A Beginner’s Guide to Buying an Electric Scooter
Here at Electric Scooter Guide, we’ve been riding, testing, evaluating, and reviewing electric scooters for 5+ years, with over 166 electric scooters in our database so far. We’ve got the knowledge base to guide you on your journey when it comes to buying an electric scooter, whether it’s your first or your thirty-first.
But if you’re a beginner, there’s more to scooter buying that scrolling for deals or searching through our ESG database and coupon codes page. It’s important to know your transportation needs in advance, and to know what kind of scooters best meet those needs.
The Best Electric Scooters of 2024
We’ll cover the major considerations of buying an electric scooter in this post, including budget, speed, range, power, portability, and safety, and we’ll look at some of the best-rated budget and beginner electric scooter models on the market today.
A Beginner’s Guide to Buying an Electric Scooter
Top Factors to Consider Before Buying an Electric Scooter
Cost Considerations
When considering purchasing your first electric scooter, the first thing that probably comes to mind is cost. Understanding the price levels and various expenses involved will help you make an informed decision.
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Aside from the upfront cost of buying an electric scooter, it’s important to factor in the long-term costs associated with owning and maintaining one. This includes expenses like tire maintenance, safety gear, brake pad replacements, and so on.
Faster and more powerful scooters often require more maintenance. Budget scooters, on the other hand, typically cut down on maintenance requirements because they have simpler components, and their riders have less mechanical know-how or enthusiasm for fixing their own scooters.
Use the chart below to compare price, range, speed, and acceleration numbers for all the electric scooters in our database from the past two years. All of these numbers are ESG-tested. For our full specs on each model, see our RideFinder.
When it comes to choosing the right electric scooter for your needs, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, think about your daily commute and the distance you need to cover. Different scooters have varying ranges, so it’s important to choose one that can comfortably get you to your destination without needing frequent recharges.
Secondly, consider the maximum weight capacity of the scooter. If you plan to carry heavy bags or groceries, make sure the scooter you choose can handle the load. Additionally, take into account the terrain you’ll be riding on. Some scooters are better suited for smooth pavements, while others can handle rougher surfaces like gravel or grass.
Segway Ninebot E2 Plus | $399
The E2 Plus takes reliability to the next level. You will never, ever get a flat on this 15.5 mile per hour (24.9 km/h) scooter because it has flat-proof hollow rubber tires.
Budgeting for Your Purchase
Before you start your search, establish a budget for your purchase. Determine how much you are willing to spend and stick to it. You can always upgrade later, but budget for a scooter you can ride for at least a year or two.
How to Find the Best Electric Scooter Cheap
Keep in mind that the cost of electric scooters can vary greatly depending on their features and quality. Entry-level, beginner, and budget scooters can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,000. Research different models and brands to find one that fits your budget without compromising on important factors.
When setting your budget, also consider any additional accessories or safety gear you may need to purchase alongside the electric scooter. Items such as helmets, reflective gear, and locks are essential for ensuring your safety and security while riding.
NIU KQi2 Pro | $399
The KQi2 Pro from NIU has been our new-rider favorite ever since we first tested it in 2022 and wins Best Beginner Scooter of 2024.
Battery Life and Range
This factor is a top one for buyers. Will the scooter go far enough? Range anxiety – or the fear that you won’t have enough juice to get home – is real and sometimes justified.
It’s practical for budgeting purposes to find out exactly how much range you need for travels around your city. If you base your buying decision solely on battery life, you could end up with a scooter that’s too heavy to carry comfortably.
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Budget and beginner electric scooters average between 10 to 20 miles of range, while more expensive commuter scooters can average between 25 – 40 miles. Consider that most short trips and urban commutes average around 3-4 miles. Can you charge your scooter at the office? Or would you rather get a scooter that can go days without charging but isn’t as easy to fold up and carry?
Electric scooter manufacturers provide range numbers on their websites that have been obtained under ideal or theoretical conditions, usually in the lowest mode and lowest speed. We range test each scooter we review and find that scooters usually get around 60% of the claimed range in real-world riding scenarios.
GOTRAX G3 Plus | $399
It’s got a tested top speed of 18 miles per hour (28.9 km/h), a smooth ride from big air filled 10” tires and outstanding hill climbing power for the price.
The GOTRAX G3 Plus is one of the fastest beginner electric scooters on the market.
Top Speed
Like range numbers, top speed numbers can often be exaggerated or ideal. An electric scooter’s top speed depends upon several factors, including rider weight, terrain, incline, and wind speed.
How much speed do you need? Consider your usual journey. Does it take you mostly on paved roads, bike paths, or trails? If you need to merge into traffic for left turns or keep up with low-speed car traffic occasionally, you’ll want to look for an electric scooter with a top speed of around 20-25 mph.
Power + Hill Climbing
Electric scooter motors are rated in Watts, and most budget or beginner scooters have single front- or rear-mounted motors rated for 350-500W of continuous power. However, the motor is only one part of the power equation.
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The voltage of the battery system and amperage of the controllers also play a major role. Scooters with higher voltage will generally have faster acceleration and better hill-climbing and won’t dramatically lose speed at the end of their battery life.
Hover 1 Journey Max | $449
The best budget dual motor scooter is the Hover 1 Journey Max. It makes a great beginner scooter for heavier riders.
In our recent Hill Climb Challenge, no scooter could touch it for less than $600.
Single or Dual Motor?
E scooters come with two wheels, but not always with two motors. Do you need a dual motor scooter? If you live in a city with a lot of hills or are a larger rider, it makes sense to consider buying a dual motor scooter. If that doesn’t describe you, a single motor will usually do just fine.
Portability
Electric scooter makers work hard to balance speed, range, ride quality and portability, especially at the entry level and commuter level, where riders expect convenience and light weight over blistering fast speed and expensive suspension systems.
Unagi Model One Voyager/Classic | $79/$59 per month
Unagis are extremely lightweight and portable, thanks to a tapered carbon-fiber stem, magnesium handlebars, and a one-click folding mechanism you can operate with one hand.
If something goes wrong with the scooter, Unagi takes care of it. They don’t even wait to get your scooter back before shipping you another one. It’s the lowest maintenance scooter on the market, too, with fully electronic brakes and solid, vented tires that won’t go flat.
Defining portable can be hard, since not everyone has the same upper body strength. For reference, the lightest electric scooters in our database weigh a little over 25 pounds. The heaviest weighs 183 pounds. Most of the portable scooter we recommend come in somewhere between 30 and 50 pounds.
Some scooters are more compact than others, as well. If you live in a small space or need to fit a scooter in a trunk or other tight space, you might look for one with folding handlebars and a telescoping stem.
Evaluating Scooter Safety
Safety should be a top priority when choosing an electric scooter. Understanding safety standards and ratings will help you make an informed decision.
When it comes to evaluating the safety of electric scooters, there are several key factors to consider beyond just the surface-level features. In addition to looking at safety ratings, it’s important to delve deeper into the specific safety mechanisms and technologies that each scooter offers. For example, some scooters may come equipped with advanced braking systems or enhanced stability features that can greatly impact the overall safety of the ride.
Apollo Air | $899
The Apollo Air is an excellent premium entry level scooter with a high top speed, long range, and excellent ride quality on 10″ self-healing tubeless tires.
Understanding Safety Ratings
When evaluating electric scooters, it’s crucial to consider their safety ratings. Look for scooters that have been tested and certified by reputable organizations. Safety ratings provide valuable information regarding a scooter’s crashworthiness and overall safety performance.
Electric scooters that have a UL Certification have been rigorously tested by Underwriters Laboratories for safe charging and safe operation in a variety of conditions. Moreover, electric scooters with IP (ingress protection) ratings have degrees of resistance to water and debris that allow them to work in rainy and wet conditions.
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Must-Have Safety Features
When considering an electric scooter, it is essential to look for a range of safety features. Must-have safety features include electronic anti-lock brakes (ABS) for improved control and stability, built-in lights and reflectors to enhance visibility in low-light conditions, and a sturdy construction that can withstand various road conditions and provide a stable ride.
Some entry level electric scooters even come with turn signals, or you can purchase aftermarket turn signals or helmets with brake and turn signal lights. In general, we recommend adding lights to your scooter if you’re planning to ride at night.
Unagi Voyager’s solid tires won’t ever go flat, but they do lack the traction and comfort of pneumatic tires.
Choosing the Right Tires and Brakes for Your Needs
Tires and brakes are important factors to consider when choosing an electric scooter. Pneumatic tires provide a smoother ride and better shock absorption, allowing you to glide over various surfaces with ease.
Whether you’re cruising on asphalt or exploring off-road trails, pneumatic tires offer superior traction and stability, ensuring a comfortable and controlled ride, but they also entail maintenance, repairs, and the risk of flats.
On the other hand, solid tires eliminate the risk of punctures, providing peace of mind during your daily commute. With solid tires, you can confidently navigate through urban environments without worrying about sharp objects causing a flat tire.
Additionally, ensure your scooter’s brakes are responsive and reliable for your safety and peace of mind. Disc brakes have the best stopping power but require the most maintenance. Drum and electric brakes require little-to-no maintenance.
Summing Up
There are so many options on the market now if you’re just getting started with electric scooters. We’ve suggested some our favorite beginner, entry-level, and budget scooters above. These are only our suggestions, and they might not work for you. If not, you’ll find dozens more electric scooters to fit your needs in our database. Happy searching, buying, and riding!
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