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An Electric Scooter Buying Guide For 2024

January 23, 2024

Image commercially licensed from Unsplash

Buying an electric scooter can be challenging due to the many options available. Prices range from $400 to over $5,000. There are unreliable websites offering fake reviews. This guide will show that electric scooters differ significantly in style, price, features, and origin.

Electric Scooter Categories

Choosing an electric scooter can be difficult for newcomers. We’ll simplify your decision by categorizing scooters by price, detailing what each range offers, matching scooters to your experience level, and explaining the benefits of increasing your budget.

Budget Electric Scooters (<$500)

Most budget electric scooters are suitable only for light recreational use, ideal for errands or brief rides on smooth terrain. For regular use or travel over rough ground, opt for a more powerful scooter.

Budget scooters often have motors under 300W, similar to shared scooters, with a range of 8-10 miles and a top speed of 15 mph. They typically have a single mechanical brake, which may offer limited stopping power.

However, some models in this category provide exceptional value, proving that affordability does not necessarily compromise quality.

Commuter Electric Scooters ($500 to $2000)

Commuter electric scooters are categorized into three groups based on price. Within these categories, scooters offer a balance of features, quality, and performance.

Budget commuter (<$1000)

Budget electric scooters offer improved power, range, and speed, with up to 20 mph and a 15-mile range. Enhanced brakes provide shorter stopping distances. They’re well-built for daily use on smooth paths and moderate hills, remaining light under 40 lbs for portability. Typically featuring 300W-800W motors, these scooters are reliable and may include suspensions. A common design is mixed tires—air-filled in front and solid in the back—for comfort and low maintenance. All models under $1000 use a single motor, except the Unagi E500, with dual-motor designs found in higher-end scooters.

Mid-ranged Commuter Electric Scooters (< $1,500)

Performance and features significantly improve in this scooter category, most now with suspension. With larger batteries and motors, these scooters reach over 25 mph and offer a 20+ miles range. Power reaches up to 1000W, including dual motor setups for better acceleration and hill-climbing. However, they often weigh over 40 lbs, which affects portability.

Premium Commuter Electric Scooters (< $2,000)

Premium electric scooters provide a more comfortable, safe, and extended-range ride with better suspension, larger motors, bigger batteries, and advanced brakes. These models, however, are heavier, some over 60 lbs, which can complicate transport and handling. Expect top speeds around 30 mph, ranges exceeding 25 miles on one charge, and motor power between 1000W to 2000W, often with dual motors for enhanced performance. They also support heavier riders, with some accommodating up to 330 lbs.

Performance Electric Scooters (<$2,500)

Performance electric scooters offer luxury commuting options with high speeds (up to 40 mph) and long ranges (30-40 miles). Dual motors provide up to 2000W of power, and large tubeless tires (10-11 inches) and suspension systems enhance handling and ride quality. Premium features include semi-hydraulic or hydraulic brakes, powerful lights, and turn signals. These scooters offer a well-rounded commuting experience with a balance of speed, comfort, safety, and convenience

Beast Electric Scooters (> $4,000)

Beast electric scooters, also known as racing or hyper scooters, offer an unmatched experience and represent the pinnacle of electric scooter technology. These scooters are highly attention-grabbing and are not recommended for beginners. At Flash Motors, you can find electric city or off-road hyper scooters.

With prices typically ranging from $4,000-$11,000, they require a significant investment but deliver an adrenaline rush to enthusiasts. They are not portable, weighing over 100 lbs, but compensated with powerful motors (3,000W-7,000W) and battery capacities over 1500Wh, enabling speeds of 50 mph and exceptional acceleration and hill-climbing capabilities. The scooters offer long ranges, with some models covering up to 50-80 miles on a single charge.

Beast Electric Scooters boast excellent braking systems, including disc brakes for enhanced stopping power. They provide a unique riding experience, elevating electric mobility to a new level and are a valuable addition to any enthusiast’s collection, but they require expertise and skill to operate safely.