Rating of the cheapest electric scooters: Top 7 options for driving around the city

It is difficult to meet a person who at least once in his life did not ride a scooter as a child. However, in recent years, this type of transport has become extremely popular among adults: it is quite practical, especially in cities where it is problematic to have personal car transport due to traffic jams, and besides, such a transport gadget does not cause environmental damage.

For those who love speed and comfort, you should turn to electronic scooters: thanks to modern developments in the field of batteries and accumulators, there are many models that allow you to achieve high speeds and travel long distances.

There is nothing complicated in the design of an electronic scooter: it is actually a battery-accumulator unit (usually lithium-ion) and a special controller so that it is possible to control the engine.

In addition to the engine, the headlights, on-board computer, stop signal and other additional functions are also powered by the battery. This allows the electric scooter to be a versatile, high-tech and safe mode of transport.

Why is an electric scooter useful for you? Firstly, it is convenient: you can reach speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour, and the carrying capacity increases annually.

It is safe for nature: such vehicles do not use fuel, they work on batteries.

The scooters are functional and versatile: they can be used for both small recreational trips or ride to work, as well as organize real trips.

When choosing a scooter, you need to focus on the functionality and safety of the model. We do not recommend paying attention to too budgetary options from unknown manufacturers: they can use low-quality components, which ultimately leads to accidents and injuries.

Xiaomi M365 Electric Scooter Pro

This version of the electric scooter was updated in 2019, and received a number of new advantages along with a slightly increased price.

First of all, the improvements relate to a more powerful engine and the ability to travel longer distances. The maximum distance is 45 kilometers (15 kilometers more than its predecessor!). Moreover, the weight has increased quite insignificantly. It is very pleasant to ride this scooter - the battery holds a charge well, and now you will not be able to be on the road without a charge even in a difficult road.

The 120mm brake disc is an improvement over previous models.

There are several riding modes: eco, drive and sport (the main difference is in charge consumption).

This model has a good informative screen, as well as a rather comfortable steering wheel height - this is quite pleasant compared to previous versions.

Unfortunately, this scooter could not avoid its shortcomings: there are problems with the wires on the rear fender, the device requires manual revision, which not everyone can do. There is a gap when folding. For some reason, these shortcomings have not been corrected by the manufacturer for about three years.

Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 1S

Continuing to consider the line of electronic transport from XiaoMi, this model cannot be ignored. Aluminum frame, comfortable 9-inch wheels make this scooter quite lightweight and versatile. At the same time, the price remains affordable.

Disc brake, located at the back. Not very smooth.

This “gadget” weighs about 12 kilograms.

You can choose from three available driving modes: economy, normal and sport.The difference is that the first two reduce the motor power to 250 watts.

The computer is no longer limited to meager LEDs and a mobile app: this model has a full screen. The scooter is equipped with a bell.

How many kilometers will such a unit travel? According to the manufacturer - 30 kilometers. However, one should not forget that this is a footage under normal conditions, close to ideal: that is, the included economy mode and a flat asphalt surface. Therefore, count on 15-20 kilometers and watch the charge indicator.

Xiaomi Mijia Electric Scooter

And, completing our analysis of transport “gadgets” from Xiaomi, we would like to draw your attention to this model.

The characteristics of this scooter are almost basic, no frills: a 250 W motor, a medium-capacity battery. By the way, the battery compartment has a plastic case, which is not very reliable. However, enterprising Chinese make it possible to order a metal coating.

There is no full-fledged on-board computer on this model - instead of it there are only power buttons and LEDs indicating the amount of charge. All management and information is in a special application. This may not seem very convenient, as it distracts from the trip.

This scooter compares favorably with its competitors with a braking system: disc brakes with a classic lever are reliable and comfortable.

Of the minuses, it is worth noting backlash during assembly, as well as quickly rubbing tires. In addition, the sound signal does not differ in volume.

Ninebot KickScooter ES4

The electric scooter from Ninebot has a fairly efficient 800 W motor, which allows it to accelerate faster than its competitors. If desired, you can reach speeds of up to 30 kilometers per hour, but this process is great for putting the battery down.

The hardware and the battery are installed inside the steering wheel, which gives a plus to safety: when driving into a puddle, there is much less chance of encountering a short circuit. All that this affects is the volume of the steering wheel, which is higher than analogs.

Also, an additional battery can be connected to this scooter, which significantly increases the distance traveled.

The control takes place using a special application, in which you can see all the necessary characteristics: speed, battery, as well as how many more kilometers the scooter can travel. You can change the modes, they are standard (from economical to sports). An additional plus to safety is the ability to set a limited speed.

Wheels 200 mm, double shock absorption. This makes the ride very comfortable. There are also two brakes - a mechanical foot brake and an electronic one on the steering wheel. It may seem a little strange to those who are used to a standard bicycle brake and require some dexterity.

Tribe himba

Another Chinese manufacturer that will delight you with price and quality. Let's start with the dimensions: only 12 kilograms and a convenient compact storage system. Wheels are wide, pleasant to drive, double brakes, providing additional safety.

It will take 4 hours to charge such a device. The average distance for one “reserve” of charge is 20 kilometers.

Features of the model:

1. Allows you to carry weight up to 120 kilograms.
2. Steering brake.

Perhaps the engine power is rather weak (250), but this is enough for everyday tasks.

KUGOO C1 11 Ah

This is a good and solid model for those who need an everyday scooter for short distances. Option for city walks and shopping trips. For the latter, a pleasant bonus is provided: a basket for things.

The display on the steering wheel is quite convenient, the picture is clearly visible in the light of the bright sun. The backlight is adequate.

Wheel material - rubber, aluminum frame. The wheels are well cushioned and allow you to drive even on rough roads.

This is a safe model, as it is equipped with a good insulation of the battery and motor from moisture.

Important! The manufacturer gives a one-year warranty.

Yamato PES 0810

This is a fairly compact and ergonomic scooter that will delight you with a budget price. Wins in terms of value for money. There is a choice of colors: black or white. In general, the design is neat, without any frills.

Durable one-piece construction with quality wheels and front shock absorption.

There is protection against moisture, which will not only protect against short circuits in contact with puddles, but also allow you to ride in the rain.

Equipped with two headlights: one at the back, the second at the front (LED).

Has a smooth ride.

How to choose and use correctly

The transition to electronic batteries in modern transport is certainly a very positive step. Despite the fact that not everyone still has a personal car, more and more people are beginning to actively use electric scooters, hoverboards, as well as various models of bicycles. People trust modern forms of personal transport.

The scooter today is considered the most versatile and practical. Why? It's simple. The fact is that on one battery charge such a device is capable of covering quite long distances, while not wasting the user's energy: you can ride such a scooter and not get tired.

It is convenient to store and transport, many models can be disassembled or folded: then they take up less space. If you need to cover a long distance in a short enough time, and you cannot use the car, the electric scooter will always come to the rescue!

So, what characteristics deserve attention when choosing such a device?

The first thing to pay attention to is the engine power. It can be small, less than 250 W: such models are best chosen for adolescents or fragile girls who do not have high physical strength. Models with a power of more than 250 W are suitable for self-confident fans of high-speed driving.

Let's take a closer look.

The ability to quickly accelerate and use all traction capabilities when climbing uphill depends on this characteristic. The higher the passenger's weight, the more power should be. However, for a weight less than 90 Kg, 250 or even less watts will be enough. Last but not least, less powerful engines provide a quieter, smoother ride, which can make a difference for those who value agility and confidence over speed. In this case, the battery is consumed much more slowly.

It is impractical to take a motor of about 1000 W: you will get a quick climb up the hill, but put the battery to almost zero in a few minutes. These scooters are usually not designed for long distances when using the engine to its fullest.

The next parameter, which we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the diameter of the wheels.

The larger it is, the more difficult obstacles and irregularities the scooter will be able to overcome.Wheels less than 7 inches in diameter are suitable for smooth urban paved tracks. Even small bumps, tiles or cracks will require a larger wheel diameter to overcome.

A wheel size of about 10 inches is considered universal. They cope with normal or wet asphalt as well as rocky surfaces, dirt and other surface options. The load on the battery is gentle enough.

Looking for a balance: what should be the size of the scooter? If we are considering a classic universal version with eight-inch wheels, then its average weight will be about 13 kilograms, and in terms of dimensions it will take a little more than a meter.

Few people regard these characteristics as key, because they usually store such a device folded at home. However, in some cases this can be quite important: for example, in order to transport a scooter in the trunk, it is necessary that its length on the longest side does not exceed a meter. In general, you need to pay attention to the dimensions immediately upon purchase. An interesting note: the larger the wheels, the larger the dimensions of the vehicle will be. So, a scooter with 10-inch wheels will not fit into the trunk already.

Everything is interconnected in the device: larger wheels will require a powerful motor, which, in turn, needs a much more capacious battery. All these factors cannot but increase the mass of the scooter. Even with small inputs, the resulting weight can be very, very different.

Now let's talk about nutrition. As you know, an electric scooter runs on a battery that can be charged from the power supply. Depending on its capacity, the operating time will differ and, accordingly, the distance that such a scooter can travel.

The 4000 mAh battery will allow you to drive about 9 kilometers (sometimes a little less), provided that the passenger's weight is not very high. A battery with twice the capacity, up to 8000 mAh, allows you to cover a distance of about 15 kilometers, and the highest capacity, 12000 mAh, will allow you to make long journeys and travels of 20-25 kilometers.

These figures are average when driving on a flat asphalt road without serious inclines or hills. Remember, if you plan on returning home on the same scooter, divide the distance in half.

Is there a need to purchase scooters with the most capacious batteries, over 20,000 mAh? Only if long cross-country rides are normal for you. Under normal conditions, the charge simply will not have time to run out, and this has a detrimental effect on the battery. In addition, these scooters weigh significantly more, and the charging time increases to 12 hours.

A few words should be said about shock absorbers.

You have the opportunity to purchase vehicles with a good set of shock absorbers - this will make it possible to calmly and without discomfort overcome obstacles and drive on uneven roads. Yes, this adds weight to the scooter, but if you live in an area where there is more than just perfectly level asphalt, this is a good solution. It is possible to purchase only front shock absorbers or a complete set - depending on the needs and weight of the passenger. In general, the difference in the mass of a scooter with full or partial shock absorption is about two kilograms.

Almost all scooters are equipped with headlights (or at least LEDs), brakes (a prerequisite for a safe trip), many have an on-board computer with a display that displays useful information.

Make sure that all these additional functions work correctly. For example, a headlamp should emit a soft but bright, diffused light onto the road, rather than a large beam of light into the eyes of passers-by. Ideally, the ability to adjust the direction of the light beam is good.

Also, pay attention that the brake control is convenient, comfortable and, if necessary, can be used as quickly as possible - in emergency situations, the count can go for seconds, the delay in finding a small lever can cost health.

Ideally, it is best to take a scooter with a good on-board computer equipped with a bright screen. Here's the information it should display:

• the speed at which the scooter is traveling;
• mileage since the beginning of the trip;
• battery indicator.

An unobvious detail: if you have a color display, you may need a special visor to protect it from the sun. Black and white screens are devoid of such a need and display information equally brightly in any light.

We recommend the most classic brake: the lever on the left. Typically, scooters equipped with such brakes have a softer ride (in contrast to the disc version), and are also better protected from harmful external influences (sand, water, etc.).