Introduction
We can recommend dozens of entry level scooters that are fast, reliable, and fun to ride for under $1000, but this price point can also be full of imposters and bad imitations.
Poor quality knock-offs are even more of an issue when it comes to scooters that sell for around $500 or less. Where can you find good value in super affordable electric scooters?
You'll need to be extra-careful at the cheap end, especially since you aren't likely to get much in the way of warranty or customer service with many under-$500 electric scooters.
You don’t want to end up buying a toy that falls apart in a few weeks, and you don't want to compromise safety to save a few bucks.
Buyers beware, BUT cheap electric scooters can also be fast, reliable, safe and fun to ride!
We've tested over 120 scooters, and we can recommend the best cheap electric scooters you can buy.
Poor quality knock-offs are even more of an issue when it comes to scooters that sell for around $500 or less. Where can you find good value in super affordable electric scooters?
You'll need to be extra-careful at the cheap end, especially since you aren't likely to get much in the way of warranty or customer service with many under-$500 electric scooters.
You don’t want to end up buying a toy that falls apart in a few weeks, and you don't want to compromise safety to save a few bucks.
Buyers beware, BUT cheap electric scooters can also be fast, reliable, safe and fun to ride!
We've tested over 120 scooters, and we can recommend the best cheap electric scooters you can buy.
A Good Electric Scooter Doesn't Have To Be Expensive!
Electric scooters selling for $3,000 and above seemed unthinkable a few years ago when classics like the Xiaomi M365 were the height of e scooter technology.
One of the features that made the M365 so popular was its under $500 price tag, and you can still buy a great scooter for around $500.
The M365 went M.I.A. in most major markets, and some of its best successors from Hiboy and Gotrax have upped the stakes.
Since their introduction, the Hiboy S2, Gotrax G3, and Gotrax G4 have earned reputations as dependable entry level scooters that can stand up to a daily commute and offer a fun, safe, and comfortable ride without breaking the bank.
Below, we’ll look at these top contenders for best super affordable electric scooter. All three scooters use the basic design principles of early electric scooters like the M365 and Segway Ninebot Max, while improving on them in important ways.
One of the features that made the M365 so popular was its under $500 price tag, and you can still buy a great scooter for around $500.
The M365 went M.I.A. in most major markets, and some of its best successors from Hiboy and Gotrax have upped the stakes.
Since their introduction, the Hiboy S2, Gotrax G3, and Gotrax G4 have earned reputations as dependable entry level scooters that can stand up to a daily commute and offer a fun, safe, and comfortable ride without breaking the bank.
Below, we’ll look at these top contenders for best super affordable electric scooter. All three scooters use the basic design principles of early electric scooters like the M365 and Segway Ninebot Max, while improving on them in important ways.
The Lowdown: Gotrax Takes the Crown
Last year, we recommended the Hiboy S2 as the best budget scooter under $500. The S2 has excellent acceleration, speed, and portability, as well as great dual wheel braking. What it lacks, however, is the comfortable ride of pneumatic tires and some other features we like this year on Gotrax scooters like the G3 and G4. These are serious entry-level scooters from a company that has really upped their game in the last year, and we're happy to recommend both of them as alternatives to the Hiboy.
Gotrax G3
The G3 is less powerful than the S2, with only 300W next to the Hiboy's 350. It's also slower. But if you want a reliable, comfortable ride (with 8.5-inch air-filled tires) for under $500 that travels at speeds comparable to most shared electric scooters, then the Gotrax G3 is the way to go.
Gotrax G4
Step up to the Gotrax G4, now on sale for $499, and you'll get more power and range (500W, 14.6 miles) and even more speed than the S2 (20mph), as well as 10-inch pneumatic tires for excellent ride quality even without suspension.
Read on for our full comparison of these kings of the entry level electric scooters....
Read on for our full comparison of these kings of the entry level electric scooters....
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
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