Hills by motor
How well does a 250W electric scooter climb hills?
A 250W electric scooter crawls up a 10 percent hill: with a 180 lb rider on a 35 lb scooter it holds about 3.9 mph on rated power, and about 6.7 mph on a 5 percent grade. It keeps 8 mph or better up to about 3 percent.
Speed held on each grade, 250W rated
| Rider | 3% | 5% | 8% | 10% | 12% | 15% | 20% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120 lb | 11.1 | 8.7 | 6.3 | 5.3 | 4.6 | 3.8 | 2.9 |
| 160 lb | 9.7 | 7.3 | 5.1 | 4.3 | 3.7 | 3 | 2.3 |
| 200 lb | 8.5 | 6.2 | 4.3 | 3.6 | 3 | 2.5 | 1.9 |
| 240 lb | 7.6 | 5.4 | 3.7 | 3.1 | 2.6 | 2.1 | 1.6 |
| 280 lb | 6.8 | 4.7 | 3.2 | 2.7 | 2.3 | 1.9 | 1.4 |
mph held on rated power with a 35 lb scooter, pneumatic tires, capped at 40 mph. Below about 6 mph expect to kick-assist; below 3 mph it will not reliably make the hill, and long crawls heat the motor.
Where 250W sits: 250W holds 3.9 mph, 300W holds 4.7 mph, 350W holds 5.4 mph, 500W holds 7.6 mph, 700W holds 10.3 mph, 800W holds 11.5 mph, 1000W holds 13.9 mph, 1200W holds 16.1 mph, 2000W holds 23.1 mph on the same 10 percent grade with a 180 lb rider.
Scooters listing a motor near 250W
| Scooter | Price | Rated | Peak | 10% hill, 180 lb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hover-1 Neo I Foldable Electric Scooter · specs | $131.11 | 200W | - | 3.1 mph |
| Aolorozo Electric Scooter Kids 8-14 · specs | $169.98 | 250W | - | 3.9 mph |
| isinwheel S7 Kids Electric Scooter · specs | $179.99 | 250W | - | 3.9 mph |
| SIMATE Electric Scooter for Kids 8+ with 3 Adjustable Heights · specs | $189.99 | 250W | - | 3.9 mph |
| ECOROAD 2-in-1 Kids Electric Scooter EK8 · specs | $199.99 | 200W | - | 3.1 mph |
| Segway Ninebot E2 Plus Electric KickScooter- 300W Brushless · specs | $229.99 | 300W | - | 4.7 mph |
| iScooter 2-in-1 Kids Electric Scooter ik7 · specs | $229.99 | 250W | - | 3.9 mph |
| Hiboy S2 Lite Electric Scooter · specs | $238.13 | 250W | - | 3.9 mph |
| Gotrax Electric Scooter for Adult · specs | $249.99 | 250W | - | 3.9 mph |
| Hiboy S2 Lite Electric Scooter for Teens · specs | $269.97 | 250W | - | 3.9 mph |
| Hiboy Electric Scooter · specs | $269.97 | 250W | - | 3.9 mph |
| Hover-1 Journey Folding Electric Scooter · specs | $283.48 | 300W | - | 4.7 mph |
| Gotrax GXL V2 Electric Scooter for Adult · specs | $300 | 250W | - | 3.9 mph |
| Hover-1 Neo V Foldable Electric Scooter · specs | $329.99 | 250W | - | 3.9 mph |
Scooters with about 250W
Prices change often; the button shows today's price on Amazon.
Other motor sizes
- 300W electric scooter on hills
- 350W electric scooter on hills
- 500W electric scooter on hills
- 700W electric scooter on hills
- 800W electric scooter on hills
- 1000W electric scooter on hills
- 1200W electric scooter on hills
- 2000W electric scooter on hills
Questions riders ask
Can a 250W electric scooter go up hills?
Yes, within limits. On rated power, a 250W motor carrying a 180 lb rider holds about 6.7 mph on a 5 percent grade, 3.9 mph on 10 percent and 2.7 mph on 15 percent. Lighter riders go faster: a 120 lb rider holds about 5.3 mph on the same 10 percent hill. Peak power helps on short hills only.
What does a 10 percent grade look like?
Ten feet of rise for every 100 feet of road, or about 5.7 degrees. Most residential streets are under 8 percent; 10 to 15 percent is a steep neighborhood hill; 20 percent is exceptional and usually signposted. Map apps with elevation profiles, or a phone inclinometer, give a good estimate of your route.
Why do scooter listings claim steeper climbs than this?
Sticker climb grades are usually measured with a light rider, peak power and a short run-up, and they report the steepest grade the scooter can crest at any speed. The figures here are the steady speed held on rated power for a 180 lb rider, which is what a long commuter hill actually asks of the motor.
Wear a helmet every ride, and check your state and city rules on age, speed and where scooters may ride. This page is researched guidance, not professional, legal or medical advice. Specifications come from each product listing and can change; confirm on the listing before you buy.