Top Picks: the Electric Scooters & Bikes that Won Our Editors' Hearts in 2023

Picture of Paul Somerville Rider Guide's Editor and Chief
Paul Somerville
December 28, 2023

Rider Guide’s Editor-in-Chief is a seasoned expert in the electric scooter industry. With a wide-ranging background that includes managing scooter warehouses, selling thousands of motorcycles, and restoring high value (+1M) European sports cars, his expertise is unmatched. Having personally tested more than 100 electric scooters, he offers invaluable insights and recommendations to our readers. We are fortunate to have him as part of our team, as his diverse skill set and extensive experience ensure top-notch reviews.

Like many of you at the end of the year, we’re feeling reflective here at Rider Guide. As we think back on a dramatic year, we remember some of the fastest, most innovative, and most powerful scooters we’ve ever ridden, all released in 2023.

While we work hard to compile our list of Best Electric Scooters each year, that list doesn’t capture everything, especially in a year like this one, when we saw a handful of challengers for the title of fastest scooter.

We’ve had two scooters come out with full carbon fiber frames, including one that took top honors as the fastest in every category. We’ve also expanded into new territory, reviewing electric motorcycles and e-bikes, and we hired a new reviewer, RK9’s Mitchell Anderson!

To reflect our many changes over the past year, we’ve come up with some new awards. See all of the scooters, e-motos, and e-bikes that won our 2023 Editor’s Choice Awards below and in the full video above.

Most Searched-For Scooter of 2023

NIU KQi2 Pro - $599
Portrait of Black Niu KQi2 Pro in front of Red Pillared Building
Black Niu KQi2 Pro folded
Black Niu KQi2 Pro backwheel featuring KQi2 logo
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PROS
Excellent Range Per Dollar
Easy To Ride
Outstanding Ride Quality
CONS
Long 7 Hour Charging Time
Technical Specifications
Tested Top Speed:
16.3 mph**
Tested Range:
15.7 mi**
Weight:
40.8 lb**
Max Rider Weight:
220 lb
Water Resistance:
IP54
Acceleration:
7.6 s
**Based on our independent performance tests which may differ from manufacturer’s claims.
The NIU KQi2 Pro is available in United States from Amazon.
Our content is independent, but using our links supports our hard work!
NIU KQi2 Pro Review

Most Badass Scooter of 2023

EMOVE Roadster - $5,795
Emove Roadrunner on street sidewalk in front of plants and a store
emove roadrunner highlighting front wheel disk brakes
emove roadrunner backseat brake lights
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PROS
Full carbon fiber frame and stem
incredible stability
72+ mph top speed
CONS
Difficult to transport
Technical Specifications
Tested Top Speed:
72.1 mph
Tested Range:
54.7 mi
Weight:
143 lb
Max Rider Weight:
500 lb
Water Resistance:
IPX5
Acceleration:
0-30 mph in 3.1 s
**Based on our independent performance tests which may differ from manufacturer’s claims.
The EMOVE Roadster is available in the United States from VORO Motors
Our content is independent, but using our links supports our hard work!
EMOVE Roadster Review

Fastest Scooters Under $1500

Solar EQ - $1,449.99
Emove Roadrunner on street sidewalk in front of plants and a store
emove roadrunner highlighting front wheel disk brakes
emove roadrunner backseat brake lights
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PROS
Tubeless tires w/sealant
Sinewave controllers
Hydraulic disc brakes
CONS
Squeaky handlebars
Doesn't save settings
Technical Specifications
Tested Top Speed:
41.5 mph
Tested Range:
26.3 mi
Weight:
70.6 lb
Max Rider Weight:
330 lb
Water Resistance:
IP54
Acceleration:
2.5 s
**Based on our independent performance tests which may differ from manufacturer’s claims.
The Solar EQ is Available in the United States from Solar Scooters
Our content is independent, but using our links supports our hard work!
Solar EQ Review
Solar P1 3.0 - $1,299
Emove Roadrunner on street sidewalk in front of plants and a store
emove roadrunner highlighting front wheel disk brakes
emove roadrunner backseat brake lights
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PROS
Tubeless tires w/sealant
Fast acceleration and long range
Excellent ride quality
CONS
Dated design
Generic battery cells
Technical Specifications
Tested Top Speed:
41.4 mph
Tested Range:
27.7 mi
Weight:
55 lb
Max Rider Weight:
330 lb
Water Resistance:
IP54
Acceleration:
2.5 s
**Based on our independent performance tests which may differ from manufacturer’s claims.
The Solar P1 3.0 is Available in the United States from Solar Scooters
Our content is independent, but using our links supports our hard work!
Solar P1 3.0 Review

Most Anticipated for 2024

Inmotion RS Midnight - $3,999
Emove Roadrunner on street sidewalk in front of plants and a store
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PROS
It's fast, it's sleek, it's beautiful
Excellent high-speed stability
Great ride quality
CONS
Finicky app
Technical Specifications
Tested Top Speed:
62.1 mph
Tested Range:
44.7 mi
Weight:
122.4 lb
Max Rider Weight:
330 lb
Water Resistance:
IP54
Acceleration:
1.6 s
**Based on our independent performance tests which may differ from manufacturer’s claims.
The Inmotion RS Midnight is Available in the United States from Solar Scooters
Our content is independent, but using our links supports our hard work!
Inmotion RS Review

Most Futuristic Electric Scooter

Apollo Pro 2023 - $3999
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PROS
AMAZING Silhouette
A++ Overall Design And Build Quality Only Equalled By GT2
Smart BMS
CONS
Not The Best Top Speed Per Dollar
95 Lbs(43.09 kg) Means You're Limited To 1 Flight Of Stairs Even If You're Strong
Technical Specifications
Tested Top Speed:
42.8 mph**
Tested Range:
32.2 mi**
Weight:
95.6 lb**
Max Rider Weight:
330 lb
Water Resistance:
IP66
Acceleration:
2.7 s
**Based on our independent performance tests which may differ from manufacturer’s claims.
The Apollo Pro 2023 is available in United States from Apollo.
Our content is independent, but using our links supports our hard work!
Apollo Pro Review

Best Budget Electric Scooters

GOTRAX GXL V2 - $279
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pros icon of thumbs up
PROS
As Affordable as it Gets
Reasonable Feature Set
Cruise Control
cons icon of thumbs down
CONS
Underpowered, Especially for Heavier Riders
No Rear Light
Technical Specifications
Tested Top Speed:
13.5 mph
Tested Range:
10.1 mi
Weight:
27.4 lb
Max Rider Weight:
220 lb
Water Resistance:
IP54
**Based on our independent performance tests which may differ from manufacturer’s claims.
The GOTRAX GXL Commuter V2 is available in United States from Gotrax.
Our content is independent, but using our links supports our hard work!
GOTRAX GXL V2 Review
Segway Ninebot E2 Plus- $399
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PROS
High-Quality, Good-Looking, And Modernized Design
Low-Maintenance, Lightweight Build
Solid Range For The Price.
The Peace Of Mind Of Buying From The World's Largest And Most Well-Known Brand
CONS
Poor Hill-Climbing, But That Is To Be Expected At The Price.
Technical Specifications
Tested Top Speed:
15.5 mph**
Tested Range:
-**
Weight:
33.4 lb**
Max Rider Weight:
200 lb
Water Resistance:
IPX4
Acceleration:
-
**Based on our independent performance tests which may differ from manufacturer’s claims.
The Segway Ninebot E2 Plus is available in United States from Amazon.
Our content is independent, but using our links supports our hard work!
Segway Ninebot E2 Plus Review

NIU KQi1 Pro – $349

The NIU KQi1 Pro is available in the United States
Our content is indepedent, but buying through our links may earn us a comission.

Most Convenient Electric Scooter

Model One Voyager - $69/month
3 unagi model one ligned up next to two other scooters
Unagi Model One Voyager Deck
Unagi Model One Voyager Back Wheel
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PROS
Gorgeous Design
Excellent Hill-Climbing
Premium Materials Like Carbon Fiber
Ultralightweight - Even With Dual Motor
CONS
Much Better Suited for Paved Roads
Technical Specifications
Tested Top Speed:
19.5 mph**
Tested Range:
12.0 mi**
Weight:
30.0 lb**
Max Rider Weight:
220 lb
Water Resistance:
IPX4
Acceleration:
4.9 s
**Based on our independent performance tests which may differ from manufacturer’s claims.
The Unagi Model One Voyager is available in United States from Unagi.
Our content is independent, but using our links supports our hard work!
Unagi Voyager Review

Biggest Adrenaline Rush

NAMI Klima -$2499
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PROS
Best-In-Class Acceleration
Immaculate Ride-Feel Thanks To Top-End Suspension
Everything That Makes The Burn-E Amazing In A Smaller Lighter Package.
CONS
The Rear Lights And Rear Fender Design Feel Unfinished
Awkward To Move Because Of No Deck Latch And Small Deck Tail
Technical Specifications
Tested Top Speed:
41.6 mph**
Tested Range:
25.0 mi**
Weight:
84.0 lb**
Max Rider Weight:
265 lb
Water Resistance:
Acceleration:
2.0 s
**Based on our independent performance tests which may differ from manufacturer’s claims.
The NAMI Klima is available in United States from Fluid Freeride.
Our content is independent, but using our links supports our hard work!
NAMI Klima Review

Best Hill Climber Under $600

Hover-1 Journey Max - $599
Emove Roadrunner on street sidewalk in front of plants and a store
emove roadrunner highlighting front wheel disk brakes
emove roadrunner backseat brake lights
Air 2022Air 2023
PROS
Great hill climber
Excellent build quality
Long range for the price
CONS
No suspension
Technical Specifications
Tested Top Speed:
20.7 mph
Tested Range:
20.4 mi
Weight:
45.2 lb
Max Rider Weight:
264 lb
Water Resistance:
IPX4
Acceleration:
3.8 s
**Based on our independent performance tests which may differ from manufacturer’s claims.
The Hover-1 Journey Max is Available in the United States from Amazon
Our content is independent, but using our links supports our hard work!
Hover-1 Journey Max Review

Best with Removable Battery

RoadRunner Logo
RoadRunner RS5+ - $2290
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pros icon of thumbs up
PROS
Quick and Easy Removal Of The Battery | Easy Charging And Range Extension
Comfortable Ride Thanks To The Large Riding Platform; Footrest; Hydraulic Suspension; and Pneumatic Tires
Top-Notch After-Sales Support And Warranty Options
cons icon of thumbs down
CONS
Outdated Plastic Thumb Throttle
"Last-Gen" Buttons And Switches
Extra Batteries Are Pricey
Technical Specifications
Tested Top Speed:
41.6 mph
Tested Range:
25.3 mi
Weight:
91.1 lb
Max Rider Weight:
330 lb
Water Resistance:
IP54
Acceleration:
2.5 s
**Based on our independent performance tests which may differ from manufacturer’s claims.
The RoadRunner RS5+ is available in United States from Roadrunner Scooters.
Our content is independent, but using our links supports our hard work!
Roadrunner RS5+ Review

Best E-Moto of 2023

Solar E-Clipse - $5995
solar e-clipse
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PROS
Super easy to ride (easier than a powerful kick scooter)
Long range (can be doubled with a spare battery)
Adjustable suspension
CONS
Price is high, but not as high as some pedal-assist e-bikes
Lesser-known brand in the US, but Solar has a strong following in the UK and local warehouses in the States
Technical Specifications
Tested Top Speed:
57.8 mph**
Tested Range:
61.3 mi**
Weight:
134.0 lb**
Max Rider Weight:
330 lb
Water Resistance:
IP67
Acceleration:
1.6 s
**Based on our independent performance tests which may differ from manufacturer’s claims.
The Solar E-Clipse is available in United States from Solar Scooters.
Our content is independent, but using our links supports our hard work!
Solar E-Clipse Review

Best Budget E-MTB

Lectric Logo
Lectric XPeak - $1,299
Emove Roadrunner on street sidewalk in front of plants and a store
Air 2022Air 2023
PROS
Excellent build quality
Step-thru and step-over designs
Room for cargo
CONS
Somewhat heavy
The Lectric XPeak is Available in the United States from Lectric
Our content is independent, but using our links supports our hard work!
Best Electric Scooter