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When considering an electric scooter, the first question that often springs to mind is, ‘How much will it set me back?’
It’s a common question, especially if you’re eyeing an e-scooter as a greener way to commute, or want to save on other means of transportation. Understanding the price is about finding the right fit for both your lifestyle and your wallet.
With years of hands-on experience in the realm of small electric vehicles, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the table. As an owner of several electric scooters and e-bikes, and someone who encounters new models and their pricing on a daily basis, I’m here to offer you insights you can trust.
Let’s get started!
the Average Cost of an Electric Scooter
Electric scooter prices may vary depending on different factors. Factors such as build quality, type of motor, battery range, electronics and software, rider-specific builds, and other additional features.
Here’s what to expect on price ranges of the following categories:
| Entry-Level | Mid-Range | High-End | |
| Kids’ E-Scooter | $60-$150 | $150-$300 | $300+ |
| City Commuter E-Scooter | $250-$500 | $500-$1,200 | $1,200+ |
| Off-Road E-Scooter | $1,000-$1,500 | $1,500-$2,500 | $2,500+ |
the Main Factors of Electric Scooter Price
I will quickly go through the most important electric scooter components that play the biggest part in the formation of the e-scooter price.
Motor
A key factor in an e-scooter’s cost is its motor. Cheaper models usually come equipped with motors around 250-700 watts, offering a maximum speed between 16mph and 25mph. These are suitable for casual riding and flat terrains.
On the other hand, more expensive scooters often feature motors exceeding 1,500 watts, capable of speeds over 50mph. These models excel in power and performance, handling steep inclines with ease and offering a more exhilarating ride.
In essence, the motor is a major determinant of both performance and price. Higher power and speed in a scooter’s motor usually equate to a higher cost, reflecting its enhanced capabilities.
Battery & Range
Most electric scooters use Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) batteries as the main source of energy to power the electric motors.
The battery acts the same way as a fuel tank to a regular engine.
On average, the batteries have capacities between 150 Wh (watt-hour) and 750 Wh. However expensive scooters have much more since they will not only power the higher-watt motor but will allow the scooter to travel more distance.
So, the more range the scooter has, the bigger battery it must have. Therefore, the bigger the battery is, the more costs the scooter.
The Quality of the Brakes
Electric scooters can be fitted with different types of brakes. Stopping is one of the most essential parts of an e-scooter but not every brake system is equally efficient.
Fully hydraulic disc brakes provide the best stopping power. At the same time, these kinds of brakes are the most expensive. So, most high-end e-scooters mostly have hydraulic brakes on both wheels.
On the next price level, scooters have mechanical disc brakes on both wheels.
Cheaper scooters mostly have one mechanical disc brake or drum brake on one wheel.
Build Quality
The overall build quality matters also a lot. This includes both the quality of components used and the materials selected for construction.
Scooters with named, branded components generally come with a higher price tag. These components, often from reputable manufacturers, promise reliability and performance. In contrast, scooters with unbranded or generic parts are usually more affordable but might compromise on longevity and efficiency.
The materials used in a scooter’s frame and body significantly affect its weight and payload capacity, which in turn influence the price.
High-end scooters often use materials like aluminum alloy or carbon fiber, which are lightweight yet strong, facilitating ease of transport and a higher payload capacity.
Additional Features
A good electric scooter can have lots of additional features such as:
- headlights,
- front and rear handbrakes,
- shock absorbers,
- mini compartments,
- turn signals,
- or even a detachable seat.
Although these features come with a cost, they will make your riding experience safer and more enjoyable.
Most Expensive Electric Scooters
Now, let’s shift gears and talk about some high-rollers in the electric scooter world. I’m about to introduce you to a few examples of the priciest e-scooters out there.
These aren’t your run-of-the-mill scooters; they’re the cream of the crop, packed with features that justify their hefty price tags.
I will discuss what features these models have that make them so expensive.
Dualtron X Limited and Nami Burn-E 2 Max
I won’t guarantee that these are actually the most expensive models right now. Probably not because the market is changing every day. Anyway, both models here are very expensive.
The normal price for Dualtron X Limited is almost $7,000 and Nami Burn-E 2 Max costs about $5,000. These models are definitely one of the most high-end electric scooters you can get. Let’s see what makes them so expensive.
Both have extremely powerful dual motors. Dualtron X has dual 2,000W motors and Nami comes with two 1,500W motors. It gives them super-aggressive acceleration and high top speed.
Both models can speed up to around 60 mph, which is more than most of us feel comfortable to ride.
Additionally, these scooters have batteries with a lot of energy capacity. While the battery of Nami has 2,880 Wh of energy capacity, the Dualtron X comes with 5,040 Wh.
Although these beast scooters weigh over 100 pounds (45 kg), these kinds of batteries can provide a range of even over 100 miles.
And of course, these models have fully hydraulic disc brakes with components from well-known brands. Also, they have high-end suspension systems that can handle the roughest terrain.
Not to mention all kinds of lights: front lights, rear lights, brake lights, deck lights turning signals. And what is also important, such high-end models often come with higher water-resistant ratings.
For example, Nami Burn-E 2 Max comes with waterproof connectors and controllers.
Affordable Electric Scooters
The following scooters are not just affordable but are very popular right now in the market.
Though not as rugged and heavy-duty compared to the models above, they have the essential features that will get you through the day!
And since all of them are lightweight, they are ideal for cross travel like if you will be using them before or after riding a train or a bus.
Gotrax GXL V2 and NIU KQi2 Pro
To demonstrate what electric scooters at the lower end of the price spectrum look like, I chose the Gotrax GXL V2 and Niu KQi2 Pro.
The first one is extremely popular on Amazon selling over 6,000 units within a month. And I can see why because it really is one of the most affordable adult electric scooters available.
The second model, Niu KQi2, is another model that is very popular both in the USA and Europe. I own the scooter myself and clearly see the reasons why people like it.
Okay, let’s see what these scooters have and what they don’t.
First of all, you can see, that these models are much smaller. The components on these scooters might not be from well-known brands but they accelerate and decelerate and at the end of the day, that’s what people want.
Both scooters I picked out have just 250W motors. One has a maximum speed of 15.5 mph and the other goes up to 17.4 mph. These speeds comply with regulations in most areas.
The cheaper price tag affects the range the most. The Gotrax model has a range of just 10 miles and my own tests with Niu show that a range over 20 miles is unrealistic.
For stopping, these models rely on only one disc brake (Gotrax) or drum brake (Niu). Since the speeds are not so high, these brakes get the scooter stopped easily. But clearly, these brakes are not as efficient as fully hydraulic brakes.
But even as cheap scooters as these, they still have lights and displays, so they basically have everything for casual commuting. They are just not as fancy as models that cost several thousands.
Hidden Costs of an Electric Scooter
When you’re eyeing that shiny new electric scooter, remember there’s more to consider than just the sticker price. Like an iceberg, there’s a lot hidden beneath the surface.
Here’s a rundown of those sneaky extra costs you should keep in mind:
- Maintenance and Upkeep: Just like any vehicle, e-scooters need some care to stay in top shape. Think about cleaning supplies, maybe a bit of wax, and definitely some tools for the odd tweak here and there. And remember, even though e-scooters are pretty sturdy, parts like tires and brake pads won’t last forever and will need replacing.
- Safety Gear: Safety always comes first, right? Helmets are a must, and if you’re just starting out, you might want to consider elbow and knee pads too. It’s a small price to pay for avoiding scrapes and bruises.
- Charging Costs: Sure, it’s way cheaper than fueling a car, but charging isn’t free. The cost depends on the scooter’s battery size and your local electricity rates, but it’s something to add to your budget.
So, while the upfront cost of an electric scooter can be pretty straightforward, these hidden expenses are crucial to consider for the full picture of e-scooter ownership.
Conclusion – Are Electric Scooters Worth It?
The short answer is yes!
E-scooters are a great way to start transitioning to a more eco-friendly environment. It is also good for time management as it lessens the commuting time between your home and workplace.
It will also save you a lot of money compared to riding a 4-wheel vehicle or using paid transport services like Uber.
Other than replaceable parts like tires and batteries, every component of the scooter will still be usable and relevant for the next 10 years, making it very efficient for long-term use.
The founder and the editor-in-chief of the Electric Wheelers blog. With a previous background in IT, sales, and video editing, he has now established himself as a micromobility expert.
He bought his first e-scooter over 5 years ago and since then has owned dozens of e-scooters and e-bikes. His deep understanding of the technical aspects, coupled with a keen eye for market trends, enables him to provide insightful and reliable content.
His commitment to promoting sustainable and efficient urban mobility solutions has made him a respected voice in the community of eco-friendly transportation enthusiasts.
