There are many underrated affordable electric scooters out there, especially in the US, that are just as worthy of praise as the mid-range and premium models. So, this 2023, we are looking to expand this list, especially with new releases, some of which are bound to debut at at CES 2023. Stay tuned.
Michelle Rae Uy, Buying Guides Editor
Save more with one of the best cheap electric scooters. E-scooters already save you money on gas and parking, especially for your daily commutes to work and errand runs, but these budget options take it a step further with their low price of entry.
Before you hit that buy button, keep in mind that most models under the $500/£500 price bracket tend to come with some compromises. These budget e-scooters are likely to have a shorter range and a less powerful motor that might not be good for uphills.
However, if your daily commutes are short or if you're only using them every now and then, the best budget e-scooter options are a great cost-effective option. And, they can be just as reliable as the best electric scooters on the market in terms of city commuting, as they're just as snappy in picking up speed and just as effective when braking.
If you're looking for something with chunky tires, a powerful motor and full suspension capable of powering up hilly trails, you'll have to open your wallet a little further. However, if your commuting demands are of the basic and straightforward capacity or if you need an electric scooter for students to make sure you get to class on time, there are excellent budget electric scooters to consider first to save you money.
We've tested more than our share of electric scooters so we know which ones are worth your money and which ones to pass on. Below, we've gathered the best cheap electric scooters on the market right now.
The best cheap electric scooters 2024
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The Segway Ninebot ES1L is an excellent affordable option if you're looking for a cheap electric scooter that boasts a solid build. It only has a 12.4-mile range, which means you'd have to charge nightly if you're using it to commute to and from work. However, it does have that Segway stamp of quality, which means it's well-designed and robust – not to mention a 220-pound max load capacity.
Its 250W motor can get you at 12.4mph top speed, which might not be super fast but still good enough for most short city commutes. The fact that it's lightweight, weighing at 24.9lbs, means you can easily fold it then load it up on trains and buses – as well as carry up to the office. Its 8-inch tires aren't best for rugged roads, but they should offer enough shock absorption – so long as you avoid massive potholes.
The Gotrax APEX LE is an attractive electric scooter and one that suits both teens and adults, thanks in large part to its 220-pound maximum load capacity. This is no toy, either. It's a proper commuter electric scooter that will get you to and from work with its 15.5 mph top speed and 250W motor. The 15-mile range per full charge does mean that you'll have to charge every or every other night if you're commuting every day, but that's not a biggie especially since it only takes up to 5 hours to charge.
We're in the middle of testing this e-scooter at the moment, and we're already loving our rides. The 8.5-inch pneumatic tires aren't exactly the greatest at handling shock absorption, but that throttle is impressively snappy, getting you from 0 to 12mph in about three seconds! That's not too shabby for something that's in the budget range.
Although we haven't fully reviewed the TurboAnt M10, we have had the pleasure of testing it, and it's a great introduction to the quality of electric scooters the company has on offer. This is among its budget offerings, and yet, it's incredibly well-built. Some cheap electric scooters might feel rickety out of the box, but this one feels robust and premium, which is a nice surprise.
Because it is on the budget end, it's a little light on special features. However, it's got a snappy performance and 10-inch pneumatic tires that ensure you're getting great shock absorption when going through the rougher parts of town, road-wise. What else will make you think this is a premium option? How about that 18-mile range and that 20mph top speed? Oh, and did we mention its fairly lightweight as well? This one is truly worth your money.
Gotrax's e-scooters have always been among the great-quality models in the budget and mid range, and the Gotrax XR Ultra is no exception. It's one of the pricier options on this cheap electric scooters list, but it's still very affordable compared to the top-of-the-line models. It's impressive too, touting a 300W motor and a 16-mile range per full charge in its fairly lightweight body.
It can also handle a max load of 220 pounds at its top speed of 15.5 mph on flat roads – though uphills might be a little tricky. Meanwhile, although its 8.5-inch pneumatic tires may not be the best are shock absorption, but they've got great traction. Just be prepared to put in a little more effort during assembly. We've only just started testing this electric scooter, but it's already impressed us.
Another cheap electric scooter from Hover-1, the Alpha is a little more expensive than the Eagle (hence its lower ranking), but will keep rolling for five more miles on a single charge, which might be enough to justify the cost.
It has 10in pneumatic tires for a smoother ride, plus electric disc brakes for safe stopping and a convenient folding design. It's not built with portability in mind though, and at 15.6kg it's the heaviest scooter in this roundup.
In addition to an LED headlight, there's also under-deck lighting, plus a Bluetooth speaker built in. If you're looking for a cheap electric scooter for an older teenager, little extras like those could tip the balance in the Alpha's favor.
