The cheapest electric scooters for adults in the UK
Looking at the average price of an electric scooter, we can say that an electric scooter under £500 is cheap. Saving too much on an e-scooter can end up costing you dearly. Broken parts are not always easy to replace and once you have to say goodbye to the scooter, you lose your buying advantage.
On this page, we explain how a cheap e-scooter differs from a more expensive model. We also list 5 models with a small price tag and good reviews.
Last updated on: 04-12-2022
The definition of a cheap electric scooter
An adult e-scooter on Ukscooter.co.uk costs an average of £848. Among these are outliers of £3,000 that boost the average price. Based on the average price of an electric scooter, we can classify the following three price categories:
Tip: before buying a cheap e-scooter, always check the carrying weight carefully. The cheapest e-scooters are often only suitable for children.
The difference between a cheap scooter and a more expensive model
A cheap e-scooter loses out mainly on range (the maximum range on a full battery) compared to a more expensive scooter. The average electric scooter for adults up to £500 can cover 20 kilometres. For scooters from £500 to £800, it is 37 kilometres.
The power of the battery determines how many kilometres you can travel on a full battery. The battery is usually the most expensive part of the scooter. So if you choose a cheap scooter, you often compromise on the range.
Top-5 cheapest electric scooters in the UK
We have selected 7 cheap models from well-known brands such as Ninebot by Segway and Xiaomi. Please note that all e-scooters are suitable for adults.
[Click on the links to read more about this model]
#1. Xiaomi Scooter 3
The best electric scooter up to £500
Top speed: 25 km/h | Range: 30 km | Charging time: 5.5 hours | Wheel size: 8.5″ | Tyre type: Pneumatic tyres
PRO’S AND CONS
+ Range of 30 kilometres
+ Weighs only 13.2 kg
– Charging time of 5.5 hours
The Xiaomi Scooter 3 was launched in 2021 as a new budget e-scooter within the Xiaomi collection. For riders looking for a lightweight, foldable, e-scooter for everyday use, this model is an interesting choice.
At 25 km/h, the maximum speed is in line with the average European speed standard. A full battery gives you a maximum range of 30 kilometres.
The Mi Scooter 3 features two 8.5″ pneumatic tyres. Although the scooter has no suspension, the tyres do have shock-absorbing capability.
You brake using the handbrake on the left side of the handlebars. This controls the (updated) dual-pad disc brake at the rear wheel.
An empty battery is fully recharged in 5.5 hours. The scooter features the same NE1003-H Lithium ion battery as the Xiaomi 1S. Xiaomi guarantees 500 recharges with more than 70% power retention.
#2. Xiaomi Essential
Cheapest scooter with shortest charging time
Top speed: 20 km/h | Range: 20 kilometres | Charging time: 4 hours | Wheel size: 8.5″ | Tyre type: Pneumatic tyres
PRO’S AND CONS
+ Charging time of 4 hours
+ Lightweight at only 12.5 kg
– Maximum range of 20 kilometres
The Xiaomi Essential is one of the cheapest e-scooters in Xiaomi’s range. The Chinese company is known for good-quality budget products. The Xiaomi Essential was released in 2020 and has since become one of the best e-scooter up to £300.
The Mi Essential has a minimalist design very similar to the equally popular Xiaomi M365. The frame is largely made of aluminium. This makes it weigh just 12,5 kg. Using the folding system, you can easily fold the scooter and take it with you on the train, for example.
With a full battery, you can cover 20 kilometres. If the battery is empty, you can recharge it completely in 4 hours. While riding, you can switch between three speed settings via the button on the handlebar. In top gear, you achieve a top speed of 20 km/h.
The redesigned 8.5″ pneumatic tyres benefit from improved, robust and puncture-resistant material that is up to 3 times more durable than previous Xiaomi versions.
#3. Xiaomi 1S
The best and cheap e-scooter up to 25 km/h
Top speed: 25 km/h | Range: 30 kilometres | Charging time: 5.5 hours | Wheel size: 8.5″ | Tyre type: Pneumatic tyres
PRO’S AND CONS
+ Maximum range of 30 kilometres
+ Three different speed modes
– Charging time of 5.5 hours
The Xiaomi 1S is one of the latest releases within the Xiaomi collection. Because of its good value for money, the Xiaomi 1S is also a widely chosen e-scooter among adults in 2022.
The Xiaomi 1S features a 250W motor, powered by a 275 Wh Li-ion battery. At full speed, the odometer pulls through to the 25 km/h mark. With a full battery, you can ride this for about 30 kilometres. If the battery is empty, you can recharge it within 5.5 hours.
The folding system allows you to fold the scooter within seconds. This allows you to lift the scooter with a total weight of 12.5 kg by the handlebar tube.
While riding, the battery percentage can be read from the LED display. This also shows the current speed, acceleration and any maintenance messages. Via the Mi Home app, you can pair the Xiaomi 1S with your phone. This allows you to lock the scooter, view ride statistics and update to new firmware upgrades.
#4. Ninebot E22E
The cheapest e-scooter with solid tyres
Top speed: 25 km/h | Range: 22 kilometres | Charging time: 3.5 hours | Wheel size: 9″ | Tyre type: Solid anti-puncture tyres
PRO’S AND CONS
+ Weighs only 13.5 kg
+ The battery is fully charged within 3.5 hours
– Maximum speed of 20 km/h
Since its presentation in 2020, the Ninebot E22E has become the prize fighter within the Segway Ninebot collection. The E22E is a good entry-level scooter with a sturdy build.
The scooter has a top speed of 20 km/h. With the 184 Wh battery present, it will take you up to 22 kilometres. A big advantage of the Ninebot E22E is its relatively short charging time. In 3.5 hours you charge the battery fully again.
Want to boost its speed and range? You can. By connecting a second battery to the handlebar stem, you increase the top speed to 25 km/h and can ride 45 kilometres.
The Ninebot E22E is also easy to lift. With a weight of 13,5 kg and the ability to fold the scooter, you can take it anywhere.
#5. NIU KQI3 Sport
The cheapest electric scooter with a large range
Top speed: 25 km/h | Range: 40 km | Charging time: 5 hours | Wheel size: 9.5″ | Tyre type: Pneumatic tyres
PRO’S AND CONS
+ Easy to fold
+ Range of 40 kilometres
– Maximum load weight of 100 kg
This is one for the city person. Need a lightweight e-scooter you can take anywhere? The NIU KQi3 Sport, made of aerospace-grade aluminium, lends itself perfectly to this. With a top speed of 25 km/h and a range of 40 km, this two-wheeler will take you safely from A to B.
Real city people can have a blast with the KQi3. With this electric scooter, you fly through the city at 25 km/h. Don’t worry if you speed up, as the vehicle features a safe braking system.
There is a strong disc brake on the front wheel which allows you to brake quickly when needed; both on dry and wet roads.
With this smart regenerative braking system of the NIU KQi3 e-scooter, you also save energy when braking. During braking, energy is stored back in the battery.
The NIU App allows you to securely lock your KQi3 Sport with ease. Also handy: the NIU app lets you view ride statistics or adjust your speed.