Micromobility is here to stay, and it’s changing how we experience urban life for the better. With Unagi’s membership program, you can enjoy all the benefits of a top-tier electric scooter without the sky-high price of ownership or the inconvenience of ride-sharing.
Looking for an affordable way to zip through city streets or enjoy a leisurely ride? Electric scooters are the perfect solution, combining convenience, efficiency, and fun. With 2024 bringing a new wave of budget-friendly models, there's never been a better time to hop on board.
In this article, we'll showcase the best budget electric scooters of 2024, highlighting top picks that deliver excellent performance without breaking the bank. Whether you're a daily commuter, a student on the go, or simply someone looking to embrace eco-friendly travel, we've got you covered.
Let's explore the best options that offer great value, style, and reliability for your ride.
Factors to consider when getting a budget scooter
First, for anyone who’s settled on purchasing a budget scooter, cost is obviously the top priority. However, upon doing your research, it might start to feel like budget equates to compromises.
And while that may be true, there’s something good at every price point—you need to know where to look and be willing to manage your expectations a little. That’s where our expertise comes in--to help settle some of that anxiety.
Before beginning your search for a cheap electric scooter, here are a few things to bear in mind.
Always go for a brand-name scooter
In the budget class of scooters, the market is littered with hundreds of seemingly good options. However, it doesn’t cost much to plaster unrealistic numbers on a spec sheet, especially when there’s no way for customer complaints to reach you as an unscrupulous manufacturer. Opting for brand names ensures that there’s some form of feedback loop, tested reliability and durability, credibility of warranty, and honesty in what the scooter claims to do.
For example, take Gotrax. They make some of the cheapest electric scooters. And while their models may be marginally more expensive than the generic models you see on retail sites like Amazon, that extra $50 could be the difference between you getting a scooter that can weather the storm and a scooter that’s waiting to be plugged in to test your home insurance policy on accidental fires.
Be specific on your needs
Some people need a scooter that can cover substantial miles daily, while others want a fast scooter that lets them sleep in a few extra minutes. If you live in places like hilly San Francisco, your needs are completely different from those of people in places like London who experience frequent sudden rain. Identify what you need your scooter to do for you, and you’ll have an easier time zeroing in on the perfect electric scooter for you.
Read and watch electric scooter reviews
Just because a manufacturer says a scooter can travel 50 miles on a single charge doesn’t mean that you take them at their word. Testing always reveals discrepancies between ideally stated specifications and on-the-ground riding stats under different real-world conditions.
Top speed, range, acceleration, braking, and even hill climbing statistics are subject to rider weight, track conditions, weather, state of charge, condition of the scooter, riding style, etc. Good electric scooter reviews go into great length and detail to confirm or disapprove manufacturers' claims, and you should typically work with that information over the spec sheet.
Manage your expectations
Finally, when comparing budget scooters and other options in the market, manage your expectations. Below is what to expect from a budget scooter:
- Lightweight, portable models, which is a major plus for commuters
- The standard warranty for good brand-name budget scooters should be at least 1 year
- Max speed of between 10 mph and 30 mph, with the majority averaging at 18 mph.
- A range as low as 10 miles and not exceeding 25 miles
- Slow, gradual acceleration, with outliers like the lightweight dual motor Unagi Model One and Voyager
- Slow hill climbing, typical of single-motor scooters
- Most will be IPX4-rated, with a few outliers carrying an IPX5 and IP55 rating
- The majority will not have suspension, and those that do will have very basic shocks
- Solid tires are prominent in this class of scooters. However, we’re starting to see more 10-inch air tires, with a few even sporting tubeless variations
- Shorter, narrower decks, which are usually a priority for portability
- Small batteries, with a growing shift towards higher capacity energy-dense cells
- Basic app support, save for companies like Unagi and Apollo
- The average weight capacity tends to be 220 lbs, with outliers like the Turboant X7 Max, Fluid Mosquito, and the Hiboy S2
- The scooters will primarily be designed for smooth, paved city roads. Good off-road scooters require expensive parts like good suspension, heavier build, larger batteries, etc., which drives up the cost
- Limited accessories
Best Cheap Electric Scooters
These are the best electric scooters for budget conscious consumers in 2024. They are based on different individual preferences, and we’ll rank them from the most affordable to the most expensive on this list.
Scooter Model | Type | Cost | Weight | Speed | Range | Payload |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Unagi Voyager | Budget Lightweight Electric Scooter | $79/month | 29.6 lbs | 20 mph | 25 miles | 220 lbs |
Gotrax Commuter GXL | Budget Commuter Scooter | $279 | 26 lbs | 16 mph | 10 miles | 220 lbs |
Hiboy S2 | Budget Electric Scooter for Heavy Adults | $299 | 29 lbs | 19 mph | 13 miles | 265 lbs |
Gotrax Flex | Budget electric Scooter with a Seat | $349 | 46 lbs | 14 mph | 14 miles | 264 lbs |
Turboant X7 Max | Budget Electric Scooter With Removable Battery | $449 | 34 lbs | 19 mph | 18 miles | 275 lbs |
Gotrax G5 | Budget Scooter for Off-road | $549 | 44 lbs | 19 mph | 14 miles | 264 lbs |
Fluid Mosquito | Budget Fastest Electric Scooter | $599 | 22 lbs | 28 mph | 22 miles | 240 lbs |
NIU KQi2 Pro | Budget Electric Scooter with Ride Quality | $599 | 40 lbs | 17 mph | 16 miles | 220 lbs |
Okai Neon Pro | Budget Long-range Electric Scooter | $699 | 47 lbs | 21 mph | 27 miles | 220 lbs |
Apollo Air 2022 | Budget Waterproof Electric Scooter | $849 | 38 lbs | 20 mph | 20 miles | 220 lbs |
Unagi Voyager: The Overall Best Budget Lightweight Electric scooter
The Unagi Voyager is the best budget scooter in the market and the only scooter you can own for under $100, courtesy of the membership plan. If you’re not acquainted with it, the membership plan is a subscription program that lets you lease out an unagi scooter for as little as $59 for the Model One Classic and $79 for the Voyager. The Voyager has repeatedly been awarded the title of best lightweight electric scooter, and we'll tell you why it's the best electric scooter for you.
What We Like
- An affordable way to own an electric scooter
- Good performance
- The best lightweight electric scooter
- The only dual-motor lightweight scooter
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Excellent build quality
What We Don’t Like
That we don’t have a third Unagi yet.
Performance
The Unagi is a lightweight commuter scooter that will get the job done. It has the second-highest top speed on this list, going as fast as 20 mph, with zippy acceleration from the dual motors. Additionally, the dual 500 W motors, with a peak output of 1000 W and excellent torque, will crush hills better than many more expensive single motors on the market.
The Voyager's new and improved battery is also quite revolutionary, allowing the Unagi to travel up to 25 miles in ideal conditions. This is courtesy of the scooter’s energy-dense cells, which store more power, keep the weight low, and guarantee a longer battery life. Braking is adequate for the speed, relying on dual electric brakes, which also means less maintenance.
Build And Ride Quality
The Unagi Model One Classic and Voyager lightweight electric scooters have incredible build quality. They're made from top-tier materials like magnesium alloy on the handlebars, toray carbon fiber on the stem, and a single piece of machined aluminum for the deck. The choice of materials allows the Unagis to retain their unbelievably light weight without sacrificing durability.
The deck is silicone-embedded to maintain grip and provide adequate space for adult riders. The grips are comfortable, and the controls are ergonomic for longer rides. The motors are whisper quiet to guarantee calming rides. And courtesy of the solid hollowed-out tires, and the IPX4 rating, there’s peace of mind that you won’t be dealing with flats or finding shelter in the event of sudden drizzle.
Drawbacks
The Unagi Voyager is a lightweight (29.6 lbs), very aesthetic, dual-motor scooter that you can get for $79 a month. It sounds too good to be true, yet it is. You can cancel your subscription anytime–and it’s a much better alternative to shared scooters. It’s the best lightweight electric scooter and the best budget scooter you can get.
Gotrax Commuter GXL: Best Cheap Commuter Scooter
Gotrax reigns supreme in the budget scooter class. They make cheap electric scooters that still deliver on performance, reliability, and ride comfort. The Gotrax GXL is not just the cheapest scooter on this list; it’s also one of the best lightweight electric scooters on the market and a great choice for commuters.
What We Like
- The most affordable scooter on this list
- Enough power for commuting
- Short charging time
- Lightweight electric scooter
- Cruise control
What We Don’t Like
- Short range
- Struggles on hills
- No tail light
- Short handlebars
Performance
The Gotrax Commuter GXL is a $279 scooter whose performance reflects the price tag. This is not to trash the scooter’s performance–but rather a disclaimer that if you choose to go the budget track, you should expect some compromises. The GXL scooter has a tested maximum speed of 13.5 mph against a manufacturer-cited 15.5 mph, which is enough for anyone who’s not in a rush and safe enough for your teenagers.
The scooter’s small 187 wh battery delivers a real-world range of about 10 miles, and the 250W front motor will hardly get you up steep hills. Additionally, the regen plus disc brake pairing delivers a stopping distance of 16.7 ft from top speed, which requires extra vigilance when riding in public.
That said, other scooters at this price point might come close to the GXL’s performance but without the build quality, durability, and reliability to match.
Build And Ride Quality
The scooter has a very basic build, covered by Gotrax for one year. The warranty and brand name backing give the GXL prominence over other scooters in the price class. You get a thumb throttle for acceleration, a mechanical bell for warning off pedestrians, a display that’s not too readable in direct sunlight, and a motor that’s fairly louder than ideal.
Ride quality is, however, alleviated by the 8.5-inch air tires that absorb any track shocks and vibrations. Note that they are tubed, so you’re susceptible to flats. You also get a decent size 18.6 inch by 6-inch deck that is big enough for most adults. The handlebars sit very low, and tall riders will definitely take on hunched positions when riding. Finally, the stem has a bit of flex, and you need to constantly tighten the screws that hold it in position.
Drawbacks
The Gotrax GXL is the cheapest electric scooter we’d recommend anyone to buy. It has its faults, the biggest one being the lack of a tail light. However, every other drawback is a direct result of the price compromise, and the GXL e-scooter is a good option for regular commuters on an extreme budget.
Hiboy S2: Best Budget Electric Scooter For Heavy Adults
The Hiboy S2 is a 2021 release by Hiboy that won the hearts of many by being the fastest budget scooter in the market. With its current retail price of $299, it might still retain the title. However, for the purpose of this list, we’re looking at the Hiboy S2 as the best electric scooter for heavier adults on a budget.
What we like
- High rider weight capacity
- Fastest scooter for this price
- Flat-free riding experience
- Basic rear suspension
- Swag lights
- Optional seat attachment
What we don’t like
- Short tested range
- Basic app
- Not the best ride quality
Performance
The Hiboy S2 is one of the best-budget performance scooters. With a tested top speed of 19 mph and an acceleration of about 6 seconds to 15 mph, nothing cheaper goes quicker or faster. Additionally, the scooter is really fast on hills, outperforming legendary scooters like the Anyhill UM1, NIU KQi2 Pro, and the Apollo Air Pro.
On the flip side, like most lightweight budget scooters, the small 270 Wh battery has a short real-world range of about 13 miles. Therefore, while this typical electric scooter is a good choice for heavy adults, you’ll want to properly map out your routes to guarantee that the range is sufficient for your needs. And it doesn’t help that the scooter has a long charging time of 5 to 6 hours.
Build And Ride Quality
The Hiboy S2 has the basic build we saw in 2021 when most scooters were basically Xiaomi M365 clones, but it has a bit of personality from the deck lights. It has a bright, low-mounted LED headlight and practical taillight, a mechanical bell, a thumb throttle, an electronic brake pedal and mechanical brake lever, a basic integrated display, and a hook that you can use to carry your grocery bag.
The 265 lbs weight limit, however, is what sets the S2 apart from other scooters in its class. Heavier riders can ride the S2 without worrying about the scooter caving to their weight. In addition, you get a somewhat spacious deck measuring 17.5 inches by 6 inches, which is plenty for riders with bigger feet. The 38.5-inch tall handlebars, however, might mean that taller riders hunch a little while riding.
Drawbacks
Despite having a rear spring suspension and 8.5-inch honeycomb tires, the ride on the Hiboy S2 still feels jittery, and cannot be compared to the ride quality of pneumatic tires.
Gotrax Flex: Best Cheap Electric Scooter With A Seat
The Gotrax Flex is a masterpiece–and a scooter that keeps winning awards as the best budget and best lightweight electric scooter with a seat. It is a hybrid between an e-bike and an electric scooter, leaning more towards the latter. At $349, it’s the best option for people who want the convenience of riding their scooters when seated, and it's a great scooter for carrying stuff courtesy of the basket.
What we like
- No pedals or chain
- Lightweight and nimble
- Carrying basket
- Good ride quality
- High rider weight capacity
What we don’t like
- Not the best performance
- A bit of stem flex
- Poor hill climber
Performance
The Gotrax Flex is not your scooter if you want crazy speeds or extreme performance. It is a leisure scooter with an average top speed of 16 mph, a slow acceleration of about 7.5 seconds to 15 mph, and a very burdened hill climb. If you want a performance-oriented seated scooter, consider the EMOVE Roadrunner Pro.
The 36 V, 280.8 Wh battery will power you through a tested 13.5 miles of range, or 16 miles, in ideal conditions, as the manufacturer states. Therefore, only consider the Flex if your commuting needs are basic or leisurely in nature.
Build and ride quality
Riders love seated scooters for their inherent ride comfort. The Flex offers a decent seated experience, thanks to the soft, thick, adjustable seat with springs for added comfort. Additionally, the scooter’s large 14-inch air tires are responsible for a smooth and stable ride and work in tandem with a dual rear suspension system to further neutralize track vibrations.
Unlike other purpose-built seated scooters, the Gotrax Flex has a deck versus the foot pegs we’re used to. It feels awkward at first, but it is something you quickly get accustomed to. The low handlebar height is not as deterring as it would be on a standing scooter, and it helps you adjust the orientation to your liking. On top of that, the 6.3-inch clearance allows you to comfortably go over bumps or hop off curbs without getting the deck scrapped.
Drawbacks
The Flex’s biggest drawback is its low performance. However, considering that good alternative seated electric scooters can cost as much as $1400, the $349 Flex feels like a really good bet.
Turboant X7 Max: Budget Electric Scooter With Removable Battery
Commuters are excited about electric scooters with removable batteries for three reasons: the range potential at a fraction of the cost, the charging convenience, and the security that comes with immobilizing the scooter by carrying your battery with you. Turboant designs some of the best electric scooters with removable batteries, and today, we’ll highlight the Turboant X7 Max.
What We Like
- Good range and top speed
- Perfect for tall riders
- High rider weight capacity
- Great build quality
- Spacious deck
- Comfortable ride
What We Don’t Like
- Top heavy
- Heavier than other scooters in its class
- Not the best hill climber
Performance
The Turboant X7 Max is a great commuter option for anyone who makes daily long round trips. The scooter is fitted with a removable 360 Wh battery with a tested range of 18 miles against 32 miles in ideal conditions. The swappable battery allows you to double your range by purchasing a spare that you can toss in your backpack when travelling longer distances.
The top speed of 18 mph means you won’t be stuck behind bicycles on the bike lane, and the 7-second acceleration to 15 mph means you can quickly pick up speed from a stop sign or when the lights turn green. Like most budget scooters, hill climbing is not the best. And braking, while balanced, could be better given the top speed.
Build and Ride Quality
Turboants are known for their good and reliable build quality. The riding ergonomics are well suited for adults, from the spacious 20.5-inch by 6.5-inch deck to the 41-inch tall handlebars. The 16.5-inch width has an awkward resting hand position, but most riders with nothing to compare it to will hardly notice. Additionally, the scooter’s 275-lb rider weight capacity is good for heavy adults.
The 10-inch tubed pneumatic tires offer a very decent ride quality, and inflating them to a PSI of 30 gives you a plush ride. The integrated cockpit is clean, giving you your riding info at a glance without too much distraction. The snakeskin pattern on the hand grips and quality rubber on the deck accord you a good grip and a planted feel for an extremely enjoyable ride.
Drawbacks
The Turboant X7 Max is a practical, reliable, and fun electric scooter that’s perfect for newbies and experienced riders. However, the hill climbing and braking performance would affect riders who want to go fast all the time or people who live in extremely hilly areas. We have curated a list of Turboant alternatives you should check out if the X7 Max falls short of your expectations.
Gotrax G5: Best Budget Scooter For Off-road
In the budget class of scooters, you can almost always depend on Gotrax to give you the best bang for your buck. The Gotrax G5 is a relatively new scooter to their lineup and is the best electric scooter for offroading on a budget. Here’s why:
What We Like
- Front fork suspension
- Large 10-inch air tires
- Good top speed
- Bright display
- Solid design
What We Don’t Like
- Mild braking
- Needs after-market lighting
Low clearance
Performance
The 48V 500W Gotrax G5 is a reliable commuter. You get a decent top speed of 19 mph, with zippy acceleration, reaching 15 mph in under 7 seconds. The rear motor will get you up most standard hills, but it doesn’t have the hill-crushing power of dual-motor scooters like the Unagi.
The range is within the average of scooters in its class at about 14 miles on a single charge. However, braking could be better, given the top speed, with the G5 stopping at 15.5 ft from a speed of 15 mph.
Build And Ride Quality
For a budget scooter, the Gotrax G5 has an excellent build and ride quality. This was the first Gotrax scooter with suspension–a front fork suspension that buffers the scooter against sudden bumps or potholes. Working with the 10-inch air tyres, off-road riders are cushioned against the jarring experience on such rugged trails.
The G5 is also generally one of the best electric scooters for adults on a budget, courtesy of the tall and wide handlebars, the long 18-inch deck, and the high 264 lbs payload capacity. In addition, the steering stop helps with high-speed steering stability, while the chunky handlebars are designed not to move around, making it even more ideal for off-road riding.
Drawbacks
The 3-inch clearance might lead to much scraping as the scooter goes over obstacles, while the dual drum brakes and weak regen deliver a less-than-ideal stopping distance. However, that aside, the G5 is an excellent contender for off-road riding, which is mostly reserved for much bigger and much more expensive scooters.
Fluid Mosquito: Fastest Cheap Electric Scooter
The Fluid Mosquito is the benchmark for performance in the ultra-lightweight class of motorized scooters. The scooter is produced by E-TWOW, so you might see a resemblance with the brand’s other lineup, Uscooters. However, the Fluid Mosquito was designed to retailer Fluid Freeride’s spec, whose input led to a one-of-a-kind super fast, lightweight electric scooter.
What We Like
- Ultra-portable electric scooter
- Large battery and the scooter's range
- Fastest e-scooter in its class
- Maintenance free
- High rider weight capacity
What We Don’t Like
- The ride quality could be better
- Dated design
- Poor traction in wet weather
Performance
The Fluid Mosquito has surprising performance for its weight: the 29.6 lbs electric scooter has a top speed of 28 mph, which is faster than any other scooter in its class. However, it’s not just speed. The scooter’s 460 Wh delivers a decent range of up to 19 miles in real-world riding against a manufacturer-cited 22 miles. With an acceleration of 5 seconds to 15 mph, you can quickly pick up on your journey after slowing down for stop signs or red lights.
The 48 V, 500 W motor has a peak power output of 700 W. The power comes in handy when tackling hilly terrain, which the Mosquito excels in. However, riders should exercise caution when stopping. The front regen, rear drum, and stomp brake don’t deliver the strongest braking power; therefore, don’t wait until the last minute to pull the trigger.
Build and Ride Quality
The scooter is quite basic. In fact, it is marketed as a utility scooter, meaning you’ll get exactly what you need–no bells and whistles. The scooter has 8-inch solid tires that are low-maintenance, but have a very jittery ride. They have poor traction in wet weather, which is a characteristic of these airless wheels. To alleviate the ride discomfort, the Mosquito has a basic front and rear suspension setup that’s good to have but does not come close to the ride comfort of pneumatic tires.
The Mosquito’s design is centered around portability, and to achieve the small folded footprint, riding ergonomics takes a bit of a back seat. The scooter has narrow folding handlebars, a telescopic stem that goes between 36 to 39 inches tall, and a long and narrow 20-inch by 5.6-inch deck. You’ll not ride as comfortably as you would on roomier commuters like the EMOVE Cruiser S, but owners of the Mosquito are content with the reliability and convenience and hardly ever point out the ride (dis)comfort.
Drawbacks
If a smoother ride is a priority for you on a fast electric scooter, then you should look at alternatives like the EMOVE Cruiser S or the Segway Ninebot Max G2 that have near similar performance, but with better ride quality.
NIU KQi2 Pro: Best Ride Quality On A Cheap Scooter
NIU brought its electric vehicle prowess to the kick-electric scooter market in 2022 and completely changed the game. What's most interesting, though, is how one of their earliest models, the KQi2 Pro, seems to defy time and advancements in technology to remain the budget scooter with the best ride quality.
What We Like
- Large tubeless pneumatic tires
- High-quality build
- Smooth ride
- Incredible lighting
- Great handling
- Good performance for the price
What We Don’t Like
- Relatively heavy for an entry-level scooter
- No brake light
- No zero start function
Performance
The NIU KQi2 Pro electric scooter has performance comparable to most electric scooters in its class. It’s a single 300 W rear-wheel drive scooter with a decent acceleration of about 7 seconds to a speed of 15 mph. Real-world tests achieved a top speed of 17 mph against a manufacturer-stated 17.4 mph, and the speedometer reading is usually fairly accurate.
When it comes to how far you can ride your scooter, depending on your weight, riding style, terrain, and even the weather, the 365 Wh battery will give you a realistic range of about 16 miles. However, you should keep to flat tracks as the scooter’s motor is not powered to climb extremely steep inclines. Braking is also standard for the class, stopping at 14.1 ft from a speed of 15 mph.
Build And Ride Quality
NIU’s build quality is among the best in the budget class of scooters. They are seasoned in manufacturing vehicles, so the expertise carried to the company’s fleet of electric kick scooters. You can see the traces of quality across parts like the scooter’s bright and readable dash, the always-on halo light, the quality app, the robust kickstand, the grip-tape-covered deck, the tactile hand grips, the lack of visible wiring, and the quality folding mechanism.
Ride quality, however, is what the KQi2 is known for. This electric kick scooter has a stable and wobble-free design facilitated by the tall (40-inch) and wide (20.5-inch) handlebars, the wide circumference tires (10-inch), and the large 15-degree rake angle. Together with the control-inducing cockpit, the ergonomic angular throttle, and the low center of gravity, you get the best handling on a budget scooter, and one of the most comfortable riding experiences.
Drawbacks
Given that the scooter comes with a 2-year warranty, including parts like the battery, motor controllers, and dash, there’s not much of a case against the KQi2 Pro. However, people looking for a little more power or a scooter designed for off-roading can opt for a different scooter.
Okai Neon Pro: Best Budget Long-range Electric Scooter
Okai joined the private scooter market in 2023 with three commuter scooters: the Okai Neon Lite, the Okai Neon (ES20), and the Okai Neon Pro (ES30). With their experience manufacturing models for the shared scooter market, Okai were no strangers to commuters' needs, which showed in their Neon fleet. The Neon Pro is our pick for the best long-range electric scooter, but there’s so much more to it.
What We Like
- Excellent safety features
- Good performance
- Great aesthetics
- Good cornering
- Optional Okai helmet pairing
- Durable build
What We Don’t Like
- Relatively heavy for a commuter scooter
- Pricier than other alternatives on this list
Performance
The Okai Neon Pro is a quick and fast electric scooter. It takes 4.8 seconds to reach a speed of 15 mph and goes all the way to 21 mph. However, it’s not just raw numbers with the Neon. The scooter is so well built that you’ll hardly let off the throttle when cornering due to its immense stability. In addition, the 350 W powerful motor is surprisingly good on hills.
For regular commuters, the 705.6 Wh battery with energy-dense 21700 cells is a total game changer, covering 27 miles of tested range against a claimed 45 miles. Stopping, on the other hand, is courtesy of a front regen and a rear disc brake and could be better for a fast scooter: the Neon Pro e-scooter stops in 17 ft from a speed of 15 mph.
Build And Ride Quality
Okai’s expertise is evident in the excellent build. You have a clean cockpit with a colored round LCD in the middle and 3 interchangeable faces. Additionally, you have a large 19-inch by 6.8-inch deck, tubeless 10-inch tires, comfortable textured grips, an IP55 resistance rating plus strong beefy fenders, and all-around lighting, including a high-mounted headlight, a rear brake light, and programmable swag lights.
On the flip side, the scooter's narrow handlebars are a bit of a letdown regarding ride comfort, and the tires, when inflated to the recommended PSI of 44, feel a bit stiff.
Drawbacks
The Okai Neon Pro is a quick, fast, and durably built scooter. However, with its retail price currently set at $699, there are better options in the market, like the Fluid Mosquito, which may not be as aesthetically pleasing but has a faster top speed, or the Unagi Voyager, with a comparable top speed and matching aesthetics.
Apollo Air 2022: Best Budget Waterproof Electric Scooter
Since Canadian manufacturer Apollo moved design and production in-house, we’ve seen a substantial improvement in their quality and designs. The Apollo Air 2022 is Apollo’s entry-level scooter built on the Apollo 2.0 platform and a cheaper alternative to the Air 2023 and 2024. The Apollo Air 2022 is on our list as the cheapest waterproof scooter you can buy in 2024–courtesy of its high IP66 waterproof rating, strong fender protection, and overall great build quality.
What We Like
- Clean integrated design
- Most comfortable ride on this list
- IP66 rating + good fenders
- Excellent regenerative braking
- Optimized stem latch
- Easy-to-read display
- World-class app support
What We Don’t Like
- Most expensive electric scooter on this list
- With the Air’s 2023 and 2024 updates, it starts to feel a little dated
Performance
The Air might be Apollo’s entry-level model, but you get well above satisfying performance across all metrics. The scooter has a high top speed of 20 mph against a claimed 22 mph, with a quick acceleration of about 5.5 seconds to 15 mph. The 500 W motor is strong enough to climb most typical hills, but don’t expect it to fly to the top.
Where the Air excels, though, is in range and braking. The scooter is equipped with a 540 Wh battery with 21700 premium cells. The battery powers the scooter through a tested range of 20 miles, which is more than adequate for most commuters. For braking, Apollo has mastered regenerative braking, and for normal stopping, it’s all you’ll find yourself using (there’s a dedicated regen brake pedal on the left handlebar). The Air also has a rear drum brake, and together, from a speed of 15 mph, you're able to bring the scooter to a stop in just 5.6 ft.
Build And Ride Quality
Apollo’s build quality remains one of the best in the market. Their in-house production upped the ante on what was possible. The parts are visibly better quality and feel long-lasting; there’s unprecedented attention to detail that makes this the go-to scooter, and currently retailing under $750, the Air 2022 is quite the steal.
Ride quality is also unbeaten. The robust front fork suspension smooths out sudden dips or obstacles on the road, while the 10-inch air-filled tires neutralize track vibrations. The tall, wide handlebars, the ergonomic regen and thumb throttle, the easy-to-read display, the long, wide deck, and the reliable app also add to the ease and joy of the commute.
Drawbacks
According to Apollo's catalog, the Air 2022 is already ‘old and outdated’ despite being a pretty decent scooter. Luckily, Apollo sells upgrade kits that bring the previous year’s model up to the new one’s standards for the Apollo Air, Apollo City, Apollo Ghost, and Apollo Phantom scooters.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the budget electric scooter market offers a variety of models catering to different needs and preferences. These scooters provide a cost-effective way to experience the convenience and fun of electric scooting without a significant financial commitment. From the versatile and comfortable NIU KQi2 Pro to the performance-oriented Fluid Mosquito and the extremely affordable Gotrax Commuter GXL, there are options for every type of rider.
The Turboant X7 Max offers the added convenience of a removable battery, while the Gotrax Flex provides a comfortable seated ride. For those seeking off-road adventures, the Gotrax G5 stands out, and the Hiboy S2 supports heavier adults without compromising on performance. On the other hand, the Apollo Air 2022 is an excellent choice for those needing a comfortable, waterproof scooter, while the Okai Neon Pro impresses with its speed and aesthetics.
Finally, the Unagi Voyager tops the list with its overall best-in-class features, high-quality build, impressive performance, aesthetics, user-friendliness, and affordability through a unique subscription model. Regardless of your choice, these budget e-scooters deliver a blend of performance, reliability, and enjoyment, making them an ideal entry point into the world of electric scooters.
“Is my scooter legal?” is a question many are increasingly asking. The micromobility industry is one of the fastest-growing and most exciting in the world—with promises for...in addition to abundances of the basics of time and money savings. And with this pace of innovation comes a struggle for regulation to keep up.
So, you're thinking about joining the electric scooter revolution, huh? You've seen those sleek and stylish scooters zipping around town, effortlessly gliding through traffic, and you can't help but wonder: Are electric scooters easy to ride?
In this guide, we'll break down what defines a lightweight electric scooter, why you should choose one, and the top features you should look for.
Want to get the most out of your electric scooter battery and extend your riding adventures? We've got you covered with our comprehensive guide full of maintenance tips and best practices.
*Disclaimer: Unagi, INC. has used best efforts, but does not in any manner guarantee the accuracy of the below findings regarding electric scooter laws in the United States or internationally. Electric scooter riders or those considering to purchase or begin…
It’s beyond question that we must drastically reduce carbon emissions in the coming years to head off the worst effects of climate change. How we do that has been a matter of considerably drawn-out debate. As individuals, it can be…
If you're considering riding an electric scooter for the daily urban commute - or even just for recreation - this article will give you the lowdown on getting insurance for an electric scooter.
In many regions, there's a clear restriction against riding electric scooters on the road, with the rules steering their use towards designated areas such as bicycle lanes, multi-use paths, and shared street paths.
The basis and the premise of my work is that we either operate out of love or we operate out of fear...Time is currency. The coolest thing about the scooters is that it's really quick, and it goes uphill. From there, traveling more efficiently and having a good time doing it--I think that's the most important thing.
Cynthia Leu has a full plate. A tech worker by day, Cynthia spends her off time balancing the parallel lives of a powerlifter, entrepreneur, mental health advocate, and more. Riding Unagi helps this USMC veteran cut down on everyday…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7m2hVBE62LY Rasheed Muhammad is sick of Los Angeles traffic. In order to preserve his sanity, Rasheed has traded his everyday driving habit for the portable and beautiful Unagi Model One. It’s an essential accessory for navigating LA streets -- and…
Rich Lee, Co-Founder of San Francisco’s SPRO Coffee Lab, wants to share his love for coffee with the world. He depends on riding Unagi to avoid the hassle of navigating the parking crunch in the booming Mission Bay neighborhood.…