5 Best Electric Scooters for Teens
Teenagers want their freedom. Maybe that means getting their own car, eventually…. but electric scooters for teens can also offer a lot of fun and freedom without breaking the bank. Used safely – with helmets, protective gear, and safe riding techniques – an electric scooter can be a great commuter vehicle for work or school.
E-scooters get kids out of the house and into fresh air. But there’s a few things you’ll want to know before buying a scooter for a teenager. First, you should understand the laws for riding e-scooters where you live, know how to ride safely, and understand scooter basics and key features to look for in a new ride – including reliability and warranty coverage.
Here at Electric Scooter Guide, we’ve been riding, testing, and reviewing electric scooters the same way since 2018. We work with the best brands in the industry to help them improve their products, and we share our data and expert observations to help you make the most informed decisions.
Table of Contents
Legal Regulations and Safety Standards
Are electric scooters legal for teenagers? That depends on where you live, but yes, in most states in the US, scooters are legal for riders over a certain age. That age can change from state to state, so you’ll want to consult your local state and city laws.
Most states specify 16 and up, and many require a drivers license. Some states allow riders as young as 12, but most electric scooter manufacturers specify a safe lower age limit of 14 for their products, unless those products are e-scooters made especially for younger kids.
Other laws require helmets for riders under a certain age, usually 16. We strongly urge riders of every age to always wear a helmet during every ride.
Safety Tips for All Riders
Safety should always be the top priority when it comes to electric scooters, especially for teens. Here are some vital safety tips to keep in mind:
- Wear Protective Gear: We can’t say this enough – always wear a helmet. Also, protective gear from companies like Beyond Riders looks cool and keeps riders safe from scrapes, bruises, cuts, and abrasions.
- Stay Visible: Opt for scooters that come with reflective materials or lights and wear reflective clothing. This is especially important for riding in low-light conditions.
- Follow Traffic Rules: Teenagers should known the importance of obeying traffic signals and rules. Riding on sidewalks may be prohibited and dangerous, so understand your local laws.
- Avoid Distractions: Texting, talking on the phone, or listening to earbuds while riding can lead to severe accidents. Make sure your teen knows to stay focused while riding.
- Never, Ever Ride While Intoxicated: The leading cause of most serious electric scooter accidents.
By following these safety tips, teens can minimize their risks and keep themselves and others safe.
Key Features
- Top Speed: Typically, electric scooters that travel over 20 mph should not be considered safe for teens.
- Weight and Portability: Many models are easy-folding and lightweight, making them perfect for school commutes.
- Safety Features: Look for scooters with safe, low-maintenance braking systems and safety certifications from testing agencies like UL Laboratories.
- Durability: A sturdy frame will withstand minor bumps and scratches. Other factors like warranty length, water resistance, and tire and battery type determine how reliable an electric scooter will be in the long term.
5 Best Electric Scooters for Teens
BEST DEAL EVER
NIU KQi 100P | $349 $249
The NIU KQi 100P introduces front suspension to a compact electric scooter platform that’s as simple as it is well-built. It’s got a top speed of almost 18 mph and covers around 11 tested miles on a single charge, which isn’t bad for a small budget scooter.
NIU has long been one of our top scooter companies to recommend because of their high reliability and great build and ride quality. Right now the KQi 100P is the best deal on the internet for an electric scooter, going for only $249. Grab them now. NIU says they’re going fast.
Reliability 8.7 | IP55 | UL2272
Top: 5 Best Electric Scooters for Teens
Speed and Swag
Hover-1 Alpha 2.0 | $348
The Hover-1 Alpha 2.0 is a bluetooth speaker-enabled, swag-light-equipped budget scooter, with an 18 mph top speed and a warranty from one of the country’s biggest makers of personal electric vehicles.
The Alpha 2.0 has much better stopping than its predecessor, using no-maintenance regenerative/drum brakes, and it has a long, wide, skateboard-like deck and is a ton of fun to ride.
Reliability 7.5 | IPX4 | UL2272
Top: 5 Best Electric Scooters for Teens
Excellent Value
GOTRAX G3 Plus | $318
On sale now for only $318, the G3 Plus is one of GOTRAX’s bestselling budget scooters. It’s got everything you need for a first ride, from one of the biggest names in the business. An ESG-tested top speed of 18 mph, a large deck for bigger feet, bright headlights and taillight, and more.
GOTRAX gives you a 2-year warranty on all major parts. We give the GOTRAX G3 Plus an 8.7 on our reliability scale for this coverage and for its water resistance and UL 2272 rating.
Reliability 8.7 | IPX5 | UL2272
Top: 5 Best Electric Scooters for Teens
Rugged + Durable
Segway Ninebot E2 Pro | $399
When Segway first released the E2 and E2 Plus scooters, we recommended them for teens and younger adult riders because of their flat-proof tires, portability, and durability. Well, the E2 Pro is even better.
Of course, Segway needs no introduction. The E2 Pro has quickly become one of their best-rated electric scooters for the price, with a tested top speed of 15.5 mph, no-maintenance drum+regenerative brakes, 10-inch puncture-proof pneumatic tires, and a high reliability score from us.
Reliability 8.8 | IPX5 | UL2272
Top: 5 Best Electric Scooters for Teens
Longe Range Reliability
VMAX VX5 Pro | $399 – $499
Designed and built in Switzerland, VMAX scooters are one of the top brands we recommend for all the bells and whistles when it comes to budget commuter scooters. They have an innovative pricing strategy: three different battery sizes for each model.
We recommend the GT version, with the biggest battery, of the VMAX VX5 Pro, for up to 23.4 miles of ESG-tested range on a single charge. The scooter also has an 18 mph tested top speed, ultra bright headlight, and turn signals on the rear and handlebar ends for max visibility.
Reliability 9.4 | IPX6 | UL2272
Top: 5 Best Electric Scooters for TeensSumming Up
As you can see, you’ve got a range of great options when it comes to buying electric scooters for teens. But if you go online blind, the choices multiply exponentially. Suddenly, you’re faced with dozens of brands you’ve never heard of, with prices that seem too good to be true.
We ride and test every scooter we recommend, and our reviews have helped millions find their perfect ride since 2018. If you still can’t find what you need, check out our extensive database and keep checking back for new and updated reviews each week.
Top: 5 Best Electric Scooters for Teens
