Is a 1000 Watt Scooter Actually Worth the Money?

I spent a few weeks riding a 1000 watt scooter to see if that extra power actually makes a difference on a daily commute, and the short answer is yes—but it's not just about going fast. If you've spent any time on those entry-level rental scooters you see scattered around city sidewalks, you know they usually pack about 250 to 350 watts. They're fine for a flat boardwalk, but the second you hit a slight incline, they start to groan and slow down to a crawl. Moving up to a kilowatt of power changes the entire experience from a "last-mile toy" to a legitimate vehicle. ...

April 23, 2026 · 6 min · Erol Gracey