Best Electric Scooters for Teenagers (13 to 18+ Years Old)
When kids hit their teenage years, there are plenty of things they’re more than glad to leave behind: middle school, early bedtimes, Happy Meals… there are a ton of advantages to growing up but the best one has to be increased independence. Before you know it, they’ll be spending more time out of the house than in it, and sure, they could walk to meet their friends, but why walk, when they can hop on an electric scooter instead? I might be biased, but in my opinion, there’s no cooler gadget to help teens surf through their adolescent years.
Each electric scooter has its age limits so I’ve split this list into 3 age groups: 13-14, 15-16, and 17-18. This will make it easier for you to find the scooters that are most appropriate for your needs. Once you’ve found the right one, don’t forget to purchase protective clothing to help keep yourself safe at all times.
Segway Ninebot E22E
The Ninebot E22E means business — there’s no mistaking this for a kid’s scooter. Boasting a sleek and sophisticated exterior, a decent top speed of 12.5 mph, and the ability to ride for up to 13.7 miles, it’s a great option for younger riders or those who want to upgrade their scooter game. Even better, it has the reputation of a great brand behind it who are known for their innovation and thorough safety features.
GoTrax XR Elite
The GoTrax XR Elite is an excellent budget scooter that’s a great match for an older teenager because of the long-range (18.6 miles) and extra speed (15.5 mph) on offer. It’ll give them a taste of independence without having to break the bank. It is on the heavier side, so wouldn’t be suitable for smaller teens, but is still portable for those that can handle the extra weight.
Currently not available in the UK.
Turboant X7 Pro
This is an excellent scooter if you’re looking for something that has more bite to satisfy older teens who want to go a bit faster and a bit further. Despite costing less than £500, it offers a lot of premium features including pneumatic tyres, an extensive 30 mile range, and a triple braking system alongside its maximum speed of 20 mph. If you want value for money as well as solid specs, the X7 Pro is a winner.
*We have converted the price to GBP for your convenience. Prices on the retailer website are in U.S. Dollars but rest assured, we only recommend scooters that can be shipped to the UK.
Now that we have covered the best overall electric scooters for each age bracket, lets take a look at the in-depth reviews and runner ups.
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13-14 Years Old
When you leave middle school, the last thing you want to be doing is playing with electric scooters that look as though it was made for kids. If you’re looking for a grown-up scooter for your 13 or 14 year old, the Ninebot E22E won’t disappoint.
Most importantly, the E22E looks like a serious scooter — you won’t find any garish candy-cane colours here. Instead, the E22E comes in cool charcoal grey or classic black, both of which make the scooter look more expensive than its very reasonable £339 price tag. The matt paint job gives it a futuristic and minimalist vibe that will give your teen a sophisticated edge and also has an IPX4 waterproof rating, so their new scooter won’t wilt in a little light rain. They’ll feel effortlessly cool cruising around on this and will no doubt be the envy of their friends, who will all want a go.
Of course, it’s not all about appearance. The E22E has the stats to back up its impressive exterior. Featuring a 300W motor, it can reach up to 12.4 mph which is a great speed for teens, especially if this is their first scooter. Even better, it comes with three different riding modes (cruise, normal, and sports mode) which allows beginners the option to start slow whilst more experienced riders can choose between hitting the throttle to the max or conserving battery.
The three modes are also great for moderating speed over different terrains. The E22E can tackle slopes up to 15% but you might need to put the pedal to the metal to maintain speed to the top. Luckily, the E22E can handle this with no worries and, thanks to the noiseless motor, it won’t sound like you’re struggling to keep pace either.
The E22E is a great scooter for weekend exploration close to home but it’s also an awesome option for getting your teen to and from school thanks to the 13.7 mile range. The actual mileage you see will depend on how aggressively the scooter is ridden but even if the range seems a little short to you, I wouldn’t discount this scooter. It only takes 3.5 hours to recharge and is compatible with the Ninebot attachable stem battery. This must be purchased at an additional price but will extend your range to 27 miles, as well as boosting the top speed to 15.5 mph. With this, the E22E can grow with your teen, satisfying their thirst to go further and faster as they get older.
Ninebot is one of the best-known scooter brands, so it’s not surprising that they’re also one of the safest. The E22E comes with a host of safety features that will keep your teenager safe at all times. For example, it comes with a smart battery management system (SBMS), which protects your power source from overheating, short-circuiting, and much more. It's rare to see a SBMS this good on a scooter that costs less than £500.
The E22E also features a dual braking system that consists of an electric brake and rear mechanical foot brake. The electric brake is responsive and will bring the scooter to a controlled halt, whilst the foot brake is better suited for harder and sharper braking. Both together deliver stronger stopping power and can slow your teen down quickly.
The E22E doesn’t stop there when it comes to safety. It also has a 2.5W front LED light and rear light that also functions as a brake light. Both are bright enough to make riders visible to other road users and the handle-bar mounted bell means they’ll be able to hear your teenager coming too, but you might want to invest in additional lights to see further at nighttime.
For a scooter at this price range, the E22E delivers a comfortable ride. It doesn’t have any suspension, but it does come with patented 9 inch anti-skid tyres. These are filled with PU foaming material so not only does this provide all-important shock absorption, but it also means that your teen will never have to worry about getting a flat tyre. This being said, I’d recommend riding the scooter over smooth flat surfaces, as it doesn't deal well with bumpy or uneven terrain. Your teen will be uncomfortable and won’t have as much control over the ride.
A standout feature of all Ninebot scooters is that they come with a handy app. This means younger riders can connect their phones to the handlebar display via Bluetooth and access all of their ride data with a tap of their fingertips. This is a technological advantage you won’t see in many other scooters and it’s guaranteed to appeal to those teens who like their gadgets to have a modern flair about them.
At 13.5 kg, the E22E is a great weight for younger riders and is light enough to be carried by small hands. The one-step folding mechanism makes it easy to store too. It will easily fit in your car's boot or tucked away at the back of the classroom.
The Ninebot E22E is an awesome option for any teen who wants to upgrade from a basic kick scooter to something more grown-up. Not only does it look like a serious scooter, but it has all the stats to back it up, delivering a safe speed and decent mileage to satisfy their adventurous side. Even better, the optional detachable battery means this scooter won’t be a flash-in-the-pan kind of purchase, but one that can grow with your teen. It’s great value for money and is a worthwhile long-term investment.
15-16 Years Old
Currently not available in the UK.
Low-cost and packed with high-end features? Yes, please. The GoTrax XR Elite is sure to put a smile on your face and I guarantee you’ll also be pretty happy once you catch sight of this scooter’s low price tag.
Because of the speed and mileage on offer, it’s best to keep the XR Elite for teenagers above the age of 15. The structural build of the scooter is also better suited to older teens because of the wider 6.6” foot deck and the fact it can support heavier riders of up to 100 kg.
So how fast can it go? This scooter has a 300W motor which allows it to reach a top speed of 15.5 mph and gives it enough power to conquer hills of up to 15-degrees, making most routes accessible for this budget powerhouse. The power wrapped up in the motor is ideal for older riders who might not be content with sluggish acceleration but at the same time, don’t want a scooter so fast that they could lose control. It sits in the middle ground perfectly.
Plus, if you do find yourself going a bit too fast for comfort, the dual power of the disc brake and anti-lock electrical brake provides quick and responsive stopping power. Safety is always a big concern when it comes to choosing an electric scooter, but GoTrax has you covered.
It’s important to note that the XR Elite has been designed for road usage, rather than off-roading. This is because it comes without in-built suspension, so would struggle on loose or rough surfaces. It does feature 8.5 inch air-filled tyres, which help to cushion against harsh hits but I’d recommend sticking to smooth roads and pavements to have a safer and more comfortable ride.
A big bonus of the XR Elite is the long-range it has to offer. Delivering 18.6 miles on a single charge, this scooter is ideal for those teens who have a longer commute to school in the morning, or just enjoy being out and about with their friends. It allows them the extra bit of independence they’ll be looking for now they’re a bit older, and they’ll only have to wait between 3 to 4 hours for the Elite to recharge when the battery does run low.
A longer-range could see you staying out beyond sunset, so good lighting is a vital safety feature. Luckily, the XR Elite features bright front and rear LED lights as well as 6 additional reflectors. This adds great visibility and helps illuminate dark paths, but for extended nighttime riding, make sure to purchase additional mounted torches.
The XR Elite is on the heavier end of the scale, weighing in at 14.5 kg. This could be a problem for smaller riders. However, most teens shouldn’t struggle too much with the added weight given that the Elite has a one-step folding mechanism that makes it very easy to carry.
The Elite isn’t short on added extras either and features a modern handlebar-integrated display for monitoring speed and battery life. Not to mention, the Elite also comes equipped with cruise control which is a great feature for a scooter this cheap.
If you’re on a tight budget the GoTrax Xr Elite is an awesome entry-level scooter at a wallet-friendly price. In fact, it can match more expensive scooters when it comes to specs, whilst still guaranteeing a safe and high-quality ride that gives young adults a taste of independence and freedom.
If you liked the look of the XR Elite’s specs and price tag, you might want to take a seat for this next scooter. The GoTrax GXL V2 shares many of the same stats as the Elite, but at £239, it’s cheaper with only a few small differences.
The biggest difference between the two is how far they can go. The Elite’s 18 mile range is up there with the longest of all the GoTrax Scooters, whereas the V2 offers a maximum mileage of 12 miles. If you won’t be venturing too far from home, this is still a sufficient range, especially if your going to be using the scooter to get yourself to and from school. Its 4 hour recharge time also means you won’t need to wait too long when the V2 does run out of juice.
Like the Elite, the 250W motor allows the GXL V2 to reach a maximum of 15.5 mph. Despite a smaller motor size, the acceleration is fast and responsive, getting riders up to top speed fairly quickly. It can also deal with hills of 14%, although it will struggle on inclines towards the upper limits of its capability. If you live in an elevated residential area, you will need something with a bit more power behind it.
It’s not unreasonable to expect the GXL V2 to have a cheaper-looking exterior because of its reduced price tag, but I can happily tell you that this isn’t the case. This scooter comes in three different colour options (black, grey, or pink) and each one is stylish and sleek enough to appeal to a teenage audience. The GXL V2’s exterior isn’t only about appearance, though. It also has a water-resistant rating of IP54, which means it’s protected against dust and light splashes.
It might be a budget option, but with the GXL V2, you can rest assured that you won't have to compromise on quality. This is especially true when it comes to safety thanks to the fact that it comes equipped with a rear disc brake and front regenerative brake. In my opinion, disc brakes are one of the most efficient options out there and combined with the regen brake, you can count on the GXL V2 to provide adequate braking power. It’s great to see such a high-quality braking mechanism on such a reasonably priced scooter.
This isn’t the only mark of quality the GXL V2 has to offer. It also comes with 8.5 inch air-filled tyres, which you don’t often see on cheaper scooters. They deliver good road traction and provide enough damping and shock absorption to deliver a smooth riding experience on tarmac. Because the GXL V2 comes without any inbuilt suspension its tyres are the last line of defence against surface imperfections so I wouldn’t recommend riding it on rougher roads.
Despite its price tag, the GXL V2 isn’t some rickety no-name budget scooter. Not only does it come from a brand you know you can trust, but it also has an excellent, sturdy build quality. It might be cheaper than others on this list, but you can still rely on it to perform well. Plus, with a weight of 12 kg and a simple folding mechanism, it’s easy to store and lift, even for smaller riders.
Like any good electric scooter, the GXL V2 features a handlebar-located digital display that isn’t too dissimilar to that of the ultra-modern Unagi. From here, you can monitor your speed and battery life, as well as engage cruise control. You’ll find a bell to the left of this, which is ideal for alerting others to your presence, as well as a red button to change gear and operate the inbuilt lights.
The GXL V2 comes with a bright LED headlight which is a key safety feature, however, it is lacking a rear light, instead opting for a reflector. It’s a shame this scooter doesn’t come with a taillight as standard, however, at this price, it’s somewhat understandable and can be easily remedied with the purchase of additional lighting.
Overall, the GoTrax GXL V2 is excellent value for money and performs well above what the price tag promises. You get a ton of high-quality features for what you pay including efficient disc brakes, pneumatic tyres, and reliable build quality. It’s rare to find all three of these on a more expensive scooter, let alone on a model that barely touches £250. There’s a reason it’s one of the best-selling scooters on the market and it’s perfect for beginners or teenagers on a budget.
Currently not available in the UK.
Looking for an electric scooter that's super-portable? Take a look at the INOKIM Mini 2.
The Mini 2 is one of the most compact scooters on the market, weighing just 10.4 kg. When folded, it has some of the smallest dimensions I’ve seen at just 11.8” x 14.2” x 15” so transporting it in the boot of your car or taking it on to public transport isn’t an issue.
There are plenty of things about the Mini 2 that make it ideal for 15-year-olds and above, the first being that it’s easy to carry and simple to fold.
Secondly, teens grow. They come in all shapes and sizes, especially when they’re going through their teenage years. Growth spurts are common and, quite frankly, can be a bit of a nightmare when it comes to buying products you want to last a long time. With the Mini 2, this isn’t an issue because the handlebars are adjustable so you can alter them to suit you as you grow.
A sudden growth surge won’t signal the end of this scooter’s use and this is something you don’t see on other models.
Okay, we’ve talked about the practical stuff, but what about the exciting bits?
When it comes to speed, the Mini 2 is an improvement on the Ninebot E22E, reaching a maximum of 15 mph. That’s pretty fast. The 250W motor also has pretty good acceleration once you’ve kicked to get it going and the throttle is fairly responsive too. Saying that, the Mini 2 isn’t built for hills, so stick to flat, smooth surfaces if you want to get the best from this scooter.
If you’d prefer a slower ride, the Mini comes with two riding modes. Simply hold down the power button for a few seconds to swap between 1st and 2nd gear. 1st has a slower speed threshold and helps to preserve battery for longer, whereas 2nd gear has a bit more bite to it and lets you hit that top speed.
The Mini 2 is great fun to ride, but it’s not been designed for long journeys. With a maximum range of 10 miles, this scooter is best for trips closer to home, or those involving elements of public transport. Luckily, it has a relatively short recharge time of between 3 and 4 hours, so you won’t need to wait for ages to get back out on the road. If you’re looking for a scooter with a longer range, consider the GoTrax XR Elite.
When it comes to riding comfort and safety, INOKIM tick all the right boxes for urban exploration. The Mini 2 features a front air-filled tyre with a solid one in the rear. Air-filled tyre provide much softer ride quality and help to soak up all those bumps and cracks on city pavements.
This is helped along by the rear damper, which takes the strain off that solid back wheel. Why is this important? It’ll help you keep steady and balanced. I should mention, though, that the Mini 2 isn't an off-road scooter, so make sure you stick to well maintained roads and paths.
A front electric and rear step-on brake provides two ways to bring the scooter to a safe stop and both are responsive enough to deal with sharp braking in case of an emergency, or a more gradual halt. Sadly, the Mini 2 doesn’t come with lights and instead features reflectors which won’t provide as much illumination as necessary for a truly safe ride in low-light conditions. I’d recommend purchasing additional lights to remedy this.
Although the Mini 2 has some advanced features like the USB charging port for a phone, there are some downsides. For instance, it doesn’t have a speedometer to monitor how fast you’re going. For the price point, I’d expect to see features like this included.
Which brings me to another sticking point: the price. The INOKIM Mini 2 tends to cost around £450. Looking at the specs on offer, the only two features that justify the steep price is the adjustable handlebars that allow you to alter the scooter to suit you as you grow, as well as the fact it is one of the lightest scooters. Being super light makes it ideal for those teens looking for scooter that they can easily pick up and carry.
Having said that, the weight of the INOKIM name also plays a large part in this scooter’s attraction. INOKIM is well-known for producing some of the most durable scooters. You’ll have no doubt that you're in the safest hands when it comes to this brand.
Available in black or white and featuring a sleek, minimalist design, there’s a lot to like about the INOKIM Mini 2, not least the excellent quality and portability, as well as its ability to grow alongside teenagers. If you’re looking for something you can rely on and transport easily, without the bells and whistles, this is a great choice. However, be prepared to pay extra for the INOKIM name.
17-18 Years Old
This is an excellent scooter if you’re looking for something that has more bite to satisfy older teens who want to go a bit faster and a bit further. Despite costing less than £500, it offers a lot of premium features including pneumatic tyres, an extensive 30 mile range, and a triple braking system alongside its maximum speed of 20 mph. If you want value for money as well as solid specs, the X7 Pro is a winner.
*We have converted the price to GBP for your convenience. Prices on the retailer website are in U.S. Dollars but rest assured, we only recommend scooters that can be shipped to the UK.
If you’d class yourself as a speed fiend in training, you’re going to need something with a little more power than the likes of the Ninebot Max to live up to your expectations. Luckily, the Turboant X7 Pro is a significant speed upgrade and has tons of premium features to keep everyone happy.
Turboant X7 Pro Unboxing & Review
A complete unboxing and review of the Turboant X7 Pro. See what the best electric scooter under £600 has to offer. From close-ups of the frame to talking through the impressive stats, this video will show you exactly what you can expect from the Turboant X7 Pro.
So, how fast can the X7 Pro go? Thanks to the 350W motor, riders can hit the throttle and reach a maximum speed of 20 mph in mere seconds. This acceleration also gives it enough power to manage 15% hills without breaking a sweat and makes it the fastest electric scooter on this list. Because of the increased speed, I’d only recommend this model to older teenagers and encourage all riders to make sure they wear appropriate protective gear and a helmet at all times. For those looking for a more thrilling ride, this is a great option.
However, just because this scooter is one of the fastest, doesn’t mean it’s only appropriate for more experienced teenage riders. Thanks to the 3 different gear settings (beginner, eco, and sport), you can choose between a speed limit of 12.5 mph, 16 mph, or 20 mph, dependent on how comfortable you are with riding.
One thing all teenagers should all be able to agree on though is that the X7 Pro boasts a pretty smart aesthetic. Its black, pared-back, minimalist exterior means it’s stylish enough to fit into any setting and the red accents give it a splash of colour that stops it from being boring. It looks just as good when folded and although it’s slightly heavier than other models, at 15 kg it’s still light enough for most 17 and 18-year-olds to carry.
The extra weight comes from the fact that the X7 Pro has a very sturdy construction. It can support riders of up to 125 kg, which is great for heavier teens, and has a spacious foot deck for more balanced riding. Its beefier structure makes the Pro more reliable in a multitude of circumstances, plus the IPX4 waterproof-rating means it can handle light rain. This is a scooter that has been built to perform in a variety of elements.
The extra weight also comes from the increased bulk of the stem. This is because, unlike other scooters, the X7 Pro’s battery is located on the neck. Despite the weight, there are some awesome advantages to this positioning. For example, you can detach the battery and take it away with you if you ever need to leave the scooter which is a great security feature. Additionally, the battery has its own charging port, so you can choose between charging the scooter as a unit, or just the smaller pack on its own. Handy, right?
Speaking of the battery, a standout feature of the X7 Pro is the range on offer. You’ll be able to ride for approximately 30 miles on a single charge, although this will be less if the scooter is consistently stuck in sports mode. Regardless, this is great mileage for a scooter that costs less than £500. Plus, if you’re a fan of extended rides, the detachable battery gives you the option of buying a second pack to keep in your rucksack. This means when the first one runs out of juice, you can swap it out and keep going for another 30 miles. When you need to recharge, you’ll have to wait between 4-6 hours before you can get back out on the road.
Despite only costing £434 the X7 Pro delivers awesome riding quality, especially considering that it doesn’t have any suspension. This is mostly down to the large 10 inch air-filled tyres which give great shock absorption. That being said, I’d still recommend sticking to well-maintained paths to get the best of this scooter. Without suspension, you’ll still feel plenty of bumps from particularly uneven surfaces despite the damping provided by the tyres.
Because the X7 Pro is one of the fastest scooters on this list, it needs to have strong braking power to balance this out. Don’t worry, Turboant has covered all its bases here. It comes with a triple braking system including an electronic, rear disc, and manual foot brake. This is a great combination and you can rely on it to deliver strong, responsive braking power. You’ll be able to come to a stop within as little as 5 meters, which is pretty impressive for a scooter at this price.
Other safety features on the X7 Pro include a fairly bright front light and rear red tail light which double as a brake light. These are both pretty decent, however, for regular nighttime riding, I’d recommend purchasing additional lighting to be on the safe side. The lights can be operated from the handlebars, alongside the loud bell and digital display. From here, you can monitor your basic stats such as speed and battery life, as well as switching between riding modes.
If you’re a teenager looking for a fast scooter to deliver a thrilling ride or a parent after an awesome gift for your 17 or 18 year old, the Turboant X7 Pro is a solid option. It has a sturdy construction, pneumatic tyres, and a triple-braking system, so even though you won’t have to pay through the nose for this scooter, you can rest assured that you’re getting a good quality model for your money.
When it comes to scooter brands, Ninebot by Segway is one of the best. They’re known for their reliability and trustworthiness, which is why a scooter like the Ninebot Max is one of my top choices for 17 and 18 year olds.
Part of the reason Ninebot scooters have such a good rep is that they look the part and this is no different for the Max. Firstly, its gunmetal-grey and black body is a sight for sore eyes which is a bonus for teenagers who hold the opinion that appearance is everything. Its no-nonsense, minimalist exterior channels an urban cool that’ll make weaving along the bike lane a dream.
What’s great about the Max is that not only does it look great, but it doesn’t sacrifice durability and sturdiness for an attractive exterior. In fact, this scooter is a lot chunkier than others in a similar price bracket, which makes it feel more substantial than alternatives. Its water-resistant IPX5 rating also means that it can deal with light rain, so dreary weather won’t keep you off the road.
As well as being a generally tough scooter, it also has a great top speed of 18.6 mph and fairly rapid acceleration. It’s a kick-to-start scooter which means you won’t be able to pull away at maximum speed immediately, but it does make it generally safer for younger riders. Plus, once you get going, the pickup is quick enough that you won’t have any complaints.
The Max’s 350W motor is larger than that of the Ninebot E22E, so it’s no surprise that it has a better hill-climbing ability than its younger sibling, and can ride confidently up 20% inclines, especially in the sport mode. This makes it better suited for riders who live in cities with steeper elevation levels. Like the E22E, it comes with 3 riding modes (eco, standard, and sports) that can be operated from the LED dashboard and allow riders to pick a speed they’re comfortable with.
The inclusion of three riding modes also means you can control the maximum range that the Max offers. Without a doubt, this scooter has been tuned to deliver an extensive mileage, promising 40.4 miles when ridden in the most conservative settings but if you’re going to be spending a lot of time in the sports setting, this will be reduced.
It’ll take 6 hours for the Max’s battery to fully recharge once drained, but when you consider the range on offer, this is a great ratio. Plus, the Max’s charger is located in the deck, so you won’t need to worry about forgetting to pack the charging cable and becoming stranded with no power. Instead, you’ll have flexible charging options with you at all times.
Another strength of the Max is its inclusion of innovative features like its self-healing tyres. Yes, you read that right. There aren’t many downsides to having large, 10 inch pneumatic tyres because they provide increased traction and great shock absorption, but they are still at an increased risk of suffering from flats. Ninebot neatly sidesteps this problem by pre-filling their tyres with tyre slime which handily deals with any punctures less than 6mm in diameter.
Unfortunately, the Max doesn’t come with any suspension, but thankfully the large air-filled tyres and sturdy frame provide enough support that you won’t have to worry about a bumpy ride as long as you stick to well-maintained urban environments. Plus, the wide anti-slip foot deck will help you keep your balance in case of surprise impacts.
Ninebot is known as one of the safest scooter brands, and the Max lives up to that reputation. It features a front mechanical drum brake and rear electric brake and this dual stopping power gives you great control over the scooter at all times. It also comes with a front headlight and rear red brake light for safe night time riding. These, along with the bell, are great for letting others know of your presence. However, if you want increased visibility of the path ahead when it’s dark, more lighting is needed.
Like other scooters from Ninebot, the Max has a technological edge over other scooters on the market because of its super convenient Bluetooth App. This allows you to customize your riding experience, giving you the option of changing between riding modes as well as connecting to the central display, meaning you’ll always have visibility over your riding stats.
One downside of this scooter is that, at 18 kg, it’s fairly heavy and this might be a challenge for smaller riders. It does fold down quickly and easily, but the added weight can make carrying it a challenge. If you think the Max might be too heavy for you, I’d recommend checking out the Ninebot ES4. It’s a bit cheaper than the Max and has a reduced mileage of 28 miles, but it has the same speed and only weighs 14 kg, making it slightly more manageable.
At £729, the Ninebot Max is on the expensive side, however, given its sturdiness, this is a scooter that will last the test of time, making it more of an investment than an unnecessary splurge. I can guarantee that you’ll be able to use this scooter for many years to come. Plus, its timelessly cool and stylish aesthetic means it’ll never feel outdated or unfashionable.
Here’s a question for you: what teenager wouldn’t want to own something that has been dubbed the iPhone or Tesla of the scooter world? I’m guessing that the ears of pretty much every 17 or 18 year old in the country would prick up at the sound of that.
Well, let me introduce you to the Unagi Model One, perhaps the most luxuriously designed scooters on the market.
A complete unboxing and look at the Unagi Model One scooter. From close-ups of the frame to talking through the exotic materials used to mill such a gorgeous scooter, this video will show you exactly what you can expect from the Unagi.
Unagi Model One Scooter Unboxing
Without a doubt, the Model One is a premium product. It has a polished aesthetic and a futuristic vibe that makes it feel very modern. It’s available in four different colours with names like cosmic blue, matt black, sea salt, and scarlet red, but if those don’t take your fancy there are several premium patterned exteriors to choose from at an extra cost. I’m talking skulls, spots, flowers, camo… the choices are dizzying and there’s something in there to suit every teenager’s style.
The Unagi’s cockpit looks like something you’d find in a sci-fi film and the sleek integrated display allows riders to monitor their riding stats with a single glance. Alongside this, you’ll find the ergonomic thumb throttle, brake lever, and horn, as well as the controls to operate the LED headlight and rear blinking tail light.
This scooter looks great but it’s not just a pretty face. The paint used on the exterior is anti-abrasive to defend against wear and tear and also prevents the scooters from rusting. The materials used in its construction come from all over the world and combine to make it extremely lightweight but also very hard-wearing and durable. For example, the magnesium alloy used in the handlebars is 33% lighter than aluminium and the Japanese TORAY carbon fibre of the body is extremely strong. It’s so strong that it’s the same material Elon Musk uses on his Space-X rockets. If you’re looking for a high build quality scooter, you can’t get any better than the materials used to separate astronauts from the punishing conditions of the Earth’s thermosphere.
The Model One has a top speed of 17 mph. Because of the 250W dual motors, the acceleration is faster than that of other scooters on this list.
As a result of the dual motors the Unagi is also the best hill climber of the bunch, capable of scaling 15 degree inclines.
The Unagi also comes with 3-speed settings — beginner, intermediate, and advanced — so riders can choose how fast they want to go. This is useful for less confident users but is also a great way to help conserve battery. The Model One offers a maximum range of 15.5 miles, although, as with most scooters, aggressive riding reduces this. Using the beginner or intermediate might not be as fun, but it will allow you to ride further. When it runs out of juice, it will take between 4-5 hours to fully recharge.
The combination of the dual braking system that includes an electronic brake with ABS (anti-lock braking) and a rear foot brake will bring you to a halt within around 4 meters. The foot brake is better suited for bringing you to a sharper stop whereas the electronic brake delivers a smoother braking experience. This is a fairly low-maintenance setup, so you won’t need to worry about brake care.
The 7.5 inch solid rubber tyres are a little on the small side but are virtually maintenance-free because they’re puncture-resistant. This makes them perfect for a busy teenager on the go. Usually, rigid rubber tyres are markers for fairly uncomfortable ride quality, but as with other elements of this scooter, the Model One’s wheels are unique. They feature air pockets that make them softer than solid tyres and give a small amount of shock absorption on smooth roads. Despite this, I wouldn’t advise riding the Model One on any rough surfaces, especially because it doesn’t have any suspension.
Because of its lightweight frame, the Model One only weighs 11.8 kg, which is ideal for smaller riders. It also boasts the world’s first one-step folding mechanism. Whether this is true or not, the Unagi does have a satisfyingly smooth folding motion and it locks into place with one click. This makes carrying it onto public transport or storing it in small spaces simple and stress-free.
This scooter is perfect for teenagers who like their gadgets to have a premium edge. Given its exotic cocktail of materials and its beautiful design, it’s not surprising that it’s expensive, costing £899. Because of this, the Model One won’t be the perfect match for everyone and those of you on a budget will be better suited to something like the Turboant X7 Pro. However, if you’ve got a weakness for the finer things in life and have a bit more to spend, trust me when I say there’s nothing in this price bracket finer than the Unagi Model One.
By Type (Cheap, Foldable, Fastest etc)
Cheapest
- GoTrax GXL V2 – £239
- Turboant X7 Pro – £434
Foldable, Light & Portable
- Unagi Model One E500 – Weighs 11.8 kg and has folded dimensions of 38 x 16.5 x 14.9”
- INOKIM Mini – Weighs 10.4 kg and has folded dimensions of 11.8 x 14.2 x 15”
- GoTrax GXL V2 – Weighs 12 kg and has folded dimensions of 15 x 44 x 6”
Commuting
- Turboant X7 Pro – A fast maximum speed of 20 mph, top range of 30 miles, and 15 kg folding frame. Excellent value for money option.
- GoTrax XR Elite – A reasonable maximum speed of 15.5 mph, top range of 18 miles, and 14.4 kg folding frame. A great option if you don’t want to splash the cash.
- Unagi Model One E500 – A reasonable maximum speed of 17 mph, top range of 15.5 miles, and 11.8 kg folding frame. The Model One’s portability and iPhone-esque design make it a great commuting option for those who like to ride with flair.
Fastest
- Turboant X7 Pro – Maximum speed of 20 mph
- Segway Ninebot Max – Maximum speed of 18.6 mph
- Unagi Model One E500 – Maximum speed of 17 mph
Longest Range
- Segway Ninebot Max – Maximum range of 40.4 miles
- Turboant X7 Pro – Maximum range of 30 miles
- GoTrax XR Elite – Maximum range of 18 miles
Biggest Wheels
- Turboant X7 Pro – 10 inch pneumatic tyres (air-filled)
- Segway Ninebot Max – 10 inch pneumatic tyres (air-filled)
- Ninebot E22 – 9 inch PU-filled solid tyres (foam-filled)
