Electric scooters are redefining transport for multiple generations, so it’s small wonder that we’re all completely obsessed with them. However, their surge in popularity has led to an endless flood of new models being released. If you’re looking to buy one, it can be an absolute nightmare trying to navigate the market.
Some have lots of bells and whistles, but don’t perform where it counts; others are quite stripped back, but have great fundamentals; some are overpriced, some offer great bang for your buck. It’s all just a little, shall we say… overwhelming.
Well, not to worry, my fellow e-nut! I’ve done the legwork for you and curated this list of the 5 best electric scooters you can bring home for less than $1000. Let’s get to it!
Best Electric Scooter Under 1000: Reviews
OUR TOP PICK
EDITORS CHOICE
BEST VALUE
OUR TOP PICK
Segway Ninebot MAX
Best Overall
The Segway Ninebot MAX is one of, if not the, most popular commuter e-scooters of all time, and for good reason too. This thing is an absolute beauty!
The sleek frame has a very business-like quality about it, and thanks to the 10” pneumatic tires, front and rear shocks, and wide deck, it’s a joy to ride — work and play in equal measure!
With a super bright, integrated LED display, the MAX delivers all key information to you clearly, so you can focus on the road ahead, making it safe to ride through bustling city streets.
Partner companies Segway and Ninebot claim that it can travel 40 miles on a single charge in optimal conditions. During tests, I managed to pull 26 out of it, which is still very impressive, especially as I was traveling at the top speed of 18.5 miles per hour.
Acceleration isn’t going to give you whiplash or anything, and it’s a kick-to-start model, but it’s got enough zip to keep most riders smiling, and when you need to stop, the dual drum/electronic brake system will kill your momentum dead in just about 4 yards.
Pros
- Dual-brake system — Much safer
- 10” pneumatic tires, and shocks — Very smooth ride!
- Style — Looks unreal
- 40-mile advertised range — Get you to and from work without breaking a sweat.
- Foldable — highly portable
Cons
- Acceleration — Not super quick off the mark.
Also available from…
EDITORS CHOICE
Gotrax G MAX Ultra
Best Range
If you’re looking for a commuter scooter that can cover some serious ground, then the G MAX Ultra from the Gotrax team is absolutely the one for you.
In optimal conditions, this monster e-scooter will carry you 45 miles on a single charge. I was getting closer to 29 during my testing, but that’s to be expected. It also has a jacked top speed of 20 mph. I was clocking it in around 19.5 mph, which is close enough to spec for me!
Luckily, to keep you feeling fine as you whiz through the city at 19 mph+, the MAX Ultra has a pair of 10” pneumatic tires. Now, there’s no suspension to speak of here, but the tires do a sterling job of reducing impact transition.
It comes with a dual-braking system composed of one top-notch disc brake and one anti-lock e-ABS brake for ultimate stopping power, however, as good as it is, one thing to keep in mind is its size.
This thing isn’t small, and it’s verging on 45 lbs, so even though it folds down nicely, it can still be tricky to manage in a tight spot.
Pros
- Dual-Brakes — Great for emergency stops
- 45-mile range — Plenty of juice to get you from A to B
- 20 mph top speed — You’ll never be late!
- Foldable — Collapses down for easy storage and transit.
Cons
- No suspension — Ride could be smoother.
- BIG! — It’s quite unwieldy, even when folded.
Also available from…
BEST VALUE
Hiboy S2 Pro
Best Mid-Range
The Hiboy S2 Pro is all most commuters will need in a scooter, and it comes at a fraction of the cost of the models we’ve looked at so far.
Boasting a high-quality aluminum frame, it’s both robust and lightweight, which, combined with the excellent folding mechanism, makes it a highly portable design.
Cards on the table, it has solid tires, but for easy-going commutes and inner-city rambles, it’s not a huge drawback; however, if you do find yourself traversing challenging terrain, prepare yourself for a bumpy ride.
It has a top speed of 19 mph, which is enough to give the speed freak in you a few kicks, as well as get to work on time, and being that this is one nice-looking scooter, you’ll be looking good when you get there!
Acceleration is another strong suit with the S2 Pro, capable of hitting 15 mph in as little as 6 seconds. Alas, the brakes aren’t quite as impressive, so bear that in mind before you crank that throttle.
Pros
- Acceleration — Very snappy of the mark
- Good top speed — Gets you where you need to be fast
- Dual-brake system — Better than a single brake
- Foldable — Very portable
- Zero-air tires — No punctures here, folks!
Cons
- Stopping power — Brakes aren’t that great
- Solid tires — Not the comfiest ride ever.
Also available from…
RUNNER UP
Segway Ninebot E45
Most Portable
The E45 from Segway Ninebot is a remodeling of one of their absolute classic designs, and it’s a resounding triumph. Featuring dual batteries for an extra-long run time, you can blast out 20 miles on this thing, and it won’t break a sweat.
It also has a top speed of 18.6 mph, so prepare yourself for some swift shredding when you step on the E45’s deck.
And speaking of decks, the E45 offers a slim but spacious platform for you to get comfortable on, so no need to assume any awkward stances in order to squeeze yourself onboard.
Unfortunately, the tires are solid, but on the bright side, they’re completely puncture-proof, and during my testing, thanks to the front shock, the ride was buttery smooth. But prepare for some serious turbulence during anything other than street riding.
It’s one of the only e-scooters I’ve ever come across to offer triple-factor braking, combining mechanical, electrical, and magnetic units to facilitate supreme stopping power, ensuring the safest ride possible.
But my favorite part of the E45 is the 36 lbs lightweight build and slick folding mechanism that makes it a total breeze to manage on foot.
Pros
- 36 lbs — Easy on the arms
- Folding mechanism — One of the best
- Triple-brake system — Helps to prevent accidents
- 9-inch tires — Make small work of obstacles
- Dual battery — 28 miles in optimal conditions.
Cons
- Solid wheels — Ride can be rough at times.
Also available from…
RUNNER UP
Gotrax GXL V2
Best Budget Pick
Okay, so I know that you have a budget of around 1K, but this awesome value for money Gotrax creation may be all the e-scooter you need. Yes, it is definitely a “Beginner” e-scooter, but as far as entry-level designs go, it’s amazing!
It has a 12-mile range, which is fine for a longish commute so long as you can charge while you work; it has large pneumatic tires that provide a very luxurious ride, even without any additional shocks; and you get a highly effective rear disc brake for excellent stopping power.
Something I really enjoyed about the V2 was the deck. During testing, I felt very secure, as it’s a nice, long surface, and the grip is top-notch.
This scooter is also a really good climber, which I wasn’t expecting at this price point, so if you’ve got some hills to conquer on your daily rides, the V2 should be a serious contender!
Pros
- Price — Awesome bang for your buck
- Disc brake — Premium stopping power
- Large pneumatic tires — Great ride quality
- 12-mile range — Fantastic for the price
Cons
- Top speed — Could be a bit quicker
- Acceleration — Not the quickest
Also available from…
Buyer’s Guide
Build And Durability
A thousand dollars (or thereabouts) is a lot to spend on anything, so you’ll want your electric scooter to have longevity.
This is why your first port of call should be to assess the quality of the build. Look for clean welds, flush-fit components, and never settle for anything less than a high-grade aluminum or carbon fiber frame.
These materials are both extremely strong, and miraculously lightweight, giving your prospective scooter both staying power and manageability.
Deck
The deck of a scooter is the platform you stand on as you ride, and there are two main factors to consider: size and grip.
- Size
A sizable deck gives larger riders more wiggle room, allowing them to assume more comfortable and stable stances during a shred, but the larger the deck, the more the scooter will weigh and the less nimble it will feel.
- Grip
Some scooters use a rubber grip pad, while others use grip tape. A rubber pad tends to be longer-lasting and offers more traction.
Cockpit
The cockpit is the section directly in front of you, and it’s made up of the display, brakes, throttle, and handlebars. I’ll cover brakes separately a bit later, so let’s focus up on the rest of the cockpit for now.
- Display
The key to an effective LED display is brightness and clarity. Sure, it can be neat having a bunch of different data sets available to you, but what’s important is you can see certain bits of important information quickly, so you can return your focus to the path ahead ASAP.
An LED display that dims at night is also great, as it reduces glare, giving you better visuals to navigate in the dark. The display can be integrated into the stem of the scooter or attached as a discrete unit near the handlebar.
- Handlebars
Most electric scooters will have an adjustable height stem, so you can find your sweet spot and take long excursions without developing a hunch back or any aches and pains. If you’re particularly short or tall, be sure to take note of the stem’s adjustable range before you make the purchase.
You’ll also need to consider the grips. High quality rubber is your best bet. You need them to be as comfortable as possible, as there are a number of sensitive joints in the hand.
- Throttle
You have two options here: twist-grip or thumb throttle
A twist-grip throttle is integrated into the handle. Just twist, and off you go. A thumb throttle is a little paddle by the handles. Rotate it by pushing on it with your thumb, and off you zoom.
Lights
Much like any vehicle, your e-scooter needs lights to make you visible in the dark. Unfortunately, factory e-scooter lights are rarely up to snuff, so you may have to replace them, even if the rest of the scooter is of the highest quality.
When assessing the quality of lights, there are two things to consider:
- Position
A light that’s mounted higher up on the stem will give you a better spread of light, thereby increasing your visuals at night.
- Luminance
The brighter the lights, the more you will see and the more visible you will be to others.
Side-Note — You may also want to keep an eye out for reflectors for ultimate after-dark safety.
Zero-Start Vs Kick-To-Start
Zero-start means that you can use the throttle from stationary, and a kick-start means you have to physically push the scooter up to a certain speed before the throttle activates.
Zero-start is generally preferred by seasoned riders looking for something snappy off the mark, whereas kick-to-start functionality can help riders master their e-scooter safely.
Acceleration
Once you’ve decided on a start type, you should consider the acceleration you need. If you’re going to be trying to keep up with traffic, you’ll need something with some serious zip, but you should also consider ramp.
A smooth ramp means that the scooter builds speed evenly over time, helping to maintain rider stability.
Top Speed
How fast do you want/need to go? Most scooters in this price range can travel between 20 and 30 miles per hour, but you can find real quality models that max out at 18 mph if you’re looking for something a little more modest.
Battery And Range
The battery of an e-scooter determines how far you’ll be able to travel in one go. Watt hours is the unit you need to keep an eye on. The beefier the watt hours, the further you’ll get on a single charge; however, typically speaking, this will also lead to a longer recharge time.
Climbing Power
The climbing power of e-scooters is usually given in degrees. Some may only be designed to tackle 10° inclines, while other, more powerful models can tackle 30°+ inclines. They can typically go a bit beyond their rated climbing ability too, albeit at a slower pace.
As a rule of thumb, to tackle most urban inclines, you should be looking for an electric scooter with at least a 250-watt motor.
Tires, Suspension, & Ride Quality
The best tires are pneumatic (air-filled), and the larger they are, the cozier the ride will be. However, if you want something that can really take the venom out of some gnarly terrain, look for something with pneumatic tires and suspensions.
Solid tires are the alternative. They’re more affordable and completely puncture-resistant, but they have no give (leading to a bumpy ride) and offer less traction.
Brakes
Your options are four-fold when it comes to brakes:
- Disc
- Foot
- Electric
- Drum
Mechanical disc brakes are where it’s at with e-scooters — one at the front, and one at the rear if possible. This is especially true if it’s a high speed model that requires extra stopping power.
Electrical brakes can also be effective if they’re well made, as can drum brakes, and they’ll keep the cost of the scooter down.
Portability
Most e-scooters on the market fold down, making them easier to carry by hand and store, which is great, but keep an eye on the weight of the scooter. What good is a folding stem if the unit weighs 55 lbs+.
Weight Capacity
Every e-scooter has a weight limit. The closer you are to that capacity, the more performance will suffer, so make sure you choose something with plenty of headroom.
Best Electric Scooter Under 1000: Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Get A Good Electric Scooter For $1000
Yep! You can get an amazing electric scooter for $1000. Heck, you can get an awesome model for as little as $500. This kind of price point will normally get you pneumatic tires, solid climbing abilities, and a dual-brake system — the good stuff.
Is An Electric Scooter Worth It?
From an economic, practical, and environmental standpoint, an electric scooter is a worthy investment. They cost next to nothing to run, they’re swift enough to get you where you need to be with time to spare, they don’t spew toxic fumes into the atmosphere, and they’re super fun!
Are Electric Brakes On E-Scooters Good?
Electric brakes can be great, but it depends on their quality. Most electronic brakes at the mid to lower end of the market don’t have such great stopping power and will often need to be combined with a foot, drum, or disc brake to be effective.
Do Electric Scooters Last?
Even lower-end electric scooters are capable of lasting many years, so you can guarantee that if you funnel a bit more money into your budget, you’ll have a faithful steed for a long, long time.
When they do eventually run into some issues, it’s rarely anything with the frame. It’s more commonly an issue with the electronics or battery, which can be fixed quite easily.
Are Electric Scooters Dangerous?
Much like any mode of transportation, e-scooters can indeed be dangerous, but as long as you’re careful, choose one with power that matches your confidence and abilities, and respect those around you, you shouldn’t run into any troubles.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, folks — 5 truly insane electric scooters you can snag for less than $1000. They’re all very different, so consult the buyer’s guide to help you figure out which is most suited to you. Happy scootin’!
