Most portable electric scooters [how to measure portability + foldable scooters with the smallest volume and weight]

We’ve all been there. You rode your electric scooter to the bus station, and now it’s time for the most awkward moment of the entire trip – folding your scooter and getting inside of the bus with it. You worry about bumping into people, or having the handles or other sticking parts stuck in something. The same happens when you go into the elevator, the building hall, the office stairs…

You will ride your electric scooter about 90% of the time. But for the rest of the time (which is not a small amount if you ride a lot), you will need it to be as portable as possible.

In this post, I will introduce a formula that can measure portability (it’s not the same as weight). We will then review the models that are most portable, and see when each of them might be a good choice for you.

These are the most portable electric scooters in 2020.

Electric scooter portability vs weight

Weight is just one part of the portability equation. If we think about portability, we can easily break it down to several contributing factors:

• the weight of the scooter
• whether it can be folded
• the space it occupies when folded
• how many parts the scooter has that stick out
• how convenient is the center of gravity when folded
• whether it provides a convenient way to carry it
• whether it can be pulled when folded

Are electric scooters portable?

Most of the popular electric scooters are fairly portable, as that’s one of their main value propositions. They are foldable, not too heavy, don’t occupy much space when folded, don’t have a lot of parts sticking out of them, and their center of gravity is around the middle of the scooter, which makes them relatively simple to carry.

Some electric scooters are not portable by design. These are the super-fast or super-performant scooters, with a lot of weight in their batteries and motors, and are not meant to be carried at all. Most of them can’t even be folded, will have huge dimensions, and will sometimes weigh more than 70 lbs / 35 kg.

But the scooters made for the regular commuter will usually be at least somewhat portable.

What makes an electric scooter portable?

While the times you carry your scooter with you will be short intervals, it is still very important for it to be easy to carry and not occupy a lot of space.

If the scooter weighs as much as a fifth of your body weight, you will not be able to carry it for long. Weight is the primary factor that will determine how easy it is to carry your scooter with you.

The space the scooter occupies will be right next to its weight in importance. The less volume the scooter has when folded, the better it will be for carrying. Also, the less awkward parts sticking out of it that can (and usually do) get tangled into other objects, the more portable it will be. More often than not, scooters with smaller volumes will tend to have fewer parts sticking out.

The second factor already excludes scooters that are not foldable from the race – they will always occupy too much space to be considered portable.

One more factor that determines how portable is an electric scooter is, is its center of gravity when folded. Simply put, this means that the scooter is not “awkward to carry”, or that if you fold it and grab it somewhere close to the middle of the stem, it will be more or less balanced in your hand and not lean over to one side too much.

Finally, there is one more factor that affects electric scooter portability, and that’s whether the scooter can be pulled when folded. Some scooters, when folded, will have one of their wheels (usually the rear wheel), kind of stick out a bit of the overall frame, and the handlebar will have a convenient place where you can grab the scooter and pull it like a suitcase. This feature is present in very few scooters.

Electric scooter portability index

The portability index is a simple calculation to give an objective measure of how portable an electric scooter is. It will enable us to figure out the portability of an electric scooter considering both its mass and its volume when folded.

The center of gravity will not be included as a factor because of how complex it would be to find the data and calculate it (I’m not a physicist, chances are most of you aren’t either, and I don’t want everyone to fall asleep here). Plus, it’s not nearly as important as the weight and volume of the scooter.

The pulling feature will not be considered for now as well, since only a small number of scooters have it, and I don’t have enough data on that feature yet. It may be included in a later version of the portability index.

With that in mind, the portability index formula is fairly simple:

• We take the mass in kilograms squared (mass is more important for portability than volume, so we square it)
• We multiply the mass with the volume in liters
• We divide that value by 1000 to get nice human numbers
• Then we subtract that result out of 100, so that the index makes sense (the bigger the index is, the bigger the portability). Finally, we have the portability index.

100 – [(Weight in kg) ² * (Volume in liters) / 1000]

The portability index formula

I believe the formula is a very good estimation of the portability of an electric scooter. A scooter needs to be both small in weight and not occupy too much space when folded to be portable. If it misses one of those criteria, it shouldn’t be considered portable. Seems like the current formula does the job well, and correctly classifies electric scooters in terms of their portability.

If you want to find out the portability index for a specific scooter that isn’t included in the table below, take a look at the portability index calculator.

By the way, if you have any nerdy suggestions about the formula, I would love to hear them, maybe we can improve the way we measure portability. You can reach out to me through the contact form if you have any ideas.

This research is driven both by data and experience. That way, we can be fairly confident that we have the perfect models when it comes to portability.

What is a good portability index?

This is kind of hard to say.

From my research so far, most of the scooters that have a portability index of 60 and above will rarely weigh more than 45 lbs / 20 kg, and will not occupy a lot of space, so 60 might represent a pretty portable scooter.

Scooters with a portability index of 80 will typically either weigh under 35 lbs / 15 kg, will have a very small volume, or both. So probably the line is around 80, and anything above it represents a very portable scooter.

Keep in mind that while the portability index does a fairly good job of measuring portability, it may not be a perfect formula, so always double the weight, the dimensions, and the other factors we mentioned when looking for a portable scooter.

The most portable electric scooters

These are the most portable electric scooters on the market right now. They are all rather small in size when folded, and also they all weigh under 13 kilograms. That’s about as much that a scooter can weigh and still be at least somewhat easy to carry.

We will not be looking at scooters for kids. Logically, they will have the least weight and volume, but they are too low-powered and usually can’t even support the weight of a full-grown adult.

They are ordered starting from the most portable to the least one.

Let’s now see the most portable electric scooters, and when some of them might be a good choice.

SoFlow Air Carbon – most portable electric scooter in the world (discontinued)

Note: the SoFlow Air Carbon seems to be discontinued and is no longer sold in stores online. See the Swagtron Swagger Pro as a great alternative to this scooter.

The crown for the most portable electric scooter in 2020 goes to the SoFlow Air Carbon.

It is the lightest electric scooter for adults currently in existence, weighing only 15 lbs / 7 kg. It is also the one with the least space occupancy, just 26 liters. Since those are the only two parameters that define portability, and the SoFlow Air Carbon rules them both, its title is totally deserved.

According to our formula, it has a portability index of 98.71.

The scooter gets its name because of its building materials. It is made out of carbon fiber primarily, and that gives it a great advantage when carrying it, without sacrificing its toughness.

The Swiss brand has two scooters on the market right now.

Besides the Air Carbon, their other offering is the SoFlow Air Aluminum. It is an almost exact replica of the SoFlow Air Carbon, but made out of aluminum instead. That means it will be a bit heavier, but also cheaper.

I can confidently say that if portability and portability only is your primary concern, you need to look no further than the SoFlow Air Carbon. It is a well crafted, lightweight everyday scooter, and there is no adult scooter on Earth that is easier to carry.

Its performances will not be top-notch, although they will be more than enough to fill your needs. The SoFlow Air Carbon, like most other scooters on this list, is not designed for great speeds nor high power. We can’t really expect it to perform like racing or off-road scooters.

But the most important thing is that it gets its job done, the job for which it was created, and that is being easy to carry.

One thing that I absolutely love about this model is its price. Typically, carbon fiber scooters are usually more expensive, but not this one – it costs only $449. That’s a real bargain for the most portable scooter in the world.

UScooters Booster V – best portable electric scooter overall

“Best” may mean different things to different people. If you are looking for a great scooter overall, with great performances and great value for money, and also have amazing portability, then you should seriously consider the Booster V by UScooters.

The portability index for this scooter is 95.17.

Its weight is not as light as the other most portable scooters here. Even though 11 kilograms is not a lot for an electric scooter by any means, it is still on the heavier side for the scooters on our list.

However, where this scooter shines and becomes very practical to carry around is its folded volume. It folds down to 37.5 in. x 5.5 in. x 12 in. (95 cm x 14 cm x 30 cm), for a volume of almost 40 liters.

That kind of small space occupancy places it among the top 5 most portable electric scooters.

This is one of the best performing electric scooters on this list. It can reach speeds of 25 mph / 40 kmh, and has a range of 25 miles / 39 kilometers, which is quite impressive for a device weighing only 24 lbs / 11 kg.

The Booster V is easily one of the best 500 Watt electric scooters today.

I would recommend this scooter if you need a higher-quality, more capable scooter, that is also very easy to carry around, especially in crowded places. Its price is currently discounted at $999.

EcoReco XS – portable electric scooter with the longest range and best for commuting

Certain types of situations and commutes may require a scooter that is both extremely easy to carry but also has a great range. These will include some of the worst commute plans out there, like having long last-mile distances to cover with your scooter, and possibly switching a few other means of public transport as well.

The solution to those brutal commutes will be the EcoReco XS.

Not only does it have the second-best portability index out of all scooters, at 97.4, but it also has the longest range out of all of them, being able to cross 32 miles / 52 kilometers on a single charge. This is, however, with a second battery included, since the basic version has a lot less range.

This miracle scooter weighs only 17.6 lbs / 8 kg. It has a folded volume of 40 liters. That makes it the second most portable scooter ever.

And the best part about it is that it is also an inexpensive scooter, coming at the price of $499 for the basic version. The extra battery will be priced at $199 however, so the total price for the maximum range will be closer to $700.

It is always good when an electric scooter is popular. That way, you know you will be getting a model that has been tested and satisfied a lot of users before. That is exactly the case with the EcoReco XS. Among other things, this is one of the most popular scooters in Silicon Valley. That’s a great sign, since those guys over there are obsessed with all things tech, and electric scooters especially.

UScooters Booster GT – fastest portable electric scooter, and best for climbing

Low weight is the main factor in portability, but fast scooters tend to be heavy because of bigger motors and batteries. That’s why very few scooters manage to maintain their portability while providing increased performance.

The scooter that has managed that balance the best is the UScooters Booster GT.

Weighing just 26 lbs / 12 kg, with a portability index of 92, and still achieving top speeds of 25 mph / 40 kmh? That is simply unreal.

The scooter folds down to a very small volume, and combined with the low weight, it becomes one very manageable rectangle. Not to mention the excellent range of 32 miles / 50 kilometers on a single charge, and the spectacular climb angle of 25 degrees, which also makes it the best portable electric scooter for climbing as well.

A great portable scooter, no doubt. Definitely your choice if you need a combo of portability and speed or climbing power.

Kugoo Kirin S2 – best portable electric scooter for heavy adults

Almost by definition, portable electric scooters are usually not suitable for heavy adults. They will typically be very light in weight, and that makes them unable to support bigger weight loads.

There is, however, one exception here, and that’s the Kugoo Kirin S2. It weighs just 24 lbs / 11 kg, but it can carry as much as 265 lbs / 120 kg on its deck. For a scooter this light, this is as good as it can get.

The Kugoo Kirin S2 comes from a very versatile brand that provides good value scooters. With a very competitive price of around $289, it will also be light on your wallet as well. You will get a top speed of 25 kmh and a range of 20 km on a single charge for that price, and a very cool IP54 protection against water damage.

Inokim Light 2 – best portable scooter with a seat

Now, scooters with seats are usually not considered portable by default. The scooter’s volume when folded should be minimal, and the seat gets in the way of that.

The Inokim Light 2 solves that problem by making the seat easily removable as well, and it will be a part of your folding routine. That way you get the best of both worlds.

With a weight of 32 lbs / 14 kg, and a volume of just 86 liters when folded, this scooter is also one of the best high-end portable scooters as well. It will provide you with some very solid stats, including a top speed of 22 mph / 35 kmh, 22 miles / 35 kilometers of range, a climb angle of 14 degrees, and an IPX4 water protection standard.

See the comprehensive review of the Inokim Light 2 to find out more about this great model.

Best portable electric scooter under $700 – Ninebot ES 2

One of the most popular and best selling electric scooter models ever, the Ninebot ES 2, is also a very portable and practical one.

It has a portability index of 73.72, which places it in the bottom half of this list. With a mass of 28 lbs / 13 kg, and a volume of 155.5 liters, it is not exactly the most portable scooter ever.

But compared to most other electric scooters, it is still very portable.

This scooter shines because it has been battle-tested by countless owners world-wide and has stood the test of time. For a fairly inexpensive price, this evergreen model will be your faithful companion on your trips without breaking your bank.

In fact, not only is this the best portable scooter under $700, it may be the best electric scooter under $700, period!

The top speed of 15 mph / 25 kmh and a range of 15 miles / 25 km make it a pretty standard choice, performance-wise. Getting the extra pluggable battery, which is very easy to install, will increase your range by an additional 12 miles / 20 kilometers.

Check out the Ninebot ES2 review to find out more about this classic choice.

Best portable electric scooter under $400 – GoTrax XR Ultra

Most of the scooters on this list are inexpensive. Picking one with a limited budget is only a matter of preference, needs, and ultimately, taste.

For budgets close to $400, the best choice is the GoTrax XR Ultra. It costs $399, and has a lot of strong points that many scooters in this price range lack.

This was the price around the end of June 2020 on Amazon, and this price can change.

GoTrax is a well established and trusted brand. They sell tens of thousands of scooters each year. Their focus is lightweight budget scooters, and that’s exactly what we’re looking for here.

The GoTrax XR Ultra has a portability index of 91.46. It weighs 26 lbs / 12 kg, and when folded it occupies 59 liters of space.

Compared to other scooters on this list, it is above the average in terms of portability. Compared to every other scooter out there, this thing is a feather to carry around.

The 300 Watt motor will provide you with a top speed of 15 mph / 25 kmh, and the 252 Wh battery will give you 16 miles / 26 kilometers of range on a single charge. As this is one of the most popular scooters in this price range, you can be confident you are getting a scooter that will not let you down.

If you wish to read more about this great budget scooter, see the full GoTrax XR Ultra review.

Cheapest portable electric scooter – Swagtron Swagger 2

If you’re looking to spend the least amount of money possible, and still get a scooter that is very easy to carry around, your choice will likely be the Swagtron Swagger 2.

It will cost you only $149. It is the cheapest scooter on the list, and one of the cheapest adult-ish scooters in general. I say adult-ish because this scooter is primarily designed for youngsters. Adults under 230 lbs / 104 kg can still ride it without any issues, but heavier adults will see a drop in performances.

Usually, price is proportional to quality. But I would recommend not being so quick to throw the Swagtron Swagger 2 in the bucket of low-quality scooters. It is made by one of the most commercially successful manufacturers, and it has been selling like crazy in the last few years. You will still be getting a 250 Watt motor able to go as fast as 15 mph / 25 kmh, and come with a water-resistant rating of IPX4. Not too shabby for a $150 scooter.

Where this scooter is lacking is range. The 155 Wh battery will only give you 9 miles / 15 kilometers of range on a single charge. However, the good news is, with a battery with only so much capacity, this is one of the few scooters you can take on a plane with you. Gotta find the good in everything, right?

Overall, there are better scooters than the Swagtron Swagger 2. The range may not be useful for much more than short commutes or hobby rides. However, if your budget is very limited and you want to save as much as possible, you will still get a decent scooter with the Swagtron Swagger 2.

Frequently asked questions about electric scooter portability

For many people, electric scooter portability is of huge importance. Naturally, there are a few questions about it. Let’s go over the most burning ones.

Are all electric scooters foldable?

The majority of electric scooters are foldable, but not every model is. Some scooters are not built with portability in mind, as peak performance is their primary priority, and some of them can’t even be folded. Most of them are too heavy to carry anyway.

From the foldable scooters, some go even a step further and enable the handlebars to be folded as well. That further reduces the volume of the scooter and makes it a lot more portable.

Is the folding mechanism reliable?

Surprisingly, the folding mechanism in electric scooters is more often a source of problems than one might assume. Even though the scooter has many parts that are much more complex than the folding latch, it is still one of the weak points of some models.

How to fold an electric scooter?

Most scooters will come with the standard folding latch mechanism. Folding the scooter typically involves:

• fold the handlebars first, if the scooter has such a feature
• opening the lock latch
• pressing a button or a lever that enables to stem to be folded
• pull the handlebars towards the rear wheel
• lock the handlebars to the small opening on the rear fender or the back of the deck
• if you need so, lift the kickstand

How portable is the Xiaomi M365?

The Xiaomi M365 has a portability index of 67, which makes it very portable. It weighs only 12 kilograms, and it’s one of the lightest popular electric scooters. Its folded dimensions are 42.5 in. x 17 in. x 19 in (108 cm x 43 cm x 49 cm), and it has a folded volume of 227.5 liters. It easily fits into almost every car trunk, and it’s not hard to take it on public transport or through doors or tight hallways. The kickstand is foldable as well, but the handlebars are not. It has no unusual parts that stick out of it when folded.

How portable is the Xiaomi M365 Pro?

With a portability index of 53, the Xiaomi M365 Pro is pretty portable, although not as much as its predecessor. Its weight of 14 kilograms puts it a notch above what might be considered a very portable scooter. When folded, its dimensions are 44.5 in. x 17 in. x 19 in (113 cm x 43 cm x 49 cm), for a total volume of 238 liters. It still fits easily into most car trunks, and taking it with you on public transport and through doors is not difficult. As with the previous model, the kickstand is foldable, but the handlebars aren’t, and there are no weird parts that stick out and get stuck in things.

When to get a portable electric scooter?

You probably already know if you need an electric scooter that is easy to carry around.

As we already mentioned, brutal and long commutes, with multiple changes in public transport systems, or many entries and exits in buildings and elevators, are all very good reasons.

I would add a few more.

For example, your general body weight, or maybe physical shape if you prefer. Personally, I’m not that much physically active, and I kind of don’t even plan to be soon. I’ve had a Xiaomi M365 Pro for quite some time now. Even though at 31 lbs / 14 kg it’s hardly a heavy scooter, I wouldn’t mind if it was lighter and it didn’t make me lose my breath that often.

Another reason is if you live in a building without an elevator, and especially if you live on a higher floor. This has been my situation for a while, when I lived on the fifth floor of a building with no elevator. Trust me, in those types of situations, you will want a light scooter that doesn’t get bumped into everything on your way.

How to improve the portability of my electric scooter?

There is not much you can do to make your scooter easier to carry. There are a few tips that may be applicable to some models, though those will likely be the exception.

The most important parameter you can target to directly improve the portability of your scooter would be its weight.

Without changing the inner parts of the scooter, the only things you can easily replace to shave off some weight would be getting lighter fenders, or lighter tires. There’s nothing much else you can do here.

For the most part, I would recommend against this option. Only consider it as a last resort.

The other parameter you can target to make your scooter more portable is its volume.

If portability is your priority, I recommend removing any extra accessories, customizations, or other unessential additions. This will also impact the weight, but more importantly, it will take out some possibly weird parts that are sticking out and make it harder for you to move smoothly.

There is one portability aspect that you can improve significantly, if it’s the limiting factor, and that’s the scooter’s center of gravity, or how easy it is to carry. If your scooter is not very convenient to carry, like for example it doesn’t provide a good place where you can grab it and carry it without it leaning over and disturbing your balance, then you can solve this easily by getting a carry handle. This simple, cheap, yet ingenious accessory can make your life a lot easier. You can find a solid one on Banggood for less than $10.

Finally, don’t forget to also fold the kickstand. I’m still surprised by how often I forget to do this myself, and then it gets stuck in the bag of some elderly lady on the bus. Make this a part of your folding routine.

Summary

Those were all the most portable electric scooters available today, and everything you need to know if you’re thinking of getting one. The table below summarizes the most portable models one more time for reference.

Matt Trajkovski

My name is Matt Trajkovski. I love electric scooters, and electric vehicles in general. I like doing a lot of testing, reviewing, and research on various electric scooter models and brands, following our proprietary rigorous editorial and testing process developed here at EScooterNerds, looking for great value and performance, both through data and experience. All of the content published on this blog goes through a rigorous review and editorial process, and our product reviews not only include the hands-on experience of our own team members, but the experience of our audience members as well. My goal is to provide you with the best information about electric scooters possible. You can see all of my posts in my articles archive.