Ultimate Urban Scooter

The best electric scooters are practical and fold into an easily-packable package. As a 'last-mile solution', there's probably nothing better. Things have changed a lot in the electric scooter market over the past year or so. A huge number of new companies have dipped their toes in the water, meaning there are now many more practical adult-sized scooters on the market, and, as the tech gets more widespread, it's improving, giving you a much slicker ride for the most part.

And let's face it, tech gimmicks or not, the enjoyment of riding an e-scooter that can rocket along at 25mph is something most people can appreciate (although admittedly it can definitely feel like too much power for some).

If you have a journey or commute that suits this kind of personal transport, there are electric scooters out there that can reduce your journey time and get you through the traffic. That said, the question of 'are electric scooters legal' is one that really depends on your local jurisdiction, so you need to exercise caution here.

Electric scooters are only growing in popularity, they're nippy, fun, and they're a lot more portable than the best electric bikes. They might be the mode of personal transport you've been looking for. We've reviewed and rated the best you can buy, because while they may all look quite similar, not all electric scooters are created equal.

Electric scooters are more than just scooters with batteries. As glib as that statement may be, it's also true: they're a lot faster than regular scooters, they're a heck of a lot heavier, and the electric scooters are also far more controllable than their manual cousins.

You're unlikely to be pulling off any sick tricks on these – and at top speed, you should not even be attempting it – but the benefit of a little torque in your wheels means you'll be expertly manoeuvring up hills and speeding along the streets in no time.

Our buyer's guide includes Xiaomi's excellent Mi Pro 2, and the ultra-lightweight Segway-Ninebot Air T15, and our pick of the best electric scooter you can buy right now, Pure's super-practical and affordable Air Pro (2nd Generation). It's a brilliant, high-quality scooter, offering something for everyone, and it's surprisingly affordable against stiff competition.

How to buy the best electric scooter

Picking up the best electric scooter for you is absolutely imperative – it's a proper investment, so you need something you're going to want to ride and something that suits your needs. These things are essentially a narrow plank racing up to 20mph, so safety needs to be a main concern, as these are far more advanced than the best kids' scooters. But that isn't the only thing you'll need to consider…

Some electric scooters are well suited to a quick hop-on-and-off, sacrificing distance for a vast weight reduction and increased portability. These are ideal for long-distance commutes, where you also need to travel on a train or bus. Other e-scooters pile on the battery for maximum range but leave themselves super-heavy in the process. These are better if you live and work in the same city, and want to avoid using the bus or subway system. Basically, it's a balancing act. If you're commuting a long way, put your money in batteries, but if you're just scooting that final mile, a lighter, more compact scooter might be a better choice.

Is the best electric scooter the fastest electric scooter? Not necessarily. Top speed in the UK is limited to 25km/h (15.5mph), and while most e-scooters will go faster than that, it's worth noting that you're more likely to be stopped by police and get your scooter confiscated (and potentially get fined) if you're speeding around, driving recklessly, and weaving through traffic. Naturally, common sense is a priority here – don't ride like an idiot and you probably won't get stopped.

One of the main things to look out for are lightweight materials, such as aluminium and carbon fibre, since they'll cut the weight of your scooter when you're carrying it from place to place. But if you're using your electric scooter for more than play, avoid plastic components and these are more likely to decay and break.

Consider also the wheels – heavy use requires heavier duty wheels. Most affordable electric scooters come with 8-inch wheels, and while these are fine for smooth city streets, we'd recommend plumping for a model with 10-inch pneumatic tyres and suspension to give you a much smoother ride.

Most of these scooters also have companion apps, which offer a range of useful features. You can digitally lock and unlock the electric motor, which is very beneficial for security. You can also track your rides – kind of like a lazy person's Strava. Certain companion apps also let you set up your e-scooter, choosing between Eco mode to prolong the scooter's battery life, or Sport mode to leave panting cyclists in the dust. We like to think of a companion app as a nice bonus, rather than a necessity.

Price is also a major point to consider. The cheapest electric scooter you'll find is around £250 and prices can range up to around £2,500. It goes without saying, you get what you pay for, so opting for the cheapest model you can find isn't the best idea. You want to be able to trust the scooter under your feet, because a mechanical failure at around 20mph would result in a trip to Accident and Emergency.

We think you'll probably want to budget between £450 and £700 for a reliable, well-built e-scooter from a popular brand. This will ensure your electric scooter has the performance to get you around town quickly and won't break breakdown after a few miles.

If you're in the market for the ultimate in luxury and performance, however, you may want to check out the AER 557 (aer.store) which is priced at £2,199. Not only does it look elegant, with slow curves and beautifully rounded lines, it's also ergonomically designed for stability. Its 20-inch wheels can glide smoothly over small bumps and its wide anti-slip bamboo deck makes it easy to find a comfortable position to stand. It can also reach a very respectable 25mph and can travel up to almost 20 miles on a single charge.

If you're in the UK, the best place to shop is Pure Electric, an official importer of many of these scooter brands. Pure Electric offers a great service, low prices, and a long warranty. They often offer the best cheap electric scooter deals, too.

Oh, and you'll want to make sure you're fully kitted out with the best electric scooter accessories as well.

Electric scooters road safety rules

Here's where things get a little complicated. Under UK law, most electric kick scooters are not legal for street use unless they're properly registered. Recently, though, the government has announced it's fast-tracking e-scooter trials, hoping to remove the current laws banning them (which are based on 1835 regulations surrounding horse and cart driving). This is to encourage more people to use alternative methods of transport when commuting.

These trials, which are currently being set up, allow you to legally hire and use an electric scooter in public areas where the trials are being held (more on that later).

Some high-powered e-scooters are technically classed as mopeds, though even that classification can be a little complicated. It is safe to assume that none of the scooters included below can technically be used anywhere other than on private land in the UK.

Pure Electric, the UK's largest e-scooter retailer says, 'In practice, electric scooters are already widely used across the UK illegally, with the police generally turning a blind eye to all but the most egregiously reckless rider activity.'

With big names entering the business, and with concerns about the environmental impact of cars at the forefront, you can bet there's at least some pressure on legislators to get things changed. But, to clarify: electric scooters can be used on private land with the owner's consent. Thanks to a combination of the Highways Act 1835 and the Road Traffic Act 1988, it is illegal to use electric scooters on roads, cycle paths or pavements. Exemptions are being created for the scooter trial areas, solely for the rental scooters supplied to the relevant local authority. All other scooter use on the public highway will continue to breach traffic regulations and could cause the user to receive a fine and/or points on their driving licence.

US law varies from state to state, so you really must check local laws before you purchase an electric scooter.

Finally, take it from us: whether the laws in your location demand it or not, you'll want to always wear a helmet when riding an electric scooter. These things move fast and are potentially very dangerous. Protect your head and always be considerate of other people near you.

Read more below here: Are electric scooters legal in the UK?

The best electric scooters you can buy today:

The best Electric Scooter: Pure Air Pro (2nd Generation)

1. Pure Air Pro (2nd Generation)

Looking for a little more performance? This could be the best e-scooter for you

Specifications

Best for: Performance and range

Max speed: 15.5 mph / 25 km/h

Range: 31 miles / 50 km

Weight: 16.5 kg / 36 lbs

Reasons to buy

+Water-resistant +Large maximum load +More powerful motor +Robust design +Improved range +Easy to maintain

Reasons to avoid

-Heavier than rivals -Not the sharpest brakes -No cruise control

Pure Electric has done it again – the second generation Pure Air Pro is one of the best all-around electric scooters you can buy. Pure has taken its existing market-leading and award-winning electric scooter, taken user feedback and discovered actually useful ways it can be improved.

Thanks to the new 500W motor, performance and range are outstanding and this, combined with the build quality, safety, comfort, and ease-of-maintenance make it one of the best electric scooters you can possibly buy.

Just like the original Pure Air Pro, the real highlight is, of course, the guaranteed IP65 water resistance, which, if you're planning on using your scooter in all seasons in the UK, is a necessity.

Yes, it's a little more expensive and heavier than its rivals, but this is still an excellent e-scooter choice.

Pure Air Pro (2021) review