So, you’re in college, your campus is huge, and you’re not a morning person: sounds like a recipe for more than a couple of missed lectures!
However, with an electric scooter, you can kiss your tardiness goodbye. Not only is it fast, low maintenance, and portable, it’s also good for the environment. So you can be early and eco! Neat!
Since there are a ton of electric scooter brands on the market, we’ve put together a list of scooters that’ll have you arriving on time and in style. Keep reading to learn about the best electric scooter for college!
Comparison Table
| Model | Top Speed (mph) | Range (miles) | Charging Time (hrs) |
| Unagi Model One | 20 | 15.5 | 5 |
| Turboant X7 Pro | 20 | 30 | 6 |
| Gotrax GXL V2 | 15 | 12 | 4 |
| Glion Dolly 225 | 15 | 15 | 3.5 |
| The Levy | 17 | 15 | 3.5 |
| Gotrax XR Ultra | 15 | 12 | 4 |
| Voro Motors EMOVE Touring | 24 | 25 | 8 |
| Varla Pegasus City Commuter | 30 | 28 | 8 |
The 8 Best Electric Scooters for College in 2022
All right, let’s check out these electric scooters to see what each of them brings to the table.
1. Unagi Model One – Best Overall
For an electric scooter that balances sleek design with functionality, look no further than our best overall, the gorgeous Unagi Model One.
Boasting a top speed of 20 mph and a range of 15.5 miles that’s made possible by 72000 mAh lithium-ion batteries, it’s quite obvious that looks aren’t all this scooter has going for it.
Also, this super-portable scooter weighs a minuscule (by scooter standards) 23 lbs, which contrasts nicely with its high 275 lbs maximum weight capacity. In other words, heavier riders will get some use out of this scooter.
Moreover, if you’re big on anything low-maintenance, you’ll love the fact that this scooter has solid tires as you won’t need to get them filled every so often.
Finally, at 5 hours, the Unagi Model One takes a reasonable time to charge.
Specifications:
- Battery Charge Time: 5 hours
- Top Speed: 20 mph
- Range: 15.5 miles
- Weight: 23 lbs
- Max-Weight Capacity: 275 lbs
- Climb Angle: 6 degrees
- Tires: solid (rubber)
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight scooter
- Pleasing aesthetics
- High max-weight capacity
- Solid puncture-resistant tires
- Sturdy build
Cons:
- Lacks suspension
- Low climb angle
Bottom Line
The Unagi Model One is great for riders who want a low-maintenance college scooter that’s also great to look at and won’t keep them waiting for too long when charging between journeys.
2. Turboant X7 Pro – Runner Up
If you’re always on the move and you go far, the Turboant X7 Pro will get you where you need to be. In addition to its impressive 20 mph top speed and respectable 275 lbs maximum weight capacity, this scooter’s 30-mile range makes it a worthy alternative to the Unagi Model One.
However, longer range isn’t the only trick the X7 Pro has up its sleeve: its game-changing feature is that it gives the rider the ability to remove and replace the battery. So, you can double your range by carrying a spare along, which is awesome because the scooter’s battery takes 6 hours to charge.
What’s more, the scooter has air-filled tires, which means that it’ll require a bit of maintenance. And at 33 lbs, it’s pretty heavy. However, these minuses pale in comparison to the absolutely massive plus: the longer range.
Specifications:
- Battery Charge Time: 6 hours
- Top Speed: 20 mph
- Range: 30 miles
- Weight: 33 lbs
- Max-Weight Capacity: 275 lbs
- Climb Angle: 15 degrees
- Tires: pneumatic (air-filled)
Pros:
- Extensible range
- Detachable battery
- Nice ride quality
- Awesome value
- Option for cruise control
- High max-weight capacity
Cons:
- Lacks suspension
- Longer battery charge time
Bottom Line
Opt for the Turboant X7 Pro if the range is at the top of your list of priorities. It’s also really good for heavy-set riders due to its 275 lbs max-weight capacity and has a standard top speed of 20 mph, which speed freaks will appreciate.
3. Gotrax GXL V2 – Most Budget-friendly Scooter
If you’re after a budget-friendly scooter, the Gotrax GXL V2 will be just right for you. It’s one of the company’s “most affordable” models, making it perfect for beginners as well as riders who want a machine that gets the job done.
This scooter is capable of hitting a respectable 15.5 mph top speed and offers a range of 12 miles, which is all you need if you’re commuting within campus.
Additionally, the GXL V2’s 36 V battery only requires 4 hours to charge fully. And its 220 lbs maximum weight makes it an accessible budget-scooter that can be counted on by light and heavy riders alike.
Finally, this scooter’s air-filled tires and dual braking system round out the features that make it great value for money.
Specifications:
- Battery Charge Time: 4 hours
- Top Speed: 15.5 mph
- Range: 12 miles
- Weight: 26 lbs
- Max-Weight Capacity: 275 lbs
- Climb Angle: 14 degrees
- Tires: pneumatic (air-filled)
Pros:
- Has a dual-brake system
- Good ride quality
- Durable scooter
- Good value for money
- Fast battery charging time
Cons:
- Poor acceleration
Bottom Line
The Gotrax GXL V2’s 12-mile range, 15 mph top speed, fast-charging battery, and wallet-friendly price make it a great scooter for anyone who commutes short distances, such as on your campus.
4. Glion Dolly 225 – Most Portable Scooter
Portability is where Glion Dolly 225 shines. In addition to being relatively lightweight (it weighs 28 lbs) and having a small volume when folded, this scooter also has a feature that none of the others on this list have: a trolley pull.
So, when you’re not riding the Glion 225, you can pull it along behind you like a suitcase. That’s pretty cool, in our opinion!
Performance-wise, the Glion Dolly is a decent electric scooter that’s able to hit the standard top speed of 15 mph and give you a range of 15 miles on a full and lightning-fast 3.5-hour charge.
Specifications:
- Battery Charge Time: 3.5 hours
- Top Speed: 15 mph
- Range: 15 miles
- Weight: 28 lbs
- Max-Weight Capacity: 255 lbs
- Climb Angle: 15 degrees
- Tires: solid
Pros:
- Extremely quick 3.5 hour charging time
- Very portable scooter
- Quick to fold
- Robustly built
Cons:
- Poor ride quality
- Poor quality brakes
Bottom Line
If you want a portable electric scooter, the Glion Dolly 225 will be perfect for you. It also has an awesome trolley-pull feature and a super-fast charging time!
5. The Levy – Best Replaceable Battery Alternative
Like the Turboant X7 Pro higher up on this list, the Levy also allows riders to remove and replace the battery at will. This feature alone puts it up there with the X7 Pro, in our opinion, and is great for extending the scooter’s 15-mile range.
Besides the removable battery, the Levy’s performance punches above its weight, with a top speed of 18 mph. It also looks pretty great, making it an awesome alternative to the Unagi Model One, another great-looking scooter on this list.
In addition, it’s lightweight and foldable, making it highly portable and also easily stored. And The Levy has incredible 8.5-inch pneumatic tires that provide maximal shock absorption; hence, a smooth ride.
Specifications:
- Battery Charge Time: 3.5 hours
- Top Speed: 17 mph
- Range: 15 miles
- Weight: 27 lbs
- Max-Weight Capacity: 230 lbs
- Climb Angle: 10 degrees
- Tires: pneumatic (air-filled)
Pros:
- Removable battery
- Extensible range
- Great motor power
- Smooth ride quality
- Good-looking design
Cons:
- Not very high climb angle
Bottom Line
The Levy is an awesome scooter for students who want a scooter like the Turboant X7 Pro that comes with the capability of replacing the battery. It’s also lightweight, portable, and offers a smooth ride quality.
6. Gotrax XR Ultra – Alternative to the GXL V2
At 16 miles, the Gotrax XR Ultra improves on the GXL V2’s 12-mile range, making it a good option for students who want a scooter that charges quickly and has a longer range.
In addition to its longer range, the XR also charges quickly and comes with a dual braking system and regenerative braking that saves battery power whenever the scooter comes to a stop. It also weighs 26.4 lbs, making it a lightweight option that anyone can get some use out of.
Moreover, this scooter has a 1-step folding mechanism that makes it incredibly portable. And the best part is that the XR Ultra doesn’t have a hefty price tag, so it won’t dent your wallet.
Specifications:
- Battery Charge Time: 3-4 hours
- Top Speed: 15 mph
- Range: 16 miles
- Weight: 26.4 lbs
- Max-Weight Capacity: 220 lbs
- Climb Angle: 10 degrees
- Tires: pneumatic (air-filled)
Pros:
- Quick charging battery
- Dual-braking system
- Budget-friendly
- Regenerative braking
Cons:
- Limited range
- Lacks suspension
Bottom Line
The Gotrax XR Ultra is a great general-purpose scooter for budget-conscious students who want a scooter with a longer range than what Gotrax’s other scooter, the GXL V2, provides.
7. Voro Motors EMOVE Touring – Fastest Acceleration
If you’re looking for a balance between speed and range, the EMOVE Touring is the scooter for you. It takes this scooter only 4 seconds to reach its 15 mph max speed, thanks to a 750 W motor and a powerful 48 V battery that provides a range of 25 miles once charged. So expect to always arrive on time!
The EMOVE comes with a triple suspension system that provides a smooth ride quality once you stray outside the level campus roads. It’s also water-resistant, with an IP54 rating, so rainy days shouldn’t pose a problem. Finally, if you want to express your individuality through your scooter, Voro Motors offers the EMOVE in different colors.
With all of the above features, there’s gotta be a catch, right? Well, yes: it takes this scooter’s battery a whopping 8 hours to charge. Still, that shouldn’t pose too much of a problem if you’re only commuting within campus.
Specifications:
- Battery Charge Time: 8 hours
- Top Speed: 24 mph
- Range: 25 miles
- Weight: 39 lbs
- Max-Weight Capacity: 308 lbs
- Climb Angle: 15 degrees
- Tires: pneumatic (air-filled)
Pros:
- Incredibly fast acceleration
- Attachable seat available
- Triple suspension system
- Very smooth ride
- Affordable
- Water-resistant (IP54 rating)
- Multiple colors available
Cons:
- Long 8 hour charging time
- Dual-braking system unavailable
Bottom Line
The Voro Motor’s Emove Touring boasts great features and smooth ride quality at an affordable price point. Moreover, it can reach its top speed in just 4 seconds, which is impressive!
8. Varla Pegasus City Commuter – Long Distance Pick
The Pegasus City Commuter from Varla is great if you want a scooter for the long haul. It’s pretty fast with a top speed of 35 mph and has a long 28-mile range, though that comes at the cost of a huge 8-hour charging time.
Moreover, its 280 lbs max-weight capacity is awesomely high, so you don’t have to worry about your weight lowering the scooter’s range over time. In terms of maintenance, you won’t have flat tires as this scooter’s tires are solid.
Finally, Varla offers a 2-year warranty, so you can easily have the scooter replaced if any defects crop up before then.
Specifications:
- Battery Charge Time: 8 hours
- Top Speed: 30 mph
- Range: 28 miles
- Weight: 27 lbs
- Max-Weight Capacity: 280 lbs
- Climb Angle: 25 degrees
- Tires: solid
Pros:
- Lightweight scooter
- Long 28-mile range
- High 35 mph top speed
- 2-year warranty
Cons:
- Rough ride quality due to solid tires
- Extremely long 8-hour battery charge time
- Stiff suspension
- Hefty price tag
Bottom Line
The Varla Pegasus City Commuter scooter is your go-to option if you’ve got the extra dollars to spare and want something that’ll go the distance with you.
Things to Consider Before Buying an Electric Scooter for College
When choosing an electric scooter for college, there are a lot of considerations that you’ll need to keep in mind. Let’s have a look at some of them.
Battery Charging Time
The journey from your dorm to the main campus and back again is going to cost your scooter precious battery power, so you’ll want one that charges up quickly in-between journeys.
Therefore, a 5-hour charging time is reasonable, whereas any longer isn’t ideal.
Range
Most quality electric scooters should give you a travel range of at least 20 miles on a single charge. Anything lower makes the scooter suitable for only short commutes.
Therefore, how far you travel to campus will determine the amount of range you’ll want out of your scooter.
Motor Power
To get around campus quickly, you’re going to want to get an electric scooter with a powerful motor.
Aim for one that’s capable of generating between 250 – 1000 watts as such scooters can reach speeds of 15 mph and above.
Maximum Weight
How much do you weigh? A rider’s weight is one of many things that can affect a scooter’s performance. Generally, the more weight the scooter can carry, the better.
As such, you’ll find that some scooters have a maximum weight capacity ranging between 220 lbs and 250 lbs, which is what you should aim for if you’re a little on the heavier side.
Portability
When you’re not riding your electric scooter, you’ll have to stash it somewhere, which is why portability is an important thing to consider. Heavier scooters tend to be a drag to lug around, so pay attention to the scooter’s weight (28 lbs and below is ideal for portability).
Tires
Scooter tires come in two types: solid (rubber) and air-filled (pneumatic). With rubber tires, you’re less likely to get a flat. At the same time, they’re not the best tires to be riding on if your commute happens to have rougher terrain.
On the other hand, air-filled tires will handle rough terrain just fine. However, expect to deal with punctures every once in a while.
FAQs
How Safe Is It to Ride an Electric Scooter?
It’s very safe to ride electric scooters. As long as you drive at a reasonable speed and wear a helmet, you shouldn’t pose a danger to yourself or other pedestrians.
Are Electric Scooters Difficult to Clean?
No, electric scooters are super easy to clean. With a little bit of soap, some water, a cloth, and a brush, you should be able to clean your scooter without significant problems. However, keep liquids away from the scooter’s battery.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it: a rundown of the most college-friendly e-scooters out there. You’ll never be late for another lecture riding on one of these bad boys.
Our best electric scooter for college is the Unagi Model One, which is a superb, low-maintenance, and attractive e-scooter. And the best part is that it won’t keep you waiting for a long time while charging.
If your commute is going to take you off-campus as well, you should probably go for the Turboant X7 Pro. Its removable batteries mean you get double the range, which will serve you well.
However, if you’ve got the extra dollars to spare and you plan on using your scooter beyond college, consider going for the long-range Varla Pegasus scooter.
