It’s a great experience to ride on a folding electric scooter for commuting or for fun. It would be better if the scooter is foldable and takes up less storage space, or allows you to carry it to public transportation.
We reviewed dozens of lightweight and portable folding electric scooters to identify the best of the best, based on factors including Amazon reviews, motor, speed, battery, distance, price, convenience, and performance.
We then narrowed down our research to 5 of the top-rated foldable electric scooters that fold up in seconds for easy transportation and storage.
GOTRAX GXL V2
Choose a lightweight and budget folding electric scooter, the GOTRAX GXL V2, foldable into a compact size for easy storage and carrying.
The GOTRAX GXL V2 stood out as a clear winner for a portable folding electric scooter. Its compact size, 44″ x 15″ x 6″ folded, appealing features, and cheap price, make it easy to see why so many customers choose this model. It’s one of the best folding electric scooters for commuting.
5 Top-Rated Folding Electric Scooters
[table id=27 /]
Top Pick Foldable Electric Scooter: GOTRAX GXL V2
The GOTRAX GXL V2 Commuting Electric Scooter is one of the most popular foldable electric scooters you can buy online. It costs you less than $300.
This foldable electric scooter has two-speed options, a quick easy folding system, and very light in weight. It is a convenient option for most people to buy their first portable folding electric scooter.
The GXL V2 Frame is designed to easily fold down. It’s also a bit different from other foldable electric scooters.
It folds from the junction to the deck and handlebar with both paralleled. This foldable design makes the GoTrax GXL V2 is even more compact than other folding electric scooters for adults.
At just 15″ x 44″ x 6″ when folded, this scooter is great for easy storage and carrying. You can store it under your desk at work, or take it on the bus. Its perfect fit makes it a perfect commuting scooter for adults.
As an upgraded version of the first generation, the GOTRAX GXL V2 adds a handbrake. This makes it easy for you to control the scooter for better stopping when need. The baseboard and fender are upgraded with a reinforced design for sturdy and durable use.
All key features remain the same. This folding electric scooter still features a 250W motor for power to reach a maximum speed of 15.5 miles per hour. The 1st gear of 10 mph is available for a comfortable ride on pavements.
Featuring a 36V battery, the GOTRAX GXL V2 can ride up to 12 miles on a single full charge. This is not for long-distance commuting. If you really need a portable folding electric scooter for a long distance, the Segway E4 is a perfect option and we’ll talk it later.
Looking at the GOTRAX GXL V2 and its predecessor, you’ll find both of them have a similar outer design, simple and clean with few lines outside, 8.5-inch pneumatic tires to absorb the shock of bumpy city streets, and a kickstand to allow the scooter itself stand well. This saves your energy and attention to hold the foldable electric scooter in your hand all the time.
GOTRAX GXL V2 Specs
- Scooter Weight: 27 lbs
- Dimensions: 44×16.7×42 inches (Unfold); 44x15x6 inches (Fold)
- Folding: 3-second quick folding
- Rider weight limit: 220 lbs
- Motor: 250 watts
- Battery: 36V
- Charging time: 4 hrs
- Run Time/ Range per charge: 12 miles
- Max Speed: 15.5 mph
- Brakes: Double braking system – disc and e-braking
[su_service title=”What it is for” icon=”icon: heart” icon_color=”#f74c15″ size=”26″]We rank the GOTRAX GXL V2 to be the first position of best electric folding scooters, for its cheap price and average performance. This is an entry-level commuting scooter that won’t cost you too much budget and you can always upgrade to advanced-performed adults commuting scooters at any time.[/su_service]
Best Folding Electric Scooter with Seat: Hiboy S2
A Hiboy S2 is a good option for better performance in a larger motor, faster speed, and a higher weight limit. This is an ideal portable electric scooter for heavier riders. But it’s a bit more expensive, costing over $100 more than the GOTRAX GXL V2, but still affordable under $500.
The Hiboy S2 electric scooter features a foldable design like most common models.
It folds from the handlebar. This foldable design enables the scooter compact for storage and carrying, but not as compact as the GoTrax GXL V2.
You can easily find this by comparing their folded sizes: Hiboy S2- 45.7″ x 17″ x 19.3″ when folded; GoTrax GXL V2- 44″ x 15″ x 6″ when folded.
It beats other portable folding electric scooters in this roundup for its additional features.
First, the manufacturer develops an app, allowing you to control the scooter in the app via Bluetooth, like anti-theft locking and viewing battery life statics.
The other unbeatable feature is the attachable seat. If you want to stand up on the scooter, it provides a large space to place your feet on. Whenever you feel tired and want to have more comfortable riding experience, you can mount the seat on, making the Hiboy S2 a foldable electric scooter with seats.
Hiboy has another folding electric scooter – MAX, which is much easier to fold up. The manufacturer boasts of its one-step folding, and it’s much alike the GoTrax GXL V2’s design. This electric scooter is folded via the pedal.
This MAX version is a bit heavier than the S2, weighing up to 34 lbs, still portable for its super-compact body after folded.
Hiboy S2 Specs:
- Scooter Weight: 28.5 lbs
- Dimensions: 45.7 x 16.5 x 19.3 inches(Folded), 45.7 x 16.5 x 47.2 inches(Unfolded)
- Rider weight limit: 260 lbs
- Motor: 350W brushless motor
- Battery: 36V 7.5AH Lithium-Ion rechargeable
- Charging time: 6 hrs
- Run Time/ Range per charge: 12-17 miles
- Max Speed: 18.6 mph and 11 mph (dual speed modes)
- Brakes: Dual braking system: disc braking and e-braking
- 8.5″ rubber solid tires
[su_service title=”What it is for” icon=”icon: heart” icon_color=”#f74c15″ size=”26″]Connecting to the app via Bluetooth, the Hiboy S2 portable folding electric scooter offers you a smarter way for complete control, especially the anti-theft locking. It’s also a folding electric scooter with seat for heavy adults, giving you comfortable riding.[/su_service]
Best for 250 lbs Adults Foldable Electric Scooter – MacWheel MX1
The Macwheel MX1 is one of the better options available for a long distance up to 18.6 miles range.
This foldable electric scooter has a few similar features like Hiboy S2 scooter, the 350W motor, the 8.5-inch tires, and the outer design at the first glance, even the riders’ weight limit is very close, 256 lbs of Macwheel MX1 and 260 lbs of Hiboy S2.
Have reviewed a dozen of the electric scooters, we just find that most scooters come with a very similar design. They may be manufactured by the same factory.
However, the Hiboy S2 and Macwheel MX1 are two different foldable electric scooters. Even they feature the same foldable design, folded from the handlebar. That’s most folding electric scooters do in the same way, a saying of the 3-step folding mechanism.
The manufacturer didn’t specify the folding dimension of the Macwheel MX1, but it’s guessed to be very close to the Hiboy S2. The latter features at 45.7″ x 17″ x 19.3″ when folded.
The Macwheel MX1 is $50 cheaper than Hiboy S2 (price may vary on the manufacturers’ sale promotion).
Look close to the dashboard, they’re different in showing battery life and speed. The Macwheel MX1 has 5 LED indicators that display in vertically to show the battery life, fewer indicators lighting up means less battery life remaining. Below the LED indicators are speed displayed.
Macwheel MX1 Specs:
- Scooter Weight: 28 lbs
- Dimensions: 45.3 x 17.3 x 41.3 inches unfold;
- Folding: 3 Second Quick-Folding
- Rider weight limit: 256 lbs
- Motor: 350 watts motor
- Battery: –
- Charging time: 4 hrs
- Run Time/ Range per charge: 18.6 miles
- Max Speed: 15.6 mph
- Brakes: Dual disc braking system (disc and e-braking)
- 8.5″ non-pneumatic tires
Long-range Folding Electric Scooter – Segway ES4
If you prefer riding the electric scooter for a long distance, the Segway ES4 electric folding scooter is a perfect option. It is able to go as far as up to 28 miles on a single charge. This beats all foldable electric scooters on this roundup, and even most on the market.
This Segway ES4 comes with a minimalist design that looks amazing and makes you feel comfortable. Very few lines around the scooter body reduce the worries of hitching by accidence.
The new 2019 version adds a second 36V battery on the handlebar for a longer distance, up to 28 miles on a single charge. Bigger battery results in longer charge time, so it needs seven hours to make the two batteries full.
This Segway ES4 scooter boasts of 800W motor at its peak performance to be the most powerful portable folding electric scooter in the roundup. The speed can reach up to 18.6 miles per hour (Hiboy S2 can do this).
One of the best features is the one-second quick folding system, much faster than other foldable electric scooters that need about three seconds.
The Segway ES4 is also a portable folding electric scooter for climbing hills, even it’s a gentle 15-degree slope, thanks to its powerful motor.
The ES4 is one of the most popular four foldable electric scooters from the Segway company that sold on Amazon. The other three are: MAX, ES2 and ES1, and you could see their differences in below table.
 |  |  |  | |
| Ninebot by Segway KickScooter MAX | Ninebot by Segway KickScooter ES4 | Ninebot by Segway KickScooter ES2 | Ninebot by Segway KickScooter ES1 Gen2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 42.1 lbs | 30.9 lbs | 27.6 lbs | 24.9 lbs |
| Speed | 18.6 mph | 18.6 mph | 15.5 mph | 15.5 mph |
| Range | 40.4 miles | 28 miles | 15.5 miles | 15.5 miles |
| Climbing | 20% | 15% | 10% | 10% |
| Motor | 350 W | 300 W | 300 W | 300 W |
| Capacity | 220 lbs | 220 lbs | 220 lbs | 220 lbs |
| Battery | 551 Wh | 374 Wh | 187 Wh | 187 Wh |
| Charging Time | 6 Hours | 7 Hours | 3.5 Hours | 3.5 Hours |
Segway ES4 Specs:
- Scooter Weight: 30.9 lbs
- Dimensions: 45x17x13 in(Folded), 40x17x45 in(Unfolded)
- Folding: 1 Second Quick-Folding
- Rider weight limit: 220 lbs
- Motor: 300-800 watts motor
- Battery: 36V Lithium-Ion rechargeable
- Charging time: 7 hrs
- Run Time/ Range per charge: 28 miles
- Max Speed: 18.6 mph
- Brakes: Dual braking system: disc and e-braking
- IP54 waterproof
- 15-degree slope climbing
[su_service title=”What it is for” icon=”icon: heart” icon_color=”#f74c15″ size=”26″]Thanks to its powerful motor, the Segway ES4 can reach up the fastest speed and run the longest distance, even climb gentle hills. It’s also one great option for heavy riders over 300 lbs.[/su_service]
Best Lightweight and Cheap: Voyager Proton
If you just want a scooter that is foldable for commuting a very short distance, instead of walking to the bus station or metro, the Voyager Proton is a perfect choice. It’s a very lightweight and portable folding electric scooter, only 19 lbs.
The scooter also features a simple and clean design like the Segway ES4, but it seems compact and portable in design, after all, it weighs about 12 pounds lighter.
Featuring an average 250W motor, this scooter can reach a speed of 15 mph, not in the top rank, but quite acceptable, especially this folding electric scooter supports to climb hills up to 15°.
Voyager Proton Specs
- Scooter Weight: 19 lbs
- Rider weight limit: 220 lbs
- Motor: 250 watts motor
- Run Time/ Range per charge: 10 miles
- Max Speed: 15 mph
- Climb 15° hills
[su_service title=”What it is for” icon=”icon: heart” icon_color=”#f74c15″ size=”26″]Voyager Proton is a super lightweight and portable folding electric scooter for carrying on the bus and other public transportation. And it has a very cheap price tag at Amazon, under $200, very appealing for most riders who don’t want to spend too much on a short distance commute scooter.[/su_service]
Foldable Electric Scooters Buying Guide
No matter the electric scooter is foldable or not, they almost have the same features to consider, before you make the final decision, this ultimate buying guide lists them in the below:
- Motor
- Price
- Battery
- Range
- Speed
- Weight
- Weight Limit
Motor is not an important thing to consider, but it influences other features, like the speed and price. Most average folding electric scooters are powered by motors between 250 watts and 500 watts for an average street-legal speed of 15 mph. (Varies on states’ laws.)
Price differs based on the other features like motor and battery, and some additional highlights to increase the price. For example, waterproof materials are for a waterproof electric scooter.
Most foldable e scooters are budget and affordable, with a price tag under $500. Only several exceptions like Segway ES4 for dual battery and minimalist design, and NanRobot D4+ Pro for dual motor and off-road riding.
Battery is an important factor that needs your attention because it not only impacts how far the scooter can run but also refers to safety. The over-heated battery may cause explosions. Check if the battery used in the scooter comes from famous brands like LG or Samsung that somehow guarantees the battery quality.
Range is an important factor if you are going to use the scooter for the long-distance everyday commute. And this may affect the scooter’s price, longer distance requires a larger motor for power, which means a higher price. So you can always check the scooter’s longest distance that it can travel to match your needs.
Speed depends on the motor. The more powerful motor means faster speed. Accordingly, the price goes up. However, the fastest speed is not always the best, as all the electric scooters should run under the country or states street laws. Make sure you have read the laws about the electric scooter before riding it on the street.
Weight somehow is a thing, depending on how you want to use the electric folding scooter. If you want to take it on the bus or metro or need to walk with the scooter, the lighter the better. Otherwise, the scooter’s weight does not matter much.
Weight Limit is worth your consideration if you’re going to buy a folding electric scooter for heavy riders. There are expensive options, like the NanRobot D4+, and budget choices, like the Swagtron Swagger 5 City. Both feature a high weight limit of over 300 lbs for heavy people.
FAQ about Folding Electric Scooters
What is a folding electric scooter?
A: One type of electric scooter that folds up into a compact size for easy carrying and storage. Most foldable electric scooters are portable with lightweight. There are several exceptions if the electric scooter has a large motor or designed for off-road riding.
Do all the foldable electric scooters are light in weight?
A: Not always. A few electric scooters feature foldable design but have a heavy body. They are not that portable as lightweight folding electric scooters.
Other Folding Electric Scooters We Reviewed
Best Foldable Scooters for Commuting
Glion Dolly Lightweight Folding Commuter Scooter
The Glion Dolly lightweight folding commuter electric scooter is a good option if you don’t want to carry it for walking or on public transportation. There is a handle built in the pedal and can be pulled out so that you can drag the scooter effortlessly.
- Scooter Weight: 28 lbs
- Dimensions: 37x12x8 inches (Folded), 38x16x45 inches (Unfolded)
- Folding: 1-second
- Weight limit: 255 lbs
- Motor: 250 watts (600W peak)
- Battery: 36 V
- Range per charge: 15 miles
- Max Speed: 15 mph
Xiaomi Mi Lightweight Folding Electric Scooter
If you want a stylish and lightweight scooter for commuting, the Xiaomi Mi is worth consideration. It won Red Dot “Best of the Best” Award and the iF Design Award 2017.
- Scooter Weight: 26.9 lbs
- Dimensions: Folded: 108 (L) x 43 (W) x 49cm (H); Unfolded: 108 (L) x 43 (W) x 114cm (H)
- Folding: 3-step flip down
- Rider weight limit: 220 lbs
- Motor: 250 watts (500W peak)
- Battery: 36V
- Charging time: 4.5 hrs
- Range per charge: 18.6 miles
- Max Speed: 15.5 mph
- 14-degree climbing hills
Best Foldable Electric Scooters for Heavy Adults
Swagtron Swagger 5 Folding Electric Scooter
The Swagtron company has released numerous folding electric scooters for sale on the market, Swagger 5 might be one of the most popular, for its high weight limit. It’s a 320 lbs capacity scooter with a cheap price tag under $300. The front hub motor powers the scooter for really fast speed and allows climbing hills of 20-degree. That’s amazing! You can control the scooter via an app with Bluetooth connection.
The 320 lbs weight limit makes the Swagger 5 City a great foldable electric scooter for heavy riders. Other scooters that feature the same level load capacity is the 330 lbs of NanRobot D4+. If you want a scooter for heavier adults like 400 lbs or even 500 lbs, the Qiewa H1Hummer might be the best choice.
- Scooter Weight: 27.5 lbs (12.5 KG)
- Dimensions: 41.7x17x19.3 in (folded), 41.5x17x44.3 in (unfolded)
- Folding: 1-step portable folding
- Max rider weight: 320 lbs
- Motor: 250 watts front hub motor
- Battery: 36V
- Charging time: 3.5 hrs
- Range per charge: 12 miles
- Max Speed: 18 mph
NANROBOT D4+ Pro High-Speed Folding Electric Scooter
If you want to experience a fast speed, the NanRobot D4+ Pro is an ideal option. It might be the fastest foldable electric scooter in this roundup, reaching up to 40 mph, thanks to its most powerful motor.
Actually, its a dual-motor electric scooter, featuring two 1000W motors. But it’s not portable, as it is not as light in weight as other scooters. The large 10-inch rugged tires are designed for off-road riding in all terrains.
- Scooter Weight: 70 lbs
- Dimensions: 43″Lx8″Wx12″H(Folded), 43″Lx8″Wx47″H(Unfolded)
- Folding: 3 Second Quick-Folding
- Rider weight limit: 330 lbs
- Motor: 2×1000 watts motor
- Battery: 52V
- Charging time: 4-8 hrs
- Range per charge: 45 miles (60 km.)
- Max Speed: 40 mph