Best Electric Scooters Under $500 (All Tested)

Invariably, the first thing that’s seducing about the GXL is its price. Rolling in at a knee-slappingly affordable $349, this spirited mule delivers value for money by the bucket load.

Cheap it may be – but, tacky, it is not. The 250W motor delivers a top speed of 15.5 mph, which is quite the pace for its cost. The caveat here is – like most budget models – it requires a kick-start to reach the 2 mph threshold that will activate the motor. This, however, is a benefit if you’re new to electric scooters. There will be no sudden, jerky movements, and no careening into Gillian’s fence next door.

As an extra layer of safety and control, you have two speed settings. Speed 1 will take you up to 10 mph, and speed 2 lets the GXL off its leash.

Accompanying this plucky motor is a 36V 5.2Ah battery that has enough juice for a maximum range of 12 miles (or 8 miles when ridden in its fastest setting). While this isn’t a huge distance, it’s enough for most commutes and weekend forays. What’s more, with a charge time of just 4 to 5 hours, you can glide into the office, recharge on your employer’s electricity, and be fully stocked up again for the journey home.

One of the GLX V2’s biggest triumphs – and there are a few – is its dual-braking system. While most scooters at this price rely solely on mechanical or even stomp brakes, the GXL has a rear mechanical disc brake and front electronic braking. With both working together, you’ll find that the V2 is significantly more responsive than many other less well-equipped budget models.

Another highlight is its build quality. While some cheap scooters keep the price low with flimsy frames and tacky trimmings, the GXL V2 – if you haven’t realized already – is not one of them. This is a GoTrax model, so you can be assured of a durable construction made from aerospace-grade aluminum alloy and handlebars that, though basic, earn rave reviews for their ergonomic, functional design.

Thankfully, the GXL is also relatively kind on the backs of most riders. Extending 38 inches above the deck, the handlebars are well suited for riding without having to curl over in an awkward hunched position. However, if you are taller than 6 feet then I recommend opting for the Turboant X7 Max with its 41-inch deck-to-handlebar height. The deck, on the other hand, is coated in a grippy rubber and provides ample space for your feet – even if you have size 12 shoes.

One word of caution, though, is that due to its ground clearance, you’ll need to steer clear of curbs. With just 4 inches of clearance, the deck and battery are vulnerable to being scrapped and hit by mounting surfaces, so stick to flat, smooth roads.

The deck’s design does lend itself to a low center of gravity, though, and this aids its overall handling.

The GXL’s handling is further bolstered by its tires. Unfortunately, the vast majority of cheap models come equipped with solid rubber tires that offer no shock absorption. The GXL, however, deviates from this trend with a pair of plush pneumatic tires that absorb imperfections thrown up by roads and sidewalks. As a result, it achieves best-in-class ride quality.

Let’s shift our attention to the cockpit. Here, you’ll find the thumb throttle. Hold it down for 10 seconds and cruise control – yes, the GXL has cruise control – will take over. On the left, you’ll find a single lever that operates both brakes simultaneously. Above it is a simple bicycle bell; it’s not as loud as a horn, but it’s a compromise I’m willing to make given the generous serving of extra features that, quite honestly, have no right being on a sub-$350 scooter.

The LED display is basic, but nevertheless, it charts your speed, mileage, and battery life, which is all anyone can ask of a model that costs less than a bicycle.

So, speed? Check. Stamina? Check. Durability? Check. Safety? Check. What about portability? Well, weighing just 26.4 lbs, the GXL V2 is the joint-second lightest scooter I’ve ever tested. Compared to the Unagi Model One – which costs three times more – the V2 brings just 0.4 lbs of extra weight to the scale.

With a clean and simple folding mechanism in tow, it’s one of the best scooters in any price bracket when it comes to car trunks and flights of stairs. And what’s even more impressive is that despite its lightweight profile, this scooter has a load-bearing capacity of 220 lbs.

Surely, the GXL V2 must have a weak spot? The answer is… not really.

If there was one area that GoTrax skimped on, it was the lighting rig. The headlight could do with some additional support, but it does a good job in well-lit areas. You’ll need to purchase a taillight, though, because it’s completely void of one.

But hey, you can’t have it all. Perhaps the IP54 water-resistance rating – which protects the scooter from sprays in any direction – will soften this small blow.

And anyway, let’s not split hairs. The GXL V2 is the perfect scooter if you have a limited budget, want to commute around a well-maintained urban environment or hang out with friends. It punches well above its weight in every category.