E-scooters are a quick, easy way to get around, and environmentally friendly too – which is probably why you’re seeing them zipping around cities throughout the UK. With a scooter, you don’t have to take on the financial burden of monthly car payments or deal with crowds of people coughing on you on public transport. So, you’re probably wondering, how much does an electric scooter cost?
If you’re thinking about buying an e-scooter, you’ve most likely noticed the huge price difference between the budget models vs. the top-of-the-range scooters. An electric scooter is a great investment, but before you take the plunge, let’s take a look at the different components and features that affect the price of your e-scooter, as well as the ongoing costs to charge and maintain one.
Here’s what you need to know to choose the right e-scooter for your needs and budget…
What affects the price of an electric scooter
The price of an electric scooter can range anywhere from £100 to £1,000 (or more), depending on what you’re looking for when it comes to features, quality, and performance. Before you make any decisions, you’ve got to think about what you need from your ride and narrow down your choices to find the right fit.
So, what affects the price of an e-scooter? Here are the most important features to consider:
Battery power. The battery is what powers your motor and has the biggest impact on the quality of your ride. That’s why the more powerful the battery, the higher the price. A high-quality battery will have a longer lifespan and an increased range. It will also most likely have a shorter charge time and help you reach higher speeds.
Motor wattage. The lower the motor power, the more likely you are to struggle with steep inclines. A 350W motor might get you up a hill without draining the battery too much, but a 500W motor will provide better acceleration and see you up most inclines with no problem, and a 700W motor will allow you to accelerate quicker, travel faster, carry more weight, and climb almost any hill without losing power.
Tyres. Cheaper models will typically have smaller tyres, between 6.5 to 8 inches. 10-inch air-filled (pneumatic) tyres are ideal – they’re puncture-resistant and provide a smoother, more comfortable ride, regardless of the road surface. If you choose a scooter with solid rubber wheels, know that you’ll feel every bump in the road, which isn’t great for long commutes.
Water resistance. Consider the weather in your area and how likely you are to find yourself riding in the rain. Higher-quality models will boast an IP65 water resistance rating, whereas a cheaper model with an IP55 rating will not be suitable for inclement weather.
Hill climbing ability. If you live or work in a hilly area, you need an e-scooter with strong acceleration that will get you up inclines of 20% gradient or more. Unfortunately, the more budget the model, the more likely it is to be underpowered and struggle with any gradient above 15% – you don’t want to be crawling at a snail’s pace up every slope!
Budget, Premium, and Performance electric scooter costs
So, how much does an electric scooter cost? Most models fall into three categories: budget e-scooters, premium e-scooters, or performance e-scooters. The price in each category varies according to the scooter’s specs…
Budget e-scooters. Expect to pay between £300 to £600 for a basic scooter suited for first-time riders and recreational use. With a weaker battery and low-power motor, this is a no-frills ride for short-distance trips.
Premium e-scooters. Mid-range models cost between £600 to £900 for a more powerful and comfortable ride, well-suited for your daily commute. With better acceleration, range, and climbing ability, you’ll go further faster without breaking the bank.
Performance e-scooters. With a price tag upwards of £1,000, higher-end models deliver impressive top speeds, better ride quality, increased power, extended battery life, a longer range on a single charge, and potentially even off-road capabilities.
At the end of the day, you get what you pay for. Premium and Performance scooters will have more features that bring the price up – you have to work out for yourself which are must-haves vs. nice-to-have.
How much does it cost to charge an electric scooter?
We’ve previously written about how much can you save with an electric scooter. On average, it only costs around 30p to fully charge a scooter, which adds up to only £6.75 a month if you charge your scooter daily (great value when the cost of living has skyrocketed). This depends on the make and model though. For example, some batteries might take six hours to charge from empty to full, while others might take 12 hours.
How much does it cost to maintain an electric scooter?
It’s harder to estimate the cost of repairs and maintenance because different brands will offer different warranties and service plans. You’ll want to check that it covers things like puncture repairs, brake adjustments, diagnostics, and replacement parts. Most electric scooters brands offer a 12 month warranty, but here at Nought, our e-scooters come with 24 months of cover for extra peace of mind.
For other repairs and upkeep not covered by your warranty, maintenance costs shouldn’t cost more than around £36 per year, which equates to only £3 per month – considerably less than cars or e-bikes.
How much does an electric scooter cost checklist
To help you in your search, consider this checklist when comparing different makes, models and costs of e-scooters:
- range
- top speed
- battery power
- charging time
- motor wattage
- pneumatic tyres
- hill climbing ability
- folded dimensions
- weight (how heavy the scooter is)
- max rider weight (how much weight the scooter can carry)
- IPX waterproof rating
- built-in lights
- construction material (e.g. aerospace-grade aluminium frame)
- portability (i.e. foldable design)
- onboard digital display (to track your speed and battery life)
- warranty
- maintenance/service plan
No matter what your budget is, there’s an e-scooter at every price point – and the ongoing savings mean it will never break the bank in the long run. But remember, you often get what you pay for, and quality matters when it’s an electric ride you’ll use every ride. Use our electric scooter cost checklist above to decide what features are your top priority and choose the best scooter that meets your requirements.
