Due to social distancing and more eco-friendly incentives, many countries in Europe have integrated e-scooter into their daily commute or as an alternative to driving or using public transport. While private e-scooter use in public is not yet permitted in the UK, rental electric scooters have grown in popularity over the last year around the country, and new regulations are starting to come into play.
E-scooters are essentially standard scooters that you may have whizzed around on as a child but have an added battery pack and a small electric motor, which turns them into a small portable vehicle. Some electric scooters can reach around 15mph and can be used for 10-to-40-mile trips depending on the model and the route.
If you are looking for a more sustainable way to commute to work, keep your eye out for an electric scooter. They have taken off in mainland Europe, and it won’t be long until they are all the rage here.
How do I choose an electric scooter?
Usually, budget scooters have between 200 and 600 watts of power, this typically gives top speeds of 16 miles per hour and 22 miles per hour. If you'll be using your scooter to commute or as a quick form of transport, then you'll need a scooter that has a higher wattage.
Whereas if you need an electric scooter for more leisurely trips, we recommend purchasing one that isn't as powerful.
Related: The best electric bikes under £1,000
To save you time, we have spent hours of research looking for the best budget scooter in the market in the UK right now. Check out our recommendations below.
The best budget electric scooters at a glance:
Best overall electric scooter: Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter
Best lightweight electric scooter: Hover-1 Eagle
Editor's pick: Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter Essential
The best electric scooter with durable rubber wheels: Reid E4 Plus Electric Scooter
Best electric scooter for teens: Razor Power A2 Electric Scooter
Best electric scooter for long distances: Segway Ninebot Max G30
Are e-scooters legal in the UK?
E-scooters can only be legally used on private land, with the landowner's permission. Unlike people-powered scooters and e-bikes, privately owned e-scooters are not currently permitted for use on public roads, pathways, or cycle roots.
However, the rules could soon be changing. With the UK Government’s ongoing trial of rental e-scooters, it’s only a matter of time before they are fully legalised for private use.
The gathered statistics and evidence will be used to "guide final decisions about whether and – if so – how to fully legalise e-scooters". Standard, non-motored scooters, are legal for use in the UK. Private and hired e-scooters are already legal to use in many European countries
The best budget electric scooters 2021
Best overall electric scooter
Description
It is no surprise that an electric scooter from the hugely popular brand, Xiaomi is our top pick on this list. The Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 1S is fast, foldable and boasts an impressive battery life. You can pair your smartphone to the scooter via Bluetooth to track and control your speed using the Mi Home app or use the integrated display to monitor your speed ad battery. The Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter doesn't skimp on safety either; with bright headlamps, double brakes, and 8.5-inch anti-skid tyres, you will be guaranteed a fast, safe ride. This is the predecessor to the Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter Pro 2 electric scooter. However, there arenu2019t many upgrades that would make the second generation worth the more expensive price tag.
Key specifications:
Max Speed: 15.5 mph
Range: 18.5 miles
Weight: 12.5 kg
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Popular brand | • Heavy |
| • Can reach high speed (15.5mph) | • Small wheels |
| • Long range | |
| • Comes with an app | |
| • Dual braking system |
Best lightweight electric scooter
www.currys.co.uk
Description
This budget e-scooter from Hover-1 is not only incredibly reasonably priced but also extremely lightweight, weighing only 9.47kg. So, if you are looking for a basic adult electric scooter for short trips with no extra add-ons or frills, the Hover-1 Eagle would be a great pick. However, it has some valuable add-ons, such as a small LCD display that shows speed and charge level, a built-in suspension to absorb shock if you ride through potholes or bumps in the road, and an LED headlight and reflectors for extra security in the dark. Designed with black and gold panelling and 6.5-inch wheels, this e-scooter is bright in appearance so that you can be seen both day and night. In comparison to more upmarket models from Xiaomi or Segway, the Hover-1 Eagle takes quite a while to charge, so you will need to charge it after every ride.
Key specifications:
Max speed: 15mph
Range: 7 miles
Weight: 9.47kg
Charge time: 5 hours
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Fast top speed | • Longer charge time |
| • Lightweight | • Short range |
Editor's pick
Description
The Xiaomi Mi Essential is a new addition to the brandu2019s e-scooter range. Released in June 2020, the Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter Essential is surprisingly one of the cheaper models on the market. Therefore, it makes for a great budget option compared to the Xiaomi Mi 1S or 2 Pro Electric Scooter. It has a smaller battery than other models, so it is light to carry and fast to fully charge, making it a great whip-around option. It can go to a maximum speed of 12.4mph and has a range of 12.4 miles. Just like other Xiaomi e-scooters, it has excellent safety features such as dual brakes and braking lights. If you are on the hunt for a high-quality, lightweight and basic electric scooter, then the Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter Essential ticks all those boxes.
Key specifications:
Max speed: 12.4mph
Range: 12.4 miles
Weight: 12kg
Charge time: 3.5 hours
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Light to carry | • Slower than other models |
| • Charges quickly |
The best electric scooter with durable wheels
www.pureelectric.com
Description
This e-scooter from pure air is ergonomically designed with a powerful 500W front motor, a max weight capacity of 120KG and large 10-inch wheels for a more comfortable ride. As a result, it offers a more premium experience than brands such as Xiaomi, although you are paying for the extra stability. It has an ingress protection of 65 making it great for use in the rain. There is a companion app which will pair with the scooter and give you updates about its battery life
as well as a dashboard and assembly instructions.
Key specifications
Max speed: 15mph
Range: 18 miles
Weight: 17kg
Charge time: 5.5 hours;
Motor power: 500W
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Secure ride | • Heavy |
| • Long range | • More expensive |
| • Solid rubber tyres |
Best electric scooter for teens
Description
The Razor Power A2 is compact, lightweight, and one of the best portable electric scooters available on the market u2013 not to mention a great budget option. Reaching up to 10mph, the scooter isnu2019t the fastest model on our list; however, it has a battery life that can last up to 40 minutes (7.5 miles) of continuous usage. It is good to note that reviews have mentioned that this scooter would be more suitable for teens or lighter individuals. If you are looking for something to suit your on-the-go lifestyle or a gift for a teenager, then the size and easy foldability and price of this model will suit your needs.
Key specifications
Max speed: 10 mph
Range: 7.5 miles
Weight: 6.46kg
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Lightweight | • Slower speed |
| • Affordable | • Low load capacity |
| • Reliable brand | • Low range |
| • Compact | • Suitable for lighter indviduals |
Review: “A nice little scooter! I find 16 kph to absolutely be fast enough for the kind of trips I am doing (to connect to bus/train). Folding and unfolding are quick and easy, and I have not detected a rattle so far. The deck is big enough for me to have both my feet on it at an angle (women's shoe size 8.5). The motor works well and accelerates quickly, but not so quickly that you'd be thrown off the scooter.”
Best electric scooter for long distances
www.decathlon.co.uk
Description
The Ninebot Max G30 is an exceptional scooter for commuters or for long-distance rides. Featuring the longest range of 40 miles, 10-inch tyres and impressive acceleration, this model is undoubtedly one of the best e-scooters on the market u2013 however, it is on the pricier side and is not suited to everyone. Weighing around 18kg, this scooter is not the most portable in comparison to other scooters out there. The scooter is quite hefty due to the tyres and heavy internal battery. It also features different modes - eco, drive, and sport, which the intuitive LED dashboard controls. If you are looking for something robust for long distances, the Ninebot Max would be a great pick. However, if you are looking for something lightweight and portable, then perhaps this isnu2019t the right one for you.
Key Specifications:
**Max Speed:**15.5 mph
Range: 40.5 miles
Weight: 18.7 kg
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Long range 40 miles | • More expensive |
| • Different modes | • Heavy |
| • Long lasting battery |
Do you need to wear a helmet when riding an electric scooter?
E-scooters may not be the fastest modes of transport but accidents can still happen. Therefore, it is always recommended that you wear a helmet while riding an electric scooter, however, it is not mandatory in the UK. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Related : The best cycling helmets to keep you safe on the move
How do electric scooters charge?
Electric scooters are charged via a standard power outlet. The plug and cable will be provided with the e-scooter.
Why does an electric scooter’s speed or distance range change?
The top speed and maximum range of an e-scooter are deduced from tests in near-perfect conditions – so think equitable temperature, no headwind, flat surface, lightweight load etc. All of these factors affect an e-scooters performance.
Aspects such as hills, heavy loads, wind direction, and cold temperatures can all negatively affect an e-scooters performance. It is unlikely that a user will always be able to get the peak performance from the model’s battery.
What to read next:
Ellen Kinsey is a Commercial Content Writer for WhatsTheBest, and also writes for Yours, Mother&Baby, Heat, Closer and Empire. She has a passion for cooking, media, and women’s health.
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