Electric scooters are changing urban transport by providing efficient, affordable, and sustainable personal transportation for short and long distances. In fact, more cities are legalising e-scooters and implementing e-scooter ride-sharing systems due to the increasing demand for micro-mobility devices.

If you are planning to buy an electric scooter for your daily commutes, you’re probably overwhelmed by the number of e-scooter models in the market. With so many e-scooters out there, which type of e-scooter should you ride? Buying the right type of electric scooter will help you solve your commuting pain points and have a better commuting experience.

Here are the different types of electric scooters for adults to help you figure out what you need.

Types of Electric Scooters by Price

Electric scooters can be grouped according to their price range. For those who are on a budget, it’s better to consider these types of electric scooters.

1. Budget E-scooters

Budget electric scooters cost $300 and below, and these are the best electric scooters for people who want to keep it practical. These types of e-scooters offer the most basic features, performance, and durability.

Since budget e-scooters tend to have lower specs than other types of e-scooters, they are perfect for occasional rides and short-distance trips. Using them often may wear the e-scooter faster. However, not all budget e-scooters offer low specs. Some e-scooter brands like Xiaomi offer decent performance and reliability.

2. Commuter E-scooters

Commuter electric scooters offer a good balance of price, performance, and quality, as it costs around $300 to $1200. These are the most common type of e-scooters, so these are easier to find in retail stores and online marketplaces. The exact price will depend on the features, design, durability, and brand. Overall, this kind of e-scooter is the best choice for most due to its affordable price range and decent quality.

3. Premium E-scooters

As its name suggests, premium electric scooters are the most expensive types of e-scooters. These consist of off-road and high-performance electric scooters, and they often provide advanced features and robust builds and designs.

Premium e-scooters cost over $1200 and can reach up to over $2000. E-scooter riders who choose premium e-scooters use them for off-roading or hill climbing since these e-scooters can withstand extreme conditions. If you need a highly durable e-scooter and you have the budget for it, choose premium e-scooters.

Types of Electric Scooters by Purpose

Here are different e-scooter categories according to their features or purpose.

1. Foldable E-scooters

Foldable or folding electric scooters are types of e-scooters that can be folded in half. By folding the stem down using a built-in mechanism, the e-scooter can be carried or kept easily. Riders who commute every day prefer using foldable electric scooters since they help save space and make the e-scooter more portable. This is a great e-scooter to buy for those who need to ride public transportation in between their commutes.

2. Commuter E-scooters

As mentioned, these are the most common type of e-scooters in the market. It’s designed to get riders from point A to point B daily, so it has considerable durability and a good balance of features and price. They also provide enough comfort and ride quality while riding. Just be selective of the commuter e-scooter that you are choosing, and choose the one that caters to your needs the most.

3. Off-road E-scooters

Off-road electric scooters are high-performance e-scooters that are built for off-track riding and extreme conditions. Common features that you will see in all off-road e-scooters include high battery capacities, high motor power outputs, and a heavy maximum load. Because of these specs, off-road e-scooters are also the best electric scooters for heavy adults. If you need a high-quality, reliable, and all-terrain type of e-scooter, go for an off-road e-scooter.

4. Fat Tyre E-scooters

Fat tyre electric scooters feature wide tyres that are designed for off-roading. It also shares the same features as off-road e-scooters except for the tyres. The wide tyres not only help with trekking on rougher roads but also make rides more comfortable and stable. Some models also include a seat, which makes it look like a lightweight scooter. However, since the tyres are too big, they are not portable. However, if you don’t mind the tyres and don’t need to carry your e-scooter, this is a good option.

Which Type of Electric Scooter Should You Ride?

Each type of electric scooter caters to a certain need and has pros and cons. More expensive electric scooters offer a higher quality of e-scooter, but most riders can’t afford them. Meanwhile, budget electric scooters are more public-friendly but don’t offer good reliability.

When choosing an e-scooter, the best type for you is one that fills your needs and suits your lifestyle. If you don’t have much budget, but need a decent everyday e-scooter, go for a budget commuter electric scooter. If you need an e-scooter that can climb uphill, look for a high-performance or off-roading e-scooter.

Consider why you need to ride an e-scooter in the first place and base your options on these factors to find the right type of electric scooter for you.