Best Electric Scooters 2024: A Guide to Buying an Electric Scooter in New Zealand

Explore the different types of electric scooters and find out what key factors to consider when buying one in New Zealand. Get to know the best options available and answers to frequently asked questions with our comprehensive guide.

Updated 23 February 2024

Summary

Electric scooters continue to be popular on the streets of New Zealand, offering an environmentally friendly, affordable, fast to charge, but above all, fun to drive experience.
This guide is designed to explain all about electric scooters and help you make an informed scooter purchase, while aligning your choice to match your unique needs and lifestyle.
We also feature a shortlist of the best electric scooters in New Zealand, based on variable budgets and requirements.

Our Electric Scooter Buying Guide Covers:

Know This First: Warranties for Electric Scooters?
Warranties for electric scooters typically cover the battery and the scooter itself. It's important to understand the warranty details before purchasing an electric scooter, as the coverage and length of the warranty can vary between models and manufacturers. Generally:

Battery warranties usually cover defects or a reduction in capacity below a certain level within a specified time. Depending on the manufacturer and model, this period can range from 6 months to 2 years or more. It's important to keep the battery well-maintained, as misuse or neglect can void the warranty.
Scooter warranties typically cover defects in the frame, motor, and other components. The warranty period for the scooter itself can range from 6 months to 2 years or more, again depending on the manufacturer and model. Some warranties may only cover defects, not wear and tear, so be sure to read the warranty details carefully.

Types of Electric Scooter

There are many ways to classify electric scooters. By size, by the number of wheels, by design. However, for the purpose of this guide, we will categorize electric scooters as follows:

Electric Kick Scooters
Off-Road Electric Scooters
Fat Tyres Electric Scooters
Electric Scooters for Kids

Although there are other vehicles considered as electric scooters, such as three-wheel scooters and self-balancing electric scooters, we consider that their peculiar characteristics make them deserve to be part of a completely different category to those scooters included in this guide.

Electric Kick Scooters

Electric kick scooters (aka e-scooters) are by far the most popular type of electric scooter nowadays. They feature the simple yet functional design of the classic kick scooter consisting of two wheels, along with a foot platform and handles. Its minimalist design allows most electric scooters to be foldable, meaning that after using the e-scooter you can take it with you to the office. This convenient feature, along with their ease of use, makes them ideal for cities with heavy traffic.

Electric Kick Scooters Highlights:

They have a simple design.
They are easy and fun to drive.
They are affordable.

Electric Kick Scooters - What We Like:

Portability. Since they are compact, most electric kick scooters can be folded and stored under your desk when not in use
Lightweight. Even non-foldable models have the advantage of being extremely light, meaning they are easy to maneuver and easy to carry in case of running out of battery
Short learning curve. If you ever drive a classic kick scooter then you can drive its electric version. It is very easy and fun to drive
Highly customizable. You can find electric kick scooters in almost all colours, different materials, with or without a seat, with different LED light setups, with or without Bluetooth connectivity, and more.
Ideal against city traffic. Its slim design makes electric kick scooters ideal for commuting in traffic-intensive areas
Silent operation. The tiny motor used in most electric kick scooters makes them almost silent, meaning you can use it everywhere without being noticed.

Electric Kick Scooters - What We Dislike:

Low range. The compact design of electric kick scooters reduce the available space for batteries which in turn affect their autonomy
Somewhat slow. Most electric kick scooters are slow due to their small motors.

Off-Road Electric Scooters

You can think of this type of scooter as a ruggedized version of the standard e-scooter. Expect off-road electric scooters to have special tyres that often are also bigger in diameter, higher capacity batteries, better suspension, and tougher materials to protect the motor and other components from debris and bumps. Similar to cars and SUVs, nothing prevents you from using an off-road electric scooter in the city for commuting. However, bear in mind that the sturdy design of this type of e-scooter is better suited to the beautiful landscapes of New Zealand. Off-road e-scooters are heavier, and in many cases, they are not foldable.

Off-Road Electric Scooters Highlights:

They are beautiful and sturdy
You can use them on-road or off-road
Better suited for trails and excursions

Off-Road Electric Scooters - What We Like:

Powerful. When going out for an excursion, it is common to find hills with somewhat steep slopes. To be able to climb these hills, the scooter requires a powerful engine. Some off-road e-scooters even have two independent engines (the 4x4 version of an SUV).
Heavy-duty construction. Mud, debris, and bumps are commonplace when enjoying nature. Off-road scooters are built with this in mind, they usually have protective covers around the motor, battery, and other key components.
Extended autonomy. Standard e-scooters are intended for travelling short distances and being recharged. On the other hand, off-road scooters are supposed to give you at least 2+ hours of fun under demanding conditions. To accomplish this goal, most models include larger batteries and/or easily replaceable batteries.

Off-Road Electric Scooters - What We Dislike:

Expensive. Their powerful motor, larger battery and sturdy construction make off-road electric scooters more expensive than their standard counterparts
Heavy. Do not expect this type of scooter to be light. Depending on the model, it may even take some effort to get it out of your car.
Louder. A bigger motor, and in some cases dual-motor, make this type of scooter louder than the average e-scooter

Fat Tyres Electric Scooters

If you love chopper motorcycles then this might be the right e-scooter for you. Fat tyres electric scooters do their best to emulate the driving experience of a chopper motorcycle by using wide tyres, a comfortable seat, and raised handles. As you might expect, this type of e-scooter is not intended to be used as a daily driver, but more like a weekend warrior.

Fat Tyres Electric Scooters Highlights:

They are comfortable
Usually, they are highly customizable
Fat tyres electric scooters are meant for occasional usage

Fat Tyres Electric Scooters - What We Like:

Powerful. Fat tyres e-scooters feature motors with power far above the average traffic-focused scooter.
Fast. The bigger motor is there for something and is not hill climbing. It is for speed. Expect this type of e-scooter to hit the 40kph+ mark easily
Extended autonomy. One of the intended usages of fat tyres scooters is travelling with friends just as you do with conventional motorcycles. Expect good ranges in the order of 50Km+ for this type of scooter.

Fat Tyres Electric Scooters - What We Dislike:

Expensive. Fat tyres scooters are niche products. Do not expect them to be cheap, however, this is compensated by their high-quality and attention to detail in its craftsmanship
Heavy. Depending on the model and brand, this type of e-scooter could rival some small mopeds in weight.
Exclusive. This can be interpreted as both an advantage and a disadvantage. Exclusivity is an important factor for many New Zealanders. However, keep in mind that this exclusivity also implies that you will not have the same variety of models or the same number of brands to choose from.

Electric Scooters for Kids

To be honest, instead of creating a category called "scooters for kids" it would be fairer to classify all other scooters as "scooters for adults". After all, kick scooters are often associated with kids and teenagers. What makes "scooters for kids" different from scooters for adults is basically their size. They feature smaller batteries, less powerful motors, and thus reduced performance. Most products in this category are foldable, lightweight and inexpensive.

Electric Scooters for Kids Highlights:

They are affordable
Many colours and designs to choose from
Huge variety

Electric Scooters for Kids - What We Like:

Compact. Most e-scooters for kids are designed with portability in mind. Once folded, they are so compact that you can take them everywhere in the trunk of your car without sacrificing useful space.
Reliable. For most brands specialized in this type of scooters, quality and reliability are crucial. Do not let their name fool you, electric scooters for kids are not toys.
Great for kids. Arguably one of the aspect we love the most about this type of e-scooters is how good are they for kids. In a world dominated by video games, spending quality time with family is an invaluable experience, both for parents and kids.

Electric Scooters for Kids - What We Dislike:

Limited range. As a direct consequence of its size, the autonomy of this type of scooters is somewhat limited. Always prefer models with ranges above 15 km to avoid having to constantly charge the scooter
Price. We suggest buying this type of scooter only from recognized brands. As mentioned above, this is not a toy. Buying a cheap model will only bring you problems and frustrations.

Key Factors to Consider When Buying an Electric Scooter in New Zealand

Purchasing an electric scooter is not as complex as purchasing a new car. Nevertheless, that does not mean you should take it too lightly. For your convenience, we have prepared a shortlist with the key aspects you should consider when buying an electric scooter in New Zealand:

Intended usage. As explained in the previous section, not all e-scooters are designed for the same purpose. If your main goal is commuting to work avoiding the crowd and traffic in the process, then a foldable electric scooter might be your best option. On the other hand, if what you want is enjoying the countryside an off-road e-scooter could be better.
Autonomy. Just as with electric cars the autonomy, often referred to as range, is a crucial factor to consider. For commuting, it is a good idea to choose a range big enough to avoid running out of battery too early. For pleasure, we suggest e-scooters with swappable batteries since they allow you to enjoy hours of interrupted fun.
Ease of use. Most kick scooters are super easy to drive. When you talk about fat tyre models or bigger off-road models the learning curve might be a bit more stepper.
Speed. The term “speed” might sound like an exaggeration in this type of personal vehicles. However, it is not. Keep in mind that a collision at 40Kph against a stationary object might result in serious injury, even death if you are not using appropriate safety equipment. That being said, if you like speed, probably your best option is fat tyres scooters.
Brakes. The bigger and more powerful the engine the most important become the brakes. Nowadays some e-scooters come with sophisticated ABS-like brake systems, which in our opinion, is an option that worth considering.
Bluetooth and other gadgets. Some manufacturers include as part of the e-scooter features Bluetooth connectivity, LED lights, integrated display, GPS, and more. You might want to consider some of them, as LED lights for example, in case you plan using the scooter at night.
Max. Load. Our suggestion is to favour e-scooters able to handle 100+ Kg loads, even if they are for kids.
Charging time. The rule of thumb says the bigger the battery the longer it would take to charge it. However, depending on the brand and charging technology you may find models with big batteries and fast charging times.
Price. You get what you pay for. That is especially true in the case of e-scooters. Our suggestion is to avoid the temptation of purchasing electric scooters from unknown brands. Getting low-quality batteries and motors is a real risk if you do so.

The Best Electric Scooters Available in New Zealand Right Now

Disclaimer: In our quest to present the most up-to-date and comprehensive information on electric scooters for 2024, we have collaborated with Freed e-scooters for insights and details on the latest models. While we have featured content and links predominantly to Freed, we want to clarify that this collaboration is purely based on shared knowledge and a mutual goal of providing valuable information to our readers.

We do not have any commercial partnership or financial agreement with Freed e-scooters. Our decision to include their content is driven by the quality and relevance of the information provided, and we remain committed to our editorial independence. Additionally, we've made efforts to include references to other reputable retailers, ensuring our readers a diverse range of options. The views and opinions expressed in this feature are presented in good faith, aiming to benefit our audience with varied and trustworthy choices in the electric scooter market.

1. Best ultralight Scooter: E Twow Booster Plus S

More details: E Twow Booster Plus S
Pricing: Around $1,099

Weighing in at just 11.5 kg the E Twow Booster is the lightest adult electric scooter on the market in NZ. It is extremely easy to fold and unfold, has a decent front headlamp, solid tyres, rear suspension, and now comes with a lever operated drum brake. It has a (peak) 500w motor and the speed is factory limited to 25km/h.

This scooter will glide happily up a slope of 10 - 12 degrees for most folk. It is not the fastest or most powerful but it is certainly the lightest and it is super low maintenance. At a price point of $1099 they are terrific value for money.

Pros	Cons
Lightweight: 11.5kg Low price: $1099 Low maintenance	Less comfortable than an air tyre

Xiaomi have also released a new range in 2024 and the Xiaomi 4 lite is our pick in this range. With all the best features of the 365 but with hollow core tyres this will be a very low maintenance scooter for under $700. PB tech are the only big box retailer who service the scooters they sell so they get a tick from us too. Freed Scooters service Xiaomi wherever possible but do not carry a full range of parts

2. Best Budget scooter: Blade Q / Blade Mini Pro

More details: Blade Q / Blade Mini Pro
Pricing: From $1,499 / $1,999

Dual 500w motors - enough to get a 100kg human up a 15 degree incline at about 17 km/h without stressing. A 15.6 amp hour battery, a 20.8 or a 29 amp hour battery.

The 9 inch tyres are heavy duty and don’t puncture easily, however the rim will take a 10 inch tyre. This will give better range and allows installation of solid and self healing tyres.

A folding handle bar is available as an upgrade. The water rating is IPX 54. Standard for the majority of electric scooters it is resistant to water spray. And it is not too heavy at 28 kg.
The best feature is the highly visible light array. Stem and deck LED’s in brilliant yellow, turn signal indicators, tail light, brake light and handlebar height headlamp.

Pros	Cons
Amazing visibility form bright LED lights Budget friendly Low maintenance	Ideally would have a folding handlebar

3. Best commuter scooter: Punk Rider

More details: Punk Rider
Pricing: From $1,699

The new range of Punk Rider electric scooters offer genuine innovation that the market has been asking for for years. They are waterproof to IPX 67 and offer a range of brand new features not seen together on any other scooter at any price.

Both have the 600w and dual motor 1200w offer the most extensive range of useful features

IP6 waterproof chassis and IP7 internal components.
Dual rubber cartridge suspension
10 inch self healing tyres
Bright, large digit easy read display
Smart BMS with App controls
Built in GPS followed in the App
App locking
Battery monitoring
Full length side turn signal indicators that extend the length of the deck AND the stem.
Sun guard for the display that also shields it at night to prevent night blindness from the brightness of the LED display
App adjustable power and acceleration.

It is a little bit heavy. If you need to carry it around it may not be the ideal option for you.

These are only available from Freed Electric Scooters in Auckland City and Electric Scooter Shop on the North Shore but both stores ship across NZ.

Pros	Cons
Waterproof frame to IPX 6 and 7 Budget friendly - $1799 - $2299 Powerful uphill e scooter Multiple useful upgrades	A little heavier than similar scooters

Runner up commuter scooter

An honourable mention goes to the Inmotion Climber. It is waterproof to IPX56 which is decent and will cover you for all but the worst conditions. It has dual 450w motors on a 36 volt system, enough power for medium size adults to go pretty much anywhere and for the rest of us to go almost anywhere. Because it does not have any suspension it is lower to the ground and lighter than the Punk scooters. If you need a waterproof scooter for the bus or if you need to carry it, is the one for you. These are available from most specialist E scooter stores and from 99 bikes.

4. Best Big Scooter: Blade GTII

More details: Blade GTII
Pricing: From $3,699

If you are tall or heavy you need a bigger scooter. No need to spend a fortune. At $3699 Blade GTII has a ton of features including app control, programmable speed modes, battery monitoring and indicator lights.

This is a powerful uphill scooter with dual 1500w motors. The suspension can be upgraded easily to support up to 150 kg. The large deck has a rigid tail fin to accommodate long legs and the tall stem rises 1070 mm above the deck. 11 inch tyres have self healing gel as standard. The IP rating is 54 but the sensible design resists water better than some popular brands that boast IP 55. Yet it weighs just 35kg.

We also like the bright LED lights all the way up the stem and along the deck. This much lighting is perfect for winter nights.

Pros	Cons
Large and comfortable frame Affordable in the high performance category Fully programmable via smart App	IPX54 Plastic corner highlights seem breakable

5. Specialist scooters: Pro Urban Trike

More details: Pro Urban Trike / The Teverun Tetra
Pricing: From $3,699 / $5,789

3 wheel and 4 wheel e-scooters make personal electric mobility accessible to a much wider range of people who might struggle with balance or have mobility difficulties.

The Freed Pro Urban Trike has gimbaled rear wheels so the vehicle can lean, and all 3 wheels maintain contact with the ground.

It is a dual motor, seated scooter. 2 x 500w motors make it powerful and it has a top speed of 48 km/h, but it is easy to ride because of its low centre of gravity. The hand twist throttle is suitable for differently abled people without the need for highly developed fine motor skills.

It does need the ability to use your legs to support your weight when seated as the scooter does lean so may suit everyone but for many folks this 3 wheel electric scooter has already given them back a freedom they thought they had lost.
Although the handle bar does fold for storage it is not a folding chair type of vehicle and while you will be able to ride it onto trains and buses at level platforms it is too heavy to lift for one person.

Pros	Cons
Stability Large tyres Indicators and reverse mode Removable battery	Heavy The rider does need to support some weight with their legs

The Teverun Tetra is the first of its kind in New Zealand in 2024. A powerful, offroad, 4 wheel electric scooter with option for a seat.

The Tetra’s 4 wheels all move independently so this ‘quad scooter’ can handle any terrain and is sold as an off-road vehicle. It has a huge battery, 4 piston hydraulic brakes and 5 fully programmable speed modes with full app control.

If anything this vehicle is overpowered for the most logical users who are golfers and differently abled people and the price is accordingly quite high. But it does have the advantage of being capable of genuinely off road terrain and has the option of a seat.

It has a 2 wheel drive and a 4 wheel drive option. Add a carrier for the golf clubs and you can drive to the course, play a full round, and get home all on one vehicle.

It is large and heavy so you won't be lifting it in and out of the car. Still, we think this is a genuine mobility option for some differently abled people and with its IPX rating of 5 think it's a great golf cart option that will not break down every other week.

Pros	Cons
Waterproof frame to IPX 5 4 articulated wheels move independently Powerful and long range Optional seat	Heavy A bit on the expensive side for many people Too powerful for many differently able users

These are our top picks of new releases and upgraded favourites in 2024. All are available from Freed Electric Scooters, with many also available at other retailers as indicated. Freed are centrally located right at the Nelson St off ramp of State Highway 1 in Auckland and have a full service workshop with free Auckland CBD parking.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does an electric scooter work?

An electric scooter converts the energy stored in its rechargeable battery into electrical power, which is then used to drive an electric motor. When the rider steps on the deck and twists the throttle, the motor begins to spin and propels the scooter forward.

How far can an electric scooter travel on a single charge?

The range of an electric scooter depends on several factors, including the battery's size, the motor's power, and the rider's weight. However, on average, most electric scooters can travel between 15 to 40 km on a single charge.

How fast can an electric scooter go?

The top speed of an electric scooter depends on the model, but most have a maximum speed of between 25 km/h and 45 km/h.

What are the key factors to consider when buying an electric scooter in New Zealand?

Battery life and range
Top speed
Weight and portability
Safety features (such as lights and brakes)
Price
Warranty
Customer support

How much does an electric scooter cost in New Zealand?

The cost of an electric scooter in New Zealand ranges from around $500 to $2,000+, depending on the model and brand.

Do electric scooters require any special maintenance?

Yes - electric scooters require regular maintenance to ensure they are functioning correctly and safely. This includes checking the tire pressure, tightening loose bolts, and ensuring the battery is properly charged.

Are electric scooters legal to use on the roads in New Zealand?

Yes, electric scooters are legal to use on the roads in New Zealand, e-scooters can be used on the footpath or the road – except in designated cycle lanes that are part of the road (which were designed for the sole use of cyclists). A helmet is not legally required to be worn when using an e-scooter but is recommended by NZTA.

Is it safe to ride an electric scooter in New Zealand?

Yes, electric scooters can be safe to ride in New Zealand if you are careful and take basic safety precautions. However, as with any form of transportation, there is always a risk of injury, so it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions.

How do I fold and carry an electric scooter?

Most electric scooters can be folded down for easy carrying and storage. To do so, loosen the locking mechanism on the handlebar and deck and fold the scooter in half. Some models also have a carrying handle or shoulder strap for added convenience.

Are electric scooters environmentally friendly?

Electric scooters are very environmentally friendly. They produce zero emissions and rely on rechargeable batteries instead of petrol, which reduces their carbon footprint and helps to reduce air pollution.

Do electric scooters have any weight restrictions?

Yes, most electric scooters have a weight limit of 100 to 120 kg, although this can vary depending on the model. It's important to check the manufacturer's specifications before buying an electric scooter to ensure it can support your weight.

Can electric scooters be used in the rain?

Most electric scooters are not waterproof, so using them in the rain is not recommended. If you must ride in wet conditions, avoid puddles and keep the scooter as dry as possible to prevent damage to the electronics.

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