How Much Does an Electric Scooter Cost?

At the low end, or let's call it budget end, we have electric scooters for under $300. These are usually kids' scooters with low-capacity batteries, underpowered motors, and poor brakes. But for kids as a fun toy, they are popular.

However, there are exceptions, and some really good inner-city commuters can be found at around the $250 mark. Not many, at the time of writing but they do exist.

Stepping above the $300 and up to $500 is still considered a budget area but the market is opening up as far as performance and choice go. Here we have proper commuter scooters. Many different models to choose from that offer more features and various different configurations. The top speed is higher as is battery quality. Some might have suspension, dual braking systems, regenerative braking, and so on. Very good for short distances.

Lightweight and portability are at the forefront of these e scooters. They won't be strong uphill though and don't expect them to last forever. Durability rises with the price.

This is what many first-time users will get. The inner-city commuter or last-mile solution problem solver that you can fold, carry and stow away easily.

The next level is where you step up and will find premium models that will reflect a better riding experience amongst other things. Spending between $500-$2000 will ensure you get what you are looking for.

This is more of everything. You will typically get more speed, motor power, dual motors, better braking systems, be able to travel over rough terrains, a higher overall quality, pneumatic tires, the list goes on. It will mean they are heavier so even if they are foldable, you won't carry them for long distances.

Top speeds of 40+mph (64 kph) are not uncommon.

This is for those who are comfortable on e-scooters and need to travel longer distances at higher speeds regularly.

In the $2000-$5000 bracket you will find higher-end proper performance scooters. This is the heavy league and they will look the part as well. This is not your inner-city daily commuter but rather an alternative to a motorcycle. Big, heavy, dual motors, hydraulic braking systems, big batteries, very long-range, can be 40-50 miles (65-95 km), top speeds of 40+mph (65+kph) double suspension, bigger tires.

Sure, some might think an average price for an electric scooter should be around or below the $1000 mark and the asking price for these ones is too hefty. But remember, in the same way as you can buy a budget road bike or MTB at $1000, you can't compare that to a professional bike used by the pros on the Tour. Such a bike costs above $10 000. And there is a huge difference in quality and technology.

For a proper MTB you need to be prepared to pay $2000 and even then, you are at the first step of the ladder.

These high-end e scooters are not for those looking for cheap scooters. The typical user will probably be comfortable on dirtbikes, sporty outdoor activities and will know and understand that rough-riding needs proper equipment. They will want a powerful scooter.

The difference in price is a reflection of what components and how many of them are on an e-scooter. For example, hydraulic brakes or mechanical brakes, dual or single braking systems, what type of battery and capacity, single or dual motor, and so on.

Using metal and sturdy quality materials for the frame will be more expensive as well as durable than plastic components. If it has any lights and other specs also play a part.

Building a superlightweight portable e scooter at the lowest cost will give you a cheap option. Building a superlightweight portable e scooter that is also extremely durable is possible but will never be able to compete in price with the cheapest ones.

In addition, not buying a scooter at the lowest end of the budget scale, also means that the resale value is higher should you want to sell it.

Buying a second-hand e scooter can be a good idea. Especially if you are looking for a premium e scooter. Buying a second-hand budget e scooter is probably riskier.

The battery is the most important part of the electric scooter. How many life cycles has it left? Buying second hand might mean you get it at the end of it's life cycles and needs replacing. This is quite expensive.

If the owner has had the same battery for 2-3 years, be wary if he's been riding frequently.

The rest of the e scooter has a story to tell. Look it over and see the overall state. Some people claim they have only used it a couple of times yet it looks like it has been through the Paris Dakar rally.

Overall wear and tear, check underneath, check the brakes, see if the suspension is still working as it should. Does it reach it's top speed? Can it climb a hill without running out of puff? If not, the battery is tired, whatever the owner says.

An e-scooter is not like a car. How many people will take care of it, clean it properly and look after I like they would their car? Hell, a lot of people even ignore their cars by the look of it.

This is a hop-on and get me from A to B vehicle and as such is probably only treated with that in mind most of the time.

Buying new will always be a safer bet but, you could find a good premium e scooter second-hand and if you do your due diligence, it might be worth it.

You get what you pay for. There is no reason why this wouldn't apply to an electric scooter in the same way it does with other technical products. Having said that, there are quite a few really good electric scooters at very low prices. If you consider what this vehicle can do. Some cheaper models are brilliant at getting you from A to B in such an effortless way.

Price, how much a product costs, or how much someone thinks it should cost, is probably as varied as there are people on the planet. But there are factors to consider. R&D, manufacturing, components, workforce, transportation, the list goes on. All these things add to a product's price and in the end, we as consumers must decide for ourselves what we want to pay.

Electric scooters have a big span so the options are plentiful.