For many people, investing in an electric scooter isn’t a financial concern, and they may get any pricey model that meets their demands. On the other hand, some folks seek budget-friendly electric scooters. However, many names come to mind when exploring inexpensive alternatives, but obtaining the best product out of these prospects might be difficult.
Because let’s face it, feature-rich electric scooters are generally pricey. So while there are low-cost choices available, it’s difficult to know if they’ll be decent performers or poorly constructed ones.
Fortunately, we’ve researched budget-friendly models to help you choose the best electric scooter under 400. So let’s get started.
Our Top Picks:
| Scooter | Max Weight | Speed | Travel Range |
| Evercross | 265 pounds | 20 mph | 22 miles |
| Gotrax Apex XL | 220 pounds | 15.5 mph | 15 miles |
| KUGOO S1 | 265 pounds | 15 mph | 15.5 miles |
| Gotrax XR Ultra | 220 pounds | 15.5 mph | 18 miles |
| Gotrax GXL V2 | 220 pounds | 15.5 mph | 17 miles |
The 5 Best Electric Scooters Under 400
Now that you have a general overview of how our top picks fare against each other, let’s delve deeper into each of them.
1. Evercross – Best Overall
The tiny, lightweight, and foldable aluminum shell of the Evercross e-scooter makes it an excellent choice for adults and teenagers. It’s one of the perfect alternatives to other expensive scooters out there.
The foot-activated folding mechanism on this electric scooter allows you to fold it in a fraction of a second, which makes it quite easy to use. Also, it has a sleek and stylish frame that weighs only 26 pounds, making it ideal for travel. And when going camping or on a short vacation, you may keep it in the trunk or set it on the back seats because of its amazing portability.
In addition, the 350 W motor generates a lot of torque while consuming little power overall, allowing the battery to last much longer.
And with a 20 mph speed, it’s considered a speedy vehicle that can readily traverse 20-degree slopes, demonstrating its true torque and power.
Technical Specifications:
- Motor Power: 350 W
- Top Speed: 20 mph
- Travel Range: 22 miles
- Max Weight Capacity: 265 lbs
- Wheel Size: 8-inch
- Warranty: 12 months
Pros:
- Easily portable
- Can go for miles without needing to be charged
- Outstanding braking system
- Excellent ability to climb hills
- Short recharge time
Cons:
- No waterproofing
Bottom Line
The Evercross Electric Scooter is the perfect choice if you’re looking to keep your spending below $400! It’s lightweight, easy to use, and can be easily stored anywhere you want.
2. Gotrax Apex XL – Portability Pick
The Gotrax Apex XL is simple to fold, secure, and has a weight of 32 lbs, which means it’s pretty lightweight. Also, its folding system is automated and may be activated with the press of a button. All of these features make it one of the most portable budget-friendly scooters out there.
It also has a traveling range of up to 15 miles per charge, which is ideal for commuters while still being cost-effective.
In addition, it’s a game-changing vehicle with its rear-wheel drive and the in-deck battery that improves power, distance, and stability for a better overall ride.
Technical Specifications:
- Motor Power: 250 W
- Top Speed: 15.5 mph
- Travel Range: 15 miles
- Max Weight Capacity: 220 lbs
- Wheel Size: 8.5-inch
- Warranty: 90 days limited
Pros:
- Excellent value for money
- Has a dual braking system
- Has a durable and lightweight build quality
- Pneumatic tires with good cushioning and shock absorption
- Has a cruise control feature
Cons:
- No tail light for night-time vision
Bottom Line
This Gotrax Apex XL Scooter is a portable, lightweight, and most importantly, a cost-effective alternative for getting around without spending a fortune.
3. KUGOO S1 – Best for Adjustability
The KUGOO S1 strikes a good mix between price and quality, and it’s well worth the money. Also, it has an impressive adjustable height function that makes it suitable for individuals of all heights; hence, all the family can use it.
In addition, the scooter is quite sturdy, with excellent acceleration, peak speed, and range. And it’s available in a variety of colors, not simply black, which has become very common among e-scooters.
Another significant advantage is that the scooter is extremely portable and includes all of the features seen in more prestigious models, such as a superior LCD, dual suspension, and an IP54 water-resistant rating. As a result, this scooter makes moving from one spot to another much simpler.
Technical Specifications:
- Motor Power: 350 W
- Top Speed: 15 mph
- Travel Range: 15.5 miles
- Max Weight Capacity: 265 lbs
- Wheel Size: 8-inch
- Warranty: 12 months
Pros:
- Short charging time
- Extremely durable
- Simple folding and locking mechanism
- Superb suspension system
- Water-resistant
- Has an adjustable height function
Cons:
- No disc brakes
Bottom Line
The KUGOO S1 delivers various features found in other higher-priced models at half the price, allowing you to save significantly, especially if you’re on a tight budget. Also, it’s available in a lot of colors and has a practical adjustable height function.
4. Gotrax XR Ultra – Best for Climbing Slopes
The Gotrax XR Ultra incorporates 8.5-inch air-filled tires, a 300 W motor, cruise control, 2-gear mode, and a dual brake system that makes it an ideal budget-friendly scooter for climbing slopes. So you can easily tackle hills using this scooter, and you can climb up to 15-degree inclines without difficulty.
Moreover, the additional torque from the front-wheel motor provides you with a powerful driving experience. And for more convenient commuting, the XR Ultra has an easy-to-use digital display panel, showcasing your battery life, current speed, speed settings, and headlight status. Also, it’s quite lightweight.
Additionally, it’s easy to store the XR Ultra in a car, office, or on public transportation because it folds down to 15 x 44 x 6 inches.
Technical Specifications:
- Motor Power: 250 W
- Top Speed: 15.5 mph
- Travel Range: 18 miles
- Max Weight Capacity: 220 lbs
- Wheel Size: 8.5-inch
- Warranty: 90 days
Pros:
- Dual brakes
- Lightweight
- Premium battery
- 8.5-inch pneumatic tires
Cons:
- Not waterproof
- No Bluetooth connection
Bottom Line
The Gotrax XR scooter is one of the best scooters that can ride up hills easily. It comes with a powerful battery and has a digital display and foldable frame that’ll definitely make your ride easier.
5. Gotrax GXL V2 – Best for Safety Features
Because of its dual braking system, pneumatic tires, and built-in lights, the Gotrax GXL V2 electric scooter ensures that you’ll enjoy a delightful, safe ride. In addition, the GXL V2 is lightweight, so it’ll be easy to carry this scooter around. And it has a decent traveling range as well.
Moreover, unlike other scooters, its rear disc brake is activated by a hand lever and not a foot pedal, which is much more practical. And it has a charge time of 4 hours, which is pretty fast.
Finally, this e-scooter boasts a simple but effective one-step folding method that makes it incredibly portable for a device with its price.
Technical Specifications:
- Motor Power: 300 W
- Top Speed: 15.5 mph
- Travel Range: 18 miles
- Max Weight Capacity: 220 lbs
- Wheel Size: 8.5-inch
- Warranty: 90 days limited
Pros:
- Easily portable and transportable
- Wide pneumatic tires
- A large deck space
- Excellent braking power
- Has safety features
Cons:
- No storage tires
Bottom Line
The Gotrax GXL V2 is one of the best affordable scooters out there that are suitable for riders who want a safe, enjoyable ride. It has an amazing dual-braking system and sturdy pneumatic tires, providing a pleasant riding experience.
Considerations for Purchasing Electric Scooters Under $400
Nowadays, there are several brands on the market, and each company strives to provide the finest products to gain the attention of consumers. That’s why we must be aware of the critical factors that need to be considered before purchasing an electric scooter. So let’s have a look at them.
Motor Power
Motor power is vital in any electric scooter since the scooter’s speed is determined by it. When we buy an electric scooter, the first thing we want to know is how quick it is. Although there are several factors that might influence an electric scooter’s speed, we must not overlook the motor’s power.
Models with a low range often have one motor and can deliver anywhere from 250 W to 350 W of power, whereas brands with a high range and additional features typically have two motors, and they can provide up to 1400 W of power. So, you must choose the power according to your needs.
Battery Life and Range
The average battery life after a single charge is around 5 hours. Due to this, an electric scooter with detachable batteries is preferable. This is because the electric scooter’s charging time is drastically reduced because the battery pack can be replaced in under two minutes, making it faster than refueling a gasoline-powered vehicle.
The battery traveling range is also critical, but it can be influenced by external circumstances. For example, it’s affected by the speed of the scooter, the weight of the user, and the terrain.
Types of Wheels
Solid tires and pneumatic tires are the two types of tires used in electric scooters. Both tires are fantastic, but if you ride on a regular basis and want to enjoy your journey without interruption, pneumatic tires are the way to go.
Solid tires are also advantageous as you’ll never have a puncture, and your tire will never go flat. Additionally, these tires require little maintenance and are inexpensive.
On the other hand, pneumatic tires are air-filled tires, and this provides superior suspension and a comfortable ride. The sole disadvantage is that they’re pricey, prone to flat tires, and have additional maintenance issues, such as the need to monitor tire pressure.
Suspension
When it comes to purchasing an electric scooter, some consumers prioritize suspension. Suspension is especially critical on bumpy roads and in mountainous places. However, it hardly comes into play while riding on a smooth road unless you’re going really fast.
In addition, a suspension system is important for better shock absorption power, which ensures that you have a smooth, comfortable ride. The health of the tire also has an impact on shock absorption.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Top Speed of $400 Electric Scooters?
The majority of the $400 electric scooters have a top speed of roughly 15.5 mph. However, the peak speed varies between 10 and 22 mph.
How Long Are $400 Electric Scooters Expected to Last?
Electric scooters in the $400 range should last without any issues during the first year and can then run for several years without noticeable faults.
How Far Can $400 Electric Scooters Travel?
The range of a $400 electric scooter is about 15 miles. However, it varies depending on the model. Some have a modest range of 8 miles, while others have a maximum range of 25 miles.
Final Verdict
Now, you’re probably familiar with what each scooter has to offer to make your buying decision easier. However, to make things easier for you, here’s a quick recap of our top three picks.
After careful consideration, we chose the Evercross electric scooter as our top pick owing to its peak speed of 20 mph and a significant travel range of 22 miles. It also has a sturdy body that can easily accommodate large persons.
Gotrax XR Ultra gets an honorable mention in our review, and it’s undeniably a high-performance scooter that’s suitable for climbing slopes. It offers a good blend of speed, weight capacity, and dependability at a reasonable price.
We’d also like to mention the Gotrax GXL V2 because of its quick charging time and for being a highly safe electric scooter. In addition, it’s easily transportable, has a large deck space, and has an incredible braking system.
