Micromobilization is also spreading more and more in our country, one of the most widely used tools for this is the electric scooter. The price of two-wheelers, which have countless advantages, has now dropped to a level that even ordinary people can afford. Most of them do not require a driver's license, some electric scooters are easy to carry and can be used to get from A to B relatively easily, not to mention that they are much cheaper than driving a car.
The RendeljKínait team has been testing electric scooters for more than 6 years, we've tried dozens of models and driven tens of thousands of kilometers in vehicles like this or similar ones. We will share these practical experiences with you, and we also included an electric scooter service in the testing, so that an expert can also comment on the two-wheelers.
contents
- Best electric scooter 2024
- Characteristics of electric scooters: advantages, disadvantages
- Use of electric scooters
- Maintenance of electric scooters
- How to choose an electric scooter?
- Frequently Asked Questions
We try to answer all the questions that you, the readers, may have. For example, which are the best price/value ratio electric scooters, since this parameter plays a prominent role in purchasing decisions in our country. Which electric scooter is best suited for certain special life situations. Do you live in the mountains or do you commute long distances? Is a low weight required, or should the vehicle also be suitable for off-road driving? Countless additional questions may arise, and we will try to cover them with our article.
Best electric scooter 2024
The electric scooters on our list have been selected based on the following criteria:
- based on many years of own experience
- a Roll-Base based on the recommendations and experience of an electric scooter service
- based on previous service experiences and long-term tests
- based on individual research, which is based on domestic and international customer opinions
- based on opinions read in various forums and special groups
The Kukirin G2 Pro is one of those electric scooters that we would buy for ourselves at any time. It has an amazingly good price/value ratio, a strong motor, a solid frame and normal shock absorption, which cannot be said for example for most cheap Xiaomi models.
Read the detailed test of the Kukrini G2 Pro!
Excellent price/value ratio
One of the most attractive features of the Kukirin G2 Pro is its price. We have seen this electric scooter several times under HUF 200, and for that price it is very difficult to set a real opponent. At home, you can typically buy extra models of the Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter for this price, which are light years ahead of this two-wheeler. If we had to give one absolute tip for the best electric scooter, this would be it.
Wild pace and long range
One of the most important selection criteria for electric scooters is top speed and range. The former can be up to 45 km/h on paper, but in practice it is also possible to run 600 km/h with the 40 W motor. The range is relative, the Kukirin G2 Pro goes 30-35 kilometers with average use, sometimes more seriously. With this, you can get anywhere in the capital, but you can also travel safely in the countryside, between two villages.
Safety comes first
You have to stop at a high speed somehow. Fortunately, the Kukirin G2 Pro electric scooter also fulfills this condition. It has front and rear disc brakes, the 8,5-inch wheels have a tolerable grip, but those who don't like the over-ribbed tires can always replace them with high-quality ones, such as PMT. The lights of the electric scooter are also satisfactory, it has a front and rear light, but 4 light sources are also integrated into the stage, since it is not only necessary to see, but also to be seen.
Comfortable shock absorption
One of the characteristics of cheap stick rollers is that they are uncomfortable. This is not the case with the Kukirin G2 Pro, which has excellent front-rear shock absorption that perfectly complements the balloon wheels. In our opinion, this is one of the biggest advantages of the electric scooter: there is no vibration that would shake fillings, and the frame will not fall apart on the uneven Hungarian roads. The price includes the seat, but we do not recommend using it, there are much better electric scooters.
For those who don't want to overthink this whole electric scooter topic, the Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 3 is the best choice. It is not too heavy, easy to carry, reliable, and for the 4th generation, it is an electric scooter free of almost all defects, which cannot even be called expensive.
Read the detailed test of the Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 3!
Perfect in its simplicity
We tested almost all models of the first 2 generations of the Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter, so when I switched to the 3rd generation, I felt almost no difference. However, in recent years, almost all the defects of the electric scooter have been eliminated, the steering mechanism does not break, the brake bow does not wear out, and the mudguard remains in place. In addition, with its weight of 13 kilos and its folding capacity, it is relatively easy to transport, it is no problem to run up a flight of stairs with it or toss it in the trunk of a car. It is intended for daily urban commuting, its range is roughly 20-22 kilometers, which is mostly enough for the round trip to work or the gym.
Everything is better on an app basis
All electric scooters belonging to the Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter series can be paired with the Mi Home app on a BT basis. With this, you can track the charge of the scooter, the distance traveled, the maximum speed and much more. It is comfortable and modern, just like Xiaomi electric scooters.
Possibilities for development
The Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 3 is not the most comfortable scooter in the world due to the 8,5-inch wheel size and the lack of shock absorption, but this is also true for its peers. Fortunately, there are all kinds of solutions available to change this. If you are a fan of expensive but high-quality solutions, you should look at Monorim's sets. Those who would like to get rid of the problem of shock absorption cheaper, the Roll-Base electric scooter service can help.
Great energy recovery system
It is true for almost all Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooters, including the Series 3, that the rear disc brake is complemented by the engine located at the front, and thus the engine brake, which also recovers energy during braking. This is called KERS, and its essence is that it increases the range of the electric scooter. Those who like to play with it and roll longer instead of disc brakes can even get an extra long range with the Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 3 electric scooter.
The Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 4 stick scooter broke with previous traditions and launched an even more comfortable scooter with a 8,5-inch wheel diameter instead of the previous 10-inch wheels. The basic version is equipped with a 7,65 Ah battery, while the larger Pro version is equipped with a battery with a capacity of 12,4 ampere hours.
More comfort, more weight
The enlarged wheels made the Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 4 a completely different electric scooter. It is much more comfortable than the Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 3, but the more massive frame and the larger wheel diameter also resulted in a significant increase in weight. He gained weight from 13 to 17 kilos, which you definitely need to calculate if you want to carry a lot.
Reliability, great service background
With a little exaggeration, if you blindly throw a stone, you will still find someone who had, has or will have a Xiaomi electric scooter. For this reason, the parts are available in mountains, everything is really available, not particularly expensive. If only the cost of operation is important, then we can say that Xiaomi stick scooters are the best electric scooters.
Unchanged basics, great quality
The basic design philosophy of the Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 4 is the same as previous generations. Great quality, relatively error-free operation. Sometimes you need to change the brakes, maybe the tires, and clean it, and that's about it. For those who would go further, the Xiaomi Mi 4 Pro Electric Scooter its increased capacity model will serve you well. This electric scooter takes its passengers up to 30 kilometers away.
Even the smallest matters, as the saying goes. The Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter Essential represents exactly that. It is a very light vehicle of barely 12 kilos, which has all the advantages of the entire Xiaomi electric scooter series.
Read the detailed review of the Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter Essential!
The price is the master
You can already guess from the name of the Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter Essential that the company did not design this for lovers of a long range and those eager to speed. However, the basics are shared with the other models, the quality, the application-based data reading, and the abundant supply of spare parts remain, so this is actually a Xiaomi scooter with braked foam. On the other hand, it is cheap, usually available for less than HUF 120, which is considered quite low for electric scooters. Those who work with an even smaller budget should take a look at the Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 4 GB, which costs even less than Essential.
Restrained top speed
It is probably good news for worried parents that the top speed of the Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter Essential has been limited to 25 km/h instead of the usual 20 km/h. Lower speed, lower forces, lower risk of injury, and the rear disc and front engine brakes are also a given here. Since the battery capacity is only 5,2 Ah, the possible distance varies somewhere between 12-15 kilometers, depending on the external conditions. However, this is more than enough to go to the store and back, or to your friends' apartment, or even to the soccer field. If we had to choose just one cheap electric scooter, we'd recommend this one.
The Aprilia eSR1 is a designer scooter and a big name at the same time. The manufacturer, known for its motorsport traditions, did not want to be left out of the electric scooter fever, and launched some really wild-looking two-wheelers. If you were looking for a unique product, the Aprilia eSR1 is the entry into this world.
There's nothing better than this for babbling
If there's an electric scooter that looks really cool, it's the Aprilia eSR1. If you want a unique machine that stands out from the crowd, look no further. I saw the eSR1 live, and the exterior is really interesting, everyone is staring at it. The black-red-silver color composition is quite eye-catching, as is the shape of the frame, it really has something of a sports bike. Its everyday usability is not bad either, the foldable frame weighs 15,6 kilograms, and the range is roughly the level of the Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 3.
Expensive, interesting extras
The price of the Aprilia eSR1 electric scooter is quite attractive compared to stick scooters of similar size and skill. This is compensated by the hot, unique look and extras like the removable battery. Personally, I don't remember many electric scooters that have this as a standard feature, and not a single one in the stick scooter segment. Just as the 10-inch wheel is also rare, like the white raven, which provides extra comfort compared to 8-8,5-inch competitors. Since it drives in the front, it is also similar in this sense to, for example, Xiaomi models.
The Aprilia eSR2 Evo electric scooter is a smoothed-out version of the second generation, where the two-wheeler is powered by a 500 W motor, and comfort is ensured by dual shock absorption. Its looks match that too, but it's an Aprilia, what if it's not hot?
Not only will they look at it, but you can also stand with it
The Aprilia eSR2 EVO brings the line that you can also experience with the eSR1, but its appearance is perhaps even more similar to that of the sports bikes bearing the same name. At the end of the stage, there is a funky footrest, and the color composition is based on the company's characteristic three-color composition. The 500 W motor moves the scooter with sufficient dynamics, its range is somewhere around 35-40 kilometers. If you are looking for the hottest electric scooter that has power, this machine will be one of the best choices.
Innovation, cleverly placed
Unlike the previous eSR1 series, the eSR2 Evo boasts a lot of new features. The drive was placed at the back, and a drum brake was placed at the front. The good thing about this is that they rarely need to be maintained, they last longer than disc brakes. The shock absorption is dual, the scooter dampens vibrations caused by road defects both at the front and at the back. Transportability remains, the steering wheel can still be folded on the body. An LED line lights up on the belly of the electric scooter so that other road users can see where you are going.
If the 2 W motor of the Kukirin G600 Pro is not enough for someone, then here is the bigger brother, the Kukirin G2 Max, with 1000 W. It's pretty much the same concept as the G2 Pro, but it does a little more of everything, so it's a better choice for taller people.
Read the detailed test of Kukirin G2 Max!
It's also not expensive compared to his knowledge
The Kukirin G2 Max electric scooter can be purchased for roughly a quarter of a million forints, so it is not very possible to get 1000 W scooters at home. The bases here are also very good, but everything is a bit thicker and more massive than in its smaller brother. With 100 W, even 100-kilogram drivers can stand further, and moving the 26-kilogram curb weight won't cause them as much trouble as it does for smaller owners. The handlebar height is adjustable, and it also comes with a seat as part of the basic package.
More muscle, more power
We have already talked about the 1000 W power, but not yet about the top speed and range. On paper, you can go as fast as 55, but 45 km/h is much more realistic. The wheel of the Kukirin G2 Max electric scooter is 10 inches, so the two-wheeler has similar technical characteristics to a 50 cubic centimeter scooter. This, however, must be fed with electricity and not gasoline, which enables much cheaper operation. The battery is 960 Wh, with which you can travel 45-55 kilometers, but for the ascetics it can be even longer. All in all, this is one of the best electric scooters for heavier drivers, which we would also like to take home.
Great tuning base
Kukirin G2 Max is a great tuning base for those who want to have fun and add a little uniqueness to their electric scooter. One of the things you can carve is the brake. You can replace the left, 160 mm disc with a larger one, and you can hang an additional battery on the long handlebar, thus extending the range. Since the wheels are large, the deck is also high, the vehicle can also be used for roller skating with a good all-terrain tire.
The Kukirin G2 Pro and G2 Max have one problem: they are powered by only one motor. Fortunately, the Kukirin G2 Master electric scooter also solves this problem, since it received 1000 pieces of Max's 2 W motor. This is the ideal choice for people who live in the mountains and drive on hilly terrain.
Read the detailed test of the Kukirin G2 Master electric scooter!
It also feels good among hills
It is a relatively lesser-known fact that two-motor scooters are the best for climbing hills. Since all-wheel drive solutions have better grip and can put much more traction on the asphalt, those who live on a mountain should buy this model. Two smaller motors put less stress on the controllers and cables than one big one. Everything is true for the Kukirin G2 Master, which is also true for the Kukirin G2 Max, just imagine a machine one category larger.
Take this for the field
Touring with an electric scooter is a relatively new genre, one of which is off-road racing. All-wheel scooters, such as the Kukirin G2 Master, are particularly good at such places. Not incidentally, its top speed is between 55-60 km/h and the 50 Wh battery can cover a range of 1080 kilometers. As you can see, this is more of an electric scooter than an electric scooter, so you have to be careful with it. And for the field, all kinds of protectors – helmets, upper body braces, spine, knee and elbow protectors – are mandatory accessories.
There must be a phenomenon where people in the countryside go to the store with basket bikes. Today, this has been replaced by cheaper electric scooters equipped with various accessories that can be used for transport. Examples of this are undemanding, seated vehicles in a good sense, such as the Bogist M5 Elite.
Read the detailed test of the Bogist M5 Elite electric scooter!
Everything is comfortable
The Bogist M5 Elite is the workhorse of electric scooters, in our test we called it an electric scooter for a reason. Basically, you don't even have to stand on it, you have to sit on it, it is equipped with small bicycle wheels, which are 14 inches. For this reason, its ability to absorb road faults is an order of magnitude greater than that of similarly priced electric scooters with smaller wheels. It would be a mistake to underestimate it because of its pious appearance: the 500 W motor can fly at up to 40 km/h, but the 25 is much more realistic, it is a real two-wheeler that goes from the winter to the shores of Lake Balaton.
A great tool
A rear rack is part of the factory package, but I don't think it's a big task to apply a second basket to the handlebars. These already fit quite a few Tesco bags, but can be filled with other bags. And because of the high riser, it can handle even rougher terrain. If the convenience store and the holiday home are separated by a dirt road, that's not a problem either, or if the neighboring village has the best ice cream parlor in the area, which you'd like to skip to, that can also be done with it.
Relatively error free
The complexity of the Bogist M5 is somewhere between an iron ball and a wooden wedge. Sometimes you have to change the pads on the dual disc brakes, you might get a puncture, but that's about it. There is a spare part for it, we looked into this separately at our service partner. Its range can also be extended with a handlebar-mounted battery bag. Top tip: inflate the wheel to 3,5 bars instead of 2,5, so it doesn't come off the rim.
If there's an electric scooter that we've been crushing on for a really long time, it's the Kukirin M5 Pro, which is an indestructible tractor. It uses irons that would make 3 stick rollers, but it's not a beauty, it's more like Johnny 5 from Short Circuit. We covered 1800 kilometers and it still holds up, it is powered by 1000 W, and comes with a seat and storage box as extras.
Read the detailed test of the Kukirin M5 Pro electric scooter!
In one word: warty
The winner of the electric scooter beauty contest... Not the Kukirin M5 Pro, but it can do things that its competitors don't. The monster received brutal 100 W lighting, wrist-thick irons move in the front wheel, and there is shock absorption at the back. Everything is extremely robust, but you have to work with 40 kilos of iron in return. 1000 watts is 1000 watts, which makes the scooter fly up to 45 km/h. One of the reasons for the large weight is the huge battery, roughly 960-45 kilometers from 50 Wh, which is quite a lot.
Replacing wear and tear is otherwise problem-free
In roughly 1800 kilometers, the rear brake had to be adjusted, and the Kukirin M5 Pro also received a new pad. By the way, according to our experience, this is true for all low-priced scooters, as some of the bearings have worn out, but that's about it. Based on the fact that we beat it through oil spills, ditches and bushes, often off-road, for which the cam rubber makes it perfectly suited, this is no wonder. It holds up, and there's even room for some improvement: the vehicle is grateful for a hydraulic brake, for example. The front shock absorber is adjustable, it is worth taking it softer on the road.
Interesting extras
The Kukirin M5 Pro electric scooter also comes with a seat and a lockable storage box that you can sit on top of. There are videos where the vehicle can be loaded with two people, but we do not recommend this. The height of the steering wheel is adjustable, so if you don't want to sit on it, you can raise it, so it's perfectly comfortable even when standing, which is how we used it. Its step is very high, so when used in the city with a non-terrain tire, it can be driven off even medium-sized benches, whether standing or sitting. The editorial staff also has a Kukirin M5 Pro, which we use on a daily basis.
The Kaabo brand is one of the premium manufacturers, and we also own such an electric scooter, the Kaabo Mantis 5 Plus Dual scooter with an increased range has succeeded the previous Kukirin M10 Pro. Very wild performance, excellent build quality, high top speed and an extremely long range, thanks to the additional battery.
Read the detailed test of the Kaabo Mantis 10 Plus electric scooter!
Kaabo is a premium manufacturer
Kaabo is one of the scooter manufacturers who basically position their models among premium products. Its name is quite telling, in the case of Mantises you can usually guess exactly what they know. Plus refers to the two-motor solution - it's 2×1000 watts in this case - and 10 refers to the wheel size, i.e. slightly larger than the usual 8,5-inch solution. The materials used and the components also go beyond, for example, the Kukirin models. An example is the Zoom semi-hydraulic brake - a hydraulic brake caliper in a bowden brake system - although this is one of the scooter's weak points, but the braking effect is still much better than that of cheaper competitors. The frame is very solid, the electric scooter covers the road stably, and its technical parameters are also impressive.
Brutal driving performance
The Kaabo Mantis 10 Plus electric scooter is a two-motor monster with 2×1000 W motor power, which can be increased to 3200 W for a short time. It accelerates well as hell and grips well enough since it doesn't come with off-road tires. Its top speed is around 60 km/h, which is quite a hellish pace, you can even slow down cars in the bus lane with it. The frame is rigid, the chassis is springy by default, but its hardness can be adjusted. Pay attention to one thing: if you relax it a lot, it can hit you, you have to experiment with your own crowd.
Brutally long range
The Kaabo Mantis 10 Plus is not limited by default when it comes to range. The electric scooter is 60 V and carries an 18,4 Ah battery under its step, which means 1104 Wh. With this, you can cover 50-60 kilometers with mixed use, and if you pull with muscle, then about 40. We supplemented this with an additional 14,8 Ah in the Roll-Base service, which gives 1992 Wh. With a little skill, you can do 90 kilos with the vehicle in this way, that is, with a daily commute of 20 kilometers, it can last up to 1 week without charging. It is also worth having the sealing rings of the leaky hydraulic brakes of the Zoom set repaired by the service, and then you will really get a problem-free machine in the long run, which is also hellishly strong. The editorial office also has a Kaabo Mantis 10 Plus Dual, which we use on a daily basis.
Characteristics of electric scooters: advantages, disadvantages
Most of you have probably already been on an electric scooter, so you know how easy it is to start using and how quickly you can get used to it. However, you may not know that in addition to their countless advantages, they also have some serious disadvantages. Based on our practical experience, we will now present them and give you some practical tips that can help you use them.
Advantages of electric scooters:
- Very cheap "fuel" compared to what other vehicles use. Electricity costs orders of magnitude less than gasoline or diesel if you calculate the costs per 100 kilometers.
- You can start using it with almost zero practice. Nevertheless, basic knowledge - KRESZ, the use of the controls - is also necessary here, but the time to learn the use of simpler scooters is very short compared to, say, an electric unicycle or a SMKP.
- The basic models are already surprisingly cheap.
- Smaller two-wheelers are easy to carry, fold up and fit in the trunk of a car.
- Protective equipment is not mandatory, but we recommend that you wear a helmet as a minimum.
- In the city center, you can usually travel faster on the bike path than with a car, especially in traffic jams in big cities.
- The local emissions of electric scooters are zero.
- You don't have to suffer on local public transport.
- The more serious models have such a range that you could even go on a hike with them - for example around Lake Velence - and the larger capacity batteries only need to be charged every few days for daily commuting.
- You can get from A to B relatively comfortably with it, and you can even sit on some models.
- They are easy to maintain, wear and tear parts must be replaced, and special attention must be paid to punctures (solid rubber and self-repairing solutions already exist for this).
- A 50cc scooter can be used with the larger models.
Disadvantages of electric scooters:
- It is a pain to carry the larger models - over 20 kilos - upstairs, so those who live in a house without an elevator should think carefully about which electric scooter they choose.
- There is no adequate supply of spare parts for some types (these are not included in our recommendation).
- Swampy legislative environment for electric scooters with more power than 300 W.
- As in the case of all types of vehicles, high-end models are also extremely expensive here, they can even cost several million forints.
- Only two-motor electric scooters are really ideal for bumpy and hilly terrain.
- Although wearing protective equipment is not mandatory, a full face helmet is highly recommended, but we also wear body armor, knee and elbow pads, and other additional protectors during testing.
- In many cases, factory tires are designed for a certain surface, for example loose terrain, so they grip quite poorly on asphalt.
- They cannot be used in the rain, or only to a very limited extent.
Maintenance of electric scooters
Like all vehicles, electric scooters require maintenance at certain intervals. The first step after opening the box is not racing, but assembly and null revision, after which the structure must be minimally inspected every few hundred kilometers and certain things must be re-adjusted.
Null revision of electric scooters
A null revision means nothing more than a pre-use setting. This should be done even with the best electric scooter, simply because screws can come loose during transport, and certain parts - such as the inflatable tire - are deliberately not delivered ready to go. A null revision usually includes the following:
- If the scooter arrives unassembled, it must be assembled. This usually means bolting the steering wheel to the steering column, installing the mudguard and attaching other accessories to the frame.
- All screws must be checked and tightened.
- Tires must be inflated to the correct pressure value.
- Brakes should be adjusted as best as possible.
- Some of the basic software settings - such as cruise control, start immediately or have to be pushed, speed limits - should be reviewed and adjusted as desired.
- If the shock absorption is adjustable, it must be adjusted for your weight.
- To try out the steering mechanism and the lock, and to understand how it works, so that you don't hook it wrong and it collapses while driving.
Consumable parts of electric scooters
All electric scooters have some parts that wear out during use. The most typical are brake pads and brake discs, but tires wear out and punctures are not uncommon. Certain bearings can also get tired, and different types of damage can occur, especially if you subject the vehicle to a lot of stress, for example, jumping off a bench at high speed. In general, mechanical wear affects the following:
- Brake pads are typical wearing parts that, depending on their quality, can wear out even after a few hundred kilometers.
- Manufacturers often skimp on the quality of disc brake pads. They need to be adjusted every few hundred kilometers, and if they wear out, it is worth replacing them with a more serious brand (for example, Zoom).
- Tires are also typical consumables. Service centers usually recommend two brands, one is PMT and the other is TUOVT, and in most sizes there is also a gel, self-healing solution.
- The closing mechanism can wear out from many steering wheel movements, most of them can be repaired or replaced.
- Due to a lot of charging, the grip of the charging connector of the battery can loosen, this can also be repaired (Xiaomi disease, among others), and the batteries can only last a certain number of cycles.
RendeljKinait takes its electric scooters to János Varga, the Roll-Base service center in Budapest. We can only recommend their services.
Use of electric scooters
How to stand on a scooter
Using electric scooters does not seem complicated at first, or even the second time, but it is important to follow some basic rules. It's worth standing on the platform with your feet held a little too far or in a T position - when one leg is in front and the other crossed behind it - and lean your body weight to help you turn, this is especially useful for roller skates. The larger the spread, the more stable you stand on the scooter, you should not step parallel to each other with your legs.
In the case of larger machines, the deck is sufficiently wide and long, your legs can even fit behind each other, and in the case of some models, there is a step above the mud slide, where you can also rest your back leg. Pay attention to one thing: not all electric scooter mudguards are suitable for this, some break off, and some work specifically as pedal brakes (for example, older Kugoo models).
This is how we raise the vehicle
There are two types of electric scooters equipped with folding handlebars: where the steering column locks parallel to the step and where it rests on the step, they usually have to be hung in the mud pit. If possible, always lift the electric scooter with two hands, it is worth holding a thicker part of the frame at the back, while at the front the stem of the handlebar under the folding mechanism. If you lift with one hand - you can still handle stick rollers - try to lift in such a way that the vehicle is in a balanced position in your hands and does not sway.
Don't hold on to the government
The steering wheel of the electric scooter is for steering and steering the vehicle, not for holding on. Never move the steering wheel back and forth unnecessarily while driving, because of the high power lever, it works as if you were trying to open a chest with a crowbar. In this case, the force destroys the thinnest part, the closing mechanism. The correct use: lean forward when accelerating and backward before braking. While walking, you must stand straight, relaxed, with your legs slightly bent, and avoid road mistakes.
Rain and wet road surface
Water and electronics are not very good friends, so even though all kinds of IP and IPX standards are written on electric scooters, try to avoid rainy, wet environments, because they can damage the electronics. It's not worth riding a scooter in rainy weather, because all two-wheeled vehicles like to slide on wet roads. According to our experience, there is only one thing worse than this: the watery, slimy fruits of some trees, as well as the wet leaves, avoid them as much as possible!
In addition, the factory warranty does not apply to immersions, which means that the service centers will not repair the resulting errors for free and at no cost to you.
Do not use a high-pressure washer to clean the electric scooter!
All electric scooters get dirty sooner or later and need to be cleaned. For this, however, do not use running water - slag - and especially avoid high-pressure washers. In half a minute, this squeezes liquids into places where they have nothing to do, destroying the electronics.
Protective equipment
Although the law does not stipulate that such a thing should be worn, it is especially worthwhile. We've fallen quite a lot with all kinds of electric vehicles and it's not a pleasant feeling. A helmet is the minimum, and we recommend a full face helmet, because even an open one will do, and it will protect you to some extent, but if you fall on your face, you won't look good afterwards. It is also worth protecting the upper body with a spine protector body armor if you have a larger machine, and the joints - shoulders, elbows and knees - body armors protect the first two, and knee armors often protect the tibia as well.
The other important piece of protective equipment is the gloves, on the one hand, they are good against the constant driving wind, and on the other hand, they protect the fingers in the event of a fall, so your skin will not be the wear surface.
Electric scooters and the KRESZ
The legal regulation of electric scooters is a rather swampy area in Hungary, KRESZ simply does not recognize such a category. Currently, no legislation clearly states what exactly rules apply to such vehicles. As a guide, the performance data and top speed limitations of the other vehicle categories – electric bicycle or moped – can be used to roughly classify our electric scooter somewhere. For years, legislators have been promising to amend the relevant legislation - the Kúria has some resolutions - and to include electric scooters in them.
Navigation by phone
Countless electric scooter applications now integrate some kind of navigation software, typically Google Maps. If you want to use one, install a phone holder on the steering wheel. Of course, talking on the phone is also dangerous on a scooter, especially if you only hold the steering wheel with one hand. Never do that!
How to choose an electric scooter?
Weight and size of the electric scooter
One of the most important aspects in the selection process is weight and size. According to our experience, an average 40-year-old man, 175 cm tall and roughly 75 kilograms, can easily move an object the size of an electric scooter up to 20-25 kilograms, for a short time. If you live in a building without an elevator, it is especially unpleasant to carry such a large crowd up to the second floor. In other words, scooters heavier than 25 kilos are more likely to live in the garage or at least you should keep them in the basement. We recommend models under 15 kilograms for daily commuting and stair climbing scooters.
The other is the mass of the owner. The number given for the load capacity of scooters - for example 120 kilograms - always refers to the frame, in a rest position. In other words, this does not mean that a 300 W scooter will move a 100 kg person with adequate dynamics, nor that the frame structure can withstand the load arising when jumping off the bench.
I weigh X kilos, which electric scooter should I buy?
As we wrote above, the load data of scooters is given on the frame, but how much mass they can move is actually determined by the performance of the motor(s). As a rule of thumb:
- 300 W is enough for approximately 60 kilograms, on a flat road, on a slight incline.
- 300 W is enough for approximately 80 kilograms on flat roads.
- 500 W is enough for approximately 80 kilograms, on a flat road, on a slight incline.
- 1000 W is enough for roughly 100 kilograms on a flat road and up to 80 kilograms on a flat road and on moderate inclines.
- 2×1000 W is enough for almost everything, the two-motor models are great climbers.
Don't forget to include the extras you carry - protective equipment, stuff in backpacks and containers - in the total weight moved. It is a common experience that 1000 W seems like a lot for beginners, and 2000 W is typically enough for everyone. Because of this, there are even much more powerful models on the market.
For daily commuting or hiking
According to our experience, most people who buy electric scooters use the two-wheeler as a means of transportation, i.e. for daily commuting. This means that every day they travel 5-10 kilometers on the same route, for example between their workplace and their place of residence. If the road is flat, then almost any stick roller is suitable for this.
If it is a longer distance or rougher terrain, it is worth choosing either a model with an increased range or a more serious scooter equipped with shock absorption.
Electric scooter for asphalt or off-road
Many manufacturers target their electric scooters for off-road use. This means they come with cambered off-road tires and plenty of ground clearance to avoid getting stuck in a protruding terrain. In the case of such scooters, front and rear shock absorbers are almost mandatory. In fact, users drive their machines on asphalt in the vast majority of cases, for which all-terrain scooters are also suitable, in which case it is worthwhile to throw some other, not too bumpy, but high-quality tires on them.
Electric scooter for adults or children
Although the difference in height of adults can vary widely, it is even worse for children due to their short height. The handlebar height of countless models cannot be adjusted, or if it is, it cannot be pulled to a low enough position, which ideally means approximately the height of the belly.
The second important thing is the height and width of the stage - the deck. The higher the electric scooter, the more the body has to be tilted and the more difficult it is to keep it in a standing position. In addition, smaller feet fit more easily on a shorter stage, which might be uncomfortable for an adult.
In the case of a child, the weight of the scooter is extremely important, since a less load-bearing body has to cope with the vehicle's inertia, in return the electric scooter accelerates better and moves a child-sized driver more easily.
The range of the electric scooter
According to our experience, customers often overestimate the range of electric scooters, which is affected by countless factors - temperature, the weight of the user, the steepness of the road, the speed, and so on. Factory data are always based on optimal conditions and typically drivers weighing 50-60 kilos, with a top speed of 15-25 km/h. The rule of thumb is that you should count on 70-80% of the factory value, but if you have been driving a powerful electric scooter continuously on gas, then your catalog data can be cut in half.
KERS, i.e. the energy recovered by the electric motor during braking, does not matter that much overall, it can extend the range by a maximum of 10-15%, under average conditions.
It is also worth knowing that the battery is one of the heaviest parts of the scooter, so the bigger the battery, the more weight you can expect. The greater the mass, the more the electric scooter will consume, and the more energy - a more powerful engine - is needed to accelerate it, which actually creates a vicious circle.
Charging the electric scooter
The greater the range of an electric scooter, the greater the voltage or capacity of the battery, which means the longer you will charge it. The average charging time of the cheaper models is 4-6 hours, the ones with increased capacity can be 8-9 hours, while in the case of more serious two-wheelers, this can even go up to 10-11.
Typically, models of a series are delivered with the same power charger. You can usually tell the difference between cheaper and more expensive scooters by how many volt chargers a system uses. Since less current is needed to do the same work at a higher voltage, more serious electric scooters are usually driven at a higher voltage, so their chargers also charge at a higher voltage.
There are models with dual chargers, which means you can plug in two chargers at the same time for faster charging, they almost always charge your beloved vehicle during a sleep cycle.
The top speed of the electric scooter
The top speed of electric scooters depends primarily on the power of the motor, and secondarily on the moved mass. Scooters with a longer range are almost always capable of a higher top speed, simply because traveling 60 kilometers at 20 km/h would be a real torture. What we wrote about the range is also true for the top speed: most electric scooters either do not know the top speed indicated in their description or it is relatively difficult to reach it.
Due to European Union regulations, the top speed of countless electric scooters is limited to 25 km/h. This does not mean that these vehicles cannot do more, they just limit it with some kind of electronic or software solution. In most cases, this can be turned off simply from the service menu. Because of this, the vehicles can easily accelerate above the limit even on slopes, and in the case of non-EU electric scooters, the restriction is often not even active. Always sacrifice range for high speed, as vehicles consume much more in this case.
Foldable or fixed
In general, stick scooters or two-wheelers that are not very large can be folded down or folded. In general, the steering column can be folded down, but on some models the grips can also be folded in. In all cases, these are aimed at easier transportability. Above a certain weight - roughly 30 kilograms - the function becomes redundant, and the effects of force are also much greater here, so the steering column and grip of the scooters are fixed.
It is better to sit or stand on the electric scooter
Most electric scooters are designed so that the user will stand on them. There are models that have a quick-release lock on the step to accommodate the seat - in this case the seat is often part of the basic package - but these are typically half-solutions and it's not really good to use them like that, in exchange the seats can be removed.
There are also two-wheelers where the design of the tubular frame is such that it can accept a seat from the start and is designed for such use, these are typically electric scooters designed for commuting to the store and back, but there are fewer of these variants.
Electric scooter with one or two motors
Electric scooters are basically equipped with a motor. In the case of stick rollers, the drive is usually in the front, while in the case of larger ones it is more in the back, but this rule is not set in stone. If the drive is at the back, the scooter climbs hills better, and the steered wheel does not have a drive influence, which is more difficult to handle when, for example, teasing or on a slippery surface.
On the other hand, the more powerful models - above 1000 W - typically have two motors of the same power, which can be switched separately and which have more output. They have better grip and can handle hill climbs much better than their single-engine brothers.
Since there are two motor controllers here, and the current flows through two separate cables, they are usually less loaded by each motor, in return you have to count on slightly more components. In the case of two-motor electric scooters, there is also drive influence in the front, so you have to pay more attention when using them. Obviously, the benefit of more parts is the higher price.
Braking system of electric scooters
In most cases, the cheapest and smallest electric scooters are equipped with a motor brake at the front and a pedal brake at the back. This means nothing more than that the motor's resistance is used for energy recovery, and they could step on the mud puddle, which mechanically presses against the solid wheel and slows it down by rubbing, this is usually called a mechanical or pedal brake.
The drum brake is one more serious, which is an almost maintenance-free solution, here the brake shoe is not pressed from the outside, but from the inside to the hub. A lifetime and a day, as they say. In many cases, this is also combined with an engine brake.
The real thing, however, is the disc brake, where a brake shoe presses the pad onto a metal disc, more serious electric scooters have one at the front and one at the back. From an operational point of view, it can be cable or hydraulic, with the latter, the braking force is exerted using brake fluid, and the number of brake pistons is usually increased in order to achieve a more serious effect. This solution exerts the greatest braking force, but it is also the most expensive technology.
Wheel size and tires of electric scooters
One of the most decisive elements of the comfort of electric scooters is the size of the wheel and the type of tire used, let's start with the former.
Wheel size
With the exception of really tiny children's scooters, you can hardly find a wheel smaller than 7-8 inches. This is primarily for comfort reasons, the larger wheel shakes less and is better able to withstand road bumps. Between 8 and 10 inches there is a world of difference, but there are also models with a larger tire diameter - because this is indicated here, not the size of the rim. The wheels of 50cc scooters are typically 10-11 inches, which should be used as a reference for what you can feel on an electric scooter.
The type of tire
In the case of tires, we basically distinguish two main characteristics: the pattern and the type of material. In terms of pattern, tires are divided into two groups: asphalt and off-road. You can also ride on asphalt with all-terrain tires, but they will be noisy and less sticky, which means that the scooter will scrape and stop harder. The same is true the other way around: "street" tires will not grip well enough off-road.
As for the material used in the tires of electric scooters, you can find solid rubber on cheaper vehicles, for which it might be better to use plastic. These are usually honeycomb grid solutions that do not get a defect, but they can crack and they also wear and at least shake like the cart. However, a pedal brake can only be associated with this.
Inflatable tires are much more comfortable, but sometimes they get a flat tire. How typical this is is determined by a lot of things, it can be accidental - you drive into a corner or a glass shard -, user error when you don't inflate the wheel to the correct pressure value, but it can also result from wear and tear. There are puncture-resistant solutions, when the inner wall of the rubber jacket is coated with a gel-like material, which can seal smaller holes.
Shock absorption of electric scooters
Another very important element of comfort is whether the electric scooters have any shock absorption. The front spring member or telescope is more typical, but a pair is also not rare. Several versions are distinguished, but most of them are dampened by coil springs or some kind of hydraulic - i.e. filled with liquid, typically oil - dampers work.
The spring solution is cheaper, but the disadvantage is that dirt can get in, and the parts start to corrode, in which case they make an annoying, squeaking sound. The more serious shock absorbers can be fixed and their hardness can be adjusted, which can be important when switching from asphalt to off-road.
Lights of electric scooters
I've seen amazing creations on the topic of roller lights, but the typical thing is that the cheaper pieces are quite ugly. Fortunately, there is enough space on most handlebars to install some additional solution, any bike light will do. At the back, they usually all have a classic red light source, most of them light up more or start flashing when braking. In addition to these, reflective strips are usually glued to different parts of the two-wheeler, which may be worth adding to your clothing for safety.
On more serious electric scooters, an index is also installed in the step, at the end of the grips or on the side of the handlebar, but these are often inadequate. Either they are not the color required by law or they are simply not visible enough, so anyone who wants to drive in traffic should definitely consult a service center about what additional solutions can be installed.
There are also all kinds of extremes in terms of lights, we have already seen LED rows that can be programmed on an electric scooter, a light bridge mounted on a steering column and reflectors that can be raised and lowered hydraulically. Their aesthetic value can be questioned in many cases, but their performance is usually not, and seeing and being seen is a particularly important thing.
Tanks in all quantities
Some electric scooters are factory-designed with transport boxes similar to bicycles. This can be a handlebar bag or a lockable box on the back of the scooter, or another storage solution. Almost all of them can be replaced with a good backpack, but this can cause problems in the event of a fall.
Applications of electric scooters
The companies Ninebot and Xiaomi brought into vogue scooters that can be paired via a BT connection, and on the other side of which there is an application that can be downloaded to a phone. The essence of these is that, in addition to viewing all kinds of trip data, the functions can also be switched on and off, so you don't have to fight with the service menu codes. Some settings without claiming to be exhaustive:
- cruise control
- should the scooter start immediately or should it be pushed
- speed limit
- voltage limit
- strength of energy recovery
- integrated navigation
- anti-theft (beeps, flashes, obstructs progress)
- turning lights on and off
Frequently Asked Questions
Which electric scooter should I buy?
Let's start with a classic, this question is asked most often. Answering the question of which electric scooter is the best is almost impossible, but the rule of thumb is that you should always adjust the parameters to your goals and use, and choose based on that. There are those who have several bicycles, for daily commuting, for scooter tours, off-road, for the child, the wife, the husband, etc. Although it is not possible to give a perfect answer to the question, we can provide some clues:
- If you live in the mountains, buy a two-wheeler.
- If you want to carry an electric scooter, but you don't live in a garden house or you don't have a garage, don't buy a vehicle heavier than a third of your body weight.
- If you just want a transport vessel and the topic doesn't interest you in depth, buy a Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter.
- Seated solutions are also good for those visiting shops in the countryside and for "lots".
- For off-roading, buy one that has normal shock absorption.
- For commuting over longer distances – over 20 km – buy a strong, rear-wheel or two-motor scooter.
- The app is an overrated feature
Electric scooter reviews: reliable from the sickbed - Kugoo Kirin G3
Just as cars have wrinkles and continuous repair of defects, so too in the case of electric scooters. Some models have had so many revisions over the years that newer variants are sometimes more reliable than their counterparts from years ago. A typical example is the Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter, where the manufacturer has constantly fixed almost everything from generation to generation.
The electric scooter previously marketed as Kugoo G3, later Kugoo Kirin G3, and more recently Kukirin G3 is probably the best example of how a sick bed became a quite acceptable two-wheeler. 10 out of 8 at first! was unusable, now this error rate has been drastically reduced, a lot of parts have been changed, and the engineers have put together a really good vehicle. Too bad the Kukirin G2 models are even better than the Kukirin G3. The lesson: always find out if an e-scooter had several versions and which one you want to buy.
How expensive is it to operate an electric scooter?
The question usually concerns how much it costs to charge an electric scooter. The answer to this is relatively simple, as much as 1 kW of electricity costs where you live. The price of electricity is indicated on the utility bill. In Budapest, this is HUF 37/kWh, calculated at the price of residential electricity during the day, which means that even larger electric scooters can be charged for less than HUF 40, and smaller ones for half or a third of that price. We have an electric unicycle in the editorial office, which we have been using for 5 years and have traveled 7000 kilometers with. One charge of it - 336 Wh - costs roughly HUF 12-13. You can calculate the work done by the battery by multiplying the voltage by the capacity. For example: with 48 V*10 Ah = 480 Wh, which roughly costs HUF 18-20 to charge at HUF 37/kWh.
Other costs are parts and labor. What can be surprisingly expensive is tire replacement. It is quite difficult to remove the rubber from some models - especially if it is solid - and a piece of a serious tire in a larger size can cost HUF 20-30. Including the replacement, this is HUF 000-30, so a flat tire can be a pain. If you don't drive a lot and don't get a puncture, the life of the tires can be measured in thousands of kilometers.
The other is the price of replacing the brake pads and discs, the variance here can be extremely large. If you put back factory parts that are usually not very good, then this can be done cheaper if you also want to rebuild, e.g. Zoom or Magura set, then the tens of thousands will quickly start spinning. And the price of the other repairs is quite special, worth a In Roll-Base service inquire about this matter.
Do electric scooters really light up?
There are countless frightening videos on the Internet, but you can also find them on the topic of power banks, drones and telephones, but obviously there are no sequences of images when nothing happens. For more than 6 years, dozens of electric vehicles - scooters, electric bicycles, unicycles - have been in the immediate circle of the editors, and not a single one has caught fire. If you follow a few basic rules, there is very little chance of this happening. Do not poke, do not hit, do not hit, do not heat, do not expose the battery to high heat, do not overcharge and charge under supervision if possible. If you are not competent, leave the repair work to the service centers.
Can the 50cc scooter be replaced by the electric scooter?
Yes and no. They are comparable in price, you can get quite good electric scooters for the price of a used Honda Dio/Yamaha Jog, especially for the price of a new scooter. In terms of storage space, I think the scooters are better, and in terms of driving performance and wheel size - 10-11 inches - they are similar. "Fuel" is cheaper in the case of an electric scooter, the cost of long-term operation is more questionable, but there are many similarities between the two vehicles. In addition, there is also a large number of cross-users, many of whom ride scooters, scooters and drive cars.
Do I need a driving license for the electric scooter?
According to the law, any vehicle with a power of up to 300 W is considered an electric bicycle, which does not start on the accelerator. Electric scooters, on the other hand, cannot be classified as electric bicycles, KRESZ does not define such a vehicle class, this is actually a legal gap. If we only look at their performance, vehicles powered by a power engine with a power of more than 300 W are classified as mopeds, which can only be driven with a crash helmet, driver's license and mandatory liability insurance.
However, practice shows that in the vast majority of cases, the authorities are lenient with electric scooter users, as long as they comply with the basic rules of coexistence and the KRESZ (at least in the last 7-8 years, we have never been fined for using an electric vehicle, we drove in compliance with the rules).
Can electric scooters be tuned?
Yes. The most typical tunings are the following:
- larger and more efficient brakes
- increased battery capacity (e.g. with an additional bag battery mounted on the handlebars)
- different lights and indexes
- government restructuring
- better tires
Is it worth building an electric scooter from parts?
In our circle of acquaintances, there are several people who have already built electric scooters from parts. In the absence of expertise, however, we recommend that you buy ready-made models, and if you don't like something about them, have those parts replaced at a service center.
Why are a bunch of people riding electric scooters in the bike lane?
Since the legal classification of electric scooters is unclear, and it is quite dangerous to ride them on the sidewalk, among passers-by, therefore, for lack of a better option, scooters with lower performance are forced here. In traffic, among much larger vehicles, most of them still have no place because of small wheel size, low power, slow speed and a thousand other things. Of course, there are models that can be used in traffic without any problems, like a motorcycle, if they are properly prepared beforehand - for example, an index is installed on them - but this again has legal problems.
I live on a mountain, can the electric scooter also go up there?
Basically, in the technical description of every vehicle there is a hill-climbing ability, expressed in degrees, but these should not be taken seriously. The two-motor solutions are much better when going uphill, they can be loaded better, the heat dissipation of two smaller motors is better than one large one, and the motor cables can withstand it better. If you choose a single-motor electric scooter, the rear wheels can exert their power better on the uphill. We do not recommend non-twin-motor scooters with an engine power of less than 1000 W for sustained uphill riding.
Which is the best electric scooter for children?
The formula is relatively simple: it should be as easy as possible to carry the electric scooter. Even two-wheelers with 250-300 W engine power move small drivers with sufficient dynamics. The best tip is the Xiaomi Mi Scooter Essential or the Xiaomi Mi Scooter 4 Go, both cheap and reliable vehicles, ideal electric scooters for students.
Can two people use an electric scooter?
No, or only very rarely. Basically, all electric scooters are designed for one person, the transport of several people makes use unnecessarily dangerous. There are special models that have a second seat, but these are electric bikes rather than scooters.
Is it possible to rollerblade while drunk?
A Based on the decision of the Court, all vehicles driven by a power engine, including electric scooters, are prohibited from driving while intoxicated.
How long does the electric scooter battery last?
Manufacturers often specify a number of charging cycles, which usually means that the battery retains 80% of its capacity until the number of charging cycles. However, the battery can be replaced in a service center.
Do you have to wear a crash helmet while riding an electric scooter?
Officially, a crash helmet must be worn while using mopeds, so the question is what qualifies as an electric scooter, which is not clear at the moment. We recommend that you wear a helmet for the sake of simplicity, but the use of other protective equipment is also recommended.
Is liability insurance required when using an electric scooter?
The same applies to this question as to the previous one. If the electric scooter is classified as a moped, then yes. Our practical experience is that since damage caused by an electric scooter must be compensated anyway, it is worth asking an insurance company whether they are willing to cover such a thing for an electric scooter or not. In addition to home insurance, you can also request liability insurance relatively cheaply - for a few thousand forints per year - but here, too, you need to find out whether damage caused by electric vehicles is covered.
Is it possible to change the battery on an electric scooter?
In the case of most electric scooters, only by dismantling, but it is possible. There are models whose front can be opened from the factory, and the battery holder is designed so that the battery can be easily removed.
Why does my electric scooter have less range than the factory value?
The range of electric scooters is established by the manufacturer on its own test track under ideal test conditions. What does this mean? That:
- on a completely flat road
- at an ideal temperature
- with a person of small weight (often 50-60 kilos).
- with perfect battery condition and 100% charge
- completely constant, measured at low speed, without braking or acceleration
determine the range. If any of the conditions differ even a little, you will already get lower range values. According to our experience, the range depends a lot on the driving habits, but as a rule of thumb it is worth counting on 70-80% of the factory range.
Why is my electric scooter slower than the manufacturer claims?
Similar to those discussed in the previous questions, this is also measured under ideal conditions. If any of these parameters deviates, you will already experience a lower top speed. Typically, the difference remains within 10%, so even an electric scooter with a top speed of 50 km/h can reach 45 km/h.
There are scooters that could do much more, but the manufacturer installed some kind of software or electronic ban. By turning them off, the top speed can even be higher than that set by the manufacturer.
Will my electric scooter bought abroad be repaired at home? If yes, where?
The answer is yes, if you have parts for it. That's why we created the "Service Experiences" section at the end of our electric scooter tests. Obviously, there are cases when it is not economically worth repairing the vehicle, for example, in the case of water damage, it is probably not worth replacing the entire electronics. Worth a In Roll-Base service inquire about repairs.
Does the brand of electric scooter matter?
Yes and no. In general, the big-name manufacturers work with better and more durable materials, but their models are more expensive. However, it is not true in itself that just because an electric scooter is cheap, it cannot be good - see Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooters - and even brands with a bad reputation can undergo a spectacular quality improvement, such as Kukirin.
Many electric scooters are marketed under several names, as white label products, in which case the same vehicle is given a different name or design. It is worth looking up what these are and what parts they consist of.
What are the best electric scooter brands?
It is difficult to answer the question of which are the best electric scooter brands, because it is difficult to define what this should be based on. Basically, I would divide the question into two categories. Among the scooter brands with affordable prices even in the Hungarian working conditions, scooters associated with the Xiaomi group - Mi and Navee scooters - and the Ninebot/Segway brand are considered reliable and good, but there are also exceptions, such as the Mi 4 Ultra. The newer and more expensive models of Kukirin - the former Kugoo and Kugoo Kirin company - also have an excellent price/value ratio.
And if the price of the electric scooter is unimportant - over 500 HUF -, you can suddenly run into a huge, high-quality selection. Kaabo, Weped, Dualtron, Inokim, Nami, and Inmotion, known for its unicycles, also produce excellent models.
If you couldn't find one of your questions in the FAQ, or if we didn't have a clear answer, then contact us at one of our contact numbers listed on the page, or Facebook. To the best of our knowledge, we try to answer all questions about electric scooters!