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We take a closer look at some of the best electric scooters on the UK market today.
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I remember watching the movie Back To The Future at a young age and dreaming of days I could fly around on a hoverboard. That time may never come, but there are some equally exciting gadgets and pieces of technology we can enjoy today. Hoverboards may never be a reality but electric scooters and now widely available and can be just as much fine to ride.
I must admit I thought electric scooters were a gimmick and a fad when I first saw them. I also had concerns about the safety of whizzing around on one. Since the first models appeared several new companies have entered the market and there are now practical adult-sized electric scooters available at affordable prices.
I’ve noticed an increasing number of commuters using foldable personal transport over the past few years. I travel by train quite regularly for work and there are often people carrying foldable bikes and more recently scooters. These are great options if your place of work is a mile or so from the station. It’s not worth waiting for a bus or paying for a taxi and walking may not always be practical. The best electric scooters are ideal for these short hops to your final destination.
The main question I had when I decided to investigate this new form of personal transport was whether electric scooters are legal in the UK. The Government’s plan to reduce use of cars for the sake of the environment means there are a lot of new initiatives to encourage use of bikes so this must also be on the radar. Use of e-scooters on roads will be piloted in four so-called “future transport zones” in the UK, including the city of Southampton where I work. As well as reducing the number of cars on the roads personal transport helps to ease the need for parking spaces so I can see the trend growing.
Electric Scooter Reviews
Other than hiring mountain bikes on some recent activity holidays it’s been years since I’ve travelled on two wheels. I used to ride a bike to school so have good road sense and the self-awareness I think you need when riding something like a scooter. Having seen an increase in use and changes in the law coming I decided it was time to look for the best electric scooter I could afford.
After a few searches online I set a budget of five hundred pounds for my e-scooter. There were several around the three hundred pounds mark, but I wanted to get a good understanding of the differences between the budget models and what I could get by paying more.
Before the first practical test I researched what safety gear I might need and picked up a helmet. You can also get gloves, knee pads and other protective equipment, but I think this is more for people wanting to use electric scooters for tricks and jumps. There’s always the risk of an accident of course, but I wasn’t planning on racing or doing stunts as part of my electric scooter review!
Xiaomi Electric Scooter Pro
The company supplying the e-scooters for my tests sent the Xiaomi Mi Pro first. It was above my price range and so I wouldn’t have chosen it but having read some great reviews I thought I’d experience it for myself.
One of my friends had the earlier Mi M365 model and recommended it. The Pro upgrade introduced a more powerful motor and improved battery to extend the range on a single charge. As I’m a geek when it comes to tech I was excited to read that an app is available for the Xiaomi Mi scooter. This can record your ride stats like a custom version of Strava.
Any concerns I’d had that electric scooters were just ‘toys’ changed the moment I unpacked the Xiaomi Mi. It’s lightweight and easy to assemble but is incredibly sturdy. The design is sleek and modern, and I couldn’t wait to get outside and take it for a spin!
Key Features and Specification
I had some nerves when it came to the first ride on the Xiaomi Mi and it felt like being a kid again trying to ride a bike for the first time. I went to a local car park I knew would be quiet so I could have space to get used to riding a scooter without crashing into anything! It was surprisingly easy to control and balance. Within a few minutes I could see the attraction of using a scooter for short journeys and just to ride for fun.
The thumb press control on the Xiaomi Mi scooter is quite sensitive so it’s easy to accelerate too quickly as a beginner. The 300W motor accelerates to the top speed of 25 km/h at a surprising rate and I found it a little too fast. I was looking for the best electric scooter for commuting and local travel rather than an adrenalin rush. The range of 45 km is very impressive, and this shows how battery technology has improved in recent years. It takes around nine hours to charge. There are three speed modes including ‘Sports,’ but I spent most of the time in ECO mode as the performance was fine.
The Xiaomi Mi scooter is very comfortable to ride, and rough road surfaces don’t present any challenges. I did find the steering mechanism felt a little loose and this made me nervous of traveling too fast at first. I referred to the user manual in case something needed tightening up but that wasn’t the case. I enjoyed riding this electric scooter and it encouraged me to continue my review exercise to find the best one to buy. The price of the Xiaomi Mi was a stretch for me though so I was hoping to find a more affordable option.
Pros
- Sleek and stylish, built to last.
- Lightweight construction, easy to fold in just a few seconds.
- Long range on a single charge.
- Dual braking system and shock-absorbing tyres.
- Optional app for tracking ride stats.
Cons
- Expensive machine.
- Speed may be too much for some users.
- Steering mechanism feels loose and lets the otherwise solid ride down
GoZheec Electric Scooter
The next model in my review was almost half the price of the Xiaomi Mi so I wasn’t sure what to expect. The online ratings were mixed, but I kept an open mind to ride and test it myself. Unfortunately, this model looks and feels more like a child’s toy to me and I couldn’t see myself riding to work on it.
Key Features and Specifications
On paper the GoZheec compares well with other electric scooters. The 350W motor is on a par with others and it reaches a top speed of 25 km/h. The range of 25 km would probably be enough for most users and it has good safety features such as a dual-braking system. It just wasn’t for me though. The lights on the sides and other elements of the design would appeal more to a teenager, and features like the built-in phone charger indicate it’s aimed more at the fun youth market.
The GoZheec electric scooter is slightly heavier than some other models and I did find the extra weight mattered when carrying on a train or bus. I didn’t find the ride to be very stable and although it might be good for weaving between obstacles I wanted a more solid ride. This could be fun in the short-term but I didn’t feel was a practical option for me as a mode of transport.
Pros
- 350W motor, a powerful electric scooter.
- Design would appeal to youth market.
- Optional app.
Cons
- Lacks robust feel and may not last regular use.
- More awkward to carry than others and fast-fold system took getting used to.
Razor Power Core E90 Electric Scooter
The company supplying the products for my electric scooter reviews sent a Razor Power Core E90 on the second week. It wasn’t one I would’ve chosen as it’s clearly aimed at the youth market and not suitable for my needs. That said I was grateful for the opportunity to get an understanding of the different types of e-scooter available, so I invited my twelve year old nephew out for the afternoon. He’s keen on skateboarding so had a helmet and some safety gear and is fearless when it comes to this type of thing.
At around three hundred pounds this is a pretty expensive toy. The minimum age for a user is eight, and the design would appeal to that age group and young teenagers. The lime green wheels and design features are fresh and funky, and my nephew liked the sporty look. Assembly out of the box was very easy and the instructions were very clear.
Key Features and Specifications
As you’d expect for an e-scooter aimed at younger riders the speed of the Razor Power Core E90 is much slower than models suitable for adults. It took a while for us to realise that you had to start the scooter the old-fashioned way by ‘scooting’ along with your leg before twisting the throttle to start the motor. This works well when you get used to it. The maximum speed is just over 15 km/h and this didn’t impress the young tester. He practised some turns and figures of eight but lost interest after about twenty minutes. On a full charge the Razor Power scooter will run for around eighty minutes. Could it be something to travel to school or college on?
At the price I’m just not sure who the target audience is for this electric scooter. I assume it’s supposed to be a fun ride like a skateboard or BMX bike but it just doesn’t have the power to deliver any thrills.
Pros
- Easy to assemble, clear instructions.
- Speed limited making it suitable for younger riders.
- Funky design.
Cons
- Expensive toy, not practical as a form of transport.
- Lacks enough power to make it fun.
- Maximum rider weight 54 kg.
Windgoo Folding Compact Electric Scooter
This model is different than the others in my electric scooter review. It’s actually an electric bike rather than a scooter, but it serves the same purpose as foldable portable transport. I wasn’t sure about the look of it from photographs as it reminded me of the kind of little bike a circus clown might ride, but my view changed when I unboxed it. It’s pretty cool!
I might have been tempted to consider an electric bike for my commuting but the big difference is how much more bulky they are than scooters. The Windgoo folds up easily and it’s not much heavier than the e-scooters in my review, but it’s not as easy to carry or store in a very small space. Setting it up was very quick and easy. You just attach the seat and pump up the tyres and it’s ready to go.
Key Features and Specifications
The Windgoo looked like it would be too small for me at first but the seat and handlebars can be adjusted to suit different heights. I’m just over six feet tall and I was able to set the bike up to make it comfortable to ride. The speed of the battery charging really impressed me. At around three hours it’s much faster than some of the other electric scooters in my review.
The 350W engine means the Windgoo can carry someone up to 120 KG up to a top speed of 25 km/h. The acceleration wasn’t as good as some of the scooters I’d tested and it seemed to struggle going uphill a little, but it was a stable ride.
The front and rear lights didn’t seem very bright to me and I didn’t feel particularly safe riding on the road at night. If I bought the Windgoo e-bike I’d wear some cycling safety gear to make me more visible to other road users. The rear disc brakes performed well and I felt completely in control even on a couple of occasions when I had to stop suddenly. The one thing that let this down as potential commuter transport was the battery life. The user guide states the range as 15-25 km and of course this will vary depending on your speed and acceleration. I found the power drained very quickly and I was worried about making it home to charge.
The idea of environmentally friendly transport for short distances is great and I can see e-bikes and electric scooters become more popular over the next few years. The Windgoo is an early generation model and for that reason isn’t quite the solution yet. If the battery lasted longer and the bike was more portable this would’ve been on my shopping list.
Pros
- Good safety features, solid, comfortable ride.
- Appealing modern design.
- Adjustable for different heights and body shapes.
Cons
- Lacks power compared to similar electric scooters.
- Battery life limited and seems erratic.
- Too bulky to carry on crowded public transport.
- Lights lack power meaning poor visibility after dark.
Grundig Electric Scooter
It was reassuring to find a scooter from a household name manufacturer. I associate Grundig with high-quality household appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers, so it did seem a little odd they are now in the scooter market. However, these things all involve design, engineering and use of motors so it’s actually a good fit.
The Grundig scooter was the second most expensive in my test but I was blown away by the quality from the start. This very much has the feel of a vehicle rather than a toy or bike. The quality stands out the moment you unpack this scooter. The frame is made of aircraft-grade aluminium material and the finish is like a motorbike.
The Grundig is similar in size and weight to other scooters I’d tested, but there was something different about it. Reading the user manual I realised that it’s the size of the tyres. Most other e-scooters have eight and a half inch tyres, but this machine has ten inch pneumatic tyres. I couldn’t wait to get outside and see what difference that made.
Key Features and Specifications
I fell in love with the Grundig electric scooter within minutes. The response from the controls makes it a dream to manoeuvre. Acceleration and braking are precise, and the ride is extremely smooth. Even on a very rough car park surface the ten inch pneumatic tyres absorbed every bump. This was exactly what I’d hoped for in an e-scooter. It’s portable, practical and safe.
As well as being great to ride the Grundig scooter has some really nice features. The display is clear and simple and bright enough to read in sunlight. One of the concerns I had about using a scooter for commuting was are they safe to ride in wet weather. Living in the UK this is something I have to consider! The Grundig is IP54 waterproof meaning it can resist showers and wet conditions. The three brake system means stopping suddenly on wet surfaces doesn’t make the scooter skid, and the ultra-bright LED headlight means you can be seen in bad weather.
The detachable battery is another nice design feature. I wouldn’t feel comfortable leaving my scooter unattended in the street but being able to remove the battery is an interesting anti-theft system.
With a 25 km range and 25 km/h top speed the Grundig e-scooter is very practical as portable commuter transport. Even when carrying a heavy backpack it could reach 20 km/h without effort. I did have a problem charging the battery on the third day of my trial but a quick call to customer support provided the solution. I had no hesitation buying this scooter after a few days of testing.
Pros
- Great design and build, has the feel of a motorbike.
- Superb ride thanks to the ten inch pneumatic tyres.
- Responsive controls, smooth acceleration and braking.
- Clear, bright display.
- Removable battery as anti-theft system.
- Excellent customer support.
Cons
- More expensive than other electric scooters.
Buyer’s Guide
An important thing to consider before buying an e-scooter is what you want to use it for. Some cheaper models are fine for riding for fun, but if you’re looking for practical transport you’ll need to pay a little more. I can see these becoming more popular over the next couple of years as traffic congestion is a serious problem in most cities. The fact that electric scooters are so portable makes them ideal for carrying on trains or buses and they become part of your everyday journeys.
To help you find the best electric scooter for your needs, consider the following key features.
Motor Power
From my tests 350W is the minimum power for a practical scooter motor. Anything less will struggle on hills or when you want to carry a backpack or additional weight.
Battery Life
Unless you only want a scooter for a bit of fun in the local park, battery life and range are important factors. As you get used to using one you may clock up more miles than you expect in a day.
Ride Quality
The difference between the cheaper models and the Xiaomi Mi and Grundig scooters was noticeable when it came to handling different surfaces. For longer journeys you need good shock absorption as your knees and arms begin to ache as the constant bumps take their toll.
Safety Features
Reliable brakes, lights and other features are important if you plan to use your scooter for daily travel.
Conclusion And Final Verdict
I enjoyed the experience of riding the Xiaomi Mi but the loose steering meant I didn’t feel in control at higher speeds. The price was also a little too high for me. I considered the Windgoo a good option at first, but carrying it on public transport was difficult and I felt safer standing on a scooter than sat down on this e-bike.
The Grundig stood out as the best electric scooter on many factors and I didn’t want to give it back after the test period. I can’t imagine daily life without it now!
