Best electric scooter under 500 dollars: our in-stock picks and what to expect

How we picked

Every pick here was in stock and priced at or under $500 when we wrote this guide. Prices change with sales and options, so check the product page for the current price. We grouped the picks by the job they do rather than ranking them, because the right electric scooter under 500 dollars depends on your trip.

All figures come from the makers. For a wider view of what each price band buys, read electric scooters by budget.

Shop the collection: browse every electric scooter under $500, with current prices.

What to expect at this level

• Speed. 15 to 20 mph on most models. The NAVEE ST3 reaches 24.9 mph and the Nanrobot T1 about 25 mph.
• Range. Ratings of 12 to 25 miles are common, and models with bigger batteries reach 31 to 43.5 miles. NAVEE rates several of these at 9 to 9.3 mph, so expect less at full speed.
• Motor. One motor, rated from 250 to 800W. The INMOTION C10 is the exception here, with two 350W motors.
• Brakes. Usually an electronic brake plus one drum or disc. The Nanrobot T1 and INMOTION C10 have disc brakes front and rear.
• Tires. 8.5 to 10 inches on most stand-up models, solid, air-filled or tubeless. The AOTOS E3 uses 12-inch tubeless tires and the seated Hiboy models 14-inch air tires.
• Water resistance. IPX4 to IPX5 is typical. The NAVEE V40i lists IP55 and the NANROBOT C1 IP66.

Light and portable picks

For stairs, trains and small apartments. Our guide to the lightest electric scooters goes deeper on carrying and folding.

• Teewing X6 Backpack: 22 lb, folds into its own backpack, a 250W motor and a 220 lb maximum load. Built for short hops.
• NANROBOT H1: about 27.6 lb, 8.5-inch honeycomb solid tires, a rear disc brake, cruise control, a Bluetooth app and a 265 lb maximum load.
• Hiboy S2R Plus: 31.5 lbs with 9-inch air tires and a key-release battery you can charge indoors.
• INMOTION Air: 34.5 lbs, 10-inch tires, three riding modes, a 270Wh battery and a 264 lbs maximum load.
• NAVEE V40i: 39 lbs with a 700W motor, 10-inch pneumatic tires, a disc brake with E-ABS, turn signals on the handlebar and a hidden AirTag slot.

Maker figures, checked September 2026. Real range and speed depend on rider weight, terrain, temperature and riding mode.

Picks with more range

This is where budget models have improved most. A bigger battery adds a few pounds, but it covers longer commutes and leaves a margin as the battery ages.

• NAVEE G5 Max: a 46.8V 10.2Ah (477Wh) battery rated for 43.5 miles at 9.3 mph, a 1,000W peak motor, front and rear suspension, 10-inch tubeless tires, TCS traction control, turn signals, Apple Find My and IPX5. It weighs 49.8 lb and takes about 8 hours to charge.
• Hiboy S2 MAX: a 48V 11.6Ah battery rated for 40 miles, 10-inch self-healing tires and regenerative braking, at 40 lb. It has no suspension, so the air tires do the cushioning.
• NAVEE ST3: 477.4Wh rated for 37.3 miles at 9 mph, 24.9 mph, dual Damping Arm suspension and 10-inch self-sealing tubeless tires. At 54.7 lbs it is heavier, but it is the fastest NAVEE in this band.
• NAVEE G5 Pro: a 358Wh battery rated for 34.2 miles at 9.3 mph, with the same suspension and traction control as the G5 Max at 46.7 lb.

Maker figures, checked September 2026. Real range and speed depend on rider weight, terrain, temperature and riding mode.

Rough streets and heavier riders

Most Hiboy models in this band list a 220 lbs maximum load. If you weigh more, or your streets are broken up, these picks give you more margin:

• Nanrobot T1: an 800W rear motor, a 48V 10.4Ah battery, spring suspension front and rear, 10-inch off-road tires, dual disc brakes with EBS and a 330 lb maximum load. The stem adjusts to three heights.
• INMOTION C10: two 350W motors, a 30% hill climb, front and rear suspension, 10-inch pneumatic tires, triple braking, turn signals and IPX5. It weighs 62 lbs and carries 265 lbs.
• NANROBOT C1: a magnesium alloy frame, a 48V 10.4Ah battery, 10-inch self-healing tubeless tires, cruise control, IP66 and a 260 lb maximum load. The C1 2.0 reaches about 22 mph.
• AOTOS E3: a 477.36Wh battery, 12-inch tubeless tires, front and rear suspension, TCS traction control, turn signals and an app with a tire pressure alert.

Maker figures, checked September 2026. Real range and speed depend on rider weight, terrain, temperature and riding mode.

Seated picks

If standing for the whole ride tires you out, a seated model fits the budget too. The Hiboy Q2 and the Hiboy U2 with Seat both roll on 14-inch air tires with front and rear suspension, reach 20 mph and have a rear basket. Both weigh 61.5 lbs and carry up to 220 lbs. The Q2 is rated for 22 miles and the U2 for 25.

The NANROBOT M5 has 12-inch air tires, dual disc brakes, a front fork and a rear basket, with a 265 lb maximum load. Its 36V 5.2Ah battery is rated for 12.5 miles, so it suits short errands.

What you give up under $500

Every electric scooter under 500 dollars saves money somewhere. Knowing where helps you choose the savings you will not miss:

• Hills. A single motor slows on steep grades. Check the listed hill climb: the NAVEE ST3 lists 24%, and the INMOTION C10, with two motors, lists 30%.
• Brakes. Many models use one mechanical brake plus an electronic brake. Disc brakes at both ends are less common.
• Comfort. Suspension at one end, or none, is common. The Hiboy S2 MAX relies on its tires alone.
• Rider weight. 220 lbs is a common limit. Leave room for your bag.
• Range at speed. Ratings are measured gently, and small batteries feel it most at full speed.

If your trip is long or hilly, or you weigh over about 250 pounds, the next band up is worth a look. See our guide to electric scooters under $1,000.

Which one should you choose?

• Stairs or a train every day: the Teewing X6 Backpack, NANROBOT H1 or Hiboy S2R Plus.
• The longest commute in the band: the NAVEE G5 Max or the Hiboy S2 MAX.
• A little more speed: the NAVEE ST3 or the Nanrobot T1.
• Heavier riders: the Nanrobot T1, with its 330 lb maximum load.
• A seat and a basket: the Hiboy Q2, the Hiboy U2 with Seat or the NANROBOT M5.

Browse every model in the electric scooter shop. Every order ships free to the lower 48 states, orders placed by 2 PM ET ship in 1-2 business days, and you have 14 days to return a scooter that is not right. You can also split the cost with Pay in 4 at 0% APR or monthly payments with Affirm.

Questions riders ask