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3 Best Electric Scooters for College Students & Campus Life (17 Models Tested)

Top Picks: Best Electric Scooters for College Students

To find the 3 best electric scooters for college, I tested a total of 17 affordable models that all cost less than $750. I then divided the scooters into three price categories to accommodate different budgets.

To make my selection I assessed each scooter’s performance across various tests.

Here, I completed top speed, acceleration, range, hill climbing, braking, and ride quality tests to identify the models that represented the best value for money.

I also assessed their practicality for college campuses by reporting on how portable and reliable they were for carrying and storing in dorms/classes and withstanding the wear and tear of everyday use.

I even gave some of the scooters to a close friend who attended California Lutheran University to gain additional insight into their suitability.

VMAX VX5 Reliable Frame
Best Under $450
VMAX VX5 ST
Holiday Sale: $299.00 $449.00 – Get Extra $15 Off With Code: ESI
Turboant X7 Max Frame
Best Under $500
Turboant X7 Max
Holiday Sale: $429.98 $599.98
VMAX VX5 Pro Sleek Frame
Best Under $550
Editor's Overall Pick
VMAX VX5 Pro GT
Holiday Sale: $499.00 $549.00 – Get Extra $15 Off With Code: ESI
Sold Out. Check out the VMAX VX5 Pro ST (All of its specs are the same, but it has a shorter 17-mile range and costs just $459)

Best By Type: Electric Scooters By Use Case

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

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Scooter Finder

I built a tool that makes it easy to find the perfect scooter.

Filter, compare, and sort through all of the electric scooters for college.

Scooter Finder

I built a tool that makes it easy to find the perfect scooter.

Filter, compare, and sort through all of the electric scooters for college.

Best Under $450

VMAX VX5 ST

Holiday Sale: $299.00 $449.00 – Get Extra $15 Off With Code: ESI
VMAX VX5 Reliable Frame

Performance Report:

Tester: Josh Frisby (190 lbs, 6.1 ft)

*Based on my tests and assessments

VMAX VX5 ST Overview:

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 VMAX VX5 ST exists.

Josh Testing the VMAX VX5

Featuring a simple, yet sleek matte-black finish, efficient folding mechanism, and best-in-class performance metrics, it’s pushed the dial on what students can expect from a budget scooter.

You see, while the VX5 is cut from the same cloth as the rest of the extremely popular VMAX line, it manages to maintain a high degree of build quality despite being the cheapest of the bunch.

Josh Testing the VMAX VX5 Acceleration

The Good:

The Bad:

Why I Recommend the VMAX VX5 ST:

Aside from being the most affordable scooter in my lineup of top picks, the VX5 ST managed to impress me throughout my performance tests and design assessments.

Josh Testing the VMAX VX5 Handling

The first noteworthy area of its performance is top speed. Sporting a 36V 400W motor, it can hit a snappy 17.4 mph, while it also takes just 6.7 seconds to reach 15 mph. This is 14% quicker than its most fierce rival, the Turboant M10 Lite.

Combined with its 840W peak power output, the VX5 strikes the perfect balance with enough zip to get around campus while remaining safe.

Josh Testing the VMAX VX5 Mileage

Where the VX5 really shines, though, is in its braking performance. Wielding a responsive front drum and a rear regenerative braking system, it brought me to a safe stop from 15 mph in 2.0 meters. Again, against the backdrop of its most fierce rival – the Turboant M10 Lite – this constitutes a 31% shorter stopping distance.

VMAX VX5 Drum Brake

You can rely on its 7.8Ah battery, too. Based on the results from my tests, it's capable of keeping the wheels rolling for 14.3 miles. This is on par with other scooters in its price class, though its UL2272-certified battery is a marker of the quality on offer (it's the highest safety standard for batteries).

VMAX VX5 Deck

Factor in the VX5's shock-absorbing 8.5-inch pneumatic tires, confidence-inspiring cockpit, and well-balanced frame, and it achieves best-in-class ride quality. No other model in its category comes close.

VMAX VX5 Thumb Throttle

There’s even an integrated mobile app that gives you greater insight and control over the scooter. Via the app, you can enable an electronic lock, turn the lights on or off, switch between riding modes, change the units from imperial to metric, and select either kick-to-start or zero-start mode. Then, in the advanced settings, you can adjust the strength of the acceleration and regenerative braking.

VMAX VX5 Mobile App

Another feature worth mentioning is its 3-step folding mechanism. To fold it, you simply unlock the lever, lower the stem, and latch the handlebars to the rear fender. Weighing 35.9 lbs it's easy to carry, too. Plus, it has a small enough profile to fit in a car trunk or under a desk.

VMAX VX5 Folded Frame

Yet, despite it being one of the lightest scooters that I’ve ever tested, it still manages to remain durable. It can take a few knocks and bumps in its stride, while its frame is also protected by an IPX6 water resistance rating. This ensures that it’s protected against heavy downpours and puddle splashes. The cable management is impeccable, too.

VMAX VX5 Chassis and Tire

If I had to pick one area where the VX5 comes up a little short, it would be that the display fades under direct sunlight.

VMAX VX5 Cockpit

Ultimately, though, with all that the VX5 ST has to offer, it remains an excellent choice for students who are on a tight budget.

VMAX VX5 Durable Frame

It's also worth mentioning that, based on my experiences, VMAX's customer support is the best among all budget brands (I've tested a bunch of models from Turboant, Hiboy, GoTrax, and many more, but none compare). This is further evident through their 2-year warranty which is unheard of in its price class. To put this into perspective, it is twice as long as Turboant's policy.

VMAX VX5 Pro Lights

Best Under $500

Turboant X7 Max

Holiday Sale: $429.98 $599.98

Performance Report:

Tester: Josh Frisby (190 lbs, 6.1 ft)

*Based on my tests and assessments

Turboant X7 Max Overview:

Turboant has a history of consistently pushing the envelope with what’s possible from budget scooters, and the X7 Max – a deserved winner of an Electric Scooter Insider Award – is perhaps the purest distillation of what these guys are all about. They listen to customer feedback, apply the recommendations shared, and release new scooters that better what came before them in every conceivable way.

Josh Testing the Turboant X7 Max

Building on the legacy that found its roots in the hugely popular X7 Pro, the Max features the same removable battery – yet this time, there’s enhanced drivetrain hardware and software to facilitate greater efficiency and extend your range.

Turboant X7 Max Battery Being Removed

Beyond this, it affirms its growing legend with a simple, yet effective folding mechanism, a lightweight frame, and dimensions that make it well-suited to all types of riders, no matter if you’re big, small, short, or tall.

Turboant X7 Max Chassis

The Good:

The Bad:

Why I Recommend the Turboant X7 Max:

Where else to start than with the most recognizable of the X7 Max’s calling cards: its removable battery.

Armed with this bad boy, you can feasibly double its 32-mile maximum range with the purchase of a spare. Compared to scooters that achieve this type of mileage, the X7 Max is, on average, 45% cheaper.

Turboant X7 Max Battery Key Lock

However, as with all electric scooters, it’s important to note that you can only achieve this mileage if you stick to best-case riding conditions, which include a rider weighing no more than 165 lbs, flat terrain, and keeping below 15 mph. My tests, on the other hand, are designed to push electric scooters to their real-world limit by riding them across undulating environments with periods of fast acceleration, cruising, and multiple stops. Here, the X7 Max achieves 18 miles.

Turboant X7 Max Sleek Frame

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

Additionally, removing the battery makes charging more convenient by not having to lug the entire scooter to a power outlet.

Turboant X7 Max Battery Being Detached

It isn’t all about its removable battery, though. For starters, there’s its spirited 36V 350W motor, which powers it to a tested top speed of 18.6 mph. This is more than enough oomph for everyday journeys. Its acceleration of 0-15 mph in 6.9 seconds, meanwhile, is a whole 14% zippier than its competitor, the GoTrax GMAX Ultra. Thankfully, you also have access to three riding modes that allow you to cap your speed – and avoid the wrath of tutors.

Turboant X7 Max Front Wheel

And fear not, when it comes to safety amidst the hustle and bustle, the rear disc and the front electronic brakes deliver. Together, they brought me to a controlled stop from 15 mph in 3.0 meters. This is a 40% improvement compared to the distance that I recorded when testing its predecessor. Newly-calibrated brake pads are the reason for this improvement.

Turboant X7 Max Disc Brake

Elsewhere, the 10-inch pneumatic tires absorb shocks and vibrations from well-maintained roads, while their thickened sidewalls make them less susceptible to pinch flats. Combine these with handlebars that now sit at 49.2 inches from the ground (a 2.5-inch increase on its predecessor), a frame that’s 2.7 inches longer, and a tapered deck that’s bigger, and the X7 Max ticks the boxes for comfort. Most notable of all, however, is the fact that it has the markings of a scooter that’s suitable for riders both short and tall.

Turboant X7 Max Deck

Another set of worthwhile features worth mentioning are the display and throttle. Seamlessly built into the top of the stem, the display is bright, while the digits are well-spaced, large, and easy to read. This is convenient for when you need to keep tabs on your speed, distance, and battery life.

Turboant X7 Max Display

As for the throttle, I like to refer to it as an all-in-one command center. Unlike other scooters that spread their controls across the cockpit, the ergonomic thumb throttle on the X7 Max is home to all the buttons that you need to access its riding modes and lights.

Turboant X7 Max Handlebars FPV

The X7 Max’s user-friendly design can also be seen in its intuitive folding mechanism. This allows you to collapse the stem in a matter of seconds and connect it to the rear fender. Weighing just 34 lbs it’s light enough to carry, though you need to be mindful that the thick stem makes it a little tricky if you have small hands.

Turboant X7 Max Folded Frame

After this whistle-stop tour of Turboant X7 Max, I’m sure you’re as impressed as I was when I first got my hands on this little whipper snapper. In conclusion, it fuses style, performance, and practicality to offer more value than its budget price tag may lead you to believe.

Turboant X7 Max With Lights On at Night

Further Information:

Turboant X7 Max Review

Best Under $550

VMAX VX5 Pro GT

Holiday Sale: $499.00 $549.00 – Get Extra $15 Off With Code: ESI
Sold Out. Check out the VMAX VX5 Pro ST (All of its specs are the same, but it has a shorter 17-mile range and costs just $459)

Performance Report:

Tester: Josh Frisby (197 lbs, 6.1 ft)

*Based on my tests and assessments

VMAX VX5 Pro GT Overview:

Any college student navigating the hustle and bustle of campus life requires a scooter that’s in essence a Swiss army knife on wheels – in other words, it needs to be a model that does everything well. It’s no coincidence that the VMAX VX5 Pro GT hails from the same lands as its all-purpose inspiration.

Josh Testing the VMAX VX5 Pro

This award-winning, all-singing workhorse has set tongues wagging in the budget everyday market thanks to its solid performance profile, exceptional build quality, comfortable ride, and reliable design. It’s both plush and practical; exciting and economical; refined and robust.

Josh Testing the VMAX VX5 Pro's Motor Power

But, best of all, for students who need to watch their pennies, the VX5 Pro GT remains affordable. This is serious bang for your buck that, frankly, puts its competition to shame. In fact, I rate it as the most well-rounded budget electric scooter that I’ve ever reviewed.

The Good:

The Bad:

Why I Recommend the VMAX VX5 Pro GT:

Well, firstly, there’s its lengthy range. Armed with a 36V 10.4Ah GT battery, the Pro can muster a maximum range of 22 miles on a single charge. You can also purchase it in 2 other variants – the ST and LT – with cheaper and smaller batteries if money is tight.

Josh Testing the VMAX VX5 Pro's Handling

The real clincher, however, is its real-world mileage. Ordinarily, an electric scooter achieves around 60-70% of its maximum when factors like rider weight, speed, and topography enter the equation; yet under my tests, the Pro’s real-world range of 19.04 miles stands at 87%, placing it head and shoulders above the rest. This is great news for students who have to commute to or across campus to get to class.

VMAX VX5 Pro Real-World Range Test Data Displayed on GPS Data Logger

As for motor power, the VX5 Pro hits the sweet spot between fun and steady. I tested its top speed at 17.4 mph, while its acceleration rate of 0-15 mph in 6.7 seconds brings the fun factor while guaranteeing control.

VMAX VX5 Pro Top Speed Test Data Displayed on GPS Data Logger

You needn’t worry about the Pro’s ability to handle the unpredictability of everyday weather, either. Its IPX6 water resistance rating ensures that it can withstand sudden showers without fear of damage, while a pair of long fenders protect your clothes from splashback.

VMAX VX5 Pro Fender

Meanwhile, its 9-inch tires sport a wavy tread pattern that maximizes grip on wet surfaces and tight corners. Against the backdrop of competing scooters, I found that the tires on the VX5 Po elevated its overall handling above the rest.

VMAX VX5 Pro Tire

The same can be said for the handlebars which, by my measurements, stretch 21.9 inches. This makes them a whopping 33% wider than those on the Turboant X7 Max. Couple with the extremely tactile handgrips, smooth throttle, and easy-to-use rocker switch for the turn signals, it sets the standard not only for ergonomics but control, too.

VMAX VX5 Pro Cockpit

In fact, the VX5 Pro has been expertly designed from top to bottom, with longevity and ride quality in mind. This becomes immediately apparent when you compare its design to rival scooters. While many budget brands buy prebuilt scooters from various manufacturers and slap their logos on the frames, VMAX owns their manufacturing facility. This means you get a unique scooter with a proprietary build, design, and feature set.

VMAX VX5 Pro Frame

Unsurprisingly, it ticks the safety box, too. Not only is the battery UL2272 certified, meaning it’s passed several tests for fire safety and electrical hazards, but with an extremely strong front drum and accompanying rear regen brake, it brought me to a stop from 15 mph in just 2.0 meters. This trumps many scooters that retail at triple its price. You can also use the regenerative system independently; in doing so, you can recharge your battery on the go.

VMAX VX5 Pro Drum Brake

The strength of the regen brake, as well as your acceleration, can be adjusted via the nifty mobile app, too. This also allows you to lock and unlock the scooter, turn the lights on and off, toggle between sport and eco modes, and select kick-to-start or zero-start mode.

Josh Testing the VMAX VX5 Pro Mobile App

For a scooter of the VX5 Pro’s price, having a mobile app is incredibly rare. Yet, this isn’t the only trick up its sleeve. To my surprise, you can rely on it to get around campus after dark. The high-mounted headlight is bright enough for night rides, while its turn signals can be seen from all angles thanks to their positioning on the handlebars and deck.

VMAX VX5 Pro Turn Signals

Portability is another area of strength. It passed my tests in this department with flying colors. Its slick folding lever and hook-and-latch system made collapsing the stem super easy, while its 36.8 lbs folded frame was light enough to carry.

VMAX VX5 Pro Folded Frame

In summary, the VMAX VX5 Pro GT is tailor-made for student life. Affordable yet oozing with quality and durability, it brings all the best of all three worlds into one complete package. Plus, with a 2-year warranty that’s, on average, double the length of rival scooters, VMAX stands out as the most reliable budget brand on the market.

Josh Testing the VMAX VX5 Pro's Tire Performance

Further Information:

VMAX VX5 Pro Review

Comparison

Compare College Electric Scooters

The table below compares the best electric scooters for college across their performance, specs, price, and more.
Scroll right to see more
VMAX VX5 STVMAX VX5 Reliable FrameTurboant X7 MaxTurboant X7 Max FrameVMAX VX5 ProVMAX VX5 Pro Sleek Frame
Where to BuyVMAXTurboantVMAX
Price$299$429.98$499
AwardBest Under $450Best Under $500Best Under $550
ReviewReviewReviewReview
Performance
Top Speed18 mph20 mph18 mph
0-15 MPH6.7 s6.9 s6.7 s
Max Range17 miles32 miles22 miles
Tested Range14.3 miles18 miles19 miles
Braking2.0 meters3.0 meters2.0 meters
Max Incline14 degrees15 degrees14 degrees
Optimal Incline8 degrees9 degrees8 degrees
Specs
Motor36V 400W36V 350W36V 400W
ThrottleThumbThumbThumb
Battery36V 7.8Ah FST36V 10Ah FST36V 10.4Ah FST
Charge Time4 hours6 hours5 hours
BrakesDrum, RegenDisc, ElectronicDrum, Regen
SuspensionNoneNoneNone
Tire Size8.5 inch10 inch9 inch
Tire TypeAir (Inner-Tube)Air (Inner-Tube)Air (Tubeless)
Weight35.9 lbs34 lbs36.8 lbs
Load265 lbs275 lbs265 lbs
FoldabilityFolds at StemFolds at StemFolds at Stem
LightsHeadlight, TaillightHeadlight, TaillightHeadlight, Taillight, Turn Signals
IP RatingIPX6IPX4IPX6
TerrainStreetStreetStreet
Testing & Analysis

How Did I Test the Scooters?

After going to college myself, I understand that you need to make your money stretch as far as possible, so to find the 3 best electric scooters for college, I tested a total of 17 affordable models that all cost less than $750. I then divided the scooters into three price categories to accommodate different budgets.

To make my selection I assessed each scooter’s performance across various tests. Here, I completed top speed, acceleration, range, hill climbing, braking, and ride quality tests to identify the models that represented the best value for money.

I also assessed their practicality for college campuses by reporting on how portable and reliable they were for carrying and storing in dorms/classes and withstanding the wear and tear of everyday use.

I even gave some of the scooters to a close friend who attended California Lutheran University to gain additional insight into their suitability.

You can learn more about how I test 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 & Acceleration

To assess each scooter’s motor power on a level playing field, I recorded the time that it took them to reach 15 mph, as well as the speed at which they topped out.

To ensure consistent results, I completed the tests on a flat, dry road. Each scooter’s performance settings were dialed up to the max (i.e. I selected the fastest riding modes, strongest acceleration settings, and – where possible – enabled zero-start modes). I also made sure that their tires were pumped up and their batteries fully charged.

SPLACH Turbo Accelerating

The maximum speed that I tested among all 15 scooters was 26 mph. However, I found that an average speed of 18.4 mph was most suitable for busy environments.

Range

Importantly, I wanted to make sure that the scooters had enough battery power to not only travel around campus but also beyond.

To do this, I reported on their tested range. These figures differ significantly from the maximum manufacturer range stats since they are based on real-world use.

Josh Riding the NIU KQi3 Pro On a Sidewalk

When testing each scooter, I weighed between 190 and 197 lbs and made sure to alternate my riding style with periods of fast acceleration, cruising, and multiple stops.

Further Information:

How I Test Real-World Range

Hill Climbing

Here, each scooter was tested on its ability to climb a 10% slope. Those that were most adept at climbing (i.e. at a faster pace) were chosen.

Josh Testing the VMAX VX5 Pro Up a Hill

However, it’s important to note that by their very nature, cheaper electric scooters tend not to be the best hill climbers. If your campus is hilly, I recommend a more powerful scooter.

Braking

Campuses can be busy hubs of students and other vehicles, so having the ability to stop on a dime is important.

To assess and compare each scooter’s stopping power, I measured the distance that it took them to stop from 15 mph.

Josh Testing Braking Performance

The braking tests were completed a minimum of five times to find an accurate average. However, for each test to qualify, it had to be conducted on a dry, smooth road, while being controlled (i.e. no skidding).

If electronic or regenerative braking systems were present, I set them to their highest strength. Where possible, I also tested them independently to monitor performance without engaging the mechanical brakes.

Further Information:

How I Test Braking Performance

Ride Quality

I’ve been reviewing electric scooters for many years and one of the key tests that can make or break a scooter’s overall performance is its ride quality. Without it, everything else falls by the wayside.

Unlike the other tests, this one was based predominantly on my subjective opinion, and so to test fairly, I paid particular attention to each scooter’s handling, comfort, and power delivery.

Josh Testing the VMAX VX5 Pro's Handling

Aside from these observations, I also detailed how the geometry and dimensions of their frames impacted their stability, control, and agility.

Portability

Portability is perhaps one of the most important qualities of a scooter that’s destined for college use, so to report on each scooter’s credentials, I tested the ease of their folding mechanisms and weight to assess how easy they were to collapse and carry.

NIU KQi2 Pro Folded

I also noted how compact each scooter was by assessing its folded length, width, and height.

Further Information:

How I Test Portability

Reliability

Key to a scooter’s appeal is how durable and reliable it is – especially for students who are already strapped for cash and don’t want to fork out additional funds to replace subpar scooters.

I took this into account by putting the build quality and craftsmanship of each scooter under scrutiny.

Josh Testing the Horizon V2 in the Rain

Here, I reported on the materials used, the rigidity of the frames and components (i.e. checking for vulnerabilities that could cause structural issues such as stem wobble), protection against wet weather (i.e. IP ratings), the inclusion of battery management systems, and a thorough assessment of warranty policies for peace of mind.

Further Information:

How I Test Build Quality

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.

ScooterPriceTop Speed
Turboant X7 Max
$429.98
18.6 MPH
VMAX VX5 Pro GT
$499
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.

ScooterPrice0-15 MPH
VMAX VX5 Pro GT
$499
6.7 s
VMAX VX5 ST
$299
6.7 s
Turboant X7 Max
$429.98
6.9 s

Realistic Range (Riding Fast)

Ordered from longest to shortest range – Learn about how I test real-world range.
Scooter Price Tested Range
VMAX VX5 Pro GT
$499
19 miles
Turboant X7 Max
$429.98
18 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
$499
2.0 meters
VMAX VX5 ST
$299
2.0 meters
Turboant X7 Max
$429.98
3.0 meters
Change Log

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 electric scooters for college. Learn more about my editorial policy.

Josh Frisby
Josh Frisby

From basic budget and feature-packed commuters to all-terrain trailblazers and ultra-performance behemoths, I've spent the last 5 years testing every type of electric scooter. All of the scooters that I review are put through a rigorous review process so that I can clearly distinguish where one is better or worse than another. See how I test electric scooters or check out my guide to the best electric scooters. Contact me anytime: josh@electricscooterinsider.com

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