Our Buying Guide To Help You Purchase The Best Electric Scooter For Your Budget

Dualtron City Electric Scooter 

Are you looking for a power scooter that won’t let you down? The Dualtron City is one of those rare e-scooters that serves as the perfect urban ride but is more than happy to let you take it off-road. 

First, let’s start with the design. Large wheels and an ultra-cool deck create the perfect illusion that this scooter packs a real punch. It’s not sleek, but what you get is an in-your-face frame that manages to give the impression of a powerful quad bike.

But does the performance match the exterior? 

Well, you’ll have no issues with going over potholes or rough terrain, so if you enjoy mixing it up or taking the scenic route, this scooter will serve you well. It’s built with strong and shock absorbent 15 inch wheels that eliminate those vibrations. 

While most people won’t use the top speed, it’s highly beneficial for hill climbing, so if you don’t want to work up a sweat on your way to work, this scooter will serve you well. 

The charging time can take 13 hours, but faster chargers can power this beast in as little as five hours. Better still, the batteries are easy to replace, so you can buy a spare and won’t need to worry about waiting for hours to use your e-scooter. 

Overall the Dualtron City is a powerful scooter that packs a real punch, and there’s nothing negative about it. 

We do think that the size might be one thing some people cannot overlook – especially if you’re planning on storing the scooter in your apartment, but this is one small con – and the pros far outweigh it. 

AER 557

Style Statements We couldn’t possibly leave the AER 557 off this list. OK, it doesn’t have the mileage and top speed you’d expect from a scooter with this premium price, but it’s got so much style. The overall design reminds us of a Harley Davidson, so if you’re all about making a statement, you won’t be able to resist this stunning scooter. 

The AER 557 was designed with high-end style in mind, and the manufacturer wanted to create an electric scooter that looks and feels unique. Well, they certainly achieved that! 

With a 500 Watt motor and 20-inch wheels, you’ll have no problem powering through bumpy city roads because the wheels are big enough to absorb any shocks and vibrations. There’s also an ultra-chic bamboo deck and hydraulic brakes, so you can rest assured that this scooter is high quality. 

You can also benefit from four power settings and high power lights to keep you safe on the roads, which is particularly beneficial when you’re riding at high speeds. 

Overall, we can’t fault the AER 557 in terms of style and sophistication, but for everything it offers, there are some downsides. For example, a scooter should come with a better range at this price, but its primary purpose is to look good. 

One thing’s for sure; you’ll attract a lot of attention while riding this stunning electric scooter. 

Mid-Range E-Scooters

When people buy an electric scooter, budget matters, and mid-range models are essentially the compromises between spending thousands on a high-end model and settling for a budget model that might lack style and performance features.

Luckily, many e-scooters in the mid-range category, but we’ve picked three that offer the perfect combination of style and performance.

Unagi Model One

Let’s face it; a high-speed electric scooter isn’t always practical – especially when you need it for your city commute. High-speed, long-range scooters often come with a hefty price tag, but luckily there’s a solution for people that want style, portability, and a very smooth ride. 

It’s called the Unagi Model One. 

Unagi is renowned in the e-scooter world for its sleek and stylish designs, all of which offer maximum performance, with the understated sophistication that’s perfect for adults. 

Coming in four colours, including black, white, red and blue the frame is made with a combination of carbon fibre and aluminium, which are the two best materials you could wish for. 

The top speed of 20 miles per hour is ideal if you want to commute because most laws will only allow a travelling speed of 25 miles per hour. You can also benefit from a 15.5 miles range, but the lower range isn’t an issue with a charging time of just five hours. 

Overall, Unagi offers a mid-range scooter with an ultra-premium feel. How could anyone not love this sleek and sophisticated design? 

Segway Ninebot Max

The Segway Ninebot Max doesn’t need any introduction; it’s one of the most popular e-scooters around, and for a good reason. It’s stylish, practical, and perfect for commuters who want a reliable transportation mode that won’t let them down. 

One of the first things you’ll notice about this scooter is how it maintains a sleek design without shying away from urban style. It has all the bells and whistles you need, including an impressive 40-mile range and a speedy charging time. 

Comfort was clearly a priority for the manufacturer, as the scooter has comfortable handlebars that make riding through the city a breeze. Perhaps the most helpful element of the Segway Ninebot Max is the large deck, ideal for beginners, as many decks don’t leave much room. 

Then we have the self-healing pneumatic tyres, which is a welcome added extra and something entirely unexpected considering the low price of this scooter. The tyres are filled with tyre slime, which protects them against punctures of around 6mm, meaning you can continue your journey and fix them at a convenient time. 

Overall, this scooter offers so much to commuters, and it’s the perfect companion for those city rides. The only real disadvantage is the lack of suspension – but the Segway Ninebot Max wasn’t made for off-roading, and it will still get you up hills with ease. 

Pure Air Pro

When it comes to mid-range e-scooters, the Pure Air Pro is one of the most popular models. It’s a reasonable price and is packed with valuable features, but the clear winner is its IP rating of IP65, which protects you against riding in wet conditions. 

It’s rare to find such a high rating for £599, and indeed a welcome feature, but that’s not all this electric scooter offers. Hill climbing ability is another selling point, and the Pure Air Pro is rated as excellent, so you can rest assured that you won’t work up a sweat on your commute. 

With a top speed of 15.5 miles per hour, you won’t need to worry about the scooter overpowering you, and a 31-mile range makes up for the slightly longer charging time of 8.5 hours. 

Overall, Pure Air Go is a worthy competitor in the mid-range scooter market. The design is the one drawback because it can seem a bit clunky – but if you can overlook this minor disadvantage, you’ll love the waterproof features and sheer convenience it offers.

Budget E-Scooters 

You might not have a large budget, but that certainly doesn’t mean you have to compromise for a traditional kick scooter. Savvy manufacturers understand that people on a low budget still want to benefit from the convenience electric scooters offer, and there are plenty of great models available under the £500 mark.

There will always be some compromises with lower-priced scooters, but these three e-scooters are the cream of the crop.

Xiaomi M365

Xiaomi is one of the big hitters in the electric scooter game, so you can pretty much guarantee that anything they design will be of high quality. Admittedly the scooter has a simple design, but usability was clearly the manufacturer’s priority here – and it certainly delivers. 

With a top speed of 16.7 miles per hour, the M365 will get you to where you need to be, without overpowering you, which is an advantage if you live in an urban area. You can also benefit from 14.6 miles of range and a charging time of just 5 hours. 

One of the things that makes this particular model stand out is its lightweight frame, which may not seem like a big deal. But, if you live in an apartment, you’ll definitely appreciate the portability of the scooter. 

Overall, this isn’t one of the high-performance electric scooters, but it’s not meant to be. The primary purpose of the Xiaomi M365 is to get people to where they need to be, so while this scooter won’t take you off-road, it will serve as the perfect commuting partner. 

Gotrax G4

It’s rare to find a budget e-scooter with a speed of 20 miles per hour, but Gotrax managed to create one, and we couldn’t be happier! Another thing that makes this scooter stand out is its range of features. 

For just £349, you get a bright, clear display screen, integrated cable lock, immobiliser alarm and a walking mode. This is perfect for commuters, but it also provides safety for younger riders. 

Another feature you wouldn’t expect to see at this price level is pre slimed tyres, which protect the scooter from flats and enable you to have more convenience and flexibility for urban riding. 

While this scooter brings it in terms of performance, it lacks the sleek design you’ll find with high-end models, but the frame isn’t too clunky and won’t cause any embarrassment for commuters. 

One drawback is the weight, primarily due to the large battery size. Weighing in at around 10 lbs more than the Xiaomi Mi M365, it’s not so easy to carry, but if you’re looking for more speed, you won’t mind the extra weight.

Hiboy S2

OK, let’s just get one thing out of the way; the name of this scooter makes it seem like the perfect model for teenagers looking to make a statement with electric transportation, doesn’t it? Well, we can’t argue that the Hiboy S2 would be ideal for teenagers, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t serve as a good choice for adults.

At an incredibly low price of £328, you wouldn’t expect a decent top speed, but that’s what you get with this cheap but powerful scooter. At 19 miles per hour, you’ll have issues getting from A to B, and its decent charge time of just 6 hours is perfect if you plan on using the scooter every day.

Better still, the Hiboy S2 has maintenance-free honeycomb tyres primarily, and it comes with an app that lets you customise your riding experience. Admittedly, the design isn’t exactly impressive, but if you’re looking for a scooter that performs well and won’t break the bank, you can’t go wrong with this one.

Electric Scooter Buying Guide: Things to Consider

Wheel Quality

Wheels are essential because they’ll define the quality of your ride. Most specialists would advise against small wheels because they might not be able to navigate against rugged terrain properly, but the most important thing is to consider the tyre material.

There are two types of tyres, including air-filled or solid rubber, and both have advantages and disadvantages.

If your scooter has smaller wheels (10 inches or under), air-filled is the better option because it offers a smoother ride and more shock absorption. However, these tyres are also more prone to punctures, requiring more maintenance.

Some electric scooters use tyre slime, which provides a higher level of protection and can minimise the impact of punctures in air-filled tyres.

Solid rubber tyres require little to no maintenance, and they’re ideal for people that aren’t familiar with e-scooter care. But the drawback is they can’t provide as much shock absorption as their pneumatic counterparts, which means you’ll face a bumpier ride with higher vibrations.

There’s no right or wrong answer in terms of tyres, but you should think about how much maintenance you’re willing to perform and if you’re happy to feel some vibrations from solid rubber tyres.

Suspension

Suspension is crucial because it helps you navigate your electric scooter over bumps, which is beneficial if you live in a typical urban area or use the scooter for off-roading.

However, the suspension isn’t always the best choice, especially when deciding on pneumatic or solid rubber tyres. To put it simply, if you want to use rubber tyres, the suspension isn’t an option; it’s a necessity.

Pneumatic tyres don’t need suspension, but it can be beneficial because they are prone to pictures, and suspension can absorb some of the impact.

Brakes

Brakes are essential for your safety, and there are three types of e-scooters. Let’s take a look at each in more detail.

Drum or Disc Brakes: Similar to the brakes you’d find in a car, they sit inside the wheel hub and are a low maintenance option. However, you will need to maintain them and replace the brakes as they wear down.

Electric Brakes: These brakes are probably the most low maintenance solution, which is why they’re a popular solution. However, electric brakes aren’t as effective for emergency stops, so they’re not advisable if you plan to travel at speeds above 15 miles per hour.

Foot Brakes: Luckily, foot brakes aren’t as popular as electric or disc and drum brakes because they’re more challenging to use. You have to use your foot to push on the brake, which is located on the rear mudguard, which isn’t easy to master, so if you’re not used to the old school e-scooters, we’d recommend that you steer clear of foot brakes.

Waterproofing Features

No electric scooter is entirely waterproof, but most will have some form of protection. The ingress protection rating will tell you exactly how much water your scooter can handle, but most manufacturers recommend you don’t ride your scooter in heavy rain whenever possible.

Furthermore, many manufacturers state that if your scooter succumbs to water damage, they won’t offer a replacement. It’s essential to find a scooter with a decent rating because it will give you some reassurance.

The first number of an IP rating details a scooter’s durability against solid materials, but the second number is more important because it shows how waterproof it is.

Most e-scooters have an IP rating of 54, which protects against dust and water sprays from all directions, but some superior models will have a higher rating. You should try to find an e-scooter with a rating of IP54 or above unless you live in a warm climate that doesn’t get much rain.

Hill Climbing Ability/ Motor Power

Hill climbing ability is essential for commuters because the last thing you want is to work up a sweat when you’re riding into work. Your scooter’s ability to climb hills is directly related to its motor power, and a higher power motor means an easier climb.

Lower power scooters with a 250 Watt motor won’t be able to navigate hills, and you’ll most likely have to put in some effort. In contrast, a 500 Watt motor will be fine and powerful dual-motor scooters won’t have any issues navigating hills.

The most powerful motors come with a hefty price tag, so if you’re on a low budget, we’d recommend you find a scooter with a 350 Watt motor at least. It’s important to note that a 350 Watt motor will help you up small urban hills, but it’s not suitable for off-road riding.

Does Maximum Load Matter?

The maximum load of your electric scooter is subjective, and while many have weight restrictions, people exceeding the advised weight ride these scooters without any issues. In Europe, most e-scooters have a weight restriction of 100 kg, and exceeding this will invalidate your warranty.

Another thing to consider is how the electric scooter will perform if you weigh too much. Its speed and ability to climb hills will inevitably be impacted, so you should try to find an e-scooter that suits your weight.

Speed & Range

In countries where privately owned electric scooters are legal, there’s usually a speed limit of around 15 – 20 miles per hour, depending on the countries licence and safety requirements, so if you’re looking for a commuter scooter, a high-speed model isn’t essential.

People that want to use their scooter for off-roading should think about speed, and some models exceed speeds of 50 miles per hour. However, these are often much more expensive, so speed shouldn’t be your top priority if you’re on a budget.

You shouldn’t compromise on the range, and most electric scooters offer a range of 15 miles or more. It depends on how much you want to charge the scooter and the distances you plan to travel.

For example, if you only have a 2-mile commute to work, you could get away with charging your scooter once a week, but some people prefer a more extended range. Premium scooters can offer around 40 miles of range, but they come with a heftier price tag.

Which Electric Scooter Is Best For Your Budget?

As you can see, there are so many great electric scooters available for all budgets, and personal choice matters. For example, do you want to prioritise performance or style? While style can help you to make a statement, performance defines how easy your scooter will be to use. 

You should also think about your priorities regarding speed, range and overall functionality. To help you make a decision, we’ve chosen the three best electric scooters for all budgets. 

These scooters offer the perfect combination of functionality and aesthetic appeal and are reasonably priced.

Best High-End Scooter 

Dualtron City

Best Mid-Range Scooter 

Segway Ninebot Max

Best Budget Scooter 

Xiaomi M365

Hopefully, our guide will help you find a suitable model for your needs. Whether you’re looking for your first electric scooter or want to upgrade your current model to a high-performance scooter, we’re confident you’ll find everything you need. 

Please feel free to check out our reviews and guides on the newest and most advanced electric scooters. With all of the convenience this electric mode of transportation offers, we can’t wait to get these fantastic e-scooters on the public roads finally – and very soon, we’re sure we’ll be able to.