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How to Pay for a Used Electric Scooter

How to · Auto

How to Pay for a Used Electric Scooter

Skip the gas and the parking fees. Here is how to grab a reliable electric commuter scooter for cheap and pay it off slowly without interest.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $650 before anything else
Across the 0% window $36.11/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $650 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Owning an electric scooter changes how you move. You glide past traffic, skip the search for parking, and plug in at your desk for pennies. A good used commuter model usually runs around $650, and the best time to buy is late September when shops clear out summer stock to make room for winter gear.

While you can negotiate a better cash price with a private seller, buying from a refurbisher or retailer lets you use a financing runway. We can split that $650 purchase into tiny monthly chunks so your budget barely feels it.

Keep in mind that 0% interest is not a permanent discount. It is a strict deadline, and once those 18 months are up, any remaining balance on your card will start gathering interest at the standard rate. Make your $36.11 monthly payments on time to clear the debt before the clock runs out.

The steps

  1. 01

    Time your buy

    Wait until late summer or early fall. Retailers want to clear out inventory before the cold weather hits, meaning deep discounts on floor models and open-box returns.

  2. 02

    Inspect the battery

    A used scooter is only as good as its battery pack. Ask the seller how many charge cycles it has run and check for physical damage. Replacing a dead lithium-ion battery can cost almost as much as the scooter itself.

  3. 03

    Secure the financing runway

    The Citi Simplicity® Credit Card offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. By charging the $650 scooter to this card, you can break the cost down into eighteen monthly payments of $36.11.

  4. 04

    Factor in safety gear

    Do not spend your entire budget on the deck and wheels. You need a high-quality helmet and a heavy-duty U-lock to keep your ride secure. Budget about $100 for these extras.

  5. 05

    Test the brakes and tires

    Take a test ride before handing over any cash. Squeeze the brakes hard to ensure they grab quickly, and check the tread on the tires. If the tires are bald, use that to negotiate a lower price.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

How long does a used electric scooter battery last?

Most commuter scooter batteries last between 300 to 500 full charge cycles before they start losing capacity. If the previous owner used it daily for a year, the battery still has plenty of life left.

Do I need insurance or a license to ride one?

In most US states, you do not need a special license or insurance for a standard electric scooter that tops out at 15 or 20 mph. Check your local city ordinances for specific sidewalk rules.

Can I ride an electric scooter in the rain?

It depends on the scooter's IP rating, which measures water resistance. Avoid riding in heavy downpours or through deep puddles, as water damage can ruin the electronics.

Is it better to buy new or certified refurbished?

Refurbished scooters from authorized dealers are usually the sweet spot. You get a discount close to private-party prices, but you also get a limited warranty and a battery that has been professionally tested.