3 Best Cheap Electric Scooters (I Tested 26 Models)
Top Picks: Best Cheap Electric Scooters
As the electric scooter market becomes ever more saturated, I continue to seek out the best models that provide the most bang for your buck.
So, to find the 3 best electric scooters, I shortlisted 26 of the highest-rated cheapest models and tested them all across the metrics of top speed, acceleration, range, hill climbing, braking, shock absorption, and ride quality. I also assessed their design and features.
The results from the tests were then compared to identify the top performers relative to their price.
IMPORTANT:
Despite testing a range of scooters from brands such as Turboant, GoTrax, Hiboy, Fluid, SPLACH, NIU, Apollo, EMOVE, and AnyHill, the models that stood out as the clear winners were all from VMAX.
Not only do they offer the best build quality, features, and performance, but VMAX's 2-year warranty and customer support is superior. Combined, these factors catapulted their scooters to the top of my list.
Sold Out – Check out the VMAX VX5 Pro ST (all of its specs are the same, but it has turn signals and larger 9-inch pneumatic tires)
Best By Type: Cheap Electric Scooters By Use Case
Heavy Riders
- VMAX VX2 Pro ST – Supports riders up to 287 lbs
Further Information:
Heavy Duty Electric Scooters for Heavy Adults
Tall Riders
- VMAX VX5 Pro GT – Suitable for riders up to 6.3 ft
Further Information:
Electric Scooters for Tall Riders
Longest Range
- VMAX VX2 Pro ST – 28 miles max, 24.8 miles tested
Further Information:
Long Range Electric Scooters
Off-Roading
- None
Further Information:
Best Off-Road Electric Scooters for All Types of Terrain
Biggest Wheels
- VMAX VX2 Pro ST – 10 inches
Further Information:
Big Wheel Electric Scooters
Most Portable
- VMAX VX5 ST – 35.9 lbs and a simple folding mechanism
Further Information:
Best Foldable Electric Scooters (Portable, Compact & Small)
Commuting
Further Information:
Commuting Electric Scooters
Hill Climbing
- VMAX VX2 Pro ST – Gentle-to-moderate inclines
Further Information:
Electric Scooters For Climbing Hills: Breeze Up the Steepest of Inclines
Suspension
- None
Further Information:
Electric Scooters With Suspension: 5 Buttery-Smooth Rides
Waterproof
- VMAX VX5 Pro GT – IPX6 water-resistance rating
Further Information:
Waterproof Electric Scooters: Best Scooters For Riding in the Rain
Optional Seat
- None
Further Information:
Best Seated Scooters
Best Low Budget
VMAX VX5 ST
Sold Out – Check out the VMAX VX5 Pro ST (all of its specs are the same, but it has turn signals and larger 9-inch pneumatic tires)
Performance Report:
Tester: Josh Frisby (190 lbs, 6.1 ft)
- Top Speed: 18 mph
- Real Speed: 17.4 mph*
- 0-15 mph: 6.7 s*
- Max Range: 17 miles
- Real Range: 14.3 miles*
- Braking: 2.0 meters*
- Max Incline: 14 degrees
- Optimal Incline: 8 degrees*
- Weight: 35.9 lbs
- Load: 265 lbs
The Good:
- Competitive performance profile
- 12% faster acceleration compared to the average of its rivals
- Shortest stopping distance among its rivals
- Best design and build in its price class
- Wider than normal handlebars promote good handling
- Regenerative braking system recycles kinetic energy to recharge the battery on the go
- High quality UL2272-certified battery
- Grippy and nimble 8.5-inch tubed tires
- Immaculate cable management
- Mobile app allows for customized performance
- Slick folding mechanism
- 40.2-inch deck-to-handlebar height makes it suitable for tall riders up to 6’3”
- Protective IPX6 water-resistance rating
- Long fenders that prevent splashback
- Quiet motor
- Low maintenance
- 2-year warranty
The Bad:
- Display gets washed out in direct light
- The taillight is bright at night, but it doesn’t flash when you brake - it just glows a brighter red
Why I Recommend the VMAX VX5 ST:
Built with all the finesse that you’d expect from a Swiss manufacturer, the VX5 boasts a set of credentials affiliated with far more expensive scooters.
Perhaps its most eye-opening feature is the UL2272-certified battery. Not only has it passed several tests for fire safety and electrical hazards, but it promises long-lasting performance thanks to its high-quality cells. Granted, with a maximum range of 17 miles – or 14.3 miles according to my tests – it isn’t exactly a long-range titan – for that, check out the VMAX VX2 Pro ST – but, it still has enough juice for neighborhood rides and short commutes.
Power is another area where this scooter unexpectedly shines. Armed with a 36V 400W motor that unleashes a peak output of 840W, VMAX claims that it can hit a top speed of 18 mph – though my tests revealed that 17.4 mph is realistic. It’s no slouch out of the blocks, either. The near-silent motor and supremely smooth thumb throttle propelled me to 15 mph in a cool 6.7 seconds. To put these stats into perspective, it achieves a top speed that’s 14% faster than the rest of the sub-$450 models that I’ve tested, while it also accelerates 12% quicker.
Such plucky power requires a braking setup that’s up to the task, and the VX5 delivers. Its combination of front drum and rear regen brought me to a safe stop from 15 mph in a frankly unbelievable 2.0 meters. I cannot stress enough how impressive this level of performance is for a model that costs so little. Compared to the average of its similarly-priced rivals, it achieves a 54% shorter stopping distance (2.0 vs 4.4 meters).
What’s more, the strength of the regen brake can be adjusted on a scale of 1 to 10, while it can also be used on its own to slow the scooter. Typically, regen systems are activated by sensors that are built into the levers that control mechanical brakes. In the case of the VX5, however, it has a dedicated lever, making it the cheapest scooter with this feature. This is, yet again, another display of the quality on offer – especially as regen systems of this pedigree are usually reserved for scooters exceeding the $800 mark.
Another rare feature of a scooter so cheap is its mobile app. Aside from adjusting the regen brake, you can dial in the intensity of your acceleration, turn the lights on/off, enable an electronic lock, switch between riding modes, and select kick-to-start or zero-start mode. It also lets you view a variety of real-time stats, ranging from ride data and battery voltage to motor power and controller temperature.
Building on this already impressive outlay is a high IPX6 water-resistance rating. This makes the VX5 the most well-protected scooter among its rivals. Heavy downpours are no match for it, while the long fenders contain splashback. The wavey tread pattern on the tires elevates your control by ensuring traction at all times, too.
Yet what makes the VX5 so enjoyable to ride is its bigger-than-normal handlebars that stretch 4.1 inches wider than its rivals, its tall 40.2-inch deck-to-handlebar height that guarantees comfort for riders of all sizes, and its 9-degree rake angle that exudes both stability and nimbleness.
You won’t have to worry about portability, either. Weighing just 35.9 lbs with a simple folding mechanism and an easy-to-hold stem, it’s light enough to carry.
If I had to pick out a couple of areas for improvement it would be that the display gets washed out in direct light and the taillight doesn’t flash when you brake (instead, it glows brighter).
These are minor concerns in the grand scheme of things, though. Ultimately, the VX5 ST gets very little wrong. Fun, dependable, and robust, it’ll delight anyone who’s on a budget and searching for a low-cost, yet well-rounded scooter.
Best Value For Money
VMAX VX5 Pro GT
Performance Report:
Tester: Josh Frisby (197 lbs, 6.1 ft)
- Top Speed: mph
- Real Speed: mph*
- 0-15 mph: s*
- Max Range: miles
- Real Range: miles*
- Braking: meters*
- Suspension: n/a
- Max Incline: degrees
- Weight: lbs
- Load: lbs
The Good:
- One of the longest real-world tested ranges in its price category
- Shortest stopping distance among its rivals
- Top-tier ride quality in the sub-$600 class
- Wider than normal handlebars promote good handling
- Regenerative braking system recycles kinetic energy to recharge the battery on the go
- High degree of build quality with a UL2272 certified battery
- Clean, simple, and functional design
- Grippy, nimble tires
- Immaculate cable management
- Turn signals that are visible from the front, rear, and sides
- Mobile app allows for customized performance
- Slick folding mechanism
- 40.2-inch deck-to-handlebar height makes it suitable for tall riders up to 6’3”
- Protective IPX6 water-resistance rating
- Long fenders that prevent splashback
- Quiet motor
- Low maintenance
- 2-year warranty
The Bad:
- Display gets washed out in direct light
- The taillight is bright at night, but it doesn’t flash when you brake - it just glows a brighter red
Why I Recommend the VMAX VX5 Pro GT:
Think of the VMAX VX5 Pro as the souped version of the VX5 mentioned above. Sure, it’ll cost you extra, but this additional outlay gives you best-in-class turn signals and a considerably longer mileage. In fact, the GT unit doubles your maximum range from 11 to 22 miles, or 19.04 miles when factoring in the results from my real-world tests.
This is worth sticking with for a moment: while the average scooter achieves around 60-70% of its maximum, the Pro guarantees 87%. Among its similarly-priced models, it has one of the longest ranges that I’ve ever tested.
Plus, despite weighing slightly more than the VX5 ST at 36.8 lbs, the Pro GT remains one of the most portable budget models around. It can be lifted with ease, while its folded dimensions of 43.7 (L) x 21.9 (W) x 18.5 (H) are good news for anyone who’s tight on storage space.
Then there’s its motor power. Equipped with a 36V 400W motor, I hit 15 mph in 6.7 seconds and reached a top speed of 17.4 mph. While this isn’t chart-topping, it strikes the perfect balance between a ride that’s quick enough for beginners and fast enough to keep you entertained for years to come.
Thankfully, the VX5 Pro also boasts the best brakes in its price class. The drum and regen duo brought me to a stop from 15 mph in a staggering 2.0 meters. Not only is this 55% shorter than its rivals (4.4 meters), but its performance in this category outstrips many models that are double its price tag.
On top of this, you can use the regenerative brake independently from the drum. In doing so, you recharge the battery while reducing wear and tear on the drum. Plus, the strength of the regen system – as well as the acceleration – can be modified via the mobile app. This also lets you switch between riding modes and start modes, turn the lights on and off, and activate an electronic lock.
Assurance is in bountiful supply elsewhere, too. The wider-than-normal handlebars ensure you maintain control at any speed, while the tall stem is rock solid, and the rubber-covered deck is grippy. Even the 9-degree rake angle has been designed for maximum comfort, affording heaps of stability while remaining nimble.
As is the case with other VMAX scooters, the VX5 Pro thrives in all weather conditions. Its aluminum frame is protected by an IPX6 rating – meaning it can withstand heavy showers – while tire-hugging fenders at the front and rear prevent splashback.
Whether you’re riding in the rain or sun during the day or night, the turn signals are fantastic too. If you’ve read my reviews of Apollo’s latest run of the models then you’ll know how much I love the blinkers built into the ends of their handlebars. The VX5 Pro treats us to the same design, except here, they aren’t prone to damage if you drop the scooter. What's more, they flash at the rear of the deck to ensure 360-degree visibility.
To cap everything off, you get a two-year warranty as part of the bargain. For context, most budget scooter brands offer warranties that are either 6 or 12 months, whilst VMAX’s cover is superior, too.
I’ll wrap things up by simply saying that I haven’t yet come across a scooter that offers better value for money than the VMAX VX5 Pro GT.
Best Ride Quality, Build Quality, Features & Most Reliable
VMAX VX2 Pro ST
Performance Report:
Tester: Josh Frisby (190 lbs, 6.1 ft)
- Top Speed: 24 mph
- Real Speed: 24.5 mph*
- 0-15 mph: 3.8 s*
- Max Range: 28 miles
- Real Range: 24.8 miles*
- Braking: 3.0 meters*
- Max Incline: 15 degrees
- Optimal Incline: 9 degrees*
- Weight: 45 lbs
- Load: 287 lbs
The Good:
- Fastest acceleration among similarly priced single-motor scooters
- Longest tested range in the sub-$900 class
- Strong brakes that use a regenerative system to recycle kinetic energy to recharge the battery on the go
- Exceptionally quiet motor
- Impeccable build quality
- Nimble tubeless tires
- Suitable for tall and heavy riders
- Bright lights with excellent turn signals that are visible from the front, rear, and sides
- Mobile app allows for customized performance
- Slick folding mechanism
- Tidy cable management
- Protective IPX6 water-resistance rating
- Long fenders that prevent splashback
- Low maintenance
- 2-year warranty
The Bad:
- Doesn’t have suspension
- Display gets washed out in direct light
- The taillight is bright at night, but it doesn’t flash when you brake - it just glows a brighter red
Why I Recommend the VMAX VX2 Pro ST:
Ladies and gentlemen, introducing the scooter with the fastest top speed, quickest acceleration, and longest range of all the models that I selected for this list: the VMAX VX2 Pro ST.
So, what elevates it above the competition?
Let’s start with the VX2’s silent 48V 500W motor. This bad boy not only has a peak power output of 1300W in its armory, but a huge top speed of 24.5 mph, too. This is serious pace by any metric – as is its acceleration rate which saw me zoom from a standstill to 15 mph in just 3.8 seconds. To put this into perspective, it’s 19% faster off the line than the Horizon, 43% quicker than the VMAX VX5 Pro, and 51% nippier than the Turboant M10 Lite.
It’s worth pointing out here that to reach the VX2 Pro’s top speed, I had to enable ‘Beast Mode’. To do this, I simply tapped the On/Power button five times, selected Mode 2 on the display, and then pressed the button another five times to lock the setting change in. What’s more, by tapping three times, you can activate and deactivate cruise control.
Next up, we have the UL2272-certified ST battery. With 624Wh of energy, VMAX claims it can keep the wheels rolling for 28 miles. Now, as to be expected, most scooters achieve fewer miles when factoring in realistic riding conditions. The same is true of the VX2 Pro ST, however, with 24.8 miles, it manages to outperform all of its rivals by achieving 89% of its maximum. This is extremely impressive compared to rivals like the Horizon which gets just 74%.
The premium build of the VX2 Pro’s battery and motor is matched elsewhere. Its wide handlebars, ergonomic cockpit, grippy deck, immaculate cable management, long fenders, IPX6 water-resistant frame, and 9-degree rake angle combine to ensure that rider comfort, reliability, and safety are in ample supply.
The one blemish on the Pro’s copybook is the absence of a suspension system. Yet, for its price, this is a rare occurrence. Besides, the 10-inch pneumatic tires guarantee a cushioned ride by absorbing the majority of shocks and vibrations. Sporting a wavy tread, they also deliver enough traction to keep you upright on corners.
Then there are its turn signals, which are among the best that I’ve ever tested. Built into each end of the handlebars – as well as the rear of the deck – they provide visibility from all angles and are impervious to damage if the scooter is dropped.
As for the rest of its lighting rig, I’m pleased to report that the headlight is bright enough to ride at night without any extra clip-ons. It would be nice, however, if the taillight flashed when the brakes were applied.
The brakes themselves, however, are top-tier. The combined force of the front drum and rear regen system brought me to a responsive stop from 15 mph in 3.0 meters. Based on hundreds of my braking tests, this stopping distance falls between the “Very Good” (2.5 – 3.0 meters) and “Good” (3.0 – 3.5 meters) categories.
Possibly the most impressive aspect of the braking system, however, is the regenerative system. It can be used independently from the drum to moderate your speed and recycle kinetic energy back into the battery to extend your range.
And who can forget VMAX’s trusty mobile app? Once logged in, you can alter the strength of your regen brake and acceleration, activate a digital lock for extra security, toggle between start modes, change your riding mode, and turn the lights on or off.
There’s no need to worry when it comes to portability, either. At 45 lbs, it may be the heaviest scooter on this list, but in the grand scheme of scooters, it’s still considered light (based on my independent data of over 200 scooters). The folding mechanism takes mere seconds, too.
Poetry in motion is a neat way to sum up the VX2 Pro in general. Super slick, built like a Swiss clock, and boasting all-weather durability, it’s the pinnacle of performance and reliability in the “cheap” scooter category. I say “cheap”, because, in reality, there is nothing cheap about this model other than its price.
Compare Cheap Electric Scooters
VMAX VX5 ST | VMAX VX5 Pro | VMAX VX2 Pro |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Where to Buy | VMAX | VMAX | VMAX |
| Price | $299 | $499 | $799 |
| Best For | Best Low Budget | Best Value For Money | Best Ride Quality, Build Quality, Features & Most Reliable |
| Review | Review | Review | Review |
| Performance | |||
| Top Speed | 18 mph | 18 mph | 24 mph |
| 0-15 MPH | 6.7 s | 6.7 s | 3.8 s |
| Max Range | 17 miles | 22 miles | 28 miles |
| Tested Range | 14.3 miles | 19 miles | 24.8 miles |
| Braking | 2.0 meters | 2.0 meters | 3.0 meters |
| Shock Absorp. | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Max Incline | 14 degrees | 14 degrees | 15 degrees |
| Optimal Incline | 8 degrees | 8 degrees | 9 degrees |
| Specs | |||
| Motor | 36V 400W | 36V 400W | 48V 500W |
| Throttle | Thumb | Thumb | Thumb |
| Battery | 36V 7.8Ah FST | 36V 10.4Ah FST | 48V 13Ah FST |
| Charge Time | 4 hours | 5 hours | 6.5 hours |
| Brakes | Drum, Regen | Drum, Regen | Drum, Regen |
| Suspension | None | None | None |
| Tire Size | 8.5 inch | 9 inch | 10 inch |
| Tire Type | Air (Inner-Tube) | Air (Tubeless) | Air (Tubeless) |
| Weight | 35.9 lbs | 36.8 lbs | 45 lbs |
| Load | 265 lbs | 265 lbs | 287 lbs |
| Foldability | Folds at Stem | Folds at Stem | Folds at Stem |
| Lights | Headlight, Taillight | Headlight, Taillight, Turn Signals | Headlight, Taillight, Turn Signals |
| IP Rating | IPX6 | IPX6 | IPX6 |
| Terrain | Street | Street | Street |
How Did I Test the Scooters?
To find the 3 best electric scooters, I shortlisted 26 of the highest-rated cheapest models and tested them all across the metrics of top speed, acceleration, range, hill climbing, braking, shock absorption, and ride quality. I also assessed their design and features.
The results from the tests were then compared to identify the top performers relative to their price.
You learn more about the tests below.
Electric Scooters That I Tested:
Click through the photo carousel to see all of the scooters that I tested for this guide.
Test Criteria:
Top Speed
Testing the top speed of each scooter required 2x two-way directional runs on a long dry, smooth, flat road. Prior to the tests, I made sure that the performance settings were dialed up to the max, the tires were pumped up to their recommended PSI, and the batteries were fully charged.
Aside from putting the pedal to the metal, I also assessed the size and power of the motors, the nominal and peak power outputs, and how the scooters handled at speed.
Acceleration
While top speed stats may attract more headlines, it’s a scooter’s acceleration that represents the truest measure of its thrill.
To establish accurate results, I conducted multiple acceleration tests across different intervals (i.e. 0-15 mph, 0-25 mph, etc).
For each interval, I conducted 3x two-way directional runs and then averaged the data. To ensure consistency across each scooter, zero-start modes were enabled, the performance settings were dialed up to the max, the tires were pumped up to their recommended PSI, and the batteries were fully charged.
Range
When it comes to range, there are two metrics that you need to consider: maximum and real-world.
While manufacturers list maximum range (i.e. the distance that a scooter can be ridden under best-case riding conditions – including a 165 lb rider, flat terrain, and riding in the slowest setting), I provided an insight into how each scooter performed under real-world conditions (i.e. periods of fast acceleration, cruising, and multiple stops).
Combined, these figures served as useful points of data to compare performance relative to price.
Hill Climbing
Similar to range, it’s customary for manufacturers to specify the maximum incline capability of their scooters, but this doesn’t mean that they’ll perform optimally at those incline rates.
In practice, I found that optimal hill climbing performance typically hovers at around 60% of the maximum. With this in mind, I reported on the optimal incline rate of each scooter.
I’ve also recently developed a new test that’ll measure the time and average speed required to traverse a stretch of road that measures 216 ft and features a 23 ft rise in elevation. This translates into an average incline rate of 6.08 degrees (or 10.65%).
Braking
To ascertain each scooter’s braking performance, I measured the distance that it took for them to stop from 15 mph.
These tests were conducted five times. If electronic or regenerative braking systems were present then I dialed their strength up to the maximum. I also assessed the position and responsiveness of the brake levers.
Based on my hundreds of braking tests, stopping distances can be interpreted as follows: Excellent (less than 2.5 meters), Very Good (2.5 – 3.0 meters), Good (3.0 – 3.5 meters), Fair (3.5 – 4.0 meters), and Poor (more than 4.0 meters).
Shock Absorption
There’s an element of subjectivity involved when analyzing a scooter’s shock absorption. However, after many years of testing, I’ve developed an acute understanding of how to score appropriately.
Riding on both flat and pot-holed roads (as well as dirt tracks and forest trails if it’s an off-roader), I assessed the balance of shock absorption across the front and rear of the scooters, their rebound and compression rates, adjustability (if possible), the amount of travel, and whether the suspension systems bottomed out. In addition to this, I reported on the shock-absorbing profile of the tires.
Once the tests were completed, I gave each scooter a shock absorption rating out of 10, with 1 being extremely stiff and 10 extremely soft.
Ride Quality
Ride quality is an incredibly important performance metric. It’s the key indicator of whether a scooter is enjoyable to ride.
To garner insights into how each scooter performed across the fundamentals of ride quality – including handling, comfort, and power delivery – I conducted several assessments.
First on the list was to assess geometry and dimensions. Here, I measured handlebar width, usable deck space, and deck-to-handlebar height. The wider the handlebars, the greater the control. The bigger the usable deck space, the larger the room to find a natural riding stance. And, the higher the deck-to-handlebar height, the better your posture (this also allowed me to identify the suitability of each scooter for riders of different heights).
Following this, I measured the angle at which each scooter’s steering column was positioned in relation to a vertical axis through their front axle (otherwise known as rake angle). The smaller the angle, the less effort required to turn the handlebars, but the less stable the scooter. Conversely, a larger rake angle required more effort to turn but made the scooter more stable at higher speeds. During my assessments, I made sure to select the scooters that hit the sweet spot between the two to maintain both stability and maneuverability.
The final assessments were made on how well each scooter responded to different inputs (i.e. was the throttle smooth or jerky and could you carve from side to side).
Design Assessments
While the performance tests served as an integral part of the testing process, I also thoroughly assessed the design and features of each scooter.
Scooters that combined well-rounded performance profiles with equally impressive designs were selected.
In total, each scooter was subject to 30 assessments across 10 categories. These included the cockpit, frame, deck, tires, portability, suitability, lights, extra features, dimensions, and build quality.
Learn More About How I Assess the Design & Features of Each Scooter
Results From My Performance Tests:
See how the electric scooters stack up against each other across the metrics of top speed, acceleration, maximum range, tested range, and braking.
Top Speed
Ordered from fastest to slowest – Learn about how I test top speed.
| Scooter | Price | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|
| VMAX VX2 Pro ST |
$899
| 24.5 MPH |
| VMAX VX5 Pro GT |
$549
| 17.4 MPH |
| VMAX VX5 ST |
$299
| 17.4 mph |
Acceleration (0-15 MPH)
Ordered from fastest to slowest – Learn about how I test acceleration.
| Scooter | Price | 0-15 MPH (Seconds) |
|---|---|---|
| VMAX VX2 Pro ST |
$899
| 3.8 s |
| VMAX VX5 Pro GT |
$549
| 6.7 s |
| VMAX VX5 ST |
$299
| 6.7 s |
Realistic Range (Riding Fast)
Ordered from longest to shortest range – Learn about how I test real-world range.
| Scooter | Price | Real-World Range |
|---|---|---|
| VMAX VX2 Pro ST |
$899
| 24.8 miles |
| VMAX VX5 Pro GT |
$549
| 19 miles |
| VMAX VX5 ST |
$299
| 14.3 miles |
Braking (From 15 MPH)
Ordered from shortest to longest stopping distance – Learn about how I test braking performance.
| Scooter | Price | Braking From 15 MPH |
|---|---|---|
| VMAX VX5 Pro GT |
$549
| 2.0 meters |
| VMAX VX5 ST |
$299
| 2.0 meters |
| VMAX VX2 Pro ST |
$899
| 3.0 meters |
Recent Updates
In the interest of delivering the most timely, relevant, and credible reviews/guides in the industry, I have detailed the recent updates and changes to my list of the best cheap electric scooters. Learn more about my editorial policy.
- December 2, 2024: Following the VMAX VX5 LT's unavailability, I replaced it with the VMAX VX5 ST. The text was refreshed throughout.
- November 22, 2024: Following my reassessment of all the scooters that I tested from brands including Turboant, GoTrax, Hiboy, Fluid, SPLACH, NIU, Apollo, EMOVE, and AnyHill, the models that stood out as the clear winners were all from VMAX. As a result, I chose to remove the Turboant M10 Lite from my list of top picks since it simply doesn't stand up to the quality and value on offer from the VMAX VX5 LT (this scooter has now been titled the "Best Low Budget" model).
- November 7, 2024: Removed the Horizon V2 as the "Best Ride Quality" following its unavailability. Changed the VMAX VX2 Pro ST from the "Best Build Quality, Features & Most Reliable" to the "Best Ride Quality, Build Quality, Features & Most Reliable". Refreshed the text throughout.
- October 15, 2024: Refreshed the entire guide with 5 new scooters. Instead of selecting the best cheap scooters by specific use cases (i.e. the best for commuting, the fastest, etc), I took a more comprehensive approach by choosing models that satisfied the following awards: "Best Basic Budget", "Best Mid-Tier Budget", "Best Value For Money", "Best Ride Quality", and "Best Build Quality, Features & Most Reliable". The text was refreshed throughout and small improvements were made to the design of the page.
- July 17, 2024: Confirmed my picks for relevancy and availability.
- April 26, 2024: Improved the design of the page to make it easier to find the best scooter.
- November 16, 2023: Refreshed the entire guide with 10 new models. Instead of only featuring scooters that cost less than $650, I selected the best cheap scooters by use case. For example, the best cheap scooter for commuting, the best cheap scooter with dual motors, the best cheap scooter with suspension, and so on. I also expanded the commentary about how the scooters were tested and selected, added performance reports, and made improvements to the design of the page.
- July 16, 2023: Confirmed my picks for relevancy and availability.
- February 27, 2023: Added a quick list module, comparison table, and commentary explaining how the scooters were tested and selected.
- October 1, 2022: Replaced the Cityrider with the GoTrax XR Ultra, and the AnyHill UM-1 with the Turboant X7 Max.
- August 3, 2022: Confirmed my picks for relevancy and availability.
- May 10, 2022: Refreshed the guide with 7 top-performing scooters.
