How Much Do Electric Scooters Cost?
Electric scooters cost between $150 and $6,500.
For a more specific answer, we’ve provided an in-depth breakdown of the different costs of electric scooters based on scooter type, rider, and use case.
We’ve also outlined maintenance costs, and shared the key factors that affect an electric scooter’s price tag.
From budget to performance, see how much different models costs.
From kids to adults, see how prices vary dependent on rider.
From fast to off-road, see how prices vary dependent on use.
Learn how to calculate the cost of charging your electric scooter.
Discover how much it costs to maintain and repair a scooter.
A run down of the key factors that determine a scooter’s price.
Cost by Type
Electric scooters costs based on the category are as follows:
| Category | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Budget | $300 – $700 |
| Commuter | $450 – $1,500 |
| Performance | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| High-Performance | $2,500 – $3,500 |
| Ultra-Performance | $3,500+ |
Budget
Budget electric scooters cost between $300 and $700.
These are basic models that have been designed to minimize cost while retaining as many key features as possible.
They are ideal for beginners because of their low speed, lack of complicated extra features, and cheap price tags.
Commuter
Priced from $450 to $1,500, commuter scooters are designed to be lightweight and portable.
They typically have a single motor, large batteries, and are equipped with frames that can easily handle the wear and tear of everyday use.
Performance
Performance scooters are significantly more expensive than both budget and commuter models, retailing between $1,500 and $2,500.
They have powerful motors, can reach up to 40 mph, and are best suited to riders who have some experience and want a fast-paced ride.
At this price, you get higher quality components – including suspension and semi-hydraulic brakes – as well as a range of extra features.
High-Performance
You can expect to pay between $2,500 and $3,500 for a high-performance scooter.
These can do everything performance models can, but they increase the power to an entirely new level.
They have large frames, can reach top speeds of up to 50 mph, and keep the wheels rolling for 40-90 miles. As a result of their big build and plethora of features, they are versatile and can tackle various terrain.
Ultra-Performance
Ultra-performance models are the highest class of scooter and cost more than $3,500.
All can reach top speeds of 50 mph, while some can exceed 75 mph. As to be expected, they are equipped with the highest-quality components – meaning hydraulic suspension, hydraulic brakes, and huge batteries that can deliver anywhere from 70 to 140 miles of range.
They’re also extremely large and heavy.
Costs by Rider
Electric scooters costs based on the rider are as follows:
| By Rider | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Kids | $150 – $400 |
| Teenagers | $250 – $850 |
| Students & College | 350 – $650 |
| Adults | $350 – $1,000 |
| Heavy Adults | $600 – $3,500 |
Kids
Kid's scooters are simple in their design, small, and have low power. All of this combines to keep the price range between $150 and $400.
Teenagers
Scooters for teenagers can cost anywhere between $250 and $850.
They’re cheap because younger riders are best suited to scooters that are both lightweight and don't exceed a top speed of 20 mph.
As the recommended age of an electric scooter goes up, so too does the price. For instance, models made for 13-14-year-olds costs $250-$380, while those for 15-16-year-olds cost $300-$600.
Students & College
Electric scooters for college students cost between $350 and $650.
They are affordable, lightweight, and come with the ideal combination of speed and range that’s perfect for riding to, from, and across campus.
Adults
Electric scooters that have been designed for adults come in a broad range of styles and use cases.
Consequently, you can get one at almost any price from $350 up to $6,500. However, you can find a reliable entry-level scooter that’s perfectly suited to beginners for under $1,000.
Heavy Adults
For between $600 and $3,500, you can purchase various scooters that have been built to accommodate heavy riders.
Heavier riders need a model with a high load-bearing capacity and a big frame. Consequently, these electric scooters can support 265-352 lbs of weight, come with wide dimensions, and are made of strong materials.
Cost by Use Case
Electric scooters costs based on the use case are as follows:
| By Use Case | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Portable | $450 – $1,000 |
| Commuting | $450 – $1,500 |
| All-Weather (Waterproof) | $450 – $3,500 |
| Seated | $600 – $3,500 |
| Long-Range | $600 – $3,500 |
| Suspension | $800 – $3,500 |
| Fast | $1,000 – $3,500 |
| Dual-Motor | $1,000 – $3,500 |
| Hill Climbing | $1,000 – $3,500 |
| All-Terrain (Off-Road) | $1,000 – $3,500 |
Portable
Portable scooters cost between $450 and $1,000.
They combine lightweight frames with quick folding mechanisms, collapsible handlebars, and telescopic stems.
Commuting
With the perfect mix of speed, range, portability, and all-weather credentials, commuter scooters typically cost between $450 and $1,500.
All-Weather (Waterproof)
Most waterproof scooters cost between $450 and $3,500.
While no scooter is entirely waterproof, many come with weather-resistant ratings – known as IP ratings – demonstrating how good they are at keeping moisture out.
A good-quality scooter will have a high IP rating, yet it’s not so much the rating that determines the cost of the scooter but rather the rest of its design – including strong brakes, tire performance (type, size, tread, and traction), braking power, deck grip, and fender placement.
Seated
Seated scooters tend to cost between $600 and $3,500.
Not everyone is comfortable standing up on a scooter, particularly if the journey is a long one. Some scooters come with optional seats that can be purchased and fitted, while others come with permanent seats already in place.
For context, those with attachable seats cost within the region of $600-$3,500, while those with built-in seats cost between $800 and $1,700.
Long Range
Depending on the size of the battery, the price of a long-range electric scooter can differ. In general, though, they cost between $600 and $3,500.
The longer the range of the scooter, the larger the battery it has, and the higher its price.
For instance, a scooter with a 30-mile range can cost $600, while a model with 90 miles costs $3,499. There are some exceptions, though, with some long-range scooters capable of a 60-mile maximum range being available to buy for just $1,500.
Suspension
You can buy a scooter with suspension for $800 – $3,500.
Suspension systems can range from basic springs and air shocks, to fully adjustable hydraulic coil-over-shocks. The better the suspension system, the more plush the ride.
Manufacturers of budget scooters tend to avoid suspension since it inflates the cost of the scooter. As a result, the vast majority of electric scooters with good shock absorption capabilities are higher up the price scale.
Fast
Fast electric scooters can have price tags that start at $999 and exceed $6,500.
As a rule of thumb, those that have a top speed of 30 to 40 mph cost between $1,000 and $2,000, while those that can hit 30-45 mph cost $2,000 – $3,500. Anything more powerful (i.e. topping speeds of 45 mph) costs upwards of $3,500.
The faster a scooter is, the more expensive it’s likely to be. This is because fast scooters need larger motors, bigger batteries, and durable frames that are capable of withstanding the pressures of high-speed riding.
Dual Motor
Home to two motors – one in the front wheel hub and one in the rear – dual-motor models vary in their power, and therefore, so too does their price.
Good quality models typically cost within the region of $1,000 – $3,500.
Like fast electric scooters, the price of dual-motor models is dependent on the power of the motors (including voltage, watts, nominal, and peak power).
Hill Climbing
Powerful electric scooters that can climb hills will set you back between $1,000 and $3,500.
Climbing hills requires powerful motors and batteries. Consequently, the steeper the hill, the more expensive the scooter.
All-Terrain (Off-Road)
Electric scooters that have been designed for off-road use are equipped with suspension systems, terrain-agnostic tires, and durable frames, as well as plenty of motor, battery, and braking power.
As a result, the price of a good-quality off-road scooter starts at $1,000 and reaches $3,500.
Charging Costs
How Much Does It Cost to Charge an Electric Scooter?
If you know the size of your scooter’s battery and your local electricity rate, it’s easy to calculate how much it will cost to charge your scooter.
In brief, you need to multiply the kilowatt-hour (kWh) value of your scooter’s battery by the cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity.
First, you need to calculate your battery’s watt-hours (Wh). To do this, multiply the battery’s voltage (V) by its amp-hours (Ah).
Next, divide this figure by 1,000 to convert it into kilowatt-hours.
Finally, multiply your battery’s kilowatt-hour value by your local electricity rate, and viola, you have the charging cost.
Example:
For example, we’ll use the EMOVE Cruiser and its 52V 30Ah battery.
Calculating the battery’s Wh value:
52V x 30Ah = 1560 Wh
Calculating the battery’s kWh value:
1560 Wh / 1000 = 1.56 kWh
Calculating the cost of charging the battery:
According to Save on Energy, the average residential electricity rate in the U.S. is 15.46 cents per kilowatt-hour ($0.1546).
1.56 kWh x $0.1546 per kWh = $0.24
So, with the calculations complete, it costs just $0.24 to charge the EMOVE Cruiser’s large 52V 30Ah battery. For context, this size battery can deliver up to 62 miles of ride time, which equates to a cost of just $0.004 per mile.
Charge Cost Table (Based on Popular Battery Sizes)
| Battery Size | Battery (kWh) | Avg. Electricity Rate (kWh) | Charge Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36V 5.2Ah | 0.19 | $0.15 | $0.03 |
| 36V 7.5Ah | 0.27 | $0.15 | $0.04 |
| 36V 10.4Ah | 0.37 | $0.15 | $0.06 |
| 48V 13Ah | 0.62 | $0.15 | $0.10 |
| 48V 15.6Ah | 0.75 | $0.15 | $0.12 |
| 52V 18.2Ah | 0.95 | $0.15 | $0.15 |
| 52V 20.8Ah | 1.08 | $0.15 | $0.17 |
| 52V 23.4Ah | 1.22 | $0.15 | $0.19 |
| 60V 24.5Ah | 1.47 | $0.15 | $0.23 |
| 60V 28Ah | 1.68 | $0.15 | $0.26 |
| 72V 32Ah | 2.30 | $0.15 | $0.36 |
| 72V 35Ah | 2.52 | $0.15 | $0.39 |
Per Mile Costs: Electric Scooters vs Cars
To give you an idea of how the cost of charging an electric scooter compares to other vehicle types, let's look at the most popular car in the USA, the Ford F-150.
A 2019 F-150 has a fuel tank with a 26-gallon capacity. The average cost for a gallon of diesel in the US (at the time of writing) is $5.319.
To fill the tank, it costs $138.29. Based on the average of 24 miles per gallon, the F-150 can cover a maximum of 624 miles on a single tank of diesel. This means that it costs 22 cents per mile.
Electric scooters are, therefore, on average, 98-99% cheaper to operate than cars.
Maintenance Costs
Servicing & Repair Costs
As with any vehicle, an electric scooter requires occasional maintenance and repair to keep it road-worthy. This can include a full service or replacement and repair of key components such as the display, brakes, controllers, or motors.
Some retailers include service packages or discounted rates on repairs if you buy your scooter from them. For example, Fluid Free Ride sells all their scooters with a 12-month warranty and Lifetime Service Commitment that entitles you to 50% off parts and labor.
This type of deal is well worth taking advantage of because when we spoke to a range of retailers and asked for their hourly labor costs we found that they can go as high as $170 per hour.
To give you an idea of how much you can expect to pay for certain servicing jobs (excluding the cost of the parts), see below:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tightening Stem | $35 – $55 |
| Replacing Display | $35 – $55 |
| Replacing Brake Calipers | $35 – $55 |
| Replacing Brake Pads | $55 – $75 |
| Brake Tuning | $35 – $75 |
| Replacing Horn / Buttons / Voltmeters | $35 – $75 |
| Tire Changes | $75 – $150 |
| Replacing Controller | $110 – $225 |
| Replacing Motor | $110 – $225 |
| Replacing Stem | $250 – $500 |
Cost Factors
There’s no one key feature that determines the price of a scooter. Instead, it’s a cumulative effect created by the value of each component.
Below, we’ve outlined the key factors that impact a scooter’s price.
Power:
Motor Power
The higher the motor power, the faster the top speed and acceleration.
Consequently, scooters with larger motors are more expensive.
Battery Power
The larger the battery’s energy capacity, the longer the scooter’s maximum range.
Scooters with larger batteries cost more.
Braking Power
The more advanced the brakes, the shorter the scooter’s stopping distance.
Powerful scooters have high speeds and produce lots of momentum. As a result, dual hydraulic brakes are required to bring them to a quick stop. These brakes sit at the top of the price scale.
On the other hand, less powerful scooters may only be equipped with a single brake – such as a disc or drum – while others rely on a combination of mechanical and electronic brakes. Under these circumstances, braking systems cost less.
Extended Warranties
Most scooter manufacturers and retailers offer a standard warranty to protect you against faults in the first 12 months, but some also let you purchase additional protection from Extend.
This is an insurance policy that acts as an extended warranty to cover your scooter should something go wrong. Additional cover can be bought for 1, 2, or 3 years and includes mechanical failure, electrical failure, and defects caused by normal wear and tear. It doesn’t cover accidental damage or damage resulting from misuse, though.
How much the cover costs depend on the size and complexity of the scooter. For example, Voro Motors offers one year of Extend cover for the EMOVE Cruiser for $84.99, two years for $139, and three years for $189. By comparison, they offer one year of Extend cover for the Kaabo Wolf King GT for $149, two years for $259, and three years for $369.
Ride Quality:
Suspension
As the shock absorption capabilities of a suspension system increase, so too does the ride quality.
From springs and air shocks to rubber cartridges and hydraulic pistons, there’s a vast array of suspension systems. As the system becomes more complex, they become more expensive.
Cheaper scooters have simple spring-based setups while more expensive models use systems that include hydraulics, swingarms, and multiple springs.
Similarly, scooters with suspension at the front and rear cost more than those that have either or.
Tire Type & Size
Tire type and size have a strong correlation to the cost of a scooter.
Kid’s scooters and basic budget models have cheap solid or foam tires.
Higher-quality budget scooters, as well as commuter and performance models, have tubed pneumatic tires filled with air.
The most expensive scooters – including high-performance and ultra-performance models – tend to be equipped with tubeless pneumatic tires. Some of these will also feature no-flat designs, meaning they are lined with a layer of slime that flows into penetrated areas to prevent punctures and flats.
Another indicator of a scooter’s price is the quality of the tires. While most are made from standard nylon, some expensive models – like the NAMI Burn-e 2 – can be equipped with PMT tires to deliver enhanced grip, handling, and eliminate wheel spin.
The size of a tire is indicative of price, too. Since electric scooter motors are mounted in the hub of a wheel, a larger tire indicates more motor power, and therefore a higher price.
Build Quality:
OEM
OEM stands for original equipment manufacturer and is defined as a company whose goods are used as components in the products of another company.
In the electric scooter world, OEM models are mass-produced scooters that are sold to different brands. These brands then rebrand the scooters and sell them.
Companies use OEM models to save money and sell cheap scooters. However, because the production of them is for the mass market, the quality control isn’t always as good as scooters that have been built using proprietary designs. This is especially true when brands buy thousands of OEM scooters and attempt to pack them with motors and batteries from different suppliers.
Proprietary Design
Scooters made from a proprietary design are unique to the manufacturer with all their parts being purposefully designed to fit together.
This process is expensive but results in high build quality. Many of Apollo’s more expensive models have been made this way, and their popularity speaks to the success of this technique.
CNC Machining
Scooters made using CNC (computer numerical control) techniques are machined from a single piece of raw material (i.e. aluminum alloy) in a series of digitally linked steps.
This means that they’re built to an exceptional degree of accuracy resulting in perfectly fitting parts and exceptionally strong joints.
While this is a relatively quick process, it requires lots of expensive equipment and complex programming. Consequently, scooters made using CNC machining are particularly pricey.
Materials
The better the materials used to make a scooter, the more durable they are, and the greater the build quality.
Some cheap scooters are made from heavy metals such as steel, but most are made from high-quality aluminum alloy. More expensive models, however, are fitted with carbon fiber parts.
The strength of the material used depends on the scooter. For an entry-level scooter that can reach 20 mph, standard aerospace-grade aluminum is suitable, but for an ultra-performance scooter, reinforced aluminum alloys are needed to ensure it can withstand the pressures of high speeds.
Extra Features:
Displays
While cheap displays may just show one or two pieces of information (usually speed or battery life), more expensive ones will be larger, show lots of details about your ride, and even allow you to customize some of your scooter’s settings.
You may also find that the displays on higher-priced scooters are more colorful and easier to view in direct light.
Some top-of-the-range scooters even have custom-designed displays, such as the HEX command center on the Apollo Phantom or the TFT on the Wolf King GT.
However, while some manufacturers design their own, many use standard displays like the QS-S4 and EY3. These common units can be found on scooters ranging from $800 to $3,000.
Lights
Electric scooter lighting rigs vary wildly. Some rely on a single headlight, others introduce taillights, and some even come equipped with turn signals and customizable LEDs.
Cheap scooters have weak headlights and taillights, and as the price of a scooter increases, so too does the power of the lights as well as the inclusion of different types.
Water-Resistance Ratings
More expensive scooters tend to have higher water-resistance ratings and are better protected in wet weather.
Most scooters come with an IP rating that ranges between IPX4 (protected against water splashes) and IPX6 (protected against powerful water jets).
Anti-Theft Features
Which anti-theft features are included on a scooter tends to depend more on the specific model rather than the price. However, some increase the price slightly.
Common anti-theft features include key-lock ignitions, digital locks, built-in cable locks, and remote-control alarm systems.
Horns
Horns are included on almost all electric scooters. However, they vary in their power.
While cheaper scooters will have simple bells, those that are more expensive can have motorcycle-grade horns capable of bellowing out 105 dB of honking action.
Seat Attachments
Scooters that come with seat attachments can vary in price but in most cases, the attachment must be purchased separately.
For example, the Hiboy S2 Pro costs $619 with an additional $89 required for the seat. The Wolf King GT, on the other hand, is $3,595 and you need to pay an extra $145 for the seat.
