College campuses around the globe are lifting the ban on electric rideables around campus, and it’s clear that in the coming years we’re going to see more and more students riding electric scooters, skateboards and other PEVs.
If you’re a college student, finding the right fit for your needs is important. In this article, we’ll be reviewing and ranking five of the best budget (<$700) micro-mobility devices that are perfect for college commuters! Whether you’re on a tight budget, need something portable, or want the best speed and range, we’ve got you covered. The contenders: Segway S Max (self-balancing scooter), Onewheel Pint (onewheel), Dualtron Togo (scooter), Mten Mini (EUC), and the Meepo V5 (skateboard).
Current pricing of the Segway S Max here
Current pricing of the Onewheel Pint here
Current pricing of the Dualtron ToGo here
– Use coupon code: FRESHLYTOGO to save 10%
Current pricing of the MTEN Mini here
Current pricing of the Meepo V5 here
Check out all our Electric Scooter reviews here
Check out all our Onewheel reviews here
Check out all our EUC (Electric Unicycle) reviews here
Check out all our E-bike reviews here
Just interested in scooters? Check out our article on the best electric scooters for college students.
Electric Rideables – The Rankings
- 1. MEEPO V5 Electric Skateboard ($400 – $530) ◦ Top speed: 28 mph ◦ Range: 11 – 20 miles ◦ Weight: 17 – 19 lbs ◦ Lightweight, fast, and cheapest but also the most dangerous.
Electric skateboards are already gaining popularity quickly across college campuses, due to their low prices, portability, and high speeds. The Meevo V5 is only $400 (for the lowest range version), and a 28 mph speed on something that affordable puts it in a category of its own among PEVs that we have reviewed and tested. The Meepo also gains the distinction of being the “most fun to ride” out of the devices on this list. If you’ve snowboarded before, there are a lot of similarities. The biggest drawback to the Meepo V5 is safety – the tiny wheels are no match for larger potholes or rocks, and you can go flying pretty easily.
- 2. Begode Mten Mini Electric Unicycle ($500) ◦ Top speed: 10 mph ◦ Range: 12 miles ◦ Weight: 27 lbs ◦ Small, portable, and perfect for quick trips but requires a learning curve.
The Begode Mten Mini is the world’s smallest unicycle, and it basically has no competition in its product niche. Weighing only 27 lbs, it’s super easy to lift up stairs or through buildings on campus. It’s also one of the cheaper options on this list, at just $500. It tops out at 10mph, making it the slowest PEV on the list, but on many college campuses (like BYU), the sidewalk speed limit is 5mph anyways so this doesn’t present a problem.
- 3. Dualtron Togo ($610) ◦ Top speed: 20 mph ◦ Range: 12 miles ◦ Weight: 50 lbs ◦ Scooter with great safety features but the largest.
Out of all the options featured on this list, an electric scooter is definitely going to be the most comfortable for a total beginner. Scooters are extremely easy to ride, the Dualtron Togo folds up and is surprisingly portable, and it has a zippy top speed of 20 mph. Scooters, compared to Onewheels or EUCs (or electric skateboards) are the safest option as well, since you have something to hold onto with your hands while riding. There is still a risk of falling, so we’d recommend always wearing safety gear such as a full-face helmet.
- 4. Segway S Max ($700) ◦ Top speed: 12 mph ◦ Range: 23 miles ◦ Weight: 50 lbs ◦ Best for beginners, but heavy to carry.
The Segway S Max is currently priced at $700, and is the most expensive out of this lineup. It also has no suspension and relatively small tires, making for a bit of a bumpy ride. However, the S Max makes a great commuter for beginners, as there isn’t nearly as steep of a learning curve as there is for something like the Mten Mini or the Onewheel Pint. It weighs a surprising amount, at barely under 50 lbs. That’s pretty hefty to carry around campus, but it is doable.
- Honorable Mention: OneWheel Pint ($750) ◦ Top speed: 18 mph ◦ Range: 8 miles ◦ Weight: 23 lbs ◦ Fun, easy to learn, fast but a very short range.
If you are willing to spend a little more than $700, you can check out the Onewheel Pint for $750. It’s much lighter than the Segway S Max, and performs largely the same function, albeit with smaller range. This didn’t quite make our list of “top electric rideables for college students” due to the price, but it definitely deserves its honorable mention.
