The electric scooter is the new must-have mode of urban transport. Whether it’s for your daily commute or just for fun on the weekend, choosing the right electric scooter can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry — we’ll guide you step by step to find the one that suits you best.
1. Define your main need
Ask yourself the question : What will I use my electric scooter for ?
Before jumping into research and buying your electric scooter, it’s essential to understand what you need. The more you ride, the more you’ll need comfort and range. But for occasional use, you’ll want a scooter that’s lightweight and practical.
For commuting to work or school
Choose a robust and comfortable scooter with good range (at least 20 km) and suspension to handle cobblestones or rough roads. Consider a foldable scooter if you’re also using public transportation.
For leisure
If it’s mainly for rides around town, go for a lightweight scooter that’s easy to handle and has enough range for your usual routes.
Once your needs are clear, here’s another key point : your budget
What budget can I set for my electric scooter ?
With entry-level models starting around €200, the average budget usually leans toward €600 for mid-range scooters. If your budget is tight, check out our selection of budget-friendly electric scooters, or explore our range of second-hand scooters.
2. Range : how many kilometers do you need to cover ?
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15–20 km : Ideal for short or occasional rides. This corresponds to a scooter with a standard range.
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30 km or more : Perfect for long distances or if you use your scooter frequently. This means a scooter with a long range. To explore our selection of long-range electric scooters, click here !
15-20 km : Idéal pour des trajets courts ou occasionnels. Ce qui correspond à une trottinette avec une autonomie standard.


Pro tip by Scooter Lab
Actual range also depends on your weight, your speed, and any hills along your route. Always allow yourself a little margin.
3. A powerful motor : useful or not ?
Once you’ve identified your needs, choosing the motor for your electric scooter becomes easy. It mostly depends on the type of terrain you’ll be riding on : is it mostly flat or hilly ?


A 250W motor will do the job.
Classic and reactive !


Choose a motor between 350W and 500W, or even more if you’re looking for top performance.
But don’t forget that a 500W motor uses twice as much energy as a 250W one.


Pro tip by Scooter Lab
A powerful scooter accelerates faster and handles slopes better. Check out our selection of high-performance electric scooters.
4. Comfort matters
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Wheels : Good scooter wheels are important ! Not only for your comfort, but also to minimize maintenance costs... If you’re not sure where to start, check out our buying guide : "How to choose electric scooter wheels ?"
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Suspension : Go for a scooter with suspension. It’s perfect to reduce vibrations, especially on damaged roads.
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Weight : If you need to move around a lot and carry your scooter, choose a lightweight electric scooter.
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A lightweight electric scooter weighs between 10 and 12 kg, perfect for city use ! For even easier transport, go for a foldable electric scooter.
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A classic electric scooter weighs more than 12 kg, and can even go over 20 kg ! (No worries — that extra weight usually means a more powerful motor or a longer range).
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- Deck and handlebars : Make sure the deck is wide enough for your body size. You should feel comfortable (bonus points for a non-slip deck). Also choose handlebars at the right height with comfortable grips for maximum comfort.
And if comfort is your number one priority, you can even go for an electric scooter with a seat.
5. Safety first !
Brakes
There are scooters with several types of brakes :
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Disc brakes
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Drum brakes
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Electric brakes
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Etc.
Disc brakes are the most common. They’re especially effective in rainy conditions.
Otherwise, drum or electric brakes may be enough for occasional use.
Here’s a summary of the different scooter brake options :
Brake type |
Recommended use |
---|---|
Disc brakes |
Intensive urban use, varied terrain, strong and responsive braking. |
Drum brakes |
Moderate city rides, for users seeking reliability and low maintenance. |
Foot brakes |
Occasional use at low speed, entry-level scooters. |
Electromagnetic brakes |
Complement to a main braking system, helps optimize battery range. |
Lighting
Since electric scooters are real means of transportation, you're required to have visible front and rear lights, as well as an audible warning device, especially at night. So make sure you’re properly equipped !
Protection gear
Ride smart, ride safe. Wear a helmet, and consider a reflective vest for better visibility.
Check out our wide range of scooter protection gear right here !
6. How to stay within the law
If you ride an electric scooter, make sure to follow the legal regulations of your country !
In France :
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You must be at least 14 years old to ride an electric scooter.
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You must ride alone (you’ll be more comfortable that way, right ?)
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Speed is limited to 25 km/h on public roads, and a reflective vest at night is mandatory.
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Liability insurance is required. Make sure to check with your insurer.
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You must not ride while on the phone, wearing headphones, or using other devices.
Because choosing well matters, here’s a summary to help you buy THE electric scooter you need in 2025
Type of scooter |
Advantages | Disadvantages | Tips |
Standard |
- Versatile for city use - Easy to handle, even for beginners |
- Limited range - Less suited for rough terrain |
- Perfect for daily city commuting |
Long-range |
- No need to charge every day - Ideal for long trips - Durable batteries |
- Heavier to carry - Longer charging time |
- Your best friend for long distances - Plan charging points if needed |
Cargo |
- Carries heavy or bulky loads - Very stable, even under weight |
- Bulkier and harder to maneuver - Lower speed |
- Perfect for deliveries or shopping - Make sure you have space to store it |
With seat |
- Very comfortable, especially for long rides - Reduces fatigue |
- Heavier and bulkier | - Ideal if you want maximum comfort |
Powerful |
- High top speed - Climbs hills with ease |
- Battery drains faster - May be subject to regulation |
- Check local laws before going full speed - Don’t forget your helmet and gear |
Lightweight |
- Super easy to carry and store - Great for tight urban spaces |
- Less durable over time - Shorter range |
- Perfect for short trips or mixed transport commutes |