Best 15 MPH Electric Scooters: 3 Best Models

The Apex's frame is built from a light aluminum alloy and has been finished in matte-black paint with pops of green to highlight the logo. Considering it’s a budget model, it has been designed with smooth lines to give it is sleek aesthetic.

The deck is long with a grippy rubber tread that helps your feet stay securely in place during every ride. However, because it's low to the ground, it picks up scratches and dings relatively quickly, so we don’t recommend bumping up and down any curbs if you want to keep that new scooter look for as long as it is possible.

With its simple, built-in folding mechanism, the Apex is as portable as it gets. In one movement, the stem collapses and can be easily clipped to the rear fender. Because the stem is relatively thin, it's easy to pick up in one hand. With a weight of 32.1 lbs, it's ideal for commuters, and most people can carry it a short distance or lift it into a car trunk. Although the handlebars don't fold, they're relatively narrow and don't get in the way when you want to move the scooter in its folded form.

Budget electric scooters often have a reputation of being uncomfortable to ride, but this couldn't be further from the truth with the Apex. In fact, it’s one of the most comfortable budget scooters we've ever tested. When you're riding on well-maintained roads or paths with a few cracks and bumps, the 8.5-inch air-filled tires provide more than enough protection. Despite having no suspension, you'll be amazed at how effective the pneumatic tires are.

While the 250W motor isn't the largest that you can get on an electric scooter, it performs well, and its small size keeps the price and battery consumption down. For most commuters, the 15.5 mph top speed will be more than enough to navigate urban roads and busy cycle lanes. The acceleration curve is relatively slow, but you'll still have enough in the tank to do some overtaking when necessary. Although the Apex comes with a maximum incline rating of 14 degrees, the reality is much less impressive. Our test found that it can only manage the gentlest of inclines. So, if you want to zoom up and down hills regularly, you'll need to look for something with a much larger motor.

When it comes to braking, the Apex delivers some serious stopping power that's significantly better than what you’ll find on models within its price class. In the front, you get an electromagnetic brake which applies mechanical resistance to the wheel. At the back, there is a mechanical disc brake. When you activate the disc brake by squeezing the hand lever, the electronic brake is automatically applied, delivering reliable stopping power.

Looking at the handlebars, you'll notice that the cockpit and controls have been designed to continue the clean lines and minimalism of the rest of the scooter. The central display is built into the top of the stem and provides a wonderfully large screen to view all the necessary information. Here you can view your speed and battery life, and activate the headlight.

Although the Apex doesn't pack as many extra features as the more expensive GoTrax G4 and GMAX Ultra models, it still delivers in terms of performance, comfort, and appearance. Scooters less than $400 are often overlooked or considered low quality – the Apex is a great example of how GoTrax is turning these expectations around. With a high-quality build, excellent ride quality, and a bunch of features, this is an ideal scooter for beginners.