The Best Electric Scooters for Heavy Riders
You asked, we delivered. These are the best electric scooters for heavy riders, 2023 edition.
The most exciting thing about this year’s selection is that we now have two big-dawg perspectives.
Ramier and Mitchell are both over 6 ft tall and weigh 200 lb+, and with their combined years of riding, you can be sure they offer reliable insights.
We’ve carefully selected electric scooters specifically designed to accommodate heavier individuals without compromising on speed, stability, or durability.
If you want to know a little more about our criteria for buying an electric scooter for heavier riders, scroll to the end of the article. Otherwise, let’s go!
Table of Contents
Best Budget Portable – Segway Ninebot Max G2
$999
The Ninebot Max G2 is one of the scooters making the most waves in 2023. We’ve called it the benchmark for range and reliability, and here’s why we think it’s one of the best electric scooters for heavy riders.
- Affordable yet powerful
- Impressive suspension
- Good portability in a category with few portable scooters
- Ergonomically designed
- Durable build
- Large 551 Wh battery
With a max rider weight of 265 lbs, the Max G2 scooter is a credible heavy rider option. It’s got a powerful 450-watt motor that churns 1000 watts peak power, allowing it to effortlessly carry heavy riders over inclines and rougher terrain. And thanks to that Segway build, the scooter’s frame does not bend or strain under higher weight.
In addition, the front hydraulic coil shock and adjustable dual rear spring suspension have been game-changers for the Ninebot Max scooter. Riders, especially heavy adults, now enjoy a more stable, comfortable, and smooth ride, especially on bumpy roads or uneven surfaces.
Enhanced suspension also improves overall maneuverability, making it easier to navigate for riders of all sizes and weights.
Read our full review of the Segway Ninebot Max G2
Top: The Best Electric Scooters for Heavy RidersBest Maintenance-Free Commuter – Fluid Vista
$1,499
The Fluid Vista is the second single-motor scooter on this list, giving heavy adult riders a choice of an affordable scooter that’s low maintenance, comfortable, and efficient. Here’s what makes the Fluid Vista one of the best electric scooters for for heavy riders.
- Powerful enough for heavy riders
- Excellent performance
- Comfortable ride quality, with great suspension
- Spacious riding platform
- Solid, zero-maintenance tires
- Relatively affordable
Thanks to the powerful motor, you also get amazing acceleration and a top speed of close to 30 mph, which for heavier adults is rarely ever the case on single-motor scooters.
The Vista has solid tires, which generally have less shock absorption, but the tires on this scooter have an immensely grippy tread for traction, and a profile that is great for cornering and curving.
The tires’ flat-free nature also makes the scooter a low-maintenance option. Moreover, its large rear coil shock makes for an impressively comfortable ride, and the preload can be dialed up for the heaviest rider to find a perfect balance between rider comfort and shock absorption.
The riding ergonomics also play a huge role in the ride comfort. The 640 mm-wide handlebars are expansive enough for bigger riders, and the scooter has one of the widest decks, measuring 17.5 inches (L) by 9 inches (W). Even riders with the largest feet will enjoy the shuffle room.
Read our full review of the Fluid Vista
Top: The Best Electric Scooters for Heavy RidersBest Affordable Luxury Ride – Apollo Phantom V3
$2,199
The Apollo Phantom is one of the most well-designed light-heavyweight performance scooters, and here’s why we like it for bigger riders:
- Powerful dual 1200-watt motors
- High 300 lbs rider weight capacity
- Excellent performance: speed, acceleration, hill climbing, and braking
- Shocks that feel tuned for heavier riders
- Luxurious design
- Large 1170 Wh battery
- Mid-range price
You get all the benefits of a dual motor scooter without having to pay an arm and a leg with the Phantom. Those benefits include exceptional acceleration (7.3 seconds to 30 mph), a thrilling 40.7 mph top speed, an 8.8 second climb to the top of a 200 ft, 10% hill, and world-class braking.
The scooter’s high-quality build effectively serves bigger riders, and its quadruple-shock front and rear suspension has plenty of travel. You can also add spring preload to keep suspension travel optimal for your weight.
Read our full review of the Apollo Phantom V3
Top: The Best Electric Scooters for Heavy RidersBest Affordable Performance – NAMI Klima
$2,499
The NAMI Klima is a more affordable, portable version of NAMI’s flagship and record-breaking e-scooter, the NAMI BURN E-2. Easily Mitchell’s favorite scooter, here’s why he so strongly endorses it, especially as a bigger rider himself:
- Great performance numbers for top speed, acceleration, hill-climbing, and braking
- Large brand-name battery with decent range
- Unmatched adjustable suspension
- Nimble, for more precise handling
- Relatively portable
- Great riding ergonomics
The NAMI Klima delivers adrenaline-pumping performance, with a top speed of 41.6 mph. Powerful 2000-watt motors with efficient sinewave controllers produced a 4.9-second acceleration to 30 mph. Logan brakes stop the scooter in 9.4 ft from a speed of 15 mph, while the 1800 Wh battery gave us 25 miles on our range test course.
But it’s not only raw numbers that place the Klima among the best electric scooters for bigger riders. The handlebars are among the tallest at 42 inches, although a smaller 19-inch by 8-inch deck might be a tighter squeeze for some.
You’ll want to use the tail if you have large feet so you’re not cramped. That aside, the best-in-class suspension with adjustable preload and rebound is easy to customize to your weight and riding style.
Read our full review of the NAMI Klima
Top: The Best Electric Scooters for Heavy RidersMost Well-Rounded – Kaabo Wolf Warrior X GT
$2,499
The Kaabo Wolf Warrior X GT is a force to reckon with, especially for heavier riders, and here’s why:
- Dual-stem stability
- Large brand-name battery
- Powerful motors with efficient sinewave controllers
- 3rd longest deck on our database
- Hybrid off-road tires for all-terrain riding
- High on safety ranking
- Exquisite finish
The Wolf Warrior X GT’s 265 lbs rider weight capacity is not as high as some scooters on this list, but its ruggedly built tubular frame is strong enough to support riders at max capacity mark or beyond. Furthermore, it’s one of the most stable scooters thanks to the dual stem, and you get precise control from an upgraded thumb throttle and smooth sinewave controllers.
Performance-wise, this is a beast. It’s an all-terrain scooter that made our Best Off-road Scooters for 2023. With a 45.3 mph top speed and a 5.9 seconds acceleration to 30 mph, there’s no slowing the Warrior X down.
The X GT electric scooter accelerated to the top of our hill climb test in just 7.6 seconds. And riders will appreciate the 44.2 miles of range and Zoom hydraulic disc brakes.
Read our full review of the Wolf Warrior X GT
Top: The Best Electric Scooters for Heavy RidersBest for Ride Quality + Performance – NAMI BURN-E 2 Max
$4,890
The BURN-E 2 Max upgrade is one of the best performance electric scooters money can buy. It’s not cheap, but here’s why we think it’s reasonably priced, especially as a performance scooter for heavy adults:
- Insane top speed
- Extended range and a brand-name battery for longer battery life
- NAMIs are legendary hill climbers
- Amazing adjustable suspension
- Tallest handlebars in our database
- Massive deck
- Solid, hand-welded tubular frame with carbon fiber stem
- Powerful 3000-watt motors with sinewave controllers
Performance numbers are through the roof across all categories: 54.9 mph of top speed, 48 miles of range, 3.7 seconds acceleration to 30 mph, a 6.3-second hill climb to the top of our 200-foot hill with a 10% gradient, and a 9.7-foot braking distance from a speed of 15 mph.
The hand-welded tubular frame, with a carbon fiber stem, is one of the most sturdy builds. Hydraulic suspension has tons of travel, adjustable rebound, and adjustable preload for heavier riders.
The BURN-E 2 Max has the tallest handlebars on our database and one of the largest decks. The scooter also derives stability from 27-inch wide handlebars, an adjustable steering damper, and large 11-inch tubeless tires.
Read our full review of the NAMI BURN-E 2 Max
Top: The Best Electric Scooters for Heavy RidersBest for Luxury + Performance – Apollo Pro 2023
$3,999
Since Apollo went in-house, their scooters have hit the mark on literally everything. Here’s what makes the Pro one of the best electric scooters for heavy riders and a personal favorite of our tester Ramier:
- Beefy, single-piece chassis construction
- Ultra-high 330 lbs rider weight capacity
- Tall handlebars
- Good performance
- Voted ‘most likely to replace your car’
- A little more portable than peers
- All-weather riding thanks to the IP66 rating
- Apollo’s leading app
- Cool tech, like phone-as-display
While it is visibly large, at 95.6 lbs, the Apollo Pro is significantly lighter than its competition. Yet its single-piece chassis easily handles the claimed 330 lbs rider weight capacity and 40.5-inch tall handlebars make it ideal for taller riders.
Other design elements that make this one of the best electric scooters for heavy riders include a practical center stand, monster fenders, and huge 12-inch tires.
The Pro also gets a smooth throttle, a dedicated regen lever, easy-to-use buttons, and soft grippy bars to eliminate any source of riding fatigue.
Top speed is 44.3 mph, with a respectable 7.9-second acceleration time to 30 mph. You also get 36 miles of range from the Samsung battery, optimal if this happens to be your car replacement.
Powerful 3800-watt motors guarantee that no hill is too much as a bigger rider.
Add-ons like the phone-as-a-display, IP66 water resistance rating, and customizable lighting are icing on an already delicious electric scooter cake.
Read our full review of the Apollo Pro 2023
Top: The Best Electric Scooters for Heavy RidersBest Performance for Heavy Riders – Kaabo Wolf King GTR
$3,995
Like the Wolf King GT Pro, the electric scooter it replaced, the Wolf King GTR is the racing companion you want if you’re a heavy rider, and here’s a full spread of what to expect:
- Incredibly fast acceleration, with a legit 60 mph acceleration time
- Best-in-class hill climbing
- Dual stem stability
- High rider weight capacity
- Large deck
- Highest deck clearance
- Best off-roading scooter
- Removable battery
- Traction Control
- Best-in-class lighting package
This scooter feels like it has bottomless power with a peak output of 13440 watts. We saw it do a record 3.3 seconds to 30 mph and a 6.4-second climb to the top of our 200-foot hill with a 10% gradient.
The dual stem gives you unmatched stability at speed, and the bulletproof build gives the heaviest riders an overwhelming sense of confidence, even in the most extreme conditions. It’s rated to carry a maximum weight of 330 lbs and stays true to spec.
Heavy riders can tune the preload suspension on the front shocks to their weight, while the rear shocks come with adjustable rebound. This specification is especially handy if you plan on taking the scooter off-road, which any adrenaline junkie should do.
The deck is massive at 22 inches by 9.3 inches, with a record-setting clearance of 9.3 inches. On the flipside, the handlebar height is a bit of a letdown at 38.5 inches, and taller riders might have to install a handlebar raiser for a more comfortable riding position.
All that said, there are few better performance electric scooters for heavy adults. If that’s what you’re looking for, then the King GTR is for you.
Read our full review of the Wolf King GTR
Top: The Best Electric Scooters for Heavy RidersTop Things To Consider When Shopping for the Best Electric Scooters For Heavy Riders
When we use the term heavy riders, we mean an individual that weighs somewhere between 200 to 300 lbs. This person might be taller, possibly has larger than average feet, and has a bigger-than-average body frame. Therefore, when it comes to scooters for heavy riders, it is crucial to consider the following factors:
Rider Weight Limit
The maximum load capacity determines how much weight your scooter can carry, and it is important to factor this in to make sure the scooter can hold the weight of yourself and any belongings you may be carrying, e.g., groceries, your riding gear, and accessories.
Most scooters are rated to carry a max rider weight of around 265 lbs. This is a huge improvement over earlier days when manufacturers designed scooters for adults with load capacities as low as 165 lbs.
A high max rider weight capacity means the manufacturer has considered the strength of the scooter’s frame, the motor power, the battery power, braking, and other performance and safety requirements.
Top: The Best Electric Scooters for Heavy RidersWhat Happens If You Exceed The Weight Limit On An Electric Scooter?
Exceeding the weight limit on an electric scooter can have several negative consequences:
- Safety: Exceeding the rated weight capacity can compromise the structural integrity of the scooter, leading to potential breakdowns and tire bursts while in use.
- Reduced Performance: Carrying weight beyond the rated capacity can reduce the scooter’s acceleration, top speed, braking distance and climbing ability.
- Battery Life: Overloading the scooter can drain the battery faster than expected, reducing the range and the overall lifespan of the battery.
- Motor Strain: Exceeding the weight capacity can strain the motor, leading to overheating and potential damage.
- Wear and Tear: Excess weight can lead to premature wear and tear of various components such as tires, brakes, and the suspension system.
- Voided Warranty: Many manufacturers have stipulations in their warranty agreements that specify that damages or malfunctions resulting from overloading the scooter are not covered.
- Reduced Stability: Carrying more weight can make the scooter more unstable, especially during turns or when stopping suddenly, increasing the risk of accidents.
Scooter Dimensions
If you are taller than the average person or have large feet, finding a scooter that is the right size for you can be challenging. You want an ergonomic stance without being hunched over or cramped on the deck and handlebars.
There are three things to watch out for when choosing the best electric scooters for heavy riders:
Handlebar Height: If you are tall (6 ft and above), you should be going for a handlebar that is 39 inches- 42 inches tall to maintain a good stance. If you’re above 6.4ft, handlebar raisers can be installed to get a few more inches.
Handlebar Width: Wider handlebars offer greater stability and better hand placement comfort, while narrower handlebars offer greater maneuverability but can feel cramped.
As a general rule, your width size should be as wide as your shoulders. A measurement on 23 inches and above will be wide enough for most riders.
Deck Length and Width: this determines the amount of space you have on the scooter and dramatically affects your ride’s comfort, quality, and stability. The deck width should be wide enough to allow you to place your feet side by side and should be long enough so that your feet are not hanging off the back.
A deck width of 9 inches-15 inches and a length of around 20 inches -23 inches will be sufficient for most foot sizes.
Top: The Best Electric Scooters for Heavy RidersBuild Quality
Heavy riders, in particular, need a scooter that can withstand their weight without breaking or malfunctioning.
Likewise, if you plan on doing tricks or riding off-road, you will need a scooter that can take a beating. Most scooters on the market have steel or aviation-grade aluminum frames to support these needs.
The way to gauge build quality in the best electric scooters for heavy riders is to read online reviews and ask around for recommendations. Once you’ve narrowed down your options to a few models, it’s also a good idea to inspect the scooters in person to get a feel for their build quality.
Luckily, our team of experts tests every scooter we review and carefully evaluates their build quality.
Top: The Best Electric Scooters for Heavy RidersMotor, Controller, and Battery Capacity
What do you need to look for in these components?
Motor and controller: You need a powerful motor and controllers that can carry your weight without any noticeable decrease in performance
A weaker motor will cause the scooter to move slowly, struggle up hills, and even overheat if used for extended periods. For riders who weigh over 220lbs, we recommend a motor that can generate at least 1000 watts of nominal power.
When choosing a controller, consider the voltage and amperage rating. A higher voltage rating will be able to handle a more powerful motor, while a higher amperage rating means that the controller can handle more current.
A good rule of thumb is to choose a controller with a minimal voltage rating of 52v and a current rating of 10A. With the right motor and controller, you can be sure that your scooter can handle anything you throw at it.
Battery: the battery powers all the electrical components of the scooter and is important in determining the range of a scooter, that is, how far it can travel on a single charge. A larger battery will give the motor more power and run time, which is important for any scooter rider.
As a general rule of thumb: a 1008Wh battery will give you around 20-30 miles of range on a single charge, more than enough for most daily commutes and a few errands.
Top: The Best Electric Scooters for Heavy RidersSuspension and Tires
A heavy-duty suspension will absorb vibrations and other road imperfections, resulting in a smoother ride. Additionally, it will improve control and stability by ensuring the tires are in contact with the road.
An adjustable suspension works best for heavier riders, as they can tune it to their desired comfort level instead of relying on factory pre-settings.
To further improve ride quality, look for a scooter with large pneumatic tires. These tires will easily roll over obstacles and absorb road imperfections better than their solid counterparts.
Pneumatic tires also provide superior traction, which is especially important in wet conditions.
Top: The Best Electric Scooters for Heavy RidersBraking
It is essential that heavy riders choose a scooter with an excellent braking system because the rider weight affects the braking distance.
The more weight on the scooter, the more inertia is exerted, translating to longer braking distances. Thus, you will need more braking power to stop the scooter within a reasonable distance under a higher load.
Disc brakes are typically recommended for heavier riders due to their excellent stopping power. Hydraulic disc brakes are superior to mechanical brakes, but both require more frequent pad replacement with heavier riders.
Drum brakes, on the other hand, don’t require replacement or adjustment, although they aren’t quite as grabby as discs or as good in wet weather.
Top: The Best Electric Scooters for Heavy Riders