Summertime is here, and if you find yourself wanting to get out of traffic, you're not alone. More and more people are choosing personal electric vehicles for commuting in order to save on fuel costs, reduce carbon emissions, and enjoy the warmer weather.
The great thing about commuting by electric scooter versus other methods is that you won't mess up your outfit or need a shower when you get to work. The kind of of electric scooter you will need for your commute, however, will depend of several factors.
So what is the best electric scooter for summer commuting? That all depends....
What's Your Budget?
Entry Level
Of course, budget is a big consideration: how much can you spend? You can find quality electric scooters at economy prices of $400 and up, but you'll have to give up a few sought-after features, such as long range, higher speeds, a dual braking system, dual suspension, etc.
Buying an entry-level model does not mean you have to compromise safety, but it does mean you won't get the most comfortable ride quality or best battery life.
Mid-Tier
If you spend over $1000 for a mid-tier commuter electric scooter, you’ll get a more reliable scooter with a solid suspension system for fast-paced city riding and a high IP rating for wet weather.
Mid-tier commuter electric scooters will have much higher range and top speed than entry-level models, and it's well worth the money if these are features you need for your commute, especially if you're riding in busy city traffic.
Premium
At the premium end of the price spectrum, you'll find scooters than can cost as much as $4,000, and while these models have impressive range, speed, and special features, they're also not the most portable electric scooters on the market.
Heavy, high-powered e scooters are sometimes not great for city commuting when you also want to take advantage of public transit or want to fold and go when you get to work. (It's pretty hard to fold up and carry a 100+ pound electric scooter on the go.)
How's the Weather Where You Are?
Do you live in a city with frequent rain storms? Or a dry climate where heat is the biggest weather issue? If it's the former, you'll want an electric scooter with a high IP rating for water resistance so that you don't damage your scooter in wet weather.
If you live in very hot climate, you should consider buying a white or light-colored electric scooter that will stay cooler in the sun to lower the risk of overheating batteries and motors.
What's Your Size?
Finally, you'll want to consider the fit. Unlike bicycles, electric scooter models only come in one size, so if you're a bigger or taller rider, you'll want to buy a scooter with a larger deck and higher rider weight limit.
You might also favor electric scooters with front and rear suspension as well as a wide foot deck. Many scooters might say they have a high maximum weight limit, but they lack the suspension to really support heavier riders on rougher terrain.
The Apollo Air
The Apollo Air is an award-winning commuter electric scooter that is great for beginners and intermediate riders, too. It's also an excellent scooter for larger riders, with its dual front suspension, air filled tires, wider handlebars and max rider weight limit of 220 lbs.
The Air is fast, powerful and portable. With a low weight of only 39 lbs and a simple to lock/unlock folding mechanism, it's easy enough to carry this scooter up the stairs or onto a subway car.
With a water resistance rating of IP54, the Air is suitable for riding in light rain, but if you find yourself routinely caught in bad weather, you might want to step up to the Apollo City Pro.
Apollo City
The Apollo City is an excellent upgrade from the Apollo Air for commuters who need a high-performing electric scooter with all the bells and whistles. With a top speed of 28 mph and a range of up to 38 miles, this scooter is perfect for longer commutes and riders who need to travel farther distances.
The City also features a robust dual suspension system and a very high IP rating of 66 for water resistance. If you're looking for a commuter electric scooter that can handle any weather condition and has plenty of power and speed, the Apollo City is an excellent choice.
For even more power, step up the dual motor City Pro, which is an especially great choice if your commute has frequent hill climbs.
Apollo Phantom
The Apollo Phantom V3 is a top-of-the-line electric scooter that is perfect for commuters who demand the very best. With a top speed of 38 mph and a range of up to 40 miles, this scooter is the ultimate in high-performance transportation.
The Phantom V3 features two powerful 1200W motors in the 52V version and two 1400W motors in its 60V version. The Phantom also has dual suspension and dual hydraulic brakes for maximum control and safety.
The Phantom has a high IP rating of 54 for water resistance and a premium, high-intensity lighting package, making it suitable for riding in any weather condition. This electric scooter is also great for heavier riders, with an adjustable dual suspension and a max rider weight of 300 lb.
If want a premium electric scooter for commuting this summer that offers the best in speed, power, and safety, the Apollo Phantom V3 is an excellent choice.