Can Electric Scooters Really Reach 70 MPH? Performance Facts Explained
Up to recently, electric scooters had been largely envisioned as practical, portable urban mobility aids, perfect for short city rides at moderate speeds. That is, until now. Today’s high-performance electric scooter landscape has fundamentally transformed the landscape. Indeed, some electric scooters do top 70 mph—and even surpass that speed under ideal conditions. Yet, to put this into proper perspective, we need to take a closer look at how they get there and what this actually means for the typical user.
It takes considerably more robust motors, more voltage battery packs, and advanced controller system to reach speeds of up to about 70 mph. The Rion RE90 and the Weped SST are examples. They are specially made scooters for the race or the sport. The Rion RE90, or the “hyper scooter,” possesses twin motors that provide combined power of over 12,000 watts. That is more than the majority of electric motorcycles on the streets currently. It boasts a 96V battery system and carbon fiber frame that lower the weight and maximize the speed. Under flat conditions, this scooter goes well over 75 mph and is among the fastest electric scooters in the market.
These performance scooters cost more than $6,000, and they are built far differently than the fold-and-tote scooters most riders know for urban commuting. They are high-performance scooters—effectively electric sports cars—designed for enthusiasts, racers, or individuals who have very specific needs.
Which Electric Scooters Can Go 70 MPH and Are They Legal?
While few models yet have the potential to cross the 70 mph threshold, they are gaining popularity among thrill-seekers. Some other scooters apart from the Weped SST and Rion RE90 that are pushing electric scooter tech into new realms include the likes of the NAMI Burn-e 2 Max and the Dualtron X Limited. They feature twin hub motors that output between the ranges of 6000W and 8000W, high-capacity batteries measured in the order of the likes of 72V/40Ah or higher, and advanced suspension systems in order to handle the strains of high-speed travel.
There are, nonetheless, legal restraints. Electric scooters are governed by speed limits in most U.S. states and in most EU countries. The EU, for instance, tarendially limits the operation of electric scooters on public streets to 25 km/h or 15.5 mph and any higher than that as a motor vehicle that must undergo registration, licensing, and insurance. They vary from state to state within the U.S., yet California, New York, and other states typically establish scooter speeds between 15 and 20 mph for legal road use.
So, while it is possible to own a 70 mph scooter, it might be illegal to use it to its full potential on public roads without being labeled as such. Some riders opt to ride on private tracks or off-road in order to legally reach the scooter’s top speed. Some others tune down their scooters with speed limiters in order to comply with local regulations.
Is It Safe to Ride an Electric Scooter at 70 MPH? What You Need to Know
It is not safe to ride on an electric scooter at the speed of 70 miles per hour. Speed kills—no two ways about that. It’s entirely another ball game scooting down the road at 70 mph on an electric scooter than cruising down the streets at 20 mph. There’s less room for mistake and the potential for injury or even death in the event of a collision goes up exponentially.
A minor pothole or bump or even mechanical malfunction at high speeds has disastrous consequences. Injuries related to electric scooters have increased by over 200% since the year 2017, and they most often happen at less than 20 mph, the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research study states. That’s something highly concerning about the dangers associated with the use of scooters at high speeds.
70-mph riding calls for pro-level protection—full-face helmets, armor jackets, gloves, and knee pads. You also need high-performance braking like hydraulic disc configurations, sensitive steering geometry, and high, tractiony tires to remain in control at such speeds. On top of all that, weather and visibility and road condition all become that much more critical. A little wind or slippery road would spook a rider in seconds.
And there’s also battery and thermal protection. Traveling at the maximum speed generates heat, and without the presence of cooling systems, controllers and battery packs have the potential to overheat, degrade faster, or even catch fire. Manufacturers that build very fast scooters have the presence of cooling systems and BMS (Battery Management Systems) to prevent this risk, yet maintenance must still be observed.
Briefly stated, cruising at 70 mph is no laughing matter. It requires not only the correct gear, but the correct training, experience, and conditions too.
Conclusion
Electric scooters have evolved well beyond simple last-mile transportation. They now include scooters that have up-to-70 mph capabilities and are redefining what micro-mobility can do. These scooters are engineering wonders that typically feature high-power twin motors, aircraft-quality materials, and controls that are on par with the race circuit.
But just because you’re able to go fast does not mean you must—at least on public roads. Legal limitations, safety considerations, and the cost of maintaining these high-speed scooters must enter into the equation. If the thrill ride is something you crave, you might find that a 70 mph electric scooter is the real kick—a ride that you take responsibly, well-equipped and well-aware of the potential dangers. Finally, the destiny of high-speed electric scooters depends on the development of the cities, the law, and the tech. As sure as anything, though, is this: electric scooters aren’t toys any longer-they’re turning into real performance machines.
