Electric scooters 2023

author: FutureCar Staff    

In most European cities, electric scooters are a common sight and are considered an important part of the transportation infrastructure. These scooters are often used in cycle lanes alongside bicycles, providing a convenient, affordable, and eco-friendly mode of transportation for short commutes. However, in the UK, the use of privately owned e-scooters on public roads and pavements is still illegal and remains a controversial topic. Despite this, they continue to be popular among individuals who are willing to take the risk of prosecution or those who need to travel on private land such as camp sites, commercial properties, and race-track paddocks. There is hope that the law will be changed in the future, and the government has hinted that a decision on this matter will be made in 2024. As a result, we are currently testing e-scooters that comply with the existing legislation in other countries, as this is likely to be mirrored in the UK if the law is changed. These scooters have a top speed limit of 15.5mph and are equipped with front and rear lights.

When conducting our tests, we focused on electric scooters from established brands and dealers who can provide warranty coverage and parts support. The scooters were tested on a private estate with two riders weighing 80kg and 95kg, respectively. The route included a four percent incline to assess the performance of the motors when going uphill and the effectiveness of the brakes when descending. We also considered the ease of folding and carrying the scooters, as well as their resistance to adverse weather conditions, which is particularly important in the UK.

Review: Pure Advance 7

Price: Around £800
Rating: 5 stars
Available from: pureelectric.com
Power: 500W
Scooter weight: 16.2kg
Range (claimed): 24.8 miles

Pure's Advance model stands out from other e-scooters with its unique design. Instead of the traditional design, the Advance features fold-down footplates on either side of a frame, offering a more natural and comfortable riding position. The scooter also boasts self-centring steering, wide handlebars that can be quickly folded for easy transportation, and additional lights and indicators for increased visibility. With a 500W motor and a peak 710W boost, the Advance effortlessly tackled our uphill test, although we found the brakes to be slightly lacking on downhill descents.

Review: Pure Air Pro 7

Price: Around £500
Rating: 4.5 stars
Available from: pureelectric.com
Power: 500W
Scooter weight: 16.9kg
Range (claimed): 24.8 miles

The Pure Air Pro 7, another offering from Pure, may have a more conventional design compared to the Advance, but it still delivers reliable performance. Equipped with the same motor, similar range, and weight, the Air Pro 7 is priced £300 cheaper than the Advance. It features decent weatherproofing, a sturdy frame, and larger wheels that provide a solid feel on the road. Additionally, the scooter comes with a Bluetooth app for controlling its features and monitoring the battery charge. However, it is worth noting that the Air Pro 7 is not as easy to carry or as compact when folded compared to its competitors.

Review: Indi EX-2 7

Price: Around £360
Rating: 4 stars
Available from: halfords.com
Power: 350W
Scooter weight: 14.2kg
Range (claimed): 18 miles

For those who don't require an extensive range and are willing to compromise on certain features, the Indi EX-2 offers great value for money. Its smaller size makes it easier to carry, and the skateboard-like footplate adds a unique touch. Despite having a lower-powered motor compared to its competitors, the Indi EX-2 performed admirably in our hill test, especially with the lighter rider. However, the smaller wheels and frame result in a more nervous feel on rough surfaces, and some parts may not withstand everyday use as well as other scooters.

Review: Ducati Pro-III 7

Price: Around £800
Rating: 3.5 stars
Available from: moovelectric.co.uk
Power: 350W
Scooter weight: 17.5kg
Range (claimed): 31 miles

The Ducati Pro-III stands out for its impressive claimed range of 31 miles, thanks to its larger battery compared to its competitors. This scooter also features an RFID pass key for unlocking and a large display. It performs well, particularly on smoother roads, and the twin disc brakes provide a sense of confidence while riding. However, it is worth noting that the Pro-III is a heavier scooter and may struggle to deliver optimal performance on slopes, especially for heavier riders. Additionally, its relatively higher price may be a drawback for some.

FutureCar Staff