Types of Electric Scooters: Which One is Best for You?

If you consider converting your ride to a greener and more eco-friendly way by getting an electric scooter, you’re in the right place! Be that for leisure or daily commute, we will explore all types of electric scooters so you can make an informed decision. While investigating a variety of electric scooters, we understand that people are currently somewhat perplexed by many options.

You might find it challenging because there are so many distinct types of e-scooters. Some are best for long-range, some have battery longevity, and some are the best lightweight foldable and portable electric scooters. Everything also comes in a variety of price points. So, hop aboard and continue reading about the exciting variations of electric scooters.

- Why should you care about the types of electric scooters?

- The types of electric scooters

      1. Commuter electric scooters

      2. Fat tire electric scooters

      3. Foldable electric scooters

      4. Electric scooters for kids    

      5. Three-wheeled electric scooters

      6. Self-balancing scooters

      7. Off-road electric scooters

- Our recommendations for different parameters (terrain, price, etc.)

- Concluding remarks

Why should we care? Because there are a lot of different types of electric scooters available, and each class serves a particular purpose. So, we must evaluate where we stand by considering how and why we use them. A few keywords and parameters are essential to understand before delving into the types besides your riding needs, terrain types, range, etc.

Usually, first-mile and last-mile issues arise from the need for people in suburbs and big cities to drive short distances. As people’s environmental concerns grow, they want alternatives to automobiles. Using much gas to make a short journey to the nearby convenience shop (falling into the first-mile category) is no longer practical. So, even if you are in upper Manhattan of New York City or the suburbs of Queens, one distinct electric scooter may not suit you. For example, while Queens and Manhattan are boroughs in NYC, the terrains are somewhat different.

In contrast, the last mile impacts people in denser and traffic-prone areas like midtown Manhattan or the official zones of San Francisco.  The US Department of Energy noted in their research that over 52% of all US trips were under 3 miles, which is the perfect sweet spot for adult electric scooters. So, an ideal way to avoid traffic congestion is to adopt an eco-friendly electric scooter for adults. Consequently, the same electric scooter for adults may not suit people in the same city but with different terrains.

As such, it is clear why you should pay close attention to the types of electric scooters that fit your needs, demographic, and geography.

1. Commuter electric scooters

Consider an electric commuter scooter if you need daily transportation to and from work or school. They were developed especially for daily urban commuting. Moreover, the quality and price of commuter electric scooters are commonly attainable. For instance, a portable, lightweight electric scooter for adults with a range of 20 miles and a top speed of 15.6 mph is the SmooSat SA3 adult electric scooter at only $539.99.

In fact, at SmooSat, we specialize in the best electric scooters for adults, particularly with a focus on daily commutes. Our staple – the SmooSat SA3 Prime, is an excellent option if you are a white-collar individual seeking a sophisticated and understated eco-friendly electric scooter for adults. In our best products guide, you can read our comprehensive coverage of the best commuter scooters.

2. Fat tire electric scooters

Simply put, these are scooters with substantially bigger tires. They have a seat and offer many comforts, almost resembling motorcycles. The tires are comparable in width to those on some autos. Also, this is highly adaptable when used with a suspension. However, this type is less portable and accessible to maneuver than the best lightweight electric scooters.

3. Foldable electric scooters

They are excellent for professionals who travel daily. All the adult electric scooters in our collection are foldable. Although this type is quick and robust, utility is what matters most. Electric scooters are popular because they can avoid traffic and are simple to use and maintain. It is a game-changer for scooters. Not everyone requires extreme speed or range, but what about practicality in daily life? Yes, please! Therefore, SmooSat has perfected the craft with the best foldable electric scooters for adults with the SA3 Prime and the MAX.

4. Electric scooters for kids

Trivially, this is a demographic-based type for children and teens. If you want one electric scooter for your kids, there are many options. The size and weight restriction are the key distinctions between this and other adult electric scooters. Selection is dependent on range and speed. You can pick from various electric scooter models that run for about 40 minutes before requiring a charge. Some of these may allow your kid to ride for approximately 80 minutes. We offer various kids options with the SmooSat E9, SmooSat E9 Pro, and the SmooSat E9 Apex. Not only does our electric scooters for kids are engineered with no compromise to safety, but they also sport exciting rainbow-themed decks. The top-of-the-line SmooSat E9 Apex sports Bluetooth speakers as well. Check them out if you are in the market for an electric scooter for your child or a loved one.

5. Three-wheeled electric scooters

Although not very prevalent, three-wheeled electric scooters are also widely available. Despite the steadiness these offers, most people still favor the two-wheel scooters. The primary reasons include them being heavier and harder to control and more prominent and expansive. Given their more extensive profile, they are challenging to store and carry around, so they have not garnered as much popularity as the other types.

6. Self-balancing scooters

These are what the hip kids call hoverboards. These electric scooters that self-balance need some practice to master. No matter how difficult it initially looks, you will eventually learn to balance, even if you initially have trouble.

There are two wheels, an electric motor, and batteries on the hoverboard. We don’t even need more to start a party. These vehicles have a range of about 12 miles and a top speed of 13 mph.  Before purchasing this electric scooter, consider the difficulty of going over the curbs. You must dismount to pick up the scooter/hoverboard. Of course, you can practice and occasionally hurt your back, but we doubt it is a wise move.

7. Off-road electric scooters

Off-road electric scooters are for handling challenging terrain. Electric commuter scooters are more vulnerable to punctures or other damage when riding on rocky or hilly terrain. On the other hand, off-road electric scooters are powerful enough and robust enough to travel across any landscape. Off-road electric scooters are an excellent option for commuting through rough terrain or hills. For instance, the SmooSat MAX is the best electric scooter for off-road use. It boasts an extended range of 30 miles on one charge with a top speed of 18.6 mph. With unparalleled attention to detail, we use non-pneumatic tires (NPT), effectively immune you to punctures even in the harshest terrains.  It also has a mobile app to ensure safety and precise monitoring, making it the most versatile electric scooter for adults.

From our years of experience, we do not advocate any one-size-fits-all option. If you are a professional or a young executive, we strongly recommend you check out the best electric scooter for adults – the SmooSat SA3 Prime. However, as we discussed at the beginning, the terrain is also one thing to consider. If you live in a hilly area with harsh terrain, go for the SmooSat MAX instead for its sheer power and extended range. That said, it is not universal. Let’s assume you live in New York City; we will recommend the  MAX if you live in the Bronx area (where the terrain is sloping and rugged), whereas if you ride more in downtown Manhattan, we would recommend you save the money on the MAX and opt for the SA3 Prime. With the mention of price, if you are only getting into electric scooters for a more eco-friendly solution, we suggest you start with the SmooSat SA3 ($699.97). To stay future-proofed, we strongly recommend the SA3 Prime. ($699.97). A no-compromise solution with the MAX ($749.97) exists if you want to go all in. As discussed throughout this article, you cannot go wrong with any of them, but wisely choosing the scooter helps in the long run. If you want a deeper dive into our full line, please read our guide to the best electric scooters.

There are many kinds of electric scooters on the market right now. Based on each type’s benefits and drawbacks, you should pick the one that best meets your needs and tastes.  A foldable electric scooter can be your best option if you seek a portable, light route. A commuter electric scooter, though, would be a better option if you require something with more strength and range. For the best of both worlds, check out our offerings that strike the perfect balance of foldable and commute-friendly, with tremendous power and durability in our comprehensive guide.