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Lucas Travis
- September 2, 2022
While heftier scooters pack in a lot of power, their bulky structure isn’t ideal for everyone. That’s where lightweight and portable electric scooters present an advantage.
The common hiccup with light models, though, is that some can be feeble and poorly made. So, we put together a list of the best lightweight scooter units in the market that provide portability without sacrificing power.
G Max Ultra
- Superior 45-mile range
- Thick 10” tires
- Wider deck
- Dual safety lock system
Ninebot E45
- Only 36.2 lbs.
- Can reach up to 18.6 mph
- Powerful 700W motor
- Three braking systems
Electric Scooter
- Affordable price
- Great for teens and adults
- 15% hill grade
- Good load capacity
Reviews of the Top Lightweight Electric Scooters
Segway Ninebot E45
Coming in at just 36.2 lbs, the E45 is an excellent portable scooter for daily commuting. Its foldable body is made from aerospace-grade aluminum, granting it a solid construction.
Despite being lightweight, the Segway Ninebot E45 is far from flimsy. It can travel at a top speed of 18.6 mph and cover up to 28 miles of ground. And furnished with 700W of power, this model provides more value than other scooters.
It’s got front-wheel shock absorbers, three riding modes, and – for the modern riders out there – integration with the Smart Segway-Ninebot app. Overall, our team commends this electric scooter’s comfort, stability, performance, and dependability on the road.
Pros
- Excellent performance
- Solid construction
- Three ride modes: normal, sports, and energy-saving
- Three braking systems: electric, mechanical, and magnetic
- 700W of power
- Can climb inclines with up to 20% slope
- Unique thread locking technology for a safer ride
- Maintenance-free solid tires
- LED lights for maximum visibility
- Smart functions with app integration
Cons
- Some riders prefer air-filled tires rather than solid tires
- Battery life could be better
Gotrax G Max Ultra
Got deep pockets for a premium lightweight scooter? The Gotrax G Max Ultra can give you the ultimate ride quality that other lighter scooters can’t deliver.
This high-performing scooter features a top speed of 20 mph, a range of 45 miles, and 220 lbs weight limit. Testing this out on the road, our pro riders were pleased that it does cover 45 miles on a single charge. That’s great news if you’re expecting long commutes.
Other notable features of this electric scooter include the 10” pneumatic tires, ultra-bright LED headlight, rear brake light, LED display, IPX4 Waterproof Rating, and cruise control. Overall, it’s an excellent model that ticks all the boxes.
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Pros
- Superior range compared to most scooters
- Top speed of 20mph
- Smart battery management
- 10” tires work great for shock absorption
- Foldable electric scooter
- Anti-theft combination lock
- Electrical anti-lock brake and disc brake system
- Wide platform and silicone pad for better stability
Cons
- Not the lightest scooter on our list
- Expensive price
Megawheels S10 Electric Scooter
If you’re scouring the market for something economical but can still handle the usual commute, the Megawheels S10 is a great budget scooter. It weighs only 26.4 lbs, making it one of the lightest electric scooters on our list.
While it’s not as powerful as other scooters, the numbers are decent for the price. You have 250W of power, 15.5 mph top speed, a 17-mile range, and even a 15% hill grade for inclines. There’s also a double braking system for added safety.
Our experts say that although this light scooter is suited for adults, it’s perfect for teens who commute to school or run errands in town.
Pros
- Affordable scooter
- Three speed modes
- Easy one-step folding mechanism
- High-density non-slip pedal
- 265 lbs weight limit
- Headlight and rear light for night riding
- Large capacity 7.5Ah lithium-ion battery
- Magnesium alloy handlebar
Cons
- Not ideal for traveling long distances
- Power may not be the best for everyone
HiBoy S2R
HiBoy produces some of the best electric scooters on the market, and one of the lightest scooters in their line is the HiBoy S2R. This scooter has a maximum range of 17 miles and a top speed of 19 mph — not bad for commutes and daily use.
On the road, we found it easy to maneuver, so even beginners will experience a smoother ride. The S2R e-scooter weighs 30.8 lbs, which is easy to carry or load into your car trunk.
One of the highlights of this model is its battery design. It’s removable, IP54 waterproof, and can be recharged on the go with the regenerative braking system.
Pros
- Good range and top speed
- Disc brake and eABS anti-lock braking system
- Foldable design
- Innovative battery design
- Electronic brake and disk brake
- Can be integrated with the HiBoy app
- Headlights and taillights
- Cruise control
Cons
- Solid tires aren’t for everyone
- Battery life could be better
Apollo Air Pro Electric Scooter
The “Air” in the name fits this model well, as it’s one of the best lightweight scooters that we’ve tried. It’s the premium electric scooter for beginners, focusing on ease, safety, and comfort.
The 10-inch pneumatic tires, dual suspension in front, rubberized deck, and solid handlebars let you experience a smooth ride. In our tests, the suspension and air-filled tires of Apollo Air Pro work well to cushion the bumps on the road for a comfortable run.
Safety features are abundant, with mechanical brakes, regenerative brakes, rear reflectors, front and rear lights, and a bell. While an 18 mph top speed is more than enough, the range of 18.5 miles could be better.
Pros
- Excellent foldable scooter for beginners
- Lightweight at 35 pounds
- Comfortable ride
- Durable build with aircraft-grade aluminum
- Easy to learn with its rubberized deck and wide handlebar
- IPX4 waterproof rating
- Folding hook doubles as a bag hook
- Cruise control
Cons
- Expensive
- Limited battery capacity for the price
Gotrax XR Elite
The brother of the Gotrax XR Ultra, the Gotrax XR Elite is another model in the brand’s line of light scooters. It’s great for daily use in city streets, running at a top speed of 15.5 mph and covering 18.6 miles of ground on a single charge. Plus, the 15-degree rating lets you climb inclines effortlessly.
This scooter weighs 31.9 lbs, making it one of the lightest electric scooters on our list. And with its folding mechanism, you can carry this scooter on public transportation, load it into your car, or store it in the office.
On the whole, it is a great commuting partner for city riders.
Pros
- Lightweight folding electric scooter
- Great for city commutes
- 8.5” air-filled tires
- Can climb hills up to 15 degrees
- Digital display screen
- Hand-operated disc brakes
- 220 lbs weight limit
- Wider deck for increased comfort
- Cruise control
Cons
- A bit expensive
- No front and rear suspension
Unagi Model One E500
Weighing only 26.5 lbs, the Unagi Model One E500 is one of the lightest electric scooters we’ve tested. It’s constructed from carbon fiber material, which keeps it lightweight yet super strong.
Taking the Unagi Model One on a test drive was a breezy experience. It was easy to maneuver and it reached its numbers as advertised — 20 mph top speed and 15 miles of maximum range. The handlebar is a unique feature in the Unagi Model One, with the top being the main command center for the throttle, horn, brake, and headlight.
Overall, in terms of being the best lightweight electric scooter, the Unagi Model One deserves its spot.
Pros
- Great electric scooter for city commutes
- Well-built carbon fiber construction
- Stable ride quality
- Sleek aesthetic
- Easy stops with electronic brakes and optimized level
- Top speed of 20 mph, range of 15 miles
- Controls aren’t bulky
- Can be integrated with an app
Cons
- Expensive
- Tires provide less cushion on bumpy roads
Segway Ninebot ES1L
Looking for a cheaper model for casual riding? The Segway Ninebot ES1L is a nice option that has all the essentials in an electric scooter. It has a front shock absorber, 8” hollow tires, front and rear brakes, a powerful custom-made motor, and a one-click folding design that makes it easy to carry with you.
Our pro riders were pleased about the ride quality as well, since the spring in the shock absorber works nicely in reducing the blows from road bumps. Plus, the sanded baseboard provides added friction for extra stability.
The speed and range leave something to be desired, however. Still, it’s not bad for a 25-pound electric scooter.
Pros
- Affordable electric scooter
- Does a good job with shock absorption
- Superb stability
- Three riding modes
- LED dashboard
- Headlight reaches up to 44 ft. for maximum visibility
Cons
- Maximum speed is 12.4 mph, range is 12.4 miles
- Battery capacity is not that great
YYD ROBO Electric Kick Scooter
The YYD ROBO is another folding electric scooter that has all the basics for the average rider. It has a 350W motor, a top speed of 19 mph, a range of 13 miles, and other features.
With an aluminum body, this unit feels durable. But one of the things that impressed us was the 8-inch honeycomb tires, which is not common in other electric scooters. Honeycomb tires are like a hybrid between pneumatic and solid, where they’re made of rubber-like solid tires but there are air pockets that make them less stiff.
Other great features include LED lights, 264 lbs maximum load, double brakes, and integration with the ROBO app.
Pros
- Unique honeycomb tires
- Durable aluminum construction
- Can be integrated with the YYD ROBO app
- Good weight limit
- Front drum braking and regenerative anti-lock braking
- Portable folding design
- 15% hill grade
Cons
- Could use more battery power
- Maximum range is shorter than others
Kugoo Kirin Mini2 Electric Scooter
Electric scooters are great for older kids and teens as well. They could ride it to school, their summer job, or just around town for running errands. If that’s what you need, then this model from Kugoo is a great foldable electric scooter that’s built for child safety.
The foot acceleration design helps increase safety by preventing accidental shutdowns when you’re on the road. There are two brakes for safer stops, and at 19lbs, it’s the lightest scooter on our list.
Because it’s designed for kids and teens, the Kugoo Kirin Mini2 doesn’t go very fast. It can reach up to 10 mph and cover 10 miles of range.
Pros
- E-scooter for older kids and teens
- Lightest electric scooter on our list at 19 lbs.
- Folding electric scooter for easy carrying and storage
- Good for short distances
- 150 lbs. weight limit
- Comfortable, anti-slip grip
- Durable aluminum construction
Cons
- Handlebars aren’t adjustable
- Good for short distances only
Lightweight Electric Scooters Buyer’s Guide
Purchasing a lightweight scooter is not an easy task. Unfortunately, there are many models out there that sacrifice quality and power in the pursuit of a lightweight design. These poorly-made units tend to break down after a few weeks. It could be in a physical aspect, such as the folding mechanism failing. Or worse, it could be something else, like the brakes not working or the unit just shutting down.
Of course, we don’t want these things to happen because safety is at stake. That’s why we’ve created this review to give you a list of good options among the lightweight scooters in the market.
To further help you in your search, here are the things you should look for in an e-scooter.
Size and Weight
Of course, the first thing to consider when looking for a lightweight electric scooter is the size and weight. Portability is probably the main reason why you want a light and compact scooter.
It could be because you want something you can easily carry on public transportation or load into the trunk of your car. It could also be because you’re always on the move and you don’t want to hit a snag when you encounter stairs, busy sidewalks, super bumpy roads, or other areas where riding your scooter is impossible. If you have a bulky and heavy electric scooter, you would definitely have a hard time navigating obstacles like these.
The size and weight of the scooter are largely determined by the material used in the frame. Look for a unit that’s made with aluminum or carbon fiber. Although lightweight, these materials are extremely durable, as they are used in the manufacture of cars and aircraft.
Most of the models listed above, like the Apollo Air and the Segway E45, are constructed with aluminum. But the Unagi Model One is made with a carbon fiber body. Carbon fiber [1] has a density that’s almost twice less than aluminum, so it is definitely more ideal for lightness in weight. However, not all scooters make use of carbon fiber construction.
You should also pick folding electric scooters instead of non-foldable ones. Our team of pro riders says that without a folding mechanism, even the lightest electric scooters can feel awkward and difficult to maneuver.
All the models we’ve listed above are foldable electric scooters. Aside from making it easier to carry or put into the car trunk, storage is easier too. And if storage is a main concern for you as well, you might want to take it a step further and choose a model with foldable handlebars.
Weight Capacity
Another thing to look out for when buying an electric scooter is how much load it can carry. This would include your body weight and whatever cargo you intend to load into your scooter as well.
On our list, the average maximum weight capacity an electric scooter can carry ranges from 220 – 265 lbs. Although we’ve also listed something for kids, the Kugoo Kirin Mini2, which can only carry up to 150 lbs.
We always recommend that you check the weight capacity of the electric scooter first. You want to be safe on the road, so you should abide by what the manufacturer states is the limit. So if you’re on the heavier side, it would be better to opt for a scooter that’s designed for heavy adults. These are typically bulkier, though, but they have more powerful electrical components.
Our experts note that when you reach the weight limit or when you’re close to the limit, it would mean that your electric scooter will have a slower speed and shorter range. So, that’s a factor to consider as well if you’re wondering why your e-scooter isn’t reaching the numbers the manufacturer promised.
Motor Power and Speed
One compromise that manufacturers make when designing lightweight electric scooters is they dial down the power and speed. That’s because more powerful motors are heavier, so they are typically found in more robust scooters.
On our list, the average power an electric scooter has could be 250 watts, 350 watts, 500 watts, and the highest would be 700 watts. Since we’ve also included an electric scooter for kids, that model only generates 100 watts of power.
The speed varies depending on the power and the battery output, which we’ll discuss more later. But generally, the higher the wattage, the higher the top speeds will be. But on this note, we’d also like to emphasize that if your scooter can go fast, it must have larger wheels (preferably pneumatic) and good suspension to keep the ride quality smooth and comfortable.
Battery
The battery life matters when looking for the best lightweight electric scooter. That’s because it would determine how much distance your scooter can go on a single charge. So if you’re looking for something that can take you long distances, look at the number of miles your scooter can go before running out of battery.
On the other hand, you might only need something that can take you down a few blocks and back. If you’re usually traveling shorter distances only for quick errands and whatnot, then you might not need as much range.
However, our pro riders strongly suggest that you take the advertised range with a pinch of salt. That’s because there are a lot of factors that can affect this. For example, if you’re a heavier rider, the range you actually experience could be less than that of a lighter person. Of course, you should also take into account things like terrain quality and wind strength, as these external factors could lessen the distance you cover as well.
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Safety and Comfort
There are several factors that contribute to safety and comfort during rides. These include brakes, lights, and suspension mechanisms — all of which we’ll briefly discuss at this point.
An electric scooter must have good braking systems in place to keep the rider safe. Types of brakes include electronic, regenerative, and drum brakes. An e-scooter could also have a front or rear drum brake depending on the model.
Most of the time, electric scooters will have a combination of two or three brake types to provide an added layer of protection. That way, when one brake fails, you have a backup.
But based on our experience, the most reliable brake types are the cable disk brake and the front or rear drum brake. Having only regenerative and foot-operated brakes may not be as safe.
Moving on to the lights, a good electric scooter should have a headlight and a rear light to provide visibility during night riding. You want other drivers to see you on the road. We’ve listed scooters above with bright LED lights, but if you think you need more, you can also install additional lights just in case. And if you’re always riding after dark, wearing some reflective clothing is also a good move.
In terms of comfort, the suspension mechanisms are what you should look out for. They work to absorb shocks on the road, like potholes, bumps, and dips. Not every scooter features suspension, though. With that said, having a good suspension can make a significant difference because you won’t feel the impact as much. Even if you’re riding on fairly flat roads, it’s likely that there will still be small bumps that you may want to cushion.
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Price and Warranty
For most buyers, having a budget is important. You might be looking for something that provides great value for a cheaper price. Or, you might be willing to shell out more cash for some extra scooter features.
In this review, we’ve included electric scooters across a wide range of prices – from budget-friendly to premium. Our more economical choices are still solid picks, though, providing sturdy builds with all the essential features every rider needs.
The warranty is another thing you should not overlook when buying an electric scooter. It would help you with potential repairs and damages just in case. And if the model you received was faulty, you could also have a hassle-free replacement.
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Benefits of Lightweight E-Scooters
There are several benefits of having a lightweight electric scooter. The first and obvious advantage is they’re more portable. They are light and they can fold up, so you can easily carry them with you everywhere.
You won’t have to stress out so much about parking or riding public transport. Plus, storage is easier as well because you can simply fold them so they won’t take up much space. With heavier scooters, they are harder to drag around and store.
Another benefit of a light electric scooter is they are more energy-efficient. Because they weigh less, they also carry less mass around. This means they don’t use too much power compared to their heavier counterparts, so battery life is prolonged. And when the battery lasts longer, you don’t have to charge it as often. This, in turn, helps prolong the scooter’s lifespan as well.
Aside from these, electric scooters are also eco-friendly and they help reduce noise pollution. They’re also highly convenient because they’re easy to ride, don’t need a spacious parking space, and you don’t need a driver’s license to use them. If you just need something to commute to and from work, run errands, or just get around the city, an electric scooter is a great option.
Drawbacks of Lightweight E-Scooters
One drawback that you can observe with lightweight scooters is that they don’t have the fastest speeds and longest ranges.
When manufacturers make an electric scooter light, they reduce the load not just by using a lighter frame such as carbon fiber. They also use smaller batteries. With this, your scooter may not run as fast, with speeds averaging from 10mph to 20mph only. Don’t get us wrong, that is still a lot for the average rider, especially if you’re just going to use it for daily commutes.
It’s just that in comparison to heavier models, a light electric scooter can’t reach higher speeds. If you weren’t looking for something lightweight, it’s easy to find a scooter that ranges from 25 mph up to 60mph.
The range is also affected because of the smaller batteries. Smaller generally means less capacity, and with that comes shorter distances on a single full charge.
With that being said, it really just depends on what you need. If portability is more important to you than speed or range, then a lightweight electric scooter will be a good fit.
Also check these products with various speed capacity:
FAQ
Is the weight of a scooter associated with its stability?
A heavier object is harder to move, shake, or wobble. That’s just how things work. So generally speaking, heavier electric scooters are more stable than lighter models because of the added weight. However, mass isn’t the only thing that contributes to stability.
The scooter’s suspension, construction, and tire size matter as well. Even if a scooter is lightweight, having thicker tires and good suspension mechanisms in place will make the ride stable. The impact of bumps and dips on the road will be better absorbed so you don’t feel them as much. And if the material used on the body is solid and durable, such as aerospace-grade aluminum or carbon fiber, stability won’t be a problem.
How can you make an e-scooter lighter?
Technically, you can make your e-scooter lighter with a few tricks, but we strongly suggest that you don’t do it. It’s mainly because your safety might be compromised, especially if you have no clue what you’re doing.
A scooter’s electric components, including the battery and the motor, constitute a large portion of the scooter’s weight. Do not tinker with these parts because there’s a high chance your scooter will malfunction or just stop working altogether.
If you really want to make your scooter lighter, you can replace the fenders with lighter ones or replace the deck with a lighter one as well. But in the end, these won’t make that much of a difference anyway, so it’s better if you just leave your e-scooter alone.
When should I opt for a lighter or heavier e-scooter?
The key is determining what you need. If you’re always on the move and you prioritize portability over speed and range, then a lighter electric scooter is a good fit for that. You will be able to carry it around with you, which can be useful if you’re using public transportation or always finding it hard to get a parking space.
Also, if you’re a parent who’s looking for an e-scooter for his kid or teen, then a lightweight scooter is a great option since younger people might find it hard to maneuver a heavy model.
On the other hand, if you need serious power, off-roading capabilities, and longer ranges, then that equates to a heavier electric scooter. Also, if you’re a heavier individual, a heavier scooter might fit your needs better as well. Some lightweight scooters can support up to 265 lbs of weight, though.
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Our Top Pick For a Lightweight Electric Scooter:
Segway Ninebot E45
After hours of reviews and test drives of the best lightweight electric scooters, we landed on the Segway Ninebot E45 as our top pick. It hits the sweet spot between portability and power, making it an excellent companion for daily commutes.
It can reach up to 18.6 mph speeds, cover 28 miles of distance, and generate 700W of power. The E45 also has an impressive feature set, including its unique thread-locking technology, three brake systems for extra safety, good climbing abilities, LED lights, and integration with an app.
