The 6 Best Cheap Electric Scooters (We Tested Them All)

With a background in applied physics, Paul is ESG’s Hardware Program Manager and a former motorcycle roadracing champion and manager of scooter repair workhouses for Lime and Skip; Paul has spent more of his life riding (and working) on two wheels than four.

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!).

Micro-mobility 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 698.0 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

Best Cheap Electric Scooters: Pre-Mentions 

We don’t expect dual suspension, high battery power, a smart battery management system, hydraulic disc brakes, etc., on an affordable scooter, but we do expect them to deliver the bare minimums. And you won’t even find a scooter with a chain-driven motor like Razors on our list.

However, before delving into our main list, there are popular, affordable scooters that won’t make the best electric scooters list and we’ll tell you why.

Xiaomi Mi M365

$499

Full Review

Xiaomi Mi M365,Electric Scooter Guide

Technical Specifications

Tested top speed: 16.7 mph*

Tested range: 14.6 mi*

Weight: 27 lb*

Max rider weight: 220 lb

Water resistance: IP54

Highlights

Comes With 12 Months WarrantyGreat Build QualityGood Range and SpeedLacks Suspension and a Display

Xiaomi Mi M365 – The King is… Gone

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

• 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.

Technical Specification

Price$499Range*14.6 miWarranty1 YearTop speed*16.7 mphWeight*27.0 lbsMax rider weight220 lbMotor power250 wBattery280 whIP ratingIP54*Marked specs are based on our performance tests which may differ from the manufacturer’s claims.

Check price and availability for the Xiaomi Mi M365 in your country.Buy Now

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Macwheel MX PRO

$429

Full Review

Macwheel MX PRO, Electric Scooter Guide

Tested top speed: 15.4 mph*

Tested range: 19.6 mi*

Weight: 29 lb*

Max rider weight: 220 lb

Water resistance: IPX4

Highlights

Best Maximum Range Per Dollar We’ve Ever testedPocket FriendlyOne of The Worst Ride QualityPoor Braking PerformanceUnsafe/Rattling Stem Latch

MacWheel MX Pro E-Scooter – ESG Certified Garbage

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

Technical Specification

Price$429Range*19.6 miWarranty1 YearTop speed*15.4 mphWeight*29.0 lbsMax rider weight220 lbMotor power350 wBattery360 whIP ratingIPX4* Marked specs are based on our performance tests which may differ from the manufacturer’s claims.

Check price and availability for the Macwheel MX PRO in your country.Buy Now

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Top 5 Cheapest Electric Scooters

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

Best Cheap Electric Scooter Under $400

You might think that spending the time and energy to search for a scooter under $400 is an impossible task. Luckily, you’d be wrong.

GOTRAX GXL Commuter v2

$349

Full Review

GOTRAX GXL Commuter v2, Electric Scooter Guide

Technical Specifications

Tested top speed: 13.5 mph*

Tested range: 10.1 mi*

Weight: 27 lb*

Max rider weight: 220 lb

Water resistance: IP54

Highlights

Good Hill ClimbingBest Bang for BuckGreat Feature SetGood Build QualityHas Cruise ControlUnderpowered for Heavier RidersLow Top Speed at 13.5 mph(21.73 Kmh)No Rear Light

GoTrax GXL V2 – The Cheapest You Can Go

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.

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.

Technical Specification

Price$349Range*10.1 miWarranty1 YearTop speed*13.5 mphWeight*27.0 lbsMax rider weight220 lbMotor power250 wBattery187 whIP ratingIP54* Marked specs are based on our performance tests which may differ from the manufacturer’s claims.

Check price and availability for the GoTrax GXL Commuter V2 in your country.Buy Now

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Best Cheap Scooter 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.

Hiboy S2

$449

Full Review

Hiboy S2, Electric Scooter Guide

Technical Specifications

Tested top speed: 19.0 mph*

Tested range: 12.7 mi*

Weight: 32 lb*

Max rider weight: 270 lb

Water resistance: IP54

Highlights

Highest top speed in the ListBest Hill ClimberQuickest AccelerationGood BrakingFlat Proof TiresRear Spring Suspension that Helps Smooth Out the Somewhat Stiff RideRougher Ride And Less Traction Than Electric Scooters With Air-Filled TiresRattling Rear Fender (Though Weatherstripping Made For A Quick Fix)

Hiboy S2 – The Fastest Cheap Scooter

The Hiboy S2 electric scooter has been a commuter favorite for years–you can’t get a higher-performing scooter for a better bargain. It is a Xiaomi m365 clone and one of the better ones out there. Let’s take a look at what makes up our fastest cheap electric scooter:

The Hiboy S2 is the fastest cheap electric scooter, with a maximum speed of 19.0 mph. This top speed is one of the greatest bargains for speed per dollar. It also has a decent acceleration of 6.2 seconds to 15.0 mph, beating popular electric scooters like the Ninebot Max, Xiaomi m365, and Uscooters Booster Sport.

Fast electric scooters need good braking, and the Hiboy S2 relies on dual braking mechanisms comprising a front electric and rear disc brake. Combined, they have enough braking power to bring the scooter to a stop in 14.6 ft from a speed of 15.0 mph. Both brakes can be controlled via the right lever, but the electronic brakes can be activated independently via the left thumb control.

The Hiboy S2 e-scooter does not deliver the most comfortable ride and ranks 5th for ride comfort on this list. The not-so-great ride quality is courtesy of the 8.5 inch honeycomb tires. However, they are not as stiff as fully solid rubber tires, and their impact is slightly lessened by the rear suspension. The 17.0 inch x 6.0 inch riding platform is not the most adequate, and riders may struggle finding a comfortable stance, but it is quite typical of commuter scooters.

The Hiboy S2 doesn’t necessarily have the longest range–traveling as far as 12.7 miles, thanks to the 270 Wh lithium-ion battery. The rear fender is also a little rattly, and the scooter does not have a tail/brake light. Regardless, it does come with extras not common on electric scooters at this price point, e.g., an IP54 rating, good hill climbing for its size, and a decent max rider weight capacity. 

You need to keep in mind that you can only expect so much from the ride and build quality of a scooter at this price point.

Technical Specification

Price$449Range*12.7 miWarranty1 YearTop speed*19.0 mphWeight*32.0 lbsMax rider weight270 lbMotor power350 wBattery270 whIP ratingIP54* Marked specs are based on our performance tests which may differ from the manufacturer’s claims.

Check price and availability for the Hiboy S2 in your country.Buy Now

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Segway Ninebot E22

$499

Full Review

Segway Ninebot E22, Electric Scooter Guide

Tested top speed: 13.0 mph*

Tested range: 10.1 mi*

Weight: 30 lb*

Max rider weight: 220 lb

Water resistance: IPX4

Highlights

Minimal MaintenanceWorld’s Best Flat-Proof TiresGood Range Per DollarMost Expensive Scooter In Our Top 5Slowest Hill Climber

Segway E22 – Best Zero-Maintenance Scooter

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.

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.

Technical Specification

Price$499Range*10.1 miWarranty1 YearTop speed*13.0 mphWeight*30.0 lbsMax rider weight220 lbMotor power300 wBattery184 whIP ratingIPX4* Marked specs are based on our performance tests which may differ from the manufacturer’s claims.

Check price and availability for the Segway Ninebot E22 in your country.Buy Now

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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.

NIU KQi2 Pro

$599

Full Review

NIU KQi2 Pro, Electric Scooter Guide

Tested top speed: 16.3 mph*

Tested range: 15.7 mi*

Weight: 41 lb*

Max rider weight: 220 lb

Water resistance: IP54

Highlights

Excellent BuildDelivers Great Ride Quality Best Braking Distance On This List Amazing 2-Year WarrantyGood Range For The PriceRequires A Strong Grip For Maximum Braking A Good Bit Heavier Than The Other Electric Scooters On This ListApp Set Up And Orientation Is A Little Long {But Probably Worth It For Safety}

NIU KQi2 Pro – Best Ride & Build Quality

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.

Technical Specification

Price$599Range*15.7 miWarranty2 YearTop speed*16.3 mphWeight*41.0 lbsMax rider weight220 lbMotor power300 wBattery365 whIP ratingIP54* Marked specs are based on our performance tests which may differ from the manufacturer’s claims.

Check price and availability for the NIU KQi2 Pro in your country.Buy Now

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TurboAnt X7 Max

$540

TurboAnt X7 Max, Electric Scooter Guide

Technical Specifications

Tested top speed: 18.6 mph*

Tested range: 18.0 mi*

Weight: 35 lb*

Max rider weight: 280 lb

Water resistance: IPX4

Highlights

Long Range from the Swappable Battery Ultra-smooth RideQuick AccelerationGood Braking PowerExcellent Range Per DollarBattery In Stem Makes It Top HeavyIf You Opt For Two Batteries You’ll Need Somewhere To Carry The Spare

TurboAnt X7 Max – Best Swappable Battery

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. 

Technical Specification

Price$540Range*18.0 miWarranty1 YearTop speed*18.6 mphWeight*35.0 lbsMax rider weight280 lbMotor power350 wBattery360 whIP ratingIPX4*Marked specs are based on our performance tests which may differ from the manufacturer’s claims.

Check price and availability for the TurboAnt X7 Max in your country.Buy Now

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ANYHILL UM-1

$599

Full Review

ANYHILL UM-1, Electric Scooter Guide

Technical Specifications

Tested top speed: 15.5 mph*

Tested range: 11.8 mi*

Weight: 31 lb*

Max rider weight: 250 lb

Water resistance: IP54

Highlights

LightweightPortable with the shortest overall length on this listExcellent Hill climberThree Color Options Above-Average LooksStem Latch Rattles {though it’s an easy fix}Only One Riding ModeA little Expensive (relative to the battery size)

ANYHILL UM-1 -Best Xiaomi M365 Alternative?

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.

Technical Specification

Price$599Range*11.8 miWarranty1 YearTop speed*15.5 mphWeight*31.0 lbsMax rider weight250 lbMotor power350 wBattery281 whIP ratingIP54*Marked specs are based on our performance tests which may differ from the manufacturer’s claims.

Check price and availability for the ANYHILL UM-1 in your country.Buy Now

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Honorable Mentions

We have one bonus scooter that doesn’t make this best electric scooters list but has a quite unique offering:

Unagi Model One (E500)

$990

Full Review

Unagi Model One (E500), Electric Scooter Guide

Technical Specifications

Tested top speed: 20.0 mph*

Tested range: 8.5 mi*

Weight: 29 lb*

Max rider weight: 280 lb

Water resistance: IP54

Highlights

Zero Hassle and Great ServiceVery Cheap Theft & Damage InsuranceMost Portable on This List Plus Easy FoldingTop-Notch Design and Premium Materials Like Carbon FiberDual MotorsNot for Long Ride Use CasesLowest Upfront Costs But You Won’t Own the ScooterSuited for Flatter Surfaces – Not Great on Terrain

Unagi E500 Honorable Mention – Monthly Rental Option $55/Month

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, 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 $55/month.  This

They are also currently clearing out their 2022 models with over $400 in discounts, so you should definitely take advantage and check them out!

Technical Specification

Price$990Range*8.5 miWarranty1 YearTop speed*20.0 mphWeight*29.0 lbsMax rider weight280 lbMotor power500 wBattery282 whIP ratingIP54*Marked specs are based on our performance tests which may differ from the manufacturer’s claims.

Check price and availability for the Unagi Model One (E500) in your country.Buy Now

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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 (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

There you have it–the top 5 best cheap electric scooters narrowed down to these. The spots were limited so we went by what we thought was truly the best value for a tight budget. Head over to our YouTube video and share with us your best electric scooter–your opinions also help us compile these lists, and we use our authority to provide manufacturers with feedback to enable them to serve the scooting community better. 

Comprehensive reviews are available on the site for these and more electric scooters, so be sure to check it out.

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