Electric scooters are growing in popularity and have become a convenient way to get around. They are faster than walking, plus, they are environmentally friendly. Still, electric scooters can be expensive. Before buying one, consider your budget. There are Best Electric Scooter Under $400, which can make your commute more efficient.
Before you go out and purchase a scooter, make sure that you know what your needs are. For example, will you be riding for a short distance or longer distances? This will help you narrow down the models to consider.
Our research experts tested a variety of scooters to see what features they have. They also rated the scooters on several factors including weight capacity, speed, battery life, durability, size and charging time.
Here are 9 Best Electric Scooter Under $400, according to our experts.
1. Razor E100, 24V Motorized Powered Electric Scooter with Pneumatic Tires:
The Razor E100 Kids Electric Scooter is a blast for little ones. Playing on it is a surefire way to provide a healthy dose of exercise, and it looks great too. It’s light enough that a child as young as 7 years old can learn to ride it, though you need to help a little with balance.
It’s made from an all-steel frame, fork, and deck, so it stands up well to heavy use. The 4-watt LED deck lights are cool, and as soon as you twist the throttle, they light up, giving the machine a fun look.
There’s even a knob on the front that lets you adjust the ride height to your height, so you can just twist the throttle and scoot along to your heart’s content.
The Razor E100 weighs 18 pounds, so it’s a bit heftier than our former pick, the Razor E200. The one downside of this scooter is that it doesn’t come with a kickstand, so you have to be more careful when storing it.
2. Gotrax GXL V2 Electric Scooter, Foldable E-Scooter for Adult:
The Gotrax GXL V2 is our top pick for electric scooters, in part because it’s sold online only, so it doesn’t have the same costs that brick-and-mortar retailers have. It’s also slightly less expensive than our main pick, the Swagtron Swagger, but the GXL V2 doesn’t take up nearly as much storage space.
The GXL V2 uses a hybrid-motor system that gives a higher torque than many other electric scooters, while still conserving energy with a whopping 187.2Wh battery. In our tests, the GXL V2 traveled up to 12 miles on a charge, which is more than long enough for most commutes.
The top speed is 15.5 miles per hour, which is faster than our other pick, but slower than its main competitor, the Swagtron Swagger.
The GXL V2 also has a longer wheelbase (25.5 inches) than the Swagger (22 inches), which lends it more stability. For those concerned about the Swagger’s build quality, the GXL V2 is also made of a heavy-duty metal that passed stringent UL2272 testing.
Parts of the frame are folded and locked into place, and can be easily folded by gripping them and pulling them apart.
The GXL V2 also has a handbrake, which stops it easier than just leaning forward, and shock-absorbing 8.5-inch pneumatic tires that provide a more comfortable ride.
The GXL V2 is an affordable commuter vehicle that will get you from point A to point B, especially if you fold it away when you’re done riding.
3. SmooSat E9 PRO Electric Scooter: (Adjustable And Foldable!)
The SmooSat E9 Pro is one of the more powerful kids scooters we’ve tested, and our tests show it did indeed travel farther in real-world use than the specs indicate. This is partly due to its powerful brushless motor, which, when coupled with the scooter’s 54-wh battery, enables it to reach speeds of 5 mph (less zero-speed-and-brakes riding).
The scooter isn’t quite as speedy as the more expensive Lime Scooter, but it’s fast enough for kids who love to see where the road takes them.
The scooter’s durable steel frame and rubber bottom make it fairly sturdy, and the battery indicator light is also super useful.
The scooter is also surprisingly light, with pedals that are easy to grip and brakes that work well. The display on the handlebars is easy to see and easy to read, giving you feedback on speed and battery level.
Another plus: The scooter folds up very compactly, so it’s easy to transport or store.
Unfortunately, the SmooSat E9 Pro can’t climb stairs, and it doesn’t come with a bell, so use it at night with headphones.
4. VIRO Rides VR 550E Rechargeable Electric Scooter:
The VIRO Rides VR 550E is a solid electric-scooter choice. Its top speed of 10 miles per hour is respectable, and it’s easy to get up to speed. The VIRO Rides VR 550E was also one of the only 10 mph models we tested that weighed less than 100 pounds.
Its 6-mile range, on the low-end of scooters we tested, is also a little more than what most riders will find useful, but it’s enough for most people. The VR 550E has decent acceleration and decent braking, and the kickstand is sturdy and works well.
The scooter has a height adjustment that makes it comfortable for most adults, though it’s not quite ideal for very tall riders. The VIRO Rides VR 550E also has a 3-speed setting, an easy-access battery door, and an adjustable seat for comfort.
Its 2.5-inch tires are slightly narrower and smaller than those of other models, but the scooter’s braking performance is good, and its design (it doesn’t have a trunk) makes it nimble and maneuverable.
As a basic electric scooter, the VIRO Rides VR 550E is a great choice for riders who want something relatively lightweight, economical, and fun.
5. YYD ROBO Electric Kick Scooter: (Foldable and Portable!)
The YY-D Robo scooter is a blast to ride and one of the easiest models to set up and get going. We found that it handled well, and the throttle responded smoothly, though it wasn’t always easy to slow it down.
The scooter’s range is moderate, and the battery lasted about 10 miles per charge. Also, the YYD Robo is heavy, it weighs about 45 pounds, and it requires a solid base to stand on.
Overall, this is a great, reliable adult scooter, and we highly recommend it.
6. Segway Ninebot Electric Kick Scooter: (Dual Brakes And Cruise Mode!)
The Segway Ninebot E10 Electric Scooter for Teens is a terrific choice for kids who want to be the coolest kids in their school. Like the Go4, this scooter is lightweight and travels at a decent speed, and the turning radius is impressively tight.
The dual braking system, the comfortable seat, and the foot-operated throttle make this scooter easy to ride. Like the Go4, the Ninebot E10 can double as a hoverboard.
But the biggest difference here is that the E10 supports speeds up to 10 mph, while it can only reach 3 mph with the Go4. Also, the Ninebot E10 has a more comfortable seat, a more comfortable deck, and a larger battery.
The E10 also has a cool new riding mode, which enables you to kick the throttle and the scooter will glide without needing you to press it. The drawback: This model has a shorter range than the Go4.
7. VOLPAM SP06 Electric Scooter: (Portable, Folding With Double Braking System!)
The Volpam SP06 was easily one of the most fun and enjoyable electric scooters we tested. It accelerates quickly, it has a comfortable ride, and it offers plenty of power to tackle hills. At 8.5 inches, the solid tires are a little bigger than the 8-inch tires used by some other scooters, but they still roll pretty well.
The Volpam SP06 has a better braking system than most, with a braking system on each rear wheel, and there’s also an acceleration button that gets you past most obstacles.
The smartphone app is easy to use, with navigation, navigation settings, data tracking, and other functions. The Volpam scooter comes with a 2-year warranty, and also offers toll-free customer service.
The only downside is that the Volpam SP06 isn’t the least expensive electric scooter we tested.
8. Swagtron SG-5 Swagger 5 Boost Commuter Electric Scooter:
The Swagtron Swagger 5 Boost is a zippy little scooter, and it’s well suited for shorter commutes. It’s easy to fold up, and there’s a handle on the back for portability, though we found it to be a bit top-heavy. The Swagger 5 Boost is light enough to carry one-handed, but it’s no feather either.
The controls are intuitive, and using your phone’s Bluetooth connection isn’t complicated, but it’s worth noting that if you want to mount your phone somewhere on your scooter, you’ll need a mounting arm. All the controls are conveniently located on a single, grippable handlebar.
Onboard lights will help keep you visible when riding at night, and the app’s speed indicator helps you stay in your designated lane. The Swagtron app has a list of recommended routes and also provides navigation, though we found it jittery, and it doesn’t have voice assistance.
The Swagtron app has storage features as well, so you can store music and other files directly on the scooter, and we found there’s enough space for a smartphone, a wallet, and other essentials.
The Swagger 5 Boost is best suited for rides under 10 miles, so it may not be the best choice for longer commutes.
Because of its limited range and speed, the Swagtron Swagger 5 Boost isn’t designed to last all day, and for riders who need something to ride for 10 hours or more, it may be better to look for something with more juice.
9. EVERCROSS EV08E Electric Scooter:
The EV08E is one of the better folding scooters we’ve tested. It’s super easy to use, even for kids, it has a powerful motor (35% more power than the previous model), it’s comfortable, and it costs about $50 less than the top-selling model. It has disc brakes on both wheels, which we found to have a consistent feel and control.
The motor is pretty quiet, and it easily cruises at 8 mph. The scooter has 36 V 7.8Ah battery, which can last 15-19 miles, and it’s compatible with both regular and 36 V 10.8Ah batteries. The scooter comes with a lot of accessories, including a kickstand, a 21-inch long brush guard, and a heavy-duty rear carrier.
One of the drawbacks is that this model does not have an LCD dashboard that will show you how many miles you have left, and while the scooter’s motor is more powerful than the previous model, it is not nearly as powerful or usable as the motors on other scooters we tested.
The Evercross EV08E is an affordable, yet powerful, electric scooter for adults. It’s stable, handles well, and has enough speed to satisfy most riders. Its 350W motor delivers enough torque to climb hills with ease, and an electric brake ensures a smooth stop.
How We Pick And Test These Scooters?
- Weight: We look for models under 40 pounds.
- Range: A 12- to 14-mile range (depending on battery) is plenty for most riders.
- Smooth ride: We look for models with suspensions and wide, stable tires.
- Ease of use: A pedal-assist motor makes it easier to get up to speed and get going.
Things To Consider When Purchasing The Scooter:
Speed:
The faster you go, the harder it is to control. That’s why we recommend going no faster than 15 MPH.
Range:
Even the best electric scooters can only travel so far on a single charge. We looked for models that can travel at least 15 miles, or 20 miles if you pedal.
Ease of use:
Electric scooters are super easy to ride, but they can be heavy and awkward to carry. Look for models with folding handlebars, or wheels that can be removed.
Safe:
Electric scooters are designed with safety in mind, but accidents can still happen. Look for models with protective guards, and long-life batteries.
Bottom Line: Best Electric Scooter Under $400:
Best Electric Scooter Under $400: If you’re in the market for new scooter, check out this list. You’ll find 9 of the best electric scooters under $400. Whether you’re looking for a scooter for your kids or yourself, you’ll surely find one on this list that fits your budget.
The Gotrax GXL V2 Electric Scooter and the VOLPAM SP06 Electric Scooter are both great options for anyone looking for an electric scooter under $400. They both have their own unique features that make them stand out from the rest and they are both sure to give you a great ride.
