The 6 Best Cheap Electric Scooters (We Tested Them All)
Want the best bang for your buck? Here are the best cheap electric scooters under $700 that you can buy right now (we’ve actually ridden them!).

Micromobility devices like e-bikes and electric scooters are the game changer that cities need to combat the transportation crisis, and reverse the environmental impact that gas-powered cars have had.

At ESG, we live and breathe electric scooters, and what’s not to love? They are fun, fast, reliable, and best of all, green. But with so many options available, how do you know which one is the best one?

Well, we have hands-on tested 36 best-selling electric scooters to find the world’s 5 Best Cheap Electric Scooters. And here’s why you should trust us.

We measured each scooter’s real-world maximum range on the same test course until they just stopped going (We spent more than 200 hours and rode 800 miles). We tested real GPS top speed because the speedometers and website info aren’t always accurate. We also tested ride comfort, braking, hill climbing, acceleration, and overall build quality.

We test electric scooters so that you don’t have to; and because most cheap electric scooters on Amazon or elsewhere can be straight-up scams, total garbage, or downright unsafe. Therefore, without any further ado, these are the top-five, Best Cheap Electric Scooters you can buy.

Best Cheap Electric Scooters: Summary

Xiaomi Mi M365
Pre-Mentions
$599
Pre-Mentions (The King is...Gone)
Macwheel MX PRO
Pre-Mentions
$429
Pre-Mentions (ESG-Certified Garbage)
GOTRAX GXL v2
Pre-Mentions
$349
The Cheapest You Can Go
Hiboy S2
Pre-Mentions
$469
Fastest Cheap Electric Scooter
Segway E22
Pre-Mentions
$549
Best Zero-Maintenance Scooter
NIU KQi2 Pro
Pre-Mentions
$599
Best Ride & Build Quality
Turboant X7 Max
Pre-Mentions
$599
Best with Swappable Battery
ANYHILL UM-1
Pre-Mentions
$699
Best Xiaomi M365 2023 Alternative
Unagi Model One Classic
Pre-Mentions
$59/month
Honorable Mention - Monthly Rental Option

Best Cheap Electric Scooters: Pre-Mentions

The King is...Gone

Xiaomi Mi M365 - $599
Air 2022Air 2023
PROS
Decent Build Quality (esp. for 2018)
Good Range and Speed for Price
Extremely Popular in Early Years
CONS
Lacks Suspension
Lacks Display
Xiaomi Brand Has Fallen off a Cliff in the US
and other Regions
Technical Specifications
Tested Top Speed:
16.7 mph*
Tested Range:
14.6 mi*
Weight:
26 lb*
Max Rider Weight:
220 lb*
Water Resistance:
IP54
Acceleration:
6.3 s*
*Based on our independent performance tests which may differ from manufacturer’s claims.
The Xiaomi Mi M365 is available in United States from Amazon.
Our content is indepedent, but buying through our links may earn us a comission.

Xiaomi Mi M365

The former world champion Xiaomi m365 sold millions of units but didn’t make the list this year, and here’s why. The m365 was the king of electric scooters that started the scooter revolution in 2018. However, it has been near-impossible to purchase one in the US for a while now. And if you do find one, be warned: Xiaomi won’t support it, because they aren’t officially imported.

Here’s what made the Xiaomi popular in its glory days:

  • The Xiaomi m365 e-scooter had one of the most complete designs that became widely replicated by known scooter brands and generic models
  • The Xiaomi m365 and the Pro both have good top speeds, with the base model reaching 16.7 mph and the Pro reaching 16.0 mph.
  • The Xiaomi m365 travels as far as 14.6 miles, while the Pro reaches 25.1 miles
  • Xiaomi gave users a standard 12-month warranty

Here’s our video if you want to see something on glory-days Xiaomi

  • The scooter is durably built–it was even adopted for ride-sharing, whose users are brutal on the devices
  • The Xiaomi m365 is user-friendly–it is suitable for both beginners and experienced riders
  • The scooter comes with LCD lights
  • The Xiaomi has pneumatic tires for ride comfort; though neither came with shock absorbers
  • The Pro model comes with a display that connects to a Bluetooth app, and riders can keep tabs on mileage, speed, lights on/off, etc.
  • The scooter is an apt hill climber thanks to the Xiaomi m365’s 250 W motor, and the 300 W on the Pro

So, while this scooter was remarkable in its heyday, today, it feels truly ancient and has been overtaken by more innovative, better-looking, and better-performing brands.

RG-Certified Garbage

Macwheel MX Pro - $429
Air 2022Air 2023
PROS
Best Maximum Range Per Dollar We’ve Ever tested
Pocket Friendly
At First Glance, Seems Like a Better Xiaomi M365
CONS
Some of the Worst Ride Quality We've Experienced
Poor Braking Performance
Unsafe/Rattling Stem Latch
Belongs in the Trash
Technical Specifications
Tested Top Speed:
15.4 mph*
Tested Range:
19.6 mi*
Weight:
28 lb*
Max Rider Weight:
220 lb*
Water Resistance:
IPX4
Acceleration:
7.7 s*
*Based on our independent performance tests which may differ from manufacturer’s claims.
The Macwheel MX Pro is available in United States from Amazon.
Our content is indepedent, but buying through our links may earn us a comission.

Macwheel MX Pro

There are a lot of m365 clones out there, but choose carefully; reliability and support can be terrible. Even worse, the scooter can be just awful to ride like the MacWheel MX Pro.

Here are a few things that make us dislike the MacWheel MX Pro

  • Worst Ride Quality Ever
  • Poor Braking Performance
  • Unsafe/Rattling Stem Latch
  • Unreadable Display
  • Third Shortest Handlebar Height of any Electric Scooter We’ve Ever Tested
  • There’s A Significant Throttle Lag
  • The Solid Tires on the Mx Pro are Next-Level Awful

Top 6 Cheapest Electric Scooters That Don't Suck

Now, Here are our top 5 picks for the best and most affordable electric scooters.

Best Cheap Electric Scooter Under $400

The Cheapest You Can (and Should) Go

Gotrax GXL V2 - $349
Air 2022Air 2023
PROS
Most Affordable it Gets
Reasonable Feature Set
Moderate Build Qualtiy
Cruise Control
CONS
Underpowered, Especially for Heavier Riders
Very Low Top Speed at 13.5 mph / 21.7 kmh
No Rear Light
Technical Specifications
Tested Top Speed:
13.5 mph*
Tested Range:
10.1 mi*
Weight:
26 lb*
Max Rider Weight:
220 lb*
Water Resistance:
IP54
Acceleration:
-*
*Based on our independent performance tests which may differ from manufacturer’s claims.
The GOTRAX GXL Commuter V2 is available in United States from Gotrax.
Our content is indepedent, but buying through our links may earn us a comission.

GOTRAX GXL V2

The GoTrax GXL V2 electric scooter, on the other hand, is basically the cheapest electric scooter for adults that’s a real scooter. It’s a bestseller, so if you’ve seen a GoTrax on the street, odds are it was this one–well, this or the slightly more expensive, better-performing Gotrax XR Ultra. It’s the cheapest electric scooter we can recommend, and technically has no competition at this price.

Here’s a video with some of our road tests.

If you’re tempted to go for the cheapest option when shopping for a new gadget, sometimes you get what you pay for. Which is why even at this price point, you need to stick to a brand with proven reliability–one that guarantees your entry-level scooter will actually serve you. So, why the GoTrax GXL V2?

Well, for its price, the GXL has one of the best braking power in its class. The scooter employs regenerative braking on the front tire and has a rear disc brake that work together to bring the scooter to a stop in 16.7 ft from its top speed of 13.5 mph.

Something else this affordable electric scooter does well is deliver a good ride quality. The 8.5-inch pneumatic tires absorb a lot of the vibrations experienced on the riding track, and their grip keeps the scooter grounded during the ride. You also get 8.6 inches x 6.0-inches of deck space, which for a scooter this size is pretty generous.

The GXL also has features that are not common with cheap electric scooters. For example, the scooter has cruise control, 2-speed modes, and a standard 1-year warranty. The bars aren’t littered with controls, and that’s something we’re keen on especially for beginner riders whose sole focus should be keeping their eyes on the road.

That said, we still expect some trade-offs like the lack of tail lights and that the GXL does not ride aggressively. However, other than walking, this is the least expensive, most reliable way to get to your destination. And if you are committed to the brand, you can check out their other entry-level cheap scooters like the Gotrax XR Elite or the Gotrax XR Ultra.

 

Best Cheap Electric Scooters Under $500

If your budget can go up to $500, here are our recommendations so it feels like you’re riding much more expensive electric scooters.

Best Ride & Build Quality

S2 - $469
Air 2022Air 2023
PROS
Strong Acceleration
Effective Dual Braking System
Great Performance for Dollar
CONS
You Get More Than What You Pay for
but You Can't Expect Much
Maintenance Free Tires Don't Absorb Much
Technical Specifications
Tested Top Speed:
19.0 mph**
Tested Range:
12.7 mi**
Weight:
29 lb**
Max Rider Weight:
265 lb
Water Resistance:
IP54
Acceleration:
6.2 s
**Based on our independent performance tests which may differ from manufacturer’s claims.
The Hiboy s2 is available in United States from Amazon.
Our content is indepedent, but buying through our links may earn us a comission.

Hiboy S2

Nothing beats a good scooter with cost savings–which is what the NIU KQi2 Pro kick scooter is. NIU is new to the electric scooter market, but not new to electric vehicles. And, at under $600, we think the KQi2 Pro is simply the best electric scooter.

The KQi2 Pro e-scooter is a great electric scooter with one of the best build qualities, and not just for its class. The parts feel solid and premium, whereas we’d expect flimsy and breakable. But the biggest indicator of its stellar build is the 2-year warranty, which is not only the longest in any price class but also covers the most expensive parts–the controllers, battery, and dash.

NIU has been manufacturing moped-style electric scooters for a while, and with 3 million units produced, it’s safe to say that they know what they are doing when it comes to consumer needs. You can tell by the taller and wider handlebars, larger tires, and the wobble-free, rattle-free frame. This quality design leads to quite a stellar ride.

Best Zero-Maintenance Scooter

Ninebot E22 - $549
Air 2022Air 2023
PROS
Minimal Maintenance
World’s Best Flat-Proof Tires
Good Range Per Dollar
CONS
Most Expensive Scooter In Our Top 5
Slowest Hill Climber
Technical Specifications
Tested Top Speed:
13.0 mph**
Tested Range:
10.1 mi**
Weight:
30 lb**
Max Rider Weight:
220 lb
Water Resistance:
IPX4
Acceleration:
-
**Based on our independent performance tests which may differ from manufacturer’s claims.
The Segway Ninebot E22 is available in United States from Amazon.
Our content is indepedent, but buying through our links may earn us a comission.

Segway Ninebot E22

Segway had to feature on this list because they are simply the best at building quality commuter electric scooters. The highlight scooter is the Segway E22 as the best zero-maintenance scooter, and here’s why:

The very affordable E22 comes with Segway’s innovative polyurethane foam-filled tires. The tires are the best cross between the comfort of pneumatic tires (without needing to check tire pressure constantly) and the flat-proof nature of a solid front and rear wheel. The tires are large at 9.0 inches x 2.0 inches, making them better for taking bumps. They also come with deeper treads for better traction in wet and dry tracks and for added durability. That said, they really are great for city riding.

Segway is also the cable-management wizard. Top to bottom, there’s no cable in sight. Usually, exposed cabling will tug at things or break, necessitating repair. The scooter doesn’t even have a brake cable since it relies solely on regen braking and a foot brake. The handlebars are also plug-to-play; therefore, attaching during assembly or repair is not complicated.

The deck is rubber coated, which makes it easier to clean, but is poorer for grip. However, the scooter is only IPX4 rated, so exercise caution when using water for cleaning. On the other hand, the textured handlebar rubber grips are held securely in place and do not move–which means you’re not constantly adjusting them. 

That aside, the E22 e-scooter is one of the most interesting commuters to purchase. The scooter accommodates an extra battery that riders can mount on the stem, which extends the speed from our tested 13.0 mph to 16.2 mph. The extra battery juice also expands the range from 10.1 miles to 16.6 miles and helps extend the battery life of the main battery.

The 13 mph really doesn’t feel great, so needing to probably buy the spare battery has to be our biggest con for it.

If you can’t afford the $250 extra battery, unlock the scooter to full performance on the app’s settings for a max speed of 15.9 mph and a real-world range of 8.5 miles.

The scooter’s 300w single motor is better for hill climbing than the one on the predecessor–the Segway F25. However, it is the slowest on our top 5 list attaining only 5.2 mph on our usual hill test. The deck is also larger at 18.0 inches x 6.0 inches. The display is tiny and very standard, but you can adjust basic features on the mobile app for an improved ride experience.

Best Cheap Electric Scooters Under $600

At $600, we start to expect more mid-range offerings from our affordable scooters, and our selections for this category do not disappoint.

Best Build Quality & Ride Quality

KQi2 Pro - $599
Air 2022Air 2023
PROS
Excellent Range Per Dollar
Easy To Ride
Outstanding Ride Quality
Leading Build Quality
CONS
Doesn’t Have Zero Start
Technical Specifications
Tested Top Speed:
16.3 mph**
Tested Range:
15.7 mi**
Weight:
41 lb**
Max Rider Weight:
220 lb
Water Resistance:
IP54
Acceleration:
7.6 s
**Based on our independent performance tests which may differ from manufacturer’s claims.
The NIU KQi2 Pro is available in United States from Amazon.
Our content is indepedent, but buying through our links may earn us a comission.

NIU KQi2 Pro

Nothing beats a good scooter with cost savings–which is what the NIU KQi2 Pro kick scooter is. NIU is new to the electric scooter market, but not new to electric vehicles. And, at under $600, we think the KQi2 Pro is simply the best electric scooter.

The KQi2 Pro e-scooter is a great electric scooter with one of the best build qualities, and not just for its class. The parts feel solid and premium, whereas we’d expect flimsy and breakable. But the biggest indicator of its stellar build is the 2-year warranty, which is not only the longest in any price class but also covers the most expensive parts–the controllers, battery, and dash.

NIU has been manufacturing moped-style electric scooters for a while, and with 3 million units produced, it’s safe to say that they know what they are doing when it comes to consumer needs. You can tell by the taller and wider handlebars, larger tires, and the wobble-free, rattle-free frame. This quality design leads to quite a stellar ride.

The 10.0 inch x 2.3 inch tubeless tires have good shock absorption and deliver a smooth ride even in the absence of front and rear suspension. This is one of the reasons why we were extremely shocked when they downgraded the more expensive KQi3’s tires to 9.5 inch x 2.5 inch, resulting in a lesser awesome ride experience. The tires’ tubeless nature makes them impervious to pinch flats

The deck is a good size, giving riders 19.0 inches x 5.1 inches of riding platform. Unlike most electric scooters at this price, it also comes with grip tape–and NIU even gives you a colorful spare. The handlebars sit a good 39.8 inches above the deck, making it ideal for most height-riders. The ride should feel good for you if you weigh within the 220.0 lbs rider weight limit.

The scooter also has a well-rounded performance with top speeds of 16.3 mph, which is quite typical of electric scooters in this class. You can access any of the 4 riding modes, including E-Save (practically a walk-assist mode that helps as you push the scooter alongside you on a bike lane), Custom, Pedestrian, and Sport mode. The 48 V, 365 wh battery delivers a best-in-class range at 15.7 miles. For safety, the 75 mm drum brakes provide the shortest braking distance in its class at 14.1 ft from a speed of 15.0 mph and resist skidding when bringing the scooter to a stop.

Finally, the smooth braking and throttle further improve the ride experience. And we love the always-on, adjustable halo headlight.; The bright headlight crowns the safety features, and we can call this the best cheap electric scooter on our list for night riding. The dash is nice, bright, and easy to read, even in direct sunlight making the KQi2 Pro a reliable electric scooter. Note that this scooter only supports riders weighing under 220.0 lbs, so heavier riders should check out their bigger scooters; the KQi3 Pro and the KQi3 Max.

Best Swappable Battery Option

X7 Max - $599
Air 2022Air 2023
PROS
Long Range from the Swappable Battery
Ultra-smooth Ride
Quick Acceleration
Good Braking Power
Excellent Range Per Dollar
CONS
Battery In Stem Makes It Top Heavy
If You Opt For Two Batteries You’ll Need Somewhere To Carry The Spare
Technical Specifications
Tested Top Speed:
18.6 mph**
Tested Range:
18.0 mi**
Weight:
34 lb**
Max Rider Weight:
275 lb
Water Resistance:
IPX4
Acceleration:
7.2 s
**Based on our independent performance tests which may differ from manufacturer’s claims.
The Turboant X7 Max is available in United States from Turboant.
Our content is indepedent, but buying through our links may earn us a comission.

Turboant X7 Max

The TurboAnt X7 e-scooter had to make an entry. We’ve loved the Turboant X7 Pro for its range, we’ve loved it for its affordability, and also for its swappable battery. Now, we have the TurboAnt X7 Max– a great scooter, which features upgrades in almost every way. 

The TurboAnt X7 Max, like its predecessors, retains excellent range per dollar. It covers an ESG-certified 18.0 miles, alongside electric scooters that nearly double its price. This is a significant improvement from the Pro’s 15.3 miles

BUT, the X7 Max can go further than the 18.0 miles, and further than other scooters, thanks to the swappable battery. Getting a spare for the stem-embedded, 10 Ah, 360 wh battery will instantly double your range–but will set you back about $220. You don’t need to worry about anyone stealing your exposed battery as it comes with a new key lock, adding a touch of security to your PEV.

The scooter can go to a maximum speed of 18.6 mph, which has just a bit of a thrill and is quite typical of many good commuters today. The acceleration is smooth, going from 0 to 15.0 mph in just 7.2 seconds. The X7 Max has the second fastest maximum speed and second-quickest acceleration behind the Hiboy S2. You can also rest assured knowing that the scooter’s electric and regenerative brakes will bring you to a reliable stop, braking from 15.0 mph in 14.6 ft.

The ride is also quite good, with plush 10.0 inch x 2.1 inch tubed air-filled tires. However, like most electric scooters at this price point, it doesn’t come with shocks. But we absolutely love the larger riding platform measuring 20.5 inches x 6.5 inches, which gives plenty of space for changing riding stances. The handlebars are taller than most, sitting 41.0 inches above the deck. The stem-housed battery also leaves plenty of clearance below the deck ( 5.0 inches), ensuring an easier time when rolling over bumps and other obstacles on the road.

The TurboAnt X7 Pro also retains some of the basics, like ergonomic twist throttle, a central LED display, a high-mounted 3 W headlight and a 1 W red LED rear light, and an IPX4 rating. The only thing that got worse is that they got rid of the X7 Pro’s cruise control. When riding at a constant speed, the X7 Pro would beep at you to remind you to go ahead and let go of the throttle since the cruise had engaged. 

Best Xiaomi M365 Alternative

UM-1 - $699
Air 2022Air 2023
PROS
Lightweight
Portable with the shortest overall length on this list
Excellent Hill climber
Three Color Options
Above-Average Looks
CONS
Stem Latch Rattles {though it’s an easy fix}
Only One Riding Mode
A little Expensive (relative to the battery size)
Technical Specifications
Tested Top Speed:
15.5 mph**
Tested Range:
11.8 mi**
Weight:
29 lb**
Max Rider Weight:
250 lb
Water Resistance:
IP54
Acceleration:
7.0 s
**Based on our independent performance tests which may differ from manufacturer’s claims.
The ANYHILL UM-1 is available in United States from ANYHILL.
Our content is indepedent, but buying through our links may earn us a comission.

ANYHILL UM-1

To close up this list, we have another charming budget electric scooter from one of our favorite emerging brands, Anyhill. We loved their larger Anyhill UM-2 with its removable battery, center stand, and ultra-stable ride, and were just as pleased to test their entry-level scooter, the UM1.

Anyhill nailed the fundamentals with the UM1. The UM1 has a small but powerful motor that’s excellent for hill climbing. Its hill-climbing abilities are further enhanced by the air tires that provide good traction on the road. Then there’s the ergonomic design of the thumb throttle that allows riders to rock it all the way back without tiring the rider’s fingers.

The UM1 scooter also has a smooth, stable ride from its  9.0 inch pneumatic tires. The stability is also a result of the wedge of rubber built into the stem, which absorbs vibrations that would otherwise reach your hands. Anyhill describes this as their built-in vibration damper.

The scooter is also a rarity with its LG battery–this is not something we see much of at its price point. The IP67-rated battery delivers 11.8 miles of range in peak performance, within the trend of other lightweight affordable scooters. The UM1 has one speed mode, and for a scooter with a tested top speed of 15.5 mph, we’ve come to realize there’s really no need for additional speed modes since you wouldn’t possibly want to ride at a lower speed anyway.

The UM1 relies on a dual braking system for stopping with a well-executed regen brake on the left handlebar, plus a rear mechanical disc brake for when you need a little extra stopping power. Other things the UM1 electric scooter does well is the easy-to-read display, front and rear light (but it has no brake light function), the IP54 rating, and a large grippy deck that inspires confidence.

Honorable Mentions

Best Portable, Urban Show Off

Model One Classic - $59/month
Air 2022Air 2023
PROS
Totally Unique Monthly Rental Option
Excellent Speed and Power for its Lightweight Design
Highly Maneuverable in Dense Urban Environments
Beautiful and Sleek
Premium Materials & Ergonomics
CONS
Definitely for Short-Range Commutes (though you can get the more expensive new Voyager which greatly improves range)
Focused Far More on Portability Than Suspension
Technical Specifications
Tested Top Speed:
20.0 mph**
Tested Range:
8.5 mi**
Weight:
29 lb**
Max Rider Weight:
220 lb
Water Resistance:
IP54
Acceleration:
4.4 s
**Based on our independent performance tests which may differ from manufacturer’s claims.
The Unagi Model One (E500) is available in United States from Unagi.
Our content is indepedent, but buying through our links may earn us a comission.

Unagi Model One

You might be among the millions of people today considering e-scooters for the benefits we’ve already mentioned. One of the top objections to scooters, however, is the social stigma surrounding them, especially shared scooters

Unagi is one of few outliers, standing out with its design, lifestyle-focused, strong U.S. brand, and a long list of celebrities and creatives proudly riding their Unagi electric scooters. It is an incredibly light scooter whose solid feel gives you complete control over your riding. It has a better ride than any scooter in its weight class on hilly tracks thanks to the dual motors, and also feels great to ride on flat surfaces.

Not long ago, Unagi definitely wouldn’t have made this list since it costs $1,000. However, this is the first scooter to adopt a monthly rental option (and it has made a name for itself now building up their service program for three years), allowing you to own your scooter while only making monthly subscription payments. Signing up for the monthly subscription option allows you to rent your Unagi like it’s your own for $59/month.

Summary

Whether you’re searching for basic transportation, bargain performance, max range, comfort, speed, or straight-up utility, these six scooters deliver proven value. 

  • The Xiaomi Mi M365 was the most well-rounded, time-tested design when it first launched. It was the go-to for those who wanted a lightweight, no-frills scooter but has sadly been overtaken by the tech of the day–and is pretty hard to come across on retail sites these days.
  • The MacWheel MX Pro is an absolute bargain when it comes to range per dollar. However, that’s about it for this scooter since everything else about is…well…garbage.
  • The Gotrax GXL V2 is the scooter to buy for those who want the cheapest legitimate form of transportation that isn’t a kid’s toy.
  • The Hiboy S2 is the go-to for those who want the fastest for the cheapest. It’s also the best option if you don’t want air-filled tires that can go flat. By getting the S2, you get additions like an IP54 rating, good hill climbing, and a high rider weight capacity.
  • The Segway E22 is for you if you’re trying to go the zero-maintanace route. From polyurethane foam-filled tires, to regen + foot brake, no exposed wiring and rubber deck for easy cleaning, the E22 is one of the easiest scooters to own.
  • The NIU KQi2 Pro is a massive bargain and the best ride quality you will get under $600. The scooter has massive 10.0-inch air filled tires that deliver a great feel ride. The KQi2 is also well designed, guranteeing you stability on the road. The deck is covered with a grip tape mat that keeps you planted during the ride. And what’s not to love about a scooter that comes with a 2-year warranty like the KQi2 and NIU’s other scooters.
  • The TurboAnt X7 Max is the best option if you want a scooter with a battery that can be removed for convenient charging or swapped out to extend range. The Max is built off the X7 Pro’s framework, therefore, you enjoy all the things you loved about the Pro, but with major upgrades across performance, build quality and ride quality.
  • The ANYHILL UM-1 is a charming scooter to ride. It has a unique rubber insert that’s built into the stem, giving you unprecedented stability on a scooter of this class. The scooter has a powerful motor that, as its name suggests, is sufficient to conquer any hill.
  • Unagi Model One Classic / “E500-We find ourselves unable to leave this scooter out of our recommendations due to the affordability of Unagi’s monthly rental subscription model. No sign-up fees, cancel any time. They’ve lifted the barrier to scooter ownership, and their scooter is quite the snag.

If you’re still not sure what type of scooter is right for you, learn more about picking the perfect scooter in our beginner electric scooter buying guide or dig deeper into the data behind Cheap Scooters below!

All of our reviews and articles are backed by exhaustive hands-on testing and data.

Methodology

We tested the top 36 scooters under $600, and filtered the data to find cheap electric scooters with standout performance or better yet, significantly above-average performance across many categories. 

Our favorite method to identify standout performance is to plot performance versus another variables such as price, calculate the trend line for the group, and then look for outliers, or scooters that are farthest from the trendline in the intended direction.

Usually higher is better, but for braking and acceleration times, a lower position on the plot demonstrates better performance. The actual data we used to select the top five is based off the findings of our independent test reviews, usually performed under identical conditions–same range test course, same rider weight, two directional speed run to eliminate tailwind for speed, same battery conditions, etc.

For our ranking, we charted all the scooters that qualified–first by price, then scored the scooters overall by ranking them by their average deviation from trend across all categories.

Quality Control

We subjected the entire field to a pass/fail test for quality and repairability. After all, it doesn’t matter how well a scooter performs if you can’t rely on it or repair it.

There was one scooter, for example, which scored well in some of our tests but we found we just couldn’t recommend: the Macwheel MX Pro.

It had amazing performance scores for range per dollar and range per pound, but the ride quality and build quality were just not up to the same level as the other scooters. We covered this topic in detail in Liveshow #88.

Best Cheap Electric Scooters - We Tested 36: Conclusion

We subjected the entire field to a pass/fail test for quality and repairability. After all, it doesn’t matter how well a scooter performs if you can’t rely on it or repair it.

There was one scooter, for example, which scored well in some of our tests but we found we just couldn’t recommend: the Macwheel MX Pro.

It had amazing performance scores for range per dollar and range per pound, but the ride quality and build quality were just not up to the same level as the other scooters. We covered this topic in detail in Liveshow #88.

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