How to Find a Budget Electric Scooter Near You
Josh Jones
A devoted road and gravel cyclist and all-around gearhead, Josh has been riding and writing about electric scooters for the past five years. He’s generally happier on two wheels than two legs. When Josh isn’t writing or wrenching, he’s usually out on the road….
Electric scooters are such convenient, energy efficient, and environmentally friendly ways of getting around cities and towns that there’s almost no reason not to buy one if you can afford it.
With prices as low as $399 for a reliable, low-maintenance electric scooter, these personal electric vehicles have become pretty affordable for most commuters and students.
But if you’re new to the world of electric scooters, you might find it a little intimidating. Scooters are getting larger, more powerful, more expensive, and easier to find online from large distributors and specialized sellers.
You might prefer buying an electric scooter near you from a seller you can trust, someone you can personally return the vehicle to if things go wrong.
In this post, we’ll discuss how to find an electric scooter from a seller near you. Additionally, we’ll discuss the benefits of buying a low-maintenance, entry level scooter as your first personal electric vehicle.
Finding an Electric Scooter Near You
Electric scooters are becoming an increasingly popular and convenient way to get around.
The options can seem nearly endless when it comes to buying an electric scooter, and newcomers to the world of electric scooters may find the selection overwhelming, with prices ranging from around $300 up to more than $4,000.
The best choice for most commuters and students is a low-maintenance, entry level scooter, and you can find high quality electric scooters for adults at stores near you.
If you’re worried about shopping online and would rather connect with real salespeople, stop Googling “electric scooter near me” and read this post!
Big Box Store Options
Best Buy carries the Segway Ninebot E2 Plus, one of the easiest-to-maintain, and lowest-priced, electric scooters we’ve tested. With solid rubber tires, you’ll never need to worry about checking the air pressure or getting a flat on the road.
If you prefer air-filled tires, check out the tubeless options from NIU electric scooters, which can also be ordered and picked up from your local Best Buy.
NIU scooters are exceptionally well-built and their comfortable pneumatic tires resist flats and absorb shocks.
Scooter Specialty Stores
If the big box store experience is not for you and you live in a major city near an electric scooter specialty store like Apollo, Fluid Freeride, or Voro Motors, then you’re in luck. We can recommend these sellers in cities around the world, from Brooklyn, NY to Sydney, Australia.
Based in Toronto, Apollo Scooters has partnered with physical distributors in cities worldwide. You can also book an in-person test ride if you’re in New York or L.A.
Fluid Freeride has physical showrooms in Miami, New York City, and San Francisco.
Voro Motors has physical stores in Los Angeles, Brooklyn, NY, Kapolei, Hawaii (outside Honolulu), and Sydney, Australia.
Speaking of Australia, if you’re in Melbourne, we’d recomment Electric Kicks as an in-person electric scooter-buying option.
But if you don’t live in a major metropolitan areas with a scooter store, buying from a major big box retailer with a physical presence might still be preferable to you than ordering from an online source.
Whoever you buy from, make sure to find a reputable seller with whom you feel comfortable returning the scooter if any issues arise.
Buying in person from a store near you can help you get acquainted with the scooter first hand and can also provide superior customer service with in-person return policies.
The Benefit of Buying an Entry-Level Scooter: Low Maintenance
Not sure which scooter is best for you? It’s best to start out with a low-maintenance, entry level scooter and go from there. Even if it’s just for occasional commuting, a low-maintenance scooter will help you get familiar with the world of electric scooters and make the transition to a high-end scooter, if you decide to move up, easier and smoother.
Low maintenance scooters tend to have solid tires or air filled tires that are tubeless and/or “self-healing.” They often use electronic brakes and/or drum brakes, which require no adjustments or routine service. And low-maintenance scooters tend to have very few exposed parts that can corrode, rip or tear.
The most maintenance you’ll need to do with these scooters, typically, is charge them regularly, keep them clean and dry, and keep them stored at room temperatures for optimal battery health.
Two of the Budget Electric Scooters Sold in Stores
Technical Specifications
With this electric scooter Segway has created the perfect vehicle for students and beginners on a budget who want a foldable electric scooter they won’t have to maintain. In the under-$500 category, we think it’s the best budget scooter you can buy for both bigger kids and commuters.
Other scooters require frequent tire maintenance, but the Segway Ninebot E2 Plus uses solid tires that are some of the most comfortable we’ve ridden. No worry of getting a flat tire and no carrying of tools, a patch kit, or a pump.
Technical Specifications
While the NIUM KQi2 Pro uses air filled tires, they are tubeless, which means that they are much less prone to getting flats than tires with tubes. This is because tubed tires can get what are called “pinch flats,” when the inner tube gets caught between the tire and the wheel rim, a very common cause of flats on both bikes and scooters.
The KQi2 Pro has excellent braking for safety and some of the best build quality you can buy for under $600. The NIU KQi2 Pro, and its slightly bigger siblings, the KQi3 Pro and KQi3 Max, can also be ordered from your local Best Buy.
Electric Scooter FAQ
Q: Is it hard to maintain an electric scooter?
A: Electric scooters require minimal maintenance: you should check the battery, brakes, and tires regularly. Additionally, keep the scooter clean and regularly inspect for any damages or wear and tear. For more information about maintenance and repair, see our post here.
Q: What accessories do I need for an electric scooter?
A: At a minimum, you should consider investing in a lock and a helmet for your electric scooter. Other accessories, such as reflectors, phone mounts, and headlights can be especially helpful as well. Learn more about scooter accessories at our post on the 10 Best Electric Scooter Accessories.
Q: How much does a good electric scooter cost?
A: Prices for electric scooters can range from as low as $300 for basic models up to several thousand dollars for performance scooters. Prices will vary based on range, speed, suspension, and other features. Generally, whatever your budget, you can find a great scooter at an affordable price.
Q: Do I need to wear a helmet when using an electric scooter?
A: Riding an electric scooter requires the same safety precautions as riding a bicycle; therefore, riders should always wear a helmet while operating an electric scooter. Different jurisdictions have different rules, so it is important to be aware of and follow the laws in your area. What kind of helmet should you get? See our guide to learn more about electric scooter helmets and visit the Rider Guide electric scooter helmet database.
Q: What is the best way to store an electric scooter?
A: The best way to store an electric scooter is to place it indoors in a cool, dry area. If the scooter needs to be kept outdoors, be sure to invest in a scooter lock for added security and try to keep your scooter covered and out of the rain.
Q: How far can an electric scooter travel?
A: The range of an electric scooter can vary depending on the model and battery life. An average electric scooter can travel between 10-20 miles before needing to be recharged.
Q: How long do electric scooter batteries last?
A: It depends on the battery size and manufacturer. Generally, the smaller the battery, the shorter the range. Some batteries can last up to 40 miles on a single charge, while others last only a few miles. Learn more about electric scooter batteries here.
Q: Are electric scooters legal?
A: Rules and regulations on electric scooters vary by city or state, so it is important to contact local authorities for more information. See this Comprehensive Electric Scooter Laws article to learn more about specific laws for every state in the U.S.
Q: Can you ride an electric scooter on the sidewalk?
A: This depends on the city or state regulations. Generally speaking, electric scooters should be ridden on bike lanes, trails, or roads with the flow of traffic. It is also important to make sure that you keep your electric scooter away from pedestrians and make sure it is not blocking any public pathways. See Comprehensive Electric Scooter Laws to find out where and when it might be safe and legal to ride on the sidewalk.
Q: Are electric scooters safe?
A: Most electric scooters are considered safe if ridden responsibly on roadways that allow them, and in accordance with the speed limits in your area. Additionally, wearing a helmet and other protective gear is always a good idea while operating an electric scooter. See our Ultimate Guide to Scooter Safety for more.
Q: Can electric scooters be used off-road?
A: Some electric scooters are designed for off-road use, but it’s important to check with the manufacturer to make sure the scooter is designed to handle off-road terrain.
Q: Is it safe to ride an electric scooter in the rain?
A: That depends on the scooter. Please see our post on Best Electric Scooters for Riding in the Rain to learn more about which scooters function best on wet roads and how to navigate bad weather on your scooter.
Find your perfect ride
