The electric scooter that folds is not a new concept. With old SLA batteries the electric scooters were still just too cumbersome to take with you on the public transport, even when they fold. However with new battery technology, the scooters are getting lighter and the companies and startups are battling for their share of the market by coming up with all kinds of solutions for packing a decent size adult scooter into a backpack. So there is really an increasing number of options for anyone looking for portable transport solution, it just comes to what will fit your needs best.
Top Foldable Electric Scooters
What do you need to look for in a folding electric scooters? To be 100% usable, an electric scooter has to be portable. It needs to fit in the trunk of your car and must be lightweight enough to carry it with you wherever you go – a bus, a train or take it into your office. The purpose of a foldable electric scooter is to make your everyday life easier, not being a hassle. It needs to be something you can always keep with you, unfold it easily and use whenever you need to.
However, besides being portable and foldable, it actually needs to be powerful and sturdy enough to take your adult size self where you need to go. That means that you need to look for a quality product and not a kids’ toy.
Glion Dolly Portable E-Scooter

What we liked
- Folding is quick and easy.
- It’s got pull-out trolley handle and luggage wheels so you can drag it along just like a suitcase.
- Stands vertically by itself.
- Bright headlight and built-in tail reflector.
What we didn’t like
- No suspension.
- Only a rear brake.
- Can’t climb hills.
- It tends to get wobbly if the road is not super smooth.
Glion Dolly is a fun-to-ride, easy-to-use last mile transport for urban commuters. With its minimalist design and simple but useful features it is built to take you from A to B faster than walking. Folding and unfolding is super easy and you will be ready to go in no time. Innovative dolly function allows you to wheel it like a rolling suitcase, and it also has the ability to stand up vertically all by itself.
The top speed is up to 15 mph, which is not fast, but still faster than walking. The advertised range is 15 miles, but realistically you can expect to get 7-8 good miles out of it and a couple more with a struggle. Glion Dolly is one of the most affordable electric scooters on our list, but that also means that you will have to accept some shortcomings. First, there are handlebar control that feel very plastic and cheap. Second, there is no suspension, and “military-style honeycomb tires” are just not enough to make the ride smooth over bumps. On the high note, those tires grip the road well, even when it’s a bit wet. The only break is a rear one, which means you have to ride carefully, because there is no stopping on a dime.
To sum things up, Glion Dolly is not perfect, but it gets the job done if all you need is to turn that 40-minute walk to the train station into a fun ride.
Xiaomi M365 Mi

What we liked
- Amazing safety features like lights and braking system.
- Good battery capacity and notable range.
- The inflatable tire with skid resistant and shock resistant property.
- Weighing 27 pounds, it is not too heavy.
What we didn’t like
- Extremely low ground clearance, so be careful over bumps.
- Maximum load is 220 pounds.
This electric scooter by one of the most renowned Chinese manufacturers of anything electric, Xiaomi, has already won over hearts of many commuters thanks to its simple design, light weight and a reliable performance. Xiaomi M365 is powered by 250W (500W peak) front hub motor, and it offers high travel speed and the ultra-long cruise distance. It’s a convenient and reliable way to get around.
The build quality is surprisingly good, the materials, the finish, paint job, the welds, it all looks pretty well including the details like nice rubber handles. It is loaded with full safety particularly in the braking system. It comes with E-ABS on the front and a mechanical disk brake on the rear.
It takes about 5.5 hours to charge from 0 to 100%, which may seem long, but the range on a full charge is 18 miles, which means it doesn’t need a full recharge after every single ride. The Xiaomi electric scooter is equipped with a kinetic energy recovery system: it will convert kinetic energy to electric energy for storage and reuse, prolonging the scooter’s battery life. To activate energy recovery, press the brake or release the throttle. Also, there is a cruise control on Mi Home app, which allows the scooter to go into an intelligent riding mode.
All in all, the Xiaomi M365 folding electric scooter is a safe, convenient and environmentally-friendly option for short distance travel or daily commute. And with such an affordable price, we were honestly impressed.
Segway Ninebot MAX

What we liked
- The range of over 30 miles.
- Strong and sturdy design
- Very bright integrated LED headlight
What we didn’t like
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It is a bit too heavy to be carried around.
Ninebot MAX is a flagship scooter of the manufacturer of very popular Ninebot ES2 and ES4. Segway is the company that stands behind Ninebot line of scooters, which is a guarantee that they are made of quality parts. It seems like Ninebot MAX lives up to this reputation.
This scooter features a 350W hub motor with a peak power of 800W. This is enough for the top speed of 15.5 mph in most cases, while the advertised 18 mph is only really achievable if you’re a fairly lightweight rider. The maximum range is 40 miles can only thanks to the heavy-duty 551Wh Lithium battery, and you can expect to realistically get at least 33 – 35 miles on a single charge.
Ninebot MAX is not exactly lightweight, weighing 42 lbs, but it’s not a toy either. This little scooter is very sturdy and can take on a rough ride. With a wide foot deck, and additional accessories, like the 2.5W LED front headlight and the Segway-Ninebot app, make the ride a real pleasure.
If you need a ride capable of going more that few miles on a single charge, and that is fast enough to keep up with traffic, Ninebot MAX is made for you
Mercane Widewheel PRO

What we liked
- Ultra wide wheels and improved stability
- Dual suspension system
- The model with the stronger battery has range of 30 miles, which is the longest range of all the scooters on this list.
What we didn’t like
- Folding mechanism.
- Weighing 38 lbs (45lbs for stronger version), it is heavy.
- While it might not bother some, we are not crazy about the solid wheels.
Widewheel is created by Mercane, a Korean manufacturer of personal mobility vehicles, in an attempt to come up with the electric kickscooter that provides greater driving comfort, and smoother ride. 500W BLDC Hub motor offers enough power and hill climbing torque and a solid performance even in more demanding driving conditions. Widewheel scooter comes in two versions – one with 422Wh battery pack, which gives you the range of 20 miles and top speed of about 15mph, and a more powerful model with a 634Wh battery pack and a driving range of over 30 miles.
Wheels are what sets this scooter apart from others. They are 3.9 inches wide (hence the name Widewheel), which gives the scooter amazing stability, not only while riding, but it doesn’t even need a kickstand to stand upright by itself (though it does have one). The tires are solid, covered in rubber and filled with soft polyurethane foam, which is supposed to absorb the bumps on the road. It is also equipped with dual suspension, so it is not only easy to ride, but surprisingly comfortable as well. Wheels are on the smaller side, they are about 8 inches, so you can tell that Widewheel is not meant for riding over potholes.
The one thing we really didn’t like is the very weird folding mechanism. To fold or unfold the handlebar you need to turn a dial located on the side to unscrew and loosen the lock, and then turn again to tighten it back, when you put the handlebar into the position you want. The supposed advantage of this solution is that it fits nice and tight without shaking rattling while driving, but with so many elegant and simple solutions, we just couldn’t give it a go-by. But, it is really just the matter of personal preference.
List of Widewheel features includes LED display that indicates battery life. There is no display that would show you details like speed, distance or speed mode. High luminance LED headlight and brake light allows you to ride safely at night.
Overall, Widewheel is a robust, easy to ride, nicely designed electric scooter. Its unique design makes it worth checking out, especially if you look for more stability in your commuting scooter.
Swagtron Swagger 5

What we liked
- Ultra wide wheels and improved stability
- Dual suspension system
- The model with the stronger battery has range of 30 miles, which is the longest range of all the scooters on this list.
What we didn’t like
- Folding mechanism.
- Weighing 38 lbs (45lbs for stronger version), it is heavy.
- While it might not bother some, we are not crazy about the solid wheels.
Swagtron, maker of some of the most popular hoverboards and a couple models of pretty decent and cheap electric skateboards, also has started making electric scooters. The original Swagger electric scooter used to be the world’s lightest carbon fiber powered electric scooter by Swagtron. The latest Swagtron scooter, dubbed Swagger 5, has very little in common with its predecessor.
In fact, it looks more like a Xiaomi M365 than the new version of a Swagger scooter. It is a step up from those dingy carbon fiber electric scooters, but not very original. The aluminum frame folds for easy storage or carrying, although it is not very lightweight weighing about 27 lbs. An integrated bar-mounted LED display that tells you your current speed, battery level, and headlight and Bluetooth status, which is a useful upgrade compared to Xiaomi. The 250W motor allows you to travel up to 18 mph, for up to 11 miles.
Swagtron has also released an iOS and Android app that pairs with the Swagger 5 to give you even more control. Pair your smartphone with the Swagger 5 via Bluetooth and you can use the app to activate cruise control, select your speed, plan your route with GPS, control the headlight, and more. The app also adds a theft-deterrent lock and alarm mode. The scooter also comes with the phone mount included.
Although the Swagtron Swagger 5 has no groundbreaking features or state of the art technology, but it is a very good scooter overall. It’s easy maneuvering, fast braking, and great balance, and offers anyone an enhanced urban transportation experience. So whether you are an e-scoot grommet or just looking for a fun way to ride around town, this scooter is a decent affordable choice. If you want to know more, read our full review here.
Folding Electric Scooters Key Considerations
Since most of electric scooters today can fold in some way, a collapsible frame is not the only thing we have taken into consideration for making this list. We have focused on portability, and models that make the most sense for city commutes and riding in urban settings. That is why we give priority to scooters that are:
- Under 45lbs – If carrying your scooter is something that you will be regularly doing, you want it to be as light as possible, without sacrificing the performance. These models are not too heavy, and average person would be able to pick it up and carry for a while.
- Under $1000 – Electric scooters have become popular partly because of their excellent cost/convenience ratio when it comes to means of transport in cities. That is why there are no high-end scooters on this list, even though we love them.
Motor Power
For those than are looking for the compact portable electric scooter, high top speed is not the most important, but motor power output is what really counts in more ways than one. Portable scooter motors run from 250W to 500W and more.
The additional power is really useful, considering the type of terrain you will be riding on. If you are regularly going to ride uphill, you’ll need more power to overcome them. Also, a smaller motor needs to work harder to overcome challenging terrain, while a large motor can effectively do same with less effort.
Battery and Range
Achievable range depends on many different things, and the most important is battery capacity. The more power the battery can store the further will take you on a single charge, but it will also make the scooter more expensive. For traveling shorter distances, over relatively smooth surfaces, a budget commuter is enough. However, if you need more power and range, look for a mid-ranged commuting scooter with a slightly larger battery for more range and possibly more motor power than the budget commuter scooter.
Brakes
Most of these scooters feature an electronic brake. This is basically when the motor drags on the drive system to slow the scooter down gradually. On some models this brake is integrated with the ability to recover energy that partially recharges the battery on the go.
Electronic brakes are not too effective on their own, so scooters usually have one additional braking system. These are usually drum or disc brakes, activated using a lever on the handlebar. These are effective, but require some service to keep their peak stopping power.
Wheels and Tires
Wheels of electric scooters are small wheels, so rough surfaces are an issue. For the best ride quality, you need wheels that are at least 8” in diameter, and for even smoother ride go up to 10”. Tire will also influence the ride quality. Air filled tires provide more cushioning thanks to the air in them. The rubber on them can also mold a little under impact, which acts as a suspension of a sort. Unfortunately, with air-filled tires it’s not a question of if you’ll get a flat tire, but when, and changing it is not an easy task.
Solid tires are the alternative that don’t run the risk of puncturing. They are harder and usually make for a harsher ride and, arguably, less grip. Some scooter have the combination of one solid and one pneumatic tire, to try to achieve the balance between ride quality and convenience.
Size and Weight
For many the convenience of an adult electric scooter lies in how light and portable it is, so weight is an important factor for choosing the best scooter. Most scooters typically weigh between 25 and 45 pounds. Larger scooter may be more stable and more comfortable, but heavier and harder to transport.
You need to choose a scooter that will not be too heavy for you to carry once folded down. Also, don’t forget to check the scooter’s quoted folded dimensions, to make sure it will fit in the space you have set aside for it. Some scooters have foldable handlebars, which makes them even smaller when folded down.
Folding Mechanism
While the way it folds may not be the first thing potential customers look at when considering an electric scooter, it is a very important part of the scooter’s operation. Folding mechanism is often considered a week point of a scooter. It includes a lot of moving parts and it is usually a cause of the infamous ‘stem wobble’. In attempt to solve this, there are many different designs of folding mechanism, each with its unique strengths and weaknesses.
Hinge and latch
The most commonly used on lightweight electric scooters is one with a locking hook and a lever that tightens it. You can see the similar system on some of the best-selling scooters, like Xiaomi M365 and Ninebot MAX.
It is easy to use and effective, but it is not without flaws. There have been many complaints including broken hooks, rattling and creaking sounds, and even the whole mechanism getting worn down and causing the stem to shake. However there are lots of solutions available like the reinforced parts, aluminum sleeves, and rubber inserts. Many problems have also been remedied in newer models, so this system remains one of the simplest, most convenient and quickest folding mechanisms.
Pin-secured
Some scooters, like the EMOVE Cruiser or Touring, have folding mechanism secured by a pin. The only thing to do to fold the scooter down is to pull out the pin and collapse the scooter.
The good thing about this solution is that the scooter doesn’t fold at the stem, which makes it sturdier. The downside is that you have to make sure the pin is all the way in when unfolding a scooter, even push it in a little bit. You really do not want your scooter to fold down during riding.
Also, the frame of the folding mechanism provides many whole through which you can put a lock through and secure the scooter if you need to store it outside safely.
Advantages of Portable Electric Scooters
No more trouble with parking
There is a whole class of electronic vehicles that allows you to cover short distances, maybe finish the commute or get around town without a car. When you can’t ride it, just fold your scooter and store it anywhere, even under your desk.
Lightweight and compact
Portable electric scooters are the best last mile solution. Some of them are a real joy to ride, and have a compact design that allows you to take your ride with you to the public transport, a store or your office.
Low cost of maintenance
An electric scooter doesn’t need a lot of maintenance, in fact, almost none. Just make sure the screws are tightened once a month and brakes work, and everything is fine. Even if you have to change a broken part, light, tire or mudguard, it’s nothing compared to the cost of owning a car.
When a Lightweight Scooter is not an option
Going over rough terrains
The wheels of electric scooters are small, which can be dangerous if you run into any road bumps, or potholes. Some of them lack any kind of suspension, so you feel every bump in the road, so just imagine what going over gravel roads or cobblestones would feel like.
Carrying a lot of weight
Electric scooters are a one-person vehicles, and they’re not really suitable for hitching a ride on. An average scooter has a weight limit of about 220-250lbs, so not really suitable if you’re a heavier rider either.
Long commutes
Lightweight scooters come with smaller motors and smaller batteries, which makes their range limited. If your workplace is more than 30 miles away from your home, you need something that can travel the distance.
Portability and Performance: Heavy Duty Scooters
If you need a scooter that can pack up a punch, and you are keeping your budget flexible, we suggest you look for a premium commuter scooter. While not exactly portable in a sense that you can pick them up and carry around, these scooters can be folded to a more compact size. This means you can fold them up and put them in the trunk of a car, or store it in some corner of your garage, where it won’t get in the way. Here our top 3:
EMOVE Cruiser
Comparing the range you get for the price, there is no other scooter that can compete with EMOVE Cruiser. With a range of up to 62 miles, this is the ultimate commuter scooter that you don’t have to charge after every ride. Another standout features of the Cruiser is its amazing IP56 water resistance rating that allows you to comfortably ride it in the rain. A packed set of features also includes semi-hydraulic brakes, a massive deck, first-class suspension and even turn signals.
Apollo Ghost
Apollo Ghost is probably the fastest scooter in its price range, and one of the most affordable dual motor scooters. It folds down compactly, thanks to foldable handlebars, and its build quality is excellent. Apollo Ghost is a great entry ticket for those looking to move out from the world of lightweight urban commuters and into the world of high-performance rides.
Apollo Explore
Apollo Explore is a superb value scooter, with solid portability, safety and ride quality features packaged smartly together. Its performance per dollar ratio is unmatched in its price range, and that is why this scooter is one of our favorites since day one. Apollo Explore can go over 30mph, It features 946Wh battery, which is around 2-3 times the size of a typical electric scooter battery. That is enough capacity for around 30 miles of range. With the 10” pneumatic tires, a high-performance dual spring suspension in the rear and an additional spring suspension in the front, the Explore is the perfect scooter for both ultra-comfortable city commutes and adventurous rides on hills and trails.

Where Can You Ride a Portable Electric Scooters?
Electric scooters have evolved rapidly in a relatively short amount of time, so it is not surprising that scooter riding guidelines remain ambiguous. Based on their size and speed capacity, there’s room for debate when it comes to deciding whether scooters belong on roads, within bike lanes, or on sidewalks.
E-scooters are most commonly used on sidewalks, which allows riders to avoid potholes, parked cars, and convoluted construction zones. Scooters can also be used in bike lines, which keeps scooter riders safe from cars on the streets, and keeps pedestrians safe from electric scooters. When it comes to these lightweight folding scooters, many areas in the United States don’t deem these as street legal due to their lack of specific safety measures, such as lights, mirrors, and others. However, these laws vary state to state, and it’s generally up to owners to identify worthwhile benefits of riding in the streets.