Best 25 MPH Electric Scooters (4 Selected From 11 Tested Models)
Quick List: Best 25 MPH Electric Scooters
To find the 4 best electric scooters that can hit a top speed of 25 mph, I shortlisted 11 models and tested them all.
Key to my decision-making was each scooter’s motor power, nominal and peak power, top speed, acceleration, controller performance, handling, and braking.
Learn more about how I tested and selected the scooters.
See my 4 top picks below (ordered by Holiday Sale prices):
- Horizon – 23 mph ($649)
- Mosquito – 25 mph ($749)
- EMOVE Touring – 25 mph ($799) – Save $50 with code: ELECTRICSCOOTERINSIDER
- Apollo City 2023 – 27 mph ($1,199)
See all 11 of the shortlisted electric scooters that I tested in the photo carousel below.
See my top picks and reviews of each scooter
Best models by use case (e.g. for portability)
Compare design and performance specs
See how I tested and selected the scooters
Best 25 MPH Electric Scooters
Searching For the Best Model By Use Case?
See the best scooters by type (e.g. for heavy riders, portability, etc).
Cheapest
Further Information:
Best Cheap Electric Scooters
Heavy Riders
- EMOVE Touring – Supports riders up to 308 lbs
Further Information:
Heavy Duty Electric Scooters for Heavy Adults
Tall Riders
- Apollo City – Riders up to 6.5 ft
Further Information:
Electric Scooters For Tall Riders Up to 6ft 6″
Fastest
- Apollo City – 27 mph
Further Information:
Fastest Electric Scooters
Longest Range
- Apollo City – 40 miles max (27 miles real-world)
Further Information:
Long Range Electric Scooters
Off-Roading
- None
Further Information:
Best Off-Road Electric Scooters for All Types of Terrain
Most Portable
- Mosquito – 29 lbs, telescopic stem, and foldable handlebars
Further Information:
Best Foldable Electric Scooters (Portable, Compact & Small)
Commuting
Further Information:
Electric Scooters For Commuting
Hill Climbing
- Horizon – 15 degrees max, 9 degrees optimal
Further Information:
Electric Scooters For Climbing Hills: Breeze Up the Steepest of Inclines
Suspension
- Apollo City – Triple springs and swingarms (score 7.5/10 on my shock absorption scale)
Further Information:
Best Electric Scooters With Suspension
Waterproof
- Apollo City – IP66 water-resistance rating
Further Information:
Waterproof Electric Scooters: Best Scooters For Riding in the Rain
Optional Seat
- EMOVE Touring – Detachable seat available for $65
Further Information:
Best Seated Scooters
Biggest Wheels
- Apollo City – 10 x 3.25 inches
Further Information:
Big Wheel Electric Scooters
Performance Report:
Tester: Josh Frisby (190 lbs, 6.1 ft)
- Top Speed: 23 mph
- 0-15 mph: 4.7 s*
- Max Range: 23 miles
- Real Range: 17 miles*
- Braking: 5.0 meters*
- Suspension: 6/10*
- Max Incline: 15 degrees
- Optimal Incline: 9 degrees*
- Weight: 42 lbs
- Load: 265 lbs
Motor Power:
- Motors: 48V 500W
- Nominal Power: 500W
- Peak Power: 800W
Horizon Overview:
The priority for most riders when mulling over which model is best for them is value for money. They want a scooter that’s low maintenance, comfortable to ride, and robust enough to handle everyday use.
Well, value is the Horizon V2’s calling card. Harnessing the satisfying simplicity and versatility of its predecessor, the V2 achieves best-in-class ride quality, speed, mileage, and hill-climbing.
It’s also one of the cheapest scooters to be equipped with a full suspension system, qualifying it as a smooth, comfortable ride for urban jaunts.
Indeed, this award-winning model is in a league of its own when compared to other scooters in its price category.
The Good:
- Very popular
- One of the cheapest scooters to be equipped with front and rear suspension
- Great ride quality
- Extremely compact
- Nippy acceleration
- Top performer in its price class
- Telescopic stem allows riders to adjust the handlebar height
- Ergonomic controls
- Low maintenance
The Bad:
- No water-resistance rating
- Brakes could be better calibrated
Why I Recommend the Horizon:
This is a scooter that’s been purpose-built to meet the needs of first-time riders who want a zippy, comfortable, and compact model.
Its secret weapons are a 48V 500W motor and 20A controller that together produce a peak power output of 800W and an acceleration rate of 0-15 mph in 4.7 seconds. This repertoire is exceptionally rare on scooters priced under $800; in fact, you’ll find the V2 outpacing models approaching the $1,000 mark, too. Think of it as a welterweight punching at middleweight.
But a one-trick pony, the V2 is not. Despite its relatively low price tag, it comes equipped with a sublime front and rear suspension system.
The dual-pronged rear springs act as counterbalances to the V2’s solid tire, the presence of which is designed to reduce the likelihood of flats (rear tires are more prone to punctures). The front spring and air-filled tire, meanwhile, work in harmony to absorb shocks from city streets. As a result, the V2 is the most comfortable ride in its price category.
This comfort is amplified by the reasonably spacious and grippy deck, handlebars that are 41% wider than your typical entry-level scooter, and an ergonomic cockpit that includes a serenely smooth – and newly upgraded – thumb throttle. These features, along with its well-balanced frame, establish the Horizon V2 as an effortlessly maneuverable joyride.
Also present is a revamped display that comes with an IP66 water resistance rating. What’s peculiar, however, is that the rest of the scooter has no rating whatsoever. While testing the Horizon it survived snow and rain, but I’d avoid taking it out in heavy downpours.
Now, being the archetypal everyday scooter, you’d expect it to have its portability game in order. I’m pleased to confirm that it meets such expectations. Not only is its cantilevered folding mechanism a celebration of ease and convenience, but the handlebars are also foldable and the wobble-free stem is telescopic. It easily fits onto public transport or in the trunk of a car when folded, while its 42 lbs weight means it can be carried in short bursts with little hassle. It even comes with a new carry handle.
Yet, with a maximum range of 23 miles, carrying the V2 will be an afterthought. Even with real-world conditions factored in, you can still expect 17 miles on a single charge. And better still, for an extra $80 you can purchase the scooter with a larger 13Ah battery to boost your range to 30 miles.
A model capable of 23 mph requires the stopping power to match. Well, one of my biggest bugbears with the original Horizon was its lackluster performance in this area – and sadly, there have been no improvements made on the V2. Though the rear drum and regen brake combo are low maintenance, their combined stopping distance of 5.0 meters from 15 mph is average at best. It does, however, align with the same performance as exhibited by the EMOVE Touring and Mosquito, thereby making it easier to accept.
Its array of lights also left me a little lukewarm. There are plenty of them, but are they bright enough for night rides? To put it simply, you’ll need to buy extras. The headlight is mounted too low on the stem leaving the street ahead shrouded in more darkness than I would have liked. The deck-embedded button lights, on the other hand, illuminate the scooter to signal your presence to other road users. The ones at the rear double up as brake lights, too.
But, let’s shift the dial back to positivity because the Horizon V2 has so much to brag about. Tough as a rhino, as comfortable as a magic carpet, and surprisingly powerful, few scooters can offer such a bounty of treats at such an affordable price tag.
Performance Report:
Tester: Josh Frisby (190 lbs, 6.1 ft)
- Top Speed: 25 mph
- 0-15 mph: 4.5 s*
- Max Range: 32 miles
- Real Range: 19 miles*
- Braking: 4.9 meters*
- Suspension: 5/10*
- Max Incline: 15 degrees
- Optimal Incline: 9 degrees*
- Weight: 39 lbs
- Load: 308 lbs
Motor Power:
- Motors: 48V 500W
- Nominal Power: 500W
- Peak Power: 750W
EMOVE Touring Overview:
There’s one simple reason why the EMOVE Touring has become a stalwart of the commuter scene over the last few years: it’s a top-class scooter with inclusivity at its heart.
So, what’s its secret? Well, not only is it a little bottle rocket capable of a 25 mph top speed, but with a high-end LG battery, humongous load capacity of 308 lbs, ultra-portable features, and the option of a detachable seat, it pretty much covers all bases when talking about mass appeal.
It may not be the most graceful scooter around – and other models may beat it in certain areas. But the EMOVE Touring’s all-around excellence means it isn’t going anywhere despite innumerable newcomers seeking to dethrone it.
The Good:
- Best-in-class speed, acceleration, and range
- Inclusive design (ideal for all riders of all shapes and sizes)
- Extremely high load-bearing capacity
- Adjustable handlebar height
- Low maintenance
- High-quality LG battery
- IP54 water resistance rating
- Available in five vivid colors
- Optional seat attachment
The Bad:
- Drum brake could be stronger
- Clatters while going over bumps
Why I Recommend the EMOVE Touring:
Being a member of the EMOVE clan bestows a certain gravitas. These are scooters that are renowned for their durability, range, and suitability for all rider types. But they’re also plucky, as demonstrated by the Touring.
Its rear-mounted 48V 500W motor has a peak power output of 750W and a fizzing top speed of 25 mph, making it a top contender for the fastest sub 40 lb scooter.
Meanwhile, a Square Wave controller and responsive finger throttle propel the Touring to 15 mph from a standing start in 4.5 seconds – leaving its similarly-priced rivals in the dust.
It’s fair to say, then, that this is a scooter that’ll add considerable spice to your commute. Yet, I’m not talking about the kind of spice that leaves you desperately grasping for water while your eyes stream and your mouth teeters on the brink of spontaneous combustion.
No. The Touring is a model that ensures that you always feel in control. Its expansive grippy deck, flared handgrips, and exceptionally wide handlebars maximize your sense of balance and stability, while a coterie of riding modes can be accessed via the bright display.
Elsewhere, the IP54 water-resistant frame is tough enough to support a best-in-class load-bearing capacity of 308 lbs. And what’s more, there’s space at the rear of the deck for an optional seat attachment. Talk about comfort.
Comfort is also an apt description for the triple suspension system. While not quite as ground-breaking as it was back in 2020 when the Touring was released, it remains a reliable absorber of the shocks and vibrations that you’ll encounter on urban routes. Sure, things can get a bit lively when you go over bumps, but not excessively so.
A pneumatic tire at the front pulls its weight to maximize your riding experience, while a solid tire at the rear significantly reduces the risk of punctures. Additionally, because it sports a slightly wider profile and larger contact patch, the rear tire guarantees a healthy amount of traction when you’re accelerating.
Like many scooters in its price category, the Touring brandishes an extremely low-maintenance drum brake. Working in cahoots with the accompanying regen brake, it’ll bring you to a stop from 15 mph in 4.9 meters. This isn’t anything to write home about, though it is in line with its greatest rivals – the Horizon and Mosquito.
When it comes to portability, however, it shines. Weighing a paltry 39 lbs, it's exceptionally light and easy to carry. The triumvirate of a telescopic stem, foldable handlebars, and slick folding mechanism ensures that it can be collapsed to a compact size that’ll fit snugly under your desk or in your car trunk.
With so many highlights to get through, it’s little wonder that I’m only now arriving at one of the Touring’s greatest strengths: range. Armed with a top-tier 48V 13Ah LG battery, it can work through a maximum of 32 miles on a single charge – or 19 miles when you bring higher speeds and heavier riders into the equation. This is still more than enough juice for the vast majority of commutes… and then some.
As is the case with many entry-level scooters, the Touring’s headlight doesn’t quite hit the mark. It’s a little too low on the stem, meaning you’ll need to invest in an extra clip-on to ensure enough of the road ahead is illuminated. Saying that, it does a much better job than the Horizon by providing a good level of visibility in low-light conditions. Elsewhere, the lighting rig is completed by deck LEDS and a taillight, which is what you’d expect for its price.
In truth, expectations are something that this model specializes in exceeding. Though it may be an elder statesman in electric scooter terms, the Touring shows no signs of relinquishing its grip on rider affections.
Performance Report:
Tester: Josh Frisby (190 lbs, 6.1 ft)
- Top Speed: 25 mph
- 0-15 mph: 5.0 s*
- Max Range: 22 miles
- Real Range: 18 miles*
- Braking: 4.8 meters*
- Suspension: 5.5/10*
- Max Incline: 15 degrees
- Optimal Incline: 9 degrees*
- Weight: 29 lbs
- Load: 265 lbs
Motor Power:
- Motors: 48V 500W
- Nominal Power: 500W
- Peak Power: 700W
Mosquito Overview:
Fluid’s Mosquito is that rare breed of scooter that marries ultra-portability with nippy power and rugged durability. No wonder it’s a winner of one of our ESI Awards for 2023/24.
In fact, when it comes to its power-to-weight ratio, no other scooter touches it. Weighing about the same as a small sausage dog (29 lbs), but capable of hitting speeds faster than Usain Bolt, the Mosquito channels the flitting nimbleness of its fearsome namesake to deliver a truly unique ride.
Factor in a superb suspension setup, mighty brakes, and an exceptionally low maintenance design, and you have a scooter that’s purpose-made for the unpredictability of city life.
The Good:
- King of ultra-portability
- Smallest and lightest dimensions of all portable scooters
- High power-to-weight ratio
- Nippy acceleration
- Regenerative brake recharges the battery when in use
- Low maintenance
- Excellent suspension
- Nimble
The Bad:
- Handlebars are narrow
Why I Recommend the Mosquito:
The Mosquito’s 48V 500W motor produces a peak power output of 700W and a top speed of 25 mph (though, some riders have reported speeds of 28 mph). What’s more, it can go from 0-15 mph in an impressive 5.0 seconds.
In simple terms, no other scooter can lay a glove on the Mosquito when it comes to speed versus weight. You could say it’s punching above its… you get the idea.
None of them can match it for ultra-portability, either. The Mosquito’s super lightweight 29 lb frame can easily be lifted and carried, while its foldable handlebars, telescopic stem, and cantilevered folding mechanism ensure it’ll fit in even the tightest of storage spaces. It’s the most portable scooter on the market, bar none.
And then you have its ride quality. Despite featuring solid tires (which, to be fair, turn the threat of flats into a myth), the dual-spring suspension admirably absorbs shocks and vibrations to spare your muscles and joints from any duress. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, the Mosquito has no peers in the ultra-portability arena when it comes to comfort.
This comfort is further enhanced by the spacious – not to mention grippy – deck, and smooth thumb throttle. However, I did find the handlebars to be on the narrow side; they take some getting used to but feel stable enough once you’ve acclimatized.
And fear not, if you count yourself as a bigger rider and are concerned as to whether the Mosquito’s compact profile will be a good fit for you, you can rest assured thanks to its 265 lbs load-bearing capacity.
As for range, it continues to turn heads. Its 48V 9.6Ah battery can summon a maximum of 22 miles on a single charge, or 18 miles when ridden fast. Only the INOKIM Light 2 can eclipse it in the mileage versus weight stakes. But, the Light 2 is void of a suspension system, making the Mosquito a more well-rounded and comfortable scooter.
Considering the Mosquito’s pocket rocket performance profile, you’ll be glad to hear that also has a triple braking system. The main protagonist is a rear drum brake, which is ably supported by a regen and stomp brake. Together, they’ll bring you to a stop from 15 mph in 4.8 meters. My one bit of advice, however, would be to go easy on the stomp, as it can wear down the rear tire if overused.
Elsewhere, the cockpit is a case study in ergonomic design. Paddles for your accelerator and regen brake are within easy reach, while the bright LED color display grants easy access to all your key stats. And there’s more: through the display you can also tap into the scooter’s p-settings, allowing you to turn cruise control on or off, and activate zero-start mode.
Below the display, there’s a series of four buttons – one of which controls the lights. As is the case with the vast majority of entry-level scooters, I recommend buying an extra clip-on headlight. But, even without this addition, the built-in headlight is sufficiently bright to illuminate dimly-lit paths. The fender-embedded taillight doubles as a flashing brake light, too.
In conclusion, if you’re searching for a fast yet agile, low-maintenance yet sleek, and ultra-portable yet comfortable scooter, then there’s only one contender: the Mosquito.
Performance Report:
Tester: Josh Frisby (190 lbs, 6.1 ft)
- Top Speed: 27 mph
- 0-15 mph: 4.0 s*
- Max Range: 40 miles
- Real Range: 27 miles*
- Braking: 2.1 meters*
- Suspension: 7.5/10*
- Max Incline: 10 degrees
- Optimal Incline: 6 degrees*
- Weight: 57 lbs
- Load: 220 lbs
Motor Power:
- Motors: 48V 500W
- Nominal Power: 500W
- Peak Power: 1000W
Apollo City Overview:
Wow. Just wow. Like scores of others, I’ve been waiting for the Apollo City 2023 since, well, 2022’s edition came to market. Back then I wondered how it could be improved. The answer has been emphatic.
Featuring the same proprietary design and triple suspension that made its predecessor truly next-level, this time around the City comes with a new and improved cockpit, upgraded turn signals, self-healing tires, a larger battery, and a redesigned folding mechanism. The result is a scooter that simply cannot be bettered when it comes down to all-round quality.
Sure, there are cheaper scooters that can reach top speeds of 25 mph. But you get what you pay for, and with the Apollo City 2023, that’s an experience incomparable to any other scooter featured on this list.
The Good:
- Competitive performance profile
- Smooth power delivery
- Sublime handling
- Sleek aesthetic
- Feature-rich
- Proprietary design ensures top-class build quality
- Tubeless, self-healing tires
- Shock-absorbing triple spring suspension
- Regen brake recharges the battery by up to 10%
- Intuitive folding mechanism
- Good lighting setup with the best turn signals that I’ve tested
- Battery management system ensures long-term performance
- Integrated mobile app for customized performance
- Fast charging
- 10,000 km warranty
- Low maintenance
- Suitable for tall and heavy riders
- High IP66 water-resistance rating
The Bad:
- The display could be brighter
- Similarly priced models go faster, but the Apollo City’s overall package is superior
Why I Recommend the Apollo City:
The Apollo City 2023 can either be purchased with one or two 500W motors. This review is based on the single variant, which delivers a top speed of 27 mph and a peak power output of 1000W. Aided by a Sine Wave-esque controller, this miniature jet engine can thrust you from 0-15 mph in a spritely 4.0 seconds.
But the City’s power is just an aperitif compared to the rest of the treasures on offer. One is the scooter’s proprietary design. Like its predecessor, this year’s vintage consists of components that have been custom-made in-house to fit together like pieces of a jigsaw. There are no vulnerabilities or cheap elements. Everything – from the neat cable management and tapered upswept deck to the control-inducing cockpit and IP66 water-resistant frame – is top dollar.
Then you have the otherworldly suspension system. The triple springs (one at the front, two at the back) work in tandem with the deep-traveling swingarms to deliver a feathery smooth ride. But, what’s particularly impressive is that, despite sharing the same setup as 2022’s model, everything feels more refined. There’s no stiffness in the rear springs anymore, and no potential for bottoming out.
This stellar ride quality is further augmented by the satisfyingly wide handlebars and a cockpit that has undergone a transformation. It now sports 8th-generation paddles for the accelerator and regen brakes, while improved grips maximize comfort. And the cherry on top? New turn signals that have been built into the ends of the handlebars for optimal visibility.
The pneumatic tires, meanwhile, are just as shock absorbent and nimble as those found on the City 2022 – but now they’re also self-healing. This eliminates any possibility of flats.
Apollo has always prided itself on being one step ahead of the game – and nowhere is this more apparent than with its state-of-the-art mobile app. Through it, you can adjust the scooter’s accelerative and regen braking strength, record rides, activate a digital lock, tweak your riding modes, and view the health of your battery.
You may want to keep an eye on the regen strength in particular, as it packs one hell of a punch. Alone, it can bring you to a stop from 15 mph in an unbelievable 4.8 meters. For context, this is sharper than the Horizon and EMOVE Touring – both of which use rear drum brakes and stop in an average of 5.0 meters.
If using the dual drum brakes too, you’ll stop from 15 mph in a crushing 2.1 meters.
There’s no let-up in quality when it comes to the battery. Now 48% larger, the 48V 20Ah unit produces a maximum range of 40 miles – or 27 miles when accounting for my 190 lb weight, as well as periods of fast acceleration, cruising, and multiple stops.
On the subject of rider weight, this is perhaps the one disappointment. The City’s load capacity is just 220 lbs, which leaves it trailing behind other models. You could opt for the dual-motor City Pro, though. Aside from having a 43% faster acceleration rate, it’s better equipped for heavier riders with a 265 lbs load-bearing capacity.
Back to waxing lyrical, however, as the scooter’s folding mechanism has been through a revamp. The first thing to note is the claw-like folding lever that keeps the stem locked upright with no signs of wobble. Secondly, the hook on the back of the handlebars now features a spring clip to prevent it from coming loose from the latch on the deck.
Once folded, the City fits into the trunk of a car – however, weighing 57 lbs, you won’t want to carry it for too long.
Among other improvements is a redesigned headlight, which can now be adjusted to shine up or down.
Apollo is so confident in the quality of all these upgrades that it’s placed a 10,000 km warranty on the City 2023’s frame. I’d say this confidence is well-founded.
Compare 25 MPH Electric Scooters
Horizon 10.4 V2 | EMOVE Touring | Mosquito | Apollo City 2023 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Where to Buy | Fluid Free Ride | Voro Motors | Fluid Free Ride | Apollo |
| Price | $649 | $799 | $749 | $1,199 |
| Award | Best Under $800 | Best Under $900 | Best Under $1,000 | Best Under $1,500 |
| Review | Review | Review | Review | Review |
| Performance | ||||
| Top Speed | 23 mph | 25 mph | 25 mph | 27 mph |
| 0-15 MPH | 4.7 s | 4.5 s | 5.0 s | 4.0 s |
| Max Range | 23 miles | 32 miles | 22 miles | 40 miles |
| Tested Range | 17 miles | 19 miles | 18 miles | 27 miles |
| Braking | 5.0 meters | 4.9 meters | 4.8 meters | 2.1 meters |
| Max Incline | 15 degrees | 15 degrees | 15 degrees | 10 degrees |
| Optimal Incline | 9 degrees | 9 degrees | 9 degrees | 6 degrees |
| Specs | ||||
| Motor | 48V 500W | 48V 500W | 48V 500W | 48V 500W |
| Nominal Power | 500W | 500W | 500W | 500W |
| Peak Power | 800W | 750W | 700W | 1000W |
| Throttle | Thumb | Finger | Thumb | Thumb |
| Battery | 48V 10.4Ah FST | 48V 13Ah LG | 48V 9.6Ah FST | 48V 20Ah FST |
| Charge Time | 6 hours | 8 hours | 6 hours | 4.5 hours |
| Brakes | Drum, Electronic | Drum, Electronic | Drum, Electronic | Drums (x2), Regen |
| Suspension | Springs, Air Shocks | Springs, Swingarms | Springs, Swingarms | Triple Springs, Swingarms |
| Tire Size | 8 inch | 8 inch | 8 inch | 10 inch |
| Tire Type | Air (Inner-Tube), Solid (Rubber) | Air (Inner-Tube), Solid (Rubber) | Solid (Rubber) | Air (Tubeless, Self-Healing) |
| Weight | 42 lbs | 39 lbs | 29 lbs | 57 lbs |
| Load | 265 lbs | 308 lbs | 265 lbs | 220 lbs |
| Foldability | Folds at Stem & Handlebars | Folds at Stem & Handlebars | Folds at Stem & Handlebars | Folds at Stem |
| Lights | Headlight, Taillight | Headlight, Taillight | Headlight, Taillight | Headlight, Taillight, Turn Signals |
| IP Rating | None | IP54 | IPX5 | IP66 |
| Terrain | Street | Street | Street | Street |
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How Did I Test the Scooters?
To find the 4 best electric scooters that can hit a top speed of 25 mph, I shortlisted 11 models and tested them all.
Key to my decision-making was each scooter’s motor power, nominal and peak power, top speed, acceleration, controller performance, handling, and braking.
These assessments were conducted in addition to the standardized tests that I complete as part of my thorough testing process. Learn more about how I test scooters below:
Electric Scooters That I Tested:
Click through the photo carousel to see all of the scooters that I tested for this guide.
Test Criteria:
Motor Power
Aside from testing each scooter’s top speed (which I’ll cover shortly), I also reported on the size and power of their motors.
Here, I compared voltage and watts. Voltage indicated the intensity at which electricity was being pushed through the motors, while watts determined the amount of power that the motors could produce. The higher the voltage, the greater the torque and acceleration, and the higher the watts, the greater the top speed.
Based on my tests, scooters with 48V 500W motors were typically able to reach speeds of up to 25 mph.
Nominal & Peak Power
Nominal power refers to the amount of power that a motor can produce continuously. Peak power, meanwhile, refers to the instantaneous injections of energy that a motor is capable of before it overheats.
Here, I used my independently gathered data to compare nominal and peak power outputs relative to price (i.e. identifying the scooters with the most powerful outputs per dollar).
Top Speed
To test each scooter’s top speed, I rode them all on a dry, flat road and made sure to have each fully charged with maxed-out performance settings and their tires inflated to the recommended PSI.
To allow for a degree of leniency in the scooter selection process, I expanded the pool to include models that could reach 22-27 mph.
Acceleration
To test acceleration, each scooter was subject to 3x two-way 0-15 mph runs. The results from all 6 runs were then averaged.
To ensure consistency, zero-start modes were enabled, the performance settings were dialed up to the max, the tires were pumped up to their recommended PSI, and the batteries were fully charged.
Controllers
Controllers are the brain and central nervous system of an electric scooter. They’re responsible for the coordination of how battery power is delivered to the motors, as well as any other component that requires electricity.
Similar to motors, the power of a controller is determined by its amps and voltage. Typically, a higher amperage and voltage resulted in greater torque, faster acceleration rates, and higher top speeds.
Besides this, controllers also play a role in how smoothly power is pulled. To assess this, I reported on the throttle responses of each scooter (i.e. were they smooth or jerky).
Handling
To assess each scooter’s handling I tested their maneuverability, stability, and comfortability.
Maneuverability was determined by each scooter’s geometry and dimensions. Here, I measured handlebar width, deck-to-handlebar height, usable deck space, and kickplate angles. The wider the bars, the greater the control. The higher the deck-to-handlebar height, the better your posture. The bigger the deck space, the more room there was to find a natural riding stance. And, the shallower the angle of the kickplate, the easier it was to use it as a footrest when leaning into the ride.
I also assessed each scooter’s weight distribution and rake angle (i.e. the angle at which the steering columns were positioned in relation to a vertical axis through their front axles). Here, I made sure to select the scooters that I felt distributed their weight evenly across their frames, whilst also having rake angles that hit the sweet spot for speeds of up to 25 mph (i.e. angles that promised both stability and nimbleness).
The last area of assessment was made on each scooter’s ability to soak up shocks. To do this, I tested the rebound and compression rates of their suspension systems, the balance of shock absorption across the front and rear of the scooters, the amount of travel that the springs, shocks, and swingarms provided, and whether there was any bottoming out. All of these insights coalesced into a shock absorption rating out of 10 – where 1 was extremely stiff and 10 was extremely soft.
Safety
No matter how fast or slow you ride, safety is paramount for electric scooters. Most crucial of all is braking power.
To test each model’s performance, I measured the distance that it took for them to stop from 15 mph. I conducted 5 braking tests per scooter and averaged the data.
If electronic or regenerative braking systems were present then I dialed their strength up to the max. I also assessed the position and responsiveness of the brake levers.
Results From My Performance Tests:
See how the electric scooters stack up against each other across the metrics of top speed, acceleration, maximum range, tested range, and braking.
Top Speed
Ordered from fastest to slowest – Learn about how I test top speed.
| Scooter | Price | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Apollo City |
$1,199
| 27 MPH |
| EMOVE Touring |
$799
| 25 MPH |
| Mosquito |
$749
| 25 MPH |
| Horizon |
$649
| 23 MPH |
Acceleration (0-15 MPH)
Ordered from fastest to slowest – Learn about how I test acceleration.
| Scooter | Price | 0-15 MPH (Seconds) |
|---|---|---|
| Apollo City |
$1,199
| 4.0 s |
| EMOVE Touring |
$799
| 4.5 s |
| Horizon |
$649
| 4.7 s |
| Mosquito |
$749
| 5.0 s |
Maximum Range (Riding Slow)
Ordered from longest to shortest range.
| Scooter | Price | Max Range |
|---|---|---|
| Apollo City |
$1,199
| 40 miles |
| EMOVE Touring |
$799
| 32 miles |
| Horizon |
$649
| 23 miles |
| Mosquito |
$749
| 22 miles |
Realistic Range (Riding Fast)
Ordered from longest to shortest range – Learn about how I test real-world range.
| Scooter | Price | Real-World Range |
|---|---|---|
| Apollo City |
$1,199
| 27 miles |
| EMOVE Touring |
$799
| 19 miles |
| Mosquito |
$749
| 18 miles |
| Horizon |
$649
| 17 miles |
Braking (From 15 MPH)
Ordered from shortest to longest stopping distance – Learn about how I test braking performance.
| Scooter | Price | Braking From 15 MPH |
|---|---|---|
| Apollo City |
$1,199
| 2.1 meters |
| Mosquito |
$749
| 4.8 meters |
| EMOVE Touring |
$799
| 4.9 meters |
| Horizon |
$649
| 5.0 meters |
Recent Updates
In the interest of delivering the most timely, relevant, and credible reviews/guides in the industry, I have detailed the recent updates and changes to my list of the best 25 mph electric scooters. Learn more about my editorial policy.
- November 22, 2023: Replaced the Horizon V1 with the Horizon V2 as the "Best Under $800", and the INOKIM Quick 4 with the Apollo City 2023 as the "Best Under $1,500". Removed the WideWheel Pro as the "Best Under $1,250". Following this, I refreshed the text throughout, expanded the commentary about how the scooters were tested and selected, added performance reports, and made improvements to the design of the page.
- August 2, 2023: Confirmed my picks for relevancy and availability.
- March 1, 2023: Added a quick list module and comparison table, as well as commentary explaining how the scooters were tested and selected.
- December 22, 2022: Confirmed my picks for relevancy and availability.
- October 6, 2022: Confirmed my picks for relevancy and availability.
- July 20, 2022: Refreshed the guide with 5 new top-performing scooters across 5 price categories.
