Over the past year, the fleet of ecological two wheels has grown considerably with ever more efficient models. What are the best models of 2023? At what price ? For what autonomy? Do you want to take the plunge and discover this world of eco-mobility?
This comparative guide to the best electric scooters allows you to make the right choice in your purchase if you want to buy an electric scooter for short journeys between your home and work, or for longer journeys.
What are the advantages of the electric scooter?
Currently, the electric scooter is the best alternative in terms of travel solution. In a context of ecological transition, electric vehicles are popular and the market is intensifying with a large number of models. While the automobile market is collapsing during this period of health crisis, the electric scooter market is growing ever more despite the global slowdown in production, mainly coming from China.
This modern and ecological means of transport is easily accessible with increasingly affordable prices. Let's decipher the different advantages of the electric scooter compared to its thermal counterpart.
Driving pleasure and ease of use
Due to their construction, much simpler than a thermal one, the electric scooter is a real joy to drive. From the first acceleration, we understand the efficiency of an electric two-wheeler. The brushless motor delivers all its power instantly and this allows you to slip through city traffic with ease.
Much less complex than a heat engine, the brushless electric motor fitted to these machines is, to summarize, simply a coil with an electric current running through it. The latter therefore directly drives the wheel if the motor is placed inside it while causing no noise.
If the brushless motor is centrally placed, it drives the wheel using a belt. This causes a slight noise but conversely provides more powerful engine torque.
The pleasure of driving is also found in the fact that there is much less wear on parts than on a thermal scooter. An electric scooter does not require regular maintenance to avoid breakage. Only the battery requires a little attention in the way it is recharged in order to preserve its good shape for as long as possible.
When it comes to batteries, there is a lot of false information circulating, including the fact that they have a very short lifespan. There are no longer any lead acid batteries on the market. All current batteries are lithium-based offering a better lifespan.
On the best models of electric scooters, battery cycles vary between 1000 to 2500 depending on the manufacturers. A battery cycle is calculated when charging from 0% to 100%. On a lithium-ion accumulator, by carrying out 2 recharges going from 50% to 100% battery, we use one operating cycle.
While this may seem scary at first glance, 2500 battery cycles correspond to nearly 200,000 km traveled. Enough to tour the earth on an electric scooter.
It is possible to further optimize your recharges by avoiding if possible to go below 20% and stop charging before the end (between 80 and 90%). In the long term, the heating of the battery can cause you to lose a few precious percent. This is why we advise our customers to recharge once the vehicle battery has cooled, just like not to leave on an electric scooter immediately after recharging.
Be careful because if the 2-year warranty works for the vehicle, the batteries are generally only insured for 1 year. All the more reason to take care of it!
An economical means of everyday transport
The more you drive, the more you save; This is the credo of the electric scooter! There is a very significant difference between the price of a full tank of gasoline and an electric recharge.
To go into detail, traveling 100 km with a 50cc thermal scooter costs around 5 euros. On an equivalent 50 cc electric model with a 1.8 kWh brushless motor, it will cost you less than 50 cents to achieve the same 100 km.
At equivalent cylinder capacity, it is therefore much more profitable to travel with an electric scooter. Recharging takes place using a simple power outlet with a battery that is often removable on most machines on the market.
You will answer that the purchase price is higher on an electric two-wheeler, but this is without taking into account the numerous subsidies for the purchase of an electric scooter . Between state aid, the ecological bonus and the sustainable mobility package , it is today much more economical to invest in the best electric scooters .
No more need for oil change or engine maintenance with an electric scooter. This is again a source of savings over the year which ends up accumulating. Just like the wear of the brakes which pull much less on the brake drums or pads. Thanks to the electromagnet present in the motor, it helps with braking, while participating in kinetic recharging on certain models.
Drive in an eco-friendly and zen way
In the midst of an ecological transition, choosing an electric scooter means participating fully in the future of our planet. Today in France there are around 48,000 cancer deaths linked to atmospheric pollution for which thermal vehicles are responsible. The future therefore lies in the electric scooter which, unlike the car, takes up significantly less space in terms of parking.
It is therefore very easy to get to work every morning on an electric scooter, saving both time on your journey but also riding in a relaxed way. In fact, the inaudible noise of the electric scooter allows its user to be less "attacked". Noise pollution is the next major issue in French cities. It is recognized that the regular noise generated by two wheels reduces life expectancy by around 10 months, both for the driver and for passers-by.
Automatic anti-noise radars are therefore starting to flourish in our cities in order to encourage people to switch to electric vehicles for greater everyday comfort.
How to choose your electric scooter?
If you are lost among all the models on the market, this comparison of the best electric scooters allows you to better make your choice according to your desires.
An electric scooter for what use?
What use is your future two wheels intended for? If you simply want to get to work each morning independently and comfortably, a 50cc equivalent scooter model may be sufficient. If, on the contrary, your journeys are a little longer and require taking the expressways, you should switch to a 125cc equivalent.
It is important to understand your main need to make the right choice. Unlike the electric car, switching to an electric scooter is less restrictive due to the fact that the autonomy of these machines is sufficient because they are mainly used in town over fairly short distances.
What do you consider necessary when buying a two-wheeler? Do you prefer a powerful model, a model with a long autonomy, a light and easy to pilot model? The look is also important. There are electric scooters with a resolutely modern look or on the contrary with a vintage design inspired by old thermal models.
With or without a license?
With their maximum speed limited to 45 km/h, the 50cc electric scooter can be used without a license. Only the AM license (formerly BSR) is sufficient to drive. Practical for young users or beginners on two wheels who do not need to use expressways to get around.
On the contrary, the equivalent 125 cm3 electric scooter requires you to have the A1 license or additional two-wheel training if you already have the B (car) license. They are also heavier with a weight close to 100 kg with battery which requires time to adapt.
50cc electric scooter for the city
Perfect in built-up areas, the 50cc electric scooter is practical for short trips. The 50cm3 equivalent engine is between 1 and 4 kWh with a maximum speed of 45 km/h. Driving this type of vehicle is authorized on public roads from the age of 14.
These are the most popular models as well as the most numerous on the electric scooter market due to their ease of use, light weight, but also user demand.
If their autonomy is approximately the same as on a thermal scooter, it takes on average between 3 and 4 hours for a complete recharge on a domestic socket. All models in this comparison have a removable battery so you can easily charge them from home.
125 electric scooter for a greater range of action
Designed for the road, the equivalent 125 electric scooters (also called L3e) have an engine power of between 4 kWh and 11 kWh. This allows them to reach speeds of 75 km/h on average, up to 90/100 km/h and even 120 km/h for the French electric scooter RED Electric Model E125.
With these machines you can access expressways and even the highway for the most efficient models while having a more than adequate range (up to 200 km with several batteries).
For a full charge of these equivalent 125, you will need approximately 4 to 6 hours to go from 0 to 100%. Most of the models cited in our comparison of the best electric scooters are equipped with one or more removable batteries so that you can charge them at your home. Be careful, however, to take into account the weight of relatively heavy batteries.
What are the best 50 cc electric scooters?
Finally, let's come to our comparison of the best electric scooter with our selection of products that correspond to different user search criteria. Practical for the urban jungle accessible without a license, the best 50cc equivalent electric scooter must be light, efficient and good value for money.
Twild Road: Complete equipment for high-performance scooter
It's changed its name since its release, but it's still the same. Formerly Twice, this brand of French e-scooters is now called Twild.
Easy to use, the Twild Road electric scooter is an affordable model with good manufacturing quality. Modern and efficient, it has a double battery as standard (2 x 60V 26Ah) offering 140 km of autonomy for 45 km/h top speed.
Equipped with a particularly reliable Bosch 3000W brushless motor, it will bring you satisfaction on a daily basis. This 50cc equivalent scooter is agile for slipping smoothly through the urban jungle. The acceleration is efficient and allows you to go 0-45 km/h in less than 5 seconds.
Still standard, the scooter ( presented by Weebot ) receives a top case support as well as a top case for additional storage. This electric scooter allows you to receive nearly 400 euros in ecological bonus from the State and up to 1500 in aid if you are a professional. All this makes the Twild Road the best electric scooter with excellent value for money.
Doohan iTank 50: best three-wheel electric scooter
With its unique look, the Doohan iTank 50 is the cheapest 3-wheel electric scooter on the market ! If you are looking for great driving comfort, the iTank 50 is stable and equipped with three powerful hydraulic disc brakes . It then benefits from a braking distance shortened by 30% compared to a conventional two-wheel scooter. Its Bosch motor is placed in its rear wheel and delivers 1490W nominal and up to 2300W peak power .
With a Panasonic 60V 26Ah lithium battery, the Doohan iTank 50 can be used for a maximum distance of 70 km. Sufficient for urban use, it is practical to use in town without needing to put your foot down when you are at a red light. It is still possible to invest in a second removable battery if you want to have double the autonomy. At that time, the weight of the iTank will increase from 99 kg to 108 kg.
Its wide suspension allows the Doohan iTank 50 ( tested here ) to perfectly absorb road shocks, such as cobblestones for example. However, do not hesitate to invest in a top box if you want to have storage space because the space under the saddle is very small.
An ideal choice as a first 3-wheel electric scooter with its unusual look and maximum speed of 45 km/h. A significant bonus for parking it or when maneuvering on the road, the iTank has a electric reverse gear which is very practical on this scooter.
Sunra Hawk Plus – Affordable and long battery life
To take the plunge into eco-mobility, the Sunra Hawk Plus is an excellent model for discovering the pleasures of riding an electric scooter. Equipped with a 1800W Bosch brushless motor, the Hawk Plus reaches a maximum speed of 45 km/h like any vehicle in the 50cm3 category to which it belongs.
Very comfortable, the Hawk Plus has double front and rear hydraulic suspension. Perfect for absorbing road vibrations, alone or in pairs thanks to the backrest on the rear seat while supporting a maximum load of 150 kg.
In single or dual battery mode weighing 10.5 kg each (72V 20Ah), the Hawk Plus corrects the autonomy problem of the previous model from the Sunra brand with an improved BMS (battery management system) offering up to 130 km of autonomy.
The Sunra Hawk offers the possibility, thanks to the integrated speaker systems, to listen to your favorite music via Bluetooth or simply simulate an operating noise to alert pedestrians on your journey of your presence. One of the best inexpensive electric scooters!
Super Soco CU-X - The 50cc electric scooter from Super Soco
With a vintage style, the CU-X from the famous Super SOCO brand is easy to use, it has high-end equipment including a Bosch brand motor (1300W). It is possible to exceed the limit of 45 km/h on this 50cc scooter using easy handling of unclamping allowing you to reach up to 60 km/h strong>. But be careful, this will not be legally possible on public roads and is reserved for use on circuits and private grounds.
The Panasonic 60V battery offers a wide maximum range of 80 km which gives the Super SOCO CU-X a significant range of action ( tested in urban use here ). Autonomy is extended by 10% thanks to the energy recovery system when braking.
Made of aluminum and steel alloy, the Super SOCO CU-X electric scooter weighs only 70 kg, which is particularly light for a high quality scooter. Equipped with disc brakes at the front and rear, it has efficient braking to respond to your every action on the road.
As an option, there is a 1080p dashcam which allows you to film the road while integrating naturally into the scooter. In the event of an accident, this allows you to provide proof to your insurer of your good faith.
What are the best 125cc electric scooters?
Among our selection of the best 152cc electric scooter, we have chosen not to talk about the BMW C Evolution. Available since 2014, the BMW C Evolution should see its production end shortly. The German brand has decided to review its strategy to better adapt to the 2022 market.
Being able to use fast roads, 125cc equivalent electric scooters must therefore, in our opinion, have a comfortable autonomy to be usable on a daily basis. Without further ado, let’s get to our selection of the best models to buy in 2022.
Sunra Robo - Great performance and attention to detail
Leader in the electric vehicle market, the Chinese brand Sunra never ceases to surprise us. After the 50cc Hawk Plus model, Sunra is hitting hard on the 125cc market with the ROBO.
With a sober look , in black or white, the design of the Sunra Robo hides its game well with powerful acceleration. Indeed, its 3000W brushless Bosch brand motor develops a torque of 230Nm in order to very quickly reach the maximum speed of 75 km/h .
The Sunra Robo ( tested by Kramtoo ) is very well thought out by judiciously placing its battery(ies) (72V 20Ah) in the floor of its scooter for perfect weight distribution. This gives driving agility with a very low center of gravity to this two-wheeler. But it also offers a huge space under the saddle for storage. You will thus be able to avoid purchasing an additional top box unlike many models where the seat contains the vehicle's batteries.
Equipment levels are again very good with keyless start (keyless) thanks to your fingerprint. There is also a disc braking system at the front and rear as well as hydraulic suspensions on each wheel. Real driving pleasure on a daily basis combined with a range of 70km (or 130 km for the purchase of two batteries). An ideal first electric scooter for those who want an affordable 125 cm3 equivalent.
Super Soco CPX – A complete 125cc equivalent
Very well known in Europe, the Super SOCO brand offers with the CPX, a very complete 125cc equivalent. This fast electric scooter can go up to 90 km/h on roads that allow it thanks to its powerful 4000W German brand brushless motor.
The Super SOCO CPX is a two-seater electric scooter with a sporty look. Offering three driving modes limiting the maximum speed to 45 km/h in mode 1, 70 km/h in mode 2 and 90 km/h in mode 3, the CPX has a range of 70 km with one battery. If this is not enough you can buy a second battery which will double its autonomy.
If the NIU NGT electric scooter previously dominated the market, this two-wheeler offers a real alternative by being faster in top speed. This results in heavier batteries (18 kg) while offering very complete equipment.
At the handlebar level we find what has made the success of the Chinese brand with a unadorned dashboard but perfectly readable with the added bonus of automatic backlighting when passing through a tunnel for example.
Doohan iTank 125 - The inexpensive 3-wheel electric scooter
With a choice of 4 colors (black, white, red, blue) the Doohan iTank 125 is the best three-wheel electric scooter on the market. Particularly stable and fun to drive, it is also the cheapest three-wheel electric scooter. If it is not the fastest in our comparison, this vehicle climbs up to 70 km/h with its 3000W QS brushless motor but is very safe on the road.
Due to its three-wheel design, the Doohan iTank 125 is equipped with 3 powerful disc brakes to guarantee an efficient braking system. This model is also much less bulky than the other best 125cc electric scooters in our selection with a small size.
At this very affordable price, this electric 3-wheeler has a range of 90 km for recharging in just 5 hours. Comfortable autonomy for daily use with its removable double battery stored in the floor which guarantees very good stability.
Be careful, however, with the lack of storage as well as the turning radius which is not the widest but if this is inherent to 3-wheel scooter models, this one has an electric reverse gear to easily carry out maneuvers. This Doohan iTank 125 will meet the expectations of users looking for an electric scooter with a unique look while having a good purchase boost with an interesting ecological bonus.
Niu NGT – Long battery life and fast charging
Leader on the electric scooter market in Europe, the NIU brand offers with its NGT a quality 125 equivalent. Equipped with two removable batteries, the Niu NGT offers a maximum range of 170 km . When used at high speed, you should count on around 100 km but this is still very comfortable for an electric scooter with a quick recharge of 3-4 hours.
With a maximum power of 4000W, the Bosch motor allows sharp acceleration to easily slip through traffic up to a speed of 70 km/h. The Niu NGT 125 is an agile and reliable electric scooter that can be driven with your hands, with suspension and a comfortable saddle to absorb shocks.
A best seller for 2 years in the category of best 125 electric scooters which is quite expensive to purchase but which offers an interesting ecological bonus thanks to its large battery.
HORWIN EK3 – Modern look and big purchase subsidy
After a test with its CR6 electric motorcycle, the Austrian manufacturer Horwin is entering the 2022 market with new models of electric scooters. The Horwin EK3 electric scooter is a 125cc equivalent with a central motor with chain transmission which allows you to reach a top speed of 95 km/h.
Its motor develops 6200W of power with a motor torque of 195 Nm. Technical specifications that allow this electric scooter to be easily used on expressways to get around with ease.
Sharing the same battery as its little brother, the 50cm3 Horwin EK1 model, the EK3 has a large 72V 40Ah battery giving it 100 km of autonomy. This battery allows this electric scooter to benefit from a large purchase subsidy of up to 720 euros for individuals.
Particularly well equipped, this 125cc electric scooter has LED daytime running lights to be clearly visible on the road, as well as a remote control to start (or lock) the scooter remotely. In addition, the reverse function is particularly practical for simple maneuvers, such as parking.
How much does an electric scooter cost?
If the line between thermal and electric is increasingly thin, many users have taken the plunge into eco-mobility. With a slightly higher purchase price, the electric scooter is a long-term investment taking advantage of cheap charging in the long run.
It takes around a little less than 2000 euros for a 50cm3 equivalent (not counting state aid) and around 3000 euros in base price for a 125cm3 electric scooter but this can skyrocket if you are looking for a premium model. Our prices do not include the ecological bonus because depending on your region or your professional activity, numerous bonuses are available and cumulative with the purchase of a scooter electric.
subsidies and bonuses for electric scooters
If this comparison of the best electric scooters of the year 2023 has allowed you to see more clearly on the market and you want to take the plunge, we advise you to take a look at our electric scooter subsidies page bringing together the essential information for claim the ecological bonus when purchasing an electric scooter.