6 Affordable Electric Scooter Models With Great Performance in 2021
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If you’re here then you are probably on a tight budget or you’re a beginner looking for your very first electric scooter and don’t want to break the bank before knowing for sure it’s for you.
None the less, you are looking for a cheap electric scooter model that can provide you with enough power, distance, and comfort to get the job done. While still providing you with lots of fun for half the price.
Well, I would be lying to you if I said that finding an affordable electric scooter that still can provide you with tons of fun is hard.
Because it isn’t, at least not for you.
Now you are probably wondering: How can he say that?
Because I did all the legwork and put together a few really good options for you to have a look at. And I did it with all the different ages of kids, teenagers, and adults in mind.
Remember the words “you get what you pay for”. Below are some really good scooter options for the price tag but you cannot compare these to a top of the line model because that wouldn’t be fair. So remember to set your expectations according to what you are willing to pay.
Top 6 budget-friendly electric scooter models
Whatever your experience level, we have a scooter that will fit both your wallet and your needs. Below we’ve created a list of 5 really good and of course affordable electric scooter models that work perfectly as your first scooter or just a cheap alternative way to get back and forth to work every day. These scooters have no problems handling the weight of an adult and they provide you with good speed and distance per charge.
*All test data in the following reviews are done with a rider weight of 178 lbs, for kids scooters it is done with a rider weight of 52 lbs.
Xiaomi M365 – Best budget ride under $350
Xiaomi M365 is definitely the best model in the affordable electric scooters class. But it’s not just a good budget scooter, it’s the most sold electric scooter ever. There are cheaper alternatives but the m365 comes with everything a budget rider can ask for, and more.
Built by a company famous for creating affordable tech products that hold high quality you can hardly go wrong. You’ve probably seen it or one of its copy cats on the streets before. Yes, that’s how good of a design it has. So good other companies, even large ones like Segway, have gone with a similar appearance. Just check out our comparison between the Segway Max and the 365 pro, this scooter’s big brother.
The scooter has a rigid frame with a front-mounted 250W hub motor that enables you to reach a maximum speed of 15.5 mph. It has two different speed modes, beginner and advanced so that it can adapt to the user’s experience. The scooter has a large and strong 270Wh battery that can propel you for up to 18.6 miles on a single charge.
It has a smart and easy-to-use folding mechanism that lets you fold it and be on your way within seconds.
Safety features such as a bright headlight and a rear tail/brake light enable night time riding. An electric and disc brake combo provides you with enough braking power to stop the scooter within a couple of meters while riding at top speed.
A solid choice for both adults and kids alike and I promise you will fall in love with it just as I and everyone else has. Need I say more? If so, check out our latest comparison with both m365 scooters.
If you want some more power under your feet to take on inclines and accelerate better check out the Macwheel MX1. If you don’t mind the more unfamiliar brand and a lot more power. It’s my number one choice for city riding these days. It has a more powerful motor of 350w, otherwise, everything is the same, including the price.
Promised specifics
Distance: 18.6 miles
Speed: 15.5 mph
Recharge: 4 hrs
Motor: 250W
Battery: 36V 7.8Ah
Weight: 18 lbs
Tires: 8.5” pneumatic
Our review data*
Distance: 12 miles
Speed: 16 mph
Avg speed: 8.3 mph
Battery Consumption: 100% to 0%
Recharge time: 3 hrs
Mode used: 100% sport mode
Surface: Rough asphalt with some good inclines
Positives
- Affordable
- Two different speed modes to choose between
- Long-range
- Great braking capabilities
- Well tested and lots of cheap 3rd party spare parts available
Negatives
- You might want to buy a couple of great add ons to make it extra reliable.
- Tires can be punctured
For an even deeper analysis of the m365 read our full review here.
Gotrax GXL V2 – Most bang for your buck under $300
If you’re looking to pay as little as possible for as much value as possible, then the Gotrax GXL v2 is definitely what you’re looking for. A reliable electric scooter that performs just as well in our tests as its pricier competing models. This is what makes it a great electric scooter for grown-ups, but also a very viable option for kids.
It comes packed with all you may need for a safe and enjoyable ride. It doesn’t deliver the most mind-blowing riding experience, but it gets the job done, and it does so very well.
Equipped with a 250w motor it delivers a top speed of 15.5 mph just as our #1 pick and a has a maximum distance per charge of 12.4 miles. 8.5” pneumatic tires for sweet comfortable riding and it lets you stop on a dime with an electric and disc brake combo.
Simple scooter with all the features you need for daily riding needs for a fraction of the price.
Also read: Gotrax GXL Review – A price-worthy commuter from Gotrax or GoTrax GKS Electric Scooter review.
Promised specifics
Distance: 15.5 miles
Speed: 12.4 mph
Recharge: 4 hrs
Motor: 250W
Battery: 36V 5.2Ah
Weight: 27 lbs
Tires: 8.5” pneumatic
Our review data*
Distance: 9 miles
Speed: 15 mph
Avg speed: 8.3 mph
Battery Consumption: 100% to 10%
Recharge time: 4 hrs
Surface: Smooth roads with some decent elevation
Positives
- Sturdy and quality build
- The most value you can get for your money
- Pneumatic tires for increased comfort
- Good brakes
- Higher ground clearance (battery in stem)
Negatives
- Distance varies heavily depending on weight and terrain
- Does not handle steeper inclines well
Swagtron 8 – The best teen and kid choice around
With an adjustable handlebar and a very slick, simple design, the Swagtron 8 has some serious output at only 14.4 lbs. A great teen and kid scooter with up to 15 mph of top speed and a maximum range of 10 miles per charge. That is some serious performance from such a lightweight and cheap scooter.
Equipped with solid 5.5-inch tires and a front suspension system it can handle even some of the rougher terrains without being too uncomfortable or you having to worry about getting a flat.
A plus for kids is that it has a rear friction brake that you can use with your foot, while also having an electric push-button brake. The foot brake is often preferable for younger riders. Also beneficial with its brakes it the positioning of the motor. With a rear-wheel drive, the rubber tears less and the braking is far smoother and safer.
The downside is that it doesn’t come equipped with lights, so you will want to buy your own lights to use if you’re going to ride after dark.
Promised specifics
Distance: 10 miles
Speed: 15 mph
Recharge: 3 hrs
Motor: 200W
Weight: 14.4 lbs
Capacity: 150 lbs
Tires: 5.5" solid rubber
Our review data*
Distance: 9 miles
Speed: 15 mph
Avg speed: 5.3 mph
Battery Consumption: 100% to 0%
Recharge time: 2.5 hrs
Surface: Mixed surface with some hills
Positives
- Affordable
- Slim & Lightweight
- Great braking for kids
- Shock absorber
- Height adjusted handlebar
Negatives
- No headlight/taillight
Razor Power Core E90 – A great bargainfor the very young riders
Razor is known to be one of the founders of the electric scooter launching their very first model way back in 2003. They have since then made a couple of small upgrades over the year, but it isn’t until later that they went ahead and introduced us to their first hub motor model, the E90. These models give your kids superior torque and riding distance over the old-fashioned chain-driven models.
The E90 is a well-balanced model when it comes to performance and it will give your kids a really good riding experience. With its 10 mph top speed and an increased riding distance of 100% from the old models you can expect a maximum distance of 9-15 miles depending on the age/weight of the child.
In my opinion, this is one of the best rides you can buy for kids 5-10 years old and it comes with a respectable price tag too. Find it here on Amazon.
Promised specifics
Distance: 80 minutes of ride time
Speed: 10 mph
Recharge: 12 hrs
Motor: 90W
Battery: 12V 7Ah
Weight: 22 lbs
Tires: 5.5" solid rubber
Our review data*
Distance: 10 miles
Speed: 10.1 mph
Avg speed: 4.3 mph
Battery Consumption: 100% to 12%
Recharge time: 11 hrs
Surface: Slick roads with some minor elevation
Positives
- Powerful motor
- Really good ride time
- Kick-start function to prevent accidental take-offs
- Great quality
- Maintenance free
Negatives
- The urethane front wheel makes it bumpy
- 12 hr charging time
- Doesn’t handle wet surfaces well
- Non-variable speed control
Megawheels S5 – Low priced performer
Megawheels is a company I’ve had the pleasure to work with on a bunch of occasions and the company itself is great and has always had good customer support.
Now they have even lowered the price of their Megawheels s5 model which we tested fairly recently. It performed perfectly during our test and for a scooter in the mid $200 range you can hardly ask for more.
It comes with a 250w motor that provides it with a good maximum speed of 15.5 mph. It is in turn powered by a 36v 5.8Ah lithium battery that gives you a maximum distance per charge of 12 miles at best. I rode it in mixed conditions with quite a few hills and with my 176 lbs it provided a good 9 miles.
Right now my 6-year-old uses it daily and it has proven to be a very reliable ride now after months of use on its neck. It might not provide the same distance as the m365, but it makes up for its shortage at a much lower price.
And it has all the typical features you can expect, such as lightning, comfortable pneumatic tires and good reliable brakes. The only downside is the folding system, its a bit hard to get the latch opened when you want to fold it.
Promised specifics
Distance: 12 miles
Speed: 15.5 mph
Recharge: 2-3 hrs
Motor: 250W
Battery: 36V 5.8Ah
Weight: 26.5 lbs
Tires: 8.5" pneumatic tires
Our review data*
Distance: 9 miles
Speed: 15.5 mph
Avg speed: 9.4 mph
Battery Consumption: 100% to 0%
Recharge time: 3 hrs
Surface: Mixed surface with good inclines
Positives
- A lot of bang for your buck
- Good performance
- Unique design
Negatives
- Hard to open latch to fold
- No LED-display
Razor E300 – Always gets on the list
No guide would be acceptable if it doesn’t list the best that Razor has to offer, the E300. It has been the flagship model of Razor scooters for many years and it still delivers a sweet and high performing ride to its buyers.
With a good top speed of 15 mph and 40 minutes of ride time(with my 178 lbs that’s between 7-9 miles) per charge, it sets itself up to be a very appealing choice for many budget users. Being the only one on the list with pneumatic tires, these 10-inch wheels provide you with a much less bumpy ride.
On the downside, it has a long recharge cycle of 12 hours and swapping out the large 2 x 12V 7Ah lead-acid batteries for a new set when you run out of juice isn’t really a viable option in my opinion. Other than the long charge time it does run louder since it is powered by a chain-driven motor. If you prefer to be seated while riding you can always get the E300S for increased comfort.
A favorite amongst kids 10-years+ given the increased weight capacity of 220 lbs.
Promised specifics
Distance: 40 minutes
Speed: 15 mph
Recharge: 12 hrs
Motor: 250W
Battery: 24V 7Ah
Weight: 49 lbs
Tires: 10" pneumatic
Our review data*
Distance: 7.8 miles
Speed: 14.6 mph
Avg speed: 7.8 mph
Battery Consumption: 100% to 0%
Recharge time: 12 hrs
Surface: Uneven roads with some elevation
Positives
- Quality
- Can be equipped with a seat
- Good speed
- Variable twistgrip
- Good distance
- Pneumatic tire both back and front
Negatives
- As with all Razor scooters, charging time of 12 hrs
- Heavy
- No lights or reflector
- Handbrake will need some adjusting
Things to consider for best deals
Luckily the electric scooter era has come to a place where price is really starting to reflect performance and quality more. Before you could get a very expensive scooter that promised you the world but delivered you a headache. This isn’t the case anymore, sure there are always going to be bad sellers but you’re here so you are already doing your best to eliminate the traps.
If you have a slim budget and are on the hunt for an affordable electric scooter there are a few things you definitely need to consider.
First, is Black Friday or Cyber Monday close? If so you want to first check out our curated list of Black Friday & Cyber Monday electric scooter deals. Otherwise, head on down and read our other suggestions.
What are you going to use the scooter for
Buying an electric scooter can be for various purposes. Some people like to use this mode of transportation to get to work/school and some just want to ride something because it is funny and enjoyable. You should start to think about your why early in the buying process, this helps you eliminate models that won’t fulfill your desire.
For example, if you’re a commuter going to work back and forth five days a week and are looking for something to ease this journey. Then you have to consider how far your commute is and what type of surface you would be riding on. If you have to go very far, and by very far I mean 10 miles+, a cheap scooter won’t cut it. You will have to look into the more expensive top of the line models that provide greater performance.
How much do you value quality over price
Another great rule of thumb is that you cannot stare blindly at the price tag. A scooter ride should be fun and if you feel unsafe or if your newly purchased scooter doesn’t offer you the kind of ride you were looking for because you picked the cheapest model that thing is going to go into an empty space and collect dust for years to come.
Hence, it is very important that you understand that between the top model in our list and the last there are just a few dollars setting them apart. But with those dollars, you get a far more versatile scooter with much higher performance and with a lot fewer complaints.
You should not compromise on quality just because you want to save a few extra dollars today. I would suggest that you save your money a few weeks more and go for the one that would provide you with the better ride. Sure you can keep on saving all the way up to the top models, but that won’t be necessary, just save until you have enough money to buy a scooter that will fulfill your goals. Whether it be just for fun or using it daily going back and forth to school
Who are you buying it for
There are scooters that can fulfill the needs of both adults, teenagers, and kids. I like to refer to this type of scooter as a family ride. If you buy one of these models the whole family can enjoy riding on it. All you have to do is press a button to make it go faster, or slower depending on who is using it at that given time.
But these aren’t always the perfect fit, younger kids will do better with a lower handlebar and perhaps a lighter unit that is easier to control. My oldest son is 7 and uses the Gotrax while my youngest who turns 5 this summer is using another model. His model has 3 different speed-modes where the slowest makes it go only 3.5 mph and that has been of great help in letting him get used to riding.
So make sure you keep that in mind when looking at your options.
Last thoughts on buying on a budget
At this point, I hope you have at least one or two models in mind going forward. Perhaps you’ve already narrowed it down to one favorite. If you just keep true to what we’ve talked about in this article when it comes to not being too cheap and having the purpose of your purchase in mind when you look. You are going to end up with a great electric scooter that will aid you for years to come.
Buying a low-priced electric scooter doesn’t mean that you are cheap, it just means you have yet to see the value that these scooters can provide and how much simpler it is. I send letters every single day and I take mine to the mailbox that is about 3 miles away. Having an electric scooter has cut the time it takes to do this daily chore in half in comparison to taking the car.
Best scooter ever?
So can I ask you as a wife buying husband a surprise gift what scooter would you recommend for a guy 5’11” about 230lbs and a reasonable price as it is only for occasional weekend fun. He has a hoverboard and never rides it because he fell off 1 time.
Buy the Yamaha vino 125 for him. My two cents though
I need someone to recommend the best product among those listed on this site?
It sounds like each scooter was ridden over different terrain …. that’s a pretty terrible experiment setup if you’re looking for an objective comparison. Not helpful.
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