almost twice the maximum range of many popular e-scooter models, like the Glion Dolly or the M365.
The UScooters Booster GT is one of the most effortless electric scooters to transport. You can fold the stem of this lightweight scooter into a very compact frame with its convenient latch feature. To make the scooter even smaller, it features spring-loaded handlebars that you can quickly fold and unfold.
The UScooters Booster GT also comes with sufficient lighting. High-mounted white LED lights and one red LED taillight that automatically activates whenever you use the brake.
Speaking of the brakes, the UScooters Booster GT features an excellent brake system. Unlike the old GT, this new variant we tested uses a dedicated rear drum brake plus an electronic brake for enhanced safety and control.
Finally, this electric scooter also features an LCD display, much like other UScooters' offerings. Its large, backlit interface is easy to see in both dark and bright conditions. With this display, you can track useful information like speed, battery level, and battery temperature.
Best for: people who want a similar build to the original UScooters Booster Sport but with a higher speed and mile range.
While testing for the best electric scooters, the Turboant X7 Pro quickly caught our attention. It outclasses other more expensive options in terms of speed, range, capacity, and additional features, giving you excellent value for your money. This scooter is a direct upgrade to the original X7, which has a lighter frame and a lower maximum range.
This electric scooter features many solid design choices. For instance, the lithium-ion battery is conveniently situated on the steering column and completely removable. With this feature, it's easier to charge or store the battery indoors for less exposure to heat and other lifespan-lowering conditions.
Another design we appreciate is the accelerator's control system. The accelerator requires a moving electric scooter before it can engage. Long gone are the days where your scooter shoots out from your hands because of an accidental button push!
The X7 Pro's 10-inch pneumatic tires do a decent job of cushioning the rider for bumpier road conditions. However, this electric scooter lacks a suspension system, which means that you still feel vibrations from rougher roads, but it's not enough to make the ride uncomfortable.
With a cruise control function that engages intuitively, you get smoother rides without manually regulating the speed. After finding the speed you want, hold it steady, and after a few seconds, a beep will notify you that the cruise control is active. This feature works with all three of the electric scooter's speed modes.
For all these reasons, the X7 Pro is also hands down one of the top electric scooters for commuting.
Best for: Individuals who want an entry-level electric scooter that offers reliable performance for a reasonable price.
The Megawheels S1 is among the lightest electric scooters available. This scooter is an excellent choice if you're looking for a beginner-friendly model with decent range and power. Its weight is ideal for taking it in and out of work or bringing it to school. However, the 198 lb weight limit might not be enough for larger individuals. You can check out the Megawheels S5 for a more supportive build.
The S1's incredibly lightweight build means compromising a bit on its electrical components. The lower battery capacity means that this folding electric scooter will only last 5-8 miles. With that said, the distance it can cover is often enough for most uses. The battery pack also has a quick charging time, taking only three hours for a full, single charge.
Because it uses a 250W motor, this electric scooter only offers a top speed of 14 mph. However, this shouldn't be a deal-breaker if you're going to use it for covering shorter distances. In most circumstances, it provides just enough speed to get you to work or school on time.
Compared to other electric scooters on our list, the S1 has a slightly more inferior ride quality. With no features in place to make your ride smoother, going over bumpier terrain might get uncomfortable. However, these compromises in ride quality become less of a concern for shorter trips and smoother roads. The solid wheels used by this folding electric scooter are also incredibly durable and don't require much maintenance.
For safety, the scooter comes with a taillight that automatically flashes when needed. It also comes with an emergency break in case you abruptly encounter an obstacle. However, the lack of headlights makes it less viable for nighttime use.
Lastly, this lightweight scooter's folding system is simple but effective. You can easily store it in your vehicle or take it with you in public transport in its folded state.
Best for: Riders who want a lightweight, easy-to-bring electric scooter that can cover decent distances.
The Unagi Model One's sleek and eye-catching design is peak aesthetic, but it also has a lot to offer in practicality. Unlike other electric scooters, this model uses a unique combination of materials like carbon fiber, aluminum, and magnesium for enhanced durability and portability.
Several parts of the scooter use the same carbon fiber as SpaceX's rockets! This carbon fiber material from Japan is strong and lightweight because it is anisotropic, meaning its layers are carefully distributed to optimize the strength.
If you have a pet peeve for bulky consoles and visible wires, don't worry. This folding electric scooter uses a magnesium alloy handlebar with a sleek, integrated command center to control the throttle, headlight, brake, and horn. The Unagi Model One also features a patented, foldable frame that you can lock with a simple click. This design makes it incredibly easy to bring along, even in jam-packed public transport.
Another thing we love about this model is its braking system. Its dual, anti-lock brakes work effectively to bring you to a smooth and steady stop. What's more, Unagi also included a friction brake that allows users to modify their riding style for a more "classic" braking position.
The scooter uses rubber wheels that are very durable and low maintenance, but other wheels could improve riding performance. With that said, you should expect a very comfortable riding experience unless you use it on really rough roads. Compared to other electric scooters that sport the same wheel material (like the Glion Dolly), rides on the Model One are considerably smoother.
If you love nighttime scooter rides, you'll appreciate the Model One's flush-mounted, 47-lumen, LED front light and rear blinking red LED for enhanced safety and visibility.
Best for: Those who want to invest in a long-lasting carbon fiber scooter with a clean and modern design.
The Inokim Mini 2 is a foldable electric scooter that doubles down on versatility and portability. If you need to cover shorter distances and value a smaller weight and footprint, this scooter can check all of your boxes.
Whether you want to refer to it as foldable, folding, compact, this electric scooter excels at multi-modal transportation. Its integrated trolley wheels allow for easier dragging or placing upright, useful for a hectic commute in a bus or train. At a mere 23 lb, you can effortlessly carry this scooter up a flight of stairs to take it to your school or office.
Despite being on the smaller side, the high-efficiency Li-ion battery gets you a full charge in three to four hours and a battery life of 10 miles. It can also work as a power source if you're in a pinch! The scooter features an accessible USB port for charging your devices.
A 15 mph max speed is not viable for quickly covering longer distances, but it's good enough for regular use. While the Inokim Mini 2 doesn't have the necessary build for speed seekers, its hub motor can deliver swift acceleration.
Its ride quality is also nothing to laugh at thanks to its quality rear suspension, front pneumatic tire, and hub motor. The wheels provide good traction on slippery surfaces and handle bumps and potholes well, but heftier, solid tires can offer better stability.
Best for: Lighter individuals who want a high-quality lightweight electric scooter as a portable, last-mile solution with comfortable ride quality.
If you're willing to splurge on something more extravagant, the Mini is the high-end Dualtron brand's lightweight option. Many love Dualtron electric scooters for their excellent speed and battery life, and their Mini offering is no different. While this model sports a much heavier build than other scooters on our list, you might prefer it for the extra power.
The Mini has a top speed of 35 mph and can reach up to 25 miles on a single charge. Unless you're someone who rides vast distances, these specifications are usually enough to last you until the next charge. You'd think that having a fantastic battery life means longer charging times, but this scooter only takes two hours to charge completely.
Uneven roads and bumpy surfaces are nothing for the Mini scooter. With the dual-spring suspension, this electric scooter provides higher stability, making it suitable for urban and off-road rides. If you frequent hills and steeper elevations, the scooter can successfully climb them at 15 degrees. Its ground clearance is also fixed at a comfortable height.
The Mini comes with ABS braking that prevents the wheels from locking up when you brake. This function helps maintain consistent contact with the riding surface to improve control and prevent the rider from falling off.
For portability, this scooter features a foldable steering column and BMX-style handlebars that are easy to fold. The heftier weight might be too much to handle for lighter individuals, though.
With such a high price point, this Mini needs some reliable theft protection for your peace of mind. Fortunately, Dualtron is a few steps ahead. This electric scooter is compatible with an optional fingerprint security system to deter would-be thieves.
Best for: Buyers who can afford to splurge on a high-power electric scooter with great portability.
For a reliable entry-level electric scooter, the Apollo Light offers a well-rounded riding performance. Riding beginners will appreciate its comfortable driving performance and easy-to-use controls, among other useful features.
As its namesake implies, the Apollo Light is the lightweight variant of the Apollo City. Despite having a lighter build, this electric scooter comes with a regenerative brake and a rear drum brake. However, the rear wheel has both of these brakes. While a braking system for both wheels offers the most safety and performance, this configuration is typical for scooters under the mid-price category.
What we love about this scooter is its consistently smooth driving performance. Thanks to its full-spring suspension and front pneumatic tire, you can go over bumpier roads with ease. However, dual air-filled tires are usually more comfortable to ride on.
The scooter sacrifices a bit on ride quality by using a solid tire for the back, but for a good reason. The majority of flats occur on the rear wheel, and durable solid tires significantly reduce the chances of getting a flat.
It comes with a bright LED display for fast and easy access to useful statistics like battery life, distance, and speed. It also features configurable settings, including instant acceleration and cruise control, for a fully customized riding experience.
Lastly, the scooter features both rear and front LED lights on the deck and a front fender light. These lights are decent in a pinch, but we recommend an additional mounted headlight for faster nighttime rides.
Best for: People who want an electric scooter with generous warranty coverage.
Many favor GoTrax scooters for their durable builds and excellent ride quality. One of their newest offerings, the GoTrax XR Ultra, has a similar design to the Xiaomi Mi M365, but with slightly better components. We love that the GoTrax XR Ultra has a simple and straightforward cockpit build. Every beginner will appreciate the intuitive controls that include a brake lever, thumb-operated accelerator, and bell.
Like the M365, the GoTrax XR Ultra features two air-filled tires that feel good to ride on smoother roads. These tires will soak up some vibration on bumpy roads, but the ride quality will still feel a bit lacking. However, this is a pretty standard outcome for electric scooters that don't have suspension components.
A plus to using air-filled, pneumatic tires is its performance in wet conditions. These tires provide better overall performance and traction compared to airless variants.
The GoTrax XR Ultra scooter uses a folding stem mechanism that is quick and simple to operate. This system is an improvement to the original version. With the GoTrax XR Ultra, you get an extra safety measure that prevents the scooter from accidentally folding while riding.
We appreciate the manufacturer's keen attention to detail when designing the GoTrax XR Ultra. For example, the throttle has an additional label for reminding users that the cruise control activates after a ten-second throttle hold.
Best for: budget-conscious buyers who want a quality folding scooter that is beginner-friendly.
The Evolv City is essentially the Evolve Tour's lightweight brother. Despite its smaller frame, this electric scooter offers an excellent max speed and range. It also comes with a ton of convenient features.
If you frequent rougher roads, you should consider getting Evolv City. Few other holding electric scooters under its price range can compete with its performance. The scooter uses hydraulic suspension and spring suspension for the rear and front, respectively. This system, combined with pneumatic tires, makes for a very smooth ride.
Portability is one of the City's main selling points. Weighing a mere 39 pounds, you can easily bring this scooter on your daily commute. It also features one of the best folding frames, making it more convenient to store under your desk or in your trunk.
The scooter features an interface that includes useful driving stats like voltage consumption, speed, range, odometer, and trip distance. With 20 available riding modes, you can also enjoy a more customized experience. This scooter also comes with dual-rear LED taillights and an LED headlight for added safety and visibility.
Best for: Everyone who needs an electric scooter with excellent water-resistant capabilities.
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There are several things you want to pay particular focus to when choosing a lightweight e-scooter. We listed them below:
We took great care when picking the best lightweight scooter models to include a wide variety of price ranges. More expensive models may offer extra features that elevate the driving experience. If you prefer a more budget-friendly offering, many scooter manufacturers forego the extra frills to provide quality baseline builds.
Why bother lugging around a heavy, bulky scooter when there are better options available? When assessing for portability, always consider the weight and folding mechanism.
The heavier the scooter, the less convenient it is to use regularly. Scooter weight is greatly influenced by the frame materials and electrical components used. Our featured scooters use less powerful motors and batteries and lighter frame materials like aluminum or carbon fiber.
You also want scooters with an effective folding mechanism because even the lightest model can still feel unwieldy without one.
Comfort is vital if you plan on using a scooter for your daily commute. E-scooters can come with air tires and suspension mechanisms to add stability when driving in rougher conditions. Without these components, even the smallest bump in the road will feel uncomfortable.
Battery lifespan dictates the distance scooters can cover with a full charge. Always take the manufacturer's estimated maximum range with a grain of salt. Many variables can significantly change the range, including the rider's height and weight, terrain, wind strength, and topography.
Maximum speeds vary depending on the motors used and the battery power output. Keep in mind that a scooter may have a high top speed, but the riding experience might be uncomfortable when you reach those numbers. Scooters need to have decent suspension and larger wheels to compensate for faster speeds.
Lightweight electric scooters can only carry so much. For your safety, you should always consider the maximum load recommended by the manufacturer. Keep in mind that if you reach the top of a limit, it equates to a slower speed and a more limited range than a lighter user.
Most of the lightweight scooters on our list can only handle 260 lb or below. If you lean more on the heavier side, you can check out our guide to electric scooters for heavy adults and find better options. These models feature robust builds and powerful electrical components to make up for a higher load.
Every scooter needs a quality braking system for riders to maintain control and stay safe. Scooters can have an electronic, regenerative, drum, or disc brake. Some even use a combination of two or three brake variants for added safety.
If you want to ride after dark, an intense red rear light and a white front light is necessary. Some models feature very powerful LEDs, but it is always good practice to install additional lights just in case. It also helps if you wear reflective clothing and apply reflective tape on your scooter.
Some electric scooter features are not completely necessary but useful. For instance, Glion scooters like the Glion Dolly have LED screen interfaces that show vital riding statistics to keep riders updated. E-scooters can also have Bluetooth-compatible apps that let you view this info on your phone and other devices. Other features include riding settings, lighting controls, motor lock functions, and cruise control.
If you get a cheaper electric scooter, it might result in needing constant repairs and replacements. For the most part, material construction is the most significant influencing factor in durability. We advise that you only pick metal-based electric scooters and avoid plastic scooters as the latter usually don't last very long.
With more and more lightweight electric scooter models becoming available, anyone who values portability over power will have an easier time looking for what they need. Keeping track of your priorities and figuring out what you'll use an electric scooter will help narrow down your choices.
If you want to explore other options, feel free to check out our reviews of the best electric scooters of 2023. You can also always get the latest electric scooter prices with live data so you never miss a deal.
Rasmus is the creative lead at ERideHero. As a jack of all trades, Rasmus handles videography, photography and review write-ups as well as website development. He has tested more than 100 personal electric vehicles of all sorts across more than 6,000 miles.
