Best Budget Electric Scooters Under £500 ($700)

Today we review the Best-in-Class Electric Scooters for 2021 under £500 ($700)

Electric Scooters (also known as E-Scooters) have exploded in popularity over the last few years. The exhilaration of riding scooters is no longer limited to the idea of an electric scooter for kids only, as the rise of electric scooters is set to become a reality for adults that want to experience that same solo, wind-in-your-hair experience.

These nifty modes of transport have filled a commuter travel gap in the market – where we were needing a “Greener” alternative – as well as one where we didn’t have to pedal or push the whole time.

Enter the outstanding solution that is the Electric Scooter!

The primary initial goal for E-Scooter manufacturers was to provide alternative modes of transport for Urban Commuters – people who lived close to their city workplace, who just wanted to comfortably zip to the office, plug their scooter in to charge and then go back home at the end of the day.

But as always happens to everything cool and exhilarating, electric scooters have evolved in leaps and bounds to accommodate a greater range of commuters and types of riders.

Urban commuters have many ways of travel and need the right scooter to facilitate their requirements. Be it the ability to fold up compactly for carrying up and down stairs, or to take their scooter on the train. The desired range of the scooter also needs to be considered, as that will dictate the size of the battery, which will in turn make the scooter heavier and affect its portability.

Then there is the off-road ability. Many regular riders would like to own an e-scooter that is a great urban commuter, but that also has the ability to hit the trails. Most riders actually own more than one e-scooter to fill this exact need.

Off-roading and trail riding has recently become really popular with riders demanding bulkier and tougher electric scooters, that can keep pace with their adrenalin rush.

Although not legally been given the go-ahead for road travel in many countries around the world, the move towards more eco-friendly modes of transport is picking up speed as consumers and businesses alike realise the need for more compact modes of transport that can help alleviate the carbon footprint and make getting around a much simpler affair.

So, the question always remains for first-time buyers; “What is the best scooter that I should get for myself?” And this is what we are going to try to answer in this review of the Top 10 Best-in-Class Electric Scooters of 2021. 

Pure Air Pro Electric Scooter

The Pure Air Pro

Priced from: £419 to £499

The Pure Air Pro is a highly regarded ‘all-rounder’ electric scooter, with an unmatched IP65 Rating in its class, and featuring a sleek design and fantastic performance.

What we don’t like about the Pure Air Pro

  The top speed won’t be fast enough for some riders

  The handlebars aren’t adjustable

  The scooter is 3-4 kg’s heavier than its competitors, impacting portability

  There is no installed suspension

Summary of the Pure Air Pro

The Pure Air Pro electric scooter is a dark, curvy, sleek electric scooter that has motors that offer a bit more power over the Xiaomi Pro 2. With a max loading capability of up to 120 kg (19 stone) this scooter is a little more capable with heavier riders, although, let’s face it if you weigh 15 stone and try to ascend a gradient of 20% the scooter is likely to come to a stop or slow down to walking pace.

The Pure Air Pro sports an IP65 rating which is relatively unique, most scooters feature splash resistant IP54 but to see IP65 is seriously impressive. It means that the scooter can be used, even in heavy rain. This alone makes the Pure Air Pro a real contender for commuters who will need to use scooters in all weather conditions.

The Pure Air Pro is an attractive scooter in a dark grey/black paint with smooth curves and an elegant design.

The braking performance of the Pure Air Pro is good but not the best, but it does feature an anti skid rear electronic brake, alongside a mechanical brake.

Like the Mi Pro the Pure Air Pro doesn’t have any suspension, but it does use air filled tyres to compensate and to provide a very comfortable ride. Additionally, the tyres are pre-filled with puncture prevention fluid. That’s why this e-scooter is so highly rated as the top value for money urban commuter of choice and was said to be “The best e-scooter we’ve EVER reviewed” by Expert Reviews UK, who gave the Pure Air Pro 5 stars.

The Pure Air Pro features a re-enforced chassis to increase the scooter’s resistance to frame damage from heavier use, off-road use or even drops off kerbs. The deck is super grippy and is resistant to a lot of grit, mud and other wear and tear.

The scooter’s lighting is actually very good, with a single handlebar mounted LED with a downward beam projection. We found the light performance at night was better than the MI PRO but, we’d still advocate adding your own lights.

The Pure Air Pro works on a 36v system and features an undisclosed 400wh lithium-ion battery. The charge time is considerably quicker at 5.5 hours vs other electric scooters. Perfect for recharging at the office.

Ultimately, the Pure Air Pro, just ticks all the boxes. Maintenance is as simple as hosing it down and wiping it dry. You can use this robust workhorse every day, and on the weekends, and it just keeps going, with very little that generally goes wrong.

Is the Pure Air Pro Value for Money?

In our opinion, yes the Pure Air Pro is definitely worth the money. It’s a super capable scooter, with excellent specifications and good credentials. It’s rugged, robust, sports a really nice design and is beautifully simple. There are many capable service centres in most major cities, and that’s if anything actually ever goes wrong. Pure Electric UK is the official distributors and offer unmatched customer service.

Who is the Pure Air Pro Suitable for?

This is a fantastic all-round scooter, best for commuters and riders who like to hit green lanes. With more power than the MI Pro, this e-scooter is definitely a better choice for people who want a bit more power, but the capped top speed makes this no faster at top end than other scooters in this category. This is unfortunately due to the top speed being (sadly) limited to 15.5 mph (to comply with the legal UK road rules).

Where to Buy the Pure Air Pro

• Pure Electric UK
• Electric Rides UK
• Pure Scooters Europe

View our full Review of the Pure Air Pro

Xiaomi Pro 2 Electric Scooter

The Xiaomi Pro 2

Priced from: £449 to £499

The Pro 2 electric scooter is a significant upgrade to the legendary M365 Pro, and stands out a Xiaomi’s premium level e-scooter. It has an improved multi-functional LED display with speed, battery, distance and driving mode included. With all these additional enhanced features and an IP54 water rating, this Electric Scooter is the champion favourite for scooter riders in the UK.

What we don’t like about the Xiaomi Pro 2

  Puncture protection fluid is an extra cost

  The additional body weight affects portability

  10″ tyres would have been preferable

  8 hours average charge time

  Pneumatic tyres are susceptible to punctures

Summary of the Xiaomi Pro 2

The Xiaomi Pro 2 is like an evolution from the original best seller the M365 with the exception of some improvements. As you can image, adding the word PRO and the number 2 sort of insinuates that this is an improvement over previous models – and here, We’d agree, the PRO 2 is DEFINITELY better than the m365.

What we loved whilst road testing the PRO 2 was the fact that the motors definitely were snappier at responding to throttle control over the MI M365. Whilst we loved the m365, the acceleration could be sluggish, perhaps down to controller software? with the PRO 2 the throttle response was instant and everything felt sharper and quicker to respond. 

Xiaomi have made additional improvements to bring it up to speed with EU legislation, this includes better side mounted visibility with thanks to more reflectors.

The PRO 2’s pneumatic tyres make all the difference when it comes to ride quality over previous, solid rubber wheel versions in the Xiaomi line-up.

Other improvements to the PRO 2 include a slightly taller deck and stem and a slightly longer & wider deck to stand on. With the increased deck space is a slightly larger lithium battery, giving the PRO 2 very good range for an extremely portable scooter. The air filled tyres make the ride far more pleasant – but, as always, get a puncture and you’ll be fighting with tyre leavers to change the tyre – so, green slime / tyre slime can be a good idea to help combat punctures.

The PRO 2 is a perfect balance of power and range – they have an acclaimed range of around 28-30 miles, however, real world ranges are almost always lower. With the PRO 2 and a 64kg rider on mixed terrain we were able to get 25 miles which is VERY impressive. The mode used i.e. ECO or SPORT will dictate range as well as power and speed. Select Pedestrian mode and you’ll bring the scooter down to a slow crawl, which is suitable for use on paths in more built up areas. Select D for general use with a mix of path and road use or select S for sport mode to unleash all peak 600w.

Is the Xiaomi Pro 2 Value for Money?

Most definitely yes. The Xiaomi PRO 2 offers a better ride, extended range, upgraded APP features and overall is a better package. Whilst it is value for money, we’re not sure the additional £100-£150 on top of the previous version is completely justified – but, you still get a scooter under £500 that offers good value for money.

Who is the Xiaomi Pro 2 Suitable for?

The Xiaomi Pro 2 is suitable for commuters and people who just want something to nip around on. Whilst it has pneumatic tyres (making it better equipped to deal with some light offroading) we’d say its still a path/road scooter and not as hardy offroad. With the speed + range, this is definitely for people in the city who want a cheap, cost efficient way of getting around.

Where to buy the Xiaomi Pro 2

Turboant X7 Pro Electric Scooter

Turboant X7 Pro

Priced from: £360 to £400 ($499)

The Turboant X7 Pro is a foldable and portable adult scooter with outstanding performance. It comes with a professional design, prolonged battery capacity, and large tyres for enhanced riding comfort.

What we don’t like about the Turboant Pro X7

 A top speed of 20 mph isn’t enough for most people 

 350W single motor will struggle on heavier inclines 

 No suspension 

 Narrow Deck 

 The stem is pretty heavy as it houses the battery pack

 Cruise control can be challenging to disable 

 Electric brake has been reviewed to be jerky

Summary of the Turboant X7 Pro

The Turboant X7 Pro is a well-designed, foldable electric scooter with a solid aluminum frame, super smooth acceleration, and is quite fast. It delivers a smooth and stable ride experience, thus suitable for first-time riders. Some outstanding features of this model include the ergonomic thumb throttle, the high-mounted headlight, a small folded footprint, and a quick folding capability that locks it into position, allowing for ease of portability.

The Turboant X7 Pro is powered by a powerful 350W motor that quickly propels the electric scooter to a max speed of 20 mph. Further on, the scooter offers three-speed modes, which is ideal for both novice and intermediate riders. In Sports mode, reviewers cite a better acceleration than its predecessor, the X7. Additionally, the motor provides decent torque, enough to tackle a 20% hill grade, while riding at the optimal weight of below 275 lbs.

The X7 Pro comes with a 36 V 10 Ah battery that performs adequately. This delivers a max range of approximately 30 miles on a single charge. The removable battery is attached to the stem, making it easy to remove or replace the battery. It charges in 4 to 6 hours, which is fast for the battery size. Better still, there are two charging methods: scooter unit charging and independent battery charging, giving you unprecedented convenience.
Removing the battery is quite easy-a great convenience for charging or replacing it. If you are traveling for a longer distance, you can carry an extra battery back to double the range and continue with your journey uninterrupted. However, the primary concern with the battery placed in the front stem is that it makes the front pretty heavy, therefore limiting portability. It is also not the best position aesthetics-wise.

Regarding braking, the X7 Pro comes with three different braking systems ensuring maximum safety when riding. The triple braking mechanism consists of the EBS (Electronic Braking System), rear disc brake, and a rear fender foot brake. The brakes conjointly guarantee precise braking with a short braking distance of 16.4ft (5 m).

Despite the lack of suspension, the X7 Pro still manages to offer a smooth ride thanks to the large pneumatic 10″ tyres at 35 psi. The lower tyre pressure (manual recommends keeping tyre pressure between 31.9 and 34.8 psi) allows the air-filled tyres to absorb shock from uneven terrains better than tyres that are at the standard 45 psi. The shock-absorbing tyres coupled with the 4.5-inch ground clearance deliver an amazing ride comfort, as well as average off-road performance.

The X7 Pro is conveniently portable, with a three-step folding mechanism and a steel latch that locks firmly on the fender in a folded state. Riders should, however, note the hefty aluminum frame is further weighed down by the in-built battery. At a staggering weight of 33 pounds, it is safe to state that the X7 Pro isn’t the lightest option if portability is high on your checklist. The scooter’s folded dimensions are 109 cm long by 42 cm wide by 46 cm, ensuring that riders can carry and store it in restrictive spaces in your car or home. Notably, the handlebars don’t retract.
The scooter’s deck isn’t the most spacious. However, while it’s pretty narrow at 14.0cm, it provides sufficient standing room given it is 44.5 cm in length. Besides, it can accommodate heavier riders of up to 275 lbs. Overall, the deck is pretty thick and sturdy with an anti-skid rubber, which effectively enhances ride quality.

For night visibility and safety, the scooter comes with an embedded bright 3W LED headlight along with a tail light. It is also fitted with reflectors on the sides of the deck. The scooter has a bell for the strays that might not see you coming. You’ll also appreciate the IPX4 rating that allows the scooter to effectively sustain water splashes and light rain showers without compromising its functionality or performance.

Is the Turboant X7 Pro Value for Money?

Yes, indeed, the Turboant X7 Pro offers value for money. The scooter packs excellent features at its price, including 3-different riding modes, IPX4 waterproof rating, triple braking mechanism, digital LED screen, two different charging options, and higher battery capacity. Besides, it folds down readily and can easily be carried despite being a bit bulky. Unlike its predecessor, the X7, it’s more powerful and can go a few extra miles on a single charge and at a better acceleration. Overall, it’s a fun scooter that can be of great convenience in traveling to and from work or school or just running errands. It’s among the best electric scooters to consider if your budget is below £500.

Who is the Turboant X7 Pro Suitable For?

Turboant X7 Pro is ideal for casual riders, beginners, and intermediate riders looking for a PEV with average performance and reasonable speed and range.

Where to buy the Turboant X7 Pro

Hiboy Max V2 Electric Scooter 

Hiboy Max V2

Priced from: £308 to £350 ($430 – $489)

With enhanced braking and sufficient power output, the Hiboy Max V2 Electric Scooter significantly improves the original Hiboy Max model. It is fast, comfortable, and delivers a decent range.

What we don’t like about the Hiboy Max V2

  Noisy suspension
  Short deck to handlebar height
  Quite bulky to carry on one hand
  Long charging time
  Riders report incidents of steering column lock
  Tyres are quick to wear

Summary of the Hiboy Max V2

The Hiboy Max V2 is another excellent budget electric scooter that delivers quality while preserving your coins. Compared to most scooters in this range, the Max V2 has a faster top speed and enhanced range, allowing for reliable commuting. It’s also tidily designed, with neatly routed cables and a little extra space on the deck. The scooter is constructed with a lightweight aviation-grade aluminum alloy, which can sustain everyday wear and tear. The handlebar has grips that are wrapped with textured rubber giving you excellent control over the steering column. You’ll appreciate the neat-looking matte-black finish that adds to its aesthetics.

The Hiboy Max V2 offers an impressive performance thanks to its 350-watt brushless electric motor. The motor propels the scooter to a top speed of 18.6 mph (30 kph) with a decent hill climb of up to 15%. Riders can choose between three available ride modes-Beginner (blue icon, Normal (yellow icon), or Sports (red icon) based on their riding proficiency. It, however, has a slow, gradual acceleration taking up to 9.1 seconds to go from zero to 24 km/h. This is relatively slow compared to other budget scooters, such as the Hiboy S2 and the Gotrax G4.
The Max V2 scooter is fitted with a 36V 7.5 Ah Lithium-Ion battery that offers a decent range of up to 17 miles (27.3 km). However, the range is subject to the top speed, rider’s body weight, and the riding track. You can cover 8-10 miles on a single charge when riding at top speeds. The long-range 270Wh battery takes approximately 4 to 6 hours to fully charge, which is longer than other long-range budget scooters such as the Turboant X7 Pro.

The Max V2 offers a relatively decent ride quality with the solid 8.5-inch honeycomb wheels, which absorbs impact and requires no maintenance. The scooter is fitted with dual front shock and rear shock absorbers designed to reduce vibrations, provide basic suspension to cushion impacts, and facilitate smooth and comfortable rides. However, the shock absorbers have been established not to be overly effective for riders under 90Kgs.
The scooter’s deck is long and pretty roomy, allowing riders to change leg positions as they ride. Hiboy claims that the deck is more spacious than the average budget scooter for maximum foot compatibility and comfort. The large deck is also slip-resistant (covered with rubber matting), with an accommodative, slip-free foot pedal attached to it for extensive foot support. For low light visibility and an added aesthetics factor, the side of the deck is lined with blue LEDs. Hiboy flopped with the scooter’s handlebar, which comes at an unimpressive height of 90.2 cm, which is pretty low for riders over 5 ft. 5 inches. Therefore, it may not be accommodative for tall riders.

To brake effectively, the scooter employs a dual braking system consisting of a rear disc brake and a twist-grip electric brake on the left, providing effective braking (5.4 m braking distance). The electric brake on the front wheel is regenerative hence conserves energy making the scooter more sustainable. The rear mechanical brake is linked to the thumb-controlled regen brake meaning that you can engage both brakes using the brake lever. However, using the electric brake alone rather than both offers the benefit of maximizing the scooter’s range and avoids wearing the disc brake.

Weighing 16 kgs (36.1 lbs), the Hiboy Max V2 is not the lightest of the budget electric scooters. However, it’s not heavy, and you can easily carry it for short distances. Besides, it features the one-step fold design allowing the scooter to be easily folded in 1 second by simply stepping on the folding lever between the stem and the deck, i.e., foot-actuated folding. Once folded, the scooter becomes a compact package that you can carry around on one arm or easily store in the back of your car. Take note that most users have reported the folding lever to be very stiff.
When it comes to night visibility, the scooter integrated a triple lighting system consisting of a bright headlight, taillight, and side deck lighting, thus providing maximum visibility. The headlight illuminates the front as you ride, keeping you visible to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, while the rear brake lights inform other road users of your presence. The side deck lighting is not overly bright and functions to add aesthetics to the scooter. The lights are controlled using a button embedded on the handlebar.

In addition to the IPX4 water-resistance, the scooter has other great features, including cruise control, oblong-like shape, intuitive LED dashboard, LED lights, bell, and Android/iOS Mobile App with Bluetooth Connectivity. The mobile App offers you a breakdown of your riding statistics, including your riding speeds, riding modes, battery level, and cruise control settings (on/off).
Overall, the Hiboy is a solid option when it comes to budget performance-based electric scooters. Its high top speed, decent range, highly rated motor, ride comfort, and safety specs make it a fantastic budget pick.

Is the Hiboy Max V2 Value for Money?

It’s no brainer that the Hiboy Max V2 offers real value for money. At its low price, it’s not easy to get the top-rated features seen in the Max V2. It’s an impressive scooter with a top speed of 18.6 mph, range of 17 miles, 15% incline capability, and load capacity of 265lbs. Besides, it’s pretty portable and comes with premium features, including dual shock absorbers and a Mobile App. It’s an excellent choice for versatile usage, whether regular commuting or just satisfying your scooting hobby.

Who is the Hiboy Max V2 Suitable For?

The Hiboy Max V2 is ideal for anyone looking to advance their electric scooter riding experience. It’s perfect for adults and teens alike, weighing below 265 lbs (120 Kgs). Its versatile use case also makes it a great fit for scooter lovers and hobbyists.

Where to buy the Hiboy Max V2

Segway Ninebot ES2 Electric Scooter

Segway Ninebot ES2

Priced from: £379 to £500 ($529 – $698)

Rated 4.2/5, the Ninebot ES2 comes with a slick and durable design perfect for short commutes and urban living.

What we don’t like about the Segway Ninebot ES2

  Poor ride quality
  The Non-pneumatic tyres make it a bit bumpy on uneven surfaces
  The handlebar cannot be adjusted in height
  Most users have complained of the App having numerous bugs, thus impairing functionality.
  The electronic brake is generally not very effective, and more so, in cold weather. Multiple reviews by riders also cite brake failure.

Summary of the Segway Ninebot ES2

The Ninebot ES2 is a flagship electric scooter from Segway-an an upgrade of its predecessor, the ES1, and was released way back in 2017. The ES2 is one of the most popular e-scooters under the £500 price category, giving other models such as the Xiaomi Pro 2 a good run for their money and even outdoing them in several categories.

The Ninebot ES2 employs a minimalistic design. It’s constructed with exceptionally lightweight aerospace-grade aluminum alloy that allows the scooter to maintain a low weight, i.e., 27 lbs (12.5 kg), and a premium feel. The ES2’s design oozes durability and quality with an edgy, sleek vibe. Most mechanical parts and unsightly wires have been concealed, completing the modern look.

The ES2 is an average performer but perfect for urban commutes. It comes with an impressive 300W front-mounted hub motor that delivers a top speed of 15 mph. The 36V/5.2 Ah lithium-ion battery delivers a maximum distance per charge (range) of 15.5 miles. The remarkable Smart Battery Management System comes in handy to conserve battery, ensuring you cover more distance. Besides, you can opt for an extra battery (bought separately) extending your range up to 28 miles. The motor is relatively quiet, save for the buzzing sound it produces as you glide comfortably.

The ES’s battery takes 3.5 hours to charge fully. You’ll most definitely appreciate its fast charging feature, considering that some e-scooters take up to 10 hours to charge fully. The scooter comes with three-speed modes, i.e., Sport Mode (15 mph), Standard Mode (12 mph), and Speed Limit Mode, perfect for novice riders. The three-speed modes can easily be adjusted from the handlebar, which consists of an LED display indicating real-time data, including battery level, Odometer, and speed.

When it comes to tackling inclines, the ES2 is disappointing. It struggles to tackle inclines past 10 degrees. Most electric scooters would climb inclines past a max steepness of 15 degrees. The scooter slows even further when carrying heavier persons.
The ES is highly portable thanks to the lightweight design coupled with a one-click folding mechanism. With these two features, the ES2 can be seamlessly folded and carried on one hand. The one-click folding mechanism makes folding the ES2 a breeze and is achieved by simply pushing down the folding hinge at the front of the deck with your foot and then gently lowering the handlebar towards the rear wheel until you hear a click. The scooter folds down to a compact size (112 x 43 x 30.5 cm) and can easily fit in the trunk of your car.

Segway Ninebot ES2 delivers a safe and comfortable riding experience. It features a rear suspension system, and a front shock absorber mounted just above the front tyre to absorb shocks coming from bumps, resultantly facilitating a comfortable ride. The tyres are also large enough to sustain most impacts on the road. However, since the tyres are non-pneumatic (solid airless tyres), riders still feel some jolts when hitting bumpy surfaces. Nonetheless, it still offers a decent ride quality.

At about 40.6 cm in length, the deck is spacious and gradually raised towards the stem to increase the space without necessarily increasing the overall dimensions of the scooter. Besides, the deck is embedded with a rubber textured footplate to enhance the overall ride comfort and stability.

For the braking, the ES2 comes with a regenerative brake and rear foot brake for precise stopping. While it’s hard to find a regenerative braking system in a scooter priced below £500, the ES2 is equipped with such a braking system allowing for extended mileage since the energy used to stop the scooter is recycled back into the battery.

ES2 is highly visible at night thanks to the LED lights- space-age underglow, placed underneath the footpad, and the rear red tail lights. The front-mounted LED headlight offers sufficient brightness, ensuring you can comfortably ride at dawn or dusk. Better still, you can customize the under-deck lights by choosing between the 16 multicolored displays to add aesthetics to your scooter. The side deck also features red lights that blink when the electronic brakes are engaged.

The ES2 is IP54 water-resistant and comes with other nifty features, including a Mobile App & Bluetooth, cruise control, and an optional seat attachment compatible with other Ninebot models ES1, ES2, ES3, and ES4.

Is the Segway Ninebot ES2 Value for Money?

Considering the ES2 is pretty powerful, easy to fold and carry, facilitates a surprisingly smooth ride, is embodied in a modern design, and bears excellent build quality, our verdict is that it offers excellent value for money. This is further evidenced by the fact that most scooter rentals chose to include it in their lineup of PEVs. Besides, it comes with a plethora of features and superior technology perfect for your everyday commute.

Who is the Segway Ninebot ES2 Suitable For?

The ES2 is a perfect scooter for beginners who are just getting started with their scooting passion. It’s not the best option for inexperienced or young riders below 14 years or adults weighing more than 220 lbs. It offers a fast, efficient, cheap, and environmentally-friendly means of navigation for urban dwellers.

Where to buy the Segway Ninebot ES2

Xiaomi Mi M365 Electric Scooter

Xiaomi Mi M365

Priced from: £328 to £439 ($460 – $615)

Portable, nippy, and with long-range battery life, the Xiaomi Mi M365 electric scooter is one of the best scooters you can get for under £500.

What we don’t like about the Xiaomi M365

  Extended battery charge time
  Slow acceleration
  Occupies more space when folded attributed to the triangle folding rather than the flat-folding
  Handlebars don’t fold down easily.
  No suspension
  Low clearance
  Plastic battery cover

Summary of the Xiaomi Mi M365

The Xiaomi Mi M365 is one of the most popular e scooters below £500, selling close to 10 million units worldwide. From its design to performance, it is not hard to see why the scooter has become a favorite among scooter enthusiasts in the mid-range budget level.

The scooter sports an aerospace-grade aluminum alloy chassis, which is both lightweight and durable. It weighs 27.5 lbs (12.5kg) and can hold a load capacity of up to 220 lbs (100 Kg). The scooter’s design is impeccably sleek. The design is highly revered, as evidenced by the scooter’s awards and accolades, including the prestigious Red Dot “Best of the Best” Award, as well as the iF Design Award 2017 for its modern design. The shape is streamlined from the front to the rear, plus Xiaomi fitted a curved pedalboard for extra comfort. The matte black aluminum frame is exceptionally durable and comes treated with a corrosion-resistant coating.

The M365 is powered by a front-mounted 250W single hub motor which provides a maximum power of 500 W and a maximum torque of 16 Nm. The motor propels the scooter to a top speed of 15.5 mph (25km/h)-suitable for cruising around the city. Besides, the motor is powerful enough to sustain hilly climbs with an uphill speed of about 8 mph. The scooter is much faster than most electric scooters in the same price range. It features 2-speed settings: Low and High. Traveling at a slower speed is quite comfortable, plus it saves a bit of battery power.

The Xiaomi M365 is powered by several 18650 high-capacity lithium batteries, which deliver up to 18.6 miles of travel on a single charge. With this range, the Xiaomi Mi M365 outshines most other electric scooters in the same price category. The long-range is excellent and would save you from the hassle of carrying an extra battery pack or frequently charging your scooter.

The battery charges in under seven hours and incorporates a Smart Battery Management System. This is vital in keeping you informed on the health of the battery pack and notifying you when there is an issue. This feature also protects the battery from short circuit, overcurrent, overcharging, over-discharging, excess temperature, and under-voltage, ensuring it lasts longer.

The M365 is lightweight and folds down quickly, allowing for hassle-free portability. It folds in three easy steps: flip, fold, and clip. Once folded, the scooter is secure and compact. It can be stored in the trunk of a car, at home, or in the office.
When it comes to riding quality, the Xiaomi M365 is pretty comfortable to ride. While it doesn’t feature a suspension system, the 8.5-inch pneumatic tyres come in handy to absorb impact from light bumps and irregular terrain. However, they are not entirely effective in sustaining enormous potholes and larger obstacles. Therefore, the scooter cannot be used on off-road or rough terrains.

For enhanced safety, the M356 integrates a double braking system. It features a disc braking and E-ABS regenerative anti-lock braking facilitating fast and efficient halting, with a braking distance of just 13.1 ft. (4 meters). Even if you’ve never used a scooter, you can comfortably ride the M365 thanks to the intuitive controls. The scooter is stable and easy to control. The deck is low and rubber-lined for maximum grip and stability. You can comfortably negotiate corners without worrying about falling over. The Mi M365 features an ultra-bright headlamp and a rear brake light, which flashes when the brakes are engaged to facilitate visibility and safety at night.

Apart from the Mobile App and Bluetooth connectivity, the M365 integrates various features that go a long way to justify its price point. It features anti-slip rubberized handlebars, 4 LED lighting profiles, power saving mode, IP54 water resistance, single on/off button, thumb-controlled twist acceleration, and a metal lever to safely lock the scooter when storing it. In essence, the scooter is loaded with advanced features and controls that can be monitored or controlled via a Mobile App.

Is the Xiaomi M365 Value for Money?

It would be an understatement to say that the Xiaomi Mi M365 offers value for money. Yes, it more than delivers for its price point. Despite the release of its successor, the Xiaomi M365 is still a favorite among scooter lovers. It has an excellent range, average top speed, and a simple, sturdy design. Besides, its other outstanding features noted above justify the price. Indeed, it’s one of the best scooters you can get without breaking the bank.

Who is the Xiaomi M365 Suitable For?

The M365 is an excellent choice for city commuters looking for a bit more range and power. It’s also ideal for the average scooter user, including beginners, hobbyists, and scooter enthusiasts, among others. However, users should weigh less than 220 lbs as per the manufacturer’s recommendation.

Where to buy the Xiaomi Mi M365

Glion Dolly Foldable Adult Electric Scooter

Glion Dolly

Priced from: £331 to £420 ($460 – $580)

Ultraportable, durable, and with unique features, the Glion Dolly Foldable Electric Scooter is best suited for individuals who use public transport such as buses and commuter trains and need scooters as a last-mile-commute.

What we don’t like about the Glion Dolly

  Short-range with a slow top speed
  Lacks suspension (The upgraded version of this scooter sports a front suspension)
  Poor in climbing hills
  The battery indicator may not be too accurate
  Jerky electric brake
  Slow acceleration
  Not water resistant
  Some riders find the rear-wheel-drive problematic as engaging the motor sends the back of the scooter forward and into sort of a wheelie

Summary of the Glion Dolly Foldable Electric Scooter

Available for under £500, the Glion Dolly Foldable Adult electric scooter is the ultimate commuter scooter, thanks to its ultra-folding design. The Dolly folds down into a compact package weighing only 28 pounds (12 Kg), meaning it can easily be carried around, including up a flight of stairs to your office or apartment.
Better still, the electric scooter integrates the patented Dolly and vertical self-standing feature with small runner wheels, i.e., the Dolly that allows you to roll it like a suitcase and stand it vertically out of the way on public spaces like a commuter train or bus. It’s also fitted with a telescoping towing handle that enables you to haul it around like a suitcase. A simple click of a button deploys the handle.

In regards to performance, the Glion Dolly is powered with a 250-watt brushless hub motor. The motor delivers a top speed of 15 mph (24 km/h), which is enough to commute in an urban setting. However, the motor won’t churn out enough power to tackle inclines of 20 degrees, or higher, irrespective of rider weight.
The Dolly comes with a premium 36v, 7.8ah lithium-ion battery with 15-mile (24 km) range and 3.25 hrs charge time. The range is pretty average, and you don’t have to wait for ages for the battery to charge fully. In case you’re in a hurry, just charge the scooter for around two hours, and it will charge to 75%. It’s a good thing to see the lithium-ion battery on an electric scooter as these batteries are energy efficient and don’t damage the environment, like lead batteries.

The Glion Dolly lacks a suspension system in place, meaning that the ride quality is sort of average. However, Glion claims that the military-developed 8-inch pneumatic tyres with honeycomb interior stand-in for the suspension, helping to smoothen the ride as much as possible. However, you’ll still feel much of the bumps and uneven surfaces on the road. Notably, Glion has an upgraded version of this exact scooter that comes with a front-based suspension.
The Dolly brakes quickly thanks to the dual braking system composed of a rear electric ABS braking system and a rear fender foot brake. The eABS brake, however, lacks regenerative braking. The rear fender brake offers a shorter stopping distance.

If looking forward to riding the Dolly at dawn or dusk, you can safely do so thanks to its efficient light system. It features a headlight placed right above the front wheel and a red tail light at the rear fender. The headlight is relatively bright and can be adjusted vertically for better focus. There are also integrated fenders to protect the wheels. The scooter’s well-designed cockpit consists of the controls, i.e., a twisty style accelerator, a power button, brakes, and a mechanical bell. There is also an LCD display that indicates real-time battery level and speed.

In summary, the Glion Dolly is an excellent last-mile commuting tool. It’s highly portable, can be rolled like a suitcase once folded, and takes up little space thanks to Glion’s patented vertical self-standing feature. Besides, it’s sturdy and compact and offers just the needed performance for the urban setting.

Is the Glion Dolly for Money?

Yes! At that price range, the Glion Dolly scooter is a really good electric scooter that’s perfect for commuting. No scooter below £500 is as portable and easy to store as the Doll, thanks to the patented Dolly and vertical self-standing feature. This scooter would surely turn your long, cumbersome commutes blissful as you glide to and from work or school with ease. Besides, if you decide to take the train or bus, you can be sure to fold up the scooter into a compact package and roll it with ease, carry it on the bus/train and stand it next to you- out of people’s way. The only concern with this model is the relatively rough ride due to lack of suspension and the fact that it’s not waterproof. All in all, it delivers absolute value for money.

Who is the Glion Dolly Suitable For?

The Glion Dolly is mainly developed for last-mile commuters. You can use the scooter to speed up your commute, move around the city, accompany on a bus or train. Individuals weighing below 254 lbs (115 Kg) can comfortably ride the scooter.

Where to buy the Glion Dolly

Swagtron Swagger 5 Boost Electric Scooter 

Swagtron Swagger 5 Boost

Priced from: £240 to £275 ($335 – $380)

Released in May 2020, the Swagtron Swagger 5 Boost Electric Scooter is a great option for a scooter under £350 with modern features, high top speed, and optimal performance in an urban setting.

What we don’t like about the Swagtron Swagger 5 Boost

  Non-adjustable handlebars
  Short maximum range
  Not great at riding uphill
  Slow acceleration
  A valve extender is needed for effective maintenance
  Charging cable is way too short
  The fold-down bar gets loose easily

Summary of the Swagtron Swagger 5 Boost

The Swagger 5 Boost is a great release from Swagtron in its range of electric scooters. It comes with much-needed improvements to its predecessor, the Swagtron Swagger Elite City’s design and performance. It comes with a larger 300W motor that gives riders sufficient power to reach a top speed of 18 mph (29km/h) and tackle inclines up to 20 degrees. There are very few e-scooters that can reach top speeds of past 15 mph at this price range. It comes with three riding modes, i.e., gears, and you can quickly shift between the modes via the App or by double-pressing the power button. The lowest riding mode, Eco Mode, provides the lowest max speed with minimal strain on the battery. The middle mode is perfect for novice riders, while the fastest mode is great for experienced riders looking to cut on their commute time.

In addition to the large motor, the Swagger 5 Boost comes with an enhanced battery for extended range. The 37V fine-tuned battery can last up to 11 miles (17.7 Km) on a single charge. This range is sufficient to take you to work and back, plus enable you to run errands in between. Better still, the battery fully charges in just 3.5 hours, meaning you don’t have to wait for long hours when recharging.
The Swagger 5 Boost is designed to meet riders’ needs ensuring seamless navigation. It’s constructed with durable aerospace-grade aluminum, which is not only lightweight but also sturdy. This solid build allows the scooter to comfortably support riders weighing up to 320 lb. (145 Kg). The design also features a bell, a phone mount, and a water bottle holder, all of which come in handy to facilitate a comfortable riding experience. Furthermore, the controls are conveniently mounted on the handlebar, making operation easy and straightforward.

In terms of ride quality, the Swagger 5 Boost offers decent riding comfort. It features large 8.5-inch tyres that provide decent ground clearance to navigate bumps and curbs easily. The front wheel is air-filled, while the back wheel sports an airless honeycomb design for maximum shock absorption. In essence, despite the lack of shock absorption, the Swagger 5 Boost manages to deliver smooth, comfortable rides. It is recommended that you keep the front tyre at the optimum pressure for even better riding performance, i.e., 28 PSI. The back tyre is purely airless and puncture-resistant, meaning that you’ll not have to worry about maintenance.

For effective and precise stopping, the Swagger 5 Boost features a dual braking system. The scooter comes with both a front EBS and a rear disc brake. This combination makes for a fast and precise braking system guaranteed to keep you safe, regardless of the riding condition. Regarding portability, the Swagger 5 Boost is highly portable due to its lightweight design, weighing 26 lbs (11.8 kg) and easy folding mechanism. The scooter folds down to a compact package via the foot-actuated folding mechanism, allowing for convenient portability and storage. You can carry this scooter aboard a plane, train, or bus, or over a flight of stairs to your office or apartment hassle-free.

The Swagger 5 Boost is equipped with an ultra-bright headlight, rear brake light, and side reflectors to allow night riding. The integrated LED display is a great functional addition to keep you informed of several real-time metrics, including speed, gear, and battery status. You’ll definitely be content with the free SWAGTRON app, which offers additional information, including trip stats, battery status, and riding mode. You can mount your phone on the handlebar and access the App to monitor your trip, turn the headlights on/off and even check map routes via GPS.
In summary, the Swagtron Swagger 5 Boost is a modern electric scooter with an attractive design, great user specs, and affordable to anyone looking to streamline their daily commute.

Is the Swagtron Swagger 5 value for Money?

While it has been called a clone of the Xiaomi Mi M365, the Swagger 5 Boost holds its own as a worthy competitor at a similar price range. It even outperforms the M365 in several aspects, including the quality-to-price ratio. The 5 Boost offers value for money-it’s one of the best-designed and most well-rounded electric scooters available for a modest budget. You should definitely choose this model to revamp your tedious commutes.

Who is the Swagtron Swagger 5 Suitable For?

Modern design, better performance, and enhanced portability and range make the Swagger 5 Boost perfect for daily commuters. It’s suitable for advanced scooter riders and beginners with minimal experience in riding scooters. You can change between the three-speed modes and find an optimal speed limit based on your level of expertise.

Where to buy the Swagtron Swagger 5 Boost

Tomoloo L1-Plus Folding Electric Scooter

Tomoloo L1-Plus

Priced from: £310 to £330 ($335 – $460)

The Tomoloo L1-Plus electric scooter is a top contender for the best scooter under £500. It’s highly portable, fast, long-ranged with all the bells and whistles of higher-priced scooters.

What we don’t like about the Tomoloo L1-Plus

  The electric brake is reviewed to be jerky
  Long charge time
  The fold-down bar can quickly get loose
  Mobile App can be hard to navigate

Summary of the Tomoloo L1-Plus

The Tomoloo LI-Plus Folding Electric Scooter is an outstanding electric scooter available on a budget. Its excellent specs and competitive value price makes it arguably one of the best budget scooters. The scooter implements a sleek design with leather non-slip handlebars, which offer a comfortable grip for longer rides.

The handlebar features an enlarged waterproof LED display that shows your current speed, battery status, and current gear. The handlebar also features a left brake lever, a bell, a thumb knob throttle, and a power button, all conveniently placed, allowing for easy operation of the scooter. Short-pressing the lone power button would change between the three gears, while long pressing the power button will turn the scooter on or off.

The Tomoloo L1-Plus scooter is powerful enough, equipped with a 350W motor that can propel the scooter to a maximum speed of 15.5 mph and go over inclines as steep as 14 degrees. The scooter comes with a lithium-ion battery with a charge time of under 5 hours. The manufacturer claims that the battery powers the scooter to an impressive range of 18.6 miles (30 Km), allowing you to commute to and from work on a single charge. The Tomoloo L1-Plus comes with three riding modes with a cruise control feature. This is particularly useful in adjusting the speed based on your experience. The different speed modes come in handy to preserve battery power and build your confidence when riding. The fastest mode gets you to a top speed of around 15.5 mph.

The Tomoloo LI-Plus offers a decent ride quality thanks to the 3000lb high-performance spring coupled with 10″ Plus in-cellular solid tyres. With an elastic coefficient of up to 627N / MM, the spring offers excellent shock absorptions on all kinds of terrains. The 10-inch honeycomb tyres do an excellent job absorbing much of the road’s impacts, thereby providing a smooth ride. The Tomoloo L1-Plus comes with a triple brake system. There is a front electronic eABS regenerative anti-lock brake, rear disc brake, and an auxiliary foot brake, all of which work perfectly to bring the scooter to a complete and precise stop when needed. The electric brake feels a bit jerky but works really great.

The LI-Plus offers excellent portability thanks to the 120cm x 50cm x 49.5cm folding size and 28.4lbs weight. The frame folds down to a compact package allowing for easy carrying and storage at the office, home, car trunk, or under subway seats. The Tomoloo L1-Plus is highly visible at night owing to its ultra-bright LED headlight and taillight. It also comes with reflective stickers on the side and two LED underglow strips for added aesthetics. You can use the free Tomoloo app to change the LED colors. The App also allows you to set the riding mode of the scooter, real-time GPS tracking, shift gear, turn the headlight on/off and lock the scooter.

You’ll be impressed by the ultrasound waterproof LED display. The display lets you seamlessly control your speed (three gears) and check total mileage, battery life, among other metrics. Overall, the Tomoloo L1-Plus is a good all-around budget scooter with great performance and outstanding mobility. It comes with significant improvements from the LI and offers unmatched value for money.

Is the Tomoloo L1-Plus value for Money?

Yes! The Tomoloo L1-Plus offers great value for money. It comes with a triple braking system, and it’s light and easy to fold, app-connected, has an intelligent design, great ride quality, and just enough performance. Notably, it checks off all the boxes of higher budget scooters at an almost similar performance range and at a fraction of the cost. For the tyre quality, suspension system, decent speed, and range, this scooter is a steal at under £500.

Who is the Tomoloo L1-Plus Suitable For?

The Tomoloo L1-Plus is perfect for the average commuter looking to streamline their commutes. It’s an ideal budget scooter for riders looking for performance without breaking the bank.

Where to buy the Tomoloo L1-Plus

Conclusion

Electric scooters are a growing craze among commuters. The growth in popularity has not been deterred by government restrictions and sanctions (looking to create a safe riding space), which has become rampant, especially in Europe. With a budget of less than £500, there are plenty of great scooters you can consider based on your needs and preferences. While under £500 may look like a tight budget, some scooters in this price category have managed to impress and are giving high-end models a run for their money.   

BIO: 

Daniel is an avid scooter fan who has owned and tested over 50 different scooters. Part time scooter enthusiast & part time SEO specialist.  Daniels favourite scooter is the Dualtron Thunder.