What is the best 125cc equivalent electric scooter in 2023? As often, there is only one possible answer. Speed, range, price: we compared the best rechargeable scooters to find out which electric 125 to choose.
An electric two-wheeler that goes as fast as a thermal one? It exists. There are more and more models of electric scooters capable of easily reaching 100 km/h, and some even approach 120 without any problem.
The era when BMW’s C-Evolution reigned supreme is long gone: the market has expanded, new entrants are making their mark, and the choices are increasingly vast. Admittedly, these versions are more expensive, but they can also last longer thanks, often, to their larger batteries.
The 125cc equivalent electric scooters to choose from in 2023
Why trust us ? On Vroom, Numerama’s editorial staff has independently tested the majority of available two-wheelers, with an emphasis on the driver’s experience.
You can find in detail all our tests of scooters, but also of bicycles and electric cars. We also test a large part of the scooters on our YouTube channel.
The Silence S01: the electric scooter with the best autonomy
The Silence S01 surprised everyone with its big 40 kg suitcase battery. It was predicted a modest future, and yet, it is one of the biggest successes in cities and the outskirts this year. Unfortunately, on the strength of its success and shortages around the world, its price has increased by almost a thousand euros since its release. There is also a model Silence S01 Plus at €8,200but the small performance additions hardly justify such a price.
? We tested the Silence S01 for a few days, and we were won over.
Autonomy, speed and price of the Silence S01
| Max speed | 100 km/h |
| Autonomy | 130km |
| Full recharge | 6 hours |
| rear passenger | yes |
| Price | €7,090 |
The Super Soco CPx: the 125cc equivalent at the best value for money
The sporty look of the new Super Soco CPx, available since July 2020 in France, can be a foil for those who prefer more rounded curves and a less aggressive style. However, the performance of the equivalent 125 two-wheeler makes it one of the most complete on the market. The Super Soco CPx is a fast (90 km/h), agile and responsive electric scooter, which can have an impressive range of 140 km when it has two batteries. Attention, each battery is heavy (18kg), but it is possible to recharge them one after the other.
? We tested the essential Super Soco CPx.
Autonomy, speed and price of the Super Soco CPx
| Max speed | 90 km/h |
| Autonomy | 70 km with one battery 140 km with both batteries |
| Full recharge | 2.5 hours |
| rear passenger | yes, plenty of room |
| Price | €4,999 |
BWC CE 04: the most thermal of the 125 electrics
There is no doubt that the BMW CE 04 has been designed to appeal to those who are reluctant to let go of the power of their internal combustion engine to switch to electric. BMW’s know-how allows it to stand out, with its quality finishes, in a market still dominated by fragile Chinese moulds. This 125 equivalent (which also exists with more power, accessible with a motorcycle license) is a pleasure of acceleration and responsiveness, and its regenerative braking allows it to last more than 100 km without load. Note that the saddle is not very comfortable, and the battery is not removable.
? We had the pleasure of testing the BMW CE O4 for a week.
Range, speed and price of the BMW CE04
| Max speed | 120 km/h |
| Autonomy | 100km |
| Full recharge | 1.5 hours in fast charge 4 hours in typical charge |
| rear passenger | yes, but few handle to hold |
| Price | €12,650 |
Rider 5000: simplicity and style
The Rider 5000 is a monument of simplicity. It is an exclusivity produced by Go2Roues from a mold imported from China. This is why it looks so much like the almost similar e-presto, which uses the codes of Vespa scooters with its rounded body and very comfortable seat. When driving, everything is done so that the driver does not have to think: no mode, only the acceleration handle does the job. It is able to go up to a little more than 90 km/h, and therefore to take main roads, but it will not last as long as the Super Soco CPx, with a range of only 60 km, because it does not There is only one battery (removable). It weighs 18 kg, which is very heavy to carry. If you have a cellar or a ground floor, you can plug it directly into a 220V socket.
? Read our review of the Rider 5000 electric scooter here
Range, speed and price of the Rider 5000
| Max speed | 90 km/h |
| Autonomy | 60km |
| Full recharge | 6 to 8 hours |
| rear passenger | yes |
| Price | €4,999 |
Niu NQI GTS Sport: the cheapest electric 125cc, but the slowest
Niu’s new scooter is officially a 125 equivalent, but it actually tops out at 74 km/h. It inherits the same style as its predecessor, the NGT, with its big headlight at the front and a plastic body that looks good on the naked eye. With its new larger tires (14”), the NQi GTS Sport is more comfortable and allows you to overhang the road better. At 3,599 euros, this electric two-wheeler becomes one of the most accessible on the market – Niu has managed to lower the price by replacing the Panasonic battery with a less qualitative Eve. To go beyond 50 km / h, it will be necessary that the two batteries of the NQi GTS are connected at the same time – each weighs 12 kg, and requires between 5 and 6 hours for a full charge.
? Read our Niu NQi GTS Sport electric scooter review here
Range, speed and price of the NIU NQi GTS Sport
| Max speed | 74 km/h with 2 batteries |
| Autonomy | from 80 to 100 km |
| Full recharge | between 5 and 6 hours |
| rear passenger | yes |
| Price | €3,190 |
How to choose your electric scooter model?
There are several points to take into account when buying an electric scooter: the price, the autonomy, the number and weight of the batteries, but also the comfort of driving.
While a few French or Italian models exist, the majority of products available in the electric two-wheeler ecosystem are still of Chinese origin. Whether it’s famous players like Niu or Super Soco, or French importers who use similar imported “molds”.
Beyond our tests and our guides, we recommend that you make an appointment in store to carry out a test on the road, in real conditions, to see if the product meets your expectations.
Which scooter power to choose?
In the electric two-wheeler market, you will have the choice between a 50cc or 125cc equivalent electric scooter. Electric 125s cost more, but often have better range and are faster. The 50cc are limited to 45 km/h while the 125cc can reach 100 km/h.
The choice of the power of your electric scooter therefore depends on its use. For exclusively urban daily use, an electric 50cc should be more than enough. As soon as your journeys exceed ten kilometers and it requires driving at a speed greater than 50 km/h, it is better to turn to a 125 equivalent. Finally, make sure you have the required license before engaging in the buying an electric scooter.
What range for a 125 electric scooter?
In general, the range of a 125cc electric scooter is around a hundred kilometers. The distances traveled with a full charge vary between 60 and 140 km.
The autonomy will depend on the size of the battery. On 125cc scooters, they are bulky and often exceed 15 kilos. To overcome this problem, some manufacturers are innovating, either by installing two blocks instead of one, or by developing the concept of “battery-suitcase”. Huge cubes impossible to carry by hand, but easily towable with wheels. A criterion that is important, especially if you live on the 6th floor without a lift.
While some are removable, others cannot be detached from the scooter. You must then be able to load your two-wheeler in a garage or have an easily accessible socket on the ground floor.
What is the speed of a 125cc equivalent electric scooter?
On average, 125 cc equivalent scooters reach 90 km/h. The most powerful engines, like that of the BMW CE04 reaching 31 kW, can go up to 120 km/h. The more modest electric motors on the entry-level models have a maximum speed of 60 km/h.
What license for a 125 electric scooter?
To drive a 125cc equivalent electric scooter, you must hold an A1 license. If you have held a B license for more than two years, you will need to complete 7 hours of specialized training in a motorcycle school to obtain the A1 licence.
Attention, the power of the electric motor must not exceed 11 kW with the A1 license. To drive a two-wheeler equipped with an electric motor with a power between 11kW and 35 kW, the A2 license is required. Beyond 35 kW of power, you need a motorcycle license, i.e. license A.
How much does a 125 electric scooter cost?
It is possible to find 125 equivalent scooters from €3,200. Some references can cost more than €10,000. On average, it is necessary to plan a budget of 5,000 € to afford an electric 125.
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