If you’re looking for a fun, eco-friendly way to tackle your daily commute, then an electric scooter may just be the perfect solution for you.
Not only will you see your monthly gasoline bill take a refreshing plunge, but you’ll also discover that e-scooters can be a lot of fun!
But what if you want to get into the e-scooter scene without breaking the bank? Never fear, for you’ve come to the right place.
These days, there are several electric scooters on the market that you can buy for less than $500. Whether you’re looking for an electric scooter that’s easy to transport onto buses and subways or even a scooter with its own cargo area, we’ll take you through some of the best electric scooters for the money.
We’ll even give you the down-low on the best e-scooter for kids so that the whole family can take to the streets for weekend rides.
So, without further ado, let’s dive in and help you find the perfect e-scooter for you!
GoTrax XL Elite
Price: $399
If you’re looking for a reliable e-scooter at an affordable price, then check out GoTrax.
GoTrax has established itself as a top brand by producing electric scooters that are more about function than bells and whistles.
The brand offers a wide array of e-scooters for under $500, and the new XL Elite is currently one of our favorites.
Photo Courtesy: [Amazon]
It also comes with safety features such as a super bright headlight, LED taillight, and six reflectors that will make sure you stay visible on the road.
It’s also foldable, which makes it easy to slip under your desk at work for added anti-theft protection.
With a dual braking system, an anti-slip 6.6″ deck, and a max weight of 220 lbs, the XR Elite is a solid choice for the urban commuter looking to scoot around those pesky traffic jams.
Pros:
- Up to 18.6 miles per charge
- Waterproof
- Relatively lightweight (31pds) and foldable
- LCD Display
Cons:
- No suspension
- Not as many features or as much power as more expensive scooters
Macwheel Electric Scooter MX1
Price: $399.99
If you’re looking for a hassle-free electric scooter with a little extra power, then check out MacWheel’s MX1.
It’s powerful 350W hub motor partners with a 270Wh lithium-ion battery to tackle slopes and other obstacles more reliably than your standard 250W motor e-scooter.
With a max speed of up to 15.6, it can take you up to 18.6 miles on a single charge, which is pretty respectable for a scooter in its price range.
Photo Courtesy: [Machwheel]
You’ll also enjoy the reliability of front anti-lock and rear disc breaking for a smooth ride with dependable stopping power.
Weighing in at 28.25 lbs, the MX1 is not too much of a hassle to transport and is capable of supporting riders up to 256 lbs.
Pros:
- Shock absorption
- Puncture-proof/ air-free tires
- Dual braking system
- Lightweight enough to be portable
Cons:
- Fairly short deck
- Top speed is hard to achieve unless going down a hill
Glion Dolly
Price: $429.99
If your commute consists of buses, trains, or other public transportation, then the Glion Dolly comes with a bonus feature that you’re going to love.
Not only is it foldable, but it’s also equipped with a convenient pull-out handle that allows you to roll it just like a suitcase.
Photo Courtesy: [Amazon]
Keep in mind; however, that range will change depending on things like speed, terrain, and rider weight. While it can carry riders up to 255 lbs, some heavier riders have reported getting closer to an 8-mile max range.
With a max speed of 15 mph, it’s a nice little ride that can get you around town without becoming a burden to carry.
It also comes with a front headlamp and rear taillight for visibility, as well as electric anti-lock breaks and a foot-activated rear fender foot brake.
Overall, if you’re looking to cut down on long walks to the bus station or a fun little scooter to zip around the park on, it’s a reliable option that’s super easy to transport.
Pros:
- Carry-handle for rolling-suitcase style transport
- Smooth acceleration
- Dual braking system
- Sturdy and adjustable
Cons:
- Fairly small deck
- Doesn’t have a huge range, better for shorter commutes
- Not great with hills
Razor EcoSmart Metro Electric Scooter
Price: $469.99
Razor took things in a cool direction with their EcoSmart Metro Electric Scooter by providing both standing and sitting ride options.
Designed for short commutes, the Metro Scooter comes with both a bamboo standing deck and an adjustable bicycle seat for the days when you want to take a load off.
Photo Courtesy: [Razor]
Capable of zipping along at up to 18mph, the Metro Scooter has a battery life of about 40 minutes per charge when used continually.
Designed for a max load of 220 lbs, it also comes with its own rear luggage rack and basket that are perfect for transporting school books or groceries.
If you’re looking to cut down on your commute time, environmental footprint, or both, the Ecosmart Metro Scooter is a great way to do it.
Pros:
- Soft, adjustable seat
- Luggage rack and basket
- Variable-speed, high-torque motor
- Retractable kickstand
Cons:
- Designed for shorter trips/commutes
- Not great with hills
- Rear disc braking system, can be a little tricky when going downhill
Levy Electric Scooter
Price: $499
Not only is the Levy Electric Scooter pretty cool looking, but it was also the first consumer-grade electric scooter on the market to boast a removable battery pack.
The 350W front motor works with a 230wH Panasonic Battery that can be removed and swapped out in seconds.
Not only is it nice to be able to carry a spare battery for longer trips, but it’s awesome to be able to charge your battery even if it’s not still attached to your scooter.
Photo Courtesy: [Levy]
That said, if you’re looking for a scooter for short commutes or errands, then this is a cool one to check out.
It comes with cruise control, various riding modes, and regenerative front/ mechanical rear braking. At 27 lbs, it’s lightweight enough to make for easy transport and folds up easily for secure storage.
The Levy Electric Scooter can also hustle you along at up to 18 mph and boasts pretty solid acceleration capabilities for a scooter in its price range.
You can also choose from tubeless or tubed tires and a variety of different color schemes.
Pros:
- Removable batteries
- Top speed of 18mph
- 350W motor
- Cruise Control
Cons:
- Underwhelming single-battery range
- Second battery not included
Razor Power Core E90 Electric Scooter (Kids)
Price: $139.99
Looking for a scooter that will allow your kids to ride alongside you? If so, then Razor (a brand they may already be familiar with) is a great place to start.
Razor offers a variety of different kid-sized electric scooters, with their Power Core E90 Electric Scooter being among the most popular.
What really sets it apart from the rest is an impressive range. The Power Core E90 can last for up to 80 minutes of continuous use on a single charge, as opposed to other Razor scooters that top off at 40 minutes.
Photo Courtesy: [Razor]
It’s driven by a 90W rear-wheel hub motor with a push-button throttle and hand-operated braking system.
The Power Core E90 weighs in at around 21 lbs, so it’s heavy enough to provide reliable traction while remaining totally manageable for a child to operate.
Recommended for ages eight and up, it can support up to 120 lbs of weight and is a great way to encourage your kids to spend more time outside and less in front of the TV.
Pros:
- Top speed of 10 mph
- Up to 80 minutes of continuous use per charge
- Air-less, flat-resistant back tire
- Push-button throttle
Cons:
- Charge time can take up to 12 hours
- Visibility reflectors sold separately
- Not foldable
If you liked what you learned here, then be sure to share it with your friends! And as always, feel free to reach out with any questions or comments that you might have!
In the meantime, feel free to peruse our other articles for answers to questions such as: How far can an electric scooter go on a single charge? or Electric scooters for beginners: Everything you need to know before you buy.
