The Best Lightweight Electric Scooters in 2024

At 26.4 lbs, the NIU KQi Air is truly special. Since making it my daily commuter in 2023, I've tested dozens of other models, but none have come close to replacing it. It's simply the most convenient, capable and comfortable lightweight scooter money can buy.

Most lightweight scooters force you to choose between power and comfort. However, the KQi Air's carbon frame changes the game by slashing weight while allowing for beefier components where it counts. You get the full package—a light scooter with solid power, sizable dimensions, big air-filled tires, and a large battery. It's an addicting combo I haven't seen before, and I'm all for it.

Thanks to its 48V setup, the Air performs excellently in all my motor performance tests (acceleration, speed, hill climbing). It can handle 20% grades with ease, making it perfect for hilly commutes and heavier riders.

The KQi Air sets a new record in my tests with 24.2 miles of real-world range. At 0.92 miles per pound, it's the most range-efficient scooter I've ever tested. Plus, it charges in just 5 hours. It's also highly customizable via the NIU app, has 360-degree turn signals and a modern, reliable build.

Sure, there are other perfectly viable lightweights out there (see picks below), but you get what you pay for. The NIU KQi Air is a premium scooter that skimps on nothing. You pay a bit extra for the carbon weight cut, but it delivers a riding experience you won't find in other lightweights. For daily commuters looking for the best blend of portability and performance, the KQi Air is hard to beat.

The Mosquito's strengths lie in its exceptionally powerful 500W front motor and high foldability. It's the only scooter on this list that features both foldable handlebars and adjustable handlebar height.

Out of all sub-30 lbs scooters I've tested, the Mosquito boasts the highest top speed at 25.6 MPH, with acceleration and hill climbing that also leave most competitors in the dust. It's perfect for tackling steep inclines, supporting heavier riders, or simply getting from A to B faster. It's pretty much the perfect scooter for the busy urbanite.

They've somehow squeezed a 461 Wh battery into this pocket rocket, which is beyond impressive. My tests showed 18.9 miles of real-world range (22.9 miles riding conservatively), so it's got enough juice for longer commutes while being compact enough to integrate with public transport.

The solid tires and drum brake keep maintenance low - more riding, less upkeep. To compensate for the harsher ride of solid tires, it's equipped with front and rear suspension. While relatively plush and forgiving, the narrow build means ride quality isn't as refined as larger models.

Despite its solid IPX5 weather resistance rating, I advise against riding in the rain. Solid tires and wet roads simply don't go well together.

I'd prefer to see the motor and drum brake switch wheels, but overall, the Mosquito is a highly reliable machine that runs circles around the competition when it comes to raw speed.

At around $300, the Hiboy S2 offers a lot of scooter for your money. While it doesn't win any comfort prizes, its 350W front motor delivers surprisingly capable performance - some of the best I've tested under $500.

The S2's 270 Wh battery is enough for shorter commutes. In my tests, it managed 11.4 miles of real-world range, which should cover most urban trips.

Maintenance is kept low with solid honeycomb tires and electronic regenerative braking. There's also a rear disc brake, which adds more reliable stopping power. The solid tires mean you'll feel more bumps, but they'll likely last you the lifetime of the scooter.

At 31.9 lbs, the S2 fits the bill as an affordable featherweight ideal for mixed-mode commutes with medium inclines.

It's not the most refined ride - I personally found it a bit rough around the edges. But for simple commutes and moderate hills, the Hiboy S2 delivers performance that you can't fault at this price point. If you're on a tight budget but still need a portable electric scooter, the S2 is a solid choice.

The Splach Ranger is all about ride quality and range. At 39 lbs, it's a tad heavier than previous mentions, but that extra weight translates to unmatched comfort.

It features a super plush dual suspension system with swing arms in front and springs in the rear. The clever mixed tire setup (8.5" pneumatic front, 8" solid rear) offers the best of both worlds: a smooth ride with low maintenance.

Despite its comfort-oriented build, the Ranger doesn't skimp on portability. Foldable handlebars and adjustable height allow for surprisingly compact storage. The folding mechanism takes some getting used to but feels sturdy with no flex.

With a 655.2 Wh battery, the Ranger boasts the longest range in this lineup. My tests yielded an impressive 27.3 miles of real-world range (30.2 miles at slower speeds).

The roomy deck and rear footrest are perfect for longer rides. However, the 350W motor's acceleration and hill climbing is underwhelming compared to some rivals, even lagging behind the budget Hiboy S2.

For riders prioritizing a smooth, comfortable ride in a still-portable package, the Splach Ranger is hard to beat. It's the ideal choice for those with longer commutes or rougher roads who don't want to sacrifice too much in portability.

The Hover-1 Journey Max is a rare gem. It's the most affordable dual-motor option on the market, and that makes a world of difference for extra challenging commutes.

The Journey Max's dual 350W motors pack a serious punch, rocketing to 15 MPH in just 4.29 seconds and leaving all competitors in the dust. Its top speed (19.7 MPH tested) is somewhat limited by the 36V system, but it's still plenty for most urban rides.

This scooter truly flexes its muscles on inclines. It set a new in-class hill climbing record in my tests, beating scooters twice its price. The max incline grade is right around 17°—lengths better than the lightweight competition.

With 22.2 miles of real-world range (26.3 miles at low speeds), the 475.2 Wh battery holds its own. Ride quality is nothing to write home about with no suspension, but the 8.5" air-filled tires take the edge off rougher roads with some cushioning.

At 38.5 lbs, it's not the lightest option on the list, but the added weight is well justified by the dual-motor performance. For urban commuters tackling steep terrain or those who prioritize acceleration, the Hover-1 Journey Max offers unbeatable value in the lightweight category.

The TurboAnt X7 Max stands out with its smart detachable battery. This design allows you to extend range with spare batteries. It also enables convenient charging without moving the entire scooter—perfect for apartment dwellers or those with limited space.

In my tests, it reached 19.6 MPH. That's adequate for most commutes and fair for its price. Acceleration and hill performance are average, but it handles flat terrain and slight inclines well.

Real-world range came in at 15.4 miles (18.2 miles at slower speeds) which is perfect for short to medium trips. With a 275 lbs max load capacity—highest in the lineup—and a relatively tall ride, larger riders are gonna find it more comfortable than alternatives like the Hiboy S2.

The 10" air tires and rear disc brake provide a comfortable ride with decent stopping power. My main critique: the stem-mounted battery makes the scooter top-heavy, affecting handling compared to deck-battery models.

If you need adaptable range and easy charging more than nimble handling, the X7 Max delivers. It's not perfect but it's next-level practical.