Best cheap electric scooters

Top pick: iScooter i9 — the cheapest scooter here that's still a real commuter: 350W, about 19 mph and roughly 18 miles of range, folding, and a very strong rating from thousands of buyers. For short trips and errands it's the sensible first buy.

Who the others suit:

• Gotrax XR Elite — if you want a familiar brand and a light, simple folder for short hops.
• D3Max — if you want a bit more speed (19 mph) and water resistance for the same kind of money.
• iScooter i10 — if you need longer range and a stronger motor for a daily commute.
• Segway Ninebot Max G2 — if you'd rather spend more once for a proven, well-supported commuter.
• Niu KQi3 Pro — a pre-owned route to a better-built scooter for less.

Skip the 2000W+ models unless you actually want 30+ mph.