Electric scooters have recently sprung in popularity for many reasons. For a commuting vehicle, they’re much more economical and environmentally friendly than many of their counterparts, such as cars and motorcycles.
As such, electric scooters have become a favorable vehicle to rent for short-distance commutes, especially in busier urban cities where you wouldn’t want to be stuck in traffic for half of your commute.
And as people rent an electric scooter over months, they get so used to it that they start to entertain the idea of purchasing their own electric scooter.
If this describes you, then you’ll be delighted to know how cheap an electric scooter is. And for a product that costs roughly as much as a budget mobile phone, it’ll save you a lot of commuting hassle. So read on as we’ll go over the best electric scooters under $300 in this article.
Comparison Table
| Scooter | Motor and Battery | Top Speed | Max Rider Weight | Scooter Weight | Braking Mechanism |
| Gotrax GXL V2 | 250 W and 36 V | 15.5 mph / 25 km/h | 220 lbs / 100 kg | 26.4 lbs / 12 kg | Electric brake + rear disc brakes |
| Razor E200S | 200 W and 24 V | 12 mph / 19 km/h | 154 lbs / 70 kg | 46.4 lbs / 21 kg | Rear brakes |
| Segway Ninebot ZING E10 | 150 W and 21.6 V lithium ion battery | 10 mph / 16 km/h | 132 lbs / 60 kg | 18.7 lbs / 8.5 kg | Electric brake system and rear fender brake |
| Hover-1 Aviator | 300 W and 36 V lithium ion battery | 15 mph / 24 km/h | 264 lbs / 120 kg | 21 lbs / 9.5 kg | Disc brake system |
| Hover-1 Journey | 300 W and 36 V lithium ion battery | 14 mph / 22.5 km/h | 264 lbs / 120 kg | 27 lbs / 12.2 kg | Rear disc brakes |
The 5 Best Electric Scooters Under $300 in 2022
We tried the most popular electric scooters under $300 and shortlisted the five that stood out. We’ve also made sure our five picks cater to the broadest audience possible because who’d want to see the five products if they’re all basically the same?
So without further ado, let’s look at the best electric scooter under $300.
1. Gotrax GXL V2 – Best Overall Pick
If you’re looking for a sturdy electric scooter that balances power, convenience, portability, and sturdiness, then look no further than the Gotrax GXL V2, which is one of the few electric scooters under $300 that can compete with mid-range, and even a few expensive scooters.
The Gotrax GXL V2’s frame is made of high-quality aluminum alloy, which is a light yet solid material that keeps the scooter stable on flat roads, so you can always enjoy a smooth ride.
Under the deck, you’ll find a powerful motor with a sizable 250 watts of power, powered by a 36-volts battery that can take the scooter up to a speed of 15.5 mph (25 km/h), which is decent for daily commutes and recreational trips with friends, even if it’s a bit low compared to other scooters.
Speaking of which, the GXL V2 has a balanced frame and weighs just 26.4 lbs (12 kg), making it suitable for children and adults. It’s also a very safe vehicle, thanks to its dual brake system that uses disc braking and an electric ABS anti-lock system to stop the scooter safely and effectively.
And if you’d like to take your Gotrax scooter along on a road trip or vacation, you can easily fold it and keep it in your car’s trunk.
Moreover, the GXL V2 has excellent design elements, with a sleek LCD screen that shows your speed, battery life, and allows you to turn on the LED headlight.
You can also use the GXL’s cruise control feature to maintain your speed over a distance. It takes some getting used to because the scooter’s throttle is a bit sensitive, but once you have the technique down, you won’t struggle with it.
Technical Specifications
- Motor: 250 W
- Battery: 36 V
- Top speed: 15.5 mph (25 km/h)
- Battery life: 9 to 12 miles (14 to 19 km)
- Recharge speed: 4 hours
- Weight capacity: 220 lbs (100 kg)
- Wheel size: 8.5 in (21.5 cm)
- Braking system: Dual brake system (electric brakes + disc brakes)
- Scooter weight: 26.4 lbs (12 kg)
What We Like:
- Good motor
- Fast top speed (15.5 mph)
- Relatively lightweight and portable
- LCD display
- LED headlight
- Smooth ride on flat roads
- Cruise control
What We Don’t Like:
- Throttle is a bit sensitive
- Battery life could be better
The Bottom Line
Overall, the Gotrax GXL V2 is an excellent e-scooter with a good electric motor, a rigid yet lightweight frame, and a safe brake mechanism that makes riding scooters a joyous experience.
2. Razor E200S – Seated Pick
The Razor E200S is the only seated scooter that makes it to our final list. And although it mainly caters to teenagers and adolescents, it’s still a viable pick for lighter adults, as long as they’re not over 154 lbs (70 kg).
It’s also more of a leisure scooter than a commuter one since the 24-volt battery will only take you around for 40 minutes and up to about 8 miles.
Once your E200S is fully charged, you can sit down and enjoy a safe and comfortable ride, knowing that your brakes are effortless to pull using your left hand.
And while the E200S isn’t the fastest e-scooter, “only” capable of 12 mph max speed, we found this more than enough considering its purpose, especially if you’re a parent and don’t want your adventurous teenager to ride at a fast speed.
You also wouldn’t want a teenager to wreck their e-scooter through messy and reckless use, and that’s why Razor reinforced their E200S model with multiple layers of aluminum and plastic to ensure it can stand as much wear as possible.
However, this means that the E200S weighs a sturdy 46 pounds (21 kg), which is definitely a bit heavy for many teenagers to carry around if they’re not bodybuilders.
But once again, is portability what you’re looking for in this electric scooter? Chances are not, since it’s the type of scooter to take for a few spins around the block rather than carry around to your workplace.
If you want to store it in the trunk, though, you can take off the seat, which weighs an extra few pounds, and the handlebars, then store it easily in the trunk.
Technical Specifications
- Motor: 200 W
- Battery: 24 V
- Top speed: 12 mph (19 km/h)
- Battery life: Up to 40 minutes
- Recharge time: 10-12 hours
- Weight capacity: 154 lbs (70 kg)
- Wheel size: 8 in (20 cm) pneumatic tires
- Braking system: Rear brakes
- Scooter weight: 46.4 lbs (21 kg)
What We Like:
- Quiet 200-watt motor
- Detachable seat
- Rigid frame
What We Don’t Like:
- Max rider weight is only 154 pounds
- The frame is quite heavy
The Bottom Line
The Razor E200S is a recreational electric scooter that mainly caters to teenagers, and its functionality serves that purpose. You’re not going to get much out of it if you want to use it for your daily commute. But if you’re giving it to your teen, you can trust its rigidity and safety mechanisms.
3. Segway Ninebot ZING E10 – Best for Kids
If you’re the parent of multiple children and want to buy each of them a good electric scooter that’s safe without breaking the bank, then look no further than the Segway ZING E10.
Although the E10 is a bit pricier than other scooters for preteens, it’s worth the extra functionality and safety that comes along.
The E10’s frame is made of aluminum, making it a very lightweight vehicle at just under 19 pounds (8.5 kg). The comfortable grip also doesn’t put any strain on your kid’s hands so that you won’t be concerned about their safety in that regard.
Speaking of safety, the rear fender brakes work wonders to stop the scooter, and the front shock absorption spring minimizes any potential damage from sudden bumps.
Although you may think of an e-scooter that caters to kids as “primitive,” this isn’t the case with the E10, which uses a smart battery management system to monitor the battery’s temperature and prevent it from overcharging, thus preserving the battery’s longevity.
As for the speed, the decent 150-watt motor powers the scooter up to 10 mph (16 km/h), which is a good speed for kids. And the battery can take them to a distance of just over 6 miles, which is more than enough for them to play around the block with their friends.
There’s even a safety mode that limits the electric scooter to 6.2 mph, which is excellent if your kid is still learning to ride.
Technical Specifications
- Motor: 150 W
- Battery: 21.6 V
- Top speed: 10 mph (16 km/h)
- Battery life: 6.2 miles, 40 minutes
- Recharge speed: 4 hours
- Weight capacity: 132 lbs (60 kg)
- Braking system: Double braking system (electric and rear fender brakes)
- Scooter weight: 18.7 lbs (8.5 kg)
What We Like:
- Great pick for kids
- Several speed modes with a kid-friendly limit
- Very lightweight and portable
- Reliable braking mechanism
What We Don’t Like:
- Not suitable for kids under 4’3” (1.3 m)
- Motor slows down uphill
The Bottom Line
The Segway ZING E10 is a reliable scooter for children as it offers several speed modes and safe brakes to assist a child on their learning journey. In addition, its portable size and light frame make it perfect for children as well.
4. Hover-1 Aviator – Best for Heavy Adults
Hover-1 is a reputable company for many reasons. And one of their electric scooter models that stood out the most to us was the Aviator, especially given its promising features and unique, attractive design.
For starters, although the Aviator only weighs 21 pounds, it has a very decent max rider weight of 264 pounds or about 12-13 times its weight.
In fact, the Aviator experience was one of the smoother rides on this list. And as long as you can avoid bumpy pavements, the scooter feels quite rigid despite its relatively small frame.
The Aviator’s handlebar is another selling point. It’s a sleek-looking flat bar with a black throttle button on the right-hand side and a red braking one on the left, both simply operable with the rider’s thumb.
We didn’t have an issue with this, but we expect some people who are used to traditional bike brake levers might have to get used to this. In this case, you can push the rear fender brake with your foot as an alternative.
You’ll find the sleek LCD screen in the middle, which shows the speed and a battery indicator. Unfortunately, though, the battery indicator has five dashes signaling the current level, which we felt is a bit ambiguous, but nothing deal-breaking.
The Aviator’s motor is what really stole the show in our eyes. Despite its high payload of 264 pounds, can this electric scooter carry a heavy rider that well?
Yes, it absolutely can. The powerful 300-watt brushless motor pushes the Aviator up to 15 mph, though for a relatively short distance of 7 miles.
Still, if you take it to work and leave it outside to recharge during your shift, you’ll have made your daily commute that much easier.
Technical Specifications
- Motor: 300 W
- Battery: 36 V
- Top speed: 15 mph (24 km/h)
- Battery life: 7 miles
- Recharge speed: 5 hours
- Weight capacity: 264 lbs (120 kg)
- Wheel size: 6.5 in (16.5 cm)
- Braking system: Mechanical disc brake system
- Scooter weight: 21 lbs (9.5 kg)
What We Like:
- Excellent motor
- Attractive and rigid design
- Good payload (264 lbs)
- Dual brakes
- LCD screen
- Foot brake
What We Don’t Like:
- Small tires
- Battery could be better
The Bottom Line
Considering the Aviator’s impressive payload, it’s one of the lightest electric scooters of this kind, which we found very impressive. That’s why we found it to be the best electric scooter for heavier adults in this price range.
5. Hover-1 Journey – Best for Long Distances
Last but not least, we have the aptly-named Hover-1 Journey, which is another powerful and budget-friendly electric scooter with decent specifications.
Out of the five scooters on this list, the Journey has the best battery mileage with 16 miles. And considering it fully charges in five hours, this is also the best per-charge mileage by far, with 3.2 miles per hour of charge.
Best of all, the Journey doesn’t sacrifice functionality for the distance it offers. For example, the brake system provides hand and foot brakes, both of which bring the scooter to a smooth stop.
The 8.5-inch pneumatic tires also provide superb shock absorption because bumps on the road are inevitable, and you shouldn’t have to deal with a wreck if you face one of them.
And although the Journey’s powerful 300-watt brushless motor can reach a top speed of 14 mph, this is a bit lower than other Hover-1 models like the Aviator. Still, this isn’t definitely a deal-breaker.
Technical Specifications
- Motor: 300 W
- Battery: 36 V
- Top speed: 14 mph (22.5 km/h)
- Battery life: 16 miles
- Recharge speed: 5 hours
- Weight capacity: 264 lbs (120 kg)
- Wheel size: 8.5 in (21.6 cm)
- Braking system: Disc brake system
- Scooter weight: 27 lbs (12.2 kg)
What We Like:
- Excellent motor
- Can go up to 16 miles away
- Excellent mileage per recharge hour
- Can support riders up to 264 pounds
What We Don’t Like:
- Not as fast as other models
- LCD screen is a bit ambiguous
The Bottom Line
As the name implies, the Hover-1 Journey is the best budget scooter for longer trips since it can reach up to 16 miles when it’s fully charged. It also supports heavier adults and charges in a relatively short five-hour period.
Factors to Consider Before Buying an Electric Scooter Under $300
Electric scooters are relatively simple machines when compared to cars and motorcycles. However, a surprisingly large number of factors differentiate mediocre scooters from great scooters in terms of comfort and convenience.
And while an electric scooter is generally looked at as a convenient, fun device, always keep in mind that it’s still a motorized vehicle. And while some parts, like suspension, contribute to comfort. Choosing to go cheap with some essential components like brakes and tires can lead to severe injuries.
So we compiled a list of everything you need to consider before buying an electric scooter.
Motor Power
If you’re planning on taking your scooter on long commutes around the city, you’ll need a larger motor with enough torque to comfortably take you up wheelchair ramps, keep up with traffic speeds, and not bog down when going uphill.
However, If you’re buying a scooter for your kids to ride now and then, it’s a better idea to get one with a more modest motor that wouldn’t subject them to the dangers of high speed.
Battery Capacity
This largely depends on what you’re looking for in an electric scooter. For example, if you’re buying a scooter to use as a daily commute to work, you should figure out the distance between your home and your place of work and buy an electric scooter with enough battery to handle the trip to and from work.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for something to take to the park for a quick, relaxing cruise, you shouldn’t spend your hard-earned money on a large battery.
Weight Capacity
Most electric scooters have maximum weight limits, also known as the payload. So if you come across an impressive scooter with an underwhelming price tag, there’s a chance the manufacturer used soft materials that wouldn’t be able to handle heavier adults.
And if the manufacturer doesn’t clearly specify the weight limit, it’s better to look for another electric scooter and avoid the risk of buying one that doesn’t suit you.
Wheel Size
Wheel size serves two functions. The first is that bigger wheels absorb the impact of bumps and potholes on the road, giving the rider a relatively smooth ride.
Second, bigger wheels can clear more significant obstacles. If you’re ever ridden an electric scooter with small wheels, you probably understand the struggle of losing your balance every time you ride over a bump or crack in the road.
Throttle Mechanism
This is only relevant if you suffer from wrist pain. While a motorcycle-style twist throttle can feel exhilarating and special, twist throttles can cause multiple wrist problems like carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, thumb arthritis, and a few more.
You can always avoid the risk and opt for a push throttle, an available option in many electric scooters.
Maximum Speed
Electric scooters are so advanced nowadays that some can go up to 25 mph (~40 km/h). In a car, that would be considered slow, but on a small two-wheel vehicle, 25 mph would feel like a rocketship.
You should pay attention to the speed of the scooter you’re buying, especially if you’re getting it as a gift for a younger person.
Brakes
Brakes are arguably the most important part of any vehicle. And an electric scooter is no exception. So when choosing a scooter, look for something that has a balance of both front and rear braking, especially if you’re buying one that’s capable of achieving fast speeds.
A dual braking system gives you larger braking power and provides stability to the scooter so that it doesn’t powerslide under brake pressure.
Seating
This is crucial if you plan to take your electric scooter on long commutes. However, we understand that a seat isn’t always the best option.
This is why we suggest you look for a scooter with a detachable seat. So you can be comfortable on long commutes while still having the option of removing the seat and having fun on your scooter.
Weight and Portability
In our opinion, the best electric scooters are those reliable enough to take you on from point A to point B comfortably while being light and portable enough to take with you anywhere off the street.
Not to mention that a lightweight scooter doesn’t put as much pressure on the motor, draining the battery slower and prolonging the vehicle’s overall longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the Difference Between Air-Filled and Solid Tires?
Air-filled tires contribute more to a smooth ride, but they come with the hassle of having to re-inflate the tires periodically and possibly being punctured at any given moment.
Solid tires are lower maintenance. You don’t have to worry about them deflating or being cut. However, they provide a substantially rougher ride.
Are Electric Scooters Safe for Children?
Electric scooter motors come in different sizes and capabilities. So yes, electric scooters are safe for children if you buy a scooter with good power, make them wear safety equipment, and teach them good riding habits.
You should also take the time to get them used to the acceleration and braking forces of the scooter.
How Convenient Are Electric Scooters for Commuting?
This highly depends on how far of a distance you need to travel. Electric scooters under $300 won’t have enough battery for longer commutes. However, if your scooter can make the trip, it’s much cheaper than traditional commuting methods, like Uber. It’s also more fun and environmentally conscious.
Is Front Braking Better Than Rear Braking?
It’s generally better to opt for a scooter with a dual braking system. But if you had to choose one wheel to use the brakes, It really depends on the situation.
Front braking is more potent than rear braking. However, rear braking is safer on slippery surfaces and wet asphalt.
Is Suspension a Necessary Component of Electric Scooters?
No, electric scooters can operate without suspension. With that said, a scooter with no suspension will have a somewhat rougher ride.
The Bottom Line
Fortunately, you can still enjoy the benefits of an electric scooter if you’re on a tight budget, as many great scooters under $300 can compete with their mid-tier counterparts.
For example, the Gotrax GLX V2 is a very balanced electric scooter that offers a good motor, decent maximum speed, good portability, an attractive design, and more.
But if you’re looking for a more specific scooter, you have plenty of options. For example, if you need a safe and reliable scooter for your kid, you have the Segway ZING E10, which is loaded with features to help kids learn to ride.
And if you’re a heavier rider, you have options like Hover-1’s Aviator and Journey, both of which support riders up to 264 pounds.
