Foldable e-scooters compared

The classic use for a foldable e-scooter is combining it with public transport: ride to the station, fold it up for the train and cover the last few kilometres to the office at your destination. What counts most is weight, a quick folding mechanism and a compact folded size. Whether you may take the scooter on local public transport varies between operators – many allow folded scooters as luggage, while some ban them for fire safety reasons. Check with your local transport association beforehand.

Light scooters with 8.5-inch wheels weigh around 12 to 15 kg. That is still manageable up a few flights of stairs. Models with 10-inch pneumatic tyres, suspension and a larger battery weigh 18 to 25 kg. If you carry the scooter every day, every kilo saved pays off – even if you sacrifice some range or comfort.

The folding joint is the most heavily stressed part of an e-scooter. Over time it can develop play; the stem then rattles and the ride feels less secure. Look for a solid-feeling latch with a safety lever and check the screws regularly. On many models the play can be readjusted with an adjusting screw – it is worth a look in the manual.

The smaller the wheels, the more compact the scooter – but also the more sensitive it is to cobblestones, kerbs and potholes. 8.5 inches is fine for smooth tarmac, while 10 inches with pneumatic tyres is much more comfortable. Honeycomb and solid rubber tyres are puncture-proof but absorb bumps less well.

A light folding scooter is ideal for commuters who combine train and scooter, for students in small flats and for anyone who wants to park the scooter under their desk at the office. If you ride long distances, comfort and battery size should take priority.