Personal mobility devices such as electric scooters are set to play a crucial role in improving mobility. They are the answer to problems such as gridlocks, pollution, and climate change. If you live in a metropolitan area, you might have already seen several apps offering e-scooters. The most notable is Lime.
Users can unlock the bikes through the app and use it to commute to their office or school. Once you park the e-scooter, all you need to do is take a picture so that the company knows that you parked it correctly. The payment is automatically deducted from your card. It’s that simple. There are several other such apps and businesses worldwide.
But instead of using such apps, what if you buy your e-scooter? Do you think that they are too expensive and require extensive maintenance? Well, think again because you are wrong, as e-scooters are quite inexpensive and require little to no maintenance. You can buy them for as low as $500. If you are lucky, you might get them even cheaper.
In this article, we will let you know about the best electric scooter under $500. Without a doubt, they are the best and among the fastest electric scooter under 500. But before we start mentioning them, let us talk about the pros and cons of e-scooters. Why? If you are confused about buying an e-scooter, it will help you make up your mind.
Pros of E-Scooters
- Improve Air Quality
- Reduce Noise Pollution
- Little to No Maintenance Required
- Park Anywhere
- Low Operating Cost
- Get Out of Traffic Easily
- Easy to Use
- Doesn’t Require a Driving License
- Perfect for Short Trips
Cons of E-Scooters
- No Safety
- Insurance Issues
- Easy to Steal
- Low Range
- No Storage Space
- Low Speed
Now, let us get back to our original topic.
Best Electric Scooter Under 500
You can get the best electric scooter for adults under $500 quite easily now. How? Well, unlike before, there are many e-scooter manufacturers in the world. They offer a variety of products, meaning that you have many choices when it comes to e-scooters. Previously, the market was confined to a few sellers. As a result, they were expensive, and the quality wasn’t that great either. But all that has changed now. Instead of taking any more time, let us begin our list of the best electric scooter for under 500.
1. Gotrax GXL V2 Commuting Electric Scooter
It is currently on sale for $299.99, which is nothing considering the features. The Gotrax GXL V2 is powered by a powerful motor that provides it with the necessary power to drive at speeds of up to 15.5 mph. The same motor is responsible for handling up to 220lbs, making it one of the best e-scooter for adults under $500. One of the concerns in electric scooters is their range. With new technology, it is no longer a concern. Even a low-end model like Gotrax GXL V2 with its 36V5.2AH Extended Range lithium-Ion Battery offers 12 miles in a single charge. Despite its low cost, it offers features that even the high-end models don’t provide.
For instance, V2 comes with a digital monitor that displays the speed and battery life. You can use the same display to turn on the headlight. It is extremely easy to carry around as it is foldable, and you can place it in the back of your car or take it up to your office cabin. One common query in every person looking to buy an e-scooter is the braking system and its quality. The Gotrax GXL V2 comes with a disc braking and EABS anti-lock braking system. What does it mean? It means that the braking system near perfect. In terms of comfortability, there is no cause for worry. The 8.5″ Inflatable Tires absorb shocks, making the entire experience comfortable as possible.
Top Speed: 15.5 MPH
Charging Time: 4 hours
Max Travel Distance: 9-12 miles
Motor Power: 250 Watt
Product Weight: 27 pounds
Max Rider Weight: 220 lbs
2. Gotrax XR Ultra Electric Scooter
The second one on the list of best electric scooter for under 500 is another Gotrax Model – XR Ultra. It has a list price of $399.99 but is on sale for $323.99. In other words, you save $76, which is a great discount. But enough about prices, let us talk about its features. Like the previous model, the XR Ultra comes with a powerful motor that can handle heavy loads. If you consider yourself an adult, this is one of the best electric scooters for adults under $500. It can carry up to 220 lbs and drive at speeds of up to 15.5 mph. The company realized that they need to extend the range of their models, and rightly so. Fortunately for us, the XR has a longer range than the V2. Instead of V2’s 12 miles, you can drive the XR Ultra for up to 17 miles in a single charge.
If you are worried about driving over bumpy pavements and roads, we recommend that you give the XR a shot. Why? The reason is that it comes with 8.5″ Inflatable Tires, meaning that they will provide you with the necessary cushioning. One of the best features of this e-scooter is the digital display. You can use it to view the speed, view battery life, and turn on the headlight. You might be thinking about what’s so special about it, considering that these are standard features that you can find in the low-end Gotrax V2. Well, the XR Ultra’s display allows you to shift gears and operate the brakes. Speaking of brakes, the Ultra comes with a dual braking system. You can use the hand-operated disc brake or the electric. Lastly, the XR Ultra has a foldable design, meaning you can easily fold and store it.
Top Speed: 15.5 MPH
Charging Time: N.A
Max Travel Distance: 17 miles
Motor Power: 300 Watt
Product Weight: 27.5 pounds
Max Rider Weight: 220 lbs
3. Razor E Prime Air Adult Electric Scooter
Before describing its other features, I would like to talk about the design. The Prime best electric scooter under 500 come with a sophisticated and modern design that is bound to make heads turn. Unlike other e-scooters, which many might consider childish, Prime is a trendsetter and will undoubtedly convince the naysayers to opt for an e-scooter. Other than this, the quality is top of the line. Being a Razor product, there is hardly any fault when it comes to quality. The overall build is robust (aluminium frame) and offers protection against falls and other types of damage. The Prime comes with an 8″ pneumatic tire, meaning that you will not feel the bumps.
In terms of speed, you can drive the Prime up to 15 mph. What about the range? Well, the company doesn’t mention the range on the official product site. But you can still drive it for 40 minutes continuously. One of its standout features is the electronic throttle with thumb-activated paddle control. You can control the speed and everything else from your fingers. Many people complain that their battery dies out suddenly without prior warnings. Admittedly, it is an issue with many e-scooters out there. But that’s not the case with the Razor E Prime. It features a 5-stage LED battery indicator, meaning that a suddenly dead battery is no longer an issue. Lastly, you can fold the Razor e-scooter and store it in the back of your car or office.
Top Speed: 15 MPH
Charging Time: About 3 Hours
Max Travel Distance: 10 miles
Motor Power: 250 Watt
Product Weight: 21.78 pounds
Max Rider Weight: 200 lbs
4. Razor E Prime III Electric Scooter
Another leading e-scooter under $500 is the Razor E Prime III. You might be wondering about the difference between this e-scooter and the Razor Air, right? Well, the Prime III can be considered a more advanced version. For starters, it can bear 220 lb (100 kg) compared to the Air’s 200 lb (91 kg). In other words, the Prime III is a perfect e-scooter for heavy adults. The tires are the same on both models. In terms of range, you can drive the Prime III for 15 miles, whereas the Air version offers only 10 miles. Even the max speed is higher (18 mph) than Air’s 15 mph.
Other than this, Prime III has a lot more to offer. It is one of the lightest scooters in its class at 24.2 lbs (11 kg). You can carry it around without any hassle. If you are worried about it being stolen or anything like that, just take it with you everywhere. The best thing is that it is foldable, making it more convenient to carry around. The tires provide the necessary cushion when riding over rough surfaces, making the ride comfortable. One of the most common issues in e-scooters is poor visibility. Razor, realizing this problem, offers an ingenious solution. The Prime III comes with a headlight and a brake-activated rear light. Also, this e-scooter comes with reflectors, further improving visibility. The Prime III also comes with a security lock point, meaning that you can lock your e-scooter using a bike lock or chain. If you are worried about the quality, we suggest that you relax. Why? The Prime III is made from aircraft-grade aluminum, one of the most durable materials.
Top Speed: 18 MPH
Charging Time: 6 Hours
Max Travel Distance: 15 miles
Motor Power: 250 Watt
Product Weight: 24.2 pounds
Max Rider Weight: 220 lbs
5. Razor E300S Seated Electric Scooter
Most of the e-scooters that we have discussed so far don’t come with a seat. For many, it is a turnoff as it can make riding uncomfortable. For example, if you plan on riding to the office, standing all the way is undoubtedly going to be exhausting. What if your e-scooter had a seat that you could sit on? Well, it precisely what the E300S offers to customers. This model offers several features that make it a must buy. For example, the seat is easily changeable. In other words, if you need to replace the seat, you don’t need to go through any hassle. The seat is neither too low nor high; it is perfectly placed, keeping in mind the principles of ergonomics. If you plan to buy this e-scooter for your old grandfather or grandmother, you are making the right choice. How?
Unlike other models, the E300S comes with 9” tires. The larger tires provide the cushion required by older people when riding over rough surfaces. There is very little that you have to worry about in terms of durability because this model comes with an all-steel frame. Hence, it is durable and offers protection against dents and other damages. What about the range? Glad that you asked. The E300S has 2 12V batteries that you can use for 40 minutes of continuous use. The best thing about is its speed. The E300S allows you to drive the e-scooter up to speeds of 15 mph (24 km/h).
Top Speed: 15 MPH
Charging Time: Up to 12 Hours, Recommended is 24 Hours
Max Travel Distance: 40 Minutes of Continuous Use
Motor Power: 250 Watt
Product Weight: 52 pounds
Max Rider Weight: 220 lbs
6. Razor EcoSmart Metro Electric Scooter
It is another electric scooter under $500 with a seat. You might be wondering why the sudden interest in e-scooters with seats. Well, the reason is that they are certainly more comfortable. If you are a young person, you might not consider the seat an essential item. But for older adults, the seat is a must-have feature. The seat is quite soft, adding to the E-scooters comfortability. Many e-scooters have very little legroom. However, that’s not the case with EcoSmart. It comes with a bamboo foot deck that is wide enough for your legs. In fact, you can even place a bag in between your legs. Talking about bags, this e-scooter comes with a basket at the back. You can use it to store bags, carry grocery, or anything else. If you don’t need the basket, you can remove it easily as it is detachable.
Unlike the other e-scooters that we discussed today, this one comes with 16″ tires. In other words, you don’t need to worry about comfortability. These tires are similar to the ones that you will find on standard bicycles. You might be thinking that such a large e-scooter will have a low maximum speed, right? Well, no! The EcoSmart allows you to drive at speeds of up to 15.5 mph (25 km/h). What about the range? You can drive it 12 miles (19 km) on a full charge. One of the best things that we like about it is its frame. It is sturdy and offers protection against dents and other minor damages. Other than this, the EcoSmart is built in a way that looks appealing. Therefore, even if you are a young adult, you can use it to move around without worrying about what others might think.
Top Speed: 15.5 MPH
Charging Time: N.A
Max Travel Distance: 12 miles
Motor Power: 350 Watt
Product Weight: 27.5 pounds
Max Rider Weight: 220 lbs.
7. Glion Dolly Foldable Lightweight Adult Electric Scooter UL
It is one of the best e-scooters for daily commuters and adults. What makes it one of the best? Well, glad that you asked. The Dolly is full of numerous features that make it an attractive product for anyone looking to buy an e-scooter. For example, the body is made from aircraft-grade aluminum, a testament to its durability. While other e-scooters can become rusty or bend due to falls and other damage, it is not the case with Dolly. It is quite light, meaning that you can easily carry it around. As it is foldable, you can take it with you anywhere. You might have already seen people taking their e-scooters with them when riding on subways or inside their offices. Instead of leaning against the wall or placing it underneath a table, stand it in the corner. How? Dolly has a vertical self-standing feature, which you cannot even find in high-end e-scooters.
Another unique feature is the non-maintenance tires. What does it mean? The tires don’t go flat nor require any other maintenance. You can drive Dolly at speeds of up to 15 mph for a maximum distance of 15 miles. While we acknowledge that the range can be a lot better, you can increase it by adding an extra battery. Although we don’t recommend doing so, there are a lot of people who install a bigger or additional battery. It increases the range considerably. The Glion Dolly comes with a dual braking system, making it a lot safer. The electronic anti-lock brakes combined with rear fender foot-activated press brake allow for quick stopping irrespective of the surface.
Top Speed: 15 MPH
Charging Time: 4 Hours
Max Travel Distance: 15 miles
Motor Power: 250 Watt
Product Weight: 28.66 pounds
Max Rider Weight: 220 lbs
8. Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter
It is one of the best electric scooters under 500. Despite the low price, this Xiaomi e-scooter is on par with many high-end models. What makes it so special? It offers a top speed of 15.5 mph. But what we love the most about it is its range – 18. 6 miles. Kindly note that if you are going up a hill or putting too much pressure on the e-scooter, the range might be lower. The e-scooter itself only weighs 26.9 lbs, making it a lot easier to carry around. Like the other e-scooters we have talked about today, this one is also foldable. Many users complain about the e-scooters low durability, which will not be a concern if you opt for this Mi E-Scooter. Why? It is made from aircraft-grade aluminum, making it considerably durable.
Many people opt against buying an e-scooter because it looks childish and immature. I am sure that you, too, might be wondering what your coworkers would think if you came riding on an e-scooter to work. Let us assure you that you don’t need to concern yourself with such thoughts. The Xiaomi Mi E-Scooter has a mature and attractive design. It is the winner of the Red Dot “Best of the Best” Award. If that’s not enough to convince you, it also won the iF Design Award 2017. It comes with a dual braking system, a welcome feature in terms of safety. The disc brake and eABS regenerative anti-lock braking system combine to provide a braking distance of only 13.1 feet which is quite impressive.
Top Speed: 15.5 MPH
Charging Time: Approximately 5 Hours
Max Travel Distance: 18.6 miles
Motor Power: 250 Watt
Product Weight: 26.9 pounds
Max Rider Weight: 220 lbs.
Electric Scooter Buying Considerations Guide
This wraps up our list of the best electric scooters under $500. These scooters are the best in their category, and we highly encourage you to try one to see for yourself. Irrespective of which product you buy, we guarantee that you will not face a problem regarding quality, performance, and appearance. But which one should you buy? The problem with so much choice is that it can confuse people. Hence, we suggest that you go through our e-scooter buying guide to help you finalize your desired e-scooter. The buying guide will tell you about things that you must consider while buying an e-scooter.
Brand
The first thing that you must consider while buying an e-scooter under $500 is the brand name. With so many options, people can get easily confused. Apart from confusion, not every brand is worth trusting. Therefore, before making a purchase, we suggest that you focus on the brand. Google the brand name and check the reviews. It will tell you everything there is to know about the brand. Currently, brands like Xiaomi, Razor, Gotrax, and Segway are the most popular. It doesn’t mean that other brands are not good. Like we said, check out their reviews.
Range
Imagine riding your e-scooter to work, only for it to die down when you are a block or two away from the office building. This can be extremely frustrating and embarrassing at the same time. You will end up late and must carry the e-scooter along the way. Hence, when buying an e-scooter, we recommend that you pay extra attention to the range. You will need something that at least offers 15 miles of range. Remember, the high-end e-scooters provide an extended range as compared to e-scooters under $500. The rule is simple – the higher you pay, the further you go. Some e-scooters have replaceable batteries, meaning that you can change the battery on the go.
Design
If you are an adult, you need to buy an e-scooter that is designed for adults. If you opt for a model targeting children and teenagers, you will surely make a fool of yourself. After all, the design for adults and children varies greatly. Hence, you need an e-scooter that is robust, sleek and gives an adult appearance. After all, you will be using to get around to and from the office. Do not just focus on the physical appearance alone, and features are equally vital.
Price
You need to do a cost-benefit analysis when buying e-scooters. In other words, you need to consider whether the cost justifies the price. The basic rule when it comes to e-scooters is that the more you pay, the better the features and performance. The best thing to do is keep an eye on websites that offer e-scooters. Sooner or later, you will find a deal that fits your budget.
Tires
When buying an e-scooter, taking a look at the tires is crucial to your satisfaction. There are two types of tires currently available in e-scooters; pneumatic and airless. The pneumatic tires are the ones that are filled with pressurized air. They require maintenance, and you must be careful not to drive over sharp objects or rough surfaces. But these tires are better at absorbing shocks. The airless tires require little maintenance, but their shock-absorbing capabilities are not as good.
Weight
One thing that many people fail to look at when buying e-scooters is their weight carrying capacity. You need an e-scooter that is designed to withstand the weight of an adult. For example, if you weigh around 170 lbs, you need an e-scooter that can carry at least 200 lbs. Apart from this, you need to assess the product’s weight. The reason is that you need to take the product around. If it is too heavy, you will have trouble moving it around. Therefore, opt for a lightweight model.
Maximum Speed
Some e-scooters can cross 70 mph, while others offer a top speed of up to 15 mph. When buying the scooter, you need to assess your speed requirements. For instance, do you need to get around fast or at average speeds? Depending on your requirements, you can find several models. Some places have set speed limits for e-scooters. Therefore, keep it in mind when buying an e-scooter. There is no point in buying a scooter with a higher speed than the maximum speed limit.
Motor Power
Most scooters under $500 come with a 250 watts battery. If you want one with a higher capacity, you can replace it yourself. However, we recommend against doing so as it can void the warranty and cause other problems. The battery or motor power is what determines the E-scooter’s range and speed. Typically, battery power ranges from 100 W to 3000 W. The right motor power depends on your requirements. If you need high performance, go for higher motor power.
Brakes
Another thing that you need to consider is the braking system. There are various types of brakes in e-scooters:
- Electric
- Drum
- Foot
- Disc (Hydraulic)
- Disc (Semi-hydraulic)
- Disc (Cable)
Which is the best braking system for e-scooters? It is a question that every prospective e-scooter buyer asks. After analyzing the different systems and going through customer reviews, the best option is disc (hydraulic) brakes. They offer the best performance and most minor maintenance.
Warranty
If you are paying for a product that costs anything above $100, it must have a warranty. Now, speaking of e-scooters, companies offer different types of warranty. Some cover the product for a specific number of years, while others consider the total range driven. You might think that you can quickly fix a problem, but that’s not the case with e-scooters. Think of them as automobiles, and you need mechanics to fix most issues. Therefore, it would be best to buy the best electric scooter under 500 from a company that offers a warranty.
Let us quickly mention the best e-scooter brands before moving onto the FAQs.
Top E-Scooter Brands
The best e-scooter brands include:
- Xiaomi
- Segway
- Razor
- GoTrax
While there are numerous others, these brands are well-established in the e-scooter market. The best thing about them is that they have an extensive product variety. You can buy a budget or high-end e-scooter from these brands. Their products are available on Amazon or on their official websites. Other than this, these brands offer the best quality. Now, it is time to discuss some of the most frequently asked questions associated with e-scooters.
FAQs
Are E-Scooters Safe?
It is challenging to answer this question because there is no straightforward answer. The best way to answer it is by saying that they are as safe as you want them to be. In other words, if you wear a helmet, drive on the designated path, and within the speed limit, there is no cause for worry. Just follow the same rules as you would do if you were driving an automobile. The rules include:
- Obeying traffic laws.
- Looking on both sides when making a turn.
- Ensuring that the brakes and tires are working.
- The battery is adequately charged.
- Avoid driving on slippery surfaces.
Are E-Scooters Legal?
Unless specifically outlawed, e-scooters are legal everywhere. Usually, they are unregulated. London is one of the most renowned places where it is specifically banned. Some places have put in age restrictions and made it mandatory to wear a helmet while riding an e-scooter. Therefore, we recommend that you check in with your local laws before purchasing an e-scoter.
How Do Electric Scooters Work?
Without a doubt, getting to know how the best electric scooter under $500 or any other e-scooter works is one of the easiest things. They have three vital components, a battery, a motor, and throttle button. When you press on the throttle, the motor will receive power from the battery. Resultantly, the e-scooter will start moving in the desired direction.
Are Electric Scooters Good For Commuting?
Without a doubt, e-scooters are one of the best commuting options available today. You don’t have to face problems like overcrowding or traffic congestion. All you need to do is get on your scooter and ride away. If your workplace is within 40 miles, you can opt for an e-scooter. Modern, high-end e-scooters provide a riding distance of up to 50 miles in a single charge. Therefore, they are perfect for commuting.
Can I Drive E-Scooter At Night?
Yes, you can drive your e-scooter at night. Most e-scooters come with a reflector and headlight. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about visibility-related issues. You can attach a separate headlight for better visibility. Also, make sure that your helmet comes with a reflector. It will greatly improve visibility at night, reducing the risk of an accident.
Will An Electric Scooter Save You Money?
E-scooters are a cost-effective option. They help you save money on fuel costs and public transport. The best thing about e-scooters is that they take very little money to charge fully and require little to no maintenance at all. Therefore, you are bound to save money with an e-scooter.
Are Electric Scooters Environmentally Friendly?
E-scooters are quite environmentally friendly. Many countries are pushing for their use in large metropolitan areas to curb pollution and congestion problems. As you can easily drive around without getting stuck in traffic, you play a role in reducing fossil fuel use. Other than this, e-scooters don’t produce greenhouse gases, contributing to the planet’s worsening climate. Even the entire body is recyclable, meaning that you don’t have to worry about creating any waste.
Can Electric Scooters Be Used Manually?
E-scooters are meant for use as an electric mobility device. If you plan on using it manually, it defeats the whole purpose of buying an e-scooter. Nevertheless, you can use your e-scooter manually. However, we don’t recommend it as it takes considerable energy. You will tire yourself out. Other than this, the scooter’s deck is a bit high from the ground. Thus, the rider will have difficulty kicking the surface to generate the energy required to drive it manually.
Are Electric Scooters Easy To Ride?
Riding an e-scooter might seem challenging, but you can learn to ride them in 1 hour at max. They are quite easy to ride.
Are Electric Scooters A Reliable Investment?
We suggest that you buy a model that is no older than 2 years. Electric scooter technology has come a long way since its early days. The new models offer a considerable upgrade over the older ones, making them highly reliable.
How Much Does It Cost To Charge An E-Scooter?
It is pretty inexpensive to charge an e-scooter. In the US, charging an e-scooter to its total capacity when it is entirely dead will cost around $0.003. The rates vary for other countries. However, in almost all places, charging an e-scooter is cheap.
Can I Drive My E-Scooter In The Rain?
We recommend against driving in the rain as it can cause problems irrespective of your scooter’s water resistance level. If you went through a wet surface, try to dry the scooter right away.
Can I Drive My E-Scooter in Winters?
Just like rain, it is better to avoid driving in the winters. The reason is that the surface is quite slippery in winters. Apart from this, the snow contains particles that can be damaging to your e-scooter.
How To Increase the E-Scooter’s Range?
There are several ways to increase the range, which are listed below:
- Replace the current battery with a bigger one.
- Add another battery.
- Turn off headlights and other features.
- Reduce the weight of the scooter and the one that it carries.
- If your scooter has a power-saving mode, turn it on.
Question: Can E-Scooters Go Up Hills?
It depends on the e-scooter. The top-end e-scooters can go up steep hills with ease. On the other hand, a budget e-scooter cannot climb a moderate hill.
Overall Verdict
Well, now you know everything there is to know about the best electric scooter under 500. Therefore, you can buy one with relative ease. We have already provided you with a list of the best electric scooters under $500, along with a buying guide. We are sure that you will use this knowledge to make the best decision. Irrespective of what others say, e-scooters are an efficient and eco-friendly way to travel short distances. Therefore, we recommend that you buy one right away.
Where to Buy Electric Scooters?
It is a question that will be on everyone’s mind. Hence, we will address it for you guys. You can buy a fast electric scooter for under $500 from different places. For instance, you can buy them through the company’s official website. Let us assume that you want a Razor e-scooter. All you need to do is go to their website, find the product, and place your order. If you don’t like ordering from the official website, you can go to your nearest Walmart, Costco, Home Depot, or Target. These stores usually have e-scooters from several brands. You can feel the product and see its appearance, which can help you make a decision.
Alternatively, you can buy from Amazon. There are many reasons due to which you should prefer Amazon over the other sellers. The first reason is that you can go through hundreds and thousands of customer reviews. There is no other platform that provides this number of reviews. The reviews can help you make an informed decision. The second reason is that ordering from Amazon is a straightforward process. There is very little chance of anything going wrong, and the return policy is another added advantage. Lastly, you can get a good deal at Amazon.
If you buy an e-scooter, kindly share your feedback. Thank You.