Other Scooters to Consider
I've tested many scooters. Not all deserve a spot above, but some are still worth considering.
Niu KQi 100P Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Niu KQi 100P for $350: The KQi 100P is slightly lighter, cheaper, and faster than the Segway E2 Pro, my top budget recommendation, but I eked out slightly less range (under 5 miles). Granted, most people will be able to go a little further since you're probably not 6'4" and 250 pounds, but the Niu just has a smaller battery than the Segway. I also prefer having turn signals, which are absent on the Niu, and Segway's app is nicer. The KQi 100P's 300-watt motor has slightly less power, which means slower starts, but this scooter has performed very well for its frequently discounted price of $379. If you want to spend as little as possible and need a transport option for nearby grocery stores or toting around your college campus, this one will do the job.
Punk Electric Punk Rider Pro Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Punk Electric Punk Rider Pro for $1,299: The Punk Rider Pro has several highs and some very odd lows. This relatively new brand offers top-end features at a reasonable price, such as 1,200-watt dual motors, a beefy battery, and a top speed of 32 mph. Assembly was a little more annoying than other scooters—you have to install the screws through two plates and line them up while holding the handlebar in place, which seems like an unnecessary extra step over other scooters. Then, when I tried to scan the QR code to install the app, it tried to circumvent the Google Play Store and install an app called Vicont through Chrome (that's a security risk). I didn't do this, and found the app through the Google Play Store; it paired, but it's a little glitchy. Thankfully, you don't need it to ride the scooter, and the ride experience is solid, if a bit stiff. Suspension is lackluster, and I found myself gripping the handlebars tightly so that my hands didn't slip off while riding over the terrible roads in Brooklyn. You can drive in dual-motor or single-motor mode, each with three levels (1, 2, 3), with corresponding speeds. I was mostly fine riding in single-motor mode on level three, which frequently took me to 23 mph, but I would enable the dual motor on slopes—climbing the Williamsburg Bridge in Brooklyn was child's play. I have noticed that the stem likes to wobble at high speeds, which is something to keep an eye out for. But the best part of the scooter is the range. After 17 miles, I had 61 percent left in the tank. That's incredible. The downside is the scooter's 69-pound weight. The company also says its website is being revamped to focus on enterprise customers, whereas consumers can buy and get servicing options from Epic eRides, a distributor based in Florida. This latter part is a bit of a red flag, especially when it comes to aftermarket care. I think it's just safer to stick with a more established company until Punk Electric sorts these kinks out.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Segway ZT3 Pro for $850: The ZT3 Pro is an off-road scooter, so it's perfect for all the terrible roads here in Brooklyn. I was delivering Christmas cookies to some friends and used the ZT3 Pro to trek from Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, to lower Manhattan, then back into Brooklyn to stop by Greenpoint, and finally head back home (that's two bridges!). It was roughly 16 miles—in the last mile or two, the ZT3 Pro began lowering its speed and was on its final battery bar, but I still made it into my house. No need to do the dead scooter walk of shame! I rode it at the second speed mode, which limited it to 15 miles per hour, but the 650-watt motor can go up to 25 mph. It folds up easily, though I wish the stem had a more secure latch when it's down. You get turn signals, a bright headlamp, and a bell. But what's most impressive is the suspension. I went over some small potholes and did not feel the vibrations as deeply in my bones as on other scooters I've tested. That's also likely thanks to the large 11-inch tubeless tires. The only main problem I had with it was its weight. At nearly 66 pounds, it's manageable for a flight of stairs or two, but it gets tiring quickly. I also find the newer Max G3 matches the ZT3 Pro in many ways and outpaces it in others, making the ZT3 Pro feel redundant.
MiniMotors USA Dualtron Togo Scooter Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
MiniMotors USA Dualtron Togo for $850: If you can buy this scooter at the discounted price I've seen it drop to—$499—I think it's phenomenal value. At $850, not so much (it's also sold out right now). I went from Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, over the Brooklyn Bridge into lower Manhattan and back home on a single charge, a roughly 13-mile trek, and it was out of battery. The ride feels stiff, and this scooter must be designed for shorter people, as my arms had to be fully outstretched to reach the handlebars. A safety feature locks the throttle after a few seconds (you can turn this off in the app), and you need to press both brakes to unlock it. I initially found it annoying, but now I don't mind it—an accidental press of the throttle won't send this thing flying. I rode it at 15 mph, but it can hit 25. However, my trek back home wasn't that fun. The scooter, despite saying I had 30 percent left, began slowing down when I was still a few miles away, so I had to ride home at an agonizingly slow 8 mph earlier than I expected. The battery gauge is very useless; it would say I had 78 percent at one point, then minutes later it would say 40 percent. The max load is only 220 pounds, so shorter and lighter people than me will get better range, but it's a solid little scooter, especially for under $500 on sale. It weighs 54 pounds.
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