Can more money buy you a better e-scooter? Unlike cars or motorbikes, more money cannot simply buy you more performance (necessarily); there are hard limits imposed by the government, after all. So - what do you get when you choose the most expensive (street-legal) e-scooters? We’re not talking about the grey-area dwellers that may get you in trouble with the police. Today, we’re featuring a slew of street-legal high performers to answer a single question: When it cannot buy performance, what can more money buy you in an e-scooter?
We’re pitting 7 high-quality scooters from brands we know of against each other to understand what you get for the lofty prices you’re bound to pay.
GoTrax Odyssey
Priced at $1360, the GoTrax Odyssey is the most affordable entry on this list. It features a dual 650 W (1.2 kW) motor that brings you to a top speed of 38 mph (where legal). Its 1.2 kWh battery can take you up to 45 miles on a full charge. It features a foldable aluminum-and-steel frame. Its digital display will keep you informed about speed, battery, mileage, and other telemetry. It also features 11 x 3-inch pneumatic tires for off-road riding, which work in tandem with the dual suspension. It also features a 3-speed gear system.
HiBoy Titan Pro
For an additional $139, and priced at $1499, the HiBoy Titan Pro immediately upgrades part quality. It features two Bosch hub motors, bringing the net wattage up to 2.4 kW of peak power and a top speed of 33 mh. Its 1.7 kWh battery can keep you riding up to 80 miles on a full charge. It also has a 3.5-inch LED display for all your telemetry, and a wide 24.4-inch deck to keep you standing comfortably. Its dual hydraulic brakes and dual-suspension keep you safe and comfortable. The Titan can also climb inclines up to 35%, making it better suited to urban environments than the Odyssey. In this case, you get utility for the extra price.
The GoTrax GX3
For an additional $200, the GoTrax GX3 is an off-road e-scooter priced at $1699. It features 2 motors, each with 1 kW of power. It tops out at 38 mph and has a 1.3 kWh battery that can keep you riding up to 60 miles per full charge, depending on the mode you choose. It is also foldable and features dual suspension, an LED display, dual brakes, LED turn signals, an LED headlight, and a control system that lets you indicate turns, honk the horn, and increase or decrease the power mode. For the extra money, you get a less powerful but longer-range set-up tuned for off-road riding, plus better quality-of-life upgrades like turn signals.
VMAX VX4
Also priced at $1699, the VMAX VX4 features a nominal 500W motor that can peak at 2.8 kW. This scooter comes in two trims: the standard model has an 811 Wh battery that can get you 53 miles, and the upgraded version has a 1kWh battery with an estimated range of 68 miles per full charge. For the price bump, you certainly don’t get extra performance; in fact, you’re taking a drop in performance. However, you get a lighter set-up that can easily handle inclines up to 40%, making it more suitable for hilly urban areas.
Segway GT3 Pro
Priced at $2499, the Segway GT3 Pro costs $500 more than the V4. For that price bump, you get a dual 3.5 kW motor and a 2.1 kWh battery. Segway estimates the scooter can run 34 to 86 miles, depending on the riding mode you choose. You can customize the dual suspension in one of 15 ways. It can also climb slopes of up to 38%, and it features a 2.4-inch LED display for live telemetry. The scooter's LED headlight automatically switches between high and low modes. For the bump in price, you get a slightly less powerful motor, with a bigger battery and longer range.
Bakcou Timberwolf
Priced at $2699, the Bakcou Timberwolf is the ultimate electric scooter for those who want the performance that a step-through electric bike offers without the frailty of a traditional electric scooter. The Timberwolf is the ultimate middle ground between the two. This electric scooter features a Bafang 750W rear-hub motor and an 840Wh battery that delivers 25 to 35 miles on a full charge. This scooter tops out at 20 mph and features 24-inch front tires, dual hydraulic piston brakes, and a 400-lumen headlight. For the extra $200 from our last entry, and over $1300 from our first entry, you get an entirely new type of e-scooter. This machine is built to haul cargo across all sorts of terrain on tires suited to cargo electric bikes.
The Verdict
When local limits cap performance, including top speed and wattage, premium electric scooters justify their higher cost with suspension, automotive-grade safety, and robust build quality. Additionally, high-end models offer low-maintenance braking and tires, superior structural durability from aircraft-grade aluminum with enhanced weather-resistance ratings, and refined user interfaces with high-definition dashboards and deep app integration.