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10 Best Electric Scooters For Climbing Hills in 2022

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Updated December 15, 2021

We assembled a list of the best electric scooters for climbing hills, preferring 250w electric scooters with durable but lightweight frames, heavy-duty tires, good battery life, high-tech braking systems, and easy-to-learn controls. Some of the best electric scooters have modern features like mobile app and Bluetooth connectivity and LED displays.

Of the ten we listed, the Nanrobot D4 is the best electric scooter for climbing hills. We liked it for its heavy-duty build, double-braking system, 1000w x2 engine, and high-capacity battery. We also liked its high weight capacity and innovative pneumatic and airless hybrid tires.

Top 10 Best Electric Scooters For Climbing Hills

 #1  NANROBOT D4 Electric Scooter for Climbing Hills

NANROBOT D4+ 2.0

Award: TOP PICK

WHY WE LIKE IT: Award-winning, ultra-tough build that supports plenty of weight with a double-braking system for added safety on steep terrain with power to spare.

Pros
  • High 330lb weight capacity
  • Intuitive controls easy to learn for all ages
  • Safe double-braking system
Cons
  • Quite heavy at 70lbs
  • Pricier than many on market

The Nanrobot D4 Electric Scooter is a high-end, heavy-duty electric scooter with twin 1000w engines for plenty of horsepower for most riding situations. It features a large-capacity lithium battery capable of 10-12 hours of use before recharging, a sturdy dual-spring steel front and rear suspension, tough pneumatic hybrid tires, and a weight limit of up to 330lbs.
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With a maximum speed of up to 40mph and its high-horsepower dual engines, the D4 excels at taking hills and steep inclines easily, and its double-braking system provides maximum safety for such terrain. However, its heavy 70lb weight and high price point may make it less suitable for the casual rider. Still, it’s a top-quality, powerful scooter capable of taking on long trips on any terrain with ease. Compare this model with the best off-road electric scooter that has tough pneumatic hybrid tires.

 #2  Glion Dolly Foldable Electric Scooter for Climbing Hills

Award: HONORABLE MENTION

WHY WE LIKE IT: Highly portable and lightweight but durable and safe, with enough horsepower for steep inclines and enough battery power for most normal commutes.

Pros
  • 650w top-end engine power
  • Airless tires for flat-free riding
  • Luggage bag and mini wheels for travel
Cons
  • Fairly low 15mph top speed
  • Rear suspension only

The Glion Dolly is a variable-power 250w electric scooter with a top-end peak of 600w. It has a top speed of 15 mph and a range of 15 miles or 3.25 hours per charge. Its airless, never-pop tires and rear anti-lock brakes are made with safety in mind, and we loved its light 26-pound foldable frame, built in-rolling wheels, and luggage bag, which make it a great choice for traveling.

It has a fairly low top speed of 15mph, and the lack of both front and back suspension means it doesn’t provide as smooth a ride as some. But its relatively generous horsepower, portability, safety features, and overall high build quality make it a great all-around choice for hilly commutes at a relatively modest price point. Another affordable model recommended for short commutes is the best 50cc scooter.

 #3  Xinao NANROBOT D5/6 Electric Scooter for Climbing Hills

Award: BEST QUALITY

WHY WE LIKE IT: 2x1000w motors provide high speed and hill climbing power with a super heavy-duty build, all-terrain tires, front/rear hydraulic disc brakes for the most professional-grade option.

Pros
  • Switchable economy and turbo modes
  • 40mph top speed
  • 45 miles per charge
Cons
  • Bulky, 77lb build less portable than many
  • One of the pricier models on the market

The Xinao Nanrobot D5/D6 is a professional-grade electric scooter that features powerful twin 1000w motors capable of speeds of up to 40mph and travel distances of 40 miles per charge depending on road conditions and body weight of the rider. We loved its heavy-duty build, large-grip 10” off-road tires, and front and rear suspension, which provide a comfortable, smooth ride on even rough roads.

Its high price point and heavy 77lb body weight mean it’s more scooter than some riders will need for casual commuter use, though the front and rear hydraulic brake system adds extra safety for heavy traffic and steep declines. It’s an incredibly powerful, super-fast scooter great for off-road riding, steep hill climbing, longer trips and serious riders. This product is a great option if you’re looking for the best electric scooter for commuting.

 #4  Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter for Climbing Hills

We’re sorry, this product is temporarily out of stock

Award: MOST RELIABLE

WHY WE LIKE IT: Foldable, ultra-light, but the sturdy aerospace-grade aluminum alloy frame and advanced double braking system make this award-winner a reliable but powerful option.

Pros
  • Front LED safety light
  • Repair Program enrollment with purchase
  • Disc and eABS anti-lock braking system
Cons
  • Slightly bulkier than similar foldable models

The Xiaomi Mi is a 250w, Red Dot “Best of the Best” Award-winning electric scooter with a foldable 26lb alloy frame. It can reach a top speed of 15.5mph and has a travel range of up to 18.5 miles under specific conditions. We liked its intuitive controls and the Applecare-like repair program customers are enrolled in upon purchase, which also provides excellent customer service and technical support. Its dual disc brakes and eABS anti-lock brakes also make it among the safest models available for steep terrain.

Its foldable build makes it highly portable with a modest weight of 26.9lbs, but it’s still slightly bulkier than other foldable models close in weight, affecting its portability just slightly by comparison. However, its safety features, technical support and repair program, a decent amount of horsepower, award-winning design, and fairly modest price point make it a go-to for an extremely reliable steep-terrain, short commute electric scooter. Another great option for commuting is the best folding mobility scooter that commutes even on hilly terrain.

 #5  UberScoot 1600w Electric Scooter for Climbing Hills

Award: MOST POWERFUL

WHY WE LIKE IT: A single 1600w brushless engine, heavy aluminum alloy construction, all-terrain tires, and high top speed of 30mph make this an incredibly powerful all-terrain option.

Pros
  • Adjustable, removable comfort seat
  • Most powerful single-engine available
  • Switchable economy mode saves battery power
Cons
  • Heavier than most at 117lbs
  • Higher price point than most
  • Lower travel range per charge than many

The UberScoot 1600w is a single-engine 1600w professional-grade electric scooter whose higher power torque motor provides an impressive top speed of 30mph. It features an adjustable and removable padded seat, a switchable economy mode to save battery power on longer trips, and has a travel range of up to 12 miles.

We loved its removable seat, incredibly sturdy build, comfortable, sweat-wicking grips, and large-grip all-terrain tires, though even with its switchable economy mode, its travel range is shorter than other models with similar horsepower and at 117lbs, it’s not the most portable model available/. Still, the incredibly powerful engine, sturdy build, comfort features, and high top speed make it a powerhouse option capable of taking on tough roads and steep hills easily. Compare this model to the best gas scooter that supports drivers of up to 250 pounds.

 #6  Segway Ninebot ES2 Electric Scooter for Climbing Hills

Award: BEST FEATURES

WHY WE LIKE IT: Multiple connectivity options, a convenient LED display, above-average 300w horsepower, and a good travel range among many other features make this a great all-around choice.

Pros
  • Front and rear shock absorbers
  • Switchable cruise control
  • Bluetooth and mobile app connectivity
Cons
  • Stock tires not good for rougher surfaces

The Segway Ninebot ES2 is a 300w electric scooter with a top speed of 15mph and a travel range of up to 15 miles per charge. It features Bluetooth and mobile security and navigation app connectivity, switchable cruise control, and both mechanical and electric anti-lock braking systems.

We liked its easy-to-read LED display for mileage, battery power, and speed, and its relatively lightweight and foldability made it easy to carry and put in a car trunk for trips. Its non-pneumatic, airless tires provide pop-proof safety, but they’re not suitable for rougher roads and streets. Still, it’s a good value for a very modern, full-featured electric scooter with plenty of power for hilly areas and medium commutes. Another powerful option is the best electric scooter for adults that offers a 500w engine.

 #7  QIEWA Q1-Hummer Electric Scooter for Climbing Hills

QIEWA Q1-Hummer Electric Scooter for Climbing Hills

Award: BEST FOR LONG COMMUTES

WHY WE LIKE IT: Medium-weight, sturdy build, all-terrain tires, 800w of horsepower, and an incredibly powerful battery make it perfect for longer trips.

Pros
  • 68 miles per battery charge
  • Top speed of 37mph
  • Impressive 580lb maximum load weight
Cons
  • Fairly heavy at 60lbs
  • Pricier than many models

The QIEWA Q1-Hummer is an 800w electric scooter with an impressive high speed of 37mph and among the longest travel range per charge at 68 miles. It features one of the highest maximum weight loads of up to 580lbs, a sturdy, fairly heavy 60lb build, large tread all-terrain tires, a double brake system, and a special shock absorber to help provide a safer, comfortable ride.

Though we appreciated its foldable design, its heavy weight makes it less portable than many on the market. However, its extremely powerful battery, comfort, and safety features, and high top speed make it a great, if somewhat pricier option for those looking to take longer trips and for extremely steep hill climbing and off-road riding. For shorter commutes of about 12 miles per charge, consider the best electric moped.

 #8  MacWheel Electric Scooter for Climbing Hills

We’re sorry, this product is temporarily out of stock

Award: BEST SAFETY

WHY WE LIKE IT: A light, foldable build, two-type modern braking system, airless pop-proof tires, easy controls, and a modest top speed make it great for the safety-minded rider.

Pros
  • Pop and deflate-proof airless wheels
  • 350-watts of horsepower for steep terrain
  • Extra powerful front and back safety lights
Cons
  • Tires too small for rough roads

The MacWheel Electric Scooter is a 350w foldable scooter with multiple safety and comfort features, including extra bright front and rear LED safety lights, a double hydraulic braking system, and a comfortable and easy-to-use grip throttle. It also features airless non-pneumatic tires for deflation and pop-free safe riding and less maintenance.

Though it provides a comfortable riding experience with and the extra powerful 350w engine means hills and inclines with ease, its tires may be too small for some rougher roads. Still, its multiple safety and comfort features, 4-hour travel length per charge, and modest price point make it an excellent go-to for safe, reliable city riding. You may also love commuting within the city with the best folding electric scooter that has a top speed of 15MPH.

 #9  Razor E100 Electric Scooter for Climbing Hills

Award: BEST ON A BUDGET

WHY WE LIKE IT: Light, easy to use kickstart engine and simple controls, foldable design and attractive colors make it a fun, highly affordable option with enough power for most hilly terrain.

Pros
  • Ultra-quiet motor
  • Kickstart and grip throttle easy to use
  • Foldable and light for easy carrying
Cons
  • Only 10mph top speed
  • 40 minutes of travel per charge
  • Among the lowest horsepower at 100w

The Razor E100 is a 100w foldable electric scooter. It has a top speed of 10 mph and its battery provides 40 minutes of continuous riding per charge. We liked its novel kickstart mechanism and grip throttle, which are both easy to use for beginners and kids, and provides some retro-style appeal. We also liked its super-quiet chain-driven motor.

It has among the lower top speeds on the market and its modest battery power makes it unsuitable for long commutes. However, its light 26lb weight, easy-to-learn, simple controls, bright colors, and large-grip front tire make it a safe, reliable choice for ages 8 and up and among the best values on the market that can still handle modest hills and inclines with ease. And, if you’re looking for a faster scooter, you will love the best top electric scooter that can tackle 25% hill gradients.

 #10  XPirit Electric Scooter for Climbing Hills

Award: BEST FOR BEGINNERS

WHY WE LIKE IT: Intuitive controls, three-speed modes, and enough power for steep rides make this a great go-to for the beginner or casual rider at a modest price point.

Pros
  • Foldable high-grade lightweight alloy build
  • Switchable Eco, Comfort, and Sport modes
  • Full-featured display for mileage, speed, battery, etc.
Cons
  • Lower (220lb) weight capacity than many

The XPirit Electric scooter is a 250w foldable scooter with a light 27lb durable alloy build and a top speed of 15mph. It features three power modes- Eco, Comfort, and Sport, Eco mode reducing top speed to just under 10mph but provides up to 15 miles of travel per charge. We loved Comfort mode’s cruise control and Sport mode’s higher top speed, and we also liked the small but easily readable LED control panel and display which allowed for easy switching.

Its intuitive, easy-to-learn controls are great for beginners and make it one of the best electric scooters for kids, it provides enough power for most hills and its lower-than-average 220lb maximum weight capacity may be too low for larger adults. You’ll want to check out our guide to the best electric scooters for heavy adults if you need an electric scooter for a higher weight capacity. Overall, it’s a very user-friendly, safety-minded choice for short to medium commutes and a great value for anyone who wants to start riding for the first time.

How We Decided

We preferred foldable electric scooters with an at least 250 watts (250w) electric motor for sufficient hill climbing horsepower even at steep hill climbing angles of 20 degrees, anti-lock brakes, disc brakes, hydraulic brakes, or double braking mechanisms, and batteries that provide power for trips of no less than 13 miles.

We also preferred electric scooters that could carry up to 250lbs safely without stressing the frame, and which had intuitive controls that were easy to learn for all ages. We also liked scooters with ergonomic, comfortable handles that wicked off sweat for comfort and safety.

Finally, we liked scooters that had a light enough body weight to be easily portable without sacrificing durability and strength, which were designed with carrying handles or other features for easy carrying and travel, and which were powerful but eco-friendly. We avoided reviewing off-road scooters like the Qiewa P-Power electric off-road scooter 3200w and mobility scooters.

Best Electric Moped Buyer’s Guide

The Most Important Features to Consider

  1. Safety Design
    A number of features can go into the design of an electric scooter where safety is concerned, but probably first and foremost will be the brake design. Anti-lock brakes are practically a must in any scooter being used on hilly and steep terrain but other features like a double-braking system are highly desirable as well. Beyond that, the weight limit of the wheel casters and frame are obviously important, as are features like ergonomically designed handles that keep hands dry and prevent slippage (as well as providing a more comfortable ride).
  2. Engine Power
    In flatter terrain, engine power is less of a concern, but if you’re going to be climbing steep hills regularly, your scooter needs to provide plenty of horsepower regardless of your body weight. A 250 watt (250w) engine is about what to look for, but more juice than that can’t hurt. Of course, more horsepower generally means a higher price point, so if you’re budget-minded keep in mind what you’ll actually need, power-wise. Also look for whether a scooter is powered by front wheel drive or rear wheel drive. The latter will provide more control and torque, but is a less common design for electric scooters.
  3. Balance Weight with Durability
    A strong frame with a good weight capacity is important, but portability is a factor you’ll also want to consider since even if you don’t plan to travel with your scooter onto public transport, airports, shopping malls, or airports, you’ll find yourself having to carry it fairly frequently. Most electric scooters are rated for a weight limit of around 250lb- plenty for most adults- but a scooter’s body weight can vary wildly. Generally speaking, a heavier build will be more durable, but significantly more difficult to carry, so it’s a good idea to figure out the balance of portability, weight limit, and sturdiness you need.
  4. Battery Life
    Removable lithium batteries are standard in most electric scooters, but the range of charge time they hold is large. Many models feature batteries made for up to 15 miles of travel before they need recharging, but there are models with considerably more powerful batteries capable of running without a recharge for trips as long as 65 miles. Often, however, a bigger capacity means a bigger battery pack, and a heavier scooter, so having an idea of your needs in this respect is a must. A scooter for a kid won’t require a big, heavy battery pack, nor will a scooter used simply for getting around the neighborhood. Some batteries do manage to pack extra power in a smaller package, but at greater expense.

Electric Moped FAQs

Are electric scooters safe?

For the most part, electric scooters are a fairly safe mode of transport, but it can vary quite a bit between models. The range of engine power, top speeds, the addition of comfort features like shock absorbers and double suspension, and tire and frame build among other factors is quite large, and the safety of each model, therefore, is variable. The safest models will generally be the ones with high weight capacities, airless or non-pneumatic tires that don’t deflate and won’t pop suddenly, double-braking or other high-tech braking systems, and modest top speeds (10-15mph), and double suspensions or suspensions with shock absorbers to ensure smooth rides.

How much engine power do you need to climb hills?

The bodyweight of the rider and the conditions of the road factor somewhat into the equation, but to climb a modestly steep hill (approximately 15 degrees)- generally speaking, any scooter with at least a 250w engine should have enough horsepower to do the job. The best electric scooter for San Francisco hills, however, isn’t necessarily the one with the most powerful engine- some professional-grade scooters with 1000+ watt engines may be too heavy or may have tires not ideally suited for frequent hill climbing, whereas a medium-weight scooter with more modest engine power and high-quality brakes will take hills more smoothly and break faster, for a safer ride, if a slower one.

Can I ride an electric scooter in the rain?

Again, this varies quite a bit from model to model, and it’s not always clear from product descriptions whether it’s safe to ride your scooter in the rain. Exposed mechanical parts and electronics can be vulnerable to water damage, and not all wheels are ideal for navigating slippery streets. Some scooters are designed specifically to be waterproof or water-resistant, and these scooters will generally list such a feature in product descriptions- however not even scooters that are listed as waterproof are necessarily rain-safe. It should always be assumed that any scooter you’re looking at is neither unless specifically described by the manufacturer as such.

What’s the best electric scooter for climbing hills?

The Nanrobot D4 is the best electric scooter for climbing hills. We liked it for its heavy-duty build, high tech double-braking system, powerful, high speed 1000w x2 engine, and high-capacity battery. Other popular models we didn’t list include the FreegoUSA Electric Scooter FS10D and the Qiewa P-Power electric off-road scooter 3200w.