Best Electric Scooters Under $500 (I Tested 10 & Selected 4)
Top Picks: Best Electric Scooters Under $500
After testing 10 of the most popular sub-$500 electric scooters, I hand-selected the 4 top performers.
Each scooter was subject to top speed, acceleration, range, hill climbing, braking, shock absorption, and ride quality tests.
I also thoroughly assessed their design, build quality, reliability, and features.
Best By Type: Electric Scooters By Use Case
Heavy Riders
- VMAX VX5 Pro ST – Supports up to 265 lbs
Further Information:
Heavy Duty Electric Scooters for Heavy Adults
Tall Riders
- VMAX VX5 Pro ST – Suitable for riders up to 6'3″
Further Information:
Electric Scooters For Tall Riders Up to 6ft 6″
Fastest
- Turboant X7 Max – 18.6 mph
Further Information:
Fastest Electric Scooters
Longest Range
- Turboant X7 Max – 32 miles max, 18 miles real-world
Further Information:
Long Range Electric Scooters
Off-Roading
- None
Further Information:
Best Off-Road Electric Scooters for All Types of Terrain
Biggest Wheels
- Turboant X7 Max – 10 inches
Further Information:
Big Wheel Electric Scooters
Commuting
Further Information:
Best Electric Scooters For Commuting
Lightest
- Turboant M10 Lite – 31 lbs and an easy-to-operate folding mechanism
Further Information:
Lightweight Electric Scooters
Hill Climbing
- VMAX VX5 Pro ST – Gentle to moderate inclines
Further Information:
Electric Scooters For Climbing Hills: Breeze Up the Steepest of Inclines
Suspension
- None
Further Information:
Electric Scooters With Suspension: 5 Buttery-Smooth Rides
Waterproof
- VMAX VX5 ST – IPX6 water-resistance rating
Further Information:
Waterproof Electric Scooters: Best Scooters For Riding in the Rain
Seated
- None
Further Information:
Best Electric Scooters With Seats (Detachable & Built-in)
Best Under $300 - Best Low Budget
Turboant M10 Lite
Performance Report:
Tester: Josh Frisby (190 lbs, 6.1 ft)
- Top Speed: 16 mph
- Real Speed: 15.8 mph*
- 0-15 mph: 7.8 s*
- Max Range: 15.5 miles
- Real Range: 10 miles*
- Braking: 2.9 meters*
- Max Incline: 15 degrees
- Optimal Incline: 7 degrees*
- Weight: 31 lbs
- Load: 220 lbs
Turboant M10 Lite Overview:
If you’re new to the world of electric scooters then the first thing that you should know is this: when it comes to the budget market, Turboant rules the land. Nowhere is this more evident than with the indomitable M10 Lite.
It may be the cheapest scooter that Turboant offers, but don’t be fooled. It’s a serious piece of engineering that channels everything great about its predecessor – the M10 – and brings a selection of fine-tunings into the equation to deliver what’s arguably an all-around better ride.
From its chart-topping performance and excellent ride quality to its reliable build and ergonomic controls, it offers the best return on investment compared to all of its similarly-priced competitors.
The Good:
- Outstanding value for money
- Chart-topping performance in the sub $400 category
- Ride and build quality are impressive
- Dual-braking system is strong
- Clean and tidy cable management
- USB charging port that works
- Super quick and easy folding mechanism
- Anti-glare display
- Long fenders prevent splashback
- IP54 water-resistance rating
The Bad:
- Deck is a little short
- Cruise control has a habit of kicking in uninvited
Why I Recommend the Turboant M10 Lite:
You’d be forgiven for thinking that a scooter costing less than $300 may have a patchy spec sheet. But, the M10 Lite is here to prove us wrong.
Purpose-made for beginners and casual riders, it comes equipped with a 350W motor that, under my tests, produced a top speed of 15.8 mph. No other scooter under $300 goes faster, while it also lays claim to the quickest acceleration. Here, I reached 15 mph in 7.8 seconds.
Its real-world range is also top of the charts. While testing it, the 36V 6.6Ah kept the wheels rolling for 10 miles, beating pricier models like the GoTrax Apex.
What makes the M10 Lite enjoyable to ride, though, is a series of upgrades that have elevated its ergonomics and handling beyond its predecessor, the M10.
One of these is the replacement of the M10’s finger throttle with a new thumb throttle. Not only does this facilitate a smoother acceleration rate, but it’s more comfortable to use.
And when it comes to stopping power, the M10 Lite has a clear edge. Its brakes are far better calibrated, resulting in a 2.9-meter stopping distance from 15 mph. That’s 41% shorter than the 4.9 meters tallied by the original M10 (4.9 meters).
This winning streak continues when we consider the M10 Lite’s tires. Measuring 8.5 inches they’re extremely nimble, and get this: they’re pneumatic. This is rare to find on a scooter that’s so cheap. The result is far better ride quality than its counterparts.
Being a Turboant scooter, you can also rely on its IP54-protected aluminum alloy frame. With it, the M10 Lite is impervious to the damaging effects of puddles splashes and light rain. It’s sturdy and lightweight, too, while the handlebars are wide and connected to a wobble-free stem. The deck, though a little short, is grippy and large enough to host your feet in an L-shape position.
Another feature that gets a resounding thumbs up is the USB charging port. Located below the display, it can be used to charge your phone on the go. This is the first time that I’ve seen this feature successfully implemented on a budget scooter.
Last but by no means least, it sports the best lighting rig in its price class. With a high-mounted 3W headlight and a set of two responsive taillights, it’s just about bright enough for riding in well-lit areas during low-light conditions. I still recommend attaching an additional clip-on headlight for enhanced visibility, though.
Stylish, durable, and heaps of fun to ride, the M10 Lite once again sees Turboant redefining what’s possible for a budget scooter.
Best Under $400 - Best Design
NIU KQi2 Pro
Performance Report:
Tester: Josh Frisby (190 lbs, 6.1 ft)
- Top Speed: 17 mph
- Real Speed: 16.3 mph*
- 0-15 mph: 6.0 s*
- Max Range: 25 miles
- Real Range: 17 miles*
- Braking: 5.2 meters*
- Max Incline: 8.5 degrees
- Optimal Incline: 6 degrees*
- Weight: 41 lbs
- Load: 220 lbs
NIU KQi2 Pro Overview:
Even amongst the esteemed scooters that are featured in this guide, the NIU KQi2 Pro stands out.
That’s because this award-winning model fuses outstanding build quality with a well-rounded performance profile to redefine what value means in the sub-$400 category.
From the expertly-crafted frame and the smooth flowing lines of its chassis to the wider-than-normal handlebars and wobble-free stem, everything about it screams quality.
Add to this a plethora of features and an industry-leading warranty, and you have a scooter with a premium flair that over-delivers for its price.
The Good:
- Winner of an iF Design Award
- Best build quality in the sub-$400 class
- Comprehensive two-year warranty
- Exceptional folding mechanism
- Thick tubeless tires promise excellent traction
- Advanced battery management system
- Mobile app integration
- Bright and easy-to-read display
- Wider-than-normal handlebars inspire confidence
- Cable management is among the best I’ve seen
- Well suited to tall riders
- Iconic halo headlight
- IP54 water resistance rating
The Bad:
- While the taillight is bright, it doesn’t flash when you brake (instead, it just glows brighter)
- The brakes could be better calibrated, though it does have a regenerative system that recycles braking energy into battery power for extended mileage
- With just 3 inches of ground clearance, you need to avoid curbs and other obstacles
Why I Recommend the NIU KQi2 Pro:
I’ve reviewed countless scooters made by the heavyweights of the budget market – including Turboant, Hiboy, AnyHill, and GoTrax – and while each of these brands can feel proud of their work, no model has managed to encapsulate the air of pedigree that the KQi2 Pro wears so well.
It’s imbued in everything that this scooter has to offer, and this is clear to see from its iF Design Award.
The cockpit, for one, is a case study in ergonomic design. The display is among the brightest I’ve tested, while the thumb throttle sports an angular profile and ribbed coating to elevate it above the usual integrations that you’ll find in this price class.
The handlebars are also wider than competing models for enhanced handling and control. By comparison, they’re 24% wider than those sported by the popular Turboant X7 Max. Standing 40 inches high, they’re suitable for taller riders, too.
Possibly the only area where the KQi2 Pro falls short is in the length of its deck. Measuring 18.5 inches long it’s on the short side, but there’s enough room for your feet to adopt a comfortable L-shaped stance. Besides, the generous slathering of an ultra-grippy griptape makes you feel planted on the scooter at all times.
As for the rest of the sleek and minimalist frame, it’s both lightweight and durable with an IP54 water-resistance protecting it from light showers and splashes. The cable management, meanwhile, is excellent; the only visible wiring is the brake cable.
Moving on to the KQi2 Pro’s performance, the obvious place to start is with its 48V 300W motor. This packs 33% more torque than the 36V variants that you’ll usually find on scooters in its price category. This equates to a higher peak power output of 600W and a faster acceleration.
Consequently, the Pro can hit a plucky top speed of 17 mph, while it takes 6.0 seconds to hurtle from 0-15 mph. This makes it 13% quicker out of the blocks than the Turboant X7 Max.
Not to be outdone, the Pro’s 365Wh battery has the capacity for 25 miles on a single charge when being ridden at a slow and steady pace, or 17 miles if you’re putting the pedal to the metal. Once emptied, it takes just 7 hours to recharge.
As a leading budget scooter with the perfect blend of pace and range, the Pro will inevitably prove a popular choice among commuters. Good job, then, that it hits all the right notes in the portability songbook.
Weighing 41 lbs, it’s light enough to be carried up a couple flights of stairs, while its exceptionally simple, yet effective folding mechanism allows you to collapse it in just 3 seconds. Once folded, it’ll easily fit in your car trunk.
You’ll also want a comfortable ride when slaloming down city streets – once again, the KQi2 Pro delivers. Though it doesn’t have a suspension system (which is standard for its price), its chunky 10-inch tubeless tires do a great job of absorbing shocks and vibrations.
Add in the fact that they maintain excellent traction while cornering, and you have a scooter that’s not only addictive to ride but promises the most plush riding sensation among all scooters in the sub-$400 class.
And then we come to the Pro’s joker in the pack: its mobile app. With this, you can adjust the strength of the regen brakes to weak, medium, or strong, activate the digital lock, set a custom top speed, and record rides.
I also can’t end this review without a nod to the halo headlight. It’s perhaps the defining feature, a design flourish that’s set to become an iconic staple of the NIU scooter series. It does an admirable job of lighting the way forward on dark nights.
It’s quite mind-blowing that a scooter costing less than $400 can deliver such a well-versed package – but then again, this is a scooter that forces you to reassess what you thought was possible. Simple, elegant, and affordable, the NIU KQi2 Pro is one of the most-loved budget scooters.
Best Under $450 - Longest Range
Turboant X7 Max
Performance Report:
Tester: Josh Frisby (190 lbs, 6.1 ft)
- Top Speed: 20 mph
- Real Speed: 18.6 mph*
- 0-15 mph: 6.9 s*
- Max Range: 32 miles
- Real Range: 18 miles*
- Braking: 3.0 meters*
- Max Incline: 15 degrees
- Optimal Incline: 9 degrees*
- Weight: 34 lbs
- Load: 275 lbs
Turboant X7 Max Overview:
This titan of the budget scooter world is a welcome remake of the X7 Pro – and a testament to acting on customer feedback. While the Pro was celebrated for its removable battery and general all-around functionality, the Max has stolen the show by combining its successes with lots of exciting new features.
For the vast majority of riders, the ideal electric scooter is a combination of practicality and reliability with a topping of fun factor. The Turboant X7 Max is exemplary in all three areas. It’s the perfect scooter for everyday use, whether you need it for your commute, daily errands, or a trip to the park at the weekend.
The Good:
- Extremely popular budget scooter
- Table-topping range in the sub $500 category
- Detachable battery means you can extend your range indefinitely with the purchase of spares
- Reliable dual-braking system
- Plush 10-inch tires
- Intuitive folding mechanism
- Well suited to both tall and heavy riders
- Sleek, sweeping frame
- Ergonomic controls
- IPX4 water-resistance rating
The Bad:
- Additional lighting is needed for night rides
- The thick stem can be cumbersome to carry for small hands
Why I Recommend the Turboant X7 Max:
Some people may think that choosing a budget scooter means compromising on quality. The X7 Max is proof that they’re wrong.
Take, for instance, its removable 36V 10Ah battery which delivers a maximum range of 32 miles (or 18 miles when ridden fast). With this unique feature, you can extend your range indefinitely with spare units in tow. Why cap yourself at A to B when you can bring C, D, and E into the equation?
Plus, it now comes with a key lock to prevent theft. Charging it is far more convenient, too.
Now, while the battery is a key component of the X7 Max’s appeal, it’s not the only thing it has to offer. This firecracker not only tops the charts for speed and acceleration in the sub-$450 category, but it’s also one of the top performers among a wider field of similarly-priced models (including those that are pricer).
During my tests, I accelerated to 15 mph in 6.9 seconds before reaching its 20 mph top speed. New riders will be more than satisfied with its performance.
Wherever you look, the X7 Max is tailor-made to the rigors of fast-paced life. It’s the summation of a continual process that saw Turboant asking customers for feedback on their best-selling model, the X7 Pro. You see, Turboant hasn’t just released the X7 Max to try and peddle the sales of more units without delivering tangible improvements. Instead, they assessed all the areas that could be improved, and set on a mission to make it the best possible successor.
All of this goes some way in explaining why it’s the proud owner of several Electric Scooter Insider Awards.
The most noticeable improvements can be seen throughout its design. Here, the display has been refreshed with a brighter screen and larger icons/numbers, making it easier to read.
Elsewhere, the stem is now 2.5 inches taller, creating a 41-inch deck-to-handlebar height that’s been purposely designed to accommodate riders of all heights – both short and tall. Based on my tests, its proportions are suited to riders up to 6’4”.
The frame, meanwhile, is 2.7 inches longer, giving you a little extra room to get comfortable – a quality further strengthened by the tapered deck. Plus, with a 275 lb load-bearing capacity, it can accommodate heavier riders.
To put it simply: if there’s a more inclusive budget scooter out there, I’m yet to see it.
But there’s more. With plush 10-inch pneumatic tires, strong brakes (I stopped from 15 mph in 3.0 meters), and an ergonomically finessed cockpit, the X7 Max imbues a road-worthy level of shock absorption, control, and maneuverability.
It comes with a high-mounted headlight and fender-embedded taillight, too, while the folding mechanism takes just seconds to operate.
With everything it has to offer, it's no surprise that the Turboant X7 Max is so popular. This sleek and sturdy workhorse is maximum gain for minimal financial pain. It offers outstanding value for money and has something for everyone, making it an ideal electric scooter for first-time riders.
Best Under $500 - Best Build Quality, Features & Most Reliable
VMAX VX5 Pro ST - Editor's Overall Pick
Performance Report:
Tester: Josh Frisby (190 lbs, 6.1 ft)
- Top Speed: 18 mph
- Real Speed: 17.4 mph*
- 0-15 mph: 6.7 s*
- Max Range: 17 miles
- Real Range: 14.3 miles*
- Braking: 2.0 meters*
- Max Incline: 14 degrees
- Optimal Incline: 8 degrees*
- Weight: 35.9 lbs
- Load: 265 lbs
VMAX VX5 Pro ST Overview:
When you come across a scooter that’s ranked as not just the best in one or two categories, but three, you know it has a lot going for it. Introducing the all-conquering VMAX VX5 Pro ST.
In many ways, the Pro ST is a mirror image of its predecessor, the VX5 ST. This means an exquisite, blemish-free build, an impressive performance profile, and a design that has comfort and reliability seeping from every pore. The key differences are that the Pro ST comes with a 55% longer tested range, a superior lighting package complete with front and rear turn signals, and bigger 9-inch tires.
With VMAX’s two-year warranty and excellent customer support factored into the equation, no other sub-$500 scooter comes close. Put simply, its price:quality ratio is best-in-class.
The Good:
- Longest tested range in my list of top picks
- Shortest stopping distance among its rivals
- Top-tier ride quality
- Turn signals that are visible from the front, rear, and sides
- Wider than normal handlebars promote good handling
- Regenerative braking system recycles kinetic energy to recharge the battery on the go
- High degree of build quality with a UL2272 certified battery
- Clean, simple, and functional design
- Grippy and nimble 9-inch tubeless tires
- Immaculate cable management
- Mobile app allows for customized performance
- Slick folding mechanism
- 40.2-inch deck-to-handlebar height makes it suitable for tall riders up to 6’3”
- Protective IPX6 water-resistance rating
- Long fenders that prevent splashback
- Quiet motor
- Low maintenance
- 2-year warranty
The Bad:
- Display gets washed out in direct light
- The taillight is bright at night, but it doesn’t flash when you brake - it just glows a brighter red
Why I Recommend the VMAX VX5 Pro ST:
So, let’s unpack each of the VX5 Pro’s category wins, one by one.
First, there are its features. No other scooter priced under $500 combines 360-degree turn signals with an IPX6 water resistance rating, a regenerative braking system, a mobile app, a UL2272-certified battery, and a slick folding mechanism.
The turn signals are nothing short of sensational. Built into the end of each handgrip – as well as the rear of the deck – they can be relied upon night or day. Unlike those found on far pricier Apollo models, they’re not vulnerable to damage if the scooter is dropped, either. Combined with the high-mounted headlight and fender-embedded taillight, the Pro ST is the only scooter in its price class to have such a collection, making it the most well-equipped for night rides.
Yet it’s not just when the sun goes down that the Pro ST performs. Thanks to its highly-protective IPX6 water-resistance rating, it’s immune to downpours, while the grippy tread on the tires promises traction come rain or shine.
The regenerative braking system, meanwhile, is unlike any other setup that you’ll find in the sub-$500 category. The fact it dovetails with a front drum to deliver a 2.0-meter stopping distance from 15 mph is outrageously impressive. Better yet, it can be operated independently, allowing you to recycle kinetic energy back into the battery for longer rides whilst simultaneously reducing wear and tear on the drum. Plus, the mobile app allows you to adjust its strength.
From the app, you can also control your rate of acceleration, remotely lock and unlock the scooter, switch between eco and sport mode, change the metric (imperial or metric), and select kick-to-start or zero-start mode. You can even keep an eye on your performance stats in real time, including the scooter’s voltage, speed, electrical current, motor power, battery power, controller temperature, distance traveled, and total mileage. Again, this is an exceptionally rare feature to find on a budget model.
As, too, is a UL2272-certified battery. With this stamp of quality, you can be reassured that the VX5 Pro ST has passed several tests for both fire safety and electrical hazards. This scores top marks for reliability. Based on my tests and assessment of its real-world range, you can expect it to keep the wheels rolling for 14.3 miles.
This high degree of build quality can be seen across the rest of its design. Take its geometry and dimensions, for example. These are often overlooked when choosing a scooter, but based on my many years of experience, I can confirm that they are details worth paying attention to – especially as they have a direct impact on ride quality.
For starters, the handlebars are the widest among all similarly-priced models. In some cases, they are 33% wider, offering enhanced balance and control. Then there’s the tall stem that’s positioned at a 9-degree angle to the deck and measures 40.2 inches in height. Together, these amplify your stability and provide a foundation that’s suitable for riders of all heights – even for those up to 6’3” (based on my measurements).
Elsewhere, the cockpit – which is made up of tactile grips, easy-to-reach controls, and a smooth thumb throttle – sets the standard for ergonomic design.
A word must also go to the immaculate cable management which helps to maintain a clean-cut silhouette, its elongated fenders that hug the tires to prevent splashback, and its near-silent motor. Without sounding like too much of a fanboy, I tried to find something that I didn’t like about the VX5 Pro, yet the only component that I thought could be improved was the display since it gets washed out in direct sunlight. Despite this minor gripe, everything else screams premium.
With its premium-grade build and unparalleled feature set, it’s easy to see why I rate the VX5 Pro ST so highly, but the real clincher is just how reliable VMAX is as a brand. I’ve seen budget brands peddle the sales of cheap scooters without having the proper post-purchase support, meaning you get stuck with a faulty scooter and send emails back and forth trying to get help or repairs (trust me, I’ve spoken to people who have had bad experiences with miscellaneous brands). Thankfully, this is not the case with VMAX – their approach is nothing short of excellent.
Take for example VMAX’s two-year warranty. Not only does this provide double the amount of cover compared to rival brands (i.e. just 12 months), but they also take care of all the shipping fees related to warranty claims. Here, it’s important to note that almost all other retailers and brands charge you for shipping fees.
Beyond this, they operate a network of repair shops across the United States and Canada, making it far easier to get help than dealing with international support. And, if all of that wasn’t enough, there’s also no restocking fee. Sometimes, budget brands can be sneaky and charge hefty 25% fees for returning a scooter.
At the risk of sounding like a broken record player, I highly recommend the VMAX VX5 Pro ST – I wouldn’t be doing my job properly if I didn’t.
Compare Sub-$500 Electric Scooters
Turboant M10 Lite | NIU KQi2 Pro | Turboant X7 Max | VMAX VX5 Pro ST |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Where to Buy | Turboant | NIU | Turboant | VMAX |
| Price | $299.98 | $399 | $409.98 | $499 |
| Award | Best Under $350 / Best Low Budget | Best Under $400 / Best Design | Best Under $450 / Longest Range | Best Under $500 / Best Build Quality, Features & Most Reliable |
| Review | Review | Review | Review | Review |
| Performance | ||||
| Top Speed | 16 mph | 17 mph | 20 mph | 18 mph |
| 0-15 MPH | 7.8 s | 6.0 s | 6.9 s | 6.7 s |
| Max Range | 15.5 miles | 25 miles | 30 miles | 17 miles |
| Tested Range | 10 miles | 17 miles | 18 miles | 14.3 miles |
| Braking | 2.9 meters | 5.2 meters | 3.0 meters | 2.0 meters |
| Max Incline | 15 degrees | 8.5 degrees | 15 degrees | 14 degrees |
| Optimal Incline | 7 degrees | 6 degrees | 9 degrees | 8 degrees |
| Specs | ||||
| Motor | 36V 350W | 48V 300W | 36V 350W | 36V 400W |
| Throttle | Thumb | Thumb | Thumb | Thumb |
| Battery | 36V 6.6Ah FST | 48V 7.6Ah FST | 36V 10Ah FST | 36V 7.8Ah FST |
| Charge Time | 5 hours | 7 hours | 6 hours | 4 hours |
| Brakes | Disc, Electronic | Drum, Regen | Disc, Electronic | Drum, Regen |
| Suspension | None | None | None | None |
| Tire Size | 8.5 inch | 10 inch | 10 inch | 9 inch |
| Tire Type | Air (Inner-Tube) | Air (Tubeless) | Air (Inner-Tube) | Air (Tubeless) |
| Weight | 30.9 lbs | 41 lbs | 34 lbs | 35.9 lbs |
| Load | 220 lbs | 220 lbs | 275 lbs | 265 lbs |
| Foldability | Folds at Stem | Folds at Stem | Folds at Stem | Folds at Stem |
| Lights | Headlight, Taillight | Headlight, Taillight | Headlight, Taillight | Headlight, Taillight, Turn Signals |
| IP Rating | IP54 | IP54 | IPX4 | IPX6 |
| Terrain | Street | Street | Street | Street |
How Did I Test the Scooters?
Not all cheap electric scooters are made equal, and because of this, they can vary in performance. Some outperform their budget price tags while others can be poorly built, rickety, and unreliable.
Electric Scooters That I Tested:
Performance Tests:
Top Speed & Acceleration
Before I explain the testing process, it’s important to understand that sub-$500 electric scooters have small motors and as a result, slow top speeds.
Nevertheless, I still wanted to collect comparable data to identify the top performers and so, where possible, I recorded the time that it took for each to reach 15 mph.
These tests were conducted on a dry, flat road, whilst I also ensured that I had each scooter set to its fastest mode. Their tires were pumped up, and their batteries were fully charged, too.
Range
Every electric scooter spouts a maximum range, but it's important to not let these figures sway your judgment.
Maximum ranges are manufacturer-quoted and based on best-case riding conditions. These typically include a light 165 lb rider, flat terrain, and riding in the slowest setting. The issue with this is that it's not realistic. Here’s where my tests come in.
I reported on how each scooter performed under real-world conditions – including me as a 190-197 lbs rider with periods of acceleration, cruising, and multiple stops.
Hill Climbing
I won’t beat around the bush, budget scooters aren’t good at climbing hills. If you live in a hilly environment, you need a model with more power. If this sounds like you, check out my guide to the best hill climbers.
I did, however, test each scooter up varying inclines. To be frank, there was no discernable difference between the models since they all had similar-sized motors.
Braking
The braking performance of budget scooters varies wildly.
To report on this, I used a measuring tape to record their stopping distance from 15 mph. For the tests to qualify, they were conducted on a dry, smooth road, and had to bring me to a controlled stop without skidding.
Based on my tests, the average stopping distance of all 10 scooters was 4.4 meters, while some stopped quicker at 2.0 meters and others longer at 6.0 meters.
Shock Absorption
When assessing shock absorption I typically test each scooter's suspension system, however, because almost all budget models are void of springs and swingarms, I chose to report on the cushioning that their tires provided.
I tested models with both pneumatic and solid tires, and chose to only include those with air-filled variants in my top picks. These achieved the smoothest ride.
Ride Quality
To thoroughly assess the ride quality of each scooter, I paid particular attention to how their dimensions and geometry impacted handling. For instance, the wider the handlebars, the greater my control; the larger the space on the deck, the more room I had to find a natural riding stance; and the higher the deck-to-handlebar height, the better my posture (this also allowed me to identify the suitability of each scooter for riders of different heights).
Following this, I reported on the scooters that had the best distribution of weight across their frames, since these felt the most balanced.
Aside from my assessments of how each scooter’s design affected its ride quality, I also tested how each responded to different inputs. For example, was the throttle responsive or was there a degree of lag, and if I leaned into a corner, did the tires maintain traction.
Design Assessments:
As is standard for every electric scooter that I review, each was subject to thorough assessments spanning 10 design categories. These included the cockpit, frame, deck, tires, portability, suitability, lights, extra features, dimensions, and build quality.
Learn More About How I Assess the Design & Features of Each Scooter
Reliability:
Over my many years of testing scooters, I've seen budget brands peddle the sales of cheaply made models with poor post-purchase support. So, I made it my mission to select the brands and models that I felt were most reliable.
To make these assessments, I not only reported each scooter's ability to withstand wear and tear, but I also compared warranty policies, customer support, and sneaky restocking fees for returns/refunds.
Together, this helped me to identify the scooters that were high in quality and performance, as well as brands that could be trusted.
Value For Money:
To identify the scooters that had the best price:quality:performance ratios, I reviewed each relative to its price. For example, if a scooter cost $300, I compared it to similarly-priced rivals (i.e. $250-$350).
Results From My Performance Tests:
See how the electric scooters stack up against each other across the metrics of top speed, acceleration, maximum range, tested range, and braking.
Top Speed
Ordered from fastest to slowest – Learn about how I test top speed.
| Scooter | Price | Real-World Range |
|---|---|---|
| Turboant X7 Max |
$409.98
| 18.6 mph |
| VMAX VX5 Pro ST |
$499
| 17.4 mph |
| NIU KQi2 Pro |
$399.00
| 16.3 mph |
| Turboant M10 Lite |
$299.98
| 15.8 mph |
Acceleration (0-15 MPH)
Ordered from fastest to slowest – Learn about how I test acceleration.
| Scooter | Price | 0-15 MPH (Seconds) |
|---|---|---|
| NIU KQi2 Pro |
$399.00
| 6.0 s |
| VMAX VX5 Pro ST |
$499
| 6.7 s |
| Turboant X7 Max |
$409.98
| 6.9 s |
| Turboant M10 Lite |
$299.98
| 7.8 s |
Realistic Range (Riding Fast)
Ordered from longest to shortest range – Learn about how I test real-world range.
| Scooter | Price | Real-World Range |
|---|---|---|
| Turboant X7 Max |
$409.98
| 18 miles |
| NIU KQi2 Pro |
$399.00
| 17 miles |
| VMAX VX5 Pro ST |
$499
| 14.3 miles |
| Turboant M10 Lite |
$299.98
| 10 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 ST |
$499
| 2.0 meters |
| Turboant M10 Lite |
$299.98
| 2.9 meters |
| Turboant X7 Max |
$409.98
| 3.0 meters |
| NIU KQi2 Pro |
$399.00
| 5.2 meters |
Recent Updates
In the interest of delivering the most timely, relevant, and credible reviews/guides in the industry, I have detailed the recent updates and changes to my list of the best sub-$500 electric scooters. Learn more about my editorial policy.
- June 5, 2025: Following the VMAX VX5 ST's unavailability, I replaced it with the NIU KQi2 Pro. I also added the Turboant X7 Max. The text was refreshed throughout.
- December 2, 2024: Following the VMAX VX5 LT's unavailability, I replaced it with the VMAX VX5 ST. The text was refreshed throughout.
- October 18, 2024: Confirmed my picks for relevancy and availability.
- September 11, 2024: Refreshed the entire guide. Instead of categorizing the scooters by price class (i.e. Best Under $350, Best Under $400, etc), I selected the models with the best balance between cost, quality, and functionality. This included categories for the "Best Low Budget", "Best Value For Money", and "Best Build Quality, Features & Most Reliable". I also expanded my commentary about how the scooters were tested and selected.
- May 2, 2024: Following my extensive tests, I refreshed the top picks. I kept the Turboant M10 Lite as the “Best Under $350”, and moved the Turboant X7 Max to the “Best Under $450” following its price drop. I then replaced the Turboant M10 with the GoTrax Apex as the “Best Under $400”, and added the GoTrax G4 as the “Best Under $500”. The text was refreshed throughout, I expanded my commentary about how the scooters were tested and selected and I made significant improvements to the design of the page.
- September 25, 2023: Confirmed my picks for relevancy and availability.
- May 2, 2023: Replaced the GoTrax GXL V2 with the Turboant M10 Lite as the “Best Under $350”. Removed the GoTrax Apex as the “Best Under $400” and moved the Turboant M10 into its place following a price drop. I then added the Turboant X7 Pro as the “Best Under $450”.
- February 27, 2023: Added a quick list module and comparison table, as well as commentary explaining how the scooters were tested and selected.
- November 22, 2022: Published my guide with the GoTrax GXL V2 as the “Best Under $350”, the GoTrax Apex as the “Best Under $400”, the Turboant M10 as the “Best Under $450”, and the Turboant X7 Max as the “Best Under $500”.
