You can’t go wrong with an electric scooter if you’re looking for a convenient way to get around that won’t cost an arm and a leg.
Infinitely cheaper than owning a car, they offer the same convenience with the added bonus of beating traffic and saving money on the cost of gas. They’re also faster than bikes. But just how much does an electric scooter cost?
Short Answer
On average, most electric scooters cost between $300 and $600. You can, no doubt, get your hands on a cheaper or more expensive scooter, but a lot of scooters tend to fall within this price range.
All things considered, expect to pay top dollar for long-range commuter scooters with higher battery life and more features not typically found on the average electric scooter.
Electric Scooter Categories by Cost
Now that you’re aware of the average electric scooter cost, let’s look at the scooter cost categories in a little more detail.
Budget-Friendly Electric Scooters
Any scooter that costs $300 or below falls into the budget-friendly category. These scooters are perfect for beginners or cost-conscious commuters. They’re also suitable for parents who want to get their child their first scooter.
However, they’re usually fitted with low-capacity batteries, which aren’t ideal for long-distance commuters. Also, don’t expect these e-scooters to hit a top speed that rivals the more expensive options. So, everything considered, they’d be most suited for beginners, adults, and children.
Mid-Range Electric Scooters
Electric scooters that cost between $300 and $900 fall into the mid-range. Unlike lower budget models, which sacrifice things like speed, motor power, or battery range, scooters in the mid-range maintain a balance between affordability and features. As such, they’re ideal for more experienced riders looking to reach a reasonable high speed on their travels.
High-End Electric Scooters
If an e-scooter costs $1000 and upwards, it’s considered high-end. And you can expect a machine that falls into this category to come packed to the teeth with extra features to justify the higher price point.
These models typically feature powerful motors, longer-lasting battery power, and a big padded seat. They’re also usually capable of hitting a top speed of 10MPH or higher, and their range is unmatched by other models.
So these models are ideal for experts who want the very best and have the extra dollars to spare.
Things to Look Out For
Price isn’t the only metric you should rely on when choosing an e-scooter; other things to look out for include the typical mileage of your commute and your level of experience.
Traveling Range
Most low-budget options can go roughly 15 miles on a single charge at the start of their lifetime. Unfortunately, this range gets lower over time due to a combination of the rider’s weight and the scooter’s aging battery. So, make sure to weigh price against performance if you want a ride for the long haul.
Maximum Load Capacity
The unique selling point of the average scooter is its emphasis on portability. As such, they’re built to be lightweight enough to be easy to carry/transport when not in use.
However, the trade-off for being lightweight is a lower capacity to support heavier riders without impacting performance and range.
Therefore, consider going for a higher-end model with a more powerful motor if you weigh more than 220 lbs.
Weight
The heavier the e-scooter, the less likely it is to be foldable. On the other hand, weightier rides tend to be more durable. So, you may have to sacrifice durability for portability and vice versa depending on your needs.
Motor Power
Most scooters come with propelling power that matches the model’s price. As such, 250 watts is a common capacity for budget-friendly scooters, while 750 watts give higher-end models an added boost, more range, and top speeds.
Tire Traction
Typical e-scooters come fitted with either pneumatic tires or airless tires. While both work great, the former type does require maintenance.
So, if you need more traction and don’t necessarily need your tires to be low-maintenance, go for the first type. Otherwise, airless tires would be the way to go.
Suspension
You’d want a model with suspension if your commute features hills or uneven terrains as opposed to flat surfaces. A full suspension (front and rear suspension) will make going over cracks in the pavement a breeze, making for a comfortable ride free of bad vibrations.
Night Light
You won’t need a ride with lights unless you’re a night commuter. So, if you mostly commute during the daytime, consider fitting your helmet with lights the same way you would if you were riding a bike to get the attention of drivers.
Brakes
Budget-friendly e-scooters have low speed, so they usually sport foot brakes. However, these brakes aren’t as effective as a drum or disc brake, which you’ll find on a pricier e-scooter. Therefore, your budget will determine what kind of brakes are fitted on your machine.
Minimalist or Feature-Packed
A higher-end e-scooter will come with cruise control, a LED headlight, and turn signals, amongst other bells and whistles. However, if you’re looking for something more minimalist, these features may seem like nothing more than cost additions. So it all boils down to your preference and budget.
Final Thoughts
Electric scooters are a fun and practical alternative to cars as a mode of transportation. Though their prices are as varied as the many models on the market, settling on a model that suits your budget will be more straightforward when you’re clear on what kind of riding experience you want.
When picking your electric scooter, remember to take features such as traveling range, maximum load capacity, motor power, and tire traction into consideration. That way, you’ll be sure to get your money’s worth as well as a scooter that’s right for you.
