Best Low Budget Electric Scooter

We love how this scooter combines speed, power, and range in such a sleek package. Thanks to its robust 350 W motor, it can zoom up to 25 km/hr. 

While the range of 12.4 miles might seem modest, the quick 3-4 hour charge time is a real game-changer. You can easily recharge it at work or wherever you find an outlet, making it super convenient for daily commutes.

While reviewing this scooter, we were impressed by its braking system. It stops quickly and safely every time with a rear disc brake and a front E-Brake, both controlled by a single lever. Plus, there’s a handy bell to alert others of your presence.

As for the tyres, they are designed for great stability in a straight line, though they don’t lean into corners as smoothly. This isn’t a big deal, given the top speed of 15.5 mph. 

Overall, the ride feels firm since there’s no suspension, but the pneumatic tyres do an excellent job of soaking up bumps.

The scooter also has good handling. We found the handles to be grippy, much like the deck. However, the rubberised parts might wear out over time. Moreover, the deck is wide enough for you to stand comfortably, though you’ll need to place your feet side-on, like riding a skateboard.

Despite the Flow Camden Air being a basic scooter, it has some cool features. We love its cruise control, which kicks in after just 3 seconds of holding the throttle open. To turn it off, simply apply the brake. 

The scooter also comes with a Flow app that lets you control everything from speed readouts to toggling cruise control, which is both cool and well-designed.

Moreover, folding the Flow Camden Air is a breeze. Just unlock the clamp on the stem, fold it in half, and it clicks securely into the rear mudguard. To release, lift the spring-loaded hook. We found this mechanism very easy and secure. Plus, at only 12kg, it’s super light to carry, making it more convenient than many other e-scooters.

Lastly, we found the acid green colour of this spectacular scooter to be extremely eye-catching; it gives the scooter a premium feel. The wires are also neatly wrapped and organised, which is impressive for an e-scooter in this price range. Additionally, the rounded edges mean no sharp bits to bump into, making the overall design sleek and safe.

The Engwe S6 features a max speed of 25 km/h, perfect for cruising around the city. Its 500W motor, which can provide up to 700 watts, provides smooth acceleration and handles hills with ease. Plus, with a spectacular range of up to 60 km, you can go on longer rides without constantly needing to recharge. 

Whether you’re out for a day-long adventure or just a quick trip, the S6 is ready to keep up with you.

The Engwe S6 is designed for a smooth and safe ride, featuring disc brakes on both the front and rear. Its large 10-inch tubeless tyres tackle rough terrains with ease, while the multi-suspension system (consisting of a shock absorber in the front and movement absorber in the rear) ensures a comfortable journey, no matter where you’re headed.

We especially love the ultra-wide deck, which adds extra comfort for your feet during longer rides. If you want a scooter that offers both excellent handling and a plush ride, the S6 is an excellent choice.

The ENGWE S6 stands out with its comfortable, pre-assembled seat that includes a built-in damper for added comfort. It’s designed to be foldable, removable, and height-adjustable, giving you the freedom to customise your ride.

The display on the S6 keeps you informed with key details such as speed, battery life, and distance travelled. The sturdy alloy frame folds quickly and easily into a compact size, perfect for storing in tight spaces like your car trunk or closet.

For enhanced safety, the S6 is equipped with eight light sources that ensure you remain visible at all times, plus bright front and rear indicators to clearly communicate your intentions to others on the road.

The X7 Max offers a top speed of 25 km/h, which is just right for most riders. Its 350W brushless motor delivers smooth power and throttle response, making each ride extremely pleasant. 

Thanks to the X7 Max’s high-capacity detachable battery, you can travel up to 32 miles on a single charge. Moreover, you can even extend your range by carrying a spare battery and swapping it in when needed.

With the X7 Max, you can ride confidently without worrying about running out of power.

The X7 Max stands out with its braking system, featuring a rear disc brake and a front electronic brake for smooth, quick stops. Plus, the red flashing taillight keeps you visible and safe, highlighting Turboant’s dedication to rider safety.

With its 10-inch pneumatic tyres and 5-inch deck clearance, the X7 Max glides effortlessly over bumps and potholes, making your ride feel smooth and comfortable. Unlike many budget scooters with solid tyres, the pneumatic ones here offer a cushier experience. Just remember, changing a punctured inner tube might be a hassle due to the solid rims, so keep your tyre pressure in check to avoid flats.

Moreover, the scooter features a 20.5-inch riding platform that gives you plenty of room to place your feet comfortably, while its tapered design adds extra width for your back foot, making it easy to adjust your stance and ride with confidence.

The real standout feature of the Riley RS3 lies in its folding capabilities, setting it apart from typical scooters. Unlike others that simply collapse the handlebars, the RS3 folds down into a compact package that’s easy to transport on trains, store in small spaces like porches or under stairs, and conveniently fit into car trunks or under desks at work.

To fold it, you start by folding the deck and lower frame separately, each with its own locking mechanism. Next, you retract the handlebars and fold the main stem in half. Once everything locks into place, the RS3 becomes effortlessly portable, ready to accompany you anywhere.

Plus, it boasts a fantastic cruise control feature that kicks in automatically after holding the throttle for about 10 seconds. The RS3’s cruise control lets you ride hands-free, eliminating the strain of constantly gripping the throttle—perfect for smooth sailing on longer stretches at your desired speed.

With three speed modes, the RS3 caters to various riders and riding environments. Whether you prefer a leisurely 10 km/h to take in the scenery or need to zip home at 25 km/h, this scooter ensures you’re covered for any journey or schedule.

The NIU KQi3 Pro is packed with a 48V 350W motor that can reach a peak power of 700W, letting you zoom up to 25 km/h. This scooter is perfect for darting through city streets with impressive speed.

That 700W peak power gives the NIU KQi3 Pro a real boost, allowing you to accelerate quickly and handle urban roads effortlessly. With a range of up to 31 miles on a single charge thanks to its 486Wh battery, it’s ready for long rides. Plus, the battery charges in just six hours, so you’ll be set for your next adventure in no time.

The NIU KQi3 Pro scooter has made impressive upgrades in braking, handling, and ride quality. The previous model had some braking issues, but the KQi3 Pro has resolved this with dual disc brakes instead of a single drum. It’s unique for its dual mechanical brakes and variable regen system, allowing it to come to a complete stop from 15 mph in just 2.2 meters. That’s pretty remarkable!

When it comes to handling, the KQi3 Pro truly excels. The rubbery grips and thumb throttle make manoeuvring the scooter a breeze. Plus, the wider handlebars, comfortable cockpit, and strong stem, combined with a low centre of gravity and a well-balanced frame, contribute to spectacularly smooth and precise handling.

As for ride comfort, it’s good but could be even better. The pneumatic tyres provide stability, great steering, and grip. However, adding a suspension system could enhance the overall ride quality.

The NIU KQi3 Pro scooter weighs just 45 lbs and is incredibly easy to carry around, making it super convenient for transport and storage. Folding and unfolding it is a breeze, too— just slide a latch and pull a lever, and you’re done in about 3 seconds!

But, what really impressed us about this scooter is its high-quality build. The frame is sturdy, the wiring is neatly managed, and the cockpit is designed for comfort. Plus, it features a sophisticated battery management system with 14 modes to ensure safety during charging and use.

Another cool feature is the halo headlight, which shines brightly with a bulb in the centre to light your path when turned on. For tech enthusiasts, the scooter pairs with a mobile app that offers some neat functions. You can adjust brake strength, lock the scooter with a tap, and even set up your own speed mode.

When it comes to security, the NIU KQi3 Pro has got you covered too. If anyone tries to move, ride, or switch on the scooter while the anti-theft feature is active, an alarm will sound to alert you.

The scooter also offers four riding modes: E-Save, Sport, Custom, and Pedestrian. This allows you to choose the mode that fits your needs—zoom through the streets in Sport mode or slow down to a more relaxed pace in Pedestrian mode.

Overall, the NIU KQi3 Pro is packed with cool extras. It’s not just about the ride; it’s the little tech features that enhance the entire experience.

The E-Dash LE1 offers a top speed of 19 miles per hour and can cover up to 28 miles on a single charge, thanks to its 36V, 10Ah battery. With a robust 350-watt front hub motor, this scooter gets you to your destinations quickly and efficiently. 

One feature that we particularly appreciate is the removable external battery, which makes it incredibly convenient to charge anywhere you prefer. For extra safety, we always use a fireproof case when charging lithium-ion batteries, keeping them away from flammable materials. 

Plus, with a spare battery on hand, you can easily extend your range to 56 miles by swapping in the new one when needed.

The E-Dash LE1 excels in braking and handling thanks to its three distinct braking systems designed for a safe and controlled ride.

• The first is the classic rear fender brake. If you’ve ever used a Razor scooter, you’ll recognise this – just press down on the rear fender with your foot to bring the scooter to a stop. It’s a simple and effective way to bring your scooter to a complete stop.

• Next, the rear disc brake, activated by a lever on the handlebars, offers reliable stopping power similar to what you’d find on a bicycle. It ensures quick and efficient braking.

• Finally, the LE1 is equipped with an advanced e-ABS system on the front wheel. This system regenerates power for the battery as you coast, whether you’re riding downhill or slowing to a stop. It works passively, so there’s no need to press extra buttons or pull levers. This gradual braking helps extend your range while making your ride smoother.

The 10-inch pneumatic tyres contribute significantly to the LE1’s smooth ride, absorbing bumps and reducing vibrations through the deck. Even without suspension, these tyres handle rough surfaces well, providing a comfortable experience.

These tyres also offer excellent grip, giving you confidence at every turn. This stability ensures you feel secure and in control, allowing you to fully enjoy your ride.

Moreover, the deck features a simple rubber top, which performs adequately while riding. However, the blue branding at the rear of the deck can make your back foot a bit slippery, especially if your shoes are wet. We’d prefer to see a chunkier deck design or skateboard-style grip tape for better traction on scooters in this price range.

The E-Dash LE1 boasts several user-friendly features that enhance both convenience and safety. For starters, it includes cruise control, allowing for a relaxed and effortless ride without straining your thumb. 

Folding the LE1 is simple and efficient, making it among the best portable electric scooters for commuting or storing at home, the office, or in your car’s trunk. With just a single hinge at the base of the stem, you can easily fold the scooter in half by unlocking it.

One standout feature is how the folding mechanism locks into the rear fender. This design allows you to carry the scooter comfortably by your side. At only 13 kg, the LE1 is lightweight and easy to handle.

Safety is also a priority with the LE1. It features a bright front light, activated by the throttle buttons, and a rear light that illuminates when you brake. The brake light is highly responsive to even the slightest braking, ensuring visibility during the day. Additionally, reflective strips on the front and rear wheels support enhancing visibility in low-light conditions.

The Busbi Wasp offers a top speed of 15.5 mph, which is like a brisk jog for your scooter. It’s not ultra-fast, but it’s plenty quick for cruising around town without any rush.

Accelerating is also easy with the throttle—just twist it to start moving! This setup allows for smooth, controlled acceleration, letting you gradually pick up speed and stay comfortable.

With its 7800 mAh lithium-ion battery, the Busbi Wasp covers up to 17.4 miles on a single charge and fully recharges in just 4 hours. This gives you ample power for longer rides without worrying about running out of battery.

Moreover, the scooter boasts a 300-watt motor that powers the front wheels, providing extra push and smooth control, especially when tackling slopes.

Overall, the Busbi Wasp combines reliable speed, robust power, and impressive range for an enjoyable riding experience.

The Busbi Wasp excels in braking with its combination of a disc brake and an electronic brake on the rear. The disc brake ensures reliable stopping power, while the electronic brake adds an extra layer of safety. Together, they provide smooth and confident braking, so you always have control when you need it.

The scooter also features 8-inch air-filled tyres that are puncture-resistant, offering a smooth ride even on uneven roads. However, it lacks suspension, which might make riding on bumpy surfaces a bit less comfortable.

Lastly, one of our favourite features about the Busbi Wasp is the extra-wide deck. This wider design provides plenty of space to stand comfortably, making your ride more enjoyable and stable.

Even with its budget-friendly price, the Busbi Wasp stands out due its stylish design. The green aluminium frame, complemented by sleek black accents, gives it a modern look that rivals more expensive scooters. It’s not just about cost; this scooter combines style with durability, proving that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a great-looking and sturdy ride.

Another great feature is the sturdy and easy-to-use kickstand, which makes parking your scooter a breeze.

As for speed modes, this scooter offers two unique ones. 

• Speed Mode 1: Reaches up to 10 km/h (6.2 mph).

• Speed Mode 2: Goes up to 25 km/h (15.5 mph).

Additionally, it includes a pedestrian mode for when you’re walking the scooter, allowing you to push it comfortably at 6 km/h (3.7 mph).

For convenience, this spectacular scooter is foldable, making it easy to store and transport. Although it weighs 16.5 kilograms, which might feel heavy when you carry the scooter upstairs or on public transport, it supports riders that weigh up to 100 kilograms, accommodating heavy individuals wiith ease.

The Busbi Wasp is also equipped with impressive lighting features that enhance your safety on the road. It boasts a bright white headlight to illuminate your path and a red rear light that serves as both a tail light and a brake light.

But that’s not all! The scooter also has four orange reflectors strategically placed on both sides of the front and rear wheels. These reflectors provide an extra layer of visibility, making sure you stay seen, day or night.

Low Budget Electric Scooter Buying Guide 

When searching for the best budget electric scooters, here are key features to consider,

• Battery Life: Look for a scooter with a battery that offers a good range on a single charge. Longer battery life means fewer recharges and more convenience for daily commutes or short trips.

• Motor Power: The motor’s power affects the scooter’s speed and hill-climbing ability. A motor with at least 250 watts can provide a decent speed and handle small inclines effectively.

• Speed: Consider the scooter’s top speed to ensure it meets your needs. Budget scooters typically offer speeds between 15-20 mph, which is usually sufficient for city commutes and casual rides. Higher speeds may be available but could impact battery life and safety.

• Build Quality: A sturdy frame and durable materials are crucial for safety and longevity. Budget scooters should be well-constructed to handle regular use and different road conditions.

• Weight and Portability: Lightweight scooters are easier to carry and store, especially if you need to use public transportation or carry the scooter upstairs. Look for a scooter that balances weight with durability.

• Braking System: Reliable brakes are essential for safety. Check for scooters with responsive braking systems, like disc or electronic brakes, to ensure you can stop quickly and safely.

• Foldability: A foldable scooter is more convenient for storage and transport. This feature is useful for those who need to save space or carry their scooter into buildings or on public transport.

• Lighting: Integrated front and rear lights enhance visibility and safety, especially when riding in low-light conditions. Good lighting is crucial for preventing accidents and being seen by others.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, these budget-friendly electric scooters prove that you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy quality and performance. Whether you’re looking for a super lightweight option like the Flow Camden Air for easy portability or a comfy ride with the Engwe S6, there’s a scooter to fit your needs. 

If you need a scooter with a powerful motor and full suspension to conquer hilly trails, you might need to spend a bit more on a premium model. But for everyday commuting, these affordable choices are a smart way to save.

Ultimately, finding the right scooter is all about matching it to your specific needs. Assess what’s important to you, and make your decision accordingly to find a ride that delivers both great value and solid performance!

Don’t want to purchase an electric scooter? Consider taking out Unagi All-Access Scooter Subscription for $59 / month

Author:
Nely Hayes

BIO: 

Nely is an adrenaline junkie and one of her life goals is to sky dive, but until that day she gets her kicks from testing fast electric scooters. Part time scooter fanatic & part time SEO analyst. Nely’s favourite scooter is the Dualtron X.