Choosing the Best Scooter for Hilly Areas: Understanding Maximum Incline Rates and Optimal Incline Rates

Each electric scooter comes with a maximum incline rate or hill climb angle. This is the maximum gradient of a hill that the scooter can manage. 

However, a scooter that boasts a high incline rate won't always perform consistently when going up steep hills.

For example, let's say your scooter has a maximum incline rate of 20 degrees. In that case, it can handle driving up a 20-degree gradient hill. However, riding up inclines of around 12 or 15 degrees may cause your scooter to slow down.

This is because most electric scooters have anoptimal incline rate as well. This is the gradient they can manage while still maintaining their speed.

Most scooters' optimal incline rates are slightly lower than their maximum incline rate. So a scooter with a 20-degree maximum incline rate can handle up to around a 15-degree incline before affecting uphill speed. 

Scooters with a higher hill climb angle will also have a higher optimal incline rate.

Incline Grades

Some manufacturers use the term "incline grade" rather than "incline rate." These grades are usually given as percentages.

It is important to note that a percentage is not equal to the gradient of a hill. Percentage figures will be higher than the degree rate, which can be misleading. A scooter with a 20% incline grade, for example, has a maximum incline rate of 12 degrees.

So make sure you keep this in mind to find a scooter that provides the right amount of power for you.

Moderate Inclines (5-10 Degrees)

Most cities in America have a few moderate inclines in them. These would be tricky to manage with a low-powered scooter, and your legs would burn if you tried to bicycle uphill.

However, most quality electric scooters are designed to make going up and down moderate hills a breeze!

Steep Inclines (10-15 Degrees)

10- to 15-degree inclines aren't quite as steep as the hills you'll find in San Francisco or Fitchburg. However, they still require more power than standard urban inclines.

Because of this, you will need to make sure you buy a powerful scooter if you live in a hilly area.

If you will be driving up and down hill and are taller or heavier, a dual motor electric scooter for adults is the best option to climb hills without losing too much speed. 

With steep hills, it can be difficult for single motor scooters to reach optimum speed. Depending on your weight and speed, you could also put too much strain on the scooter and cause it to fail.

Extreme Inclines (15 Degrees or More)

As their name suggests, hills with a gradient of 15 degrees or more areseriously steep.

To put this in perspective, take a look at Filbert Street in San Francisco (17.5 degrees) or Baldwin Street in New Zealand (19 degrees). These are some of the steepest streets in the world.

You will need  a lot of power to get up hills this steep. As we've already mentioned, most scooters tend to slow down after they reach their optimum incline rate.

Because of this, you should look for a scooter that has a maximum incline rate higher than the grade of the hills around you. We suggest you increase the rate, so if the hills have a 16-degree gradient, look for scooters with a 30 degree or higher hill climb angle. This will ensure that you can get up and down steep inclines without any trouble!

Additionally, you'll want to select a scooter with dual motors, as scooters with single motors will have a more a more difficult time making the climb.

With that in mind, let's take a look at some of the best electric scooters for going up hills.

1. Kaabo Wolf King GT Pro Electric Scooter

When it comes to steep inclines, the Wolf King GT is probably the best scooter for hilly areas on the market.

It has a maximum incline rate of 50 degrees and an optimum incline rate of 30 degrees. This scooter can tackle  any hill. 

• Has a maximum speed of 62 mph
• Can travel 70 miles on a single charge
• Weighs 115 lbs
• Can carry up to 330 lbs
• Has dual 2000W motors

Its broad handlebars and sturdy frame make it easy to drive the Wolf King GT on the road. It has a thumb throttle, 4.2” TFT display, and motorcycle-grade front suspension which make it very comfortable for longer rides.

As far as high performance scooters go, this model is built to last. It has puncture-proof, tubeless tires and a water resistance rating of IPX5 making it more durable if you get caught in the rain. While it is quite an investment, you can use the Wolf King GT year-round weather permitting, and it will stand the test of time.

If you're in a rush or just love a rush, this scooter is an excellent option. As well as handling steep hills, it accelerates at record speed.

One important thing to consider is size. This scooter is big and bulky, which can make it difficult to store and heavy to carry. It does collapse; however, it actually gets longer once you have folded it away. So you will need to think carefully about storing it.

This scooter is a big investment just like when you purchase any other vehicle. That said, it delivers award-winning performance, so you really get what you pay for!

2.Dualtron Thunder 2 Electric Scooter

 For a little more money, the  Dualtron Thunder 2 is an amazing electric scooter for hill climbing in the city.

It offers a 35-degree incline rate, an optimal incline rate of 20 degrees and a slightly lighter weight than the Wolf King GT – meaning the Thunder 2 can handle extreme inclines with ease.

This scooter:

• Has a maximum speed of 62 mph
• Can travel 72 miles on a single charge
• Weighs 104 lbs
• Can carry up to 265 lbs
• Has dual 5400W motors

As the name suggests, the Dualtron Thunder 2 offers  a lot of power. You can steam along the road in comfort and style thanks to its spacious deck and attractive, programmable LED lighting. Its stunning design is also foldable making it ideal for commuters.

This electric scooter for adults offers an incredibly smooth, customizable ride thanks to its high profile features including 45-step rubber suspension, tubeless 11” tires, and hydraulic brakes.

 The Thunder 2 is the most expensive scooter on our list. However, given its versatility, features and comfort, it packs amazing value for the price.

3.Kaabo Mantis King GT Electric Scooter

Kaabo was founded  back in 2013. Over the last decade, they have become one of the leading manufacturers of electric scooters in the world.

Their premium scooter, the Mantis King GT, combines this expertise into a stylish, powerful package. This scooter has a maximum incline rate of 30 degrees and an optimal rate of 18 degrees, so it will be able to handle most hills without difficulty.

The Mantis King GT:

• Has a maximum speed of 43 mph
• Can travel 56 miles on a single charge
• Weighs 74 lbs
• Can carry up to 265 lbs
• Has dual 1100W motors

Its sleek and elegant design includes a large rubberized deck, large centered display, and wide handlebars for effortless control. It is under 100 pounds and foldable, so you can more easily take it into the office with you.

But style isn't the only thing the Mantis King GT has to offer. It has the newest sine wave motor technology to hit electric scooters, granting it smooth, fast acceleration. With powerful hydraulic brakes and adjustable hydraulic suspension, you can always enjoy a comfortable ride on the Mantis King.

This new model to the market offersa lot of style and substance for a reasonable price.

4. EMOVE RoadRunner Electric  Scooter

A lot of people think of electric scooters as standing vehicles. In this respect, the EMOVE RoadRunner Seated Scooter breaks the mold.

The RoadRunner is an excellent commuting machine with a maximum incline rate of 10%, making it suitable for smaller urban hills.With a memory foam seat, thumb throttle, dual disc brakes (semi-hydraulic), and adjustable handlebars, this scooter is designed to be customizable.

This scooter:

• Has a maximum speed of 34 mph
• Has a swappable battery, for up to over 100 miles without recharging
• Weighs 55 lbs
• Can carry up to 330 lbs
• Has a 350W front and 500W rear motor

Because of its seated position, the frame is bulkier than others on our list. If you are going to use it for commuting, you should think about your storage options. However, the RoadRunner can be made more compact with folding handlebars and a rotating neck, and takes up less space than a bicycle.

Under $2,000, the RoadRunner offers you  a lot for your money. If you are looking for a seated scooter to get you up the hill to work, you won't be disappointed.

What to Look For in an Electric Scooter

As you can see, there are plenty of amazing electric scooters on the market. So how do you pick the best electric scooter for hills? Let's take a look at our top tips.

Choose a Reputable Brand

It is always a good idea to buy your scooter from a reputable brand. These companies have years of experience supplying and repairing scooters, and working with manufacturers to make improvements..

This means that their models are constantly in development to give customers what they need as those needs change. This might result in better comfort, a smoother ride, or a higher incline rate.

They have also had time to try and test different designs with customers. This doesn't just improve the performance of their scooters. It also means they offer updated commuting and safety features in each of their products.

Check Out Scooter  Reviews

VoroMotors - Best Electric Scooters in the United States

As you may have realized by now, a quality electric scooter is a big investment, so it is important to do your research before buying one.

Online reviews can tell you a lot about a scooter's performance, from its durability to its comfort. When looking at these, make sure you check out reviews on independent websites. After all, the manufacturer won't share bad reviews of their products on their own site.

Choose a Scooter That Meets All Your Needs

Each electric scooter offers something different, so it is a good idea to think about exactly what you need from your scooter. For example, you should consider the following:

• The area you live in (including the type of terrain you will be riding on and the hills near your home)
• Whether or not you want a seated or stand-up scooter
• If you want a scooter with storage
• Where you are going to store your scooter and how compact it needs to be
• How fast you want to go, especially if you are buying a scooter for racing or joyriding
• Whether a scooter comes with accessories and which add-ons it is compatible with
• How long a scooter takes to recharge, especially if you are going to use it on a daily basis

This will help you find an electric scooter that is the whole package.

Look Into Their Repairs Policy and Warranties

Just like with a car, electric scooters require repairs and regular maintenance. 

Online reviews can tell you a lot about common repair issues and how often they arise. For example, you can determine how long the battery performs at optimum capacity and the cost of repair. 

A lot of reputable sellers offer warranties for their products. This means that if your scooter stops working within the warranty period, they will cover part of the cost for repairing or replacing it. This is a great way to protect your investment.

Before purchasing an electric scooter, make sure that you read all of the terms and conditions in the warranty. These will dictate which type of repairs the manufacturer will cover and which ones you have to manage yourself. That way, if anything happens to your scooter, you know that help is at hand.

Think About Buying a Refurbished Electric Scooter

If you are looking to buy an electric scooter but have a tight budget, then refurbished scooters are a great option.

These certified pre-owned scooters have been restored by experts. The refreshed models offer you the same amazing riding experience as a new scooter with a smaller price tag.

Refurbished electric scooters usually come with a warranty. As well as saving you money, this is a great way to minimize waste and protect the planet.

Get Your Hands on an Electric Scooter That Can Handle Hills Today

When it comes to finding the best electric scooter for hills, there isa lot you need to think about. Most importantly, you should look for a scooter with an incline rate that suits the hills around you and that hits the speed and range you want on flat ground. 

Along with hill climbing power, consider if you need your electric vehicle to be compact. All of the stand-up scooters in this list are foldable electric scooters, and even the seated RoadRunner scooter is far more portable than an e-bike to store and park at your destination. 

Fortunately, there are loads of amazing scooters on the market at the moment. So finding one that works for you is easier than ever before.

Take a look at our amazing range of hill climbing electric scooters  now to see what's available. You won't be disappointed.