Personal electric vehicles such as e-bikes and e-scooters have proven to be incredibly popular gifts this year. With only a week left before the end of the holiday shopping season, this could be your last chance to snatch one up for a great price.

But considering these fun and convenient little EVs start at a few hundreds dollars each, you’ll probably want to do your research before deciding on the right one for you or your loved ones. And that’s where we come in. Here at Electrek, we have been testing and reviewing dozens of personal electric vehicles. These are the ones that made the cut and would make a great addition to your e-stable.

2018 electric bicycle and e-scooter holiday shopping guide

Sure, there’s only a week left before Christmas.

But thanks to two-day shipping and society’s desperate need for instant gratification, that’s plenty of time to pick up a new electric bicycle, scooter or skateboard.

Check out all of our recent reviews and recommendations below to take advantage of the current sale prices before the end of the year.

Electric bicycles

Swagtron EB-5 electric bicycle

Swagtron’s EB-5 is a perfect combination of performance, convenience and affordability. For just $499, you get a folding e-bike that can reach 15 mph (25 km/h) and travel 15 miles (25 km) on a charge.

If you like to pedal then you’ll be using the lower end of the speed range due to the low gear ratio. However, the 250W motor (which is almost certainly putting out more than 250 watts) is powerful enough that you don’t really need to pedal. If you’re looking for a good, affordable e-bike and don’t mind a rather small one, the Swagtron EB-5 would be a great choice.

And if you act quickly, you can grab the EB-5 for $100 off, making it just $399 on Swagtron’s site when using the coupon code ELECTRIC50.

Swagtron EB-1 electric bicycle

The Swagtron EB-1 is similar to its older brother above, but has a smaller rear wheel, a lower top speed of 12 mph (20 km/h) and a lower range of around 8 miles (12-13 km).

However, it also comes with a smaller price tag of just $399 on Amazon. If you miss the holiday deal on the EB-5 above, then this is likely to remain one of the most affordable e-bikes you’ll find, and it’s definitely high up there on the bang-for-your-buck scale.

Ancheer folding electric mountain bicycle

Ancheer’s e-mountain bike is a decent compromise between quality and cost. While the bicycle parts aren’t anything to write home about, the motor, throttle and rest of the electronics seem to be quite good.

At just $770, don’t expect this to be an amazing mountain bike. Its suspension is better at smoothing out sidewalk and bicycle lane irregularities than absorbing roots and technical jumps. But if you use this bike within its limits as more of a city commuter, then it should last you just fine.

Plus, the folding feature means it can collapse to around half the size of a standard mountain bike. That’s great for transporting in a car or allowing you to take it on a train or bus that only permits folding bikes.

Ancheer’s other electric mountain bicycle

Ancheer has another electric mountain bike, though this one isn’t a folding model. It has similar electrical specs to the folding version above, and we came away with the same impression. Essentially, the bike is decent but not stellar, while the electric parts are actually pretty good.

At just $640, don’t expect this e-bike to last for a decade. But if you just need a full-size e-bike to drag you around campus and don’t care too much about high-end components or aesthetics, then you don’t need to look any further.

Blix Aveny electric bicycle

The Aveny is a beautiful Dutch-style bike with responsive pedal assist and convenient thumb throttle. With its built-in front basket and rear rack, the Aveny is ready to haul a decent amount of cargo without compromising on its looks.

The leather accents complete the aesthetic package and make the Aveny a truly one-of-a-kind electric bike. With a top speed of 20 mph (32 km/h) and large 700c wheels, it really feels like you’re moving at a good clip when the throttle is wide open. The men’s Aveny that I reviewed is currently sold out, but the step-through version is still available and is priced at $1,899.

Cero One electric cargo bike

If you need to move a lot of stuff (kids, groceries, you name it…) but don’t want to invest in a car, a cargo e-bike may be your next best option. And the Cero One is a great example of a high quality cargo e-bike.

It features a high-end Shimano STEPS mid-drive motor and a crazy high range of around 75 mi (120 km). Plus, it’s surprisingly fun to pedal – and that’s coming from a guy that doesn’t like to pedal much!

The cargo system on the $2,890 Cero One is modular, meaning you can swap out a number of different types and sizes of baskets and cargo racks. With all of those options you should be able to carry just about anything you need short of a couch or refrigerator. Though if you have a good bike trailer, you could probably carry those too.

GenZe 200 Series electric bike

The GenZe 200 Series e-bike is an incredible commuter that gives you that “this is more like a vehicle than a bicycle” feel. Between the rugged frame, built-in display, bluetooth connectivity and combination of throttle and pedal assist, this e-bike is the ultimate commuter.

If I could add one thing it would probably be suspension, but to be fair, this e-bike already rides amazing on bike lanes and sidewalks. It’s only when navigating potholes that I wish for a bit more damping. But at just $1,799 for a connected, smart e-bike, it’s hard to ask for too much more. And considering a suspension seat post is only a few bucks, it makes my one complaint even less of an issue.

I don’t have the full review up for the GenZe 200 Series e-bike yet as I’m still testing it, but I can already say this one is going to get very positive remarks. The full review should be live on Electrek soon.

Electric scooters

Swagger 5 electric scooter

The Swagger 5 electric scooter by Swagtron is one of the most affordable options out there. It cuts cost largely by reducing the battery capacity. That means you’ll only get around 8-10 miles (13-16 km) of range.

But if that is enough for you, then you’ll enjoy this ultra-affordable 15+ mph (25+ km/h) electric scooter. You can find it for $299 when using the coupon code ELECTRIC50 on Swagtron’s site.

Razor E-Prime electric scooter

Though you might not have realized, the maker of your beloved childhood kickscooter is still around. Razor still makes their classic scooters, but now they also offer electric versions as well. You can’t buy their more industrial scooter share model, but you can grab their consumer level E-Prime electric scooter instead.

The scooter can hit around 14 mph (23 km/h) and has a range of up to 7 miles (11 km). At just $379, it’s quite affordable too. However, the main downside is its 180 lb limit, which will preclude many larger riders.

GoTrax GXL electric scooter

The GoTrax GXL is a great scooter for daily commuting and around the town trips. For a scooter that can hit 15.5 mph (25 km/h) and has a range of 12.5 mi (20 km), it is surprisingly affordable at just $349.

The air-filled tires are great at absorbing bumps and potholes, and the controls feel comfortable and solid. We’ll have our full review of this electric scooter posted soon, but in my rides so far I’ve been very happy with the GoTrax GXL.

Xiaomi M365 electric scooter

The Xiaomi M365 certainly wasn’t the first electric scooter, but it was one of the first to set off the current wave of scooter-mania. Companies like Bird and Lime used it to start their electric scooter sharing empires, helping to rocket this model to stardom. The disc brakes and smooth throttle give this scooter just as much stop as it has go and make for a great riding experience.

It’s certainly not the cheapest electric scooter available on the market with an MSRP of $600, but you can still get it on sale for the holidays for just $429 if you act fast.

Orca Mark I electric scooter/bike

I keep wanting to call the Orca Mark I a bike, even though it’s technically a scooter since it lacks pedals. But besides the foot pegs, it essentially has the form and functionality of a throttle e-bike. It’s fast at 22 mph (35 km/h) and has a surprisingly long range of 25-35 mi (40-56 km) depending on the riding mode. It also features front, rear and seat suspension for an ultra comfortable ride in a tiny package.

The Orca Mark I is not cheap at $1,200. But if you want a fast, powerful little full-suspension e-bike with the size of a scooter, this could be the one for you.

GenZe 2.0 electric scooter

The GenZe 2.0 is a different type of electric scooter. Some would call it a moped.

This has honestly been one of my favorite electric vehicles to review because of how fun and useful it is. With a top speed of 30 mph (48 km/h) and a range of up to 34 miles (55 km), I can take it just about anywhere in the city. The size of the GenZe scooter and its serious suspension and brakes give me more confidence. I feel like I’m on a true vehicle, not a little bike or toy scooter.

The cargo trunk in the back is also incredibly useful. I take this thing shopping all the time. It’s probably the most expensive vehicle on this list at $3,700-$4,200, but it can also do the most. Considering the GPS tracking, phone app support, touch screen, keyless operation, high-capacity removable battery, full light package and all the other bells and whistles, this scooter is worth every penny. It will do everything an electric Vespa can do and for less than half of the price!

Unagi electric scooter

The Unagi electric scooter is one of the most stylish and well designed scooters out there. It incorporates fancy materials like carbon fiber, magnesium and silicone to create a sleek, sexy looking scooter that is light on weight and heavy on style.

There are single and dual motor options and both were funded on Kickstarter. Now you can find them on the Unagi website. We don’t normally recommend Kickstarter projects, even though so many EVs get their start by crowdfunding. But after personally testing this scooter, I can confirm that it is the real deal.

Jetson Bolt electric scooter

The Bolt is another one of those e-bike/e-scooter hybrids. At just $399, this is one of the cheapest ways to get yourself on an e-bike type vehicle.

Those small wheels and lack of suspension don’t make the most comfortable ride, but the Bolt feels fine on most streets and sidewalks that aren’t too pockmarked. The small device is super easy to pick up and toss in a car, especially since it folds at the handlebars to become extra compact. This is one to check out as long you’re cool with 15 mph (25 km/h) and 12 mi (20 km) of range.

Zoom Stryder electric scooter

The Zoom Stryder is a great electric scooter for anyone that rides on paths that aren’t perfectly smooth. This $799 scooter features both front and rear suspension that works wonders at smoothing out the ride.

Its LCD screen isn’t quite as fancy as some other scooters’ newer LED screens, but what the Stryder lacks in pizazz it makes up for in quality and comfort. This powerful scooter reaches 18 mph (29 km/h) and simply feels great to ride. It even allows you to take it off-road on trails – don’t try that with your Lime scooter!

VIRO Rides Vega 2-in-1 electric scooter and mini e-bike

If you have kids that you want to start out on an electric scooter or bicycle, the Viro Rides Vega is an awesome product. It can function as both an electric bicycle (sans pedals) or an electric scooter by transforming the angle and position of the handlebars and seat/deck.

It’s a bit heavy with its two SLA batteries, but they give this fun-mobile plenty of power to scoot your kids all around the neighborhood. The smile on my nephews face when he goes careening around turns is testament to how awesome this thing is. Convince your husband or wife to let you get this $299 e-scooter/e-bike for your kids – they’ll thank you!

VIRO Rides VR 550E electric scooter

If you don’t need the transforming version above, you can save a bit by getting the purpose-built electric scooter from VIRO. This one only uses a single SLA battery so it isn’t quite as powerful as the 2-in-1 option above, but it’s still loads of fun for kids.

It has a simple to use on/off throttle instead of a variable twist throttle, making it easier to learn for younger riders. And at just $149, it won’t break the bank either.

Electric skateboards, unicycles and other e-things

Boosted Stealth electric longboard

Electric longboards are some of the most thrilling personal electric vehicles I’ve ridden. Sure, I love a good e-bike or e-scooter. But nothing beats the pure excitement of surfing down the pavement and carving turns.

And if you want one of the best electric longboards on the market, then the Boosted Stealth is the one for you. This thing is crazy powerful, reaching a top speed of 24 mph (39 km/h). You can get to work just as fast as on an e-bike (and much faster than the bus), but with a lot more fun along the way. At $1,599 though, this isn’t the longboard for those on a budget.

Linky folding electric longboard

If I had to name one downside to electric longboards, it would probably be the size. While they’re super convenient for riding, they can be annoying to carry. They are usually long enough that you have to carry them sideways to keep them from rubbing on the ground, and that makes it hard to navigate crowds or tight turns.

Enter the Linky folding electric longboard. While not quite as fast or powerful as the Boosted Stealth above, it has a much more important advantage: it folds in half.

The entire electric longboard can fit in a backpack! I carried mine on a plane and simply stuck the board under the seat in front of me. How awesome is that?! Plus, with a slightly shorter wheel base, the Linky is incredibly maneuverable and makes super tight turns. At $999, this is one of the coolest e-skateboards I’ve ever used.

Evolve GTX all-terrain electric longboard

If you like riding electric longboards but are worried that a 2 inch crack in the sidewalk could be enough to ruin your day, then check out the Evolve Bamboo GTX.

This board is insane. With 6.5″ air-filled tires and dual 1,500 W motors, it can conquer nearly any terrain. It’s amazingly smooth for sidewalk and bike lane commuting, but also loads of fun off-road. It has multiple power levels, and when you put it in the top-level, you feel like you can climb and overcome anything.

I’ve been bouncing over roots, climbing dirt hills, carving up underpass ramps – you name it! This board isn’t cheap at $1,779, but it’s a hell of a ride if you can swing it.

Our full review of the Evolve Bamboo GTX will be up soon!

InMotion Glide 3 / Solowheel V8 electric unicycle

Believe it or not, self-balancing electric unicycles can actually make a decent commuter vehicle. They take some time to learn to ride, but after you master them, they are incredibly convenient. Imagine having the power and range of an e-bike in something the size of a lunchbox. That’s the utility of an electric unicycle.

The Glide 3 from InMotion can reach speeds of nearly 20 mph (32 km/h) and has an incredibly long battery life. I spent days learning to ride it and still only used up half of a battery charge. The $900 electric unicycle isn’t for everyone, but those that choose to tame its wild ways are in for a treat.

Z12 Galaxy Hoverboard and JetKart Combo

This is one of those truly weird, yet awesome products that you have to try to understand. The Z12 Hoverboard is already a great hoverboard on its own that can carry you around easily once you learn how to ride it. But what makes this combo even more fun is the JetKart attachment.

The JetKart straps a gokart body onto the Z12 Hoverboard, turning it into an electric gokart. While you’ll only reach around 10 mph (16 km/h), that feels pretty darn fast when you’re inches from the ground. The tank steer also adds a level of excitement, especially when making fast turns or pivoting in place. This is another one that will have a full review coming soon. In the meantime though, don’t miss out on this $249 deal!

Enjoy your new ride and stay safe!

We’ve had a lot of fun reviewing all of these awesome e-bikes, e-scooters and e-everything else this year. We hope you find these guides useful when it comes to choosing the right personal electric vehicle for you.

Remember to ride safe out there, and happy holidays everyone!