4 Best Electric Scooters for College Students & Campus Life (Based on 204 Hours of Tests)

Quick List: Best Electric Scooters for College Students

After spending 204 hours testing the top-performing electric scooters for college students from a field of 21 affordable models, we can reveal that the best (ordered by price) are:

  1. Turboant M10 Lite – $299.98
  2. Turboant X7 Max – $449.98
  3. NIU KQi2 Pro – $559
  4. NIU KQi3 Pro – $699.98 (Editor's Pick)

Find the Perfect Electric Scooter For College

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Find the Perfect Electric Scooter For College

I built a tool that makes it effortless for you to find the perfect scooter.

Filter, compare, and sort through all electric scooters.

See the electric scooters that we recommend.

Compare key performance stats and specs.

See the best scooters by type (e.g. for heavy adults, portability, etc).

Our Top Picks

Best Electric Scooters For College Students

Take a closer look at our recommendations by viewing the scooters in the categories below.

Each scooter that we’ve selected is affordable, lightweight, and has the ideal speed and range for riding to, from, and across campus.

Under $400
Turboant M10 Lite
Turboant M10 Lite
Sale: $299.98 $399.98
Under $500
Turboant X7 Max
Turboant X7 Max
Sale: $449.98 $599.98
Under $600
NIU KQi2 Pro
NIU KQi2 Pro
Sale: $559.00 $599.00
Under $700
NIU KQi3 Pro
NIU KQi3 Pro
Sale: $699.98 $799.00

Why Trust Electric Scooter Insider?

We've spent thousands of hours testing and reviewing over a hundred electric scooters.

We don’t just focus on the good, we also highlight the bad to let you be the judge. This allows us to show you alternatives, explain which are the best for different use cases, and ultimately, help you find the perfect scooter.

Comparison

Compare College Electric Scooters

The table below compares the best electric scooters for college based on performance, specs, price, and more.
Scroll right to see more
Turboant M10 LiteTurboant M10 LiteTurboant X7 MaxTurboant X7 MaxNIU KQi2 ProNIU KQi2 ProNIU KQi3 ProNIU KQi3 Pro
Where to BuyTurboantTurboantNIU OfficialNIU Official
Price$299.98$449.98$559$699.98
AwardBest Under $400Best Under $500Best Under $600Best Under $700
ReviewReviewReviewReviewReview
Performance
Top Speed16 mph20 mph17 mph20 mph
0-15 MPH7.8 s6.9 s6.0 s5.0 s
Max Range15.5 miles32 miles25 miles31 miles
Tested Range10 miles18 miles17 miles22 miles
Braking2.9 meters3.0 meters5.2 meters2.2 meters
Max Incline15 degrees15 degrees8.5 degrees11 degrees
Optimal Incline7 degrees9 degrees6 degrees9 degrees
Specs
Motor36V 350W36V 350W48V 300W48V 350W
ThrottleThumbThumbThumbThumb
Battery36V 6.6Ah FST36V 10Ah FST48V 7.6Ah FST48V 10Ah FST
Charge Time5 hours6 hours7 hours6 hours
BrakesDisc, ElectronicDisc, ElectronicDisc, RegenDiscs (x2), Regen
SuspensionNoneNoneNoneNone
Tire Size8.5 inch10 inch10 inch9.5 inch
Tire TypeAir (Inner-Tube)Air (Inner-Tube)Air (Tubeless)Air (Tubeless)
Weight30.9 lbs34 lbs41 lbs45 lbs
Load220 lbs275 lbs220 lbs265 lbs
FoldabilityFolds at StemFolds at StemFolds at StemFolds at Stem
LightsHeadlight, TaillightHeadlight, TaillightHeadlight, TaillightHeadlight, Taillight
IP RatingIP54IPX4IP54IP54
TerrainStreetStreetStreetStreet
By Type

Best Electric Scooters For College By Type

Heavy Adults:

Fastest:

Further Information:

Fast Electric Scooters

Longest Range:

Off-Roading:

  • None

Biggest Wheels:

Most Portable:

Commuting:

Further Information:

Commuting Electric Scooters

Suspension:

  • None

Waterproof:

Optional Seat Attachment:

  • None

Further Information:

Best Seated Scooters

Testing & Analysis

How Did We Choose the Scooters?

After going to college ourselves, we understand that you need to make your money stretch as far as possible, so we made sure to include 4 models for tight budgets.

Each scooter selected was assessed based on its performance across the four categories of power, ride quality, design, and extra features.

Electric Scooter For College Campus

Performance Reports

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.

ScooterPriceTop Speed
Turboant M10 Lite
$299.98
16 MPH
NIU KQi2 Pro
$559
17 MPH
Turboant X7 Max
$449.98
20 MPH
NIU KQi3 Pro
$699.98
20 MPH

Acceleration (0-15 MPH):

Ordered from fastest to slowest.

ScooterPrice0-15 MPH
NIU KQi3 Pro
$699.98
5.0 s
NIU KQi2 Pro
$559
6.0 s
Turboant X7 Max
$449.98
6.9 s
Turboant M10 Lite
$299.98
7.8 s

Maximum Range (Riding Slow):

Ordered from longest to shortest.

ScooterPriceMax Range
Turboant X7 Max
$449.98
32 miles
NIU KQi3 Pro
$699.98
31 miles
NIU KQi2 Pro
$559
25 miles
Turboant M10 Lite
$299.98
15.5 miles

Real-World Range (Riding Fast):

Ordered from longest to shortest.

ScooterPriceTested Range
NIU KQi3 Pro
$699.98
22 miles
Turboant X7 Max
$449.98
18 miles
NIU KQi2 Pro
$559
17 miles
Turboant M10 Lite
$299.98
10 miles

Braking (From 15 MPH):

Ordered from shortest to longest stopping distance.

ScooterPriceBraking From 15 MPH
NIU KQi3 Pro
$699.98
2.2 meters
Turboant M10 Lite
$299.98
2.9 meters
Turboant X7 Max
$449.98
3.0 meters
NIU KQi2 Pro
$559
5.2 meters
Reviews

College Electric Scooter Reviews

Turboant M10 Lite - Best Under $400

Sale: Save $100 | Was: $399.98 | Now: $299.98

 at Turboant

Turboant M10 Lite
Award: Best Under $400

The Good:

The Bad:

Summary:

Campus can often feel like part catwalk, part obstacle course. You’ll therefore want a scooter that’s both stylish and practical. Well, the good news is that the Turboant M10 Lite exists – and it costs less than $400.

Featuring an efficient folding mechanism, a pared-back understated design, and best-in-class performance metrics, it’s pushed the dial on what students can expect from a budget scooter.

In fact, go to any college and you’ll likely spot at least one delighted M10 Lite acolyte cruising between seminars. This is a model that’s taking campuses by storm.

Turboant M10 Lite Cockpit

Why We Recommend It:

The M10 Lite is the more affordable, lightweight version of the everyday commuter that is the M10. Yet, while it may only weigh 30.9 lbs – light enough to carry to class – it remains one heck of a tough cookie.

Josh Carrying the Turboant M10 Lite

Take, for instance, its IP54 water resistance rating. This ensures that it’s protected against light showers and puddle splashes.

Turboant M10 Lite Durable Chassis

Indeed, the M10 Lite is zero fuss and zero hassle. Its cable management is such that no wiring is exposed, while the aluminum alloy frame not only looks like something from a Batman movie but is also impervious to wear and tear. Looks? Check. Durability? Check.

Of course, you’ll also want your scooter to be a comfortable ride. Well, though the M10 Lite doesn’t come with suspension (for its price this is expected), its 8.5-inch pneumatic tires cushion you from most of the shocks and vibrations that your campus can throw at you. Their smaller profile also means that the scooter remains nimble, which will prove valuable when it comes to making it to class on time.

Turboant M10 Lite Front Fender

Its nimble nature is aided by its wide handlebars and ergonomic cockpit. Grippy rubber handgrips make steering effortless, while the thumb throttle is smooth and within easy reach. There’s even a USB charging port below the display, which allows you to re-juice your phone on the go. No other budget scooter offers this.

Turboant M10 Lite USB Charging Port

One area where the M10 Lite comes up a little short, though, is in its deck. Measuring just 17.7 inches in length it's around 2-4 inches shorter than a typical budget scooter. It’s also only capable of supporting up to 220 lbs. If you have big feet and are heavier on the scale, then the Turboant X7 Max and NIU KQi3 Pro with their bigger dimensions and higher load-bearing capacities will be worth considering.

Josh Riding the Turboant M10 Lite

Now, dorm rooms can be pretty cramped affairs – you may even be sharing one. Thankfully, the M10 Lite won’t take up much space. Its super quick and easy folding mechanism facilitates the collapsing of the stem in seconds, and once folded down, it’ll snuggly fit under a bed or in a car trunk.

Turboant M10 Lite Folded Frame

But what sets the M10 Lite apart from its similarly-priced rivals is its chart-topping performance. Sporting a 36V 350W motor, it can hit a snappy top speed of 16 mph and get there from a standing start in roughly 7.8 seconds. This is enough zip to produce a wide grin – in fact, only its bigger sibling, the M10, is faster within its price bracket – but it's not too fast for a college campus.

And the Lite also delivers when it comes to mileage. Its 6.6Ah battery has a maximum range of 15.5 miles, though if you go as hard as I did on the throttle, you’ll get a respectable 10 miles. This is enough zap for potentially up to a week of campus riding. Once you’re empty, it takes just 5 hours to recharge.

Turboant M10 Lite Motor

It also performs well in the braking department. Wielding a rear disc and an electronic braking system, it will bring you to a safe stop from 15 mph in 2.9 meters. Considering the average distance for a sub-$400 scooter is 5.0 meters, this is quite outstanding.

Turboant M10 Lite Brake Lever

Outstanding is an apt word for the M10 Lite in general. It’s a gift from the gods for students who are on a tight budget and seek exceptional value for money.

Further Information:

Turboant M10 Lite Review

Turboant X7 Max - Best Under $500

Sale: Save $150 | Was: $599.98 | Now: $449.98

 at Turboant

Turboant X7 Max
Award: Best Under $500

The Good:

The Bad:

Summary:

We’re staying with Turboant for the second model in our guide: the indomitable X7 Max. Voted the best overall scooter of 2022/23 by thousands of our readers, this is the jewel in the crown of a brand that’s not short of triumphs.

Building on the ever-popular X7 Pro, a glance at the Max’s spec sheet is enough to affirm its growing legend among college students. A secure, removable battery; an upgraded, one-click folding mechanism; a slick, lightweight frame; and dimensions that make it well suited to all types of riders, no matter if you’re big, small, short, or tall. This is a scooter that brings fun and longevity in equal measure.

But boil it all down and the X7 Max’s true appeal is in the value for money that it offers. For less than $500, you’d be hard-pressed to find another model that hits the sweet spot between performance and affordability with comparable aplomb.

Turboant X7 Max Sleek Chassis

Why We Recommend It:

Where else to start than with the most recognizable of the X7 Max’s calling cards: the removable 10Ah battery. This not only makes charging more convenient by not having to lug the entire scooter to a power outlet, but with the purchase of a spare, you can feasibly double the scooter’s 32-mile maximum range (or 18 miles when ridden fast).

Turboant X7 Max Battery Being Detached

Even without the spare, this mileage represents exceptional value – and what’s more, it can be recharged from empty to full in just 6 hours.

Another feather in the X7 Max’s cap is its inclusivity. Combining a 41-inch deck-to-handlebar height, with a 275 lbs load bearing capacity, and a long tapered deck, it’s a great fit for taller and heavier riders.

Turboant X7 Max Rubber Deck Matting

Then there’s the 16.5-inch wide handlebars and ergonomic controls that are perfectly suited for maximizing your balance and control. Along the bar, there’s ample room for the thumb throttle, seamlessly-integrated display, brake lever, and tactile snake skin-esque rubber handgrips.

Turboant X7 Max Handlebars FPV

The IPX4 water-resistant frame, meanwhile, is tough as nails while looking a million bucks. Its slick matte black finish is brought to life by explosions of red on the wiring, front fork, and throttle.

Josh With Turboant X7 Max

And then we have the X7 Max’s power. Being on campus, high speeds will not be at the top of your curriculum. But, it’s nice to have a bit of extra power under the hood in case you're late for class – and this scooter has plenty.

Turboant X7 Max Sleek Frame

Its 36V 350W motor can summon a top speed of 20 mph, while its acceleration rate of 0-15 mph in 6.9 seconds is nippy. Thankfully, you also have access to three riding modes that allow you to cap your top speed – and avoid the wrath of tutors.

You also have a responsive rear disc brake and a front electronic brake, which together will bring you to a smooth and controlled stop from 15 mph in 3.0 meters.

Turboant X7 Max Disc Brake

Elsewhere, the 10-inch air-filled tires absorb shocks and vibrations from sidewalks, while their thickened sidewalls make them less susceptible to pinch flats.

Combine the tires with the wide handlebars and grippy, spacious deck, and you have the makings of a thoroughly comfortable riding experience.

Turboant X7 Max Tire Tread

Thanks to its intuitive one-click folding mechanism, it’s also portable. The stem can be collapsed down with a moment’s notice and stored in your dorm or under a desk. Weighing just 34 lbs, it’s light enough to carry, too. The only thing that you need to be mindful of is that the thicker stem can make it harder to carry if you have small hands.

Turboant X7 Max Folded Frame

So, there you have it. The Turboant X7 Max. A scooter that fuses style, performance, and practicality within an affordable price tag.

Further Information:

Turboant X7 Max Review

NIU KQi2 Pro - Best Under $600

Sale: Save $40 | Was: $599 | Now: $559
NIU KQi2 Pro
Award: Best Under $600

The Good:

The Bad:

Summary:

If there’s one brand that can take on Turboant and win, it’s NIU. Bringing the same affordable ethos to the table, but upping the ante with a premium flair, the KQi2 Pro over delivers in the design department for its price.

The award-winning KQi2 Pro has redefined customer expectations for a budget scooter. Featuring a mobile app, thick tubeless tires, a sensational folding mechanism, and quite simply the best build quality of any sub-$600 scooter, it’s well worth the hype.

Sure, it costs more than Turboant’s entrants. But with that higher price tag comes greater attention to detail and more refined performance. If your budget can stretch far enough, the KQi2 Pro is money seriously well spent.

NIU KQi2 Pro Deck

Why We Recommend It:

Name a popular budget scooter and the chances are that I’ve reviewed it. We’re talking about models developed by an A-list roster of brands – including Turboant, GoTrax, Hiboy, and AnyHill – but not one can touch the NIU KQi2 Pro.

Josh With the NIU KQi2 Pro

It's not often that I’m left floored by a scooter’s attention to detail, but here I am. The display is super bright and clear – even in direct sunlight – while the thumb throttle is perhaps the most ergonomic that I’ve ever tested. Its angular design and ribbed rubber coating maximize your control of it and, as a by-product, the smoothness of its response.

NIU KQi2 Pro Thumb Throttle

The handlebars, meanwhile, are 24% wider than the Turboant X7 Max’s at 20.5 inches, affording superior control and maneuverability.

Elsewhere, the frame is a case study in elegance. Its minimalist black finish is augmented by a sweeping wash of grey that connects the stem and rear wheel, while a spacious, grippy deck is nestled within its welcoming embrace. If aesthetics are important to you, this is a scooter that’ll make you the talk of the classroom.

NIU KQi2 Pro Accelerating

So far, it all sounds very stylish, but what about its durability credentials? Well, for starters, it’s protected by an IP54 water-resistance rating, meaning it won’t suffer at the hands of light showers and puddle splashes. It’s also made from an aviation-grade aluminum alloy, making it tough as well as lightweight. And what’s more, the cable management is immaculate; the only wire you’ll see is the brake cable, minimizing any vulnerabilities and obstructions.

NIU KQi2 Pro Halo Headlight

This dedication to durable design extends to its tires. They’re 15% thicker than those that you’d typically find on a budget model, making them less susceptible to flats while traction on corners is guaranteed. And, thanks to their tubeless design they offer the most plush riding sensation among all scooters in the sub-$600 class.

NIU KQi2 Pro Rear Tire

Perhaps more important is the KQi2 Pro’s portability – and here it shines.

Its patented folding mechanism requires just 3 seconds of your time from start to finish, after which the scooter is securely compared down and ready to be stored or carried.

NIU KQi2 Pro Folded

The two areas where this scooter perhaps falls short compared to other models is in its price class – including the Turboant X7 Max – is its top speed and braking.

At 17 mph it’s slightly slower than the X7 Max’s 20 mph. Yet, the Pro has a trick up its sleeve with an acceleration rate that’s 13% faster. From a standstill, it takes just 6.0 seconds to reach 15 mph, making it a zippy accomplice for campus.

Josh Standing on the NIU KQi2 Pro

As for braking, it takes a long 5.2 meters to stop from 15 mph. By comparison, this is 2.2 meters longer than what it takes the Turboant X7 Max. Again, though, it manages to pull a rabbit out of its hat by laying claim to being the only sub-$600 scooter with a regenerative braking system.

The regen brakes kick into action as soon as you release the throttle, meaning you can rely on them to slow you down without having to use the drum brake. This brings two benefits with it – the first is that you can reduce wear and tear on the mechanical brake, and the second is that it recharges your battery, thereby extending your mileage while you’re on the go. Its strength can be adjusted via the mobile app, too.

NIU KQi2 Pro Drum Brake

Along with the 365Wh battery, you can keep the wheels rolling for 17 miles when riding fast, or if you’d prefer to cruise at a slower pace you could achieve its maximum range of 25 miles.

The battery comes with NIU’s patented battery management system, too. This provides 14 different types of protection to prolong its health and performance. I mean you just have to look at NIU’s two-year warranty on the battery to see how much confidence they have in their scooter’s components. This is even more impressive when you consider that other budget brands like Turboant and Gotrax offer just 6 months cover.

NIU KQi2 Pro Premium Frame

I can’t end this review without mentioning the iconic halo light. It’s possibly the best-looking lighting rig that I’ve seen on a budget scooter. The outer ring stays on the entire time, while the bulb in the middle illuminates the way forward when you turn the headlight on.

NIU KQi2 Pro Lights

You see, budget scooters are no longer the clunky antiquated models that they once were – and it’s models like this that have driven the market forward. Sporting a top bracket design guided by incredible attention to detail, it’s no surprise that the NIU KQi2 Pro is one of the industry’s most-loved scooters.

NIU KQi2 Pro Griptape Deck

Further Information:

NIU KQi2 Pro Review

NIU KQi3 Pro - Best Under $700

Sale: Save $99 | Was: $799 | Now: $699.98
NIU KQi3 Pro
Award: Best Under $700

The Good:

The Bad:

Summary

The NIU KQi3 Pro is that older kid that all the smaller kids look up to with envy. In a market brimming with excellent value, it still manages to stand out from the crowd with exquisite build quality, flawless design, and surprising power.

The bigger brother of the KQi2 Pro, it features a more powerful motor, a bigger battery, and stronger brakes to raise the speed, range, and safety stakes. It’s a serious achievement from a brand that clearly knows what it’s doing.

It’s the culmination of one of the world’s leading manufacturers of electric vehicles channeling its experience to produce a model that, frankly, makes other budget scooters look a little shabby.

NIU KQi3 Pro Deck

Why We Recommend It:

In many ways, the KQi3 Pro builds on the successful blueprint laid down by its predecessor, the KQi2 Pro.

Not only does it share an outstanding level of build quality, meticulous attention to detail, and premium design flare, but it features the same cockpit and controls, broad handlebars, and exquisite folding mechanism.

NIU KQi3 Pro Display

It uses the same mobile app, too – enabling you to adjust the regenerative braking strength, turn the digital lock on, and record rides.

And of course, the KQi3 Pro comes with that show-stopping halo light to ensure you remain as stylish at night as you do in the day.

NIU KQi3 Pro Halo Headlight

But, it brings so much more to the table. It addresses real-world rider’s needs and concerns that were previously raised with the KQi2 Pro.

Take for instance the deck. Encased in a sweeping chassis, it not only retains a sense of style to make it the best-looking scooter in the budget category, but with 23.5 x 6.7 inches of space for your feet, it’s both 27% longer and 29% wider. Together, these dimensions along with a 265 lbs load capacity and 39.5-inch deck-to-handlebar height make it a far more suitable scooter for riders of all shapes and sizes.

NIU KQi3 Pro

Another difference can be found in its performance. It sports a more powerful 48V 350W motor, resulting in a higher top speed of 20 mph and a 17% faster acceleration rate.

NIU KQi3 Pro Accelerating

Add to this a 486Wh battery, and you have a scooter with a longer maximum range of 31 miles. Though, as to be expected, under real-world riding conditions, you can expect to keep the wheels rolling for 22 miles – which is 29% greater than what the KQi2 Pro can achieve. The battery shares the same management system to preserve its life for years to come, too.

Josh Riding the NIU KQi3 Pro On a Sidewalk

The final difference can be found in its braking performance. While the KQi2 Pro’s single drum brake was relatively weak, the KQi3’s superior dual-disc setup is a completely different story.

NIU KQi3 Pro Front Fork and Tire

Working in collaboration with the regenerative braking system – which kicks in when you use the mechanical levers and delivers a strength proportionate to how hard you squeeze them – you can expect to come to a stop from 15 mph in a superb 2.2 meters.

NIU KQi3 Pro Rear Disc Brake

Combine all of these performance upgrades with the well-balanced frame, low center of gravity, and expertly-crafted geometry, and you have best-in-class handling.

If you want a scooter that brings the very best that the budget category has to offer, then the NIU KQi3 Pro is the one for you.

Josh With The NIU KQi3 Pro

Further Information:

NIU KQi3 Pro Review

Josh Frisby
Josh Frisby

Josh, Founder of Electric Scooter Insider. Over the last 4 years, I’ve tested countless scooters, amassed a database of 140+ models, and helped thousands of people find the right scooter. All of the scooters that I review are put through a rigorous review process so I can clearly distinguish where one is better or worse than another.

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