It’s easy to see why the best electric scooters have their fans. The ultra-mobile additions have become some of the best modes of transport for short-distance travel. Fast and fun, electric scooters offer adults an alternative to the hustle and bustle of traffic, with their lightweight frames easier to carry and store. If you’re eager to whiz through town, you’re going to want the right one for the job.
You’ll need to know what materials, wheels, and battery life are best for you, and whether it’s even legal to ride one in your state. Luckily for you, we have all that and more, so read on our list of the best electric scooters for adults.
Best Electric Scooter in Australia at a Glance
Our list of the best electric scooters in Australia goes like this:
- Best for Range: Xiaomi MI Pro 2 Electric Scooter
- Best for Hills: Mercane Pro WideWheel 2020
- Best for Light Weight: Unagi Model One E500
- Best for Folding and Storage: Segway Ninebot E45 Electric Scooter
Now we’ve had a look at our favourites, let’s check out the complete list.
1. Segway Air T15
Kicking off our list of the 15 best electric scooters for adults is the Segway Air T15, a Segway that looks like it was sent back from the future. While this electric scooter doesn’t run on vegetable scraps like the DeLorean, this lightweight, collapsible scooter has plenty of power to get you through the day. Its lightweight, aluminium-magnesium alloy framing making carrying the scooter a breeze, while also being durable for everything you throw at it.
What We Like: Lightweight feel.
What We Don’t Like: Slow top speed.
Company: Segway
Speed: 20km/h
Weight: 10.5kg
2. Pure Air
For an all-round great electric scooter, look no further than the Pure Air. This affordable entry to the market boasts ten-inch wheels, water-resistant materials, a headlight and more. Its inbuilt, backlit display shows battery level, speed, and an odometer to track your travel. If you’re new to the game, the Pure Air may just be the best scooter for you.
What We Like: Powerful motor.
What We Don’t Like: Heavy.
Company: Pure Electronics
Speed: 25km/h
Weight: 16.5kg
3. Xiaomi MI Pro 2 Electric Scooter
Best for: Range
While you may be more familiar with Xiaomi’s phone products, you’ll find the same quality in their Xiaomi MI Pro 2 Electric Scooter. Being both collapsible and high powered, this is a great model for those with limited space and a need for speed. The stability of this model is thanks to its well-built design, made of aerospace-grade aluminium.
What We Like: 45km range.
What We Don’t Like: No shock absorbers.
Company: Xiaomi
Speed: 25km/h
Weight: 14.2kg
4. Segway Ninebot E25 Electric Scooter
Our second electric scooter from Segway, the Ninbot E25, is another great option for adults. This version is packed with accessories, from cruise control to dual-density wheel suspension. Collapsible for easy transport and storage, you also have the option of adding an additional battery pack for more range. This may just be one of the best options on our list.
What We Like: Cruise control settings.
What We Don’t Like: Solid tires make for a bumpy ride.
Company: Segway
Speed: 25km/hr
Weight: 14.3kg
5. GOTRAX XR Elite
The GOTRAX XR Elite electric scooter is a scooter you can have for a lifetime. If overtime parts corrode or fail, you can order replacements from COTRAX themselves, meaning you won’t be without your scooter for long. The XR Elite model has dual breaking for a fast response, as well as an inbuilt LED display in the handlebars for battery level, speed, and cruise control.
What We Like: LED display.
What We Don’t Like: Not good for hill climbing.
Company: GOTRAX
Speed: 25km/h
Weight: 14.46kg
6. Segway Ninebot Max G30
The Segway Ninebot Max G30 is another addition with all the bells and whistles. With four different speed options to choose from, you can customise how you ride across different terrains. The scooter also has a high waterproof rating, so you’ll only see to worry about yourself in a downpour. The suspension and shock absorbers will also stop you from getting thrown off your ride.
What We Like: Self-healing tires.
What We Don’t Like: No suspension.
Company: Segway
Speed: 30km/h
Weight: 17.5kg
7. Xiaomi MI 1S
The Xiaomi MI 1S is the big sibling to the previously mentioned Pro 2 model. This aluminium electric scooter folds for light, simple storage, and the partnered Bluetooth app will display battery levels and a history of distances travelled. For such a lightweight model, the Xiaomi MI 1S has an exceptionally large battery life, with can be conserved further through the partnered app.
What We Like: Foldability.
What We Don’t Like: You can’t ride in rain.
Company: Xiaomi
Speed: 25km/h
Weight: 12.5kg
8. Mercane Pro WideWheel 2020
Best for: Hills
As the name suggests, the Mercane Pro WideWheel 2020 has wide wheels. These wide wheels all but guarantee stability for your ride, and a better grip for acceleration. Its large battery and economical power usage mean that you’ll get more from a full charge. For a fast and efficient option, Mercane’s Pro WideWheel 2020 is a great choice.
What We Like: Good at hill climbing.
What We Don’t Like: Stiff suspension.
Company: Mercane
Speed: 30km/h
Weight: 16kg
9. Kaabo Skywalker 8S
The Kaabo Skywalker 8S is one beefy option. Kitted out with a matte black finish, this surprisingly collapsible scooter is great for your morning commute (although a little heavy to carry). Its wheels work in all weather, with front and back shock absorbers for anything that comes your way. With a solid battery life, the Kaabo Skywalker 8S is everything you need and more.
What We Like: Dual shock absorbers.
What We Don’t Like: Heavy weight.
Company: Kaabo
Speed: 40km/h
Weight: 22kg
10. Razor Power A2
While this may look like a regular option from your childhood, the Razor Power A2 is more than meets the eye. This compact, light, collapsible scooter is perfect for those short distance trips around town. And by short, we mean short, with a battery life of 40 minutes. Unfortunately, that’s the trade off for such a compact option, but maybe that’s all the power you need for your commute.
What We Like: Adjustable height handlebars.
What We Don’t Like: No handbrake.
Company: Razor
Speed: 16km/h
Weight: 6.46kg
Ineos Grenadier Australian Pricing Confirmed
11. Unagi Model One E500
Best for: Light Weight
If you’re looking for a stylish option, look no further than the Unagi Model One E500. This sleek model will have heads turning as you speed by, coming in a range of colours. Luckily, style doesn’t take away from functionality, as the Model One E500 is packed with features. Collapsible, three modes of riding, and an LCD display. You can’t go wrong with a Unagi Model One E500.
What We Like: Super light weight.
What We Don’t Like: Not a very long range.
Company: Unagi
Speed: 25km/h
Weight: 12kg
12. Kaabo Mantis Pro
As the ‘Pro’ title suggests, the Kaabo Mantis Pro has all the improvements you’d need from the standard electric model. Touting faster acceleration, a bigger battery, and stronger breaks for the aforementioned acceleration, get where you’re going faster with the Mantis Pro. And we mean faster, with a max speed of 60km/h. With many claiming this to be the best electric scooter of 2020, you’d have a hard time finding a better ride.
What We Like: Long range.
What We Don’t Like: Not water resistant.
Company: Kaabo
Speed: 60km/h
Weight: 30kg
13. Segway Ninebot E45 Electric Scooter
Best for: Folding and Storage
Following on from the E25 model, the is the Segway Ninebot E45 Electric Scooter best option for battery life. With a large additional battery pack pre-installed, charging after every trip will be a thing of the past. Along with this battery life, the E45 has nine inch tires, with shock absorbers and foam suspension to boot.
What We Like: Easy folding mechanism.
What We Don’t Like: Long charging time.
Company: Segway
Speed: 25km/h
Weight: 16.4kg
Harley Davidson 2023 Nightster Special Review: From Novice to Harley Enthusiast
14. TurboAnt X7 Pro
The TurboAnt X7 Pro is certainly one of the faster options on our list, as the name may subtly suggest. Along with its speed, the scooter has ten-inch wheels for a more comfortable ride. With its removable battery, you can charge up indoors without tracking dirty wheel marks through the house. If you’ve got somewhere to be, fast, then go for the TurboAnt X7 Pro.
What We Like: Smooth acceleration.
What We Don’t Like: Front heavy.
Company: TurboAnt
Speed: 32km/h
Weight: 15kg
BMW Z4 M Coupe Safari Racer: Cool or Stupid? You Decide
15. AER 557
Closing out our list of the best electric scooters for adults is the AER 557, a model with all the style and design of a bike. If you’re looking to really race around town, this electric scooter can take you there in a flash, with its scary speed and luxury design. With its 20 inch wheels, you’ll glide over obstacles on your path, and its wide bamboo deck will make for a comfortable ride. If you’re looking to ride in style, ride the AER 557.
What We Like: The large tires handle bumps well.
What We Don’t Like: Low ground clearance.
Company: AER
Speed: 43km/h
Weight: 23.5kg
What to Look For When Buying an Electric Scooter
If you want to buy the best electric scooter you can find, it’s worth doing your research. Make sure you assess all your options to get a good feel for the product and find something that is worth the investment. Here’s what you should be looking out for;
Materials
Much like with cars and bikes, you’ll want a scooter that can take the bumps and jumps of city terrain. Unlike cars, however, you’ll also want something light enough to carry up and down the scooter-er’s worst nightmare – stairs. Be on the lookout for electric scooters made of aluminium or carbon fibre, as these materials are lightweight as well as sturdy. You’ll want to avoid plastics, as they provide little protection on impact, and over time will become brittle and weak.
Wheels
Much like with the materials of your electric scooter, you’ll want a set of wheels that are sturdy and long-lasting. The more you use your electric scooter, the more important you’ll find the wheels to be. Suspension will ensure a smooth ride across all terrains, while eight to ten-inch wheels will ensure solid traction through rain, hail, and shine (just wear a helmet through the hail).
Battery Life
A solid battery life can be a trade-off for weight with electric scooters. Obviously, the larger the battery, the longer you can ride for, but this also means that the battery will be heavier. If you can charge your scooter between trips, you may be able to get away with a smaller battery. Partnered Bluetooth apps can help monitor battery levels, as well as the overall well-being of the electric scooter. Through these associated apps, you can also switch your scooter between economical and sports mode, to save or use battery when needed.
Are Electric Scooters Legal in Australia?
The laws surrounding electric scooters differ from state to state in Australia:
No, electric scooters are illegal in NSW. If you’re riding them on the road you will be subject to penalties that apply for riding an unregistered, uninsured and unlicensed motor vehicle. If you’re caught riding on the footpath you will be issued a $120 on-the-spot fine.
Yes, electric scooters are legal in Victoria. You can legally ride on shared-use paths (not on footpaths) and roads up to and including 60km/h. You must be over the age of 16, wear a helmet, and not travel more than 20km/h.
Yes, electric scooters are legal in the ACT. They must be ridden on footpaths and riders must give way to pedestrians. You’re also required to be over the age of 12 unless supervised by an adult. Most importantly, you cannot be under the influence of alcohol or drugs when riding an electric scooter in Canberra.
Yes, electric scooters are legal in Queensland. They’re classified as personal mobility devices and must not be ridden at over 12km/h.
Yes, electric scooters are legal in Western Australia. You must be over the age of 16 to ride one and they must be speed limited to 25km/h.
No, electric scooters are not legal in the Northern Territory. The only legal e-scooters are those provided by Neuron Mobility.
Yes, electric scooters are legal to ride in Tasmania. They may be used on most footpaths, shared paths, bike lanes and roads with a speed limit under 50km/h. Scooters “are subject to software-imposed speed limits, age limits, geofencing (see FAQs below), compulsory helmet usage and other safety features,” according to Hobart City rules.
You’ll also like:
