Electric scooters have seen a massive surge in popularity in the last couple of years. This is mostly due to them being a low-cost, environmentally friendly and efficient way to commute without too much effort.
They also appeal to a lot of people because they are easier to transport and store than an electric bike, particularly when they are a foldable and more portable version.
In this article, we are going to look at which best lightweight foldable electric scooters come out as top choices and why.
Best Folding Electric Scooter Comparison
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Don’t Forget to Check the Local Laws Relating to Electric Scooter Use
The surge in popularity of electric scooters has caught a lot of states by surprise. This means that they don’t all have clear laws surrounding their use.
The regulations can vary greatly depending on where you are located, and you should always do your research in advance of purchasing an e-scooter.
Some may have laws about the speeds they are allowed to go up to, others about the maximum motor size.
They may even restrict which types of roads and pathways they are allowed access to.
Check out our reviews of the best electric scooters with seats.
Reviews of the Best Lightweight Folding Electric Scooters
Not all electric scooters have a folding design. Some have a more rigid frame.
Sometimes this will be a deliberate design element, to provide a more robust model. Other times it can be because the scooter is just a more basic and budget version.
A Scooter that can be folded down tends to be a much better choice if you plan to use one as a commuter. It makes them easier to take on busy public transport. It can also make it more practical for easy storage under a desk, in a tight space at your work, or in the trunk of your car.
Even if they fold down, it doesn’t always mean they are all that portable. They can still be unwieldy and heavy.
We have selected five of the best lightweight folding electric scooters for adults. Where possible, we have tried to select e-scooters weighing under 30lbs.
Often to keep a scooter light, the manufacturer has to make compromises on motor and battery size and other specification that can add additional weight. If you really do want a scooter that is portable as possible, you may have to accept that it won’t go as far or as fast.
As well as how well they fold down and what they weigh, we will look at the:
- battery life,
- motor,
- brakes,
- suspension, and
- overall value for money.
Specs
| Motor | 350w (peak 800w) |
| Battery | Lithium Ion 36 VDC, 374 Wh |
| Charging Time | 7 hours |
| Max Speed | 19 mph |
| Max Distance | 28 miles |
| Max Capacity | 220 lbs |
| Scooter Weight | 30.9 lbs |
What We Loved
This electric scooter is a mid-entry model and, for the price, it does come with some nice additional features and reasonably high-quality specification.
For starters, even though this model weighs just over 30lbs, it has a more powerful motor than a lot of other lightweight options do. This means it tackles hills with greater ease, and you notice a difference in the power of the acceleration.
It also means that it has a more generous maximum range too. Depending on how and where you ride and your weight, this could take you up to 28 miles on a single charge. This is a lot more than your average lightweight electric scooter. So, if you have a longer daily commute, this could be worth considering
The solid airless tires mean you don’t have to worry about getting a puncture or adding more pressure to the tires. Normally solid tires make for a less smooth ride, but because the Segway has front and rear suspension, this is not something you need to worry about. It provides you with a very comfortable and smooth riding experience.
Ninebot are well known for having a very flexible app for their digital interface. This is one of the most unique features of this scooter. It allows you to track your riding history in a very sophisticated manner. If you are a tech geek, this one will keep you entertained for hours.
The app also has the option to allow you to lock your scooter, and it will alert you if anyone is trying to move it.
Why it Might Not Work For You
For riders on a limited budget, you may have to pick one of the more basic models. While it does offer good value for money, given the specification, at over $700 this is not cheap.
The Segway is not a quick charging scooter. To achieve a full charge can take up to 7 hours. If you have a long commute to and from work, and you require a full charge each way, it could prove to be tricky fitting this in during your working day.
Out of all the scooters we have reviewed, this one has the lowest maximum weight capacity. If you are a heavier rider, you would be better considering the Megawheels or the MiniZüm.
Overall Verdict
If you are not on a restricted budget, this scooter offers a lot for the money. It will make a great long-distance commuting option. If you have to deal with some hills, you will also get more power from the Segway than a lot of other lightweight options.
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Specs
| Motor | 250W (Peak 600 w) brushless, gearless hub electric motor |
| Battery | LG Lithium-Ion 36 V, 7.8 Ah battery pack |
| Charge Time | 3.5 hours |
| Maximum Speed | 15 mph |
| Max Distance | 15 miles |
| Max Capacity | 255 lbs |
| Scooter Weight | 28 lbs |
What We Loved
The Glion Dolly is a tried and tested model that is well known in the e-scooter market. It has a robust frame that easily folds down and a unique dolly handle that makes it easy to pull along when folded down.
A lot of the other folding models have to be lifted up entirely once folded.
Once standing up, the Glion will stay up without any support. Again, this ability to be free-standing and self-balancing is quite a unique feature.
It is a good option for short commutes and hobby riding with a sensible top speed of 15 mph and a maximum range of 15 miles. It also means it is a perfect entry-level scooter. Often the faster models can be overwhelming for first-time riders.
It has solid airless tires and, while these won’t puncture or need to be pumped up, they don’t offer as much of a buffer on bumps.
Just recently however, Glion has introduced an upgraded model (reviewed here), and this includes front suspension. This is a real bonus as it provides a much more supportive and comfortable riding experience.
The upgrade also included the addition of a rear fender press brake. This means there is a back up for the electric braking system, and this is a nice extra reassurance.
The handlebars of the Glion Dolly can be adjusted to three different height settings, and it is an excellent choice for even the tallest of riders.
It has a very robust frame, and the kickstand is sturdier than some models – no worries about it breaking easily or toppling over.
You know if you have any problems, that you are going to get a helpful response from Glion. They have earned a good reputation for their after-sales support.
Why it Might Not Work For You
As with a lot of the lightweight models, the Glion only has a 250w motor. For heavier riders or those that have a hillier commute, you may want to look for a scooter with a more powerful motor. It doesn’t cope with steep inclines well.
The accelerator can take a bit of getting used to. It is not as responsive as some other scooters. There seems to be a delay before the power kicks in, and this can be slightly disconcerting and a little distracting.
The interface on the Glion is pretty basic. There is no fancy app like you get with the Segway. It doesn’t have a speedometer, so you just have to estimate the speed you are traveling at. While this shouldn’t be a deal-breaker, it seems a shame when this scooter costs $500.
You will also need to keep a close eye on the battery indicator. It is not very accurate with it only showing low, medium and full.
If you have a long commute, don’t opt for the Glion. It has a maximum 15-mile range. However, unless you are very light, riding with low throttle and not tackling any hills, you will have to expect considerably less than this.
Overall Verdict
It is more expensive than some of the other models that have a lower power capacity, but the Glion Dolly stands out for being very easy to transport when folded down.
The addition of the rear brake and front suspension means it does have a generally decent specification.
It is a practical choice if you have to get your scooter on and off busy public transport.