Some of us live in extremely hilly regions and we have to travel uphill almost every day. And if you live in a region like mine, you may wonder and ask yourself “Can electric scooters go up hills?
After range and speed, the ability to climb hills is the sought-after feature in an e-scooter and it’s particularly true for those living in hilly terrains.
In this article will give you a better picture of what electric scooters can do and what sort of e-scooter you must buy.
Editor’s 1st Choice
Dualtron Storm
Overall Rating:
- Riders Weight Limit | 330 lbs (150 kg)
- Motor | 11500W Dual Hub Motor
- Range | Up to 136.7 Miles
- Battery | 84V, 45Ah LG 21700 Li-ion Battery
- Speed | 74.5 MPH
Learn More!
Editor’s 2nd Choice
Kaabo MANTIS Pro
Overall Rating:
- Riders Weight Limit | 330 lbs (150 kg)
- Motor | 1000W BLDC Dual Motor
- Range | Up to 34 Miles
- Battery | 60V, 18.2Ah or 24Ah LG Li-ion Battery
- Speed | 41 MPH
Learn More!
Editor’s 3rd Choice
Varla Pegasus City
Overall Rating:
- Riders Weight Limit | 280 Ibs (127 kg)
- Motor | 500W x2 Dual Hub Motor
- Range | Up to 28 Miles
- Battery | 48V, 15.6Ah Lithium-ion Battery
- Speed | 28+ MPH
Learn More!
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Electric Scooters For Climbing Hills in 2024
#1. Dualtron Storm Limited Electric Scooter
This powerful scooter is a powerhouse speed demon as far as scooters go, but it seems the price for its impressive performance metrics is its massive size and weight (111 lbs). A bulky and heavy e-scooter may rule this option out for some people, but certainly not everyone.
The Dualtron Storm Limited comes with a gargantuan 84V/45Ah LG battery capacity that can churn out a whopping range of 136 miles on a single charge. Also, this beastly scooter has a powerful engine in form of the dual BLDC hub motors that combine to output an unbelievable 11500W of max power.
What this much juice and power mean is that the Dualtron Storm Limited can hit hyper speeds of up to 74.5 mph—a huge feat for a scooter. You can also boost your acceleration by double-tapping to get an extra 15A jolt when overtaking other riders.
The power coming from the motor also makes this e-scooter ideal for riding up inclines–this two-wheeler has an advertised max hill climb angle of 37 degrees and a payload capacity of 330 lbs.
The power and speed this machine is capable of make it imperative to have equally efficient safety features. The Storm Limited is designed with an in-built steering damper to mitigate dangerous wobbles when tearing down the trail. Its 12″ × 3.5″ RSC pneumatic puncture-resistant tires protect against harmful elements on the trail.
Its engineering also features a 45-step suspension system and NUTT hydraulic brakes with 160mm rotors to neutralize trail bumpiness and provide sufficient braking power. The safety features are rounded up with brake lights, hazard lights, a tail light, and turn signals to boost visibility in low light conditions.
Pros
- It includes an 84V/45Ah lithium battery producing up to 136 miles per charge.
- It comes with massive dual motors outputting 11500W of max power, achieving a maximum speed of 74.5 mph.
- It can handle up to 330 lbs of payload and can climb inclines of up to 37 degrees.
- It’s got 12″ pneumatic tubeless puncture-resistant tires, 45-step adjustable suspension system, and NUTT hydraulic brakes with 160mm rotors.
- Safety and visibility features include brake lights, tail lights, deck-mounted headlights, and turn signals.
- It has 8.1″ of ground clearance, 12.75″ wide footrest covered in grip tape, and a 25″ wide deck.
- It comes with dual 10A charging ports and a 4A fast charger. Using both ports simultaneously cuts charge time by 5 hours.
- It has a clean and simple control center to manage performance settings. You can also save performance settings for four fingerprints.
Cons
- Its huge dimensions mean that it’s still pretty bulky even when folded.
- At $5,399, it’s a pretty pricey scooter option.
- It weighs 111 lbs, which means it’s difficult to pick up and carry around.
- You’ll need to buy an extra 4A fast charger to cut down charge time from 11 hours to 6 hours.
Main Features:
- Riders Weight Limit | 330 lbs (150 kg)
- Motor | 11500W Dual Hub Motor
- Range | Up to 136.7 Miles
- Battery | 84V, 45Ah LG 21700 Li-ion Battery
- Speed | 74.5 MPH
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#2. Kaabo MANTIS Pro
This e-scooter’s specifications make it the sweet spot between high performance, affordability, and portability. The Kaabo Mantis PRO does not skimp on power with its dual 1000W motors, which can give speeds of up to 30mph on one motor and 40mph on both. Its 60V/24.5Ah (1470Wh) battery can muster a range of 45 miles per charge. This battery has a proven longer battery life than the standard Mantis 18.2Ah batteries.
The Mantis PRO has the least climbing ability on this list; it is advertised with a climbing ability of 30% inclines, which may not make it the best option for people who constantly ride through hilly terrains. For enjoyable and smooth rides on all types of trails, the Mantis PRO is fitted with 10-inch pneumatic tires and a perfectly engineered swingarm spring suspension system on the front and rear of the scooter.
Its hydraulic brakes are one of the easiest to engage with just a light thug on the brake handles to provide sufficient braking power. Like the Dualtron Storm Limited, the Mantis PRO also has a simple EY3 display where you can easily set preferences for ABS, electric braking, cruise control, motor torque settings, etc.
The height of the handlebars in combination with the positioning and angle of the rear footrest allow for the best possible posture and control while riding. And for safety and visibility, it has deck-mounted white headlights, red rear LED lights and white lateral LED strips.
This front and rear-wheel drive electric scooter can handle a maximum payload of 265 lbs and weighs a refreshingly portable 65 lbs.
Pros
- 2×1000W brushless motors with peak power of 3300W.
- Can choose to use one or both motors for a speed of up to 40 mph.
- 60V/24.5Ah battery pack outputting up to 45 miles on a single charge.
- Front and rear-wheel drive and spring suspension systems.
- Portable and lightweight at 65 lbs.
- Deck-mounted LED lights on the front, rear, and sides for maximum visibility.
- Simple one-click button design for switching ride modes.
- Relatively affordable when compared to other e-scooters in the same class.
Cons
- Some customers have been known to have difficulty getting replacement parts.
- Takes 13–16 hours to charge the battery fully.
- 5A fast charger cuts charging time to 5–6 hours but has to be purchased separately.
- Can only climb up a maximum 30% inclines (17-degree elevations).
Main Features:
- Riders Weight Limit | 330 lbs (150 kg)
- Motor | 1000W BLDC Dual Motor
- Range | Up to 34 Miles
- Battery | 60V, 18.2Ah or 24Ah LG Li-ion Battery
- Speed | 41 MPH
Also Related:
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#3. Varla Pegasus City Commuter
The Varla Pegasus is the ideal compromise between a tight budget and high performance. Its dual 500W hub motors (1600W peak power), 2×20A speed controllers, and 48V/15.6Ah (748Wh) Li-ion battery provide a top speed of 28+ mph with an easy-to-operate thumb throttle.
As advertised, the e-scooter can handle a maximum load of 280 lbs—better than the Mantis PRO—and can haul itself up inclines of 25 degrees. However, this electric scooter can only do a maximum of 28 miles on a single charge. That’s something to keep in mind if you usually take long rides away from the city and civilization.
The Varla Pegasus has 8″ × 3.5″ road tires that are advertised as puncture-proof. Its independent front and rear suspension design significantly eliminates discomfort and ensures a comfortable ride regardless of trail roughness. The powerful headlights and taillights are mean that you can ride even at night and keep other vehicles informed of your presence.
The safety features on this scooter also include dual disc brakes and an Anti-lock braking system (ABS) to provide sudden and smooth braking power. The ride comfort is solid for its price point. It has a reasonable deck width of 6.7 inches, which can still fit both your feet side by side.
There’s also its thick fenders on both the front and rear wheels to protect the driver from sprays and splashes. With a charging time of 7–8 hours, the Varla Pegasus has the shortest charging time on this list. It also weighs only 66 lbs, making it light enough to transport.
Pros
- 2*500W hub motors outputting 25Nm torque for speeds of up to 28+ mph.
- Fat tires and independent suspension design to tackle any trail.
- Large 4.6″ LCD display for monitoring all ride metrics in real time.
- Lightweight at 66 lbs and can still haul 280 lbs of payload.
- Relatively fast charging time of 7–8 hours compared to the other e-scooters.
- Costs less than $1,200.
Cons
- Does not produce as much power as the Dualtron Storm Limited and the Mantis PRO.
- A range of 28 miles can’t afford long rides away from civilization.
- 6.7″ deck width could be wider.
Main Features:
- Riders Weight Limit | 280 Ibs (127 kg)
- Motor | 500W x2 Dual Hub Motor
- Range | Up to 28 Miles
- Battery | 48V, 15.6Ah Lithium-ion Battery
- Speed | 28+ MPH
Also Related:
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Other Great Choices
Table could not be displayed.Are Electric Scooters Made for Uphill Travels?
Great question and one that is asked a lot. Although, not all of them can climb hills easily since they aren’t equipped with specific functions and features that are required from off-terrain scooters.
But hey, there’s good news too. Some of the electric scooters don’t just beat traffic but can climb hills and slopes as well.
Multiple places which are famous for hilly terrains, like San Francisco, Paris, Montreux and Matterhorn are popular among e-scooterists.
Can Electric Scooter Climb Hills?
The short answer is a big YES; Electric scooters climb hills. But there are caveats to consider, the biggest one being the climb angle or rather the steepness of a hill.
What Type of Hills Can an E-Scooter Climb?
The definition of hills varies depending on your location. Hills with a slight incline are the typical hills, common in almost every city, and they’re easy to get around with a regular electric scooter.
Steeper hills, on the other hand, are those with an incline angle of more than 20 degrees. For many low-grade and less-powerful e-scooters, the steep hills are a challenge to climb. However, for the premium e-scooter, the 20-degree incline could be a child’s play.
E- Scooters Vs. Hills
That said, keep in mind that some hills, especially the extreme hills, might be challenging to climb, even for the premium e-scooters.
It’s nothing out of the ordinary since most electric scooters experience this. For instance, when bike riders come across steep hills, they simply get off their bikes and push- it’s the same case with e-scooters.
Therefore, no need to panic if your e-scooter doesn’t have sufficient power to ride you over the hill. Instead, you simply need to get off thee-scoter and give it a push.
What Makes Electric Scooters Climb Hills Easily?
This is mostly a question of how they overcome gravity, friction, drag and the rider’s weight at a given angle of deviation.
To figure if your desired electric scooter can travel uphill, consider the slope’s angle of climb, the power of the scooter, the tire quality and size. For short distance inclines, a normal electric scooter will do just fine. Just don’t halt when you’re on your way to the top.
Although, for inclines more than 15%, a strong motor and speed will be crucial. Do keep in mind that a stronger, more powerful motor results in excessive battery drainage and reduces thedistance of travel.
What to Look for When Looking for an Electric Scooter Which Is Capable of Going Uphill?
A lot of folks who want to buy electric scooters find themselves asking this question. They could have to climb a hill while going to work or while going to town to finish a quick chore.
Let’s see what features an electric scooter may need to climb uphill:
1. Tires
Whosoever thought tires could be a deciding element when you’re buying an electric scooter, right? You see, the matter, size andthe grasp of your electric scooter’s wheels, plays a major part when it comes to uphill climbs.
Firstly, your e-scooter tires must have a good grip, because if not, there won’t be any frictional resistance, make it difficult for the scooter to push you up the hill.
In similar fashion, going downhill without good frictional resistance can be very risky. The larger the tire, the easier it will be to climb slopes. My electric scooter has chiseled tires. They’re the best for such uphill tasks.
Bald tires can make hill climbing more challenging than it needs to be. Instead, choose scooters with grooved and treated tires for greater traction.
When it comes to tire sizing, pick the 8.5 inches or higher tires. These tires strike a balance between ease of use and control. And unlike the small tired, they won’t result in undue stress on the motor.
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2. Climbing Angle
The first, (and I cannot emphasize how important this is) and probably the most important feature in an electric scooter for traveling on hilly surfaces is the angle of the climb the scooter has. Now, each slope has its own deviation, correct? As a general rule in physics, the stepper the slope is, the more difficult it is for the scooter to travel uphill.
Though a few of them have an angle spec of 10 degrees, a lot of them are manufactured with a climb angle 20 (and up) degrees. You have to be aware of the hills on your route. The steeper they are, the more the climbing angle you’ll need from your electric scooter. You must keep in mind that a higher climbing angle scooter will be expensive.
3. Weight
As the law of gravity states, the heavier the person riding the electric scooter, the slower it becomes. If you consider slopes, the scooter becomes even slower.
Why? This is because when the scooter climbs uphill, our body weight starts pulling the scooter back, making it tough for the electric scooter to scoot ahead. Makes sense?
This is why you must select an electric scooter that has a heavier load weight than your own weight.
In another words, Your weight affects the performance and ability of an e-scooter to climb uphill. Consider two riders with significant weight differences.
When the e-scooter is carrying the heavier user, it’s more likely to get burdened than when carrying the lighter rider. Consequently, the motor will work hard, meaning hill climbing will be strenuous.
So, when purchasing an e-scooter, consider the maximum weight capacity. Ideally, you should pick an e-scooter with a higher weight capacity than your actual weight.
4. Power
Greater the battery, greater the power, better the ride uphill on your e-scooter. Powerful battery and a strong motor are an absolute must for off-road terrains.
Usually, a 36V battery and 350W motor can climb slopes of 10 degrees, but as the incline increases, the electric scooter slowsdown and gradually stops. Which is why I personally prefer a motor of 750W.
Sure, the scooter may become heavier, but you’ll be able to climb hills Quickly and easily. Both the battery and motor are the essential parts of an e-scooter. The more powerful they’re, the better the performance.
Ideally, if you live in a hilly location, consider an option with at least 250 watts of power. However, if you plan to tackle anything with an incline of above 15 degrees, then a 750-watt motor should be ideal. In short, the more power your scooter has, quicker the hills can be climbed without any problem.
5. Suspension
They play enough of a role to enter a buyer’s consideration set while purchasing an electric scooter for an uphill climb. When you go uphill, your weight shifts towards the wheel at the back. This is when suspension starts its magic. It absorbs your weight instead of passing it to the back wheel.
A weak suspension will not stop this from happening and as a result your electric scooter will wear and tear faster. Good suspension technology reduces the negative effects of uneven terrains on your wheels and electric scooter.
How Do You Ride a Scooter Uphill?
Before you climb a hill, it’s always a good idea to use good judgment. If the hill looks too steep for your electric scooter, then it probably is, and you would be better pushing the e-scooter.
However, for the less steep inclines, you don’t need to do anything special other than riding without stopping until you’re over the hill.
For the steep inclines, it would be a good idea if you accelerate to pick more speed before starting to climb. The speed momentum lets you reach the peak faster and ensures you don’t stop somewhere in the middle.
If you’re using a stand-up scooter, it would also help if you use your feet to thrust the scooter forward. We recommend short and frequent thrust to aid the motor during the climb. However, don’t put too much energy into the thrusts, otherwise, you’ll become tired easily, negating the primary purpose of an e-scooter.
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How Do You Ride A Scooter Downhill?
Riding an e-scooter downhill is seemingly easy, but may also pose a safety threat if not taken with care.
Here’re some of the crucial tips of riding an e-scooter downhill:
1) Shift your Weight Back
Slide your weight a little into your seat to balance the overall weight since your e-scooter is likely to push forward because of gravity and might even flip.
2) Speed Modulation
Of course, when going downhill, your speed will be higher because of the force of gravity.
By anticipating faster speed, it’s easier to control and ride safely.
Notably, avoid twisting the throttle all the way to avoid high speeds. Instead, simply twist it a bit, and let gravity take care of the rest.
3) Brake Before Turns
The dangers of braking on a turn can turn over the e-scooter, spiraling you onto the pavement.
So, when approaching a turn, brake slowly, preferably even before reaching the turn.
4) Modulated braking
Modulated braking means being easy on your brakes; never pull your brakes abruptly to avoid getting thrown out of your scooter. Rather, you should pull them in several squashes.
Sure, it might seem like you’re compromising on stability, but it’s alright since you won’t be compromising your stability.
5) Set your eyes ahead
Riding downhill is all about target fixation.
Look far ahead, so you know where you’re going and adequately prepare for the different terrains.
6) Get Comfortable
Finally, don’t force things out. Never stretch your riding out of your comfort zone.
For beginners, keep in mind it’s perfectly normal to get scared during the downhill, and if you feel you can’t do it, just stop and push the e-scooter.
In Conclusion
Electric scooters that can climb uphill are available. And they do a pretty good job for those who live in hilly regions. Thought it may be slightly more difficult to pick the right one for yourself, but once you do, you won’t regret the time you spent on the research.
There are many companies that produce powerful electric scooters today that easily climb the steepest of slopes. Take as much time as you need to research and I’m sure you’ll find just the perfect electric scooter!
