Best Electric Scooter UK Under £300 (2026): Top Budget Picks

Demand for electric scooters keeps growing across the UK, and for good reason, they're affordable, eco-friendly, and eliminate the hassle of waiting for public transport. They're also lighter and more compact than e-bikes, making them easy to fold, carry, and store at home or work.

Prices for electric scooters typically range from around £190 to £2,000, depending on power, range, and build quality. Finding a genuinely good scooter that doesn't stretch your budget can feel tricky but it's far from impossible.

To help, we've rounded up the best electric scooters currently available for under £300 from iScooter's own range, based on real specifications, verified pricing, and hands-on testing for comfort, safety, and everyday reliability.

How Much Should You Spend on an Electric Scooter?

Budget matters, but so does matching the scooter to how you'll actually use it:

• Under £200: Great for short trips, light users, and first-time buyers who want a simple, no-frills scooter.
• £200–£300: The sweet spot for most riders, better range, stronger motors, and useful extras like app connectivity.
• £300–£600: Suits riders who want more range and power for longer everyday journeys.
• £600+: Built for long-distance capability, off-road use, and higher top speeds.

If you've searched for an "electric scooter under £100" or "under £250," it's worth knowing that genuinely reliable, well-built scooters at the very bottom of that range are rare, corners are usually cut on battery quality, brakes, or build materials. iScooter's most affordable model, the i8, currently sits at £188.99, offering a safer and more dependable alternative to ultra-cheap, unbranded options.

 

Best Affordable Electric Scooters Under £300 at iScooter

iScooter i8 — Best Ultra-Budget Pick (£188.99)

The iScooter i8 is the most affordable model in the range, and it doesn't feel like it. At just 12 kg, it folds down easily for storage in a hallway, car boot, or under a desk.

Its 350W motor delivers a locked top speed of 15.6 mph (25 km/h) and a maximum range of 12 miles (20 km) per charge, ideal for short trips, errands, or a relaxed ride around the park. Three speed modes let you dial in the pace, while cruise control and thumb-throttle acceleration keep things smooth.

The 8.5-inch pneumatic tyres soak up bumps for a comfortable ride, and the dual braking system — an electronic front brake plus a rear hub brake — offers dependable stopping power. IP54 water resistance means light rain won't be a problem, and built-in LED lights, reflectors, and a bell keep you visible.

Reasons to buy:

• Most affordable model in the iScooter range
• Lightweight (12 kg) and easy to fold
• Dual braking system for added safety
• Great for beginners and short, everyday trips

iScooter i9 — Best Value Under £300 (£218.99)

The iScooter i9 is a step up from the i8, built for riders who want more range and a few extra features without breaking £300. Its 350W motor pushes the top speed to 18.6 mph (30 km/h) once unlocked, with a maximum range of 18.6 miles (30 km), roughly 50% further than the i8.

Puncture-proof 8.5-inch honeycomb tyres mean low maintenance, while the dual brake system (front electronic brake and rear disc brake) provides confident stopping in all conditions. The full-colour LED dashboard displays speed, battery, and trip data, and Bluetooth connectivity via the Tuya app unlocks extra riding modes and settings.

Reasons to buy:

• Longer range than the i8 (18.6 miles vs 12 miles)
• Puncture-proof tyres, low maintenance
• App connectivity for adjustable riding modes
• Higher load capacity for taller or heavier riders

Want a Bit More Power? The i9Max

If your budget can stretch slightly beyond £300, the iScooter i9Max (£309.99) is worth a look. It steps up to a 500W motor, 25-mile (40 km) range, and front-and-rear suspension for a noticeably smoother ride, a good option if you plan to use your scooter regularly and want extra headroom for growth.

How to Choose the Best Budget Electric Scooter

1. Motor power: A stronger motor climbs hills more easily and holds speed better. 350W is a solid starting point for flatter routes.
2. Range: Real-world range is typically 20–30% lower than advertised, depending on rider weight, terrain, and speed.
3. Battery capacity (Ah/Wh): Higher watt-hours (Wh) generally mean a longer range per charge.
4. Top speed: Higher isn't always better, check what's realistic (and legal) for how you plan to use the scooter.
5. Braking system: Disc brakes generally offer stronger, more reliable stopping power than drum brakes, especially in wet conditions.

UK Electric Scooter Laws You Need to Know

Under current UK law, it is illegal to ride a privately owned e-scooter, including every model listed here on public roads, cycle paths, bridleways, or pavements, regardless of its top speed. Privately owned e-scooters can only legally be ridden on private land with the landowner's permission.

The only e-scooters permitted on public roads are government-approved models used through official local rental trial schemes. Always wear a helmet, check your local rules before riding, and see our full Rider Safety Guidance for more detail.

How We Test Our Electric Scooters

Every scooter we review undergoes at least two months of hands-on testing across varied terrain, pavement-free private land, gravel paths, and light inclines, to see how it performs beyond the spec sheet. We assess braking response, ride comfort, fold time, portability, and real-world battery life under different speeds and loads. Only scooters that hold up to genuine daily use, and deliver value for their price, make our recommendations.

FAQs

What's the best budget e-scooter under £300?

Both the i8 and i9 are excellent choices. Choose the i9 if you want more range and features; choose the i8 if you want the most affordable, straightforward option.

Is there a good electric scooter under £250 or £100?

The iScooter i9 (£218.99) and i8 (£188.99) are both genuinely under £250, with verified specs and a warranty. Scooters priced under £100 rarely include reliable batteries or brakes, so we'd recommend avoiding them for regular use.

How do I pick the right electric scooter under £300?

Start with motor power (350W is a good baseline), then check range, braking system, and rider weight limit to make sure the scooter suits your height and usage.

Read More

• Do You Need a Licence for an Electric Scooter in the UK?
• Where Can You Legally Ride an Electric Scooter?
• Electric Scooter Weight Limits Explained
• How Fast Do Electric Scooters Go?
• Can You Take an Electric Scooter on a Train or Bus in the UK?