One of the primary reasons electric scooters have gained popularity in recent years is that they are a whole lot of fun to ride. This fun factor is due in large part to a scooter’s electric motor and top speed. Read more from our guide on the best electric scooters to find out which one suits you.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Electric scooters can typically reach top speeds of anywhere from 15 miles per hour to 30 miles per hour.
- The motor itself will determine a scooter’s top speed, so we suggest choosing a high-grade brushless DC motor.
- Other factors that can impact a scooter’s top speed include local laws and regulations, the rider’s body weight, and the terrain.
How Fast Do Electric Scooters Go?
Electric scooters have a speed range of anywhere from 15 to 30 miles per hour. Ride-share scooters, such as those provided by Lime, tend to max out at 15 MPH. Models manufactured by Segway, Razor, and other well-known companies tend to max out at 18 to 30 MPH.
Insider Tip
Electric scooters have a speed range of anywhere from 15 to 30 miles per hour.
Factors That Influence Top Speed
There are a number of factors that can influence a scooter’s top speed. Here are just a few.
Motor
Of course, the motor will be a huge factor when determining a scooter’s top speed. If you are looking for maximum speed, go with a powerful brushless DC motor, otherwise known as a BLDC. Most high-quality modern scooters use BLDC motors in their manufacture. The best electric scooter motors also allow for fantastic throttle, allowing riders to reach maximum speeds rather quickly. Always wear a helmet and related safety gear when attempting to reach a scooter’s top speed. Here’s some information about the top speed that can be reached by a 500-watt motor.
Insider Tip
If you are looking for maximum speed, go with a powerful brushless DC motor, otherwise known as a BLDC.
Laws and Regulations
Local laws and regulations will impact a scooter’s top speed. As a matter of fact, certain states, cities, and municipalities will place a strict speed cap of 20 miles per hour on electric scooters and related personal transportation vehicles. In some areas, this top speed can be reduced to 15 MPH. Other local laws and regulations that can impact speed include where an electric scooter is allowed to ride and the minimum age limit. Some electric scooters can be jury-rigged to bypass the regulatory speed requirements, but this will open you up to legal complications.
Rider Weight and Terrain
Several other factors will determine the top speed of your motorized scooter. The rider’s overall body weight could tax the motor and lower the top speed, so take that into consideration before making a purchase and be sure to check out the recommended maximum weight limit. Additionally, the terrain you typically ride over will impact the top speed of your scooter. As a rule of thumb, you will maximize your top speed while riding on smooth, even surfaces without much of an incline. Consumers also may be wondering just how far electric scooters can go on a single charge.
Warning
Always wear a helmet and related safety gear when attempting to reach a scooter’s top speed.
F.A.Q.
How much do the fastest electric scooters cost?
The best and fastest electric scooters can cost anywhere from $499 to $6,500. It is worth noting that these prices are subject to change, as the technology involved with electric scooters is constantly evolving.
Can you drive electric scooters through water?
Most modern scooters feature some form of water resistance, but this is primarily to protect from rain. We do not recommend taking your scooter through bodies of water. You should even try to avoid deeper-than-average puddles.
How fast do kids’ electric scooters go?
When it comes to electric scooters designed for children, the top speeds will range from 10 MPH to 18 MPH. Be sure to research before buying one.
STAT: According to Bloomberg, electric scooter ride-sharing company Bird has been valued at $2 billion just three months after it received a $300 million valuation. (source)
