The Leading Electric Scooter Brands of the Year

The electric scooter industry features dozens of manufacturers ranging from established automotive giants to innovative startups, each bringing distinct strengths to the rapidly growing market. Understanding which brands deliver quality, reliability, innovation, and value helps navigate purchasing decisions in an industry where manufacturer reputation strongly predicts ownership satisfaction. This guide explores the leading electric scooter brands across global markets, examining their histories, signature models, strengths, and what makes each notable in the competitive landscape.

Global Electric Scooter Market Overview

Market Size and Growth

According to Reports and Data, the electric scooter market size was USD 30 billion in 2019 and is expected to register a CAGR of 4% to reach USD 40 billion in 2026:

• Rapid growth driven by urbanization and environmental concerns
• Increasing adoption in Asia, Europe, and North America
• Technology improvements making scooters more practical
• Government incentives accelerating market expansion
• Shared mobility services increasing visibility and acceptance

Leading Market Regions

• Asia-Pacific: Largest market with Chinese and Indian manufacturers dominating
• Europe: Strong adoption driven by sustainability goals
• North America: Growing market with emphasis on quality and performance

Global Brand Leaders

Xiaomi

Company Background

A Chinese electronics company that has rapidly become a major player in the electric scooter industry, with popular M365 and M365 Pro models known for their affordability, reliability, and sleek design:

• Founded: Electronics giant expanding into mobility
• Headquarters: Beijing, China
• Global presence: Sold worldwide through multiple channels
• Market position: Volume leader in affordable segment

Signature Models

• Mi M365: Best-selling electric scooter globally
• M365 Pro: Enhanced version with longer range
• Mi Pro 2: Latest iteration with improvements

Brand Strengths

• Exceptional value for money
• Reliable performance and build quality
• Wide availability and aftermarket support
• Sleek, minimalist design aesthetic
• Massive production scale driving affordability

Best For

• Budget-conscious buyers wanting proven reliability
• First-time electric scooter owners
• Urban commuters with moderate performance needs

Segway-Ninebot

Company Background

A Chinese company that makes a range of electric scooters, including models for commuting and off-road use, known for their durability and reliability:

• Formation: Ninebot acquired Segway in 2015
• Headquarters: Beijing, China
• Heritage: Combines Segway innovation with Ninebot manufacturing
• Market position: Premium quality across price ranges

Signature Models

• Ninebot Max: Best-selling long-range commuter
• Segway P-Series: Performance-focused lineup
• F-Series: Mid-range with excellent features
• E-Series: Entry-level affordable options

Brand Strengths

Brands like Xiaomi, Segway-Ninebot, and Razor have established themselves as reliable choices, known for their durability, performance, and innovative features:

• Exceptional build quality and durability
• Wide model range covering all segments
• Industry-leading water resistance
• Self-healing tire technology
• Strong global warranty and support

Best For

• Reliability-focused commuters
• Buyers wanting proven long-term durability
• Those prioritizing weather resistance

NIU Technologies

Company Background

Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Beijing, China, NIU is a leading provider of smart urban mobility solutions, specializing in electric scooters that combine advanced technology with stylish design, offering features like GPS tracking and mobile connectivity:

• Founded: 2014
• Headquarters: Beijing, China
• Focus: Smart connectivity and premium design
• Market position: Technology leader in urban mobility

Technology Leadership

• Advanced battery management systems
• GPS tracking standard on all models
• Mobile app integration for diagnostics
• Remote monitoring and anti-theft features
• Data-driven performance optimization

Best For

• Tech-savvy urban commuters
• Buyers valuing connectivity features
• Those wanting premium design and performance

Indian Market Leaders

Ather Energy

Company Background

Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Bengaluru, India, Ather Energy is renowned for its high-performance electric scooters, such as the Ather 450X, which features smart connectivity, superior acceleration, and efficient battery management:

• Founded: 2013
• Headquarters: Bengaluru, India
• Innovation focus: Performance and technology leadership
• Market position: Premium segment leader in India

Distinctive Features

• Over-the-air software updates
• Ather Grid charging infrastructure
• Superior acceleration and performance
• Google Maps navigation integration
• Comprehensive smartphone connectivity

Best For

• Performance-oriented Indian riders
• Tech enthusiasts wanting cutting-edge features
• Those with access to Ather Grid charging

Hero Electric

Company Background

Established in 2007 and headquartered in New Delhi, India, Hero Electric is a pioneer in the Indian electric vehicle market, manufacturing a wide range of electric scooters known for their reliability, affordability, and eco-friendliness:

• Established: 2007
• Headquarters: New Delhi, India
• Market position: Pioneer in Indian EV market
• Focus: Affordable, accessible electric mobility

Brand Strengths

• Longest presence in Indian EV market
• Wide service network across India
• Affordable entry-level models
• Understanding of Indian riding conditions
• Government subsidy optimization

Best For

• First-time EV buyers in India
• Budget-conscious commuters
• Those prioritizing widespread service network

TVS Motors and Bajaj Auto

Established Automotive Leaders

The 7 best electric scooter brands include NIU Technologies, Hero Electric, Ather Energy, Bajaj Auto, and TVS Motors:

• Heritage: Decades of two-wheeler manufacturing experience
• Advantages: Extensive dealer and service networks
• Quality: Automotive-grade engineering and reliability
• Trust: Established brand reputation in India

Notable Models

• TVS iQube: Market leader with multiple battery options
• Bajaj Chetak: Modern interpretation of iconic scooter

North American Brands

Razor USA

Company Background

A company known for its range of kick scooters that also manufactures electric scooters popular with kids and teenagers due to their affordable prices and fun designs:

• Heritage: Scooter industry pioneer since 1999
• Headquarters: California, USA
• Market focus: Youth and entry-level segments
• Distribution: Widespread retail availability

Brand Strengths

• Decades of scooter manufacturing experience
• Affordable entry-level options
• Wide availability through major retailers
• Strong brand recognition in North America

Apollo Scooters

Performance Focus

• Market position: Premium performance segment
• Models: City, Explore, Phantom, Pro lineup
• Strengths: Direct-to-consumer model, excellent support
• Features: High-quality components and engineering

Bird

Shared Mobility Leader

One of the pioneers in the electric scooter sharing industry that also manufactures high-quality electric scooters, based in Santa Monica, California, offering scooters known for their durability and user-friendly design:

• Founded: 2017
• Headquarters: Santa Monica, California
• Heritage: Sharing service expertise informing design
• Consumer models: Bird One and Bird Air for personal ownership

Innovative Specialized Brands

Gogoro

Battery-Swapping Pioneer

Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, Gogoro is a leading electric vehicle company specializing in smart scooters and battery-swapping networks, known for its innovative design featuring swappable batteries:

• Founded: 2011
• Headquarters: Taipei, Taiwan
• Innovation: Extensive battery-swapping infrastructure
• Market: Strong presence in Taiwan, expanding globally

Unique Approach

• Network of battery-swapping stations
• Swap depleted battery for fully charged in seconds
• Subscription model for battery access
• Eliminates home charging requirement
• Enables unlimited range through swapping

Unagi

Premium Portability

A premium scooter brand that focuses on design and portability, with scooters known for being lightweight yet powerful, appealing to urban commuters seeking both style and functionality:

• Focus: Ultra-lightweight premium scooters
• Design: Fashion-forward aesthetic
• Model E500: Dual motor power in portable package
• Subscription option: All-inclusive monthly rental

Levy Electric

Modular Innovation

Some manufacturers differentiate through practical innovation solving real commuter problems. Levy Electric pioneered swappable battery systems that allow riders to carry spare batteries and instantly swap them when depleted—effectively doubling or tripling range without waiting hours for charging. This modular approach to power management addresses one of electric scooters' most significant limitations, particularly benefiting commuters whose daily distances exceed single-charge capacity or who lack convenient charging access.

Chinese Volume Manufacturers

Yadea

Export Leader

An e-two-wheeler brand with high-performance e-motorcycles, e-mopeds, e-bicycles, and e-kick scooters that started exporting in 2007 and has exported electric vehicles to over 66 nations:

• Export experience: Since 2007
• Global reach: 66+ countries
• Product range: Full spectrum from bicycles to motorcycles
• Volume: Major manufacturer with huge production capacity

Choosing Brands by Priority

For Maximum Reliability

• Segway-Ninebot: Proven durability and weather resistance
• Xiaomi: Mass-market reliability through massive scale
• TVS/Bajaj (India): Automotive-grade engineering

For Advanced Technology

• NIU: Smart connectivity and GPS features
• Ather (India): OTA updates and navigation
• Unagi: Premium features in portable package

For Performance

• Apollo: High-power dual motor options
• Ather 450X (India): Superior acceleration
• NIU: Premium performance models

For Value

• Xiaomi: Unbeatable price-to-performance ratio
• Hero Electric (India): Affordable entry-level options
• Razor: Budget youth and beginner scooters

For Innovation

• Gogoro: Battery-swapping ecosystem
• Levy Electric: Modular swappable battery design
• Ather: Software-focused continuous improvement

Brand Reputation and Support

Importance of Manufacturer Support

• Warranty coverage and claim processes
• Spare parts availability
• Service network accessibility
• Customer service responsiveness
• Long-term company viability

Red Flags

• Unknown brands with no track record
• Limited or no warranty coverage
• No established service network
• Poor customer service reputation
• Difficulty obtaining replacement parts

Making Your Brand Decision

Leading electric scooter brands have earned their reputations through years of product development, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement. Segway-Ninebot represents the gold standard for reliability across all price points. Xiaomi delivers unbeatable value for budget-conscious buyers. NIU pushes technology boundaries with smart connectivity. Ather leads India's premium segment with performance and innovation.

Established automotive manufacturers like TVS and Bajaj bring decades of two-wheeler expertise to the electric market, offering the service networks and brand trust that new manufacturers can't match. Specialized brands like Apollo, Unagi, and Levy Electric differentiate through focused innovation—whether in performance, portability, or practical features like swappable batteries.

Choose brands with proven track records in your market, strong warranty coverage, accessible service networks, and reputations for customer support. Read owner reviews focusing on long-term satisfaction and problem resolution. Prioritize manufacturers demonstrating commitment to the electric scooter market rather than treating it as temporary side business.

The leading brands earned their positions through quality, reliability, innovation, and customer focus—select from established manufacturers and enjoy confidence that comes from choosing proven industry leaders.