Best electric scooter under $1000 – 13 Top Quality Picks For Your Specific Needs

Choosing the best electric scooter under $1000 is not an easy task. There are tons of amazing scooters in this price category, both well-balanced models suitable for the majority of people, and specialized scooters for your every need.

After the budget price category, which are the scooters under $500, this is the next level. We will have significantly more powerful, higher-quality scooters here, perfect if you need a more reliable transport solution, you are after your more advanced second scooter, or you simply want a better quality across the board.

Let’s take a look at the best electric scooters priced under $1000.

Many of these models, as you can see, are so good at a particular thing and for a particular use case, that they are simply the best choice for that purpose.

Let’s see when each of the best choices can be your perfect scooter.

Best overall: Ninebot Max

2021 will be the year of the Ninebot Max.

This is one of the best-accepted electric scooters ever, with some of the best user feedback and ratings in the electric scooter industry ever. No wonder the Ninebot Max is slowly becoming the commuter’s new best friend and the go-to choice of the everyday scooterist.

Learning from its ancestors in the glorious Ninebot ES series, and from the best-selling Xiaomi models, seems like the brand has listened to the feedback of the riders, and answered with style. The scooter keeps the general evergreen look, but it improves upon the Xiaomi and Ninebot scooters in many important ways, most notably bigger and safer tires, more comfortable and more ergonomic design, and much better performance than what we would expect from a scooter in this price range.

The Ninebot Max provides an incredible range of 40 mi / 64 km on a single charge, packed into a well-crafted, high-quality, carefully tested scooter. The top speed is 18.6 mph / 30 kmh.

On top of that, it comes with excellent IPX5 protection against water damage, 10-inch pneumatic self-healing tires, dual brakes with mechanical drum brakes on the front wheel and electronic regenerative brakes on the rear.

Not to mention the tons of customizations and accessories available because of the scooter’s popularity.

There’s only one true way to create a commuter scooter – patiently iterate through tons of versions throughout the years, and listen to what the customers are saying.

The fruit of that process is the Ninebot Max.

In 2021 and possibly beyond, the Ninebot Max is the overall best electric scooter under $1000.

Who should get the Ninebot Max?

This is the true everyman’s scooter.

Besides commuters, for whom the choice is almost obvious, there are lots of others who will find great joy in the Ninebot Max.

This is a very well-made scooter that will probably last you for a long time. It is an investment of sorts.

Anyone shopping for either quality or value will be happy with it.

With an IP rating of IPX5, this is also a great scooter for rainy days as well.

The Ninebot Max is one of the best-received electric scooters by the general public ever, and millions of people have made it their choice and never looked back. Check the full review of the Ninebot Max to find out if you may be one of them as well.

Who should not get the Ninebot Max?

The Ninebot Max is truly a universal scooter. It has been built to serve many masters.

I guess look at the Kaabo Skywalker 10S if you want a greater top speed, or the other more specialized scooters if you have a particular use case in mind. Can’t really think of anything else.

Most popular: Xiaomi M365 Pro

What can I say about the Xiaomi M365 Pro, that hasn’t already been said a million times?

It is one of the most popular, best-selling electric scooter models ever. It is the successor of the Xiaomi M365, which was probably the actual best-selling scooter of all time.

Besides millions of satisfied riders throughout the world, this scooter has been battle-tested over and over again by being the main scooter in the fleets of the two largest scooter-sharing companies, Bird and Lime.

The most popular kid in the school fully deserves all the accolades thrown at it. Usually priced at just around $550, it is almost a budget scooter, and the value you get for that price is simply incredible.

The top speed, while initially limited to 15 mph / 25 kmh out of the box, can be increased by installing the custom firmware that lets you modify it. You will be able to get speeds of up to 22 mph / 35 kmh.

The range of 28 mi / 45 km on a single charge is simply a bullseye, like it was designed to satisfy the public.

Real motor power of 300 Watts and a peak motor power of 600 Watts, a 36 Volt battery, a water-protection rating of IP54, all of that packaged into 31 lbs / 14 kg of red-on-black loveliness.

Who should get the Xiaomi M365 Pro?

The public is rarely wrong. It will be rare to make a mistake by choosing the Xiaomi M365 Pro.

The Xiaomi M365 Pro has been my first personal scooter as well, and I can fully vouch for its quality and durability.

This scooter will be a great general choice. If you listen to the market, then it has spoken clearly – the Xiaomi M365 Pro is the people’s choice.

It will shine for commuters, value shoppers, and all scooter lovers in general. Read the full review of the Xiaomi M365 Pro to see why this scooter may be right for you.

Who should not get the Xiaomi M365 Pro?

The Achilles’ Heel of the Xiaomi M365 Pro is its tires. That’s probably the biggest reason why this scooter isn’t in the hands of everyone on the planet already.

If you live in a city or area that has poor road infrastructure, or has roads that are very unsuitable for scooters, consider getting a model with solid wheels, as the Mercane Widewheel Dual described further down in this article.

Best alternative: Turbowheel Dart

The Turbowheel Dart is a miracle scooter.

It is of the highest-quality, most thoughtful design, best manufacturing and finishing, and with the most attention to detail.

The successor of the iconic Speedway Mini 4, it improves upon it in many areas, while keeping the almost impossible balance of many features that frequently don’t go together.

This super-cool $1000 scooter boasts a top speed of 28 mph / 45 kmh, a range of 30 mi / 48 km, powered by a direct drive 600 Watt hub motor.

What makes the Turbowheel Dart amazing is its proven track record. It has proven itself time and time again to be a tough, durable, reliable, high-quality scooter, in the hands-on many users.

Who should get the Turbowheel Dart?

I’m not sure anyone into scooters could resist the Turbowheel Dart. If you want the best $1000 scooter, but you don’t want to be just another generic scooter owner, then the Turbowheel Dart will be perfect for you.

This cutting-edge trendsetter can probably fit the needs of most of the casual users, commuters, or hobby riders. Whatever your needs are, they will probably be perfectly met by the Turbowheel Dart.

Who should not get the Turbowheel Dart?

It’s kind of hard to say.

Probably look at other models if you need great specializations, like crazy climb angles or very heavy loads.

Maybe also check out the other scooters if you’re after more value, as this scooter is right at the upper limit of this price category.

But, chances are, if you just want a great scooter for under $1000, the Turbowheel Dart will be perfect for you.

Best with solid wheels: Mercane Widewheel Dual

The scooters from the Mercane line are arguably the best solid tire scooters in the world right now.

Their iconic 4-inch wide solid, foam-filled wheels make them completely immune to punctures and flats.

But also, the wide wheels result in better balance and safety.

And let’s not forget, they give them a ton of cool points. Just look at this scooter – it’s like no other on this list! You will most likely get a lot of eyeballs on you when riding it.

The Mercane Widewheel Dual has solid stats: a top speed of 25 mph / 40 kmh, a range of 20 mi / 32 km, and two powerful motors with a combined power of 1000 Watt (peak power 1600 Watts). As usual with scooters with two motors, they will have more torque and be great at climbing, so the Mercane Widewheel Dual has a climbing angle of 20 degrees. Plus, the scooter has great suspension on both wheels to make the rides extra-comfortable, and an IP54 water protection rating.

Who should get the Mercane Widewheel Dual?

Anyone that lives in a place with terrible roads, where scooters or cyclists frequently flat tires, will want to get the Mercane Widewheel Dual. It is the answer to flat tires.

But also, I would recommend this scooter to anyone looking for something outside of the regular, for anyone looking for a scooter that looks a bit different (in a better way). The Mercane series is not your typical, generic, boring commuter, and if you’re after a more exciting and more powerful pick, then go with the Widewheel Dual.

Who should not get the Mercane Widewheel Dual?

If you have other more important priorities than not getting flats or looking cool, then choose some of the other scooters on this list.

The Ninebot Max is probably the polar opposite of the Mercane Widewheel Dual when it comes to the tires, so if you’re looking for excellent pneumatic tires, go with the tried-and-tested Ninebot Max.

Best for heavy adults: Tarsa T9

In the $1000 price category, most models have a weight limit of 220 lbs / 100 kg.

Some have 265 lbs / 120 kg, and the ones built for heavier adults have 330 lbs / 150 kg.

And then there’s the Tarsa T9, with a weight limit of 396 lbs / 180 kg!

Keep in mind that when looking for a heavy-duty scooter, you really want to go for the highest weight limit. A 212 lbs / 96 kg adult will see a diminished performance from a scooter with a 220 lbs / 100 kg weight limit.

Another feature that usually goes along with a great weight limit is a strong climbing angle, and this is an area in which the Tarsa T9 shines as well.

This usually underrated scooter will have a top speed of 25 mph / 40 kmh, a range of 12 mi / 20 km, and a 500 Watt motor.

For a price of just $580, it is superb value.

Who should get the Tarsa T9?

The Tarsa T9 is the best choice for heavy adults.

Aside from that, this scooter is great for climbing, and perfect for value shoppers.

Who should not get the Tarsa T9?

If you need a better range for commuting, you can take a look at the Ninebot Max, described in this article.

Best waterproof: Levy Plus

The Levy Plus, like some other $1000 scooters, has an IP standard of IP54. That makes it water-resistant to water splashes from all angles.

But if many other scooters are also IP54 rated, why is the Levy Plus the best choice for a waterproof $1000 scooter?

Simple – it is the only electric scooter with a removable battery.

When it comes to water damage, the battery is by far the most vulnerable part. When storing or leaving your scooter, by simply taking the battery with you, you will greatly reduce the chances of something going wrong.

For riding in the rain, you still have the standard IP54 protection, which should be good enough. For the rest of the time, you can just take the battery with you and not worry about water damage at all.

See my detailed Levy Plus review to find out more about this excellent scooter.

Who should get the Levy Plus?

The first obvious answer is anyone living in a place with a lot of rain or snow throughout the year.

While this scooter has a unique advantage with its removable battery, it can also be a great choice for commuters and value shoppers as well.

With just 31 lbs / 14 kg of weight, this scooter is also a very strong option in the lightweight category, so consider it if you need a portable commuter.

Who should not get the Levy Plus?

The weight capacity of the Levy Plus is 230 lbs / 104 kg. If you need more than that, I suggest checking out the Tarsa T9 entry in this post.

Best for offroad: Kugoo M4 Pro

I’m simply amazed by the value that the Kugoo brand offers lately.

The Kugoo M4 Pro is almost into the budget category, costing just $675. And for that price, it offers value as even some $1500 scooters fail to deliver.

Check this out:

Top speed of 28 mph / 45 kmh.

Range of 38 mi / 60 km on a single charge.

A motor of 500 Watts.

Climb angle of 15 degrees.

An IP water protection rating of IP54.

This scooter is just jam-packed with value, for a price that’s hard to beat.

And when it comes to offroad, it is one of the very few good options for under $1000. It may not be the only one, as there are a few other scooters that may handle rough rides, but none will be tougher than the Kugoo M4 Pro.

Who should get the Kugoo M4 Pro?

There is no doubt that anyone looking for an offroad scooter under $1000 will want to go with the Kugoo M4 Pro.

But other than that, this will be a great value pick as well, and also a great choice for a versatile, powerful scooter. You can see the complete Kugoo M4 Pro review for more.

Who should not get the Kugoo M4 Pro??

I have some bad news for US shoppers. It may be so that GeekBuying doesn’t currently deliver to the US. By all means, check the links above, but you may not be able to get this scooter.

If you’re after a great offroad model in the US, your best bet will probably be the best $1000 scooter overall, which is the Ninebot Max described above. Its big 10-inch pneumatic self-healing tires will be able to take some punishment.

Lightest / most portable: UScooters Eco

Without a shadow of a doubt, the UScooters Eco is the most portable electric scooter in the under $1000 price category.

It weighs only 26 lbs / 11 kg.

When folded, its dimensions become 37 in / 95 cm in length, 12 in / 30 cm in height, and just 5.5 in / 14 cm in width.

You can take this thing on vacation with you!

In fact, it is one of the very, very few scooters that have a battery that is TSA approved (battery rating of 156 Wh, the TSA requires under 160). So, literally, you can actually take this scooter on an airplane with you.

This tough little scooter does pack a punch however, 16 mph / 26 kmh top speed, 16 mi / 26 km of range, 350 Watt motor, and even a 15-degree climb angle, more than most scooters!

I simply love scooters like this, that surprise you in the best possible way.

UScooters Eco specifications

• top speed: 16 mph / 26 kmh
• range: 16 mi / 26 km
• power: 350 W (real)
• battery: 156 Wh, 24 V
• charging time: 3.5 h
• climb degree: 15°
• weight: 24 lbs / 11 kg
• weight limit: 249 lbs / 113 kg
• tires: solid
• tire size: 7.5 inches
• adjustable handlebar: yes

Who should get the UScooters Eco?

Besides anyone needing a very portable, very easy to carry scooter, lots of others can find this scooter useful.

With a range of 16 mi / 26 km, it will be good enough for most commuters.

The climb angle of 15 degrees makes it a great choice for hilly cities as well.

Finally, for the price of under $590, this is an awesome value pick for smart, budget shoppers.

Who should not get the UScooters Eco?

While the weight load capacity of 249 lbs / 113 kg will be more than enough for most adults, it may be dangerously close to the limit for heavier adults.

If you need a scooter under $1000 for heavy adults, check out the Tarsa T9, also described in this post.

Fastest: Kaabo Skywalker 10S

Not surprisingly, the fastest $1000 electric scooter comes from the Kaabo brand. The famous power brand makes some of the craziest, most powerful scooters ever, and that is certainly the case for the $1000 price category.

This beast has a top speed of 31 mph / 50 kmh, which is the highest top speed for a $1000 scooter.

Besides that, the Kaabo Skywalker 10S has a spectacular range of 43 mi / 69 km on a single charge (second-best in this category), powered by a monster 1500 Watt dual motor and a 60 V battery. That motor/battery combination can easily power a small electric car.

And the most interesting part?

This is actually quite a portable scooter, for that kind of performance. With very manageable folded dimensions, and a weight of 55 lbs / 25 kg, it’s not really as heavy as you would expect a scooter this powerful to be (they are usually 88 lbs / 40 kg).

The Kaabo Skywalker 10S usually costs $999. This level of performance in an electric scooter usually costs at least double.

Kaabo Skywalker 10S specifications

• top speed: 50 km/h
• range: 69 km
• power: 1500 W
• battery: 936 Wh, 60 V
• charging time: 10 h
• climb degree: 30°
• weight: 25 kg
• weight limit: 120 kg
• dimensions, folded (L x W x H, cm): 119 x 23 x 33

Who should get the Kaabo Skywalker 10S

I can see many uses for the Skywalker 10S.

Of course, if you are after the fastest $1000 scooter, this will be your choice.

But that’s far from all this model is good for.

With that kind of range, performance, and portability, this model would be amazing for commuting.

It is also amazing for climbing as well, as most true performers are.

Who should not get the Kaabo Skywalker 10S

The IP rating of this scooter is not known. It is possible it has one but it’s not specified, but it’s also possible it doesn’t have any.

If you live in a rainy area and you don’t want to risk it, you want to get a waterproof scooter you will be confident can endure some humidity. Check out the Levy Plus described in this article for that.

Best with seat: Orca Mark I

I believe that in the coming years, we will see a shift towards electric scooters with seats. Up until now, electric scooters were mostly used by younger people, but as they grow in popularity and more and more adults use them, we will be seeing more models with seats garner attention. I wouldn’t be surprised if scooters with seats continue to blur the line between an electric scooter and an electric bike and continue to offer new almost hybrid-like models.

At this point, the Orca Mark I is the best electric scooter with a seat under $1000. This bike-looking scooter basically has an infinite range, because unlike scooters, you can easily ride it manually if the battery runs out.

The batter itself will take you 20 mi / 32 km on a single charge, with speeds of up to 17.4 kmh / 28 kmh. The Orca Mark I has triple suspension: on the front wheel, on the rear wheel, and on the seat, making it one of the most comfortable scooters in this price category.

With an IP rating of IP54, a DC geared motor, key lock for increased security, and many of the benefits of an electric bike, it’s no wonder that this model is getting more and more popular.

Who should get the Orca Mark I?

I recommend the Orca Mark I not only to anyone looking for the best electric scooter with a seat under $1000, but also to anyone that needs the perfect utility scooter.

With a seat and the option for a basket, ergonomic and practical, the Orca Mark I is the true adult scooter.

Who should not get the Orca Mark I?

While the Orca Mark I will be a great choice for anyone that needs a useful scooter, it will lack the flexibility that regular electric scooters offer. Basically, if you choose this scooter, you better be sure you want to ride seated the whole time. Otherwise, you’re better off sticking with some of the other scooters here.

Coolest looking: Inokim Light 2

Electric scooters from the Inokim brand specialize in delivering a high level of quality, craftsmanship, and attention to detail.

And also, they look great!

While most scooters today are desperately trying to imitate each other, Inokim is not afraid to innovate.

The Inokim Light 2 is the best example of that. Brave lines, fun colors, unique design, all of it bundled together in a well-executed, feature-full, customizable scooter.

That makes it the most fun, best-looking $1000 electric scooter.

Who should get the Inokim Light 2?

In some ways, Inokim is the designer brand among scooters.

That’s why the Inokim Light 2 will be for those looking for that extra edge in their scooter’s look. If you’re after the coolest-looking $1000 scooter, the Inokim Light 2 will be a great choice. The full Inokim Light 2 review goes into a lot more depth.

Who should not get the Inokim Light 2?

I don’t want to label the Inokim Light 2 as all looks and no brains, but the fact of the matter is, this is not the most performant scooter out there. If you are after more performance or more value, check the Ninebot Max, the Kaabo Skywalker, or the Turbowheel Dart.

Longest range: Joyor LR8

I think I’m a little in love with the Joyor brand.

Not only do they build great high-value scooters, but they always seem to focus on building scooters strong in my favorite feature – range.

The Joyor LR8, which is one of their marathoners, has a range of 45 mi / 73 km on a single charge. That is the highest in the $1000 category, and it’s certainly brilliant for a $799 scooter.

Not to mention, this scooter has a sweet top speed of 28 mph / 45 kmh, a great climbing angle of 25 degrees, and 265 lbs / 120 kg weight limit. All of that by weighing just 42 lbs / 19 kg.

All in all, a great set of specifications, for a very good price.

Joyor LR8 specifications

• top speed: 45 km/h
• range: 73 km
• power: 500 W
• battery: 1152 Wh, 48 V
• charging time: 10 h
• climb degree: 25°
• weight: 19 kg
• weight limit: 120 kg
• dimensions, folded (L x W x H, cm): 88 x 18 x 38
• dimensions, unfolded (L x W x H, cm): 78 x 54 x 115
• tire size: 8 inches

Who should get the Joyor LR8

The Joyor LR8 is a key that can unlock many doors.

If you want the longest range per dollar in the $1000 price category, this is your scooter.

Further, commuters of all types will find a great travel buddy in the Joyor LR8. This is especially true for any last-mile commuters, since this scooter is pretty convenient for carrying in and out of public transport, building entrances and elevators and hallways, etc.

And yes, it’s a great option for anyone looking for a decently portable scooter. Sure, it will not be as portable as the UScooters Eco, but it is still pretty portable, especially given its performances.

Finally, this scooter is also a great climber. With a 25 degree of climb angle, it won’t let you down on those tricky hills.

Who should not get the Joyor LR8

This scooter seems to have no obvious flaws. I really can’t think of a group of scooter owners that wouldn’t love the Joyor LR8.

If we’re nitpicking, we could say that the charging time of 10 hours is slightly long. For me, and for most scooter owners and aficionados, that has never been an issue. If your scooter is performant, it will usually take longer to charge, there’s no other way about it.

Also, the brand is not yet as established and respected as the big names out there, so if you’re looking for a safer option that has already proven its mettle, then simply go with the Ninebot Max.

Best for climbing: Tarsa T10 X

I keep getting surprised in a very positive way by the underestimated Tarsa brand.

So far, they only have a few models, but they all seem to be very good at the jobs that they’re supposed to be doing.

The Tarsa T10 X has a climbing angle of 30 degrees, the best among the $1000 scooters.

This powerhouse will have a dual 500 Watt motor, a top speed of 12 mph / 20 kmh, and a solid range of 22 mph / 35 kmh.

Tarsa T10 X specifications

• top speed: 20 km/h
• range: 35 km
• power: 500 W
• battery: 480 Wh, 48 V
• climb degree: 30°
• weight limit: 110 kg

Who should get the Tarsa T10 X

Obviously, if you live in an area with a lot of hills and valleys, and your budget is $1000 or less, then you can look at the Tarsa T10 X.

Who should not get the Tarsa T10 X

The value of the Tarsa T10 X is not exactly what I consider great value. The main reason is its top speed, which is not that great.

If you need a faster scooter, take a look at the Kaabo Skywalker 10S.

If you need more value in general, go with the Kugoo Kirin M4.

What can you expect from a $1000 electric scooter?

Currently, there are 77 electric scooters that cost between $500 and $1000 (I purposefully didn’t include the $500 electric scooters in this post to keep things simpler, even though they technically are under $1000 as well).

Electric scooters under $1000 will have motors that can already be considered quite powerful, especially as we get closer to the $1000 mark. They will average around 580 Watts of power, with most of the scooters having between 500 and 800 Watts of peak power.

That kind of power will provide them with quick acceleration, good climbing abilities, and a very solid performance overall. Keep in mind that there are much more powerful scooters out there, but the $1000 electric scooters will be powerful enough for the vast majority of casual riders and commuters.

The scooters in this price category have quite a lot going for them. They are not limited by budget prices, so they will include higher-quality parts and better attention to detail than cheaper models.

Understandably, they will be safer and last longer than cheaper models. They will last for a long time, and we can safely expect a minimum lifespan of 3 years. The defect rate will be very low, especially in the first year of usage. From my research, there will be about a 3.43% chance of a serious defect in the first year. Also, the chance for the scooter being dead-on-arrival will be much lower, as these scooters will come from higher-end brands that don’t skimp on delivery costs.

All in all, while $1000 scooters are not the most expensive scooters out there, they are a level or two above budget scooters, and their quality will clearly reflect that. If you’re after even more quality and performance than these models, you will have to check out the best electric scooters under $1500.

How fast do $1000 electric scooters go?

The average top speed of $1000 electric scooters is 20 mph / 32 kmh, but the top speeds can range anywhere between 11 and 31 mph / 18 and 50 kmh.

How much range do $1000 electric scooters have?

On average, $1000 electric scooters will have a range of 22 mi / 36 km. The range will vary from 6 mi / 10 km to 45 mi /73 km.

Summary

Those were all the best $1000 electric scooters and the perfect scenarios where they make the most sense. Here’s a quick summary of all of them for reference.

Electric scooter	Use case	Buy
Ninebot Max	Best overall	Buy
Xiaomi M365 Pro	Most popular	Buy
Turbowheel Dart	Best alternative	Buy
Mercane Widewheel Dual	Best with solid wheels	Buy
Tarsa T9	Best for heavy adults	Buy
Levy Plus	Best waterproof	Buy
Kugoo M4 Pro	Best for offroad	Buy
UScooters Eco	Lightest
Kaabo Skywalker 10S	Fastest	Buy
Orca Mark I	Best with seat	Buy
Inokim Light 2	Coolest looking	Buy
Joyor LR8	Longest range
Tarsa T10 X	Best for climbing

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