Electric scooters are a means of transportation whose popularity has grown in recent years. From being a curious novelty, they quickly became a popular means of transport around urban areas.
Today, it’s common to see them as the main means of transport for many people or as a substitute for public transport, thanks to the companies that rent these vehicles.
The most sought-after is the folding electric scooters. The high demand for these portable vehicles is because people can move them easily when not in use.
Of course, when making the purchase, doubts may arise. Does it provide extra comfort compared to a non-folding electric scooter? Is there anything to lose by choosing one of these over a standard one? Which is the best foldable electric scooter?
This article tells you everything you need to know about foldable e-scooters to help you make an informed purchase.
Our Top Picks
| Scooter | Folded (LWH) | Unfolded (LWH) | Weight |
| Gotrax GXL V2 | 15 x 44 x 6 inches | 41 x 44 x 6 inches | 26.4 lbs |
| Glion Dolly | 36 x 16 x 8 inches | 38 x 15 x 10 inches | 28 lbs |
| Hover-1 | 42 x 16.5 x 19.2 inches | 42 x 16.5 x 44.8 inches | 27 lbs |
| Segway Ninebot Max | 43.7x 18.6 x 21.0 inches | 43.7 x 18.6 x 45.1 inches | 42.1 lbs |
| Segway Ninebot ES2 | 44.49 x 16.92 x 15.75 inches | 40.15 x 16.92 x 44.49 inches | 27.6 lbs |
| Mercane WideWheel Pro | 43.11 x 8.62 x 15.75 inches | 43.11 x 21.61 x 43.30 inches | 48.50 lbs |
| Swagtron Swagger 5 | 41.5 x 17 x 19 inches | 41.5 x 17 x 45.3 inches | 26.5 lbs |
The 7 Best Foldable Electric Scooters in 2022
Now that you’ve seen our top picks of the best folding electric scooters, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of each and let you know why they’re a bang for the buck!
1. Gotrax GXL V2 – Best Overall
The Gotrax GXL V2 comes at the top of our list because of several good reasons.
First of all, this folding electric scooter is beautifully designed. It’s sleek and seamless, with no wires sticking out everywhere. As a result, it looks like a high-end product and not a toy or basement-mounted DIY.
Secondly, this electric folding scooter has a dual braking system, which is very rare for an electric scooter in this price range. The Gotrax GXL features pedal-controlled rear disc brakes and an electric regenerative anti-lock braking system for effective and responsive braking.
Thirdly, the 8.5” pneumatic tires move easily over potholes, cracks in the streets, and sidewalks of any city. However, the wheels have their flaws. The pressure needs to be checked, as the tires can go flat. But in our experience, they’re still superior to those small hard tires without air.
The fourth reason is all those extra features, like the dynamic display built into the handlebars so you can keep track of battery life and speed, and a bright LED headlight so you can enjoy your ride even at night.
In addition, this scooter is IP54 water-resistant, and the battery is UL2271 certified. Therefore, it’s not only designed to look good and ride well but also to be durable.
Last but not least, this scooter is currently one of the most affordable folding electric scooters!
Technical Specifications:
- Motor Power: 250 W
- Battery: 36 V
- Tire Size: 8.5 inches
- Range: 9 to 12 miles
Pros:
- Bright LED headlight and taillight, very useful for a night ride
- Very comfortable double braking system
- Affordable
Cons:
- Some buyers have complained about poor customer service
Bottom Line
The Gotrax GXL V2 is the overall best folding electric scooter on our list. It’s suitable for riders who are looking for portability and functionality at the same time!
2. Glion Dolly – Runner Up
The Glion Dolly is an easy-to-use and fun electric scooter for urban riders. With its minimalist design and simple yet useful features, it’s designed to get you from A to B in no time. This is why it comes second on our list!
Folding it up and opening it up is super easy, and you’ll be ready in no time. Moreover, the innovative dolly feature will allow you to drive it like a suitcase on wheels. Also, it has the ability to stand up vertically on its own.
Furthermore, it has a maximum speed of 25 km/h. Although it’s not the fastest we’ve seen, it’s faster than walking. According to manufacturers, the range is 25 km, but in reality, you can expect a good 11-13 km from it and a couple more under ideal conditions. It’s also one of the most affordable electric scooters on our list.
However, this e-scooter has some shortcomings. Firstly, the handlebar control feels flimsy. Secondly, it has no suspension, and the honeycomb wheels aren’t enough to make the ride smoother over bumps. However, they have the advantage that the wheels have a good grip, even on wet pavement.
Another drawback is that it only has a rear brake, which means you have to be careful as you can’t stop dead when you want to.
Technical Specifications:
- Motor Power: 250 W
- Battery: 36 V
- Tire Size: 8 inches
- Range: 15 miles
Pros:
- Quick and easy folding
- Has a removable handle and wheels so you can drag it like a suitcase
- Stands upright on its own
- Bright headlight and built-in rear reflector
Cons:
- No suspension
- Tends to wobble if the road isn’t super smooth
Bottom Line
The Glion Dolly is the runner-up on this list because its dolly feature allows you to drag it like a suitcase. It gets the job done if all you need to do is turn that 40-minute walk to the train station into a fun ride!
3. Hover-1 Journey – Simple Design Pick
The Hover-1 Journey is one of the most renowned vehicles in the Hover-1 series of electric scooters, thanks to its simple design, lightweight, and reliable performance.
Moreover, the electric scooter is powered by a 300 W (peak power) motor and offers a good travel speed and long cruising distance. So, it’s a convenient and reliable way to get around.
Also, the build quality is surprisingly good. The materials, the finish, the paint, the welds, everything looks and feels pretty good, including details like the rubber handles.
Furthermore, this electric scooter is equipped with a rear braking system. Also, it takes about 4 to 6.5 hours to charge from 0 to 100%, which may seem long, but a full charge range is 26 km, which means you don’t need a full recharge after every ride.
In addition, the Hover-1 Journey is equipped with a kinetic energy recovery system: it converts kinetic energy into electrical energy for storage and reuse, extending the scooter’s battery life.
Also, a cruise control system allows the scooter to enter a smart driving mode. And the wheels have anti-shock and anti-slip properties for better safety during your ride!
However, it has low ground clearance, so you have to consider the terrain you’re riding on.
Technical Specifications:
- Motor Power: 300 W
- Battery: 36 V
- Tire Size: 8.5 inches
- Range: 16 miles
Pros:
- Incredible safety features like lights and brake system
- Good battery capacity and remarkable range
- Wheel with anti-slip and anti-shock properties
- Not too heavy
Cons:
- The ground clearance is extremely low, so watch out for potholes
- Only a rear braking system
Bottom Line
The Hover-1 Journey is a foldable, safe, and comfortable option for short commutes or trips. It also has a simple design that eases your riding experience.
4. Segway Ninebot Max – Premium Pick
The Segway Ninebot Max is one of the best foldable urban electric scooters on the market in terms of premium features. It provides users a maximum speed of up to 25 km/h and an excellent range of up to 65 km.
Furthermore, it has excellent motor power (350 W), allowing it to climb slopes of up to 20º. So, it’ll probably be one of the best choices for those who live in cities and towns with steep slopes.
Also, the new Segway model incorporates larger tubeless tires (about 10 inches) and an additional layer of jelly to reduce the risk of punctures. These features allow you to enjoy more comfortable, stable, and safe driving.
In addition, the portable electric scooter has incorporated an IPX5 waterproof seal (protected against splashes and dust for the entire structure of the product and IPX7 (protected against the effects of immersion) for the components. It’s also pretty robust and durable!
Moreover, you can connect it to the Segway App. And using it, you can lock the electric scooter to prevent possible theft, adjust the speed and cruise control, obtain a diagnosis of the conditions in which the electric scooter is found, update the firmware, and more.
However, it’s worth mentioning that this scooter takes longer to charge fully.
Technical Specifications:
- Motor Power: 350 W
- Battery: 551 Wh
- Tire Size: 10 inches
- Range: 40.4 miles
Pros:
- Climb slopes up to 20º
- Has rear brake light
- Includes drum disc brake on the front wheel
- IPX5 (structure) and IPX7 (components) protection
Cons:
- Takes a long time to charge
- A bit pricey
Our Take
The Segway Ninebot Max is one of the best foldable e-scooters out there, thanks to its premium features that allow you to enjoy your daily journeys in the city.
5. Segway Ninebot ES2 – Most Versatile
The Ninebot ES2 has specifications that satisfy both users who commute to work and those who only want it for leisure. Hence, it’s pretty versatile.
Also, this electric scooter has a strong metal frame throughout, except for the plastic wheel covers. As a result, it has a sleek design that’ll impress you.
The handle is completely covered in rubber, which is very pleasant to the touch and can withstand wear and tear well. The scooter also has an 8.5” front wheel and a 7.5” rear one, both solid rubber. The suspension located at the front wheel will help minimize any kind of awkward bumps you might hit.
In addition, this electric scooter has a dual braking system: an electric brake with an anti-lock system and an ergonomically designed foot brake. This helps you reach a stop in a simpler and easier fashion. It also has front and rear LED lighting, with an additional ambient light under the hood.
Furthermore, the standard battery takes 3-4 hours to charge fully. And with a full charge, you can expect a range of around 25 km under perfect conditions. But it’s actually much less.
However, there’s an option to add a second battery, giving more power and increasing the range to 45 km. This range is great for an urban commuter or a college student traveling across campus.
There are three speed modes: Speed Limit, Standard, and Sport. In the Speed Limit mode, it’ll go up to 14 km/h, which is enough to get you familiar with the scooter and the way it rides.
Once you get familiar with it, you can switch to Standard mode and hit the top speed of 25 km/h. Sport mode offers maximum power and speed but with less range.
But this scooter also has shortcomings. For instance, the battery is in the handlebars, which makes the center of gravity higher, sometimes causing the vehicle to wobble. Also, the handlebars aren’t adjustable in height.
Technical Specifications:
- Motor Power: 300 W
- Battery: 187 Wh
- Tire Size: 7.5 inches (rear), 8.5 inches (front)
- Range – 15 miles
Pros:
- Double braking system
- LED display showing driving speed, Bluetooth connection, power mode, and battery level
- Front and rear LED lighting
- Three speed modes
- Bluetooth remote control and firmware updates via Ninebot App
Cons:
- The position of the battery might cause wobbling
- Handlebar not adjustable in height
Bottom Line
The Ninebot ES2 is a good, versatile foldable electric scooter. It works well for different riders who need a fast, lightweight, and safe vehicle.
6. Mercane WideWheel Pro – Powerful Motor Pick
The foldable Mercane WideWheel Pro comes with a powerful dual 500 W brushless DC Hub motor that offers enough power and solid performance, even in demanding driving conditions.
Moreover, the model comes in two versions: a 422 Wh battery pack, which gives a range of 32 km and a max speed of around 24 km /h, and a more powerful model with a 634 Wh battery pack and a range of more than 48.28 km/h.
In addition, the wheels are what sets this scooter apart from others. They’re 3.9 inches wide (hence the name WideWheel), which gives the vehicle amazing stability while driving and standing on its own.
Also, the tires are solid, rubber-coated, and filled with soft polyurethane foam, which is supposed to absorb bumps in the road. And it’s equipped with full suspension, so it’s not only easy to drive but also surprisingly comfortable.
Furthermore, to fold or unfold the handlebar, it’s necessary to turn a dial located on the side to unscrew and loosen the lock, and then turn it again to tighten it when the handlebar is placed in the desired position.
What’s more, the WideWheel e-scooter has a LED display that indicates battery life. But there’s no screen showing details like speed or distance. The high-brightness LED headlight and brake light also allow you to drive at night in complete safety.
However, it’s important to mention that this scooter is quite heavy!
Technical Specifications:
- Motor Power: 500 W
- Battery: 48 V
- Tire Size: 8 inches
- Range: 31 miles
Pros:
- Ultra-wide wheels and improved stability
- Double shock absorption system
- Suitable for a heavy rider
Cons:
- Heavy
Bottom Line
Overall, WideWheel is a robust, easy-to-ride, and powerful electric scooter. Its unique design makes it worth trying, especially if you’re looking for more stability on your ride.
7. Swagtron Swagger 5 – Budget-Friendly Pick
Swagtron, the maker of some of the most popular hoverboards and a couple of pretty decent and budget-friendly electric skateboard models, has also started making inexpensive electric scooters.
The original Swagger model was carbon fiber, which is very light. But the latest Swagtron, called Swagger 5, has very little in common with its predecessor.
The Swagger 5 is a step ahead of its predecessors. For instance, the aluminum frame folds flat for easy storage or transport, though it’s not very light at around 12 kg.
Furthermore, an integrated LED display is mounted on the bar, indicating current speed, battery level, headlight, and Bluetooth status. Also, the 300 W motor allows you to travel up to 29 km/h for a distance of up to 17.7 km.
In addition, Swagtron has also released an app that pairs with the Swagger 5 to give you even more control. The app is compatible with both iOS and Android.
Although the Swagtron Swagger 5 doesn’t have the most innovative features or cutting-edge technology, it’s a very good folding electric scooter.
Technical Specifications:
- Motor Power: 300 W
- Battery: 36 V
- Tire Size: 8.5 inches
- Range: 11 miles
Pros:
- Good design
- Quite easy to maintain
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Quite bulky
- The battery could be more powerful
Bottom Line
The Swagtron Swagger 5 is easy to maneuver, brakes work fast, and has great balance, offering anyone an enhanced urban transportation experience. So, if you need a daily commute or just looking for a fun way to get around town, this scooter is a decent and affordable option.
Buying Considerations When Buying a Foldable Electric Scooter
There are a few things to consider when buying a foldable scooter. Here, we’ll give you all the details so that you can find the best electric folding scooters.
Weight
Weight is very important and decisive when buying a folding electric scooter. After all, it doesn’t make sense for a scooter to have a folding system for easy transportation if it’s so heavy that moving around isn’t feasible.
The average weight of electric scooters is about 12 kg. So, keep this in mind when buying your scooter. Also, if the scooter is going to be for a child, the weight should be slightly below average.
Range
This feature is crucial in a foldable scooter. Choosing a scooter with the wrong range for your needs can cause your vehicle to lock you up in the middle of a trip and force you to get some exercise.
Furthermore, the average range of scooters is around 25 kilometers. Although some models surpass it, others don’t reach this figure. So, analyze your commute to see how much you’ll need to avoid running out.
Speed
This is another relevant factor in a foldable electric scooter. Its speed will determine how fast you’ll be able to move. However, keep in mind that it’ll also impact the range of the vehicle. Generally, the higher the speed, the faster the battery will drain.
In this sense, some scooters allow you to limit your speed to reduce consumption and, therefore, extend your battery’s life at the cost of going a little slower. The average speed of electric scooters is 25 kilometers per hour.
Seat
Whether or not the folding electric scooter has a seat is important for some people. It allows for a more relaxed and comfortable use of the scooter. At the same time, it helps those who have back problems and find it uncomfortable or difficult to drive standing for long periods.
Although not all electric scooters are equipped with a seat, it’s not hard to fit one on a scooter that doesn’t have a seat, so keep that in mind in case a model that doesn’t have a seat meets all your other needs.
Also, remember that folding electric scooters with a seat tend to be heavier and more expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Foldable Scooters Good?
Foldable scooters are an excellent choice for riders who need to lift their scooters from one point to another, such as through a staircase, pack them into their car boot, or for some other reason.
Do All Electric Scooters Fold Up?
No. Different electric scooter companies build scooters to meet different needs or purposes. So, while one company wants to make portable scooters for riders, another may be interested in making sturdy scooters that’ll withstand any condition and terrain.
How Do You Carry a Folded Electric Scooter?
A scooter transport bag is one of the best options for carrying your portable electric scooters from one place to another. It’s beneficial because it prevents your clothes from being stained by the vehicle and keeps them safe!
Final Thoughts
Now that you know our top picks, we believe you’d easily make a good purchase decision.
So, our best foldable electric scooter is the Gotrax GXL V2. It’s affordable, portable, and does the job pretty well.
In addition, the Glion Dolly comes next with a minimalistic, easy-to-use design that’s suitable for urban riders.
Also, the simple design of the Hover-1 Journey gives it a place on our list. Simplicity and portability usually go hand-in-hand.
Furthermore, the Segway Ninebot Max is a good electric scooter for riders who want something portable yet premium. The scooter packs all the features of a foldable vehicle while giving you value for your money!
