I started college this month and recently got a part-time job. I need to travel between college and the workplace frequently, so I needed a cheap and easy commute vehicle. When I started searching for one, I found an electric scooter. I felt this is the best vehicle to go with as it is fast, budget-friendly, and will let me travel in small lanes easily.
Table could not be displayed.Also, I can park it almost anywhere. I started searching for the best electric scooter under $500, which was within my budget. I looked through twenty-five top-rated scooters over several hours. Finally, I shortlisted the top seven best electric scooters under 500 based on their motor, battery capacity, portability, tires, brakes, and much more.
If you are also searching for Best Electric Scooter under 500, then read my review and you will learn about:
- The top eight Best Electric Scooter Under 500, based on motor type, battery, portability, tires, brakes, and overall value
- A guide to selecting the Best Electric Scooter Under 500
- Hopefully, your next electric scooter!
#1. Gotrax Electric Scooter
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Features
- Motor: 9.6/10
- Battery: 9.7/10
- Portability: 9.8/10
- Brakes and tires: 9.8/10
- Overall Score: 9.7/10
Technical Specifications
- Motor type: 250W Brushless DC motor
- Speed: 15.5 mph
- Battery capacity: 5.2Ah/36V
- Weight capacity: 220 lbs
- Brand: Gotrax
- Color: Black
Pros
- The anti-lock braking system will allow for a smooth stop.
- Easy to climb a hill of 14 degrees incline.
Cons
- When you use the battery for longer, it may wear out sooner.
Bottom Line
Eye-catchy design with good build quality and decent speed, making this scooter the top pick for best electric scooter under 500.
Details
- Motor: Once you activate the cruise control by pressing the throttle down for ten seconds on the right-hand side, you can reach a top speed of 15mph with this scooter. The 250W brushless motor runs long with efficiency and helps you climb a hill that inclines to 14 degrees.
- Battery: The range coverage of the scooter is 12 miles when on a full battery. The range covered may vary based on speed, weather conditions, and when you climb hills. The lithium battery of this scooter is lightweight and gets fully charged in four hours. Even if the battery drains out, the deck to handlebar height is 38 inch and the deck is close to the ground, which will allow you to use it as a normal kick scooter.
- Portability: This scooter weighing 27 pounds can easily be folded and carried in a car trunk. Once you fold the frame, lock it to prevent it from opening and store it. Though you cannot fold the handlebar, it occupies a small place when you store it. As the scooter’s weight is low, even if the battery runs out, you can carry it around with you.
- Brakes and Tires: The pneumatic tires have 8.5″ thickness which help in smoothing your ride on bumpy roads. Compared with solid tires, pneumatic tires work better on wet roads because these tires give better traction with roads and serve as good shock absorbers. But there is a chance of flat tires, in the case of pneumatic tires. Also, the anti-lock braking system will help in avoiding the skidding of the scooter. The disc brakes will help you put the pressure on wheels and bring a stop to the scooter.
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#2. Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter
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Features
- Motor: 9.6/10
- Battery: 9.8/10
- Portability: 9.7/10
- Brakes and tires: 9.6/10
- Overall Score: 9.6/10
Technical Specifications
- Motor type: 250W motor
- Speed: 15.5 mph
- Weight capacity: 220 lbs
- Brand: Xiaomi
- Color: Black
Pros
- A regenerative braking system will increase the battery’s life.
- A smart battery management system will help prolong the battery.
Cons
- Riding on steep slopes gets harder when the battery starts draining.
Bottom Line
The aerospace-grade aluminum frame will make the scooter durable as it is resistant to corrosion and has good thermal conductivity, making this scooter one of the best electric scooters under 500.
Details
- Motor: The maximum speed of 15.5 miles per hour can be achieved using the 250W battery. This motor is lightweight, so it doesn’t add much weight to the scooter. The motor will support free-wheeling and easily fits into the scooter. The motors are known for their reliability as they help in achieving the range at a good speed.-
- Battery: The high capacity lithium battery has a low discharge capacity running long, helping you cover a distance of 18.6 miles. You can recharge the batteries up to a hundred times, and they have long retention of charge, giving out good power when you use them. But the range coverage may vary based on the weight of the rider, weather, and type of road you travel on. The smart battery management of the battery will increase its efficiency by protecting it from overcharging and from short circuits.
- Portability: The aerospace aluminum grade material though light in weight, gives high strength to the scooter. The scooter design is foldable, making it easy to carry by hand or in a car trunk. It weighs only 26.9 lbs.
- Brakes and tires: The anti-lock regenerative braking will increase the longevity of the battery. This is possible because when you apply the brake, the heat and energy released will be converted into electricity, charging the battery. Disc brakes of the scooter will not heat the tires when suddenly stopped and will therefore prevent flat tires. The 8.5″ tires will strongly support the scooter on any road, keeping you safe and steady on the scooter.
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#3. Razor E300 Electric Scooter
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Features
- Motor: 9.5/10
- Battery: 9.3/10
- Portability: 9/10
- Brakes and tires: 9.4/10
Technical Specifications
- Motor type: 250 watts chain-driven motor
- Speed: 15mph
- Battery capacity: 24 volts lead-acid battery
- Weight capacity: 220 lbs
- Tire Type: 9″ front and back pneumatic tires
Pros
- The powerful motor and battery make it easy to cover long distances.
- A large weight capacity of 220 lbs makes it strong.
- Pneumatic tires make each ride smooth, even on uneven terrain.
- One can cover a distance of 10 miles nonstop at a speed of 15 mph.
- Dual suspension and twist throttle makes the scooter safe.
Cons
- The only problem with the scooter is that it is not foldable.
Bottom Line
Razor E300 is an ideal scooter for teens above 13 years of age, as well as adults. The alloy steel body of the scooter has a weight capacity of 220 pounds, which makes it suitable for heavier adults.
Details
- Motor: The scooter has a chain-driven motor of 250 watts that helps attain a speed of 15 mph and ride for 10 miles without stopping. The motor is powerful and long-lasting. A chain-driven motor is perfect for those who prefer lying farther and driving the scooter with ease.
- Battery: The scooter has a battery of 24 volts, takes 12 hours to charge, and lasts 40 minutes.
- Portability: the scooter is highly portable due to its light weight. You cannot fold the scooter, but it is easy to remove the handlebars, so you can still store the scooter in a compact place. Its robust framework allows it to carry a weight of almost 220 lbs.
- Brakes and tires: The 9 inches front and back tires help ride smoothly even on rough surfaces. Every ride on the scooter is buttery due to dual-suspension and twist throttle. The brakes are powerful and make the user ride on uneven terrain with ease and safety.
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#4. Swagtron Electric Scooter: Swagger 5
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Features
- Motor: 9.4/10
- Battery: 9.5/10
- Portability: 9.5/10
- Breaks and tires: 9.7/10
Technical Specifications
- Motor: 250 watts hub motor
- Speed: 18 mph
- Battery capacity: 36 V lithium-ion battery
- Weight capacity: 320 lbs
- Brakes: Rear Disc brakes
Pros
- The 250 W powerful motor helps you ride at a top speed of 18 mph.
- The 8.5-inch airless tire makes the scooter sturdy and puncture-proof.
- Though the scooter is 26 lb, it can withstand a high weight of 320 lb.
- The three-step folding feature makes the scooter highly portable.
- The scooter works with the Swagtron app and other apps making it convenient to keep the record of daily commuting.
- It has an LED headlight that makes it convenient and safe to ride the scooter in the dark.
Cons
- Lack of instruction manual.
- Due to lower ground clearance, the battery can be damaged as it is located below the pedal.
Bottom Line
Swagtron Swagger 5 is a budget-friendly scooter with innovative features designed for young professionals and adults. With a compact and sleek design, it has most everything one looks for in an electric scooter.
Details
- Motor: 250 watts hub motor allows the user to ride at a speed of 18mph. For all those who love speed and require budget-friendly scooter, this is it. One can cover long distances and ride inclines at 20 degrees without stopping with the powerful motor.
- Battery: 36-volt lithium-ion battery makes the scooter ideal for covering long distances of 11 miles nonstop.
- Portability: The Swagtron is a highly portable scooter as it can be folded in three simple steps. Store it in your car’s trunk, or take it along in the bus or train. Store under the subway seat and in any small space. Its foldable dimension is 41.5 x 17 x 19 inches.
- Tires and brakes: The rear disc brakes make the scooter safe for rough terrain, and controlling the scooter while riding on an incline of 20 degrees is achievable. Its 8.5-inch pneumatic tires make the rides smooth. The tires provide a cushioning effect making the scooter perfect for bumpy roads. The tire pressure needs to be at least 28 PSI.
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#5. Glion Dolly Electric Scooter
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Features
- Motor: 9/10
- Battery: 9.4/10
- Portability: 9/10
- Brakes and tires: 9.2/10
Technical specifications
- Motor: 250 watts DC hub
- Battery: 36V, 7.8aH lithium-ion
- Speed: 15 mph
- Braking system: anti-lock braking system
- Tire type: 8-inch, honeycomb tires
Pros
- Its alloy steel framework makes it strong and long-lasting.
- For high speeds, the scooter has a brushless motor of 250 watts.
- An anti-lock braking system makes the scooter safe.
- With a minimum charge of 3.5 hours, the battery covers 15 miles nonstop.
- Affordable
Cons
- Not suitable for climbing hills.
- As compared to other scooters, its suspension and range are not as refined.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for an economical scooter for your teenager, this can be a good choice. It is UL certified and has ideal safety features making the scooter ideal for youngsters.
Details
- Motor: 250 watts brushless motor, which makes the scooter powerful for driving nonstop for 15 miles at a top speed of 15 mph. The motor is not only powerful but is durable too.
- Battery: 36 volts 7.8aH lithium-ion battery that can last for longer distances.
- Portability: The scooter is foldable and easy to carry in the car or traveling in a bus or train. It comes with a storage bag to protect it from dust and rain. It is a lightweight and very practical scooter that makes daily commuting convenient.
- Tire and braking system: It has rear-wheel electric brakes, and there is an emergency foot brake that helps to stay safe while riding the scooter at high speeds. Smooth front suspension and anti-slip handlebars make it convenient to control the scooter on uneven surfaces.
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#6. Hover-1 Electric Scooter
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Features
- Motor: 9.5/10
- Battery: 9/10
- Portability: 9/10
- Tires and brakes: 8.7/10
Technical Specifications
- Motor: 300 watts
- Speed: 12-14mph
- Battery: 36V UL 2272 Certified
- Load capacity: 220 to 264lbs
- Tire Type: 8.5 -inch tires
Pros
- A long deck makes it ideal for people with long feet.
- The non-slip handle and deck make the scooter ideal for any surface.
- The scooter comes with a warranty of 90 days.
- The weight capacity of the scooter is 220 pounds, making it suitable for heavier individuals.
- Available in a funky eye-catchy color.
Cons
- The kick-stand is not very reachable, especially if the rider is tall.
- The range is less than average.
Bottom Line
This is designed as a daily commuting scooter that has an eye-catchy design and an impressive performance. For all those who are looking for a safe and reliable scooter, the Hover-1 is for you. It has a footbrake, LED headlights, and reflectors that make night drives safe.
Details
- Motor: The Hover-1 has a 300 watts brushless motor that helps attain a speed of 12 to 14 mph. The scooter has a robust easy to maintain motor, which is also durable.
- Battery: 36 V lithium-ion battery that lasts 12 miles on a single charge. Charging the scooter is convenient as it comes with an easy-to-use charger.
- Portability: The scooter is foldable, which makes it convenient to store it anywhere. Carry it while traveling, and also store it in a compact place with ease.
- Tires and brakes: The 6.5-inch rubber wheels make the scooter usable even in wet weather. The tires are solid so the rider need not worry about the tires getting punctured. The Hover-1 comes with a built-in suspension that makes it highly stable and easy to use on uneven surfaces.
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#7. MacWheel MX Pro Electric Scooter
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Features
- Motor: 9.5/10
- Battery: 8.7/10
- Portability: 8.9/10
- Tires and brakes: 8.5/10
Technical Specifications
- Motor: 350watts
- Speed: 15.5 mph
- Battery: 36V 10aH lithium-ion
- Load capacity: 220 lbs
- Tire Type: 8.5″ non-pneumatic tires
Pros
- It comes with a maximum range capacity of 25 miles, as compared to other scooters.
- With a top speed of 15.5 mph, one can ride uphill at 10 degrees with ease.
- It folds down in three seconds that makes it highly portable.
- Ideal for city streets as it has non-pneumatic tires of 8.5 inches.
- The LED dashboard makes it convenient to keep track of commuting, speed, and the distance traveled.
Cons
- Could benefit with having a dual suspension, but it does not.
Bottom line
Macwheel MX Pro is perfect for city streets. It is safe, reliable, and covers a maximum distance of 25 miles on a single charge. This makes it great for those who need to travel long distances daily.
Details
- Motor: The MacWheel MX Pro comes with a 350-watt motor that makes it convenient to climb uphill at 10 degrees. It is also suitable for long-distance commuting. A single charge that helps cover 25 miles at a speed of 15.5 mph is an outstanding feature of this scooter.
- Battery: 36 volts 10aH lithium-ion battery allows the scooter to cover long distances and attain high speeds of 15.5 mph. It is ideal for long and short-distance commuting. There is no need to charge the battery over and over again.
- Portability: The scooter folds down in three seconds, making the scooter highly portable. Its lightweight makes it convenient for the rider to carry it anywhere according to convenience.
- Tire and brakes: Non-pneumatic tires make the ride on uneven and unpredictable roads convenient and easy. With a dual braking system, the scooter becomes safe and reliable for covering long distances.
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Buyer’s Guide
Motor
The motor decides the performance of the scooter. A higher torque will help in accelerating smoothly to achieve speed quickly. In general, 250W motors have high efficiency giving high speed, and most affordable scooters have this wattage.
Battery
The best battery type for electric scooters is a lithium ion battery. They give a mileage of 15 miles when charged for four hours. The performance of these batteries is good as they have low self-discharge, and high retention power will give maximum efficiency to the scooter.
Portable
Though we look for a scooter that is light in weight to move and store easily, the scooter’s load capacity is also essential. An easy folding procedure makes it easy to fold and carry using one hand. The scooter should become compact enough when folded to cater to portability easily. Scooters that weigh less than 40 lbs are suitable if you are looking for a portable one.
Brakes And Tires
Disc brakes work the best as they have efficient and high braking power and are suitable for any weather. They are light in weight and have easy maintenance. The anti-lock braking system in most scooters will increase the safety of the rider. The tires which most of the electric scooters have are pneumatic tires and airless tires. Pneumatic tires are popular for their stability, shock absorption on bumpy roads, but they need more maintenance and can get flat at times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Which Is The Best Electric Scooter Under 500?
My search for the best electric scooter under 500 has led me through many options. Though all of the scooters had good features, I loved the Gotrax Electric Scooter the most because it is light in weight, fast rechargeable, and the motor will allow me to climb a hill of 14 degrees. With a speed of 15 mph, I can cover a distance of 18.6 miles which is long enough for my purpose.
Q. Can Electric Scooters Be Carried Easily?
The electric scooters which we see today are designed in a way to be portable. Look for a scooter that folds easily and becomes compact enough.
Parting Words
Electric scooters are a great option for transportation when you need something that can easily maneuver in small lanes and busy streets and can fold down to be ultra-portable.
In my list of the best electric scooters under $500, the Gotrax Electric Scooter is the top option, and it is not expensive, making it best for beginners like me. A top speed of 15mph will help commute fast and cover the high range. As I ride on lanes, I am glad the tires work well on flat surfaces.
The Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter is another good option for you if you are looking for a scooter that runs long, as its smart battery management system will keep the battery charged and safe if you are driving for a long time. I hope my little guide will be useful to you and that it will help you towards finding the perfect electric scooter for your needs.
