Best electric scooters for 2021 – CNET [CNET]

If you’re looking to cut down on your carbon emissions but still need a convenient way to zip across town, an e-bike or electric scooter might be just the ticket. These devices make sense for essential short-distance travel, especially considering that public transit systems make it difficult to social distance. And to be clear, the devices on this electric scooter review list are nothing like the kids’ scooter you may have grown up with. These are legitimate electric vehicles with solid tires, a sophisticated braking system, a large battery pack, and the ability to cover semi-rough terrain.

After trying out different types of battery-operated rideables, I’ve learned a lot. Some were tested before the coronavirus outbreak, while other rides are more recent — all have been on trips through sections of midtown Manhattan, around Central Park or down the West Side Highway bike path. 

Read more: The best e-bikes to ride in 2021

This roundup, which I’m updating as I review more products, covers electric scooters, foldable electric scooter options and skateboard-like devices. E-bikes get their own list. Why would you want a scooter over a more traditional bike? Electric scooters are nimble and smaller, and are easy to take on mass transit, leave in the trunk of your car or store at home.

I’ve included water-resistance ratings when available for each electric scooter. IP ratings (IP stands for ingress protection) let you know the dust or water-resistance of a product. For example, if something has an IP54 rating, the first number after the letters refers to resistance to solids while the second refers to moisture. Read more in our IP rating explainer. 

Here’s some of the best electric rideables available right now

See all photos

+39 More

Also, and let’s not make a big deal of it, but I exceed the rated weight capacity for most of these products. For the most part, they all still performed as expected, though maybe with a little less range or speed. No devices were harmed during this roundup. 

Lastly, if you plan on getting into rideables, be safe about it. Leave enough space between yourself and both cars and riders on plain old human-powered bikes and scooters. Remember you’re able to go a lot faster, so ride and pass with caution. Make sure to charge your battery and check on your tires. And, most important, always wear a helmet when you ride. 

More for people on the move

• This is my favorite cycling gear for summer 2021
• Why 10,000 steps a day isn’t enough to stay healthy
• The best headphones of 2021
• How to keep your e-bike battery in top shape
• Best cheap e-bikes and electric scooters under $500
• Best kid’s electric ride-on toys for 2021
• These are the best small cars in America