Off Road Electric Scooters? How to get one and what to look for

When looking at adult electric scooters in general, it is important you get the right machine for the task at hand.
Like any electric or modern piece of machinery, to get the most out of its performance, you must ensure that the scooter is matched to its intended use of terrain.

An easy comparison is that of a professional cyclist. They wouldn’t dream of competing in a road race with mountain bike tires fitted instead of slim road tires. The simple fact that they’re designed differently, allows them to perform well when used for their specific purpose.

There are a variety of electric scooters out there, all slightly different in order to be able to perform different tasks. For example, if you’re going off road on uneven terrains like trails or forest/hiking paths (semi offroad), then an electric scooter like the Mantis will be your best friend.

It is considered as an all-rounder as it’s got the best of both worlds. It is a foldable e-scooter that still packs enough power to reach a maximum speed of 40mph (64kph)! And with a brilliant suspension system to provide that smooth ride you're looking for.

When comparing the Mantis with its bigger brother, the Wolf Warrior 11, there are quite some differences. The Wolf has a top speed of 50mph (80kph) and double the range of the Mantis - 80miles (128km).

This is due to its huge motor which brings the total weight of the Wolf, as previously mentioned to 101 lbs (45kg) compared to the 61 lbs (28 kg) of the Mantis. Although the dimensions are similar between the Wolf and the Mantis, when folded, the Mantis collapses into a considerably smaller package than the Wolf.

Now, to answer the question, why would you need one? You need an off road electric scooter if you’re going to be off roading. Simple as that.

If you want to hit the mountains or forests, and just let it rip (with safety gear on of course) then the Wolf Warrior 11 is the beast you need.

You can still use it for everyday things like pop down to the shopping mall, but to really see it come alive, you need to tackle obstacles that look near impossible.

However, if you’re going semi off road, with varying terrains and not too much of climbing rocks and jumps, then a scooter similar to the Mantis would be ideal.

Here are the 8 Best Electric Scooters for Off Roading

This dirt scooter looks like something out of a Mad Max movie. It's probably one of the best electric scooters for off roading and tackling bumpy rough terrain available on the market now.

It comes equipped with 1200W dual motors that can peak at 5400W. A lithium battery of 60v/35 Ah will produce a whopping top speed of 50 mph (80 kph)! You can see it's built for heavy duty riding experiences just by looking at its motorcycle-grade inverted front shock absorber.

On a beast such as this, you don't want to mess about when it comes to stopping power. Fully hydraulic brakes and the option of ABS is the preferred choice of brake system here.

Off road tires are proper 11-inch tubeless air-filled terrain tires, which is the right choice for such a high speed electric scooter on gravel.

The suspension system and shock absorption are brilliant, with a proper front hydraulic version, and a spring at the rear.
Front and rear wheel drive as well as the high torque provided, makes climbing hills at 45% inclines possible as well as fun.

Is this a long range dirt scooter? Well....it depends, modest riding will give you 70 miles (112 km)...but that is at a cruising speed of 25 mph (40kph) and that's not what you want to use this off road scooter for. This is all about gung ho fun. High quality build also means it is not a lightweight scooter.

At 101 lbs (45 kg) it's not really a portable scooter. It is foldable, (with one of the best mechanisms on the market now that makes sure you have zero stem wobble) to help with transport in a big (read SUV/truck...) car to the nearest "foresty mountainy gravely" area for some fun off roading.

Don't worry about the sun setting too much. The Wolf Warrior has two of the brightest front mounted led lights we've seen on an electric scooter for maximum visibility, as well as two smaller front lights on the deck. Underdeck lights, and brake light in the rear as well. And the loudest horn we have heard on an electric scooter so far, to make sure people can see/hear you coming. No "ringadingaling" bell here.

Always safety first though. Make sure to wear all possible protective gear before popping a wheelie on your way to the forest. Have fun!

"The wolf warrior 11
absolute beast of a scooter!! It surpassed all of my expectations and the quality is amazing! I'm very very satisfied and would recommend this scooter to anyone that wants the best. Fluidfreeride has been nothing short of OUTSTANDING with their customer service and quick response time. I recommend if you want the complete package they have a wide range of scooters to choose from with great prices. Thanks again Fluidfreeride for everything your amazing"

If the Wolf Warrior seems a bit too much X-games for you, and you would like a version of e-scooter to still be able to use as a daily commuter as well as some chance for off-roading....the Mantis might tick your box. This is an excellent choice as a crossover tool.

It comes in two versions, the Base model or the Pro, which provides even more of a punch. The Base version carries a 60V 17.5 Ah Lithium-ion battery and will reach a top speed of 40 mph (64 kph) and has a range of 30 miles (48 km) if in single drive eco mode. Which is what you most probably will use when commuting to work.

Pneumatic tires with a dimension of 10 x 2,5 inches provide phenomenal riding experiences.The front and rear spring arms are excellent and it feels like floating when riding over some rough terrain.

1000W dual motors will tackle 35 % inclines with ease and accelerate fast as hell. If you go for the Pro version, power output is upped to 60V 24.5 Ah. Top speed is the same, but the range is now extended to 45 miles (72 km) in single eco drive.

Braking system varies as on the Base Mantis, you have semi hydraulic dual disc brakes, and on the Pro version, it is a fully hydraulic dual disc brake system. A small difference in weight between the two models. 61/65 lbs (27.6/29.4 kg) is not unmanageable if you need to carry it a bit, or haul it into the trunk or back of your station wagon.

The display/throttle configuration allows for managing of the speed limit, cruise control, and regen braking system. The Pro versions upgraded display also features motor torque adjustment and ABS.

Retractable kickstand as on most scooters. Weight capacity is a respectable 265 lbs (120 kg). It is foldable as the stem comes down although the handlebars stay out.

Two front and rear led lights and a lateral led strip help with visibility although not in the same league as the Wolf Warrior. But this is definitely a scooter that will do its job as a terrain scooter. If you live in an area where you need to tackle gravel, undulating landscapes with ease, and with a big grin on your face, go for the Mantis.

"Love it!!!
Great for commute,I skip the train now which is something I want to do with the Covid-19 situation. It makes the commute fun. Battery last as advertise. If it’s your first scooter make sure to use it on eco mode first then u can do dual. Make sure to get a rapid charger as well to leave it at work."

If you're not familiar with INOKIM - it is one of the original electric scooter brands and has been pushing the entire industry in a more advanced direction. They have been making electric scooters for over a decade.

The INOKIM OXO is their top performance model. INOKIM is known for making high quality well built electric scooters all under one roof. INOKIM will generally prioritize long term sustainability and quality as opposed to adding as much power as possible. Having said that, the OXO certainly has enough power with its 1000W dual motors.

It is a brilliant option of e scooter for trails and off roading. We would place it more in the league of the Mantis than the Wolf. So if you are looking to go proper off roading, the advice is to take another look at the Wolf Warrior. And make sure to grab the off road knobby tires.

Back to the INOKIM OXO. It has a unique feature compared to other competitors with its adjustable suspension, which as you can imagine, comes in very handy when leaving the tarmac and heading into the woods.

An easily operated folding mechanism allows you to quickly fold the scooter in just 5 seconds.

Going off-road on any vehicle, whether it is on a dirt bike, mountain bike, or cars, takes its toll. Wear & tear is to be expected. It's no different for electric scooters. You want to make sure you go off roading on a well built high quality purpose-built off-roader.

INOKIM is all about high quality which is reflected in the price. Generally, a bit more expensive than the competition if you compare specs vs specs, but in terms of build quality and functionality, the INOKIM OXO will not disappoint.  

For sheer all-around "badassness"....look no further than the Dualtron Ultra or it's bigger brother the Dualtron Thunder.

When you thought you'd heard and seen it all...here comes a kick scooter with a whopping heavy duty lithium battery capacity of 60V 35 Ah 2.1 kWh and dual motors of 2700 peak Watt!! It will reach an astonishing top speed of 50 mph (80 kph) if you dare to stretch it out all the way. 75 miles (121 km) range is also....badass. Of course depending on riding style and terrain. The whole kit just oozes of high quality.

The suspension is phenomenal by way of front and rear cartridge swingarms. Dual hydraulic disc brakes with ABS to halt your onslaught of speed. If you take this baby as your commuter, you will also have a high speed electric scooter that can handle off road activities. 11 x 4 inch tubeless pneumatic tires, works excellent providing good stability and a great riding experience.

Weight capacity is also....you guessed it.....badass... as it accommodates for riders as heavy as 330 lbs (150kg) and still provides high torque enough to make your eyes water. You can fold it, in order to manhandle it into the trunk of your car, if not a Fiat 500 that is, but it weighs 95 lbs (43 kg) so....if you can carry this around easily...then you are badass too.

Handlebars actually fold on this one which is always a plus. It's got a very wide 12 inch (30 cm) deck so plenty of space to plant your feet on. Led light display that covers the stem, front, rear, and underside of the scooter is also....yes mega. Really cool. Wireless phone charger, fingerprint scanner, turn indicators...and more.

45% inclines are doable and even though it is not specifically designed as an offroad only, but maybe more of a serious commuter weapon, it will manage off road activities very well as mentioned.

Price is also badass...at around 3500 USD. And, one usually gets what one pays for, but it's definitely on the pricey side.

Charge time is also of different variety depending on what charger you use. 20 hours with 2A charger, 10 hours with dual chargers, 5 hours with a quick charger, allows for optimizing your schedule in between races....sorry, commutes.

The QiewaQpower is a viable purpose-built off road option to the WolfWarrior, and at a lower price. It looks less of a Madmax beast but nevertheless packs a respectable punch. The first thing that sticks out are the 11 inch tubeless pneumatic knobby tires. They are proper terrain tires that will handle most of what's thrown at them with a tread pattern that doesn't muck about.

Top speed is 50 mph (80 kph) and the speed with which it reaches that, beats most other e-scooters on the market. Acceleration is no joke. This makes it one of the fastest scooters available. This is not a scooter for beginners, and if you are one, then single motor mode is the way to go to get used to the power before using dual motor mode.

The only e-scooter that can match this one in climbing hills is the Wolf Warrior. If you live in an area with an undulating landscape and quite steep hills, you might need this. All this is possible due to its dual motor output of 3200W.

Dual hydraulic disc brakes of massive proportions in unison with adjustable electronic brakes... will send you flying over the handlebars, if you don't know what you are doing and have not yet perfected your braking technique. Lean backwards while braking.

Range is 30+ miles (48+ km) even when using a lot of power and not only in single eco drive mode and again, this sticks out as another brilliant feature.

Dual spring suspension in the front and hydraulic rear coil-over suspension provides a very well balanced riding experience. It has a weight capacity of 440 lbs! (199kg). For some (read overweight) people, who want to have some off roading fun, this, in and of itself will probably seal the deal.

It is foldable but still weighs 81 lbs (36.7 kg). So we wouldn't really call it portable, although hauling it into the back of one's car is possible.

Overall build quality is not top notch, it has to be said. Be prepared to properly go over it once you get it delivered and tighten everything up.

It has front lights, retractable kickstand as expected, and different setting modes for different types of rides.

If you want massive power, and you don't mind some of its shortcomings in the build quality area, but are looking for the best off road electric scooter for that price...then this is probably the one for you.

Where to begin? The Uberscoot is another one that demonstrates how versatile the area of e-scooters already has become. This looks like nothing else out there. The first thing that pops out is the optional quick-release seat. And as such, might be one reason for those looking for the best off-road electric scooter to satisfy their needs.

You get a choice of both worlds. The design seems to have had mostly teenagers in mind, but hey....who really cares? If it does the trick, it can be used by adults as well.

A 1000W 36 V battery will produce a top speed of 20 mph (32 kph) and deliver a 10 mile range (16 km) on a single charge. The battery takes between 4-8 hours to recharge which is quite good, considering most 1000W batteries take 12 hours.
One of the sturdiest bulkiest decks we've seen makes sure that feets are firmly planted while off roading, whether you choose to stand or sit.

It weighs 79 lbs (30 kg) so it is not overly heavy and should allow for portability if needed. The stem is foldable to help with that. 10 inch pneumatic tires are fine enough on paved streets and can handle gravel to a certain extent. But this is not a purpose-built terrain scooter, bear that in mind. Although it can handle some of that action.

Discbrakes front and rear, double front and rear shocks that look like they belong on a motorcycle, be it an old school version. Chain drive is also a feature that reminds us of motorcycles. Battery life is 250 cycles.

Twist grip throttle is a plus. Led head and taillights of course. All and all, it looks a bit Travis Pastrana and that was probably the purpose.

So yeah, maybe a choice primarily for teenage kids who will mostly ride on paved surfaces although on occasion some gravel and dirt. And with an option to sit down if legs and feet are a bit tired.

If you liked what you read about the Uberscoot, but hoped for an adult version, there is one. The Super 36V Turbo 1000-Elite Electric Scooter. Try saying that fast.

It looks very similar to the Uberscoot but it is an upgraded version. This one also has the same quick-release seat option which is a standout feature. It has a powerful 36V 12 Ah 1000W Lead acid battery that will recharge in 6-8 hours. Battery life is approximately 350 cycles.

Top speed is 27 mph (43 kph) and the range is 18 miles (29 km). As it's sibling the Uberscoot, it looks and is bulkier than what one is used to by now, but is still foldable, although it weighs 92 lbs (42 kg) so not exactly lightweight. But what to expect? It is, after all, a steel frame.

Sturdy suspension front and back and 10.5 inch pneumatic tires assure a smooth ride over some rough surfaces (if not too rough). Remember, this is also not a purpose-built off road scooter. Although it can handle some of that action.

Disc brakes front and rear, front LED headlight but nothing in the rear for some reason. Twist grip throttle also on this model for easy control of the scooter.

All in all, it sticks out as a bit of an odd bird in the adult electric scooter family, and the one thing that probably is its biggest advantage feature would be that option of sitting down. So if you really need that, then maybe....but for sheer off roading...there are better options.

If you are looking for an e-scooter to only use as an off roading toy, you don't intend to use it as a commuter, and high torque rather than high speed is of utmost importance, then you need to consider the Razor RX200.

It is specifically designed as an off road scooter and as such, has some really cool features. It has a chain driven motor with gear ratios specifically selected for high torque, rather than maximum speed, and so it only does 12 mph (19 kph).
Two 12 volt lead acid batteries will give you 40 minutes of fun, but then it will take a full 12 hours to recharge the battery system. Ouch.

Twist grip throttle and a hand operated rear disc brake, provides perfect control for sliding and drifting. High pressure pneumatic knobby tires combined with a steel frame and fork, will deal with rough terrain in ways other scooters will have a struggle with. It weighs around 45 lbs (20 kg) so no problem hauling it with you for the trek to the outdoors if needed, by car or other transport.

It has a retractable kickstand but that's about it. No messing about with other features as led lights, or other extras. The maximum weight capacity is 154 lbs (69.8 kg) so this one is not for bigger guys. But at an asking price of just below 300 USD, this might be the best cheap off-road electric scooter on the market now for the average person.

But if you take your off roading seriously, we wouldn't get your hopes up too much as the price tag speaks for itself in terms of the level of quality and performance.

To begin with, let’s look at the difference between an electric scooter used primarily for commuting, to electric scooters designed to tackle off road terrain.

When commuting, you want a scooter that is fast, compact, easily portable, and with long-range capability.
Can an electric scooter have all of these features and still have off road capabilities? The answer is both yes and no.
Some might call it compromises. But the truth is that electric scooters are just built differently for different purposes.

For example, looking at the Cityrider as a commuting electric scooter, it weighs in at 22 lbs (9.9kg) and folds down into a very compact package. You need it to be light and be able to carry it on the bus or train or even stored under a desk.

However, using the Wolf Warrior 11 as a benchmark for an off road electric scooter, it weighs 101 lbs (46kg), and although it is foldable enough to be able to fit into a trunk, one might say it is not as easily portable and compact as the Cityrider.

The Wolf is able to travel faster and further as well as tackle difficult terrain, hence the reason why it is bigger and heavier than the Cityrider.

When using an electric scooter for commuting, the Cityrider will in many ways be a better fit than the Wolf - so understanding the purpose of your intended use of your electric scooter is important.

An off-road electric scooter is one that is fully capable of handling off-road terrain due to its solid build, powerful motors, high speed, and long-range capacity. Small additions to an e-scooter can make a significant difference. Some of which are included when you purchase an off road scooter.

You need to ensure that the tires fitted on the e-scooter are appropriate for the task at hand. Some electric scooters are fitted with tubeless knobby tires, which are ideal for off road, rocky, and unpredictable bumpy terrain. The uses for an off road electric scooter are truly limitless. They are even being compared to motocross racing.

When you see the stunts and capabilities of an off road electric scooter, you’ll not be surprised why this comparison has been made. And you’ll understand exactly why they need to be bigger and sturdier. Purchasing an off road electric scooter is potentially a more affordable way to enjoy off road activities. Due to the compact nature of the scooter, they can be a great way for everyone to be involved rather than just becoming a grease monkey!

Since each electric scooter is quite unique, and it is likely that you will be using it for different purposes than others intend to, it is difficult to point out exactly what you need.

It is best to find out at what you’re going to be using it for. Leisure? Hunting? Racing? Getting to those idyllic spots that just can’t be reached by car? The possibilities are endless. What are you going to use your off road electric scooter for?

Here are a few tips on things to look out for when comparing off road electric scooters:

How far can it go before it needs recharging? Take note to see the clarification of the range. It will usually give you the maximum range driving very economically. If you constantly ride at maximum speed, it may not last the full range specified by the manufacturer. The battery will largely be responsible for the range, therefore the bigger battery capacity, in theory, the further the electric scooter should be able to travel on one charge.

You need to know it's going to go fast! However, the top speed is generally not the most important aspect for off roading. For instance, a scooter with a single motor and a smaller battery, can have the same top speed as a dual motor scooter with a bigger battery. When going up hill and in rough terrain, the dual motors and more powerful battery will make a world of difference.

Many e-scooters will be delivered with a set of default tires. Sometimes you can specify which ones when purchasing. Make sure you get the ones best suited for your purposes. Road tires or off road tires?

You can buy an additional set of tires to allow you to change between the two. Keep in mind however, that changing the tire of an electric scooter may not be as simple as you might think, and you may need a mechanic to help, depending on your own personal skill set of course.

This may seem as a repeat of the above mentioned, but this is focusing on the inside of the tire. Some scooters are fitted with conventional tires with innertubes, and some are considered tubeless. For off roading, tubeless tires are recommended as you cannot get a puncture due to the design of the tire. When going over seriously rough terrain, that is the reassurance you’ll want.

At a minimum, you’ll need both front and rear brakes. There are a variety of types of brakes out there and it seems each model has a different variation of their own. Hydraulic disc brakes are considered the best when reaching those fast speeds. For example, the Wolf has both front and rear hydraulic brakes. However, the Mantis’ top speed doesn’t quite reach that of the Wolf and therefore has dual disc brakes that are semi-hydraulic. The brakes will match the specification and performance of the electric scooter for the safest and most efficient combination.

To get the best ride, you’ll need front and rear suspension. Some scooters may have a different type of suspension for the front and back - this is fine, just as long as it has both.

Pay attention to the folded dimensions of the scooter before purchasing. These scooters are beasts within their own right, and depending on what car you have, you need to ensure you can transport the scooter to where you want to ride. However, when considering the range capability of some off road electric scooters, it may be possible to ride there and then go off road. Unless you get a new car to accommodate your new scooter - there are plenty of options, just one aspect to take note of!

Yes - to a certain extent. If it’s raining or you ride through puddles and the scooter gets wet, that's fine. As long as it doesn't get completely soaked. For example, the Wolf has an IPX4 Water Resistance Certificate. This means getting it wet won’t damage it. However, you won’t be able to submerge it underwater. This is similar for dust, due to the assembly, dust should not damage your scooter but regular cleaning and maintenance is advised.

Each manufacturer will state the weight limit for their scooter. If you exceed this, the scooter will not perform as it should. When tackling those off road hills, it won’t be able to handle them like it should if the weight limit is exceeded.

Watch review videos, read customer reviews and blog posts comparing off road electric scooters (like this one!). The truth is you’ll never know everything until you own one for yourself. However, you can ensure you’ll choose the best one for you if you do your due diligence and research before you buy one!

When doing your research and reading the reviews, you’ll notice that price may not get mentioned a lot, but is a factor to bear in mind.

Is it affordable? Off Roading is not a cheap activity. But when you compare the off road electric scooters available to something like a quad bike or motocross, it suddenly looks very affordable in comparison.

The difference in price between models - You may notice that you get more for your money with one model over another. Sometimes this is due to the specification, but not always. Do your research!

Think outside the box - Having just said to ensure you get the best deal between comparative scooters, take note of scooters that may be slightly more expensive. This will show in the specifications list. You can see that you may pay a little more, but it will definitely be worth it long term.

The price difference between a branded well known and knock off scooter can be minimal. However, you will reap considerably more benefits when purchasing from a branded, reputable company. Look for a retailer that offers support and handpick the models they stock since you are planing on going off roading, you'll likely need to be able to have access to spare parts. The support service alone is invaluable and knowing you have a place to turn should you have any questions or concerns is recommended.

CITYRIDER - Lightweight Allround for Short Commutes

$399.00

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HORIZON - Practical Commuter Scooter - Great Value

$699.00

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WIDEWHEEL PRO - Unique Design & Dual Motor Power

$1,269.00

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