The 6 Best Cheap Electric Scooters (We Tested Them All)

Xiaomi Mi M365 – The King is… Gone

The former world champion Xiaomi m365 sold millions of units but didn’t make the list this year, and here’s why. The m365 was the king of electric scooters that started the scooter revolution in 2018. However, it has been near-impossible to purchase one in the US for a while now. And if you do find one, be warned: Xiaomi won’t support it, because they aren’t officially imported.

Here’s what made the Xiaomi popular in its glory days:

• The Xiaomi m365 e-scooter had one of the most complete designs that became widely replicated by known scooter brands and generic models
• The Xiaomi m365 and the Pro both have good top speeds, with the base model reaching 16.7 mph and the Pro reaching 16.0 mph.
• The Xiaomi m365 travels as far as 14.6 miles, while the Pro reaches 25.1 miles
• Xiaomi gave users a standard 12-month warranty

• The scooter is durably built–it was even adopted for ride-sharing, whose users are brutal on the devices
• The Xiaomi m365 is user-friendly–it is suitable for both beginners and experienced riders
• The scooter comes with LCD lights
• The Xiaomi has pneumatic tires for ride comfort; though neither came with shock absorbers
• The Pro model comes with a display that connects to a Bluetooth app, and riders can keep tabs on mileage, speed, lights on/off, etc.
• The scooter is an apt hill climber thanks to the Xiaomi m365’s 250 W motor, and the 300 W on the Pro

So, while this scooter was remarkable in its heyday, today, it feels truly ancient and has been overtaken by more innovative, better-looking, and better-performing brands.

MacWheel MX Pro E-Scooter – ESG Certified Garbage

There are a lot of m365 clones out there, but choose carefully; reliability and support can be terrible. Even worse, the scooter can be just awful to ride like the MacWheel MX Pro. 

Here are a few things that make us dislike the MacWheel MX Pro

• Worst Ride Quality Ever
• Poor Braking Performance
• Unsafe/Rattling Stem Latch
• Unreadable Display
• Third Shortest Handlebar Height of any Electric Scooter We’ve Ever Tested
• There’s A Significant Throttle Lag
• The Solid Tires on the Mx Pro are Next-Level Awful

GoTrax GXL V2 – The Cheapest You Can Go

The GoTrax GXL V2 electric scooter, on the other hand, is basically the cheapest electric scooter for adults that’s a real scooter. It’s a bestseller, so if you’ve seen a GoTrax on the street, odds are it was this one–well, this or the slightly more expensive, better-performing Gotrax XR Ultra. It’s the cheapest electric scooter we can recommend, and technically has no competition at this price.

If you’re tempted to go for the cheapest option when shopping for a new gadget, sometimes you get what you pay for. Which is why even at this price point, you need to stick to a brand with proven reliability–one that guarantees your entry-level scooter will actually serve you. So, why the GoTrax GXL V2?

Well, for its price, the GXL has one of the best braking power in its class. The scooter employs regenerative braking on the front tire and has a rear disc brake that work together to bring the scooter to a stop in 16.7 ft from its top speed of 13.5 mph.

Something else this affordable electric scooter does well is deliver a good ride quality. The 8.5-inch pneumatic tires absorb a lot of the vibrations experienced on the riding track, and their grip keeps the scooter grounded during the ride. You also get 8.6 inches x 6.0-inches of deck space, which for a scooter this size is pretty generous.

The GXL also has features that are not common with cheap electric scooters. For example, the scooter has cruise control, 2-speed modes, and a standard 1-year warranty. The bars aren’t littered with controls, and that’s something we’re keen on especially for beginner riders whose sole focus should be keeping their eyes on the road.

That said, we still expect some trade-offs like the lack of tail lights and that the GXL does not ride aggressively. However, other than walking, this is the least expensive, most reliable way to get to your destination. And if you are committed to the brand, you can check out their other entry-level cheap scooters like the Gotrax XR Elite or the Gotrax XR Ultra.

Hiboy S2 – The Fastest Cheap Scooter

The Hiboy S2 electric scooter has been a commuter favorite for years–you can’t get a higher-performing scooter for a better bargain. It is a Xiaomi m365 clone and one of the better ones out there. Let’s take a look at what makes up our fastest cheap electric scooter:

The Hiboy S2 is the fastest cheap electric scooter, with a maximum speed of 19.0 mph. This top speed is one of the greatest bargains for speed per dollar. It also has a decent acceleration of 6.2 seconds to 15.0 mph, beating popular electric scooters like the Ninebot Max, Xiaomi m365, and Uscooters Booster Sport.

Fast electric scooters need good braking, and the Hiboy S2 relies on dual braking mechanisms comprising a front electric and rear disc brake. Combined, they have enough braking power to bring the scooter to a stop in 14.6 ft from a speed of 15.0 mph. Both brakes can be controlled via the right lever, but the electronic brakes can be activated independently via the left thumb control.

The Hiboy S2 e-scooter does not deliver the most comfortable ride and ranks 5th for ride comfort on this list. The not-so-great ride quality is courtesy of the 8.5 inch honeycomb tires. However, they are not as stiff as fully solid rubber tires, and their impact is slightly lessened by the rear suspension. The 17.0 inch x 6.0 inch riding platform is not the most adequate, and riders may struggle finding a comfortable stance, but it is quite typical of commuter scooters.

The Hiboy S2 doesn’t necessarily have the longest range–traveling as far as 12.7 miles, thanks to the 270 Wh lithium-ion battery. The rear fender is also a little rattly, and the scooter does not have a tail/brake light. Regardless, it does come with extras not common on electric scooters at this price point, e.g., an IP54 rating, good hill climbing for its size, and a decent max rider weight capacity. 

You need to keep in mind that you can only expect so much from the ride and build quality of a scooter at this price point.

Segway E22 – Best Zero-Maintenance Scooter

Segway had to feature on this list because they are simply the best at building quality commuter electric scooters. The highlight scooter is the Segway E22 as the best zero-maintenance scooter, and here’s why:

The very affordable E22 comes with Segway’s innovative polyurethane foam-filled tires. The tires are the best cross between the comfort of pneumatic tires (without needing to check tire pressure constantly) and the flat-proof nature of a solid front and rear wheel. The tires are large at 9.0 inches x 2.0 inches, making them better for taking bumps. They also come with deeper treads for better traction in wet and dry tracks and for added durability. That said, they really are great for city riding.

Segway is also the cable-management wizard. Top to bottom, there’s no cable in sight. Usually, exposed cabling will tug at things or break, necessitating repair. The scooter doesn’t even have a brake cable since it relies solely on regen braking and a foot brake. The handlebars are also plug-to-play; therefore, attaching during assembly or repair is not complicated.

The deck is rubber coated, which makes it easier to clean, but is poorer for grip. However, the scooter is only IPX4 rated, so exercise caution when using water for cleaning. On the other hand, the textured handlebar rubber grips are held securely in place and do not move–which means you’re not constantly adjusting them. 

That aside, the E22 e-scooter is one of the most interesting commuters to purchase. The scooter accommodates an extra battery that riders can mount on the stem, which extends the speed from our tested 13.0 mph to 16.2 mph. The extra battery juice also expands the range from 10.1 miles to 16.6 miles and helps extend the battery life of the main battery.

If you can’t afford the $250 extra battery, unlock the scooter to full performance on the app’s settings for a max speed of 15.9 mph and a real-world range of 8.5 miles.

The scooter’s 300w single motor is better for hill climbing than the one on the predecessor–the Segway F25. However, it is the slowest on our top 5 list attaining only 5.2 mph on our usual hill test. The deck is also larger at 18.0 inches x 6.0 inches. The display is tiny and very standard, but you can adjust basic features on the mobile app for an improved ride experience.

NIU KQi2 Pro – Best Ride & Build Quality

Nothing beats a good scooter with cost savings–which is what the NIU KQi2 Pro kick scooter is. NIU is new to the electric scooter market, but not new to electric vehicles. And, at under $600, we think the KQi2 Pro is simply the best electric scooter.

The KQi2 Pro e-scooter is a great electric scooter with one of the best build qualities, and not just for its class. The parts feel solid and premium, whereas we’d expect flimsy and breakable. But the biggest indicator of its stellar build is the 2-year warranty, which is not only the longest in any price class but also covers the most expensive parts–the controllers, battery, and dash.

NIU has been manufacturing moped-style electric scooters for a while, and with 3 million units produced, it’s safe to say that they know what they are doing when it comes to consumer needs. You can tell by the taller and wider handlebars, larger tires, and the wobble-free, rattle-free frame. This quality design leads to quite a stellar ride.

The 10.0 inch x 2.3 inch tubeless tires have good shock absorption and deliver a smooth ride even in the absence of front and rear suspension. This is one of the reasons why we were extremely shocked when they downgraded the more expensive KQi3’s tires to 9.5 inch x 2.5 inch, resulting in a lesser awesome ride experience. The tires’ tubeless nature makes them impervious to pinch flats. 

The deck is a good size, giving riders 19.0 inches x 5.1 inches of riding platform. Unlike most electric scooters at this price, it also comes with grip tape–and NIU even gives you a colorful spare. The handlebars sit a good 39.8 inches above the deck, making it ideal for most height-riders. The ride should feel good for you if you weigh within the 220.0 lbs rider weight limit.

The scooter also has a well-rounded performance with top speeds of 16.3 mph, which is quite typical of electric scooters in this class. You can access any of the 4 riding modes, including E-Save (practically a walk-assist mode that helps as you push the scooter alongside you on a bike lane), Custom, Pedestrian, and Sport mode. The 48 V, 365 wh battery delivers a best-in-class range at 15.7 miles. For safety, the 75 mm drum brakes provide the shortest braking distance in its class at 14.1 ft from a speed of 15.0 mph and resist skidding when bringing the scooter to a stop.

Finally, the smooth braking and throttle further improve the ride experience. And we love the always-on, adjustable halo headlight.; The bright headlight crowns the safety features, and we can call this the best cheap electric scooter on our list for night riding. The dash is nice, bright, and easy to read, even in direct sunlight making the KQi2 Pro a reliable electric scooter. Note that this scooter only supports riders weighing under 220.0 lbs, so heavier riders should check out their bigger scooters; the KQi3 Pro and the KQi3 Max.

TurboAnt X7 Max – Best Swappable Battery

The TurboAnt X7 e-scooter had to make an entry. We’ve loved the Turboant X7 Pro for its range, we’ve loved it for its affordability, and also for its swappable battery. Now, we have the TurboAnt X7 Max– a great scooter, which features upgrades in almost every way. 

The TurboAnt X7 Max, like its predecessors, retains excellent range per dollar. It covers an ESG-certified 18.0 miles, alongside electric scooters that nearly double its price. This is a significant improvement from the Pro’s 15.3 miles. 

BUT, the X7 Max can go further than the 18.0 miles, and further than other scooters, thanks to the swappable battery. Getting a spare for the stem-embedded, 10 Ah, 360 wh battery will instantly double your range–but will set you back about $220. You don’t need to worry about anyone stealing your exposed battery as it comes with a new key lock, adding a touch of security to your PEV.

The scooter can go to a maximum speed of 18.6 mph, which has just a bit of a thrill and is quite typical of many good commuters today. The acceleration is smooth, going from 0 to 15.0 mph in just 7.2 seconds. The X7 Max has the second fastest maximum speed and second-quickest acceleration behind the Hiboy S2. You can also rest assured knowing that the scooter’s electric and regenerative brakes will bring you to a reliable stop, braking from 15.0 mph in 14.6 ft.

The ride is also quite good, with plush 10.0 inch x 2.1 inch tubed air-filled tires. However, like most electric scooters at this price point, it doesn’t come with shocks. But we absolutely love the larger riding platform measuring 20.5 inches x 6.5 inches, which gives plenty of space for changing riding stances. The handlebars are taller than most, sitting 41.0 inches above the deck. The stem-housed battery also leaves plenty of clearance below the deck ( 5.0 inches), ensuring an easier time when rolling over bumps and other obstacles on the road.

The TurboAnt X7 Pro also retains some of the basics, like ergonomic twist throttle, a central LED display, a high-mounted 3 W headlight and a 1 W red LED rear light, and an IPX4 rating. The only thing that got worse is that they got rid of the X7 Pro’s cruise control. When riding at a constant speed, the X7 Pro would beep at you to remind you to go ahead and let go of the throttle since the cruise had engaged. 

ANYHILL UM-1 -Best Xiaomi M365 Alternative?

To close up this list, we have another charming budget electric scooter from one of our favorite emerging brands, Anyhill. We loved their larger Anyhill UM-2 with its removable battery, center stand, and ultra-stable ride, and were just as pleased to test their entry-level scooter, the UM1.

Anyhill nailed the fundamentals with the UM1. The UM1 has a small but powerful motor that’s excellent for hill climbing. Its hill-climbing abilities are further enhanced by the air tires that provide good traction on the road. Then there’s the ergonomic design of the thumb throttle that allows riders to rock it all the way back without tiring the rider’s fingers.

The UM1 scooter also has a smooth, stable ride from its  9.0 inch pneumatic tires. The stability is also a result of the wedge of rubber built into the stem, which absorbs vibrations that would otherwise reach your hands. Anyhill describes this as their built-in vibration damper.

The scooter is also a rarity with its LG battery–this is not something we see much of at its price point. The IP67-rated battery delivers 11.8 miles of range in peak performance, within the trend of other lightweight affordable scooters. The UM1 has one speed mode, and for a scooter with a tested top speed of 15.5 mph, we’ve come to realize there’s really no need for additional speed modes since you wouldn’t possibly want to ride at a lower speed anyway.

The UM1 relies on a dual braking system for stopping with a well-executed regen brake on the left handlebar, plus a rear mechanical disc brake for when you need a little extra stopping power. Other things the UM1 electric scooter does well is the easy-to-read display, front and rear light (but it has no brake light function), the IP54 rating, and a large grippy deck that inspires confidence.

Unagi E500 Honorable Mention – Monthly Rental Option $55/Month

You might be among the millions of people today considering e-scooters for the benefits we’ve already mentioned. One of the top objections to scooters, however, is the social stigma surrounding them, especially shared scooters. 

Unagi is one of few outliers, standing out with its design, lifestyle-focused, strong U.S. brand, and a long list of celebrities and creatives proudly riding their Unagi electric scooters. It is an incredibly light scooter whose solid feel gives you complete control over your riding. It has a better ride than any scooter in its weight class on hilly tracks thanks to the dual motors, and also feels great to ride on flat surfaces.

Not long ago, Unagi definitely wouldn’t have made this list since it costs $1,000. However, this is the first scooter to adopt a monthly rental option, allowing you to own your scooter while only making monthly subscription payments. Signing up for the monthly subscription option allows you to rent your Unagi like it’s your own for $55/month.  This

They are also currently clearing out their 2022 models with over $400 in discounts, so you should definitely take advantage and check them out!