We assembled a list of the best folding electric scooters, preferring lightweight folding electric scooters with good battery life, extra safety features like front and backlights, double disc brakes, or eABS braking systems, non-pneumatic tires, and easy-to-learn controls. We also liked models made with special materials designed to deliver maximum strength with exceptional lightness, like T6 aluminum alloys. Keeping these features in mind will ensure you find the best electric scooter for your needs.
Of the ten we listed, the Segway Ninebot ES1L Electric Kick Scooter is the best folding electric scooter. We liked it for its lightweight design and powerful motor, making it a great choice for air travel and weekend car trips. Its fairly high top speed and its airless never-pop tires are also a plus. Keep reading about this and our other top picks to learn more about the best electric scooter on the market today.
Top 10 Best Folding Electric Scooters
#1 Segway Ninebot ES1L Electric Kick Scooter
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: Sleek design, a lightweight, slender build, and a powerful motor make this a highly modern, travel-friendly model.
- 250w engine power
- Fantastic cruise control
- Only 12.4 mile range on a single charge
- Low IPX4 water resistance rating
The Segway Ninebot ES1L is a foldable electric scooter with a decent 250W engine and a top speed of 12.4 mph. It has front suspension, front and rear braking, and can accommodate riders up to 220 lbs.
For a top-quality, easy-to-drive, and highly portable electric scooter with above-average horsepower and good battery strength, it’s a go-to choice. And if you’re looking for an alternative to battery-powered models, have a look at the best gas scooter that also offers efficient gas mileage.
#2 Razor E200 Electric Scooter
Award: BEST FOR NIGHT RIDERS
WHY WE LIKE IT: Forty minutes of continuous use per charge and a decent top speed of 12 mph.
- 40 minutes of continuous use per charge
- Top speed of 12 mph
- No headlights
The Razor E200 is a 200w foldable electric scooter with a top speed of 12mph. While its battery provides a fairly modest 40 minutes of travel per charge and it does well on on mostly level ground, it doesn’t perform that well on inclines, so look elsewhere if you’re looking for the best electric scooters for hills. Compare this model to the best electric scooter for commuting that has a high top speed and powerful rear-wheel drive.
#3 Razor E300 Folding Electric Scooter
Award: BEST ALL-AROUND
WHY WE LIKE IT: Fairly light and boasting easy-to-learn, vintage-style twist-grip controls, it’s got enough power and charge for most commutes and rear-wheel drive for extra control.
- Ultra-quiet motor
- Kickstart and grip throttle easy and fun to use
- Extra-wide deck for users of every size
- Slow 12-hour charging time
The Razor E300 is a 300w electric scooter. It has a top speed of 15 mph, and its battery provides 40 minutes of travel per charge. We liked its super-quiet chain-driven motor and fun, vintage-style, easy-to-use kickstart and grip throttle, which new riders will find familiar and very simple to learn to ride safely.
Though it has enough power for most commuters and recreational uses, the slow charging time of up to 12 hours may not suit all riders. However, its light 26lb weight, extra-thick frame, and extra-wide deck that accommodates a larger variety of rider sizes, and fun-to-ride, vintage design make it a perfect choice for new riders who want a powerful, safe scooter that’s easy to travel with. For the young ones, we recommend the best kid’s scooter that is very easy to learn on.
#4 Segway Ninebot ES2 Folding Electric Scooter
Award: BEST ADVANCED FEATURES
WHY WE LIKE IT: Multiple connectivity options, a convenient LED display, good horsepower, and other modern features make this a great tech-oriented ride.
- Front and rear shock absorbers
- Switchable cruise control
- Bluetooth and mobile app connectivity
- Stock tires could be larger for rough roads
The Segway Ninebot ES2 is a 300w electric scooter with a maximum speed of 15mph and a travel range of up to 15 miles per charge. It features Bluetooth and mobile security and navigation app connectivity, switchable cruise control, and both mechanical and electric anti-lock braking systems.
We liked its easy-to-read LED display for mileage, battery power, and speed, and its relatively lightweight and foldability made it easy to carry and put in a car trunk for trips. Its non-pneumatic, airless tires provide pop-proof safety, but they’re not suitable for rougher roads and streets. However, it’s a good value for a very modern, full-featured electric scooter with plenty of power for most working professionals and enthusiasts. For those that crave speed, we recommend the best top electric scooter that is one of the fastest adult electric scooters on the market.
#5 QIEWA Q1 Folding Electric Scooter
Award: MOST POWERFUL
WHY WE LIKE IT: Heavy-duty build, all-terrain tires, 800w of horsepower, and powerful battery make it the choice for a fast, indestructible pro scooter that’s still portable.
- 68 miles per battery charge
- Top speed of 37mph at full throttle
- 580lb max weight limit
- 60lbs is much heavier than most foldables
- Fairly high price point
The QIEWA Q1 is an 800w hub motor foldable electric scooter with an impressive high speed of 37mph and among the longest travel range per charge at 68 miles. It features an impressive maximum carrying capacity of up to 580lbs, a sturdy, heavy-duty 60lb build, large tread all-terrain tires, a double brake system, and a special shock absorber to help provide a safer, comfortable ride.
Although its foldable design makes it a portable option, at 60lbs, it’s significantly heavier than most other foldable scooters- although still manageable for most, and with a low center of gravity, so its weight doesn’t make it hard to balance. Its extremely powerful battery, comfort, safety features, and high top speed make it a great, if less economical, option for riders who want a portable scooter with a lot more power than most. Heavier adults will prefer the best electric scooter for heavy adults that has a weight capacity of 220 pounds.
#6 Razor E100 Folding Electric Scooter
Award: BEST ON A BUDGET
WHY WE LIKE IT: Light, easy-to-use kickstart engine and simple controls, attractive colors, and enough horsepower for most uses make it a fun, highly affordable option.
- Very quiet chain-driven motor
- Easy to operate
- Very light and portable
- Low 10mph top speed
- Lower than average 100w horsepower
The Razor E100 is a 100w foldable electric scooter. It has a top speed of 10 mph, and its battery provides 40 minutes of continuous riding per charge. We loved its easy-to-use vintage-style kickstart and grip throttle, and super-quiet chain-driven motor. We also liked its bright, easy-to-spot color, which not only gives it a fun appearance but makes it easier to spot on the road for increased safety.
It has among the lower top speeds on the market, and its very modest battery power of 40 minutes per charge may not suit all commuter needs. However, its light 26lb weight, easy-to-learn, simple controls, bright colors, low ecological footprint, and large-grip front tire make it a safe, reliable choice for ages 8 and up and among the best values on the market and a great choice as one of the best electric scooters for kids or adults.
#7 Glion Dolly Folding Electric Scooter
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: Features like a mini travel wheel and a luggage bag go the extra mile for portability with plenty of horsepower, speed, and battery power for commutes on any terrain.
- 650w top-end engine power
- Airless tires for flat-free riding
- Luggage bag and mini wheels for travel
- Rear suspension only
The Glion Dolly Foldable Electric Commuter Scooter is a variable-power 250w electric scooter with a top-end peak of 650w. Its top speed of 15 mph and a travel range of 15 miles per charge is more than sufficient for most commutes, even on hilly terrain, and its airless, never-pop tires and rear anti-lock brakes give a safe ride. We loved its light 26-pound frame, built-in rolling wheel, and luggage bag, great for air travel and weekend car trips. Making it a great option if you’re looking for one of the best electric scooters for commuting.
With a rear-only suspension, it may not be quite as smooth a ride as heavier, dual-suspension models. But its good horsepower, battery strength, easy-to-learn controls, and safety features combined with its ultra portability-minded design and features make it a great all-around scooter that perfectly balances quality, power, and travel-friendliness. Another travel-friendly model is the best folding mobility scooter, which has a long battery range.
#8 XPirit FS-02 Folding Electric Scooter
Award: BEST FOR NEW RIDERS
WHY WE LIKE IT: Intuitive controls, three-speed modes, and enough power for steep rides make this a great go-to for the beginner or casual rider at a modest price point.
- High-grade lightweight alloy build
- Switchable Eco, Comfort, and Sport modes
- Full-featured display for mileage, speed, battery, etc.
- Lower (220lb) weight capacity than many
The XPirit FS-02 Electric scooter is a 250w foldable scooter with a light 27lb durable aluminum alloy build and a top speed of 15.5 mph. It features three power modes- Eco, Comfort, and Sport. Eco mode reduces the top speed to just under 10mph but provides up to 15 miles of travel per charge. We loved Comfort mode’s cruise control, and Sport mode’s higher top speed, and we also liked the small but easily readable LED control panel and display which allowed for easy switching.
Its intuitive, easy-to-learn controls are great for beginners and kids, and it provides enough power for most hills, but its lower-than-average 220lb maximum weight capacity may be too low for larger adults. Overall, it’s a very user-friendly, safety-minded choice for short to medium commutes with a low ecological footprint, and it’s a great value for anyone who wants to start riding for the first time- it also may be the best foldable electric scooter for the elderly. Compare that to the best electric scooter for adults that offers 12 miles on a single charge.
#9 Xiaomi Mi Folding Electric Scooter
Award: BEST QUALITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: An ultra-light but the sturdy aerospace-grade aluminum frame and advanced double braking system make this award winner a reliable and powerful option.
- 2017 Red Dot Award Winner
- Repair program enrollment with purchase
- Disc and eABS anti-lock braking system
- Slightly bulkier when folded than some models
The Xiaomi Mi is a Red Dot “Best of the Best” Award-winning electric scooter with a foldable 26lb alloy frame and a 250w motor. It can reach a top speed of 15.5mph and has a max travel range of up to 18.5 miles. We liked its intuitive controls and the Applecare-like repair program it comes with, along with excellent customer service and technical support. Its dual disc brakes and eABS anti-lock brakes also make it among the safest and smoothest-riding models available for all terrains and commute from city streets to hilly suburbs.
The max travel per charge number described is somewhat dependent on factors like rider size and road condition. But its safety features, repair program, a decent amount of horsepower, award-winning design, and reasonable price point make it one of the best all-around portable scooters available. And in terms of affordability, the best 50cc scooter is also worth checking out.
#10 Inokim Light Folding Electric Scooter
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Award: SAFEST RIDE
WHY WE LIKE IT: Ultralight but very tough T6 Aluminum Alloy build, double brakes, and back/front led lights prioritize safety while great horsepower and extra compact design make it fast and portable.
- 21mph top speed
- Powerful front and back safety lights
- Multiple folding points make it super compact
- Tires smaller than some models on market
The Inokim Light Foldable Electric Scooter is a 350w electric scooter with a fairly high top speed of 21mph. Its safety-minded design includes multiple back and front parking-style lights and front and back drum brakes, along with a very light, highly durable T6 aluminum alloy build.
We loved its adjustable neck, which, combined with its foldable frame, allows for one of the most compact folded scooters available, although at 28 lbs, it’s light without being the lightest. Its relatively small 8.5” pneumatic tires may be slightly less suited to rougher roads, but its extra safety features, cleverly compact design, and extra horsepower make it stand out among lightweight foldables. Another option for great horsepower is the best electric scooter with a seat that boasts a 500w engine.
How We Decided
We prefer foldable electric scooters for adults with at least 250 watts (250w) engines, anti-lock brakes, disc brakes, or double braking mechanisms, and batteries powerful enough for a per-charge travel length of no less than 9 miles.
We also liked electric scooters, which had a maximum load weight of not less than 220lbs and which had fairly intuitive controls appropriate and easy to learn for all ages, as well as for new riders. We also liked scooters with safety and comfort features like suspension and front and rear safety lights.
Finally, we liked scooters that were light and easy to carry and store while folded and had extra portability features like carrying handles, rolling wheels, extra foldable parts, and carrying bags. We also liked scooters with tech features like Bluetooth and mobile app connectivity for iPhone and Android. We did not include foldable electric scooters with seats or mobility scooters for this list.
Best Folding Electric Scooter Buyer’s Guide
The Most Important Features to Consider
- Safety Design
If you are wondering are electric scooters dangerous, you should know that a number of safety features go into the design of an electric scooter, including compact electric scooters. And where safety is concerned, probably first and foremost, will be the brake design. A dual brake design can be implemented, comprising both a hand-operated mechanical brake and an electric brake. And, with the inclusion of a brake light, it can increase the visibility to other road users when braking is occurring.- Anti-lock brakes are a necessity in any scooter being used on hilly and steep terrain, but other features like a double-braking system are also highly desirable.
- Beyond that, the weight limit of the wheel casters and frame are obviously important, as are features like ergonomically designed handles that keep hands dry and prevent slippage (as well as providing a more comfortable ride). But even with all that, it’s the smooth ride, various riding modes, and overall riding experience that will make or break a rider’s purchase decision.
- To look at good design scooters, you’ll want to read our Gotrax vs Hover 1 review and our Ninebot Kickscooter Max review.
- Engine Power
In flatter terrain like New York City, engine power is less of a concern, but if you’re going to be climbing steep hills in the city streets of San Francisco, your scooter needs to provide plenty of horsepower regardless of your weight. If extra weight is added to a scooter, it can reduce its power, resulting in slower speed and compromising max weight capacity.- The same performance expectations go for electric bikes. A 250-watt (250w) engine is about what to look for, but more juice than that can’t hurt. If you are curious, you can also check out our page, where we explain how fast a 500w electric scooter can go.
- Of course, more horsepower generally means a higher price point, so if you’re budget-minded, keep in mind what you’ll actually need, power-wise.
- Balance Weight with Durability
A fine portable electric scooter made with portability in mind doesn’t have to sacrifice durability and comfort. There are, in fact, great folding electric scooters for adults that hold 300+ pounds and even more.- And apart from heavier build weights, some of the best folding scooters are made with special alloys that provide exceptional strength without adding significant weight.
- Most great foldable scooters weigh around 26-28lbs, though some models get even lighter, and some top foldable scooters for adults are considerably heavier- usually due to increased battery power or wheel size.
- But lightweight scooters have become increasingly popular, thanks to lightweight design and engineering advances. Light scooters make it much easier to transport, store, and maneuver around in tight spaces.
- When shopping for a portable scooter, try to figure out the exact balance of portability, weight, and sturdiness right for you. Maximum range, larger battery size, and maximum speed (in miles per hour) are all important factors to consider.
- If you have trouble finding a solid electric folding scooter, you’ll want to adjust your search for great foldable electric scooters for adults or for children, depending on your needs.
- And apart from heavier build weights, some of the best folding scooters are made with special alloys that provide exceptional strength without adding significant weight.
- Efficient and Environmentally Friendly
Nearly all portable and/or foldable scooters use a removable lithium battery or lithium-ion battery to power their electric motors, which leave a much lower carbon footprint than fossil fuel engines and decreased bulk, which can result in excellent horsepower-to-energy use ratios. But the range of charge time for a large rechargeable battery can vary quite a bit, as can the travel time or distance you’ll get with each full charge. Many models feature batteries made for up to 15 miles of travel before they need recharging, but some have impressive travel per charge lengths of up to 65 miles- although such models are generally heavier and bulkier and thus have reduced portability.
However, if you’re looking at adult and children’s scooters, read our comparison reviews of the Xiaomi Mijia electric scooter M365 vs Pro and our Segway Ninebot ES3 vs ES4.
