Who doesn’t love a deal?
Not all of us want to fork out several hundreds of dollars for an electric scooter, especially if it’s your first one!
If you’re searching for an affordable model that is worth the money you spend, then read on.
I’ve shared my first hand experience, hunted down the best prices and provided in-depth reviews of the best cheap electric scooters.
To make your life a little easier I’ve split this article up into five sections.
First, I’ll show you the best Under $200.
Next, I’ll show you the best for Under $300, $400, and $500.
And then, I’ll show you the cheapest by type e.g. for adults, kids, commuting and many more categories.
Sound good? Great!
Want to see a quick snapshot of the cheapest electric scooters?
See the list below.
GoTrax GKS - For Kids
If you’re looking for a scooter for kids, with a wallet-friendly price of $100, you can’t go far wrong with the GKS. Delivering thrill and speed alongside safety, this is the gadget of your kids’ dreams. Safe, stylish, and seriously cool, this is a perfect, child-friendly first electric scooter.
GoTrax GXL V2
Built with the commuter in mind, the V2 ticks all the boxes: a great top speed, suitable range, and impressive tires and brakes for an astoundingly affordable price. Add in the high-quality build, LED handlebar display, and cruise control and you’ve got yourself an all-round winner!
Cityrider
With new honeycomb tires, integrated turn signals, and great speed and range, the Cityrider is an awesome scooter for an astonishingly good price. Not only that but the Cityrider has a top-quality build that promises longevity and a sleek classy design that turns heads.
Turboant X7
Speed, power, and innovation all rolled into one. The Turboant’s detachable battery sets this scooter above others in the pack. Delivering a top speed of 20 mph, flat-free pneumatic tires, and a sturdy, reliable build, the Turboant is worth more than what you’ll pay.
If you want to dig a bit deeper to find the best option for you simply click on one of the links below.
Lime and Bird scooters both cost $1 to ride plus 15 cents per minute.
To put that into perspective, a 10 minute ride on a Lime or Bird scooter will cost you about $2.5. Whereas, you can buy your own electric scooter and ride it for 30-40 mins for just $0.36.
Buying your own electric scooter is 95% cheaper than using Lime and Bird scooters.
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Under $200
Electric scooters aren’t only reserved for adults, kids deserve to get in on the fun too. That’s where the GoTrax GKS comes in.
Retailing at an amazing $100, the GoTrax GKS is the perfect choice for kids, most notably because of how safe and affordable it is.
The GKS’s 150W motor has an awesome top speed of 7.5 mph, which is ideal for zipping through parks and along sidewalks without being too fast. It brings all the fun without compromising safety. Plus, the 6 inch solid rubber tires absorb those little surface imperfections you find on all streets, giving a smooth glide of a ride.
It also comes equipped with new safety start tech. What does that mean? The scooter won’t start unless you have both feet firmly on the foot deck which has two buttons. Step on the first button and give the scooter a kick to get started before stepping on the second to engage the motor. And the best bit? The brakes are pressure sensors, so if you need to stop, simply take your foot off the back button to kill the motor.
It’s safe and it rides like a dream. Can it get any better? It sure can! The GKS can do all of that for up to 4 miles on a single charge. Say hello to sunny afternoons out as a family, exploring the surrounding area and making the most of the summer rays, without having to worry if you’ve got enough juice to get you back home.
When the battery does run flat, it has a recharge time of 5 hours. It’s not the quickest turnaround I’ve seen on an electric scooter, but it does mean that your children will still be able to get out exploring on the same day that the GKS arrives.
The GKS isn’t foldable, but that’s not a problem considering that this scooter only weighs 17.8 lbs, so it’s super lightweight and the frame is on the small side making it portable regardless. Children can pick it up and transport it easily too, so they won’t be forced to lug a monster of a machine around with them. Being that little bit smaller, it’s also worth noting that the GKS has a suggested rider height of 5 ft or less, which makes it perfect for younger children between the ages of 6 and 12.
Arguably the coolest and most kid-friendly feature of the GKS is its dual-tone design. Not only is this scooter available in a variety of different colors, including black, pink, green, and blue, but it has a cool tread pattern on the foot deck to help improve balance and grippy handlebars to help control the scooter.
Without a doubt, the GoTrax GKS is a major step up from the push scooters you might have had when you were younger and your kids are guaranteed to love it. Safe, stylish, and seriously cool, this is the perfect option for a first scooter, and for $100 it’s a bit of a steal too.
Under $300
The best scooter under $300? There’s only one real contender for this title: The GoTrax GXL V2.
After reviewing more than 40 electric scooters, I can confidently say that if you’re looking for the perfect entry-level commuter scooter, this is the best you can get in terms of quality and value for money. Let me break it down and show you why.
Firstly, let’s talk about price. At $248, the GXL V2 is an absolute bargain and not just because it’s easy on your wallet. Put simply, the features you get for the price you pay is pretty outstanding. The GXL V2 has been built with the commuter in mind and delivers on all fronts.
Featuring a 250W motor, it has a top speed of 15.5 mph which is perfect for city riding and sidewalk cruising. It also features a handy 2-speed setting: stick it in first gear for a comfortable 10 mph riding experience, or switch to 2nd gear to boost yourself up to the top speeds. This can all be controlled from the LED smart display which also shows your current speed and your scooter’s battery life.
A scooter designed for commuters needs to be able to go the distance. With the V2, you can keep going for up to 12 miles. Plus, with a recharge time of a mere 4 hours, even when your battery does run flat, you’ll be back out on the road in no time.
What sets the GXL V2 apart from other cheap scooters is the quality of both its tires and its brakes. Not only are the V2’s 8.5 inch tires larger than those on other cheap models, but they’re also pneumatic too which is something I’ve only seen consistently on more expensive scooters.
Why are pneumatic tires so great?
Well, for one thing, they make up for the lack of suspension, eating up surface imperfections, and even dealing with most bumps on rougher terrain. Secondly, they perform much better in wet weather than solid tires do — solid tires tend to get very slippery, but their air-filled counterparts have more traction.
When it comes to the brakes, the GXL V2 excels against others in the same price bracket. It features a front regenerative and rear disc brake dual-hybrid system, giving more control over your ride and providing impressive stopping power considering the price tag.
If that wasn’t enough, it comes with a built-in cruise control feature. Yes, you heard me correctly. For under $300, you can get yourself a scooter with cruise control! When you reach the speed you want to stick at, just hold the accelerator down for 10 seconds to engage the cruise control and then relax. Imagine it now…just you, your GXL V2, and a flat stretch of open road. Sounds heavenly, right?
Boasting excellent features, a top-quality build, and all the speed and range you need for the morning commute, the V2 really is a bargain. It’s the ultimate beginner’s scooter and will meet all your expectations and more. In my opinion, it’s definitely the best you can get without breaking that $300 mark.
Under $400
Maybe you’ve got a little extra to spend and you’re after something with a more interesting aesthetic and a bit more speed under its belt. In that case, I think you might like the look of the Cityrider from Miami-based scooter geniuses, FluidFreeRide.
The Cityrider comes with a 300W motor, which delivers a top speed of 18 mph. That’s fast enough to rival more expensive models on the market and is perfect for inner-city cruising.
Not only that, but FluidFreeRide promises a real-life range of 10 miles on a single charge and a recharge time of 6 hours. However, from my experience, if you put your foot on the gas, or in this case, thumb on the throttle, you will get slightly less mileage – it depends on how aggressively you ride, as with all electric scooters. On the other hand, if you choose to leisurely ride the scooter and not try to hit the top speeds every chance you get then the battery generally lasts. If you’re looking for something to help shake up your morning commute, with specs like this, the Cityrider is the ideal transport companion.
What’s really exciting about the Cityrider is that it is equipped with certain features that I would expect to see on a far more expensive scooter. For example, instead of choosing between pneumatic tires or solid rubber ones, the Cityrider goes right down the middle, opting instead for 8.5 inch hybrid honeycomb tires.
What’s a honeycomb tire, you ask? It’s a tire made from solid rubber, but with built-in air pockets that reduce stiffness and provide the cushioning effect seen with pneumatics, but without the risk of ever getting a flat. It’s worth noting that they don’t completely make up for the lack of suspension on the Cityrider, but for a scooter at this price, they do a darn good job.
With an electric scooter, you’re probably going to end up riding on both the road and on sidewalks, meaning you’ll have cars, other riders, and pedestrians to deal with. Wouldn’t it be great if there was a way you could let them know your intentions without having to use ambiguous hand signals?
Well, with the Cityrider you can do just that. This guy comes equipped with integrated turn signals.
This is my favorite part of the Cityrider, and not just because it’s an awesome safety feature. Mostly, I love it because it’s something I haven’t seen before, and the price tags attached to the scooters I have seen it on are large enough to make me choke on my coffee. The wallet-friendly price of the Cityrider only makes this more impressive.
Turn your signal light on using the buttons on the handlebar to let others know where you’re going and what you’re doing. The blinkers even have an auto-turn off setting, so if you forget to manually switch them off, the scooter does it for you, stopping you zipping off with your turn signal still flashing.
With strong front and rear LED lights, you’ll feel comfortable riding at night, and the bright display on the handlebars lets you keep complete control over your speed, as well as allowing you to switch between the two gear settings (slow and fast).
These aren’t the only features that make the Cityrider a safe choice. It also comes with a rear drum brake and a rear step-on brake too. Drum brakes might not be the newest braking technology but they do a pretty solid job for a scooter in this price bracket. Plus, they perform well in wet weather conditions and are small and discreet enough that they don’t affect the sleek design of the scooter.
Design is a strength for the Cityrider. Considering its low price point, its build-quality is awesome and provides a smooth and quiet ride. Unlike other scooters, the foot deck is wooden, which gives the Cityrider a more vintage feel reminiscent of an old-school skateboard but there’s nothing old-fashioned about its overall aesthetic. This scooter is sleek in all the right places and great to look at.
The Cityrider is a great choice if you’re looking for something with top-quality specs, a decent top-speed, and a stylish aesthetic all rolled into one affordable and high-quality package.
At $399, you get the most bang for your buck whilst other models at this price struggle to live up to what the Cityrider has to offer.
Extra fancies and thrills are great, but maybe you’re thinking you’d rather have something a bit more straightforward that does exactly what it promises on the tin. After all, what good are all those add-ons if it doesn’t live up to its primary function?
Well, you’ll have no worries on this front with the GoTrax XR Elite. This scooter is designed with the commuter in mind, ticking all the boxes a budget scooter needs to have and at an astoundingly low price of $399.99. It’s also great if you’re just looking for a scooter to have fun riding.
The Elite’s top speed doesn’t quite match up to that of the Cityrider, but its 300w motor and 15.5 mph offering are still pretty decent and more than fast enough for inner-city riding. You’ll be able to navigate city sidewalks safely and with ease.
Is your commute a little on the hilly side? That’s no problem for the XR Elite.
This scooter can handle hills of up to 15-degrees should it need to, although you will notice a difference in speed when trying to climb anything above a slight rise. It’s worth noting that you shouldn’t tackle anything too ambitious on the XR Elite, but standard city climbs shouldn’t pose a problem.
The range on the XR Elite is perfect for commuting too, offering 18 miles on a single charge. Riding at top speed will realistically lower this to around 15 miles, but that shouldn’t be a problem if your commute is a short one and you can always recharge your Elite when you get to work – it only takes 3-4 hours to fully charge.
The XR Elite is also designed to provide ultimate comfort for the commuter, featuring an extra-wide 6.6 inch foot deck with anti-slip material so you can relax and enjoy the ride on those fresh, crisp mornings. Featuring one of the easiest and most stable one-step folding mechanisms I’ve seen, the Elite is portable and weighs in at just shy of 32 lbs so it’s super lightweight too.
The 8.5 inch air-filled tires provide a seamless ride, soaking up cracks and bumps in the sidewalk which is a major bonus on a scooter like the XR Elite which doesn’t have any suspension. This scooter does have its limits though – I’d recommend sticking to mostly flat and smooth roads. Even with the cushioning effect of the tires, your legs and hips will still feel the impact of those bigger potholes on rougher terrain.
Braking is a big consideration when choosing any type of electric scooter, even in the budget range, but the Elite delivers on all counts here. The dual brake system features a disc brake and an anti-lock electrical brake, both of which create safe and responsive braking, even at top speeds and in poorer weather conditions. You’ll have no problem bringing yourself to a stop, even when weaving around other riders or pedestrians.
What else does the XR Elite bring to the table? Well, how about an LED display which offers cruise control (an awesome addition on a scooter at this low price), a speedometer, battery life indicator, headlight control, and an IP54 waterproof rating, so a little rain won’t deter you from hopping on the XR Elite and getting out on the road.
The XR also features a bright front light and rear LED taillight, both of which do a great job of providing extra illumination, as well as a ton of reflectors to make you extra visible to those on the road.
Overall, the GoTrax XR Elite is a good scooter at a really great price. It does exactly what it sets out to do and it does it well, without making you pay top dollar for it. If you aren’t bothered about losing a few extra mph that the Cityrider delivers, then the Elite definitely won’t let you down.
When looking at scooters under $400, it’s definitely worth considering the XR Ultra, another awesome budget offering from electric scooter pros, GoTrax. It ticks a lot of the same boxes as the Elite, but at $50 less. This, in addition to the fact that it boasts some impressive specs for the diminutive price, makes it a seriously good low-budget option.
So what makes the Ultra stand out? This is an easy question to answer: the battery.
The advantage here doesn’t lay in an improved range, but rather in the quality of components used. The Ultra isn’t powered by any old battery. Instead, you’ll be getting the best of the best with a high capacity battery made by technological superstars, LG. To put this into context, I’ve only seen LG batteries on scooters with a price tag closer to $1,000, if not more. When designing a budget scooter, it’s tempting to cut costs by going for cheaper — and lower quality — components but with the Ultra, you’ve got no fear of that.
Not only does the LG battery give a range of 16 miles, but it offers a recharge time of a mere 3-4 hours. That means you could top up your juice whilst at the office, or plug in during a quick weekend coffee catch-up. My point is, you won’t have a long wait when you do find yourself needing to charge your scooter up which is always a bonus.
In terms of speed, the Ultra competes well with others of the same price point, featuring a 300w motor and offering a top speed of 15.5 mph. The acceleration is pretty decent too, which is good for when you find yourself needing to tackle hills. Don’t get me wrong, you won’t be able to gallop up anything too extreme, but the Ultra is more than comfortable with smaller inclines, although it’ll truly perform at its best on the flat.
The same can be said for rougher roads. The Ultra comes with 8.5 inch air-filled tires but similarly to the XR Elite, it comes without any suspension. This makes riding along heavily pockmarked roads a bit of a nightmare, and your legs and hips feel the strain. Although the air-filled tires do provide some cushioning and deal with standard sidewalk bumps and cracks like a dream, you won’t get the best out of the Ultra if you insist on riding it on uneven terrain. This is one scooter that excels on smoother, flatter surfaces.
The XR Ultra comes with a dual braking system, which is another point in its favor; some more expensive models only manage to incorporate one brake into their design. The Ultra features the same electronic and rear disc brake system seen on the Elite, delivering impressive stopping power in all weather conditions.
It also comes with a smart display embedded into the handlebars, showing your current speed and charge level, so a flat battery won’t ever catch you by surprise. It also offers the bonus of cruise control, promising the option of setting your speed so you can relax and enjoy the ride as the miles glide by.
Folding down to 15 x 44 x 6 inches and weighing 26.4 lbs, the Ultra is the perfect commuter scooter and is small enough to be stowed on public transport. If you plan on using it on those darker winter nights, the Ultra has a bright headlight to illuminate the path before you. Sadly, it doesn’t come with a taillight and the rear reflective panel isn’t sufficient on its own. I’d recommend buying a second light to remedy this.
Overall, the XR Ultra offers fantastic quality, especially for a mere $350. The inclusion of the LG battery, if nothing else, shouldn’t be underestimated and gives this budget scooter an edge over others in the category. That paired with decent power and great portability makes this an excellent entry-level choice.
Under $500
Speed, power, and innovation all rolled into one. The Turboant’s detachable battery sets this scooter above others in the pack. Delivering a top speed of 20 mph, flat-free pneumatic tires, and a sturdy, reliable build, the Turboant is worth more than what you’ll pay.
If your budget can stretch a little further, I’d recommend taking a look at the Turboant X7, which is just as cool as its name hints at. Promising speed, power, and with some innovative design features thrown in, let’s dig a little deeper into those specs.
I have to start this review by mentioning that I’ve been frequently riding the Turboant X7 for about 8 months now and one thing that sets this scooter apart from the rest of the pack is its detachable battery.
Why is a detachable battery good? Well, for one thing, it increases the flexibility of your charging options. You won’t need to lug your whole scooter to a plug point, just the (much smaller) battery pack. It’s also a pretty handy security feature. You can remove the battery if you’re planning to leave your scooter in a bike rack or other storage space – it’s going to look a lot less appealing if the thing that makes it go is missing. I should also emphasize that the Turboant is the only scooter within this price bracket that offers a feature like this. Other scooters with detachable batteries are at least double the price which makes this a bit of a bargain.
In terms of speed and range, the Turboant doesn’t disappoint. Its 350W high-torque motor reaches up to 20 mph and is surprisingly powerful, giving great acceleration to get you up slopes of 15 degrees. That being said, it does have a slight lag when you push down on the throttle and will struggle on dramatic inclines where you’ll see a noticeable difference in speed as the hill gets steeper.
The Turboant comes with 3 different speed settings, in addition to cruise control, which you can easily flick between using the LED display. The display also shows your current speed, settings, and battery level so you have complete control over your scooter’s performance.
On less hilly routes, Turboant states that the scooter can deliver a range of 16 miles on a 4-6 hour charge, but realistically I’ve found it to be about 13. Even so, this can easily be extended thanks to the removable battery. Purchase a second one and you’ll always have a back up to keep you going for another 13 miles if you’re planning a longer ride.
The Turboant features 8.5 inch pneumatic tires that go a long way towards cushioning against bumps and imperfections in most road surfaces. Thanks to this damping, the ride quality of the Turboant is fairly comfortable but shakier than more expensive models that feature suspension – as to be expected. Even better, the tubeless design of the tires reduces the risk of flats that usually comes alongside air-filled tires.
As with all electric scooters, especially ones that go as fast as 20 mph, brakes are an important consideration. Don’t sweat it – the Turboant has you covered with not 1, not 2, but 3 braking systems to keep you safe and make sure you can stop whenever and wherever you want. There aren’t that many options on the market with this many braking mechanisms all in one place. Featuring an electric brake, disc brake, and foot brake, it’s clear to see that this scooter places your safety as a top priority.
Great battery? Check.
Good speed? Check.
Safety first? Check.
What else?
Well, a scooter is only as good as its design and I can tell you that the Turboant is second-to-none. I’ve had many compliments while riding the scooter thanks to its sleek all black frame with highlights of red design.
Consistent and high quality, the Turboant is sturdy and built to last. It has a built-in headlight and taillight to keep you visible during night-time rides and the foot deck is wider than other models, featuring an anti-slip design to keep you stable. The only slight downside here is that the stem is thicker than others in this price bracket. This is because the removable battery is housed here, so it can make it clumsy to hold if you have small hands. On the other hand, (no pun intended), it gives you something the grab onto while the scooter is folded. I think the trade-off is acceptable, given the advantages you have with a battery that can be detached.
Delivering on speed, power, and innovation all for $449.99, the Turboant X7 is a catch that will bring you endless hours of fun.
How would you like to buy an award-winning scooter? What about an award-winning scooter with an expensive sleek aesthetic and a price tag of only $439.99?
If the answer is yes, yes, yes…look no further than the Ninebot ES1.
Made by personal transport giants, Segway, and winner of the IF 2018 Design Award, the first thing you notice about the ES1 is how great it is to look at. Very much like the Turboant X7, the matt-black paint job with red accents gives it a luxurious edge making it feel and look more expensive than it really is.
It might look good, but that’s not all that matters. The biggest question here is does it actually deliver? Well, let’s dive into the ES1’s specs and find out if it deserves its award-winning status.
In terms of speed, the ES1 is equipped with a 250W motor that provides a top speed of 15.5 mph. Now, as one of the more expensive models on this list, this is a little disappointing when you compare it against scooters like the Turboant which boasts speeds of 20 mph. However, 15.5 mph is more than enough for true inner-city riding, where navigating smaller streets means you’ll be going a little slower. This type of commute also suits the ES1’s max range of 15.5 miles.
Were you hoping for a little more in this area? Well, never fear, there is a fix around, but it will cost you a little extra. Both the speed and the range of the ES1 can be improved by adding an extra battery. This slots onto the stem and will cost you around $200 extra, boosting the top speed up to 25 mph and increasing the range to 28 miles. The added battery fits with the ES1’s sleek aesthetic and doesn’t make it too bulky either (it only added 3.3 lbs), which is a bonus.
The ES1’s recharge time is the shining star when it comes to this scooter. It only takes a mere 3.5 hours to achieve a full recharge, which is downright impressive. You could recharge your scooter in the same amount of time it takes you to grab a coffee and catch up with a friend. It is worth bearing in mind, however, that if you opt for the added battery upgrade, the charge time doubles to 7 hours.
The ES1 comes with 8 inch large, solid non-pneumatic tires, unlike many of the other models on this list which go for the air-filled option. The bonus with solid tires is that you’ll never be at risk of getting a flat, but the trade-off is a bumpy and uncomfortable ride across uneven surfaces. Although the ES1 comes with front shock absorption that helps to soak up uncomfortable jolts and bounces, the solid tires aren’t at the top of my tire recommendations – in fact, they’re at the bottom (I don’t rate them highly).
As with all the scooters featured in this list, the ES1 is not meant for off-roading. It will easily tackle everyday wear and tear on city sidewalks, but it won’t do well with rockier terrain. Likewise, it can handle smaller inclines, but anything more ambitious will slow it right down.
In terms of brakes, the ES1 comes with a dual electric and mechanical brake that delivers decent stopping power, bringing the scooter to a halt within 13 inches at 12.4 mph so you have the confidence of knowing you can stop when you need to. The ES1 also comes with built-in LED lights to illuminate the path in front and below you, although, as always, I’d recommend buying an additional light if you’re planning night-time riding.
One aspect of this scooter that does deserve praise is the build quality. It’s made from high-strength, lightweight, aerospace-graded aluminum alloy – Segway has opted for the best materials. It has excellent fatigue resistance and is incredibly strong, making it one of the most durable scooters. Not only that but it weighs just 30 lbs, making it easy to fold, lift, and store in a variety of contexts (33.3 lbs if you add the additional battery.
If you like to have full visibility over your ride stats, the ES1 could be your perfect match. It comes with a mobile app that records all of your data and stores it in one place. The app also connects with the LED dashboard on the handlebars via Bluetooth. You can customize it to match your needs, set cruise control, and flick between the 3-speed settings: Speed Limit Mode (perfect if you have children who might be riding the scooter), Standard, and Sports.
With top-of-the-range quality materials, a sleek and stylish aesthetic, and the capability to boost its speed and range, the ES1 is not a scooter to overlook. It fully deserves its design accolades and, with or without the battery extension, is a perfect entry-level scooter at a half-decent price.
Even with budget scooters, if you’re happy to spend around $500 you’re going to expect some fun features and extra mod-cons for your money. When it comes to the Ninebot E22, this is exactly what you’ll get.
Segway has based the E22 on the previously reviewed Ninebot ES1 but has integrated as much of their new — and usually self-developed — technology into this scooter as they can. So, if you liked the sound of the ES1 and having the latest tech is high on your list of priorities, buckle in and listen up.
Firstly, the E22 comes with its very own patented set of anti-skid tubeless solid tires. What makes these tires so special? Well, a couple of things actually. To begin with, at 9 inches these tires are larger than most others on the market, providing increased stability and comfort. Now, you might be thinking, ‘Wait a second, solid tires aren’t very comfortable at all!’ and in most cases, you’d be correct, but, unlike your standard solid tires, the E22’s are a little different. Instead of being rubber all the way through, these guys are filled with PU foam which provides a similar damping effect to pneumatics without the risk of leakage or flats.
That being said, this scooter isn’t built for off-roading. The innovative tire design and built-in front shock absorption are great for dealing with bumpy and uneven roads, but they aren’t meant to handle seriously rocky or rough terrain.
Another great addition from Segway is the advanced Smart Battery Management System (SBMS). This makes sure your battery is kept in top condition by preventing it from overheating and protecting it against overcharging or short-circuiting so it lasts longer. Why is this so impressive? Well, quite frankly it’s rare to find an SBMS on a scooter with this price tag. This kind of tech is usually reserved for those sitting closer to $1,000.
With this kind of innovation included for less than $500, there has to be some drawbacks, right?
Unfortunately, you’re not wrong there. Ranked against other scooters in this price bracket, the speed and range suffer. Offering a top speed of 12.4 mph and a range of 13.7 miles, there are cheaper models on the market that beat the E22. The benefits gained from the advanced tire technology and SBMS partly make up for this.
If you were hoping for a little more range, you can purchase a second battery similar to the ES1. Although this will cost you extra on top of the base scooter price, it will boost your top speed to 15.5 mph and extend the range up to an impressive 27 miles. However, the range is dependent on your riding style. For example, if you were to ride it aggressively (i.e. accelerating and reaching the top speeds at every chance you get) and weigh around 170-180 lbs (the same weight as me), you can expect to hit about 21 miles.
In addition, the E22 offers 3 different riding modes: Cruise, Normal, and Sports. Each setting offers a different ride experience, from an extended max range in Cruise to the incline-hungry Sports setting, there’s something to suit all types of riders. As with most scooters, you can view the centrally-located display to monitor your speed, mileage, and battery life, but also connect your scooter to the Segway mobile app to record all of your ride data, as well as altering your settings and preferences.
The 300W motor hub puts out just enough torque to help climb small inclines but for me, the 12.4 mph top speed is not fast enough to fulfill my need for speed. So, I would opt for the Turboant X7 because the only other option is to buy the additional battery which will boost your speed to 15.5 mph but at the same time push this scooter way out of the $500 bracket costing $249.99 more. You could buy the GoTrax GXL V2 for the price of the battery alone.
However, the slow speed does make the E22 ideal for children, especially teenagers, so its always worth bearing this in mind if you are looking for a present for your son or daughter.
While the E22 boasts a recharge time of a mere 3.5 hours, which is one of the quickest I’ve seen on the market, it is in line with how long you would expect a scooter with a quoted range of 13-14 miles to take.
In terms of build quality, it is made from the same top-quality materials as the ES1: high-strength, lightweight, aerospace-graded aluminum alloy. This is the same materials used on aircraft designed to withstand high tension conditions. You can rest assured that with the E22, you’re getting the highest quality out there.
The built-in front and rear LED lights, as well as a dual electric and mechanical brake system, ensures your safety. The brakes aren’t the most responsive or strongest that I’ve ever reviewed but given the slow top speed, they are adequate to bring you to a safe stop when you need. There’s even included a bell to alert other riders and pedestrians of your presence.
Cheapest by Type (For Adults, Kids etc)
One of the main things to be aware of when choosing a cheap electric scooter if you are an adult, is the weight that it can support. Don’t get suckered into buying a super cheap scooter without checking the weight limit first (often, the cheaper models are for kids – except for a few which I have listed below).
The best cheap electric scooters for adults are:
- GoTrax GXL V2 – $248.00 – Best Under $300
- Cityrider – $399.99 – Best Under $400
- Turboant X7 – $449.99 – Best Under $500
I’ve got 2 words for you. Appearance and durability.
Kids care about if things looks nice – will the electric scooter impress their friends?
Adults buying scooters for their kids care about durability – you want to choose a cheap model that isn’t going to break after a few uses. You want a model that is going to last a long time and withstand wear and tear.
The best cheap electric scooter for kids is:
- GoTrax GKS – $99.99
- Ninebot ZING E10 – $229.99
- Ninebot E22 – $499.99
Three things to consider here: speed, mileage, and portability. I’ve listed 3 models below which deliver on all of the above for an affordable price.
- Turboant X7 – 20 mph, 16 miles, 29.7 lbs and folds – $449.99
- GoTrax XR Elite – 15.5 mph, 18.6 miles, 31.8 lbs and folds – $399.99
- GoTrax XR Ultra – 15.5 mph, 16 miles, 26.4 lbs and folds – $359.99
I’ve put together a List of the Best Electric Commuter Scooters to help you choose the right one.
Want a scooter that’ll get you from A to B and have some juice left over? Here are my top long range picks:
- GoTrax XR Elite – 18.6 miles – $399.99
- Turboant X7 -16 miles – $449.99
- GoTrax XR Ultra – 16 miles – $359.99
Scooters with seats are great for relaxing and enjoying the riding experience but even better are those electric scooters that have removable seats giving you the option to ride standing or sitting. Here is my top cheap option for you:
- Segway Ninebot ES1 – $439.99, detachable seat can be found here.
If you want to know more about Electric Scooters with Seats, read my guide.
Often cheaper electric scooters will go slower than their more expensive counterparts. Lucky for you, I have hunted down the fastest scooters for affordable prices:
- Turboant X7 – 20 mph – $449.99
- Cityrider – 18 mph – $399.99
- GoTrax XR Elite – 15.5 mph – $399.99
For all you adrenaline junkies out there, check out my Guide on the Fastest Electric Scooters Ranging From 15 to 18 mph.
Light scooters are easier to carry, making them ideal if you plan to use your scooter for commuting. Here are my top picks:
- GoTrax XR Ultra – 26.4 lbs – $359.99
- GoTrax GXL V2 – 26.4 lbs – $248.00
- Cityrider – 28.5 – $399.99
FAQs
The best cheap electric scooters are:
- GoTrax GKS For Kids – $99.99 (Best Under $200)
- GoTrax GXL V2 – $248.00 (Best Under $300)
- GoTrax XR Ultra – $359.99
- Cityrider – $399.99 (Best Under $400)
- GoTrax XR Elite – $399.99
- Segway Ninebot ES1 – $439.99
- Turboant X7 – $449.99 (Best Under $500)
- Ninebot E22 – $499.99
Generally, electric scooters cost anywhere inbetween $100 – $6,500.
Cheap electric scooters for adults range from $200 – $500, and $100 – $400 for kids.
Find out How Much Electric Scooters Cost
Electric scooters are cheap to maintain. All you need to do is charge them.
Here is an example to help put maintenance costs in perspective for you:
For this example we will use the GoTrax Glider electric scooter.
The average price for electricity in the U.S. is about $0.12 per kilowatt-hour.
The time it takes to charge the GoTrax Glider is 3 hours.
$0.12 (electricity per kilowatt-hour) x 3 hours (charge time) = $0.36
The GoTrax Glider is capable of travelling 9 miles on a single charge. With that in mind, it will cost you just $0.36 to travel 9 miles on your electric scooter.
There are a number of factors that affect the price of an electric scooter. Most notably:
Speed
The faster the electric scooter can go, the higher the price.
Mileage
The further an electric scooter can travel, the higher the price.
Features
The more advanced the features (e.g. LED headlights, displays on the handlebars, cruise control, suspension and many more similar features), the higher the price.
Yes.
However, you need to make sure that you choose an electric scooter that comes from a reputable brand. For example, GoTrax, Fluid Free Ride, Segway, and Turboant are all trusted electric scooter brands and offer cheap, affordable, safe models. See the best models here.
Make sure to pay attention to basic safety features including braking systems (some models have the added safety feature of cutting power to the motor once the brake is applied to ensure you can slow down and come to a stop safely), LED lights to illuminate the road while riding in low light, and most importantly, wear a helmet.
Both cost $1 to ride the scooter plus 15 cents per minute.
To put that into perspective, a 10 minute ride on a Lime or Bird scooter will cost you about $2.5. Whereas, you can buy your own electric scooter and ride it for 30-40 mins for just $0.36.
Buying your own electric scooter is 95% cheaper than using Lime and Bird scooters.
Thanks Josh for your input!
I wanted to buy a running scooter, your post was really, really helpful 👍
FYI, I will buy 2 GoTrax Glider (for my wife and I) 😉
Sure thing Marc, enjoy cruising around on your new scooters!
– Josh