11 Best Electric Scooters Under $1000
Exceptional Entry Level and Intermediate Scooters
What does a good electric scooter cost? That question seemed easier to answer in earlier years. In 2024, the best manufacturers have seriously upped their quality and performance-per-dollar ratio, bringing us some of the best budget electric scooters under $600 and the best electric scooters under $1000.
Comparing the best under-$1,000 entry-level and intermediate models with those from previous years shows just how competitive the under-$IK market has become, with new models, new designs, new tech, and some surprises from a few companies we thought we had pegged.
New Models and Old Favorites
We’ve got new models like the outstanding VMAX VX2 Pro GT and the Okai Neon Ultra ES40, a scooter that dares to take on the mighty Segway Ninebot Max G2. Minimotors, the inventor of dual motor scooters, returns with scooters like the single motor Dualtron Togo Plus, while GOTRAX goes the other way, making sub-$1K dual motor scooters like the new GOTRAX GX0.
Longtime favorite NIU scooters gave us major upgrades with front suspension in the NIU KQi300 line and carbon fiber in the NIU KQi Air. Apollo gave the Apollo Air new tech and better tires, and commuter stalwarts like the EMOVE Touring and Fluid Freeride Mosquito got better at doing what they do best – being fast, rugged, reliable, powerful, lightweight and compact.
Lastly, we have an awesome dual motor scooter, the RoadRunner D4+ 2.0, that’s just over $1,000 – unless you use our coupon code for $50 off…. 😁
How Do You Choose?
With 9 of the best under-$1,000 single motor electric scooters we can recommend, and 2 of the best dual motor scooters under-$1K, you might feel a little overwhelmed. Take your time, read and watch our reviews and others, and take a test ride if you can. Style matters, but so do specs, so read them over and understand what they mean.
The brands we recommend have reasonable return policies and industry-standard warranties, so you can always go through the return process. But we aim to make this easier with specific guidelines about who each scooter is for, and we also provide reliability scores (our own complex formula), and list important consumer information like IP Ratings and UL Certifications.
The 11 Best ESG-Tested Electric Scooters Under $1K
So, here we go, these are the best ESG-tested electric scooters you can buy for under $1,000 in 2024. Where we can, we’ve tried to save you money with our exclusive coupon codes. Make sure you enter those at checkout for the best price.
NIU KQi300P/ KQi300X
NIU KQi300P / NIU KQi300X | $721 / $891
NIU electric scooters show up on every list we make under $1,000, and this one’s no different – except it is…. For the past few years, scooters like the KQi3 Pro and KQi3 Max got top mention.
NIU has stepped up with two new models that will replace the KQi3 line, the KQi300P and KQi300X. Both have front suspension, tubeless tires, top speeds over 20 mph, and excellent mechanical disc braking. The X has a larger battery, longer range, and a higher top speed. The P is on sale for a little over $700.
Both scooters have cool features new to NIUs, like handlebar-end turn signals, as well as all the polish, ingenuity, and durability for which NIU is known worldwide.
Reliability 8.2 | IP55 | N/A
NIU KQi Air
NIU KQi Air | $959
Here we are again, talking about NIU, and that’s because they released one of the absolute best, and lightest, commuter scooters late in 2023 – the almost fully carbon fiber KQi Air.
The NIU KQi Air weighs an astonishing 26.5 pounds, but otherwise competes with other commuter scooters in its range when it comes to speed, acceleration, and range. It’s so lightweight, you might forget you’re riding it.
Reliability 8.9 | IP55 | UL2272
Apollo Air 2024
Apollo Air 2024 | $849 (w/ code)
For the short answer to why the Apollo Air 2024, just look down at the near-perfect reliability and high IP rating, one of the best in the industry.
For the longer answer, we point you toward the many enhancements this longtime commuter favorite has inherited from the Canadian maker’s high-tech premium models.
Upgrades include an award-winning app, fantastic regen braking, bar-end turn signals, tubeless tires with sealant, a sophisticated battery management system, and temperature sensors in the motor and controllers to prevent the risk of overheating.
Reliability 9.5 | IP66 | UL2272
EMOVE Touring 2024
EMOVE Touring 2024 | $849 (w/ code)
With an ESG-tested top speed of 27.1 miles per hour, the EMOVE Touring 2024 is faster than its predecessor, rips up hills, and pretty much leaves every competitor at its price behind at the starting line.
Relying on a durable, time-tested design that has worked for the Touring since 2019, the latest version still collapses down compactly, with a telescoping stem that adjusts for rider height and folding handlebars to fit in your trunk or closet.
It doesn’t score points for modern styling, but the Touring’s high reliability means it could outlast your current car.
Reliability 9.1 | IP54 | UL2272
Okai Neon Ultra ES40
OKAI Neon Ultra ES40 | $799
The OKAI Neon Ultra ES40 came out with the express intention of taking on a famous scooter that is also on this list: the Segway Ninebot Max G2. How did it do? Well, you can count on OKAI to build an ultra-reliable commuter, that’s for sure.
The Ultra is slightly faster than the Max G2 at 24 mph, but has a little less range; it’s got slightly better braking distance, but climbs hills a second slower. In terms of ride quality, they’re basically identically great.
Which one should you get? In this case, it might just be your wallet that breaks the tie….
Reliability 8.2 | IPX5 | UL2272
Fluid Freeride Mosquito
Fluid Freeride Mosquito | $849 (w/ code)
A funny thing about the Fluid Mosquito: as other commuter scooters get beefier, adding suspension, 10″ tubeless tires, and other amenities, the Mosquito stays the same size, happy to be one of the lightest commuter scooters you can buy, with a high speed of almost 28 mph and a weight just shy of 30 pounds.
While its minimalist suspension design and solid tires will never feel great on harsher ground, on paved roads to work or school, the Mosquito does just fine.
For several years now, happy Mosquito riders have traded the pleasures of pneumatic tires for longevity, ultimate portability and worry-and-flat-free rides.
Reliability 8.8 | IPX5 | UL2272
Dualtron Togo Plus
Dualtron Togo Plus | $850
Minimotors Dualtron scooters are usually known for what’s right in the name: dual motors, and they’re still some of the biggest and fastest around. But Minimotors also makes single motor Dualtrons like the new Togo Plus, with all the swag at half the price.
Standout features include a 27 mph top speed, no-maintenance dual drum+rear regenerative braking, dual spring suspension, and an IPX5 water resistance rating, and fully adjustable and swappable BMX-style handlebars
Reliability 7.7 | IPX5
VMAX VX2 Pro GT
VMAX VX2 Pro GT | $810 (w/ code)
If you’re a reader of Electric Scooter Guide, you know how much we like VMAX scooters. First launched in Switzerland in 2015, the brand only made it to the States last year. Since then, every model has demonstrated its own considerable strengths.
The VX2 Pro is VMAX’s affordable all-around commuter with speed and range to rival the Segway Ninebot Max G2, and reliability and water resistance to rival the Apollo Air.
Reliability 9.5 | IPX6 | UL2272
Segway Ninebot Max G2
Segway Ninebot Max G2 | $999
We’ve already mentioned it twice – there’s no getting away from the Max G2 when it comes to great electric scooters under $1,000. While the Max has had lots of competition over the years, its latest build holds its own and then some.
Dual suspension, great ride quality, top of the line app technology for calculating range and fine-tuning settings, and maximum reliability…
It’s a Segway, so you know it’s built well. But there are other scooters that do what the Max G2 does for less….
Reliability 9.1 | IPX5 | UL2272
GOTRAX GX Zero
GOTRAX GX Zero | $949 (w/ code)
GOTRAX has surprised us with dual motor electric scooter models that are well worth the price tag. There’s the GX1 and GX2, entry-level sports models, and the GX3, a performance scooter that competes with the best.
Despite sharing a similar designation, the GOTRAX GX Zero doesn’t fall under the heading of performance scooter.
The GX Zero is a dual motor commuter with dual suspension that climbs hills at 18 mph and comes with a 2-year warranty on all major parts for under $1K.
Reliability score pending | IP54 | UL2272
RoadRunner D4+ 2.0
RoadRunner D4+ 2.0 | $999 (w/ code)
Our last recommendation is a bit of a cheat – the RoadRunner D4+ 2.0 actually sells for over $1,000 – $1,049 to be exact. But if you use our coupon code and save $50, you’ll get one of the best dual motor scooters you can buy for $999.
While we haven’t officially reviewed the 2.0, we’ve ridden the D+ 4.0 and it’s A LOT of scooter for the price. That’s no different here.
For just under $1K (really), you get a 52V, 2000W dual motor, on- or off-road electric scooter with top speeds of up to 40 mph.
This is the highest performance you’ll find for the price, and we can highly recommend RoadRunner as a reputable manufacturer based in Denver, CO.
IP53 (upgradeable to IP67)
Read our review of the RoadRunner D4+ 4.0
Wrapping Up
So, that’s it. As you can see, the specs can vary pretty widely in the $800-$1,000 price range, but you should expect some higher-end features like suspension, tubeless tires, and larger batteries and motors. Whatever you’re spending, you should also expect safe charging and reliable operation, so look for our reliability ratings and indications of durability like high IP Ratings and UL Certifications to help guide your decision.
Ultimately, the best electric scooter under $1,000 is the one you like riding best. All we can do is share our data, make good recommendations and hope you find your ride.
Stay safe out there and always wear a helmet!
