Electric scooters 2023

author: FutureCar Staff    

In most European cities, electric scooters are an integral part of the transportation infrastructure. They share cycle lanes with bicycles, offering a convenient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly mode of transportation for covering short distances. However, in the UK, the use of privately owned e-scooters on public roads and pavements remains illegal and controversial. Despite this, they continue to be popular among individuals willing to take the risk of prosecution and those who need transportation on private land such as camp sites, commercial properties, and race-track paddocks. There is hope that the law will change, and the government has hinted at making a decision in 2024. Consequently, we are only testing e-scooters that comply with the existing legislation in other countries, as this is likely to be mirrored here if the law changes. These compliant scooters have a top speed limit of 15.5mph and are equipped with front and rear lights.

Our testing process involved evaluating a wide range of electric scooters, focusing on models from established brands and dealers who can provide warranty support and spare parts. The scooters were tested on a private estate by two riders weighing 80kg and 95kg. The route included a four percent incline to assess the motor's performance uphill and the brakes' effectiveness downhill. Additional points were awarded to scooters that were easy to fold and carry. Given the UK's unpredictable weather, good weather resistance was also an essential criterion for our evaluation.

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 Electric's Advance scooter stands out from the crowd with its innovative design. Departing from the conventional e-scooter design, the Advance features fold-down footplates on either side of a frame, providing a more natural and comfortable riding position. The scooter also boasts self-centring steering, wide handlebars that can be folded quickly for easy transportation, and scrolling indicators and lights for improved visibility. While the 500W motor effortlessly conquered our test incline, we found the brakes could have had more bite on the descent.

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 is another excellent offering from Pure Electric, perfectly suited for everyday use in the UK. While its design may be less interesting compared to the Advance, it shares the same motor, similar range and weight, and comes at a more affordable price of £300 less. The Air Pro 7 offers decent weatherproofing, a sturdy frame, and larger wheels that contribute to a solid and stable ride. Additionally, it features a Bluetooth app for convenient control and monitoring of charge levels. However, it may not be as easy to carry or as compact when folded as some competing models.

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 make a few compromises, the Indi EX-2 offers great value. Its smaller size makes it easier to carry, and the skateboard-like footplate adds a unique touch. Despite having a less powerful motor than most competitors, the Indi EX-2 performed admirably on our hill test, especially with the lighter rider. However, the smaller wheels and frame result in a slightly nervous feel on rough surfaces, and some components may not withstand rigorous daily use.

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

Ducati, known for their sports motorcycles, surprises with their Pro-III electric scooter. Its standout feature is the impressive claimed range of 31 miles, thanks to a larger battery than its competitors. The Pro-III also boasts convenient features such as an RFID pass key for unlocking and a large display. It delivers a smooth ride, particularly on well-maintained roads, and the twin disc brakes provide a sense of confidence. However, the scooter's weight and power may be limiting factors for heavier riders on slopes, and its price may be relatively high compared to other options.

FutureCar Staff