escooter
Electric scooters are a great way to cover short distances, like commuting from a Metro station to a bus stop. Image Credit: Unsplash/Marat Mazitov

It's neither a bicycle nor a motorbike, but it's just as convenient, especially if you don’t own a car. Electric scooters are an efficient mode of transport for covering short distances quickly. With your own e-scooter in tow, getting to the nearest metro station and the bus stop is no longer an expensive nor an exhausting affair. Once electrically charged, these environmentally friendly vehicles can be used to commute to work, run errands in the vicinity and even cruise around just for fun.

But before you hit the road, always remember to wear a helmet and a reflective vest while riding in dedicated e-scooter lanes. Electric scooters come with their own set of rules and regulations in the UAE to protect riders, pedestrians and road users, alike. Keep yourself up-to-date with e-scooter safety guidelines, and check whether you need an e-scooter permit.

Refer to our best electric scooter picks on Amazon below, and subscribe to Prime to have your e-scooter delivered to you the next day!

1. Best Overall: Segways Ninebot E45 Electric Scooter

Pros

  • Shock-absorbing tyres
  • Triple braking system
  • Rides at a speed of 30km per hour
  • Customisable deck lights
  • Climbs 20 per cent inclines

Cons

  • Heavier than most on the list at 16.4kgs

Segway’s stylish Ninebot E45 e-scooter rides at a maximum speed of 30km per hour, supported by a triple braking system. Besides the electric and double mechanical braking, you get 45km on a single charge on sturdy tyres that measure nine inches. But these aren't your usual air wheels; instead, they have a rubber inner support, making them far more shock absorbing and less susceptible to punctures. You can even travel uphill with up to 20 per cent incline. Equipped with bright rear and front lights, this Segway has colourful atmospheric lights under the deck, too, so pedestrians can spot you easily at night. A sweet bonus? Your scooter comes with a handy external battery for on the go, so you never have to worry about being stranded.

Bonus: Buy with zero per cent instalments and pay Dh92.67 for 12 months with select banks.

2. Best Budget: Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 3, Black

Pros

  • Great option for beginners
  • Conserves battery under 30 per cent
  • Easy to carry, since it weighs 13.2kgs only
  • Climbs 16 per cent inclines
  • Sturdy quality

Cons

  • Slow at 25km per hour

Xiaomi electric scooter’s 2021 model lets you ride 30km on a full charge, withstanding up to 100kgs in body weight. Tell the e-scooter if you’re on the way to work, cruising in a park or riding close to pedestrians using the three speed modes, from S to D. Not only does it have a bright headlight, angled to keep the scooter from distracting oncoming traffic, but also a red tail light for when you brake. Speaking of braking, the rear 8.5-inch wheel uses a dual-pad disc braking system to prolong brakes. When not in use, fold in the stem and carry the 13.2kg scooter with you in three seconds!

Bonus: Buy with zero per cent instalments and pay Dh123.75 for 12 months with select banks.

3. Best Load Capacity: eVA X2 Pro High Performance Long Range Electric Scooter

Pros

  • Covers 45 to 50km on a single charge
  • Detachable battery
  • Triple braking system
  • Supports a maximum load of 150kgs

Cons

  • Expensive spare battery
  • Heavy e-scooter at 16.5kgs

This one gets all the accolades for its 10-inch wheels, smooth riding experience and swift customer service. It’s not going to be a bumpy ride with eVA’s X2 Pro e-scooter. Accelerate to up to three different speeds using a convenient lever and travel 45 to 50km on a single charge. You can always double your range with a spare battery pack, but this is an expensive investment. For added safety, the vehicle triggers a triple system to stop – pedal brake, disc brake and an electronic lever brake. Weighing 16.5kgs, it can support a weight load of up to 150kgs. And the scooter has limited resistance against water and dust.

Bonus: Buy with zero per cent instalments and pay Dh191.58 for 12 months with select banks.

4. Best for Leisure: Razor Electric Scooter E Prime Air

Pros

  • Lightest scooter on the list at 10kgs
  • Okay to ride for children 14 and up
  • Single charge allows 40 minutes of use
  • Doubles as a non-electric scooter

Cons

  • Not for those looking for speed - runs at 24km per hour
  • Gives you a range of 12km on a single battery

If you're looking to ride around the city for errands or leisure, instead of an intensive commute, opt for Razor E Prime Air electric scooter. Carrying the rider on eight-inch air and airless wheels, the scooter helps conserve battery by functioning as a non-electric kick scooter as well. Razor's deck can support a load of 91kgs and rides a little slowly at 24km per hour for 40 minutes on a single charge. Children aged 14 and above can ride this model safely since it only weighs 10kgs and its height can be adjusted.

Bonus: Buy with zero per cent instalments and pay Dh163.80 for 12 months with select banks.

5. Best Value for Battery Life: Xiaomi M365 Pro Mi Electric Scooter

Pros

  • Adds to battery life with kinetic energy
  • Climbs 12 per cent inclines
  • Runs 45km per charge
  • Bluetooth connectivity

Cons

  • Air-filled wheels might be prone to punctures
  • Doesn’t deliver with Prime

Unlike our best budget pick, this Xiaomi model is slightly heavier at 14.2kgs. The M365 Pro boasts the same maximum speeds of 25km per hour, but wins for its longer battery life. It will be days before the M365 Pro needs to refuel, lasting up to 45km on a single charge. Plus, while you’re on the move, the scooter converts some of the kinetic energy into electrical power for an even longer-lasting ride. It runs on 8.5-inch air wheels with decent shock absorption and climbing capability – up to 12 per cent incline. Switch between three speeds - Eco, Standard and Sports - via the display panel or the mobile app, using Bluetooth. You can even lock the ride with your paired phone.

Bonus: Buy with zero per cent instalments and pay Dh143.83 for 12 months with select banks.

Warranty: The manufacturer offers a one-year warranty.

6. Best for Long Distances: Ninebot Segway Max G30 Kickscooter

Pros

  • Long battery life
  • Climbs 20 per cent inclines
  • Built-in charging cord
  • IPX5 and IPX7 water-resistant ratings
  • Wheels don’t puncture easily

Cons

  • Heaviest on the list at 18.7kgs
  • Doesn't deliver with Prime

This e-scooter is pricier than the rest, but it’s also loaded with bigger and better features. At a premium price, the Segway Ninebot KickScooter Max G30 offers top speeds of 30km per hour and a 20 per cent hill grade. Expect to breeze through inclined pavements, but also look forward to charging less often. It refuels within six hours using a built-in charger and delivers a whopping 65km of commute range. It has large self-sealing 10-inch tyres that can withstand multiple punctures without going flat, since they’re fitted with an additional jelly layer. Similar to the Xiaomi M365 Pro, this Segway model stores recycled energy from riding and lets you pair the e-scooter with your phone. Its IPX5 and IPX7 water-resistant ratings make your ride immune to accidental splashes on the street.

Bonus: Buy with zero per cent instalments and pay Dh258.33 for 12 months with select banks.

Our recommendations are independently chosen by Gulf News editors. If you decide to shop through links on our website, we may earn an affiliate commission, as we are part of Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.