Best Electric Scooter for a Teenager

Do you have a teenage couch potato on your hands? If so, you might want to consider getting them an electric scooter. 

These excellent machines provide a fun way for teens to spend time with their friends outdoors. Also, they’re a great go-between for teens who aren’t quite old enough to get their driver’s license but who crave a little more independence when getting around town.

In this article, you’ll learn about the top teen electric scooters on the market. We’ll also cover some key factors you’ll need to consider when choosing the best electric scooter for a teenager, so stick around to learn more.

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Comparison Table

ModelRange (miles)Top Speed (mph)Charging Time (hrs)
Razor Power Core E9013 miles10 mph4-5
Gotrax XR Elite18.6 miles15.5 mph4-5
UNAGI Model One E50015.5 miles17 mph4-5
Turboant X7 Pro30 miles20 mph6
Razor E30010 miles 15 mph10
Segway Ninebot KickScooter E2213.7 miles12.4 mph3.5
Gotrax GKS6.2 miles7 mph5

The 7 Best Electric Scooters for Teenagers in 2022

So after seeing how our top picks fare against each other, let’s have an in-depth look at each of them. 

1. Razor Power Core E90 – Best Overall

“Safety” is the first word that comes to mind when the Razor Power Core E90 comes up in conversation, and this is why it’s at the top of our list. The scooter’s max speed tops out at 10 mph, which isn’t too fast to make it dangerous nor too slow to make it boring for teens. 

Moreover, the E90 comes with dual brakes that’ll instantly bring it to a stop, and teens can easily reach for the conveniently-placed hand-operated brakes. It also features a kick-to-start feature, meaning the scooter won’t get going until the rider reaches a kicking speed of 3 mph, adding to its safety. 

Unfortunately, the scooter’s ride quality suffers a massive blow due to its solid tires that aren’t able to withstand bumps in the road and shocks. However, your teen should be fine if they stick to solid ground surfaces.

Specifications:

  • Max speed: 10 mph
  • Max Rider Weight: 120 lbs
  • Battery: 12 V, lead-acid
  • Charge Time: 4-5 hours
  • Range: 13 miles
  • Motor: 85 W Hub Motor
  • Wheels: rubber rear-wheel, spoked urethane front-wheel
  • Weight: 21.22 lbs

Pros:

  • Decent 10 mph max speed
  • Kick-to-start safety function
  • Sturdy steel build

Cons:

  • Ride quality suffers due to solid rubber tires

Bottom Line

Thanks to its dual braking system and kick-to-start feature, the Razor Power Core E90 is the best electric scooter for teens. You’ll also have peace of mind since the scooter’s max speed tops out at 10 mph, a velocity that shouldn’t detract from your teen’s enjoyment.

2. Gotrax XR Elite – Runner-Up

The Gotrax XR Elite is an excellent alternative to the Razor Power Core E90 if you’re looking for a scooter that’s beginner-friendly but not too slow for older teenagers. At 15.5 mph, its max speed is decent, powered by a 300 W motor.

This scooter is great for teenagers who need to commute long distances, thanks to its 18.6-mile range and spacious deck. Your teen can also monitor their speed by using the XR Elite’s LED dashboard you’ll find between the handlebars. 

Although the scooter’s air-filled tires make it a dream to ride on rougher terrain, they’re susceptible to frequent punctures, making it a little high-maintenance.

Specifications:

  • Max speed: 15.5 mph
  • Max Rider Weight: 220 lbs
  • Battery: 36 V 7.8 Ah
  • Charge Time: 4-5 hours
  • Range: 18.6 miles
  • Motor: 300 W Avg. Motor
  • Wheels: 8.5-inch, air-filled
  • Weight: 31.88 lbs

Pros: 

  • Decent 18.6-mile range
  • Comes with cruise control
  • Responsive disc brakes

Cons:

  • Air-filled tires susceptible to punctures

Bottom Line

The Gotrax XR Elite is our second-best electric scooter for your teen. A decent 15.5 mph max speed and 18.6- mile range make this scooter perfect for older teenagers using a scooter for the first time.

3. UNAGI Model One E500 – Most Stylish 

Your teenager will get a kick out of the Unagi Model One E500’s carbon fiber build, which uses the same material used in SpaceX rockets. They’ll also be proud to travel with this scooter because of its beautiful futuristic design.

Moreover, the E500 will be a hit with older teens because it’s fast and can reach its max speed in 4.4 seconds. That turbo-charged acceleration can be attributed to its dual 250 W motors.

With that said, this scooter could’ve been better with some foldable handlebars to improve its portability. However, that’s a minor gripe in light of this scooter’s many plusses.

Specifications:

  • Max speed: 17 mph
  • Max Rider Weight: 275 lbs
  • Battery: Lithium-ion
  • Charge Time: 4-5 hours
  • Range: 15.5 miles
  • Motor: dual 250 W motors
  • Wheels: 7.5-inch 
  • Weight: 26.5 lbs

Pros:

  • Stylish and futuristic design
  • Swift acceleration of 4.4 seconds
  • Built with carbon fiber and other high-quality materials

Cons:

  • Handlebars don’t fold

Bottom Line

The Unagi Model One is perfect for style-conscious teens, thanks to its sleek and modern design. Teens will also appreciate the talking point of the scooter’s carbon fiber frame, which shares the same material as what’s used in SpaceX rockets.

4. Turboant X7 Pro – Beginners’ Pick

If your teenager is new to electric scooters, you’ll appreciate the Turboant X7 Pro’s three ride modes (“Beginner,” “Eco,” and “Sport”), which allow you to control the scooter’s speed. Additionally, this scooter comes with a triple braking system, which will help to keep accidents to a minimum.

In addition, this scooter boasts of a removable battery, which means your teenager can double its 30-mile range by swapping out the battery for a spare (sold separately). This way, you don’t need to worry about your long commutes.

However, there’s a caveat: the scooter is a bit heavy but not “too heavy.” It weighs 33 lbs, which is fine if your teen will be carrying it for short periods.

Specifications:

  • Max speed: 20 mph
  • Max Rider Weight: 275 lbs
  • Battery: Lithium-ion
  • Charge Time: 6 hours
  • Range: 30 miles 
  • Motor: 350 W
  • Wheels: 10-inch, pneumatic with inner tube
  • Weight: 33 lbs

Pros:

  • The removable battery provides a more extended range
  • Triple braking system
  • The three speed modes cater to amateurs and experts

Cons:

  • A bit heavy 

Bottom Line

Thanks to its three ride modes, the Turboant X7 Pro is great for teens who are new to electric scooters. Additionally, teenagers will appreciate having the ability to double its range by swapping out the removable battery for a spare.

5. Razor E300 – Most Durable

If you’re on the market for a scooter that’ll last, the Razor E300 is just what the doctor ordered. Thanks to a big frame that absorbs wear and tear without issue, this scooter will last for years.

The E300 comes with a rare hand-operated brake that slows it to a stop quickly, which is useful when considering its 15 mph max speed. Its twist-grip throttle further lets your teen regulate their speed, and despite having a 250 W motor, the scooter is incredibly quiet. 

However, this scooter loses points due to its whopping 10-hour charge time. The next longest charging scooter on this list, the Turboant X7 Pro, takes 6 hours to charge. 

Specifications:

  • Max speed: 15 mph
  • Max Rider Weight: 220 lbs
  • Battery: 24 V, lead-acid
  • Charge Time: 10 hours
  • Range: 10 miles
  • Motor: 250 W, chain-drive
  • Wheels: 9-inch, pneumatic
  • Weight: 43 lbs

Pros:

  • Very quiet 250 W chain-drive motor
  • Comes with a twist-grip throttle
  • Durable frame

Cons:

  • Incredibly long 10-hour charge time

Bottom Line

The Razor E300 is a durable scooter that your teenager will get a lot of mileage from. It’s got a decent 15 mph max speed, which your teen can regulate using the scooter’s twist-grip throttle and rare hand-operated brake.

6. Segway Ninebot KickScooter E22 – Fastest Charging

If your teen is in a hurry to get where they’re going fast, they’ll appreciate the fast-charging battery on the Segway Ninebot KickScooter E22. It only needs 3.5 hours to go from flat to full, which is excellent, considering the scooter’s range is an okay 13.7 miles.

In addition, this scooter comes with regenerative brakes, which save the battery every time it comes to a halt. It’s also a sturdy scooter, thanks to an aerospace-grade aluminum frame build, and its 9-inch dual-density tires help absorb most shocks and bumps.

Unfortunately, a 12.4 mph max speed cancels out the scooter’s fast charging time, meaning your teen won’t be getting anywhere in a hurry.

Specifications:

  • Max speed: 12.4 mph
  • Max Rider Weight: 220 lbs
  • Battery: Lithium-ion
  • Charge Time: 3.5 hours
  • Range: 13.7 miles
  • Motor: 300 W
  • Wheels: 9-inch, dual-density 
  • Weight: 28.9 lbs

Pros:

  • Quick 3.5 hour charge time
  • Regenerative brake saves battery power
  • Aerospace-grade aluminum frame

Cons:

  • So-so 12.4 mph max speed

Bottom Line

Thanks to a short 3.5-hour charge time, the Segway Ninebot KickScooter E22 is an excellent scooter for teens who’re always on the move. Teens will also appreciate the scooter’s regenerative brakes, which save power on an already fast-charging battery.

7. Gotrax GKS – Most Suitable for Younger Riders

The Gotrax GKS is your best option if your teenager is young (13 years old) and is perfect for absolute beginners. It comes with a Safety Start feature that lets the rider take off smoothly and without accident, while its braking system helps to bring it to a safe stop.

Additionally, this wallet-friendly scooter comes in various bright colors, so your teen can choose the color they’re most comfortable with. Moreover, the scooter handles well, thanks to its handlebars that sport rubber with a good grip.

Unfortunately, the GKS’s max speed is curbed at 7 mph, making it a slow scooter. Its 6.2-mile range isn’t anything to write home about either. However, these are minor gripes when considering the scooter’s suitability for inexperienced riders.

Specifications:

  • Max speed: 7 mph
  • Max Rider Weight: 121 lbs
  • Battery: 25.2 V 2.0 Ah Battery
  • Charge Time: 5 hours
  • Range: 6.2 miles
  • Motor: 150 W Avg.
  • Wheels: 6-inch, solid rubber
  • Weight: 17.8 lbs

Pros:

  • Comes in different colors
  • Very easy to assemble
  • Comes with a Safety Start feature

Cons:

  • Meager 7 mph max speed

Bottom Line

The Gotrax GKS is the perfect scooter for young teenagers getting their first scooter. Its Safety Start feature provides safe riding, while the many colors it comes in give variety.

Buying Considerations When Choosing an Electric Scooter for Teenagers

When choosing an electric scooter for your teenage kid, there are a couple of factors you’ll need to consider. They include:

Safety Features

Safety functions like a kick-start function and hand brakes that are easy to reach will prevent accidents. Therefore, these features should be non-negotiable and at the top of your list of electric scooter considerations.

Adjustable Handlebar Height

You’ll want an electric scooter whose handlebar height can be adjusted if your teenager is going through a growth spurt. Usually, the most comfortable height is waist-level, so taller teenagers may need to adjust the handlebar’s height.

Tire Type

There’s usually a trade-off between a smooth ride and low maintenance when it comes to electric scooter tires. While pneumatic air-filled tires make rides less bumpy, they’re susceptible to flats. Conversely, solid rubber tires are low-maintenance because they can’t be punctured but don’t absorb shocks too well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Necessary for a Teenager to Wear a Helmet When Riding an Electric Scooter?

It isn’t necessary, but it’s best to wear one to be on the safe side. Some electric scooters can hit incredibly high top speeds. Even though some offer multiple riding modes that cap the speed, a curious teenager may decide to try the fastest speed mode. Therefore, a helmet will come in handy to protect them from a speeding accident.

How Safe Is It for Teens to Ride Electric Scooters?

Electric scooters for teens come with safety features such as multiple riding modes that limit the scooter’s top speed and kick-start functions that prevent the scooter from moving before the rider is ready to get going. Therefore, they’re pretty safe for younger, inexperienced riders.

How Difficult Is It to Assemble an Electric Scooter?

Assembling an electric scooter isn’t a difficult task at all. At most, the assembly should take 10 minutes. However, they’re so easy to put together that even your teenager can do it unsupervised using nothing more than the user manual and common sense.

Conclusion

Safety is a huge concern when buying an electric scooter for your teen. Moreover, you’ll want one that looks good and has long battery life. We can’t recommend the Razor Power Core E90 enough, as that scooter ticks all of the above boxes and more.

The Gotrax XR Elite is a close second in terms of being the best scooter for teens due to its impressive 15.5 mph max speed and 18.6-mile range. It also gets points for its LED dashboard, which teens can use to control speed when riding.

Finally, if you’re looking for a stylish scooter that’s more suitable for older teenagers, we recommend the Unagi Model One E500.

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