Best Electric Scooters Under $500 – 19 Cheap But Great Scooters For Every Need

The competition for the best electric scooter under $500 is huge in 2021. It is one of the most coveted price categories by all scooter brands.

As demand for scooters grows, so does the competition among scooter manufacturers.

Electric scooters get better every year. At the same time, prices constantly go down.

All of that is great news for budget shoppers.

There has never been a better time to pick an inexpensive, but still very good scooter, from a rich variety of models designed for every need and use case.

We will be looking at all the best electric scooters priced around $500.

They each have their strengths and upsides. The way you should make your choice is to think about your needs first, and then take your pick from the options that shine in that area.

Let’s see where each of these models performs best, and when it would make sense for you to consider buying it.

Best Overall: Hiboy Max3

The more I learn and research electric scooters, the more I like the Hiboy Max3.

It seems that the Hiboy Max3 has it all.

Great quality, with low defect rates? Check.

Affordable price and high availability? Check.

Amazing safety features, great durability and lifespan? Check.

Massively popular and selling in thousands, while still having stellar reviews and high customer satisfaction? Check.

Strong performances, powerful motor, cool top speed, long range, long battery life, low charge time, cool design? Check, check, check…

This is one of the best budget scooters of our time. I don’t think there’s a better deal overall right now for less than $500.

Who should get the Hiboy Max3?

I know “everyone” is not a good answer, but I can’t think of a simpler yet correct answer to this question.

The true power and awesomeness of the Hiboy Max3 come from its versatility. This scooter will not disappoint anyone.

Who should not get the Hiboy Max3?

Honestly, I can’t think of a scooter owner category that would not love the Hiboy Max3.

I’d suggest probably getting another scooter if you have really specific needs in one area, and need your scooter to be specialized in that area.

Otherwise, the Hiboy Max3 is always a good choice.

Most Popular: Xiaomi M365

No budget scooter list would ever be complete without the Xiaomi M365.

One of the most iconic scooters of all time, the Xiaomi M365 has been the best-selling electric scooter for several years in a row now. It is estimated that it has sold between 5 and 10 million units worldwide!

On top of that, it is heavily relied upon in the biggest scooter-sharing companies like Lime and Bird, which use it as one of the main scooters in their fleets.

For many scooter lovers, especially novice and beginners, the name Xiaomi is almost synonymous with electric scooters.

All of that is for a good reason.

It is one of the best budget scooters ever. Nobody can even think of denying that. You simply don’t become as widespread and massively popular without high quality to back you up.

Who should get the Xiaomi M365?

Well, when a scooter is this popular, it means it’s basically built for the average scooter user.

Commuters, hobbyists, scooter aficionados, beginners, budget shoppers… the list is huge.

Also, with an IP rating of IP54, this evergreen scooter will perform very well in wet environments.

If you want to join the largest international tribe of electric scooter owners and become a part of the scooter revolution, take a look at the Xiaomi M365. You can also see my full review of the Xiaomi M365 if you’re interested.

Who should not get the Xiaomi M365?

The only category of people I wouldn’t recommend the Xiaomi M365 for might be people living or riding in cities with very poor road infrastructure, or lots of dirt and debris on their streets.

The reason for this is the Xiaomi M365 infamous flat tire problem.

It is an unfortunate fact of life – the Xiaomi M365 is very prone to flats. I’ll be straight with you – unless you live in a modern, clean city, with dedicated bike or scooter lanes and nice, flat, well-maintained roads, you will get flats with this scooter.

What’s worse, fixing the flats can be pretty hard. It has been the number one complaint that Xiaomi M365 owners have had, describing the process of fixing the flat themselves as a nightmare, even having difficulties finding mechanics that would do the job.

If you live in a city with bad streets, look for another scooter. The Hiboy S2, described in the entry below, might be a good fit.

A great alternative to the Xiaomi M365, with similar levels of mass adoption and popularity, and similar use-cases, is the Ninebot ES2. It has solid tires, so flats won’t be an issue.

Check out the Ninebot ES2 if you want a no-flats alternative to the Xiaomi M365.

Most Reliable: Hiboy S2

The ratings and reviews of the Hiboy S2 say it all.

This scooter is formidable, designed to take massive amounts of punishment in all sorts of environments, and overcome all sorts of challenges.

This is one of the scooters with the lowest defect rates. It has very few user complaints about breaking down after short usage, and even fewer of being dead on arrival.

Part of the reason for its high reliability, besides the great quality, are its solid tires. They never go flat, so you will not have the very annoying pain of fixing flats.

Besides being very reliable, long-lasting, popular, and well-received by the scooter community, this tough guy has lots of other things going for it.

Very good top speed of 18 mph / 30 kmh, which is rare for this price category. A solid range of 17 mi / 27 km on a single battery charge, coupled with long battery life, and a powerful 350 Watt motor.

Who should get the Hiboy S2?

I would recommend the Hiboy S2 to anyone looking for a high-quality scooter that will serve them for a long time, with a minimal amount of defects and breakdowns.

Also, I suggest strongly considering this scooter if you live in a city that is unfavorable to scooters. Bad streets and infrastructure, full of potholes and cracks, no dedicated bike lanes, all of those conditions should be met and handled with grace by the Hiboy s2.

It’s not that the other scooters in the $500 category are unreliable. It’s just that they’re not as reliable as the Hiboy S2. Of course, take care of your scooter and ride it carefully, but know that it will probably last you for a long time.

If you need the Hiboy S2, you can check it out on Amazon, or read the full Hiboy S2 review if you want to find out more first.

Who should not get the Hiboy S2?

Probably the only weak spot of the Hiboy S2 is his climbing angle.

The good news is, it’s not really that bad. At 9 degrees, it’s still much more than most scooters (many models don’t even bother to test or announce this value).

The 350 Watt motor will get you across lower-inclined hills, no problem.

Think about a different scooter only if you live in a very hilly city, where there are either a lot of hills, or some very steep hills. In that case, you can take a look at the Swagtron EB5, described further in this article.

Best Safety: Razor E300

Several factors make the Razor E300 the safest electric scooter under $500.

First of all, it has sold hundreds of thousands of units, and almost every one of them is a happy camper.

Then, just look at those Amazon ratings. 4.2 stars, out of 1250+ reviews? You don’t get there by being an unsafe scooter.

Finally, the weight of this scooter makes it very sturdy and reliable. At 20 kilograms, it’s going to be the equivalent of an SUV.

Who should get the Razor E300?

Anyone who has safety as their priority should strongly consider the Razor E300. Not to say the other budget scooters are unsafe, but the Razor E300 ticks all the safety checkboxes.

In the same vein, this is also an excellent choice to get for your kid, younger relative, or as a present.

Finally, with a price tag usually around $250, this is a great value scooter, offering amazing bang-for-buck.

If you need a very safe budget scooter, check the complete review of Razor E300.

Who should not get the Razor E300?

Well, safety comes at a cost.

The Razor E300 will not have the greatest, most powerful motor, which means it will not have a very good range or top speed, and it will not be a great climber.

If you want a faster budget scooter, you will probably want to check out the Kaabo Air, described in more detail in this post as well.

With 16 kilometers of range, the Razor E300 is not exactly the best scooter for commuters. You can check out the next scooter entry in this post, the Kugoo S1 Pro, which is amazing for commuters, or the longest-range budget scooter, the EvoMotion EvoLite Carbon, also described in this post.

Best For Commuting: Kugoo S1 Pro

The perfect commuting scooter is a well-balanced scooter that has a lot of features at a higher level at the same time.

This is usually a problem because increasing one stat often comes at the cost of another. That’s why we mostly see scooters that have either a powerful motor or a good battery, either great top speed or great range, but not both.

Well, Kugoo has found a way to solve this paradox. They give us the Kugoo S1 Pro as a great commuter solution, with a power/range combination rarely seen in scooters under $500.

Besides that, the Kugoo S1 Pro is much lower-priced than $500, usually costing around $350. For that price, you get several other awesome capabilities, like the water protection standard of IP54 for those rainy days, a weight load of 265 lbs / 120 kg for all of us on the heavier side, a great climbing angle of 15 degrees, and good portability at 24 lbs / 11 kilograms of weight.

All in all, a strong all-round player, as the best commuter should be.

Who should get the Kugoo S1 Pro?

As I mentioned, this scooter is great for regular commuters. I would add it is especially good for commuters on a budget, as it’s cheaper than most scooters on this list, even though we are only looking at the budget category.

With the water protection standard of IP54, this scooter will be well-equipped for rainy days.

But there’s much more to it. The Kugoo S1 Pro is a very versatile scooter, and it can find its home in many different scenarios. Check out the review of the Kugoo S1 Pro to find out more about this super-cool scooter.

Who should not get the Kugoo S1 Pro?

This is a very well-balanced scooter, and comes at a very affordable price.

So it kinda saddens me that I believe I can’t recommend it to people in the United States.

Kugoo is a European model, and I’ve only seen it sold on GeekBuying or other stores that don’t really deliver goods to the USA.

If you need an amazing commuter in the US, check out the Hiboy Max3 described in this guide.

Best For Heavy Adults: Swagtron Swagger 5

The following scooter is nothing short of incredible.

For a price of around $300, it has a weight capacity of 320 lbs / 145 kilograms! In the under $500 category, that is unheard of. Not to mention it only costs 70% of the price category limit.

That clearly makes it the best budget scooter for heavy adults today.

This surprisingly strong performer also boasts a great top speed of 18 mph / 30 kmh, an awesome climb angle of 20 degrees, and a range of 12 mi / 19 kilometers. Very good value here.

Coming from a proud line of famous scooters, the Swagtron Swagger 5 is one of the best models ever by the celebrated brand. This well-made model weighs 26 lbs / 12 kilograms, which makes it pretty portable. It also has an IP rating of IPX4, giving it solid protection against water.

Swagtron Swagger 5 specifications

• top speed: 29 km/h
• range: 18 km
• power: 350 W
• battery: 158.4 Wh, 37 V
• charging time: 3.5 h
• climb degree: 20°
• weight: 12 kg
• weight limit: 145 kg
• IP rating: IPX4
• dimensions, folded (L x W x H, cm): 105 x 44 x 48
• dimensions, unfolded (L x W x H, cm): 105 x 44 x 115
• tire size: 8.5 inches
• adjustable handlebar: yes

Who should get the Swagtron Swagger 5?

Heavy adults, especially ones heavier than 220 lbs / 100 kg, would make a very good choice with the Swagtron Swagger 5. Other models lag behind by a lot, at least 55 lbs / 25 kilograms of weight capacity less than this one’s.

But aside from that, the Swagtron Swagger 5 is a very versatile, possibly underrated scooter.

It’s certainly a great choice for value shoppers, and anyone looking to get the best bang for buck.

Also, it is a smart choice for anyone living in hilly areas. The climb rate of 20 degrees is one of the best in the category.

Finally, with a water protection rating of IPX4, it is also one of the few water-resistant budget scooters, so get it if you live in a rainy or snowy area.

You can find this great scooter on Amazon.

Who should not get the Swagtron Swagger 5?

The only bad news with this scooter is that some users have reported it has arrived broken.

This is possible with every scooter. I’ve calculated that there’s about a 0.5% to 1% for this to happen. With the Swagtron Swagger 5, that probability may be 1.5%.

Still not a high probability, I would consider it a minor risk that is still very unlikely to happen. But you should be aware of it anyway.

If you are adamant about getting the most reliable budget scooter, take a look at the Hiboy S2 or the Hiboy Max3 described in this article.

Lightest and Most Portable: Swagtron Swagger Pro

Not only is the Swagtron Swagger Pro the lightest electric scooter under $500, it is also probably the lightest electric scooter ever made. It weighs only 16 lbs / 7.25 kilograms.

On top of that, it is also one of the scooters with the least space occupancy. When folded, it’s only 39.3 in / 100 cm long, 16.1 in / 41 cm tall, and just 15.7 in / 40 cm wide.

That makes it the one of most portable electric scooters, with most other options being either much heavier, or much more spacious.

Besides being one of the most portable scooters in the world, this featherweight champion has other things going for it.

Its quality level, while not the best, is still satisfactory. It is one of the rare models that successfully pulls off the carbon fiber build and good design.

Also, it looks pretty good, in my opinion. A really slick, cool, small scooter, with a great color choice and modern shine.

Its performances are pretty good too, a top speed of 15 mph / 25 kmh, powered by a 250 Watt motor. Not too shabby at all for such a small scooter.

Who should get the Swagtron Swagger Pro?

If portability is your main need, then the Swagtron Swagger Pro will be your champion.

This is one of the few scooters that is actually the best choice for a use case in any price category. No matter how much you are willing to spend, you will not find a more portable scooter than the Swagtron Swagger Pro.

Also, something that I probably don’t talk about enough in this blog is the look and feel of the scooters, and how fun are they to ride.

Well, I believe the Swagtron Swagger Pro, being a light, high-quality, cool-looking scooter, would provide a decent and fun riding experience overall. So you can consider it for this scenario as well.

Who should not get the Swagtron Swagger Pro?

It makes sense that the Swagtron Swagger will not be the strongest performer on this list. Great portability and great performance is a paradox that probably no brands have solved yet. If you need a powerful scooter, search for the Kaabo Air entry.

Also, note that the ultra-budget price will definitely bring some sacrifices in terms of quality. There have been some complaints about that with this scooter, so that’s something to keep in mind, and if you want a model with a proven quality level, consider something like the Xiaomi M365 or some of the Hiboy models.

Best Waterproofing: FLJ i11

There are quite a few electric scooters under $500 that have an IP rating of IP54. That’s pretty good, and will give you some water protection for those wet seasons.

But only one scooter takes it to the next level, with an IP rating of IP55. That’s the FLJ i11.

And remember, when looking for water protection through the IP standard, we’re looking at the second digit.

So in the case of $500 scooters, half have either no rating at all, which means weak or no water protection, and half have IPX4 or IP54, essentially having a protection grade of 4 against water damage.

And then there’s the FLJ i11, with a protection grade of 5.

Keep in mind, that is not a small difference.

A second-digit value of four means “protection against water splashes from all angles”.

But a second-digit value of 5 means “protection against weak jets, or water from any angle, some ingress has no damaging effects”.

That is huge.

That may be the difference between a ride in the rain completely disabling and breaking your scooter, or having no effect on it at all.

A real bargain for $399.

Who should get the FLJ i11?

If you live in a rainy country or city, your best budget choice by far is the FLJ i11. You can’t get better water protection for under $500.

Besides that, this scooter is also very light, weighing 20 lbs / 9 kg, and very portable, with very small space occupancy.

Who should not get the FLJ i11?

The FLJ i11 is the waterproof specialist in the budget category.

If you expect to ride it in wet weather often, then don’t risk it with a scooter with an IP54 grade.

However, if you have little or moderate rain, and you believe you will manage to stay out of it, then you can consider other scooters from this list.

The other electric scooters under $500 with waterproof capabilities are:

• Xiaomi M365
• Kugoo S1 Pro
• Tarsa T2
• Kaabo Air
• Swagtron Swagger 5
• Levy
• Swagtron Swagger
• Kugoo M2 Pro

You can look there if you want a more balanced feature set between water protection and some other feature the scooter specializes in.

Best Value: GoTrax G2

We are already talking about budget scooters under $500, but can we go even lower? Can we find great scooters at, say, half that?

Turns out, we can. The GoTrax G2 model, usually priced at around $228, is the best value budget scooter for adults that you can find.

The combination of range of 6.8 mi / 11 km, and top speed of 15 mph / 25 kmh, especially the speed part, is a true bargain for the price.

The GoTrax G2 is water-resistant with an IP54 water protection level, and it has a big-enough weight capacity to handle most adults, at 220 lbs / 100 kg of maximum weight load.

The scooter climbs pretty well for its power, and it weighs just 21 lbs / 9.5 kg, making it one of the lightest and most portable electric scooters in the world today.

And, the icing on the cake… With a very small battery, this is one of the very few adult scooters you will likely be able to take on a plane with you (if the airline allows scooters on board of course).

The great features are simply too numerous. It’s almost unbelievable what you can get for around $228 these days.

Who should get the GoTrax G2?

The GoTrax G2 will be the favorite of value shoppers. Its specs are hard to beat for that price.

That will also imply that the GoTrax G2 is a very versatile scooter, well equipped to handle a lot of different scenarios and use cases.

People living in rainy areas can also get this scooter, since it has a water protection standard of IP54.

Who should not get the GoTrax G2?

It’s hard to say. Seems like if you need a budget or a value scooter, you will definitely get a great deal with the GoTrax G2.

Well, I guess it’s only fair to mention that the range is not really the best. This scooter might have a limited range for some use cases.

Consider the Hiboy Max3 if you need a truly versatile scooter that is still great value but has a better range.

Fastest Speed: Kaabo Air

When it comes to the greatest top speed in the under $500 category, the Kaabo Air reigns supreme.

It has a top speed of 22 mph / 35 kmh, a speed that no other $500 scooter can match.

Usually, the 22 mph / 35 kmh scooters cost well above $700. You get that speed for just $399 with the Kaabo Air.

Coming from one of the best scooter manufacturers in the world, the Kaabo Air is a higher quality, better performing scooter than your typical budget model.

Besides the great top speed, its range will also be extremely solid, with 30 kilometers on a single charge.

Weighing at just 24 lbs / 11 kilograms, it fully deserves the name Air. At the same time, it can still climb moderate hills of up to 15 degrees.

Make no mistake, this is an excellent scooter at a great price.

Kaabo Air specifications

• top speed: 35 km/h
• range: 30 km
• power: 350 W
• battery: 281 Wh, 36 V
• climb degree: 15°
• weight: 11 kg
• weight limit: 100 kg
• IP rating: IPX4
• dimensions, folded (L x W x H, cm): 97 x 15 x 30
• dimensions, unfolded (L x W x H, cm): 105 x 35 x 118
• tires: solid
• tire size: 8 inches
• adjustable handlebar: yes

Who should get the Kaabo Air?

Simply put, if you want the fastest possible electric scooter under $500, then you won’t find a better choice than the Kaabo Air. It is the only scooter that can reach speeds of 22 mph / 35 kmh, and that is a bid deal for a budget model.

I can also see the Kaabo Air being great for commuters, the 350 Watt motor and 30 km range combo, with just 24 lbs / 11 kg of mass, can be a godsend to many commuters, especially those with a last-mile type of commute.

Who should not get the Kaabo Air?

Honestly, I can’t think of a group of people that wouldn’t like the Kaabo Air.

When a scooter is fast and has a powerful motor, all things about it are better. Pretty much anyone can fall in love with the Kaabo Air.

Probably the only group that should look elsewhere is heavy adults, weighing over 220 lbs / 100 kg. That is exactly the weight capacity of the Kaabo Air, and for people close or over that limit, the Swagtron Swagger 5, would be a better choice.

Longest Range: EvoMotion EvoLite Carbon

While most electric scooters under $500 have a decent range of 15-20 mi / 25-32 km on a single charge, that’s as much as they can go.

Except for the EvoMotion EvoLite Carbon.

In the budget category, it is the undisputed range champion, with an unmatched range of 22 mi / 35 km on a single charge.

This feather-weight marathoner will be a great commuting option as well. Its carbon-fiber build weighs only 16.5 lbs / 7.5 kilograms, making it also one of the lightest, most portable electric scooters ever made.

On top of that, it has a weight capacity of 242 lbs / 110 kg, which is more than even heavier scooters can support.

A great choice of features for many in my opinion.

EvoMotion EvoLite Carbon specifications

• top speed: 20 km/h
• range: 35 km
• power: 250 W
• battery: 240 Wh, 24 V
• charging time: 3 h
• weight: 7.5 kg
• weight limit: 110 kg
• dimensions, folded (L x W x H, cm): 100 x 40 x 24
• dimensions, unfolded (L x W x H, cm): 101 x 40 x 92
• tires: solid

Who should get the EvoMotion EvoLite Carbon?

Obviously, if you need as much range as you can get for under $500, then this scooter is for you.

This includes pleasure riders, frequent riders, and commuters.

But also consider this scooter if you need a truly lightweight, portable scooter. While not the most portable budget scooter, it is still one of the lightest electric scooters in the world.

Who should get the EvoMotion EvoLite Carbon?

Typically, long range comes with the tradeoff of slower top speed.

With a top speed of 12 mph / 20 kmh, this may not be your choice if you’re after a faster scooter. Check out the Kaabo Air for this feature, its range is pretty good for a budget scooter as well.

Another issue I believe I’ve noticed with the EvoMotion EvoLite Carbon is that it’s sometimes unavailable on Amazon. While not a dealbreaker by any means, it can be a bit demoralizing to find your perfect model and see the dreaded “Currently unavailable” red letters on the Amazon listing.

You should take a look at more popular options, like the Hiboy Max3 and the Xiaomi M365, described in this list, if you want to get your scooter delivered and ready to have fun with as fast as possible.

Most Powerful: Tarsa T2

Ok, this will blow your mind.

Most electric scooters under $500 have a 250 or 350 Watt motor. The average across all the scooters in this price category is 348 Watts.

And the Tarsa T2 has a motor power of…

1600 Watts! And that’s real power, its peak power is 3200 Watts!

Wow! Are you kidding me?

No other budget scooter comes even close.

Besides the most powerful budget motor, the Tarsa T2 comes with an IP rating of IP54, able to climb those tricky hills of up to 15 degrees, while only weighing 22 lbs / 10 kg and having a low space occupancy, both folded and unfolded. It is also pretty strong for offroad riding.

All in all, this mini-beast is an anomaly in the electric scooter world. I don’t know how Tarsa has achieved this, but I’m sure glad they have.

Tarsa T2 specifications

• top speed: 20 km/h
• range: 22 km
• power: 1600 W (real), 3200 W (peak)
• battery: 270 Wh
• charging time: 3 h
• climb degree: 15°
• weight: 10 kg
• weight limit: 100 kg
• IP rating: IP54
• dimensions, unfolded (L x W x H, cm): 100 x 44 x 108
• adjustable handlebar: yes

Who should get the Tarsa T2?

The answer is clear – if you’re after that beastly raw motor power, and you don’t want to pay more than $500, then the Tarsa T2 is your perfect choice.

In fact, it’s much cheaper than $500, usually priced at $370.

Another great possible use case for this scooter is offroad and rough terrain riding. Now, before you go off and start doing wheelies in the mountains, be aware that budget scooters are not built for the offroad. But the Tarsa T2 might be one of the few ones that might be able to do that.

Who should not get the Tarsa T2?

I would not recommend the Tarsa to people that want a more popular scooter.

While they build great value models, Tarsa is not that well-known yet. If you make your buying decisions in accordance with public opinion, you may want to look at another scooter. You should definitely check out the Xiaomi M365 described in this guide if you are after a popular scooter.

Best For Climbing Hills: Uberscoot 800W

The best mountaineer in the under $500 category is the Uberscoot 800W, with an unmatched climbing angle of 25 degrees. That is pretty incredible for a scooter in this price category.

Coming from one of the most popular scooter lines, this climber will have a decently powerful motor. Climbing is almost impossible without one.

A strong motor will also mean decent performances overall. Top speeds of 15 mph / 25 km/h, a range of 12 mi / 20 km on a single charge, 242 lbs / 110 kg of weight capacity.

Pretty strong, all across the board. Good job Uberscoot.

Uberscoot 800W specifications

• top speed: 20 km/h
• range: 25 km
• power: 800 W
• charging time: 2.5 h
• climb degree: 25°
• weight: 17 kg
• weight limit: 110 kg

Who should get the Uberscoot 800W?

Naturally, if you live in a hilly area, either with tons of annoying hills, or some very high inclinations, or both, and your budget can’t cross $500, this scooter will be ideal for you.

Also, with a weight limit of 242 lbs / 110 kg, it will be pretty good for heavier adults. It makes sense if you think about it, climbing and pulling heavier loads employ a lot of the same scooter mechanisms.

The range of 15 mi / 25 km on a single charge makes this scooter a solid option for commuters as well.

Who should not get the Uberscoot 800W?

Weighing at 37 lbs / 17 kilograms, the Uberscoot 800W is not exactly the lightest budget model. It’s not really a lot, considering that some electric scooters weigh well above 66 lbs / 30 kg, but it may not be ideal if you have to carry it a lot.

Check out the Swagtron Swagger Pro further down in this post if you need a more portable option.

Also, this may not be an issue, but I guess it’s worth knowing about. This scooter, like many other scooters, has no official IP rating. It will have some waterproofing (like on the controller), but not on the entire scooter.

This may not mean anything. However, it may be possible that this scooter has no water protection at all.

If you really need a waterproof scooter, and want to be sure about its IP rating upfront, check out the next scooter in this list, the FLJ i11.

Best For Offroad: Uberscoot 1000W

Electric scooters under $500 are not built for offroad. It’s almost impossible to make a scooter ready for the challenges of the dirt trails and rough terrains, and have it cost less than $500.

And then, there’s the Uberscoot 1000W.

This is the only budget scooter truly prepared for riding outside of paved roads and urban environments. Every other budget scooter will probably not last even 10 minutes.

Typical for offroaders, this scooter will have a powerful motor, 1000 Watts in this case (second-best in this category). It is able to reach speeds of 20 mph / 32 kmh (which is the second-best in the $500 category) and can carry loads of up to 265 lbs / 120 kg.

Uberscoot 1000W specifications

• top speed: 32 km/h
• range: 16 km
• power: 1000 W
• battery: 432 Wh, 36 V
• charging time: 6 h
• weight: 30 kg
• weight limit: 120 kg

Who should get the Uberscoot 1000W?

Now, I wanna level with you here – if you want a true offroad scooter, you will probably have to increase your budget a bit. Expecting a great offroader for under $500 is asking for a lot.

But if you are determined to get an offroad scooter under $500, then your choice is clear. In fact, there is no real choice, as the Uberscoot 1000W is the only $500 scooter that can go offroad.

Also, this scooter is a great choice for a fast, powerful scooter, well equipped for heavier adults as well.

Who should not get the Uberscoot 1000W?

This is a specialist scooter, with strong performance and motor, but not a very long range. I would recommend it only as a budget offroader choice.

You will likely be more satisfied with a more versatile option, like the Hiboy Max3, also featured in this guide.

If you need a good marathoner, or a good commuter, look for the EvoLite Carbon, or the Kugoo S1 Pro in this article.

Best With Seat: Razor E300S

I’m not exactly sure why electric scooters with seats are not more popular, or ever the default. The seat is usually removable, and even when installed, it has very few downsides.

Still, there are many people that get electric scooters with seats.

In the under $500 price category, the best electric scooter is the Razor E300S.

This scooter is the same as the Razor E300, except that it has the option of supporting a seat. Since the no-seat model is a good budget choice, the E300S will also be one as well.

Who should get the Razor E300S?

I would look at the seat as just a bonus.

Sure, if you need a scooter with a seat, get the Razor E300S, it is the best budget choice.

But aside from that, this scooter is a great inexpensive option. Usually priced below $250, it is one of the cheapest scooters even in the budget category.

Who should not get the Razor E300S?

Well, unless you want an affordable scooter with a seat, coming from an established brand, you can consider other scooters.

The 10 mi / 16 km range of the Razor E300S is not the best. In fact, it’s almost half the range of the longest range budget scooter, the EvoLite Carbon.

Also, the Razor E300S is pretty heavy for a budget scooter, with a weight of 44 lbs / 20 kg. Check out the Swagtron Swagger Pro if you need a more portable option.

Best With Seat And Trunk: Razor EcoSmart

Taking this further, the next best thing after a scooter with a seat, is a scooter with both a seat and a trunk.

Of course, it’s impossible to picture another scooter win this title than the iconic Razor EcoSmart. It is THE budget electric scooter with a seat and a trunk.

It can carry up to 26 lbs / 12 kg of load in the basket.

The pneumatic tires will give you a nice, smooth sailing. The speed control is one of the best ones in the budget category.

But that makes it easy to overlook that the Razor EcoSmart is also an otherwise great budget choice as well.

With a top speed of 18 mph / 30 kmh, a range of 12 mi / 19 km, and a 500 Watt motor, it is right there, toe to toe, with the most performing budget models.

Who should get the Razor EcoSmart?

Well, this may be a strange way of putting it, but I believe the Razor EcoSmart is the best choice for real-world, busy, often tired adults.

Even at the age of 32, I often feel the need to sit down and rest a bit. Why not do it while riding the scooter?

Also, I often shop for groceries or other items. How invaluable is a basket when you have 4 heavy grocery bags that awkwardly hang around from your no-basket scooter?

Without a shadow of a doubt, this is the most practical, most useful electric scooter for the everyday lives of adults, full of tasks and chores.

And it’s not just that. The Razor EcoSmart is a very popular, very well-established scooter, trusted and loved by thousands upon thousands. It is hard to make a mistake with it. You can see my detailed Razor EcoSmart review if you’re curious.

Who should not get the Razor EcoSmart?

There’s only one category of people I would not recommend the Razor EcoSmart for. That’s for people looking for a lightweight, portable scooter.

With a weight of 66 lbs / 30 kg, it is not a good choice for anyone that needs to carry their scooter a lot.

Take a look at the Swagtron Swagger Pro entry in this post for a super-light, high-quality budget scooter.

Coolest Look: Levy

This was maybe the hardest choice to make.

Even though these are all budget scooters, there are quite a few that look very cool.

And, ultimately, this is a matter of personal preference. It is possible that what I consider a good look and design, is not the same that someone else does.

Still, I believe the coolest looking budget scooter today is the Levy.

I think the color choice does it for me.

That green/blue/turquoise color shades, on a smooth, modern, gray-black base? Mmm… it’s just got that futuristic awesomeness about it.

Anyway, it’s not just all looks and no brains.

With a top speed of 18 mph / 30 kmh, a range of 15 mi / 24 km on a single charge, and the only scooter with a removable battery, the Levy has a lot to offer besides its slick design. It’s also a pretty portable scooter at 26 lbs / 12 kg of weight, with a water-protection standard of IP54.

Who should get the Levy?

If you are into cool, modern-looking scooters, with sci-fi futuristic color schemes and design, then the Levy would be your perfect budget choice. There are other nice-looking scooters, but none is quite like the Levy.

Also, a great use case for the Levy would be any scenario where you need to remove the battery from the scooter. This can be if you leave your scooter somewhere you’re afraid it might get stolen, or just leave the scooter at the garage or the basement and take only the battery to charge it with you.

The Levy is a good choice for wet environments as well, with an IP standard of IP54.

Finally, the Levy is also a great all-rounder, making it a great choice for almost everyone.

Who should not get the Levy?

I’m not really sure when the Levy would not be a great choice.

His specs are all clearly announced, and while some of them are not the greatest, they are still all very formidable.

The weight limit of 230 lbs / 104 kg is almost the norm in the $500 price category. Heavier adults may consider another budget scooter, such as the Swagtron Swagger 5.

Maybe you can get a different scooter if you need a truly excellent climber. But the climb angle of 10 degrees is likely much better than the climb angles of all the scooters that don’t even announce the climb angles of their models. So I guess only consider climbers like the Swagtron EB5 if you absolutely need one.

Honorable Mention: Kugoo M2 Pro

I could not complete this list without the Kugoo M2 Pro.

It may not be the winner of a category, but it is still an excellent, excellent scooter that can serve a lot of different types of owners.

Just take a look at this: range of 18 mi / 30 km, top speed of 15 mph / 25 kmh, climb angle of 15 degrees, IPX4 water protection standard, weight load of 265 lbs / 120 kg.

All of that for the price of $499. Many scooters charge double for those specs. Simply a great package, amazing value.

Who should get the Kugoo M2 Pro?

I would recommend this scooter to the person that went through this whole list and didn’t find any scooter that seemed good enough. Some of us are picky (I sure am), and sometimes we have trouble making up our minds.

Also, with an IP rating of IPX4, the Kugoo M2 Pro will be a good choice for cities or areas with lots of rain or snow.

I believe the Kugoo M2 Pro is a great choice here. This excellent budget scooter will not disappoint you. You can see the full review of the Kugoo M2 Pro to find out more.

Who should not get the Kugoo M2 Pro?

This versatile model will not be the “best” anything.

If you need the best budget scooter overall, go for the Hiboy Max3.

Need a reliable budget model? Then the Hiboy S2 is your choice.

You have a brutal commute? Go with the Kugoo S1 Pro, this scooter’s cousin.

Refer again to the amazing budget scooters in this list, they each have their use.

Honorable Mention: Joyor H1

As luck would have it, the Joyor H1 is not exactly the best scooter in any one category. But it is still a good scooter, with very well balanced features.

This jack-of-all-trades costs about $250, and it really offers a lot of that price.

Weighing just 16.2 lbs / 7.35 kg, it is one of the most portable, lightweight scooters ever. It charges fully in just 3 hours.

Its range of 15 mi / 25 km, coupled with a speed of 11 mph / 18 kmh, makes it an ok performer, although nothing special.

All in all, a pretty well-rounded budget scooter for half the price.

Joyor H1 specifications

• top speed: 18 km/h
• range: 25 km
• power: 250 W
• battery: 187 Wh, 48 V
• charging time: 3 h
• weight: 7.35 kg
• weight limit: 100 kg
• dimensions, folded (L x W x H, cm): 90 x 24 x 33
• dimensions, unfolded (L x W x H, cm): 87 x 24 x 110
• tire size: 6 inches
• adjustable handlebar: yes

Who should get the Joyor H1?

If you don’t know which scooter to get as your first one, you can give the Joyor H1 a shot. It is a very cheap scooter, coming from a brand that builds great value models.

Who should not get the Joyor H1?

Well, if you have any specific role that your scooter needs to play for you, I suggest looking at the other scooters in this list. As I said, the Joyor H1 is an all-rounder, not a specialist, so if you have a use case in mind, look for it in the other models in this guide.

What can you expect from a $500 electric scooter?

There are 58 electric scooter models in the under $500 category that I’ve discovered so far. They cost $356 on average. All of them will have at least 100 kilograms of weight capacity (otherwise they would be kid scooters). Their motors will most often be either 250 Watts or 350 Watts.

While this is the lowest price category, you shouldn’t be quick to dismiss these scooters as low quality.

Sure, there will be some electric scooter models and brands that simply offer bad models.

But there are a lot of serious companies that work hard to build affordable, quality scooters, easily accessible to the public. All of the models and brands in this post belong to that category.

Now, it is not impossible that you get a scooter that doesn’t work, or stops working very soon after delivery. This is just a matter of being unlucky, and individual incidents shouldn’t scar a brand’s reputation for life.

In fact, if any price category has the biggest chance of delivering a scooter of poor quality, it is the budget category. This is almost self-evident, right? The less money you invest in a scooter, the more chance of it not working properly sooner rather than later.

But what’s interesting is that even for the cheapest scooters, the probability of something going seriously wrong with a scooter in the first year is very small. The research I’ve done on the lifespan of electric scooters suggests that there is about a 4.63% chance that a budget scooter will completely break down in the first year.

That is pretty good for an industry this new.

By sticking with the scooters described in this post, you will typically decrease that probability even further.

You should get at least one year from your scooter at the bare minimum, worst-case, faith-dealt-a-bad-hand scenario. There is the probability of your scooter being dead on arrival, or breaking down in the first month, but that’s actually a better scenario – you will get either a completely new scooter, or a full refund, if that happens.

In summary, even though this is the cheapest, riskiest price category, there are still a lot of dedicated, professional brands that really give their best to design, build, and test amazing scooters for the lowest prices.

How fast do $500 electric scooters go?

The top speeds of $500 electric scooters will range between 9-22 mph 15-35 kmh, with an average of 16 mph / 25.9 kmh.

How much range do $500 electric scooters have?

The electric scooters under $500 will typically have ranges between 4-22 mi / 7-35 km. Their average range is 13.6 mi / 22.1 km.

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