Best Scooters for £500 or Under (2022)

We all love a bargain, right? We also love a good performance e-scooter, don’t we? But can the two go hand in hand?

To speak frankly, high-performance electric scooters don’t come cheap…unless you know where to find them!

There are plenty of high-quality scooters with juicy performance figures that, luckily, don’t break the bank. However, finding them in the crowded market can be a tough order.

This is where we come in.

In this article, we round up the ten best scooters for £500 or under. To make your life a bit easier, we’ll show you the cheapest models by type, e.g. for kids, for adults, for commuting, and so on.

Before that though, we’d like to mention that in coming up with this list, we considered a few more things apart from price. We reckon that cheap electric scooters tend to get a lot of bad rap, oftentimes deservingly so. This is mainly because a lot of them use poor manufacturing practices that then lead to the production of unsafe or painfully underpowered scooters.

So the first thing we were most interested in when reviewing these affordable scooters was built quality. We also only recommend machines from established brands with a proven track record of reliability, excellent after-sale services and safety.

With that out of the way, let’s now jump right in to find out which scooters made the cut!

Turboant X7 Pro – Best Overall

Specifications

Max Speed: 20 mph

Battery Life: 60 minutes

Charging Time: 4-6 hours

Max Travel Range: 20-30 miles

Motor: 350W

Max Rider Weight: 275 lbs.

The Turboant X7 Pro is our top pick for many compelling reasons. At this price point, it stands out from most cheap scooters regarding speed, mileage, and innovation. The best cheap electric scooter for adults, the X7 Pro has nearly all the bells and whistles of a premium model. This electric scooter draws its power from a decent 350W motor. Sure, it’s nowhere close to the motor power of the Dualtrons or Warrior Wolfs of this world. But it lets you reach a top speed of 20 mph.

In terms of mileage, the X7 Pro hardly disappoints. The scooter’s detachable 36V 10 Ah battery offers a max range of 20-30 miles. Of course, the actual range may vary by the rider’s weight, riding conditions, and other factors. If you meet its required riding conditions, this electric scooter promises roughly an hour or so of ride time off one charge. It has a removable battery which is excellent for long rides. You can carry a spare battery for backup and keep going for more miles.

The X7 Pro is endowed with plush 10-inch pneumatic tyres. These tyres can thoroughly cushion against bumps and even out all road imperfections without the suspension system. Moreover, the tyres offer a healthy ground clearance of 4.7 inches. This helps the scooter go over rugged terrains with so much ease. Don’t ride aggressively on off-roads, though. Keep in mind pneumatic tyres aren’t indestructible. The X7 Pro has you covered when it comes to safety. It has three braking systems, including an electric brake, disk brake and foot brake. There aren’t that many cheap electric scooters with this many braking systems, and it’s clear for all to see that the X7 Pro puts safety first.

Design-wise, the X7 Pro electric scooter is second-to-none. Not only is it sturdy and built to last, but its sleek all-black frame with statement red accents is aesthetically appealing. What’s more? The Turboant X7 Pro comes complete with a built-in headlight and taillight, ideal for commuting at night. The LED display is also included to show you the current battery level, riding mode, speed, and status of the lights (on/off). With all this at your fingertips, you can be sure you have more control over your ride.

Pros

• Long travel distance
• Fairly good battery life
• Easy to swap battery
• Sturdy, reliable build
• Three braking systems

Cons

• Electric braking feels jerky

Glion Dolly – Foldable, Light & Portable Scooter

Specifications

Max Speed: 15 mph

Battery Life: 3.5 hours

Charging Time: 1 hour

Max Travel Range: 15 miles

Motor: 250W

Max Rider Weight: 255 lbs.

The Glion Dolly is the best cheap electric scooter intended for those who want to take it wherever they want. This scooter folds just like a dolly. And it has a self-standing design. Unlike other scooters with a traditional kickstand, this e-scooter features runner wheels with smaller wheel designs. You can roll the wheels up and safely transport the scooter to places you wouldn’t usually go with other scooters.

Switching from Dolly to full-sized electric scooter mode takes just a few seconds. All you need to do is pull the lever up or down and then secure the lock. The scooter’s handlebar has a solid lock, demonstrating an overall high-quality build. The Dolly is light, weighing in at just 28 lbs. You can haul it up and down the stairs or bring it to a crowded rail station without breaking a sweat. Wondering if the Dolly is a performer? Well, just because it’s ultra-foldable doesn’t mean it underperforms. This e-scooter possesses a 250W motor!

The Dolly has been proven to achieve a top speed of 15 mph through experimentation. At the same time, it can carry up to 255 lbs. Realistically, depending on how close you are to the max rider weight, you may or may not hit the 15-mph mark. The good news is the Dolly has reasonably good battery life. It can last up to 15 miles which is ideal for roaming around small cities. As with most cheap scooters, the Glion Dolly is not designed for steep inclines. It struggles with inclines above 20 degrees, regardless of rider weight.

The Dolly rides on two 8-inch honeycomb hard rubber tyres. The advantage of these tyres is that they’re puncture-proof and practically maintenance-free. However, solid rubber wheels do not provide adequate dampening of road imperfections on the downside. And with a lack of suspension it can cause too much vibration when riding off the beaten track.

The Dolly’s also not a good candidate for navigating rocky terrain. Its wheels offer little ground clearance, making it hard to traverse bad terrain. Other than that, the Glion Dolly is a solid pick if you want to cut out the walk to the rail station. It even includes some nice extras, such as a bright headlight, LED display, built-in tail reflector, integrated rear fenders, a bell, and more!

Pros

• Vertical self-standing design

• Good battery life

• Quick charging battery

• A rear disc brake + ABS

• Nice extras, e.g. a bell

Cons

• Solid rubber wheels cause a rough ride

• Little ground clearance

Unagi Model One E500 – Best Dual Motor Scooter

Specifications

Max Speed: 15 mph

Battery Life: 60 minutes

Charging Time: 4.5 hours

Max Travel Range: 15 miles

Motor: Dual 250W

Max Rider Weight: 275 lbs.

Want a cheap electric scooter that can take on most hills? Don’t consider any choice other than the powerful and super stylish Unagi Model One E500. In the cheap electric scooter category, the Model One is considered the “Tesla of electric scooters”. Dual motors of 250W each make this e-scooter a deft hill climber. With both motors engaged and rider weight under 160 lbs., the scooter conquers an average of 20-degree hills at 9 mph top speed. It’s not easy to find cheap electric scooters that can scale this high at this speed. It can zip through hills twice as fast as single-motor electric scooters.

One of the most powerful and cheaper electric scooters, the Unagi Model One is built to offer much more than just world-class torque, speed and acceleration. It’s also made for strength, convenience and style. This e-scooter is constructed from TORAY carbon fibre from Japan, the same material used in SpaceX rockets. The material strikes a perfect balance between lightweight and heavy-duty, so the portable and robust scooter. If you’re the type that likes to attract attention, Unagi’s sleek, gorgeous design will surely turn heads. Its carbon-fibre frame changes geometry from a triangle to a circular shape, further creating an intriguing look.

Apart from that, this scooter comes in four stylish variants, including Matt Black, Cosmic Blue, Sea Salt and Gotham Grey. You can also personalise the scooter with custom skins. We were enamoured with the Unagi’s range of safety features. The scooter brings another friction brake for optional foot braking with a dual electronic anti-lock braking system.

As for the lighting, Unagi is a cut above the rest. It is among the best cheap scooters with great illumination in low-light visibility nighttime conditions. It comes with a combo of 47 lumens flush front-mounted LED light, rear blinking red LED light, and a bright LED display. To top it all out, the Model One features intuitive controls, an electric-sounding horn, and a dual suspension system for ultimate comfort when you hit the road.

Pros

• High torque motor

• Sleek and stylish design

• Intuitive display and controls

• Fast and comfortable

• Packed with unique features

Cons

• Shorter speed relative to motor power

• Travel range could be longer

Ninebot Max G30 – Best Long Distance Scooter

Specifications

Max Speed: 18.6 mph

Battery Life: 2.5-3 hours

Charging Time: 8-9 hours

Max Travel Range: 40 miles

Motor: 350W

Max Rider Weight: 220 lbs.

Offering an exceptional range in its class, the Ninebot Max G30 is an ideal solution for longer city commutes. Thanks to its 15,300mAH battery, this e-scooter provides up to 40 miles of travel range, depending on the mode and rider weight. Despite falling in the cheap scooter category, the Max G30 is definitely not for kids. Its beefy 350 watts motor produces a total output of 700 watts. That is about 40% more power than e-scooters with 250 watts.

Under ideal conditions, the Max G30 can reach a top speed of 15.5 mph in standard mode and up to 18.6 mph in sport mode. Given these speed figures, don’t let kids toy around with this machine unless they know what they’re doing. True to its name, the Max G30 seems to have been “maxed out” in every area that matters. This electric scooter rides on large 10-inch tyres, which soften the impact of bumps on the road to ensure a smoother ride.

Keep in mind these are air-filled tyres that should be pumped from time to time. They’re also prone to punctures. However, they offer the best shock absorption even without the backing of a suspension system. The Max G30 is built explicitly for comfort when going longer distances. It has a wider deck with ample standing space and a grippy, slightly elevated rubber surface. Riding on this e-scooter feels stable, comfortable and safe. Speaking of safety, the Max G30 comes furnished with the front drum brake and rear electronic brake. Its braking system stops the e-scooter within 11 feet. To put it into context, braking distances of 13 feet are excellent.

The Max G30 also has a great cockpit adorned with an LED display for current speed, battery power, riding mode, and other basic info. The display is bright enough to read in sunlight. Also, it automatically dims at night or when front lights are on. A button below the display controls lights, power, mode, and more. But for convenience purposes, you can download the Max G30 mobile app to control these features. The app is available for both Android and iOS. Overall, the Ninebot Max G30 is one of the popular e-scooters in the budget category. It’s a solid option for those looking to ditch the various modes of transportation.

Pros

• Excellent travel range for the price

• Fairly good battery life

• Easy charging system

• Air-filled tyres for a smooth ride

• 3-speed settings: standard, eco and sport mode

Cons

• Slower charging time

• Relatively heavy

GoTrax XR Elite – Affordable Mid-Range Scooter

Specifications

Max Speed: 15.5 mph

Battery Life:  80 minutes

Charging Time:  4 hours

Max Travel Range: 18.6 miles

Motor: 300W

Max Rider Weight: 220 lbs.

First off, you may not win any drag races with the GoTrax XR Elite electric scooter. However, it’s a performance-oriented machine that offers competitive speed, range, and battery life at a bargain price of under £500.  Surprisingly, this scooter’s low price isn’t indicative of its features. The XR Elite offers an extensive range of good qualities and impressive performance stats. One main feature that piqued our interest is its 300W electric motor. It gives the bike significantly more oomph than e-scooters running on 250 watts.

The XR Elite is a two-gear electric scooter. Gear 1 is Eco Mode with a top speed of 10 mph. This riding mode saves you motor power for longer rides. Gear 2 tops out at 15.5 mph and is ideal for short commutes around the neighbourhood. The best cheap electric scooter for teens and adults, the XR Elite comes equipped with 8.5-inch shock-absorbing pneumatic tyres. These tyres should provide a much-needed damping effect to make the ride nice and smooth. However, considering the lack of inbuilt suspension, we’d advise against riding this scooter on rough surfaces whenever possible. This model is more suited for inner-city pavements.

If safety is your concern, worry no more. The XR Elite has a dual braking system, which comprises a rear disc brake and an ABS electric brake in the front. Both brakes are safe and responsive, stopping the scooter even at top speeds and in poor weather conditions. The electric brake does need some getting used to, though. It is activated by a brake lever and sends power back to the battery using the regenerative braking mechanism.

Is that all the XR Elite has to offer? Well, that is just the tip of the iceberg. The battery life is another area where GoTrax excels. You can expect up to 18.6 miles of travel per charge. Of course, how far you can go will vary based on various factors, including rider weight, road conditions, and weather. Another nice feature the XR Elite offers is an LED display panel for insights on the cruise control feature, headlight, battery life, speedometer, and more.

Pros

• Competitive speed and range

• Disc brakes + electric brake

• Pneumatic tyres ride smooth

• Functional LED display panel

Cons

• Not for rough surfaces

Pure Air Pro LR (Long Range) – Best Premium Scooter

Specifications

Max Speed: 15.5 mph

Battery Life: 1.5 hours

Charging Time: 9.5 hours

Max Travel Range: 37.2 miles

Motor: 500W/700W peak

Max Rider Weight: 265 lbs.

The Pure Air Pro, the sec-gen scooter from Pure Electric, is one of the best cheap electric scooters you can buy today. Pure Electric has overhauled its existing market-leading electric scooter through criticism and user feedback into an award-winning model. Commuting in harsh weather and rough terrain has never been easier with the Pure Air Pro LR. Pure Electric built this two-wheeler to be downright tough. Most people call it “The King of The Urban Jungle”.

The manufacturer also made a statement with the design of the Pure Air Pro LR. Not only is it sturdily built, but the whole vehicle is IP-65 rated to protect it from water and dust. It’ll stand up against a variety of weather conditions. The new 500W motor distinguishes the Pure Air Pro LR from the rest. Its motor delivers a maximum wattage of 700W. As a result, you get better acceleration and hill-climbing ability than all other electric scooters from Pure Electric. There are three riding modes in the Pure Air Pro LR. The first one is Eco which tops out at 9.3mph to preserve power. The second one is Mid which goes up to 12.4mph. And the last one is High, whose top speed is capped at 15.5mph.

The letters LR in this model stands for “long range”. At a glance, this e-scooter lives up to its name. In Eco mode, which is the slowest you can travel, this vehicle can go up to 37.2 miles on a single charge. That said, the Pure Air Pro LR’s time between charges will vary depending on how fast you’re driving, how frequently you go up hills, and other factors. We guess you’d need to be pretty canny while riding to last more miles. The Pure Air Pro LR sports 10-inch pneumatic tyres for the best in comfort. Because they’re air-filled tyres and not solid ones, they’re a bit more suited to cobbled floors or uneven grounds. You won’t feel every bump on the road. This e-scooter can be folded down to make it transportable. But on the downside, it is heavier than its competitors, so it can be hard to lift it.

Pros

• Fantastic range

• Solid hill climb ability

• Incredibly durable

• Water- and dust-resistant

• Excellent motor power

Cons

• Heavy to carry around

• No cruise control

Xiaomi Mi Pro 2 – Best Value for Money

Specifications

Max Speed: 15.5 mph

Battery Life: 2 hours

Charging Time: 8.5 hours

Max Travel Range: 28 miles

Motor: 600W

Max Rider Weight:  220 lbs.

Xiaomi is a big name in the electric scooter scene. Their e-scooters have appeared on the streets and sidewalks en masse for many years. And their Xiaomi Mi Pro 2 promises to deliver even more. An upgrade of the original Xiaomi 365 Pro, the Xiaomi Mi Pro 2 is an excellent scooter with plenty of pep on tap. This model mirrors its predecessor in both looks and performance. However, it brings a series of small improvements, making it the next big thing in the Xiaomi electric scooter range.

Only a few cheap scooters can match the Xiaomi Mi Pro 2 in terms of power. The Pro suffix implies that the scooter has a more powerful motor and a bigger battery than the original model. The engine in the Xiaomi Mi Pro 2 has a power of 600W. You will achieve 15mph in sports mode. And there are three distinct modes: pedestrian, standard and sports. The pedestrian mode achieves 3mph top speed. In our opinion, this mode is the toughest because keeping balance with such a low ride can be difficult. Then there’s the standard mode which goes up to 12 mph, and the sports mode which records 15mph.

We love that the Xiaomi Mi Pro 2 has a cruise control function for acceleration. You’ll be able to let go of the twist grip throttle from time to time. With a 474Wh battery, the Xiaomi Mi Pro 2 achieves a maximum range of 28 miles. But keep in mind the range automatically goes down if you weigh more than 220 lbs. The eagle-eyed will notice the Xiaomi Mi Pro 2’s front LED light is brighter (2W), and the rear LED light is also larger. Meanwhile, the scooter now features a redesigned rear fender, more reflective stickers, and other subtle elements.

The Xiaomi Mi Pro 2 has been updated with a new generation of 8.5-inch pneumatic tyres. These wheels may be small, but they’re more resistant to skids and provide a firm grip on any surface. They’re also more resistant to punctures – up to three times more. The best part? The Xiaomi Mi Pro 2 now features the best app connectivity we’ve ever seen. You can find basic info about the scooter, update it, or even lock it to feel safer.

Pros

• High torque motor

• Great range

• Battery saving modes

• App connectivity

Cons

• Small wheels

Segway KickScooter ES2 – Best Commuter Scooter

Specifications

Max Speed: 15.5 mph

Battery Life: 1 hour

Charging Time: 4 hours

Max Travel Range:15 miles

Motor: 300W

Max Rider Weight:  220 lbs.

The Segway Ninebot KickScooter ES2 is a no-nonsense commuter scooter. Whereas other scooters focus on upscale features, the KickScooter ES2 focuses on a straightforward, unfussy design. This e-scoter is built for practicality, comfort, and performance for the most part. Most of Ninebot’s electric scooters fall outside the £500 target budget of this round-up, but their KickScooter ES2 is well within the ballpark. It trades off some premium features with pure performance.

What makes this scooter stand out is its quality of life features. For example, why struggle with a thumb control when you can put the cruise control to use? Also, why get contented with a short travel range when you could carry spare batteries and go longer? Finally, why worry about knocking a pedestrian when there’s a combo of a rear disc brake and electrical braking on board? Enjoy your ride stress-free! The KickScooter ES2 is motivated by a burly 300W motor. Its acceleration is zippy, and you can unleash the scooter’s maximum performance when necessary. Setting the scooter into Sport Mode sacrifices some of its battery life for a 15.5mph top speed.

This scooter has a decent battery life. You can go as long as 15 miles per charge in Normal Mode or even longer in Beginner Mode. Charge-wise, it takes only four hours to top up the scooter. Ninebot equipped their KickScooter ES2 with a responsive braking system. Its electric ABS brake in the front wheel is smooth and responsive. Plus, it uses regenerative braking to replenish the battery on the go.

The electric anti-lock front brake performs well in stopping the scooter. The only problem is the lack of a cable disc brake in the rear wheel. Instead, Ninebot offers an old-fashioned manual stomp brake for when you need to bring the scooter to a sudden halt. We’d prefer the disc brake over this manual stomp. But negatives aside, we tested the manual brake and found that it gets the job done perfectly. Even better, the KickScooter ES2 features a front shock absorber to make up for its solid rubber tyres. The front shock pad helps smooth out bad terrain for ultimate comfort.

Pros

• Fast acceleration

• Worthwhile upgrades

• Cruise control 

• Lightweight and durable

Cons

• Short travel range

• No rear disc brakes (electric + manual only) 

Pure Air Go – Best Entry-Level Scooter

Specifications

Max Speed: 15.5 mph

Battery Life: 1 hour

Charging Time: 3.5 hours

Max Travel Range:12.4 miles

Motor: 350W

Max Rider Weight:  220 lbs.

This is another e-scooter from our favourite manufacturer, Pure Electric. The Pure Air Go is the cheapest electric scooter in the Pure Electric range. And it is perfect for beginners in many aspects. First, it can only manage up to 15.5mph top speed and 12.4 miles per single charge. As a result, it is well worth considering if you intend to make short journeys. The Pure Air Go also misses some premium features, such as the easy folding mechanism. But for the price, it has a ton of good features.

Like other scooters from Pure Electric, the Pure Air Go has an IP65 rating. This means it has good resistance against water and dust. But that’s not all. The Pure Air Go has the design DNA of most high-end electric scooters. For context, it comes with 10-inch puncture-resistant tyres, which are fairly significant for a scooter this cheap. If you’re concerned about your safety when riding, you’ll be glad to know that the Pure Air Go has a powerful dual braking system. We tested this and recorded a braking distance of 8.5 feet.

In addition, there’s a front and backlight, and the front wheel also has reflectors. A bell near the handlebars helps you alert the pedestrians and fellow riders on the road. Curious to know the design of this vehicle? Well, the Pure Air Go has a practical and industrial design. It is pretty much identical to its cousins.

For instance, like most scooters from Pure Electric, it has an expansive deck. It also has a large, retro-style headlight which you can move around. Plus, its stem hinge locks into place with a U-shaped bracket and screw-down cap. With everything considered, the Pure Air Go is a perfect choice if you’re just starting out. It has a few compromises here and there. But if you’re looking for an affordable e-scooter with decent performance, then the Pure Air Go may well fit the bill.

Pros

• Low price

• 10-inch wheels

• Expansive deck

• Water-resistant design

Cons

• Short-range

• Misses several features of siblings 

GoTrax GKS – Best Electric Scooter for Kids

Specifications

Max Speed: 7.5 mph

Battery Life: 40 minutes

Charging Time: 5 hours

Max Travel Range: 4 miles

Motor: 150W

Max Rider Weight:  154 lbs.

Kids too deserve to have fun, don’t they? If you’re looking for a wallet-friendly electric scooter for a kid aged 6-12, the GoTrax GKS is an excellent option. Delivering a safe and seriously cool ride, this gadget is sure to be a hit for children. The scooter offers a unique “Safety-Start” technology. But what does that mean? It means the scooter won’t start until you place both feet on the foot deck’s two buttons. The GKS’s safety-start tech requires that you place your first foot on the front button and kick the scooter to start. And then, put your second foot on the back button to engage the motor. This guarantees a safe ride for kids.

At just 17 lbs., the GKS is one of the lightest e-scooters around. Young children can tote it along or carry it upstairs with ease. However, the GKS does not fold, making transportation and storage a little cumbersome. The best cheap electric scooter for kids, the GKS uses a 150W motor and a 25.2V battery. It has a top speed of 7.5mph and can go up to 4 miles. And thus ready for all kid’s adventures. Just because the GKS is perfect for kids doesn’t mean it isn’t built to last. The scooter is made using robust materials. Also, its 6-inch hard rubber tyres are designed to handle bumpy sidewalks and neighbourhood streets.

That said, hard tyres and no suspension may result in a jarring ride on rough roads. As a parent, encourage your kid to use this on cement or paved roads if possible. The GKS’s deck length is slightly smaller than other electric scooters, making it great for younger riders. However, the height is not adjustable and might be an awkward ride when the child grows taller. In brief, the GKS is a reliable, beginner-level vehicle. Small deck size, lightweight frame, intuitive controls, and safety start tech point out to an electric scooter that befits a first-time rider. The best bit? The GoTrax GKS is available in various colours, including blue, green, black, and pink. It’s sure to light up any kid’s day.

Pros

• Inexpensive

• Two-step safety button

• Easy to learn

• Awesome colour combinations

Cons

• Limited range

• Height not adjustable 

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.