Switching to fossil fuel-free alternatives is sure to make an impact for Mother Nature. However, living in areas with rough or steep terrains can be tricky, and might cause you to stop using your portable e-scooter altogether. Worry not, for our team is here to do the legwork for you in listing the best electric scooters for climbing hills.
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Reviews of the Best Electric Scooters for Climbing Hills
1. Segway Ninebot ES2 Electric Scooter
If you are looking for an electric scooter that is designed to drive up steep hills smoothly even when it is heavily loaded, then the Segway Ninebot ES2 Pro scooter is here to cover your needs. It may be sleek and lightweight, but it is engineered to deliver heavy loads in challenging gradients.
The ES2 is compact and portable, and boasts a high-charged battery that can travel up to 15.5 miles at a speed of 15.5 mph in a single charge. It also has a dual suspension mechanism that complements its 8” solid tires to allow the greatest ease and comfort during your adventure.
Pros
- Lightweight and foldable
- Designed for climbing steep terrains
- High powered motor
- Long battery capacity
- Innovative technology features
- Dual Suspension System
Cons
- Inferior secondary battery
- The app is a bit glitchy
2. Macwheel MX PRO Electric Scooter
The Macwheel MX Pro Electric scooter sports a dynamic and powerful 350W brushless hub motor with a 10-degree climbing grade that makes slope climbing and steep surfaces smooth and easy.
The MX Pro has a 360W high-capacity lithium ion battery that can travel up to 25 miles. It is lightweight, portable, user-friendly control, and has a two-type modern braking system that makes it a plus for safety-conscious riders.
Though the Macwheel has a powerful engine to climb hills with ease, it may struggle a bit for some rougher roads as its tires are small.
Pros
- Airless non-pneumatic off road tires
- Double hydraulic braking system
- Easy-to-use grip throttle
- Superior motor power
- Stable and durable design
- Front and rear disc brake features
Cons
- Relatively small tires
- Not built for rough roads
3. Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter
At a top speed of 18.6 mph, a powerful motor to sustain optimum performance, and a long range battery capacity, the Xiaomi Mi is efficient for all types of commute. It has disc brakes, and eABS regenerative anti lock braking system that can guarantee safety for its riders.
As for its hill climbing ability, the Xiaomi Mi commuter scooter can easily ride over 10% grade hills without much struggle. It encourages an intuitive use for its riders, and sustains a great hill climbing power with a long operative range at its peak performance.
Pros
- Good price point
- Double braking system
- Lightweight and portable features
- IP54 water resistant
- User-intuitive design
- Long-range battery life
Cons
- Lacks suspension mechanism
- Not ideal for rough, uneven terrains
4. Glion Dolly Foldable Lightweight Electric Scooter
Portable and lightweight yet durable and safe is Glion Dolly Electric Scooter’s main selling point. It has enough horsepower for steep hill inclines and battery power to last your usual commute.
The Glion Dolly Foldable Lightweight Electric Scooter is a popular choice among e-scooter enthusiasts as it has all-around commendable specifications and can be used on almost every occasion. It has a 26-pound foldable frame that makes it easy to store, built-in rolling wheels, and a luggage bag for additional compartment.
Overall, the Glion Dolly has generous horsepower, speed, portability, safety mechanisms, and decent quality build that make it a suitable choice for climbing hills at a great value.
Pros
- 650W superior engine power
- Airless tires
- Luggage compartment and mini-wheels apt for travel
- Flat-proof Honeycomb wheels
- Ergonomic design
- Effortless hill climbing capacity
Cons
- Rear suspension only
- Inferior top speed
5. GoTrax GXL V2
The Gotrax GXL V2 boasts a powerful motor that has a top speed of 15.5mph and can handle a weight limit of 220 lbs. With its fast-charge, long range battery capacity, the GXL can travel up to 9 to 12 miles per single charge. It is also foldable and can lock into place for convenience.
GoTrax GXL stepped up their hill climbing capacity on their newer models, one of the most noteworthy is GXL V2. It is an all-around scooter, be it for commuting or for off road trips, and is a comfortable choice for handling steep terrains and climbing hill surfaces.
Pros
- 14-degree hill climbing capability
- Dual braking system
- One-step folding system
- 8.5” Pneumatic tires
- Motor power is exemplary
- Innovative technology feature
Cons
- Top speed can be better
- Can be challenging for heavier riders
6. NANOROBOT D6+ Electric Scooter
One cannot make a list of the best electric scooters for climbing hills without including the Nanrobot e-scooter lines. They are built to last, and excel in all types of areas whether for steep terrains, climbing hills, or just your daily commute.
This electric kick scooter is so much more than meets the eye with its powerful 58V lithium battery and a motor that can reach 2000W. Climbing steep hills has never been easier with its large, pneumatic off-road tires, and durable aluminum frame. This commuter scooter is truly the best choice If you want a powerful electric scooter that is an all-rounder, with real suspension that can handle rough terrains.
Pros
- Dual mode: switchable to single or dual-motor drive
- 10” pneumatic off-road tires
- 58V lithium battery
- Powerful 1000W motors
- Max load weight of 330 pounds
- Ultra-light aircraft-grade aluminum build
Cons
- Pricey
- Not portable
7. UberScoot 1600w Electric Scooter
The UberScoot 1600W Electric Scooter is a professional grade e-scooter that operates on a single-engine motor. This makes it have a higher power torque motor that prides on a top speed of 30 mph to a range of 12 miles, and an economy mode that can last the battery for longer trips.
It also has a removable and adjustable seat for better comfort. The UberScoot’s strong motor and reliable battery make climbing hills easy and efficient.
Additionally, the Uberscoot has front and rear tail lights and dual mode brakes that are a plus if you are a cautious driver.
Pros
- 1600W single-engine electric scooter
- 11” pneumatic off road tires
- Switchable mode features
- Maximum weight limit of 264 lbs
- Front and rear disc brake system
- Solid motor power and build quality
Cons
- Heavy frame
- Optimum performance is dependent on weather conditions
Electric Scooter for Climbing Hills Buyer’s Guide
Most, if not all electric scooters, have been designed to have a certain hill climbing abilities. However, not all of them have optimum specifications that are guaranteed to make your ride safer, hassle-free, and more efficient—all at great value for their price point.
Purchasing the best electric scooter for climbing hills needs background and a lot of research. Our team of e-scooter enthusiasts has devised the following guidelines in purchasing a scooter that is usable, has great value, and is deserving of its price point.
Design and Size
A scooter’s build will tell you so much about its functionality and purpose. As a general rule, higher battery wattage allows your scooter’s engine motors to propel them on an incline, but this will make them heavier and bulkier, thus effectively reducing their portability.
On the other hand, lightweight scooters may make it easier to bring on your daily commute, but they will struggle on steep and uneven areas. Determining your main needs is necessary to work out the correct balance on features when purchasing your scooter.
Motor
Not all scooter motors are created equal. They are rated in watts. A watt is a unit of power equivalent to joules or energy per second, and is the deciding factor whether your vehicle can do well in a climbing angle.
Electric scooters are judged on the basis of their motor power especially in uneven terrains and rough areas. For engineered scooters for climbing hills, it is expected that they have ample horsepower sufficient for any body weight. For example, a 250W engine may suffice for an average rider, but anything more than that can make the ride much more comfortable for some riders.
Our experts recommend looking into the build of the scooter’s motor whether it is front wheel drive or rear wheel drive. Rear wheel drive motors allow better control and torque, but is pretty uncommon for electric scooters.
It is also noteworthy to add that greater horsepower means a higher price point, so it is important to weigh the specs you would need if you are on a budget.
Torque
The torque is indicated in Newton-meters (Nm) and is the twisting force produced by the engine to rotate the electric scooter’s wheel and propel it forward. Most manufacturers keep their torque specifications left unmentioned, but you can estimate it by assuming that the motor power is equal to torque multiplied by revolutions per second (RPS).
Additionally, by dividing the motor power by its max revolutions per second, you can estimate its torque. In general, DC electric motors [1] produce their maximum torque at zero revolutions per second. Meanwhile, the peak power output is obtained at the max revolutions per second and half the max torque.
Speed and Acceleration
The electric scooter’s maximum speed and acceleration will dictate its performance in climbing hills. E-scooters that can travel at least 25mph give the best performance in climbing uphill areas.
When purchasing an electric scooter, the most common specification people look at is its top speed. The usual maximum speed is around 15mph but higher-end models can reach 50mph and beyond.
That said, an overlooked specification is the electric scooter’s acceleration. People tend to focus on the maximum speed alone that they forget the importance of determining how quickly their electronic scooters can rise in speed. Good acceleration will aid you in climbing hills with better power and stability. Keep in mind that dual-motor systems have noticeably better acceleration, but if you are a casual rider in urban spaces, a single motor will often do the trick.
E-scooters dedicated to climbing angle need a more powerful motor that complements its top speed to sustain an efficient performance during the ride.
Weight Capacity and Suspension
The weight capacity of an electric scooter depends on its build. As a rule of thumb, the weight load usually ranges from 220lbs (100kg) to 265lbs (120kg). Due to the demand over the years, manufacturers also designed heavy duty e-scooters that can carry up to 550lbs (250kg) for people on the heavier side.
It is important to note that the rider’s weight can and will affect the performance of the scooter. In cases especially of an electric scooter for climbing, weight is a pivotal factor if it can successfully climb that hill. Basically, scooters that have a more powerful motor and can accommodate heavier loads have more chances of getting it through an incline effortlessly if its rider is an average-sized person.
Suspension helps the distribution of weight in the electric scooter when riding on uphill or downhill areas. When riding on an incline, most of the body weight is concentrated on the rear wheel of the scooter which may cause imbalance, but thanks to the suspension, the weight is evenly distributed.
Battery Life
Removable lithium batteries are usually found in most electric scooters, but their charging time is long and dragging. Innovations are then led and developed, thus improving the batteries’ performance in newer electric scooter models. From 15miles of travel before needing to be charged, the newer ones now have the ability to last for trips as long as 65miles in one charge.
Basically, if a scooter is used at its maximum speed by a heavy rider, it tends to run out of charge quicker.
The only downside of having a bigger charge, however, is that it is bulkier and might compromise the portable feature of your scooter. Some batteries have extra power packed in a smaller package at a greater price point.
Safety Features
Some riders tend to forget that aside from speed and motor power, one needs to pay attention to their electric scooters’ safety features to ensure that no unwanted injuries will be inflicted during the ride.
One key point is to look for the scooter’s brakes. Having front and rear brakes indicates that once you brake, the calliper automatically shifts to the disc brakes. It happens gradually to avoid locking the front tire, thus allowing the rider to stop smoothly.
Meanwhile, the regenerative anti-lock braking feature causes the energy exerted to go back to the motor to give it a longer range. It has a wheel rotation sensor that activates the wheel lock for safety.
Tires are also a key safety feature as it acts as the vehicle’s feet that provide stability and indicate when it can go or stop. Air-filled tires with good quality rubber do not wear down and are reliable during untimed braking.
(For physically challenged and older folks, obtaining a free mobility scooter is great choice)
Price and Warranty
Our team highlights this as a general reminder when purchasing electric scooters: the greater the specs and the more features the ride offers, the more expensive it is. As electric scooter is an alternative vehicle almost on par with cars in terms of getting you to point A to B in no time, it is expected to be a bit pricier compared to its other alternatives like an electric skateboard, for instance.
It is also important to look into the manufacturer’s customer track record when making your purchase. It is best to hear feedback from those who have purchased before you, and see their experience in dealing with faults and factory defects. Some popular brands tend to have a large customer base so they struggle with getting back to fulfill their end during warranties.
FAQ
Can electric scooters go up steep hills?
Yes, electric scooters can go up steep hills. Some newer electric scooter models are designed to have engine power and supplementary features strong enough for climbing angles and getting through rough surfaces. It is vital to look for a scooter’s hill climbing capacity prior to purchase especially if you encounter a lot of uneven terrains on your daily commute.
How do you ride a scooter uphill?
Riding a scooter uphill is dependent on the rider’s weight and the electric scooter’s motor power. Having large, off-road tires and ample suspension to support also makes it plausible to climb a scooter uphill.
Can scooters go uphill?
Yes, scooters can go uphill. Most scooters, especially electric kick scooters, are designed to have the capacity to go uphill. The rule of thumb is having a motor power that is at least 200W, and should be directly proportional to the rider’s weight. Meaning, heavier riders should opt for higher-powered e-scooters to climb uphill more comfortably.
Our Top Pick For an Electric Scooter for Climbing Hills: Segway Ninebot ES2 Electric Scooter
The Segway Ninebot ES2 is our team’s top pick for the best electric scooter for climbing hills and uneven terrains. This electric kick scooter invested in its build so challenging places like San Francisco is another location it can glide through effortlessly. The ES2 is an all-around scooter engineered to meet your daily commuting needs. It is lightweight and foldable, and has a dual suspension system for an easy, comfortable ride.
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