Cheap Electric Scooter for Under $200 & $300
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 experiences, 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.
Under $200:
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 style alongside safety, this is the gadget of your kids’ dreams. Safe, stylish, and seriously cool, it is a perfect, child-friendly first electric scooter.
Under $300:
GoTrax Apex
An awesome entry-level scooter from budget masters, GoTrax. The Apex costs just $299.99 but delivers a top speed and maximum range that will appeal to budget-conscious consumers. Plus, with a larger, upgraded display, excellent safety features, and everything you need for a comfortable ride, this scooter is a bargain.
Under $400:
GoTrax XR Elite
Designed with the commuter in mind and sporting a durable build, top speed of 15.5 mph, and a range of 18.6 miles, the XR Elite is exactly what it promises to be: a great budget scooter. It’s a no-fuss option that’s ideal for urban exploration.
Under $500:
Turboant X7 Pro
Speed, mileage, and innovation all rolled into one. The Turboant’s detachable battery and awesome 30-mile range set this scooter above others in the pack. Delivering a top speed of 20 mph, big 10-inch pneumatic tires, and a sturdy, reliable build, the Turboant is worth bucket loads more than what you’ll pay.
If you want to take a look at the in-depth reviews and runner-ups, simply click on one of the links below.
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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 little surface imperfections giving a smooth ride.
The most impressive feature is that it comes equipped with safety start tech. What does that mean? The scooter won’t start unless you have both feet firmly on the foot deck’s two buttons. Your child simply needs to step on the first button, located at the front of the deck, and kick off the ground to get the wheels rolling before stepping on the second, at the rear, to engage the motor. And the best bit? The brakes are triggered by the pressure sensors, too. When your little one needs to stop, they can simply take their back foot off the rear button to kill the motor and slow down.
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 keeping your kids entertained.
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 child will be able to get out exploring on the same day that the GKS arrives.
The only major drawback of the GKS is that it isn't foldable. However, considering that it only weighs 17.8 lbs, it’s super lightweight and the frame is on the small side making it easy to maneuver. Children can pick it up and move it easily, 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 sandpaper-like tread lined across the entirety of the foot deck to help improve grip, whilst the rubber handlebars afford rider control and stability.
The GKS is sure to be a hit with your children, but as with all kid’s toys, they’re likely to outgrow it faster than you’d think. If you want something with a bit more longevity, check out the GKS Lumios. This scooter takes a step up, keeping all of the features that make the GKS a standout kids scooter and building on them for longer-lasting fun.
Improvements include a longer 4.8 mile range to give them that extra sense of freedom, as well as a stronger 200W motor for slightly faster acceleration. The Lumios also comes with adjustable height handlebars so you can alter the scooter as your child grows.
It’s not all about practicality though. The Lumios features an LED illuminated front wheel. This is the equivalent of owning light-up trainers in the 90s and will have all of their friends green with envy. You will pay extra for it though. The Lumios is $50 more than the GKS.
If your budget won’t stretch that far, the GoTrax GKS is still 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 scooter for a first-time rider, and for less than $100 it’s a steal too.
Under $300
The best scooter under $300? The GoTrax Apex comes out on top here. The Apex is designed to shake up your commute so you can say goodbye to public transport. It’s packed with top-quality features worth a heck more than its price tag.
GoTrax is known for designing and producing excellent scooters that don’t break the bank and the Apex is no exception. At $299.99, I can personally guarantee that you’re getting good bang for your buck. It builds on the capabilities of the GoTrax GXL V2 to deliver an upgraded riding experience.
So what does this look like in practice? Well, to start with, the Apex comes with a larger 36V 6Ah battery (vs the GXL V2’s 5.2Ah) that will allow you to travel up to a maximum of 15 miles on a single charge. This makes it perfect for commuters as well as leisurely rides at the weekend. It also boasts a fairly short recharge time of 4 hours, so you won’t have a long wait when your battery does run dry.
Under realistic riding conditions, we were able to get 7-9 miles from the Apex. As with all electric scooters, the range quoted on manufacturer specs is based on a best-case scenario, so you should always expect less, especially if you’re a speed-fiend and like to hit the throttle hard.
It is important to note here, though, that it is equipped with a smart battery management system, designed to prevent overheating and overcharging so that your scooter can keep running for hundreds of charging cycles. This is a feature usually seen on more expensive scooters and is just one demonstration of the Apex’s excellent value for money.
It might be cheap, but that doesn’t mean the Apex isn’t capable of delivering a good dose of city-ready speed. This commuter scooter has a maximum speed of 15.5 mph which is ideal for weaving along busy city bike lanes. Its 250W motor puts out a surprisingly good level of torque when compared to the GXL V2, giving it more power when pulling away, but it does have a slower acceleration than that of the GoTrax XR Elite.
It’s fitted with both a rear disc brake and electronic anti-lock brake system to help you maintain control when riding at maximum speed. Many budget scooters only feature a single brake but this guy comes with a dual system to guarantee rider safety. The only downside here is that all the braking power is directed towards the back wheel rather than split between the two.
However, after taking the Apex for multiple test rides, we were pleasantly surprised at just how responsive its dual braking system was. I’d even go as far as saying that the Apex’s brakes trump those of the GoTrax G4 – which is GoTrax’s more premium model.
On most cheap scooters, comfort is a luxury rather than a necessity, so they’re often missing features that help to deliver a smooth ride. GoTrax consistently makes sure that its models don’t fall into this category. The Apex is fitted with plush 8.5-inch pneumatic tires that help to cushion against bumps and cracks in the sidewalk for a comfortable and enjoyable ride. They’re thicker than the tires on other models too, so are more resistant to punctures and will last for longer.
This is especially important given that this scooter doesn’t come with any inbuilt suspension. As a result, I’d recommend sticking to smooth roads where possible. The Apex’s tires can handle rough surfaces but you’ll feel the impact.
Luckily, the overall build of the Apex is reassuringly sturdy despite its low price. It even comes with an IP54 water-resistant rating. This means that it can withstand light water splashes. You might be surprised to know that the majority of scooters come without water-resistant certifications, including high-performance scooters that cost upwards of 20 times the Apex.
At its heart, the Apex is a commuter scooter, so it’s not surprising that it scores full marks when it comes to portability. It weighs 32.2 lbs, so it’s easy to lift. This will be particularly useful if public transport is a usual part of your regular commute and you’re going to need to carry it on and off subways or buses often.
It boasts a simple one-step folding mechanism. With one pull on the folding lever, the Apex collapses into a neat, compact package for easy storage under a desk, in the corner of a classroom, or if you are working from home, in a utility room.
Included in its low price, the Apex features a bright LED headlight, as well as a rear light that flashes when the brakes are applied. These are excellent additions for a scooter that costs less than $300 and shows the careful thought that’s gone into the Apex’s design.
Here's a view of the taillight:
As if all of that wasn’t enough, it comes with a handlebar display that boasts a new and improved design in comparison to older GoTrax models. It’s bigger with an angular shape that matches the scooter’s sleek, stylish aesthetic. From here, you can monitor your speed and battery life with just one glance. The only issue we experienced when testing the Apex, is that the screen can be a little dark in daylight, particularly on sunnier days.
With its slick black frame and modern teal accents, the Apex looks more expensive than it is. It’s a great budget option for first-time riders who want something affordable, yet its upgraded features deliver well above its price point.
The Apex isn’t the only awesome GoTrax model available for under $300. Its younger sibling, the GXL V2, lives up to the same affordable, yet impressive standard. Let me break it down and show you why.
Firstly, let’s talk about price. At $269.99, 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 are pretty outstanding.
Equipped with a 250W motor, it has a top speed of 15.5 mph which is perfect for city riding and sidewalk cruising. Whilst the acceleration curve isn’t the fastest, the handy 2-speed setting that lets you either 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, makes the GXL V2 the perfect gateway into scooting. This can all be controlled from the LED display which also shows your current speed and your scooter’s battery life.
With the GXL V2, you can keep going for up to a maximum of 12 miles. This is a bit less than the Apex but will be more than enough if you just want to use your scooter for short journeys. Like the Apex, the actual mileage you get depends on how you ride. In the case of the GXL V2, you can expect a realistic range of 6 miles.
What sets the GXL V2 apart from other cheap scooters is the quality of both its tires and its brakes. Not only are the GXL V2’s 8.5-inch tires larger than those on other similarly priced models, but they’re pneumatic too.
Why are pneumatic tires so great?
Well, for one thing, they make up for the lack of suspension, eating up surface imperfections, and can deal with bumps on rougher roads. Secondly, they perform much better in wet weather than solid tires do — solid tires tend to get 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 (aside from the Apex). 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 until you hear the cruise control beep into action 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 leisurely pursuits, the GXL V2 is a bargain. It’s the ultimate beginner’s scooter and will meet all your expectations and more. It’s a strong contender if you don’t want to break through that $300 mark.
Under $400
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 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 $369.99. It’s also great if you’re just looking for a fun ride.
The Elite’s top speed matches that of other entry-level GoTrax models, with its 300W motor offering a top speed of 15.5 mph, perfect 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? The XR Elite can scale incline grades up to 15%. To put this into perspective, this type of gradient is fairly gentle but you’d feel it in your legs if you tried to cycle up it.
Despite having a larger motor than the GoTrax Apex and GXL V2, the XR Elite isn’t the best hill climber. It doesn’t have enough torque to effectively scale inclines without slowing to a snail's pace. If you’re likely to traverse hill-strewn streets, I’d recommend taking a look at my guide of the best hill-climbing electric scooters.
One area where the XR Elite shines, though, is its range. The mileage is perfect for commuting, beating both the GXL V2 and the Apex with a bigger range of 18.6 miles. Riding at top speed will realistically lower this to around 12 miles, but that shouldn’t be a problem if your commute is a short one and you can always recharge in less than 4 hours.
The XR Elite has also been designed for comfort. Featuring a 6.6 inch wide foot deck with an anti-slip rubber matting, you can relax and enjoy the ride on those fresh, crisp mornings in the confidence that your feet will stay glued to the deck. Plus, the 8.5-inch air-filled tires provide a seamless ride, soaking up cracks and bumps in the sidewalk which is crucial considering it doesn’t have any suspension. Air-filled tires are often reserved for more expensive scooters, leaving cheap scooters with solid rubber tires – so, the fact GoTrax has included these is a major bonus.
This scooter does have its limits though – I’d recommend sticking to mostly flat and smooth roads for best performance. Even with the cushioning effect of the tires, your wrists, knees, and hips will still feel the impact of those bigger potholes on rougher terrain.
As we divulge into comfort it’s important to pay attention to braking. As seen on other GoTrax scooters, the dual brake system features a rear 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 oversight of the cruise control function, your speedometer, battery life indicator, and headlight control. To build on this even further, it is one of the few scooters (based on our independent database of 100+ scooters) that has an IP54 water-resistance rating, so a little rain won’t deter you.
Overall, the GoTrax XR Elite is a good scooter at a great price. It does exactly what it sets out to do and it does it well, without making you pay top dollar for it.
Not only does it deliver a better range than some of its siblings, but it also features high-quality pneumatic tires, dual brakes, and integrated lighting. The Elite won’t let you down.
And the cherry on top of the cake? It is one of the lightest electric scooters, sitting in the top 26% of scooters for weight (i.e. it is lighter than 74% of all other models in our database of 100+ scooters). This combined with one of the best folding mechanisms I have seen on a budget scooter makes it a strong contender as an entry-level commuter scooter, nipping at the heels of the Turboant X7 Pro.
When looking at scooters under $400, it’s worth considering the XR Ultra, another awesome budget offering from electric scooter pros, GoTrax. It ticks a lot of the same boxes as the XR Elite but is $40 cheaper. It also boasts some impressive specs for the price, making 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 lie in an improved range, but rather in the quality of components used. The Ultra isn’t powered by cheap Chinese cells (which some cheap scooters are). 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, LG batteries are generally reserved for scooters with a price tag closer to $1,000 and above. When designing a budget scooter, manufacturers can be tempted to cut costs by using lower quality components but with the Ultra, you’ve got no fear of that.
Not only does the LG battery give a maximum 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 recharge which is always a bonus.
In terms of speed, the Ultra competes well with others of the same price point, featuring a 300W motor that translates into a top speed of 15.5 mph. The acceleration is fairly mediocre, matching that of the XR Elite, making it perfect for beginners. Although, like the XR Elite, hill climbing isn’t the Ultra’s greatest forte. Climbing a hill with a grade of 10-12% will cause the scooter to slow and chug along at 6-8 mph. However, if you don’t live in San Francisco and your neighborhood is relatively flat, the XR Ultra should serve you just fine. Nevertheless, I’d still recommend checking out my guide on the best hill-climbing scooters.
Where the Ultra does shine, though, is when it comes to ride quality. The Ultra is equipped with 8.5-inch air-filled tires but similarly to the XR Elite, it doesn’t have a suspension system. Although the air-filled tires provide 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.
Adding to the comfort factor, and upping your confidence while riding, the XR Ultra comes with that all-important dual braking system, which is another point in its favor; some more expensive models only manage to incorporate one brake into their design. It has the same electronic and rear disc brake system seen on the XR Elite, delivering impressive stopping power in all weather conditions.
And, as you would expect, an LED display is embedded into the handlebars, showing your current speed and charge level, so a flat battery won’t ever catch you out 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 fly by.
When it comes to portability, there are not many other scooters that rival the XR Ultra for weight. Weighing in at 26.4 lbs, it is in the upper echelon of light electric scooters placing in the top 15% of our 100+ scooter database. Combined with its small folded dimensions of 43.3” (l) x 17.1” (h) x 14.6” (w), the Ultra is the perfect scooter for carrying and stowing away out of sight.
One area of the scooter that you will need to upgrade, though, is the lights. If you plan on using it on those darker winter nights, the Ultra’s headlight sits in the bucket of basic light setups. Sadly, it also doesn’t come with a taillight and the reflective panels aren’t sufficient, either. I’d recommend either buying additional lights or splashing just a little more cash and upgrading to the Turboant X7 Pro.
Overall, the XR Ultra offers fantastic quality, especially for a mere $360. 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.
GoTrax isn’t the only name in the budget scooter business. Hiboy is out to grab a slice of the pie too, serving up rival scooters like the S2. But can it live up to the high standards set by GoTrax?
In terms of speed and power, the answer is yes. The S2 features a powerful 350W motor that allows riders up to 260 lbs to travel as fast as 18.6 mph, which is a step up from the GoTrax Apex, GXL V2, XR Ultra, and Elite. Despite only weighing 29.5 lbs, the S2 is deceptively powerful for its size, and it boasts a much zippier acceleration for something that only costs $400.
One of its most notable features, or should I say two features, is the addition of its shock absorbers – something that GoTrax scooters generally lack. The S2 features dual spring suspension in the rear to help provide a smoother ride quality. It’s rare to see any kind of shocks on cheaper models, but the S2 bucks the trend.
This being said, the spring suspension isn’t the same quality as those you’ll find on more expensive scooters. It doesn’t provide as much cushioning as expected, meaning that you’ll still feel the majority of bumps and cracks that you ride over. The S2’s major downfall is that as you gradually increase speed, the ride quality equally nose dives.
Given that the S2 is fitted with 8.5-inch solid rubber tires rather than the larger plush pneumatics of its main competitors, the ride quality isn’t quite as enjoyable unless you stick to completely smooth paths.
On the other hand, though, opting for solid tires does eliminate the risk of flats and minimizes the need for maintenance as most rubber tires are fairly wear-resistant. This is ideal if you’re a scooter novice and don’t want the hassle of having to deal with fiddly tire changes and laborious upkeep. Nevertheless, if you are stuck choosing between the Hiboy S2 and a GoTrax model, I’d recommend opting for the latter. Our tests have shown GoTrax models, even the cheapest ones, to be comfortable to ride.
When it comes to range and efficiency, the S2 stands out. You’ll be able to travel for up to 17 miles on a single charge, placing it in the middle of the GoTrax XR Ultra and Elite. However, bear in mind, when your battery does run dry, you’ll have to wait 6 hours, which is longer than other models.
For a budget scooter, the S2 does everything it can to boost your power. It does this in several ways but mostly with its unique kinetic recovery system. In brief, every time you brake, the S2 converts and stores the excess energy to prolong battery life.
Your control over your speed also extends further than just how hard you brake. The S2 features two different speed settings: Sport mode and Comfort mode. Unsurprisingly, the Sport setting allows you to hit the top speed, giving you more power off the starting line, whereas the Comfort mode caps your pace at 13 mph. This is ideal for conserving the battery if you want to go further. You can use it alongside the S2’s integrated cruise control.
With most budget scooters, these settings would be accessible through the handlebar display, but Hiboy has opted for a much cooler method: their Hiboy mobile app. With the click of a button, you can pair your scooter and control your riding mode, lock the S2, and operate your lights. There are plenty of scooters out there that connect to apps, but not at such a reasonable price.
This isn’t the only luxury that Hiboy offers. When purchasing the scooter, you also have the option of adding a seat for an extra $50. This’ll appeal to you if you’re planning to do a lot of riding. You can easily flick on cruise control and relax, enjoying the sights and sounds of the city, rather than focusing on keeping balanced and maintaining speed. For context, the next best seated scooter I recommend is the Zero 8 which costs significantly more than the S2 ($894).
Like all good electric scooters (even the budget ones), the S2 features everything you need to keep you safe. It’s fitted with a bright built-in headlight as well as taillights and sidelights for effective nighttime riding. It also comes with a double braking system including a rear disc brake and an electric brake so that you can ride with confidence.
The S2 is a great scooter for a beginner, delivering an impressive level of power, speed, and range despite its small and portable size. It measures up well against the likes of the GoTrax models, however, the suspension and ride quality lets it down. If your commute involves any sort of uneven terrain, I’d look elsewhere, but if it’s smooth sailing from your door, the S2 is one to consider.
Under $500
If you’re looking for the best scooter under $500, the Turboant X7 Pro should be at the top of your list. Promising speed, power, and some innovative design features, let’s dig a little deeper into its specs.
Turboant X7 Pro Unboxing & Review
A complete unboxing and review of the Turboant X7 Pro. See what the best electric scooter under $600 has to offer. From close-ups of the frame to talking through the impressive stats, this video will show you exactly what you can expect from the Turboant X7 Pro.
I have to start this review by mentioning that I’ve been frequently riding the X7 Pro for about 7 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 good scooter within this price bracket that offers a feature like this. Other scooters with detachable batteries are few and far between, the next best option is the Hiboy S2R. This scooter costs $469 but only has a maximum range of 17 miles and will have your wrists, knees, and brain rattling when you ride it.
In terms of speed and range, the Turboant doesn’t disappoint. Its 350W motor reaches up to 20 mph and is surprisingly powerful, giving a level of acceleration that strikes the perfect middle ground between not being too slow or fast, allowing new riders to get to grips with scooting. That being said, it does have a slight lag when you push down on the throttle when you’re not in ‘Sport’ mode.
‘Sport’ mode isn’t the only riding mode on offer, though. Turboant comes with 2 other speed settings, in addition to cruise control, which you can easily flick between using the all-in-one throttle that doubles as the command center for the scooter and its LED display. The display also shows your current riding mode, speed, battery level, and status of the lights (on/off), so you have complete control over your scooter.
Turboant states that the scooter can deliver an incredible range of 30 miles on a 4-6 hour charge. Based on our tests, you’re more likely to get 14-16 miles if you ride aggressively in ‘Sport’ mode. Plus, this can easily be extended thanks to the removable battery. You can pick up a second one and you’ll always have a backup to keep you going for another 16 miles. When you consider the manufacturer quoted spec of 30 miles per battery, this equates to a maximum 60-mile range under best-case conditions (a rider that weighs 165 lbs, flat terrain, and keeping the X7 Pro in its lowest speed setting). Based on our 100+ scooter database, the average cost of scooters with this level of mileage is around $1,800.
So, we’ve established that the X7 Pro stands above the rest of the scooters in this list when it comes to performance, but how about ride quality?
The X7 Pro has plush 10-inch pneumatic tires that go a long way towards cushioning against bumps and road imperfections. Thanks to their damping effect, it has the best ride quality of all other scooters listed. Compared to the older Turbaont X7, which had 8.5 inch tires, the increased size of the tires was immediately noticeable during our test rides.
As you start to enter into the world of faster scooters, braking performance becomes even more important. Don’t sweat it, though, the X7 Pro has you covered with not 1, not 2, but 3 braking systems to keep you safe so you can stop whenever and wherever you need to. There aren’t that many budget scooters with this many braking mechanisms. Featuring an electric brake, disc brake, and foot brake, it’s clear to see that this scooter places your safety as a top priority.
I can hear you asking “What else does the X7 Pro have to offer?” 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 it thanks to its sleek all-black frame and statement red accents.
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 large enough to find a comfortable stance, while the anti-slip rubber deck keeps you stable.
The only slight downside here is that the stem is thicker than others in its 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 the advantages previously discussed.
Given the speed, power, and range packed into this innovative scooter, I wouldn’t blame you for thinking that the X7 Pro would cost a pretty penny. However, at just $499.99, it’s an absolute bargain that brings premium flair to the budget scooter category. This scooter is a catch that will bring you endless hours of fun.
Scoring a full-featured scooter on a budget can be pretty challenging, but the GoTrax G4 makes short work of the task. Let’s dive into what makes this affordable option so appealing.
Firstly, if you’re looking to keep your costs below $500, the G4 is a solid winner. It has a price tag of $499.99 so you won’t have to worry about breaking the bank.
You’ll also be pleased to know that its low price isn’t reflected in the extensive features and impressive stats it has to offer either. This scooter is second only to the Turboant X7 Pro when it comes to range, offering up to 25 miles of travel time on a single charge.
It’s also faster than any other GoTrax scooter that’s come before it, hitting a top speed of 20 mph thanks to its 350W motor. Not only is this great if you want to keep costs down but you can still experience a faster pace than what you may have experienced on shared rental scooters.
This brings me on to hill-climbing. You’ll be able to scale hills with a 15% incline grade. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that as you push the G4 beyond hills of 10% (which are the equivalent to the everyday inclines posed by an average neighborhood) it will slow considerably.
Whilst we are on the topic of speed, I may as well mention the nifty walk-assist feature. Initiating walk-assist will cap the G4’s motors to power at a very low speed, so you can either ride the scooter at the same pace as someone walking beside you or simply make walking around with the scooter a little easier.
No matter what speed you are going, you can rely on the 10-inch shock-absorbing pneumatic tires to provide a comfortable ride. Their larger size is a big positive given that it doesn’t come with any inbuilt suspension. They provide some much-needed damping to help keep your ride nice and smooth across urban terrain, although I’d still try and avoid rough surfaces if you can. The ride quality is on par with Turboant X7 Pro.
With pneumatic tires, there’s always an increased risk of flats, however, GoTrax has come up with an innovative solution for these. The tires on the G4 are pre-filled with tire slime so if you do suffer a puncture up to 6 mm deep, the slime will fill the shallow rips or tear. This isn’t a unique feature, but it is pretty uncommon, especially on a scooter that costs less than $500. You’re more likely to find this on scooters like Ninebot Max which costs around $950.
The same can be said of the G4’s excellent construction. Its cheap price tag doesn’t equal a shoddy build — in fact, with the G4 you get the exact opposite. It’s even sturdier than previous GoTrax models although its payload is still the same, meaning it can support riders up to 220 lbs. Like its siblings, it also has a certified waterproof rating of IP54, protecting it against dust and water splashes.
When it comes to safety, even a low price tag isn’t enough to stop GoTrax from making sure their riders are well protected. It’s equipped with a responsive dual braking system, featuring a high-quality disc brake as well as a regenerative brake that gives your battery a boost every time you pull the lever – just like on the Hiboy S2.
The disc brake is efficient and gives good speed control, however, both brakes are located on the rear wheel. The G4’s stopping power would be more effective if the braking power was split between both wheels. It’s also worth noting that we found that the braking power on the less expensive ($299) GoTrax Apex to be more powerful than the G4.
The G4 doesn’t disappoint when it comes to nighttime riding – at least, on paper. Under our testing, we were left wanting more from the G4. Sure, it has a headlight, rear taillight, and 6 reflectors dotted around the frame, but, to our surprise, the headlight on the GoTrax Apex was more powerful. Weak headlights plague most of the scooters that we’ve reviewed and so, this issue can be overlooked. Just make sure you buy additional lights if you plan to ride at night.
One of the best things about the G4 is its extra security measures. GoTrax has fitted it with a digital lock as well as a cable one to deter thieves from making off with your brand-new scooter. You can use the small number pad, located at the base of the stem, to set your unique locking code and physically secure the scooter, whilst also punching in a different 3 digit digital code to prevent a thief from rolling your G4 away. Once activated, the scooter will flash its light and beep if someone tries to move it. The integrated physical lock is a refreshing new feature not seen on any of GoTrax’s other offerings – or, in fact, on any other scooters in the G4’s class.
Located next to the digital lock controls is the new and improved display. It’s slightly raised from the handlebars for easier reading and has a black, hexagon-like shape that is larger than its other GoTrax counterparts. As with all displays, you can monitor your speed, range, and battery level but while testing we did find the battery reader to be inaccurate – you can find more out about this in our full review.
Whilst the G4 boasts a rich set of features, its weight isn’t one of them. Hitting the scales at 36 lbs it is the 2nd heaviest budget scooter when compared to all 21 models that cost less than $500 in our database. However, the simple-to-use folding mechanism and thin handlebar stem make the G4 easy to lift and carry.
This scooter is a serious upgrade from other budget GoTrax models. It delivers more power, more range, and a whole ton of innovative features that put the convenience of the rider first. It’s perfect for commuting and running errands, and its long list of extra features give it awesome value for money.
Slick, stylish, and smart, the Hiboy Max V2 is a great alternative to the Turboant X7 Pro and the GoTrax G4. It’s ideal if you need to keep within a lower budget or you’ve got your mind set on a scooter that has front and rear suspension but for a fraction of the price of more premium models.
At just $429, this is slightly cheaper than both of its competitors which is great news for those of you who need to watch your purse strings. There are a couple of compromises you’ll need to make to allow for the lower price, but nothing that stops this scooter from being a good choice for beginners.
In many ways, the Max V2 is very similar to the S2, featuring the same 350W motor and 18.6 mph top speed, ideal for city cruising. It gives you three different riding modes (Beginner, Normal, and Sport) so you can adjust your pace depending on your environment. Want to feel the V2’s full power? Sport mode will get you there. Need to conserve battery? Play it safe and opt for Beginner or Normal to eke out those final miles.
Speaking of which, the Max V2 will allow you to travel for up to 17 miles on a single charge if you’re riding conservatively. Otherwise, you should expect to see less than this, especially if you live in a particularly hilly area. The Max V2, like the majority of scooters in this list, has enough power to climb hills up to 15%, but doing so will force your battery to work harder, reducing your mileage more quickly. When you do need to recharge, you can expect to wait around 6 hours to reach full battery.
Like the S2, the Max V2 also comes fitted with 8.5-inch solid tires. These will appeal to beginners because of their flat-resistance — you’ll never have to worry about punctures. This makes them very low maintenance, but it does mean that the V2’s ride quality isn’t as comfortable as on scooters with pneumatic tires. Plus, its wheels are quite thin, so you’ll want to watch out for any big cracks or potholes.
To balance out the lack of damping from the tires, the Max V2 is fitted with dual rear shock absorbers and a spring in the front. These do provide some cushioning, but on anything other than smooth roads, you’ll feel the vibrations from the road. For clarity, the ride quality of the Max V2 sits between the Hiboy S2 and the Turboant X7 Pro. The front spring solves the uncomfortable ride at high speeds experienced with the S2 but the lack of air-filled tires puts the scooter just short of the X7 Pro.
The Max V2 also features a wide standing platform and a longer handlebar width that help to make the ride more comfortable. Measuring 21.6 inches by 5.8 inches, the deck encourages riders up to 265 lbs to spread their weight more evenly, whilst the handlebars allow for a wider stance and increased control over the steering column.
Both the foot deck and handlebars give you increased stability when braking, keeping you balanced even when you need to come to an abrupt stop. Like the S2, the Max V2 is equipped with both a rear disc brake and an electric brake to slow you down. It’s a shame that both are located on the rear wheel — a brake on both wheels would deliver more braking power, but this is hard to come by on cheap scooters.
Despite the budget price, it’s outfitted with a fairly comprehensive set of features that make it feel very modern and fun. The most impressive of these is the Hiboy app that connects to the scooter with the press of a button. From here you can initiate cruise control as well as change your riding mode and your start style (either zero or kick-start) to match your preferences. You can even adjust acceleration strength and the responsiveness of the electronic brake.
As you may have read from my other reviews, most cheap scooters struggle to pull together good lighting systems but the Max V2 breaks the mold. It is an impressively lit scooter, featuring a bright, high-mounted front light in addition to a taillight and side deck lights. All of these together make nighttime riding a possibility.
Despite coming with a mobile app, the Max V2 sports a small LED display that protrudes from the handlebars. Its elevated position and slight downward angle make it easier to read than other displays which are integrated into the flat of handlebars and often catch glare from sunlight.
At 35 lbs, the Max V2 is up there with the GoTrax G4 as one of the heaviest budget electric scooters. In fact, it comes in at a podium position of second place, just behind the Hiboy MAX3 (40 lbs). Nevertheless, its one-step folding design makes transportation easy – so long as you don’t have to carry it for extended periods.
Overall, the Max V2 is a good scooter but if you’re not concerned about having all the frills and fancies and would rather have a scooter that is superior in performance, I’d recommend the Turbaont X7 Pro.
Cheapest by Type (For Adults, Kids etc)
Adults / Value For Money
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:
- Turboant X7 – $499.98 – Best Under $500
- GoTrax XR Elite – $399.99 – Best Under $400
- GoTrax Apex – $299.99 – Best Under $300
Kids
I’ve got 2 words for you. Appearance and durability.
Whilst kids care if things look nice, adults buying scooters for their kids care about durability. Here's the best cheap kids scooter:
- GoTrax GKS – $99.99
Foldable, Light & Portable
Light scooters are easier to carry, making them ideal for commuting. Here are my top picks:
- GoTrax GXL V2 – Weighs 26.45 lbs and has folded dimensions of 43.3” (l) x 17.1” (h) x 14.6” (w)
- GoTrax XR Ultra – Weighs 26.45 lbs and has folded dimensions of 43.3” (l) x 17.1” (h) x 14.6” (w)
- Hiboy S2 – Weighs 29.5 lbs and has folded dimensions of 45.7” (l) x 19.3” (h) x 16.5” (w)
Commuting
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 Pro – An extensive 30-mile range, top speed of 20 mph, and great portability make this a comfortable commuter scooter.
- GoTrax G4 – The G4 has a zippy top speed once it gets going (20 mph), a good range for medium-length commutes (25 miles), and sturdy construction and pneumatic tires that are ideal for frequent riding. Plus, it has an integrated cable lock for when you need to secure your scooter.
- GoTrax XR Elite – Comfortable and portable, the XR Elite has the pace (15.5 mph) and mileage (18.6 miles) to make commuting a breeze.
I've put together a List of the Best Electric Commuter Scooters to help you choose the right one.
Fastest
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 Pro – 20 mph
- GoTrax G4 – 20 mph
- Hiboy S2– 18.6 mph
Longest Range
Want a scooter that'll get you from A to B and have some juice left over? Here are my long-range range picks:
- Turboant X7 Pro – 30 miles
- GoTrax G4 – 25 miles
- GoTrax XR Elite – 18.6 miles
Biggest Wheels
- Turboant X7 Pro – 10 x 2 inch pneumatic tires
- GoTrax G4 – 10 x 2 inch pneumatic tires
Heavy Adults
- Turboant X7 Pro – Supports up to 275 lbs
- Hiboy Max V2 – Supports up to 265 lbs
- Hiboy S2 – Supports up to 260 lbs
Optional Seat Attachment
Scooters with seats are great for relaxing and enjoying the riding experience but even better are those that have removable seats giving you the option to ride standing or sitting. Here is my top cheap option:
- Hiboy S2 – Available for an extra $50
FAQs
What is the Cheapest Electric Scooter?
The best cheap electric scooters are:
- GoTrax GKS (For Kids)- $99.99 (Best Under $200)
- GoTrax GXL V2 – $269.99
- GoTrax Apex – $299.99 (Best Under $300)
- GoTrax XR Ultra – $359.99
- GoTrax XR Elite – $399.99 (Best Under $400)
- Hiboy S2 – $399.99
- Hiboy Max V2 – $429.00
- Turboant X7 Pro – $449.99 (Best Under $500)
- GoTrax G4 – $499.99
What is the Best Value for Money Electric Scooter?
Given the performance and features on offer compared to the price you pay, the Turboant X7 Pro is the standout winner when it comes to value for money.
This scooter blows the competition out of the water with its awesome range of 30 miles, zippy top speed of 20 mph, and surprisingly luxurious ride quality. It’s rare to find a scooter at this price with the performance to match. The big, plush 10 inch pneumatic tires, inbuilt lighting, triple braking system, and easy folding mechanism make it ideal for commuting and city riding.
How Much Do Electric Scooters Cost?
Prices run from $100 to upwards of $6,000.
The more you pay, the more you get. However, there are plenty of low-budget options that will allow you to dip your toe into the thrilling world of electric scooters without breaking the bank.
Find out How Much Electric Scooters Cost
How Much Do Electric Scooters Cost to Maintain?
Electric scooters are cheap to maintain. All you need to do is charge them and potentially change a tire or two down the line.
Here is an example to help put maintenance costs in perspective for you:
For this example, we will use the Turboant X7 Pro.
The average price for electricity in the U.S. is about $0.12 per kilowatt-hour.
The X7 Pro’s battery has a 360 kWh capacity.
$0.12 (electricity per kilowatt-hour) x 360 (kWh) = $0.05
The Turboant X7 Pro will cost you just $0.05 for a maximum of 30 miles of travel.
Why Are Some Electric Scooters Cheap and Others Expensive?
Several factors affect the price of an electric scooter. Most notably:
- Motor size – The larger the motor, the higher the price.
- Battery quality and capacity – The greater the capacity of the battery, the higher the price.
- Build quality – Although most scooters are manufactured with strong aluminum alloys, it’s how the different components are fitted together that plays a pivotal role in build quality. For example, some scooters take components from multiple sources and string them together, others, like INOKIM, are vertically integrated meaning they own and control all parts of their scooters to ensure excellent quality.
- Features – The more advanced the features (e.g. powerful LED headlights, displays on the handlebars, suspension systems, etc), the higher the price.
Are Cheap Electric Scooters Safe?
Yes.
However, you need to make sure that you choose a model from a reputable brand.
You also need to pay attention to the safety features – most notably, the braking system. Scooters that use mechanical brakes, such as hand-operated disc brakes, give you more control over models that rely on electronics alone.
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