For both urban travel and short commutes, scooters have become one of the most popular modes of transport – especially in big cities. If you’re thinking of buying yourself a scooter, you’ll have many brands, models, and features to consider. Perhaps the biggest consideration of all is running costs. So, how much is a scooter?
Moreover, these scooters are quiet, eco-friendly, and can get you from A to B in no time.
Electric scooters are also pretty fast, and some can reach speeds of up to 30mph.
So, if you want an eco-friendly alternative to a car for your commute, an electric scooter may be right for you, depending on the type of roads you’re travelling on.
Kick Scooters
Kick scooters are the ‘traditional’ scooter.
These scooters have two wheels, a deck, handlebars, and they’re manually powered, so you’ll be operating them with your feet.
In addition, these scooters are best for travelling short distances, and they can be compact and easy to fold, making them great for travel.
Today, kick scooters are more popular with children than they are with adults.
Gas Powered Scooters
Last up, we have gas-powered scooters.
The gas-powered scooter isn’t as eco-friendly as the electric scooter, but it’s another great choice if you need something to take you longer distances.
Furthermore, these scooters can also be better at handling off-road adventures or trickier terrain.
Gas-powered scooters are powered by fuel gases, and most will have an automatic gear transmission system, and they’ll usually come with a manual kick-start or automatic electric start.
Ultimately, these scooters can also reach speeds of around 28 mph and 60 mph.
How Much Do Scooters Cost?
If you’re thinking about getting a scooter, you’ll want to consider your budget. Thus, knowing how much is a scooter is a great starter to know what is the best scooter to buy.
So, how can you find the right one for you?
Let’s take a look.
Ultimately, how much is a scooter will vary significantly depending on the type of scooter you’re getting.
For example, kick scooters will be significantly cheaper than gas or electric scooters, however, gas scooters are often the most costly.
Gas Scooters
Gas scooters are usually the most expensive.
Moreover, these scooters can cost you anywhere between $500 to $5000 (yes, really!), depending on the quality and the brand of the scooter you’re buying.
You’ll also have some additional maintenance costs, which we’ll explore later.
Kick Scooters
Kick scooters are usually the cheapest, but not the most efficient.
Generally, you’ll pay anywhere between $30 to $200 for a kick scooter.
If you’re buying a scooter for a child (or adult) who just wants to learn a few tricks and doesn’t care about speed, this will be the best option.
They’re environmentally friendly, low maintenance, and great for city commuters.
An electric scooter can set you back anywhere between $100 and $3,000, depending on the type.
If you go to the highest end of the range, you could even expect to pay above $4,000.
Scooter Maintenance Costs
Aside from knowing how much is a scooter, you’ll also have another important factor to consider – maintenance costs.
While kick scooters are the most low-maintenance of the ones we’ve discussed, both electric and gas-powered scooters incur additional expenses including maintenance, repairs, and often accessories,
The right maintenance is essential.
Neglecting regular maintenance can often lead to some pretty expensive repairs, and potentially shorten the lifespan of your scooter.
Here are some of the maintenance costs you should consider with gas and electric scooters:
Gas Scooter Maintenance Costs
Gas scooters will often need frequent maintenance.
This can involve changing oil, fuel filters, spark plugs, and air filters.
The brakes and transmission may also need to be assessed and adjusted regularly.
Maintenance costs for a gas scooter can vary depending on the make and model you have, however, you could pay anywhere between $50 to $200 per year.
However, if you need to carry out more significant repairs, your costs could rise by an extra hundred dollars.
Electric Scooter Maintenance Costs
On the other hand, electric scooters are a little easier (and cheaper) to maintain.
Electric scooters do not have as many complex parts that require frequent maintenance, however, the battery will need to be maintained, as will the brakes, tires, and the electrical system.
You should check these regularly to ensure smooth operation.
One of the most expensive maintenance costs of electric scooters is battery replacement.
Replacing the battery on an electric scoot could cost anywhere between $100-$500.
Replacing tires and brake pads can also be costly, coming to between $20-$100 per year depending on the nature of the repairs.
Are Scooters Worth It?
Knowing how much is a scooter will give you an idea of its value. To help, here’s a snapshot of the pros and cons you should consider first.
Electric Scooters
Pros
More environmentally friendly
Cheaper to operate
Require less maintenance than
gas scooters
Quiet to run
Cons
Have a shorter range than gas scooters
Will require charging, which can be inconvenient if you don’t have a charging station readily available
Gas Scooters
Pros
Powerful
Longer range
Can reach higher speeds
Cons
More expensive to buy and run
Produce more emissions
Require frequent maintenance
Kick Scooters
Pros
Most affordable option
Require less maintenance
Lightweight and easy to store
Cons
Require physical effort to operate
Have limited uses, and are not practical for commuting
Struggle with uphill terrai
The Bottom Line
The price of a scooter can vary significantly depending on the type of scooter, and its make and model.
Some of the most popular options can cost you anywhere between a few hundred dollars to a few thousand, so consider your budget and travelling needs before making a purchase.
Hi! My name is Johnathan, and I am the creator of ScooterAdvice360.com. Having been riding motor scooters and bikes for over 20 years, I have picked up a few things! I ran my own scooter store in Florida, selling all manner of motor scooters, mobility scooters, hoverboards, e-scooters and accessories, from Forzas to Vipers, Hellcats to Vespas.
Here, at ScooterAdvice360.com, I want to ensure everyone has access to the information that they need to enjoy their bikes and scooters for longer.
