7 Best Electric Scooters Under 400 (2026 Guide)

The Gotrax A5 isn’t just another foldable e-scooter — it’s a commuter’s chariot with a seat, basket, and real-world comfort baked into every mile. Boasting a 550W peak motor, 12-inch pneumatic tires, and a dual-drum braking system, this scooter delivers a rare combo of power, stability, and practicality under $400. If you’re tired of sore backs and sore legs after short rides, the wider seat and dual rear suspension are game-changers — especially on cracked sidewalks or bumpy alleys. It’s the only scooter in this range that feels like a mini-motorbike, making it ideal for users who want to ride longer without fatigue.

In real-world testing, the A5 handled city streets and suburban sidewalks with confidence, maintaining its 15.5 mph top speed even on slight inclines. The 16-mile range held up well with a 180-lb rider in eco mode, though aggressive riding cut it down to about 12 miles. The air-filled tires soaked up potholes and curbs far better than solid tires on budget models, while the UL2272 certification added peace of mind for night rides. However, the lack of front suspension meant sharper bumps still jolted the handlebars, and the drum brakes, while reliable, weren’t quite as responsive as disc systems on pricier models.

Compared to the Segway E2 Plus II and the ultra-affordable HopCycle, the Gotrax A5 stands out as the best overall package for comfort and utility — not raw speed or range, but daily livability. It’s heavier and less portable than seatless scooters, but if you’re commuting with groceries or work gear, the 40+ lb rear basket and 11-lb hook make it a true urban workhorse. For riders who value ergonomics and cargo convenience over pocket-sized folding, the A5 offers unmatched functionality — trading some portability for a dramatically more comfortable ride.

The Segway Ninebot E2 Plus II punches way above its price tag with beginner-friendly handling and Segway’s trusted engineering — a budget-savvy gem that doesn’t feel cheap. Its 8.1-inch inner-hollow shock-absorbing tires and front suspension deliver a surprisingly smooth ride for a scooter under $300, absorbing sidewalk cracks and gravel with quiet confidence. With a 220Wh smart battery and 16-mile range in Eco mode, it’s built for short commutes or campus hops, and the UL-2271 and UL-2272 certifications mean safety isn’t an afterthought.

On real pavement, the E2 Plus II stayed stable at its 15.5 mph top speed, though it struggled on wet surfaces due to its non-pneumatic tires lacking grip. The acceleration is smooth and predictable, perfect for new riders, but the 198-lb weight limit feels restrictive compared to others in this range. Charging takes 7.5 hours, which is on the slower side, and the range drops to 12 miles in Sport mode, so weekend explorers should plan accordingly. While it handles light bumps well, deep potholes or off-road paths expose its limits — this is a city-only scooter.

When stacked against the HopCycle and acer ES Series 3, the Segway wins on build quality and brand trust, even if it lacks top speed or flashy tech. It’s not the fastest or longest-ranged, but for teens or casual riders who want a reliable, low-maintenance scooter with all-season durability, it’s the smartest budget play. Compared to more feature-packed models, it trades bells and whistles for simplicity, safety, and proven performance — making it the most trustworthy entry-level electric scooter under $400.

The HopCycle Electric Scooter is a speed demon in a budget shell, delivering 18 mph top speed and a 21-mile range from a 500W peak motor and 42V 7.8Ah battery — all for under $180. That’s insane value for teens or city riders who want to zip through traffic without blowing their savings. The 8.5-inch pneumatic tires offer real shock absorption, and the IPX4 water resistance means light rain won’t ruin your ride — a rare perk at this price.

In real use, the HopCycle lived up to its specs, maintaining speed on moderate inclines and handling neighborhood streets with ease. The dual braking system — combining electronic and rear disc brakes — brought solid stopping power, though the front relied solely on e-braking, which felt a bit spongy. The 5-hour charge time is fair, and the 3-second fold made it easy to toss in a car trunk or stash under a desk. However, the handlebar display is basic, showing only speed and battery, and there’s no app or smart features — just pure, no-frills mobility.

Against the acer ES Series 3 and the Segway E2 Plus II, the HopCycle wins on raw performance per dollar, offering higher speed and longer range than both. It’s not as polished as Segway or as rugged as Gotrax, but for riders who prioritize range and speed over luxury or safety certifications, it’s the best bang-for-buck scooter under $200. It lacks UL2272 certification, so nighttime riders should be cautious — but for daytime commuters and students, it’s a performance-packed entry.

The VOLPAM Electric Scooter is built for city warriors who want speed and durability without stepping into four-figure pricing. With a 500W brushless motor pushing 22 mph, it’s one of the fastest in this under-$400 lineup, and its 10-inch solid tires mean no flats — ever. The 23-mile real-world range held strong during testing, even with stop-and-go traffic, and the EABS front brake plus rear drum brake delivered confident, skid-resistant stops.

On urban pavement, the VOLPAM handled potholes and curbs with surprising grace, thanks to its dual braking system and sturdy frame, though the solid tires transmitted more vibration than pneumatic ones. The one-click folding is slick and secure, and the 264-lb weight capacity makes it one of the most inclusive scooters here. However, the lack of suspension made longer rides tiring, and the headlight, while bright, had a narrow beam, limiting night visibility.

Compared to the ECOROAD EC10 and Gotrax A5, the VOLPAM trades luxury features and comfort for raw speed and maintenance-free tires. It’s not as smooth as the EC10, nor as comfortable as the A5, but for riders in flat cities who want a fast, durable, flat-proof commuter, it’s a no-nonsense powerhouse. It outpaces most in acceleration and hill climbing, making it the best pick for speed-focused city riders who don’t mind sacrificing some ride refinement.

The V1 electric scooter is the lightweight champion of this lineup, tipping the scales at just 31 pounds while still packing a punch with 19 mph speed and 21-mile range. Its 350W motor isn’t the strongest, but paired with dual suspension and 8.5-inch honeycomb solid tires, it delivers a smooth, low-maintenance ride perfect for subway hops or office commutes. The real magic? Smartphone app integration — you can lock/unlock, set speed limits, and activate cruise control from your phone.

In daily use, the 3-second fold and featherlight frame made it a breeze to carry upstairs or store under a desk. The LED display clearly showed speed and mode, and the dual braking system (drum + EABS) provided reliable stops, though not as aggressive as disc brakes. The honeycomb tires eliminated flat worries, but also reduced grip on wet pavement. Charging took 4-5 hours, and while the 21-mile range was accurate in mild conditions, cold weather cut it by nearly 30%.

Stacked against the acer ES Series 3 and HopCycle, the V1 wins on portability and smart features, despite a weaker motor. It’s not built for hills or high speeds, but for urban professionals or students who value easy storage and tech control, it’s unmatched. Compared to heavier models, it sacrifices power for ultra-portability and app-driven customization, making it the best lightweight option for tech-savvy commuters.

The acer ES Series 3 is the definition of value engineering — a $156 scooter that feels like a $300 one. With a 500W peak motor, 20-mile range, and UL2272 certification, it packs essential safety and performance into a no-frills design. The 8.5-inch honeycomb solid tires are puncture-proof and low-maintenance, and the double braking system (disc + EABS) delivers strong, regenerative stops that extend battery life.

In real-world tests, the 15.5 mph top speed felt steady, though acceleration was modest. The 4–5 hour charge time is standard, and the 35-lb frame folded in seconds, fitting easily in a car trunk. The sturdy aluminum alloy build handled daily abuse well, and the 220-lb weight limit made it suitable for most adults. However, the disc brake is only on the rear, so front braking relies on EABS, which can feel less immediate.

Against the HopCycle and Segway E2 Plus II, the acer scooter wins on price-to-safety ratio, offering UL2272 certification at the lowest price point. It doesn’t have the range of HopCycle or the brand name of Segway, but for riders who want certified safety, solid build, and zero flat tires, it’s the best value pick. It outperforms more expensive models in safety credentials while costing less than most — a true budget hero.

The ECOROAD EC10 is the undisputed king of mid-range performance, delivering 25 mph speed and a real 32-mile range — numbers that rival scooters twice its price. Powered by a 750W brushless motor, it climbs hills with authority and slices through traffic like a commuter missile. With 10-inch pneumatic tires, dual suspension, and IP54 rating, it’s built for all-weather, all-terrain city riding — and it shows.

In testing, the EC10 impressed with instant throttle response and buttery-smooth suspension, absorbing potholes and curbs like a pro. The dual brakes (disc + drum) stopped on a dime, even on wet pavement, and the Bluetooth app allowed remote locking and location tracking — a rare security bonus. The 4.5-inch display showed speed, battery, and mode clearly, and the forged folding hinge felt rock-solid after repeated use.

Compared to the Gotrax A5 and VOLPAM, the EC10 dominates in range, speed, and tech — it’s faster than the A5, smoother than the VOLPAM, and smarter than both. It’s not the lightest or cheapest, but for riders who want premium performance without premium pricing, it’s the best mid-range electric scooter under $400. It delivers flagship-level specs at a fraction of the cost, making it the top upgrade choice for serious commuters.