Lightweight, quick, comfortable, with an interchangeable battery and a low price tag. The Decent scooter is supposedly for those who are 'down to ride', rather than just pose. We test the X7 to see if it lives up to the manufacturer's moniker.
Some very exciting news came from the Queen’s Speech on 10th May – the legalisation of e-scooters is coming!
The Government are working on new laws surrounding the use of e-scooters in public within the coming year.
Some very exciting news came from the Queen’s Speech on 10th May – the legalisation of electric scooters is coming!
The Government are working on new laws surrounding the use of e-scooters in public within the coming year. Safety is their top priority and while there has been no direct confirmation as to what these regulations will be, we expect them to be very similar to those of the current trials. This could mean restrictions on maximum speeds, lighting requirements and the compulsory wearing of protective clothing such as helmets.
A Government spokeswoman has said ‘Safety will always be our top priority and our trials are helping us to better understand the benefits of properly regulated, safety-tested e-scooters and their impact on public space’. Under the current trials, speeds are limited to a maximum of 15.5mph and riders must have a valid driving licence to be able to rent one. In addition to this, the rental companies must have insurance for their scooters.
Edmund King (AA president) has said ‘With e-scooters and other forms of micro-mobility popping up more frequently on UK roads, it makes sense that safety regulation should come first. If introduced alongside appropriate infrastructure, e-mobility could help provide a positive shift in greener localised travel both for individuals and last-mile freight."
With e-scooters being a convenient, low cost, eco-friendly and no emission form of transport, we can’t believe it has taken this long for the rules to be revised. Especially given their popularity elsewhere in Europe. The country needs more forms of green transport and e-scooters would definitely fill this void.
We are keen to see how the legislation of E-scooters progresses and exactly what the rules will be. We are hopeful that we could see some changes as early as this year. We’ll be keeping a close eye on updates and will inform everyone as soon as new information is released.
As it stands it is illegal to use an E-Scooter on a public road, pavement, cycle land or bridleway (unless it is a government trial). E-scooters can only be ridden on private land with permission of the land owner.
Want to be a part of this exciting new era in transportation?
Check out this selection of road-safe scooters that already comply with the proposed 15.5mph speed limit, along with the safety equipment you'll need to be ready to go on day 1...
HIMO L2 Electric Scooter |
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Lightweight, quick, comfortable, with an interchangeable battery and a low price tag. The Decent scooter is supposedly for those who are 'down to ride', rather than just pose. We test the X7 to see if it lives up to the manufacturer's moniker.
A no-nonsense scooter
Unboxing and powering up the X7
Simple controls, integrated dashboard
Removable Battery
Robust, familiar folding mechanism
Class leading comfort
Decent performance
Safe and confidence inspiring
How does it compare to the competition?
Who is the X7 for, should I buy one?
Where can I buy a Decent X7?
In a post-instagram world preoccupied with style over content, Decent position themselves as a no-nonsense, back to basics brand. Their first scooter, the X7 is a custom take on an OEM design. Looking past the ‘marmite’ branding adorning the oversize steerer tube, it is a chunky, front-heavy design finished in a powder coat-style satin black. With the electrics mostly internally routed, only the brake cables and reflectors break up the clean lines. A solid looking bulkhead tapers to the slimline aluminium alloy deck, book-ended by a front hub motor and rear wheel wrapped in large profile 10inch pneumatic tyres, these shortening its overall appearance. Textured grips and deck rubber continue the black on black theme, resulting in a bold scooter standing out in a world of dark grey frames.
Arriving in a brown, printed cardboard box measuring 118x50x19 cm and weighing 15.7kg, the X7 is secured inside between two awful polystyrene blocks, wrapped in some plastic and foam packaging. Alongside the scooter is a small accessory box with charger, UK adapter lead, manual, allen key and handlebar ends. The scooter is folded but 95% constructed, requiring only the bar ends be screwed on through the brake lever loop, the later secured in position with the supplied allen key.
Ideally you will want to fully-charge the battery before your first ride, the charge plug readily accessible just above the hinge beneath a rubber cover. A full charge can take between 2.5 and 3 hours, but arriving with a storage charge ours took significantly less time. Whilst charging we topped the tyres to the maximum 35psi the sidewalls indicated, as they are shipped only partially inflated.
The integration of controls gifts the X7 a clean cockpit. To the left the smooth metal brake lever features a small bell, positioned so that you needn’t stop covering the brakes when using it. To the right is a soft-touch rotary throttle lever which has an ‘option’ and ‘power’ button built into it. Sat centrally hovering below its glossy circular cover, is the scooter dashboard. Inset into the battery door, this display isn’t a bolt on generic e-bike unit as seen fitted to other scooters, but designed specifically for it.
Power up the scooter by long-pressing the lower button and it will beep into life, displaying the current speed, drive mode and battery capacity, the latter shown in 5 segments. Pressing the menu button will switch between drive modes, displaying a red circled D for sport mode, a white circled D for standard drive and no icon at all for the Eco mode. Tapping the power button will toggle the headlight and rear running light.
When powered up, pressing both the menu and power buttons together accesses a basic options menu where settings for speedometer unit readout, cruise control and kickstart can be scrolled between using the menu button and altered via the power button. Our review unit was limited to 15mph but we are told that later models will come with the option to remove the limiter, at which point the scooter will reportedly top out at 19mph, payload-dependent.
The X7’s unique selling point is its easily removable battery, the process taking a matter of seconds and requiring no tools. Power down the scooter, flip up the display cap releasing it with the button above the hook, push down and rotate the retaining cap anti-clockwise and lift out, finally grab the battery by the ribbon and slide it up and out of the tube. Re-installation is the reverse of this process, but be careful to lower the battery into the scooter rather than just dropping it down the tube. Whilst we certainly wouldn’t recommend it, it is physically possible to remove the battery, swap in a fresh one and carry on riding without even stopping!
Measuring 48cm long with a diameter of 5cm, the cylindrical battery is available in two capacities. The standard 5000mAh unit weighs just under 1.5kg whilst the larger capacity Panasonic-cell 6400mAh unit is another 44g heavier. These batteries have a rubber-covered charge port on the base allowing them to be recharged (using the stock charger) separately from the scooter in a little under three hours. The modular battery setup opens new possibilities with scooter ownership, such as having a spare battery and charger at the office or a friend's house, to filling a backpack with spare batteries for travelling extreme distances.
Employed in many folding bicycle frames, this tried and tested folding mechanism is robust. A stainless, adjustable, replaceable catch hooks around the lower steerer tube allowing the motor power cables to cleanly route through. This reliable modular mechanism has plenty of surface area and minimal play, something other folding scooter catches fall down on.
To fold the scooter, rotate the plastic safety catch clockwise out of the way. Grasp the top lip of the release catch and lever it down away from the upright, using your other hand to guide the handlebars down. Finally click the hook below the display into the rear mudguard to secure it.
Once folded the scooter can be lifted or carried via the main tube. This chunky pipe houses most of the weight of the scooter, centralising the majority of the mass in your grip, although its large diameter may prove difficult to grasp for those with smaller hands. Located at the top of the tube, the securing latch doubles up as a small hook (rated to 10kg) ideal for light shopping bags. Collapsed, it measures just 108 long, 46cm tall and 43cm wide, dropping to a svelte 17.5cm wide should you opt to unscrew the bar ends.
Thanks to material choice and tyre specification, this scooter sports ride comfort that belies its budget pricing. Thanks to those high-profile tyres, this is probably the first scooter we’ve piloted that genuinely rides nicely without the need for a suspension upgrade. The fine undulations of the tarmac and any potholes are still communicated through the bars, but significantly softened even when running high tyre pressures. This combined with the minimal play in the hinge result in superior rider confidence.
If you have ridden a Xiaomi M365 scooter you will be familiar with the dimensions of the X7. The 46x15cm deck is covered with a grippy textured rubber grip that runs down the curve of the bulkhead, across the footplate splitting to fork around the rear wheel. Those with larger feet will spend most of the time riding the scooter with their weight on our dominant foot ahead, with the other foot placed horizontally across the rear of the deck. You will need to avoid resting your back foot on the rear fender as this is hinged for use as an emergency brake.
The touch points are covered with soft rubber, from the rotating throttle to the handlebars terminated in (standard 32mm size) finely textured rubber grips. Our only comfort criticism was with the handlebar width. At 43.5cm, they are as wide as the majority of scooters in this category, yet broader riders may find them on the narrow side on longer journeys. At 114cm high they might also feel ‘high’ to shorter riders.
Out of the box the X7 will hit 25km/h (or a displayed 15mph once you have switched the dashboard readout to mph) with all but the heaviest of riders onboard. Note that this top speed is only accessible when in the red ‘D’ sport mode, restricted to 9mph with the white ‘D’ drive mode and 6mph in ‘eco’. Note that, as with other scooters, towards the end of the battery capacity the top speed will drop off.
Acceleration is smooth even in sport mode, the scooter safely progressing rather than raggedly tearing up to the limit as some others do. The torquey 350w motor fed by the 42V battery can reputedly cope with a 26%/15° incline and whilst our test rides so far have been largely flat, we have had no issues tackling gentle hills.
The majority of the scooters we have tested in the real world struggle to meet the manufacturers promised range. The X7 is no different, it’s 15mile range reportedly reached by a lightweight rider on a flat surface on a warm day. With heavier than average riders using it in the most powerful drive mode we rarely broke 10 miles. If you are looking to set a distance record, this isn’t the scooter for you, but with many customers riding less than 4 miles at-a-time we feel this scooter is still a viable option. The X7 can still be used as a kick scooter when the battery is flat.
Cruise control is an invaluable feature that anyone clocking up miles along a steady path will be grateful of. With it enabled in the menu, hold the throttle in the same position for 7 seconds to activate it. It is very sensitive in its position, so typically we used this with the throttle wide open, restricting the speed by previously swapping the drive modes. Trying to hold the throttle open when running this will result in the scooter beeping at you to release the lever. Once released, tapping the throttle or applying the brakes cancels cruise control. If you are feeling particularly lazy, the menu also provides the option to turn the requirement for a push-start off, but this will potentially put extra strain on the motor.
Decent have opted for the popular triple-brake system on the X7. The brake lever controls the cable-operated mechanical disc brake slowing the rear wheel. Meanwhile the ESC detects any actuation of the same lever and slows the front wheel using the motor. In emergency situations the rider can also stomp on the rear fender, using it as a friction brake to slow the wheel. We found this often had the effect of locking the rear wheel and that the traditional brake was more than capable of quickly halting the scooter. Redundant systems such as these are always favourable over say the electronic-only brakes found on the Ninebot ES2 and offer the rider excellent braking control.
The grips and rubber footplate keep you locked on to the scooter, whilst the soft compound shallow tread tyres offer good purchase on the ground. The large air volume allows you to experiment with pressures for various surfaces, lowering them for a better ride off road where with its 83cm wheelbase and 11cm of ground clearance, it is more capable than you’d think. The soft compound pneumatic tyres offer incredible grip in the dry and are safe to ride in the wet unlike the cheap solid rubber tyres fitted to other models.
It certainly is a practical scooter with all the modern conveniences we have come to expect. Large mudguard/fenders cover the front and rear tyres, the wide lip on the front of the deck further protecting you spray from the front wheel. An IP54 rating will give you the confidence to splash through shallow puddles, but we’d avoid submerging the scooter in water. The kickstand is sensibly positioned and long enough to prop the top-heavy scooter up securely.
A bright white LED headlight angled down from the handlebars produces a good beam, but is better for ‘being seen’ than lighting the way ahead. When activated, a strip on the rear mudguard, three red LEDs illuminate as a running light, flashing as usual when the brakes are applied.
The arduous but essential task of checking your tyre pressures is much easier on the X7. The innertubes are fitted with long neck valves which can be accessed with a latch type schrader valve inflator, a breath of fresh air from the fiddly and frustrating valve extensions included with other scooters. Should you be unfortunate enough to get a puncture, those deep flexible side-walls make removing the tyre and swapping out the inexpensive innertubes easier than anything we have tested to date.
The X7 has been released into a highly competitive market. Its direct challengers include the incredibly popular Xiaomi Essentials and the recently released Pure Air electric scooter. With comparable size and effective range, the fine details become more important. The Xiaomi is currently the fashionable choice and whilst it does have a companion smartphone app (ideal for a more accurate display of available range), it lags behind in ride comfort with small uncomfortable tyres that are infuriatingly difficult to change. Pure’s scooter is a closer competitor with great ride quality but a battery that we wouldn’t consider user swap-able and a markedly higher purchase price. As such we feel the X7’s easy-to-swap battery gives it the edge over similarly priced competitors.
Whilst the Decent X7 stands out aesthetically, as you’d expect from the price point it lacks the design refinement of Unagi’s Model One. If you are unfamiliar with scooters, note that range figures are based on ideal circumstances and thus expectations need to be adjusted accordingly for the real world. As such if you want a scooter that can ride 15+ miles you should be looking towards Ninebot’s G30 Max or InMotion’s L9, both of which command a far higher price tag.
New to electric scooters? Start here. With the triple braking system,fat tyres, lights and mudguards, the X7 is now our ‘go to’ recommendation for anyone looking to purchase their first. It doesn’t suffer from the fine vibrations, sloppy mechanism and nervousness found on Xiaomi’s popular M365 range, all of which can undermine the confidence of a new rider. Suffering from range anxiety before you’ve even purchased? Pick up the 28% larger-capacity Panasonic battery at the same time to maximise your journeys, keeping the standard unit as a spare.
There are outlier use cases where purchasing a different scooter makes more sense. If you are looking for style over substance, the X7 isn’t going to light your fire; look instead to Unagi for their slick ultra-fashionable Model One. Are you over 6ft4in in height, or of above average build? We’d suggest looking at Ninebot’s G30 MAX, or the new super-heavyweight champion, Inmotion’s L9. Yet for the vast majority of us, the Decent X7 really is all the electric scooter you need, for less than half the price of the aforementioned.
Be under no illusions, this is an entry-level unit, offering fantastic value for money. As we continue to clock up the miles, the materials on it are proving to wear well and its uncomplicated, modular construction should make for a simple and speedy repair should a part wear out or fail. All this plus the peace of mind brought by the UK warranty (supported with on-site spare parts) certainly sweetens the deal.
The Decent X7 is available on our webstore now. As mentioned we’d recommend picking up a standard spare battery or two, or if weight is at a premium, buy a larger capacity Panasonic battery. You can view all of our Decent products here. Still unsure on your next scooter purchase? Compare all the scooters we have available here.
This afternoon CEO Charles Cai took to the stage, opting to live stream the new product release across YouTube, to a world currently locked down in isolation. InMotion teased details of their upcoming unicycle and scooter across social media the week previously and an eager media tuned in for the full reveal. TLDR? The entire presentation is still available to view on InMotion’s youtube channel.
Thanks to the (rather questionable) indiegogo campaign, information about the L9 has been in the public domain for some time, however today was the official launch of the new scooter.
A 1000w (peak) motor sits in the front hub allowing for payloads of up to 150kg (23.6 stone) and enables it to tackle gradients up to 30%, more than even the powerful Ninebot G30 max. Its large battery provides a staggering maximum range of 59.4 miles (95.5km) and utilising the dual charging port (running two chargers) will result in a charging time of just 3.6 hours from flat! The new scooter has 3 riding modes with 24km, 15km and 13km top speeds respectively. Its revised display shows remaining battery capacity, speed (both Km/h and Mph) and more.
Short throw front suspension forks and a sprung rear swingarm should make for a comfortable ride. Like other scooters it retains a cable actuated rear disc brake and side kick stand. The rear fender no features what appears to be a license plate holder.
InMotion continue to throw as many lights onto their scooters as possible. A blue rim light runs around the handlebar mounted dashboard display. Two 1.25w LEDs mix together to create a 2.5w headlight output. This twin lens system appears to allow for wide beam and a focused longer range beam. A novel addition, the L9 also features a turning light. A flashing a strip LED mounted along the lower side of the deck that blinks orange to show the scooter is turning, activated based on tilt.
You can read more about the L9 on the indiegogo page here.
With an apple-keynote inspired ‘one more thing’, Mr Cai introduced the much-teased V11 unicycle, which took up the bulk of the presentation.
Fitted with an 18inch wheel wrapped in a 3inch wide deeply treaded tyre (suitable for a wider range of surfaces) the V11 will be InMotion’s largest wheel yet. Teased in the run-up to the event, the unicycle does indeed feature a ‘suspension system’. The first of its kind, it appears to us an air-spring damper to decouple the pedals/handle/battery and allow for vertical travel of up to 70mm down over the axle, leaving 9cm of pedal clearance to the ground even at full compression.
In response to customer demand for faster wheels, the V11 is fitted with a motor developed in-house. Twice the size of the one in the V10F and with 2000w of power it can push the wheel to a top speed 31mph (50km/h) and take on slopes up to 35° in gradient! This unit is fed by an-all new mainboard with double the MOSFET’s with a suggested heady peak output of 3000w. Conscious of riders in hotter climates, InMotion have designed the new system with active cooling in mind, air sucked into the side vents by fans and drawn out of the rear over heatsinks, whilst retaining an IP55 rating.
The new 84v battery pack is built from 21700 cells, arranged in a split design with what appears to be inbuilt redundancy. InMotion suggest it should be good for 75 miles of range but the usual ride weight and conditions caveats apply. Refilling the 1220Wh pack takes just 5 hours when employing two chargers, plugged into the ports behind the rubber flap, above the rear light, twice that with just the one supplied.
InMotion have always taken rider safety very seriously and the V11 has been designed with this in mind. The pedals are fitted with griptape reportedly 20% more grippy than before. It’s new lift switch and folding trolley handle design have been tested to over 100,000 use cycles, the former with an exclusive patent in its operation. InMotion state that the V11 is suitable for riders between 4ft3in and ~6ft7in in height, up to 120kg in weight, that are over 16 years of age.
Much was made about the new lighting headlight on the unicycle. The new unit has an incredible 7800 Lux output, a huge improvement on the V10F (520 Lux) as well as competitors Gotway and Kingsong (GW Nikola 1700 Lux, KS16X 4500 Lux). It also features a revised taillight. Despite its basic appearance, the included folding kickstand (purported to be an industry first) situated under the rear mudguard and deploying up against the tyre tread, will be a welcome addition.
InMotion's V11 can be ordered here and the InMotion L9 can be seen on our webstore here . Keep your eyes peeled on our instagram and facebook, alongside our scooter and unicycle categories for further information.
We have no doubt that the L9 will be a big success in the UK, following the legislation change that will hopefully arrive before the year is out. Suspension and range are the features most requested by our clients and this scooter is the answer for both. Embracing fast charging is a huge step forward, with both of the new devices capable of accepting two charger inputs at once. We believe the L9’s dash charging will be a big draw. We feel that only the styling will put off some customers, who will opt for the leser ‘spec’, but refined lines of products from Unagi.
Up until now lighting solutions on transporters have felt very ‘secondary’ to the design, so it is great to see the new purpose-designed twin-lamp headlight on the scooter and a high powered headlight on the new unicycle. We will be interested to see how the beam focus and cutoff performs. The automatic turn signals on the L9 We look forward to getting our hands on a test unit soon for a full breakdown of its capabilities.
The V11’s specification garnered a lukewarm reception by many commenters on YouTube and Facebook, however we were very excited by the new unicycle. InMotion are continuing to innovate with their lineup with plenty of ‘firsts’ from the integral kickstand to the potentially game-changing air-shock. Their fascination with safety has resulted in reliable, dependable transporters in the past and this step forward with battery redundancy certainly builds on that.
Due to the complications involved in integrating a damper system into a device you operate by leaning, we will reserve judgement as to the benefits of the new air-suspension until we have had a chance to ride it. As with previous releases, we imagine the ‘F’ model of the V11 will follow early next year with a larger battery, addressing some of the concerns regarding the capacity of this launch model, if not the average top speed.
The looks have proved ‘marmite’ in the office, the styling definitely challenging. Fans in our office make references to potential oriental influences, reminding some of us of Japanese samurai armor. Regardless it is certainly a big departure from the smooth symmetrical UFO designs of the older ‘V’ range.
Please note that our article is based on information at launch. We will endeavour to update this page with more information as we get it.
What do you make of the L9 and the V11? How do you feel they stack up to the competition? Will you be buying them? Let us know in the comments section below.
]]>A developing market, many of today's folding electric scooters are still unrefined, utilitarian transporters, lacking style with a finish that is only acceptable. Aimed at style conscious consumers, this new scooter is pitched as a premium product and is offered at a considerable cost. Unagi promises the Model One delivers refined performance, that it is not a case of style over substance, we take a ride and find out.
A fantastic mix of design and engineering
Unboxing and powering up the Model One
Bespoke dashboard and display
A fantastic finish
Class-leading folding mechanism
Impressive dual-motor performance
Safe and confidence inspiring
A responsive, sporty ride
How does it compare to the competition?
Should I buy the Model One?
Where can I buy an Unagi Model One scooter?
Without exception, this is the best-looking electric scooter we have seen to date. The slender deck profile and narrowing prism stem bless the scooter with a svelte silhouette, somehow communicating its lightweight aspirations before you even touch it. It has a true delicacy to its form, that incredibly slender stem made possible thanks to its carbon fibre construction. Only the headset has any real bulk and this is quick to taper away, the lines of the silicone grip visually lengthening that slender deck, narrowing into the rear wheel.
The dedication to surface refinement is admirable. There are no indentations in the handlebar grips and the shallow, delicate pin-striping of the footplate grip is only interrupted by an understated embossing of the manufacturers logo. Shunning the parts-bin sharing strategies of their opponents, everything on Unagi’s scooter is bespoke in its design; from the dashboard inlay, folding mechanism catch and kick-stand, to the shape of the reflectors. It may sound trite, but the Model One truly is a work of art.
Shipped in a brown cardboard carton, the glossy retail box inside measures 108x44x19cm. Aiming for a premium unboxing experience, Unagi have included the accessories in a smartphone-style slip-box, secured beneath the folded stem. Inside this printed box is the beautifully finished handlebar, four hex screws, a 3mm hex driver, a power lead, the power adapter and a quick start guide (also available online).
Like many others, the electric scooter arrives 90% assembled, requiring you to unfold it and fit the expertly crafted handlebars. Follow the instructions to depress the hinge button, release the stem, connect the plug inside to the handlebars, insert the handlebars into the stem and bolt it in place with the included hardware and tools. Once constructed, there is no companion app installation or fiddly signup/activation procedures with the scooter, it is ready to run right out of the box.
Arriving with a storage charge, it is always best to fully charge the scooter before your first ride. On the left hand side of the deck, towards the rear wheel, is a rubber port cover. Flip this open and insert the square charge plug into the yellow socket. The scooter charges in a little under 5 hours from flat, the small LED on the charging brick changing from red to green when complete. Relatively compact in size and utilising the common ‘figure 8’ plug, the charger can easily be carried in a handbag or backpack.
Every touch point on the scooter is refined but the beautiful handlebars, (milled from a single piece of lightweight magnesium alloy) are exquisite. Painted to match the rest of the frame, the cockpit has a glossy T-shaped insert beneath which the floating display resides. From top to bottom, this minimalist, bright-white LED dashboard indicates if the headlight is active, the current speed, dual/single motor status, odometer, remaining battery capacity and riding mode. The panel is bright in output and clear enough to read on a bright day. Inset below the display, featureless and potentially easy to miss, is the circular power button.
Split across the rear edge of the bars are a pair of buttons and paddles that operate the scooter. Situated where your thumbs naturally fall, the left hand paddle operates the brake whilst the right is the accelerator. The left hand button above triggers the horn, whilst the right cycles the odometer between trip and total distance at a press, or cycles between riding modes with a double tap. The odometer/speedo defaults to imperial but can be switched to metric by holding both the horn and riding mode buttons in for two seconds.
All four of these inputs are soft to the touch, the paddles offering enough throw for fine control of the scooter. The whole piece is terminated at each end by smooth grey silicone grips. Whilst lacking a traditional texture, the soft-to-the-touch material offers fantastic grip even when wet.
The superior quality and refined tactile experience the scooter radiates cannot be exaggerated; Unagi’s model one has a finish usually reserved for luxury cars. Available in one of four colours, the painted and laminated frame has a beautiful, silky appearance that contrasts against the bright silver of the forks/hinge and satin black/gloss ring of the wheel hubs. From the soft silicone of the grips, charge port cover and deck to the smooth sculpted stem, almost all the touch points exude opulence, only the hard plastic latch release detracting from the experience.
The surfacing is so refined, devoid of the ugly welds and countless exposed-screw-heads found on the competition. Only two wires are on display around the hinge (arguably unavoidable due to the folding nature of the device) and Unagi’s decision to do away with a mechanical brake allows them to internally route all other cables allowing for uncluttered surfaces across the scooter.
Renouncing the rough grip tape and hard textured rubber of the competitors, the machined aluminium deck features a ribbed silicone insert embossed with the company logo. Both the fenders are tough aluminium, the hinged rear unit topped with a silicone pad offering grip when emergency braking.
It is only underneath where you begin to appreciate the engineering employed to create such a stiff but lightweight scooter. The onus was on retaining strength whilst minimising mass. Thick aluminium ribs reinforce the front of the deck, the medal fenders are of a mesh construction, even the tyres have been vaned to reduce their weight and improve ride comfort.
Deploying the scooter is a foolproof operation that requires no real instruction thanks to the arrow depiction upon the single button on the side of the headset. To unfold, slide it down its channel to unlock, before raising the handlebars. Re-folding is simply the reverse, depressing that sliding switch and swinging the bars down.
Gone are the screw clamps, locking collets and quick release levers found on other scooters. The stainless steel hinged system folds and locks in place in one motion with a ‘haptic’ click. Sat on a sprung shaft, the release button will automatically return the lock out the stem whether folded or upright. This is the first folding mechanism that is truly intuitive in use, other manufacturers take note!
Weighing a touch over 12kg as tested, when folded the unit can be carried in a variety of positions. The most natural position, gripping half way up the triangular stem, takes advantage of the balanced fore/aft weight distribution. When hauling the scooter for an extended period (or in tight spaces such as train carriages) it can be carried close to your body, the headset sat on your shoulder.
To power up the scooter, press and hold the power button at the bottom of the display panel until the dashboard lights up. Like most of our electric scooters it requires a ‘push to start’, kicking it along to a couple of km/h before the motors will take over with a press of the throttle paddle.
This E500 dual motor model features two 250w (each 500w peak) brushless electric motors, one fitted inside of each wheel. Double-tapping the power button will switch between single and dual motor mode, the latter indicated by a circular icon on the bottom left of the display. Those motors can supply a maximum of 32nm of torque, enough to tackle hills up to 15 degrees and powerful enough to drive riders up to 125kg in weight along the flat.
Three riding modes are included, the current mode indicated by the large number at the base of the display. Mode one is suitable for beginners (or Eco riding) with a gentle acceleration curve and a top speed of 9mph. Mode two is ideal for daily riding with a balanced throttle and top speed of a little over 12mph. Lastly the third mode, referred to as ‘sport’ mode in the manual, provides the most aggressive acceleration, topping out at around 17mph. Reportedly the scooter top speed can be uncapped, pushing it to 19mph, following a combination of lever and power button presses.
Switching between these modes is a simple case of double tapping the button ahead of the throttle lever. Even in sport mode, the power is delivered in a refined and linear fashion, not the aggressive hit of InMotion’s L8F, ideal for riding in a city. Sadly the scooter lacks the ‘cruise control’ mode of its competitors.
More impressive than the powerful acceleration, is how quickly the Model One can stop. The scooter’s powerful regenerative braking is the best we have experienced and could potentially convert the die-hard mechanical brake fans in the office. Much like InMotion’s setup, the initial ‘bite’ can take some getting used to, but with both the wheels slowing you down, the performance of the anti-lock system is very impressive; even at high speeds. In an emergency riders can stomp the hinged rear fender into the rear wheel to shorten stopping distances. Interestingly the motors will govern your speed when travelling downhill, stopping the scooter from ‘running away’ from you, a great safety feature.
With front and rear mudguards and an IP54 rating, the scooter can be used on wet terrain, but avoid any puddles that would submerge even just the bottom edge of the hub motors. Despite the minimal rib depth, the silicone footplate is impressively grippy, even when ridden with harder-soled dress style shoes.
Doing away with the traditional bell, the Model one has an electronic horn, a sharp, rather unpleasant electronic note, that blares out of a speaker beneath the handlebars bars. On the left side of the scooter is a sprung kick stand. Deploy-able with your toe, this aluminium bar has the same beautiful detailing of the rest of the scooter and holds the scooter up (albeit at quite an angle) when unfolded on hard ground.
It is upon the first ride where it becomes clear that this scooter isn’t a case of style over substance. The Model One feels robust with little slack in its headset and a quiet, rattle/whine free ride.
Even at speed the scooter feels stable and ‘low down’. This isn’t just due to its low center of gravity but that it runs at just 8cm off of the floor. This isn’t a scooter that you want to be hopping off of kerbs on, especially with the under-deck screws sticking proud of the chassis. The deck top itself declines 10mm over its length, this paired with the slack angle of the head-tube results in a slightly ‘leant back’ riding position.
The chassis dimensions are compact, with a 41cm wide handlebar around 110cm from the ground and a narrow, relatively short footplate that will require one foot perpendicular to the other. They decision was likely made to minimise the footprint when carried or stowed, but it can be cramped to ride for those over 6ft3 with larger feet, who may find the scooter a little nervous at speed. More average-sized riders will enjoy the responsive steering and nimble handling provided by those small wheels.
Both the 5inch motors are wrapped in 7inch ‘vaned’ tyres that are both puncture proof and maintenance free, a huge advantage, as anyone who has ever attempted to change an innertube on an electric scooter will tell you! With the wheels hard-mounted to the frame, these are also the only suspension you get and they do a reasonable job at damping cracks in pavement, if not rougher terrain like potholes.The lightly treaded tyres are designed for use on hard paths, concrete or tarmac and are not suitable for off road use. With their squared profile, this isn’t a scooter that you can lean into the corners.
One downside to the lack of companion smartphone app is the lack of accurate battery capacity information. Monitoring the remaining range can only be guesstimated from the 5 segmented battery readout on the display. This can be a concern as inside that slimline deck is a slimline battery pack made up of Sony Lithium ion batteries, totalling just 280 Wh.
Unagi claim that the Model One’s range is 15.5 miles. This best-case scenario likely relies on a lightweight rider riding in single motor mode at reduced speeds in the Eco profile, on a flat road, on a cool, still day. In the real world, with both motors spinning and the fastest rider profile engaged, you are more likely to deplete the battery in a little under 9 miles. Like other models the top speed drops off as the battery runs down.
A ‘smart’ device, after three minutes with no interaction, the scooter will emit a warning beep and power itself down to conserve its battery.
Whilst it is twice the price of the ‘go to’ scooter, Xiaomi’s M365, it is certainly ‘twice’ the scooter. The twin motors decimate it in a drag race and despite its twin motors and larger battery it weighs pretty much the same. Placed alongside the Model One, the raw industrial M365 looks like an unfinished prototype. Hopping between the two really hammers home the refined qualities of Unagi’s scooter, to coin one staff member ‘it is the iPhone of scooters’. Of all the compact electric scooters, the L8F is perhaps the closest in terms of riding profile, but the Model one offers improvements in both performance and comfort.
However if we pitch the scooter against more similarly-priced rivals, the gap narrows. Both the Ninebot Max G30 and Xiaomi M365 Pro promise (and deliver) nearly twice the effective range, a sizable 40 and 28miles respectively, the latter with a weight penalty of just 2kg more! With their longer and wider decks they are also more comfortable to ride those longer distances upon, especially the G30 with its taller + wider handlebars and cruise control feature. Whilst their larger, air filled tyres require regular maintenance, they reward riders with a more relaxed, comfortable ride even at top speed.
It’s anemic battery could have been forgiven had Unagi opted to bundle a fast, portable charger instead of the sluggish 5-hour adapter included. A companion smartphone app would also have alleviated some of the range anxiety by offering a better insight into the state of charge, along with the potential for future firmware revisions. Overall the Model One is not a scooter for putting serious miles on, but it is the perfect fashion accessory for short stints in the city.
‘iPhone’ or ‘Tesla’ of scooters, whichever comparison you like to make, the Model One really is an impressive scooter. Its compact size and sleek, dare-we-say sexy styling make it a scooter that suits riders of all sexes.
If the majority of your journeys are less than 5 miles each way, through glass and littered filled city urban environments, the limited range will likely not concern you. We believe the convenience of its maintenance-free usage will be particularly attractive for many returning consumers, likely to find the costly price tag the only sticking point.
As more and more people purchase scooters, this is going to be the stand-out model that many will want to be seen on. A cut above the grey, utilitarian models that scooter share companies litter the streets with, Unagi’s refined scooter will be something that you safely store indoors and even find yourself cleaning.
Available in cosmic blue, scarlet fire red, sea salt white and matte black (as pictured) the E500 dual-motor scooter will be available shortly here at Scooters Direct. Browse our articles for more scooter reviews or see our scooter comparison microsite if you are struggling to make a decision.
If you have any questions regarding Unagi’s Model One, or have noticed and errors in this article, please leave a comment below.
Far from being toys, electric scooters are widely marketed at – and used by – adults. However, there’s no denying that the range of e-scooter models specifically designed for larger adults is limited. So what options are available, and what considerations should be made before purchasing?
All electric scooters are advertised with a maximum rider weight limit, with most supporting between 55kg – 100kg. Whilst a limit of 100kg will be enough to carry most riders comfortably, there will still be a segment of the population for whom this limit may not be suited.
Although maximum weight capacity may seem like a small detail, it should not be ignored. Pushing your scooter past its limit can negatively impact on the scooter’s performance, e.g.
Taking note of an e-scooter’s weight when making a purchase will help ensure an optimal ride, and help to prolong the life of your vehicle.
A variety of factors combine to determine the weight limit of an electric scooter. Understanding these components will help you make a more educated purchase.
Whilst weaker battery capacity and a smaller motor will make for a cheaper scooter, these options will dramatically reduce maximum weight capacity. Occasionally, electric scooters suited to heavier riders have two motors to provide additional power. A motor rated at 300W or higher should be enough.
The sturdiness of an electric scooter’s frame will affect how much weight it can carry. A flimsy build will be unlikely to cope with higher loads. When buying an e-scooter with greater body mass in mind, ensure you choose a high-quality model built with strong, durable materials.
Given that an increased load will result in longer braking distances at higher speeds, the braking capacity of an e-scooter needs to be given a higher priority for a heavier rider. Always bear in mind that stopping distances will be affected by weather conditions, terrain, and response time – which itself may be impacted by poor light or rider impairment.
It’s not just weight: height should also be factored in if you are larger. If your handlebar is too low, you will find yourself stooping, making for an uncomfortable ride. Your handlebar should sit approximately between your hip and waist. Any lower and you risk damaging your back; any higher and your scooter will be difficult to control.
Many electric scooter models feature an adjustable handlebar, allowing you to raise or lower the positioning to suit your height. However, if you find your chosen model is not adjustable, you may want to consider investing in an e-scooter handlebar extender.
The required spec for an electric scooter that will carry a heavier adult often makes the scooter itself heavy. A larger battery and bigger motor will add weight, as will a denser or more robust frame.
You should always consider the extra weight when making a purchase. Whilst most modern electric scooters are ergonomically designed with practical folding mechanisms for your comfort, this isn’t always the case. We’d recommend opting for a fully portable model, with in-built carrying functionality.
Here at Scooters Direct, we’d suggest checking out our Segway-Ninebot Max G30. As with much of our range, the Ninebot is advertised as having a maximum payload of 100kg (15.7 stone) which would be suitable for most adult riders. However, we pushed the scooter to its limits with a 110kg rider and were impressed to find that it could handle a slightly heavier load without complaint, due to its tough construction and powerful 350W motor.
The Ninebot is also good for taller riders, with a frame suitable for adults up to 6ft 6ins and a footplate with plenty of extra room for bigger feet.
For heavier riders concerned that a 100kg limit may not be enough, the InMotion P1F Mini Electric Scooter may be more suitable. As a hybrid model, its construction is slightly different to a classic e-scooter model. However, thanks to its powerful 350W motor, the P1F has the largest weight capacity of all our e-scooters – topping out at 120kg.
Please note that the P1F may not be as suitable for taller riders; the seat post offers no height adjustment, which may be uncomfortable for the long-legged amongst you.
Still feeling unsure about the best e-scooters for heavier adults? Our team are e-scooter fanatics and will be more than happy to help you with your purchase. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
For heavier riders concerned that a 100kg limit may not be enough, the InMotion P1F Mini Electric Scooter may be more suitable. As a hybrid model, its construction is slightly different to a classic e-scooter model. However, thanks to its powerful 350W motor, the P1F has the largest weight capacity of all our e-scooters – topping out at 120kg.
Please note that the P1F may not be as suitable for taller riders; the seat post offers no height adjustment, which may be uncomfortable for the long-legged amongst you.
Still feeling unsure about the best e-scooters for heavier adults? Our team are e-scooter fanatics and will be more than happy to help you with your purchase. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
The learning curve that comes with an electric unicycle is one thing, but the initial purchase price is what has pushed many of our interested customers into electric scooters instead. With the average unicycle costing north of £1000, many find it an obstructive hurdle to overcome. Inexpensive, lightweight and compact, InMotion’s V5F makes for the perfect entry-level unicycle, at least on paper; we took it on some extensive testing runs to learn the truth.
Sleek polished design
Unboxing and powering up
Lights, handle, action
Stepping up
Getting a grip
Size matters : Our smallest wheel yet
Power vs range vs weight
Companion smartphone app
Compact and agile
Impressive performance
The ideal first wheel?
How does it compare with the competition?
Where can I buy the InMotion V5F?
Of all the unicycles designs on the market, InMotion’s ‘wheels’ are by far the most refined. Hard (opaque) black polished plastic side panels give way to soft leg padding and the matt finished handles of the V5F; only the (removable) trolley handle interrupts the symmetrical design. Mixing aluminium, plastic and rubber this unicycle has a premium, solid feel, without weighing the earth.
Arriving in a box, in a box (measuring 51x27x58cm box) the V5F is shipped in plastic, secured in large plastic foam sections that can double as a stand in a pinch. Included with the wheel is the charger, UK adaptor cable, a pair of optional ankle pads, mudguard, warranty card, manual and a quickstart manual. The latter is a beautifully illustrated leaflet introducing the product, setup procedure and the basics of riding.
Once unboxed you can familiarise yourself with the layout of the wheel. Wrapping around the top like a tail with an embossed rubber grip is the deployable trolley handle, with the power button and battery readout ahead of the release button. A cavity beneath this is the carry handle with motor cutoff switch underneath the grip. The body features soft leather-style calf pads mounted high on the shiney logo’d sides. There is a headlight behind a window at the front, a small InMotion ‘M’ running light at the rear (just above the perforated speaker holes) and both are shouldered by switchable coloured LED strip lights. The grip-tape covered pedals mounted low on the body (manually) swing out to an angle, above hinged panels that provide access to the tyre for maintenance.
Shipped with a storage charge, we recommend fully charging the unicycle before attempting to ride it. With the included 84V 1.5Amp charger the V5F will take around 3.5hrs to charge from completely flat. To access the charge port you need to unlatch the trolley handle. To do this, depress the anodised red button by the pickup handle and hinge out the trolley handle, beneath this the bright yellow charge port (and reset button) are hidden beneath a monogrammed rubber cover.
InMotion include a discreet, stubby mudguard that should restrict upward spray when the wheel is ridden on wet surfaces, it is well worth fitting.To install this first power down and lay down the wheel, remove the two screws under the rear lip with a #2 Phillips driver, seat the mudguard up against the plastic edge before inserting the two longer screws provided in the bag with the fender.
We recommend following the instructions for the first power-up. Ensure the wheel is stood upright with the tyre on the floor, with one hand around the handle (close to the cutout button) long-press the power button. You will feel the motor power up and forcefully try to balance the wheel (front to back) whilst a confirmation tone is produced and the blue battery capacity icon appears.
Alongside the rear InMotion running light. the unicycle features pairs of strip LED running lights (blue at the front and red at the rear) when powered up. Windowed at the front of the unicycle is a powerful LED, angled slightly it provides a wide trapezoid beam across the terrain ahead of you. It isn’t the brightest and doesn’t have a great deal of throw but is suitable for travelling on paths up to the speeds the unicycle is capable of. To turn on the lights, lightly tap the power button when the unit is running, or drag upwards in the application home screen.
InMotion have struck an excellent balance between weight and quality with their unicycles. The plastic parts are lightweight yet have a great fit and finish. Panel gaps are consistent, the motor cutoff switch action is positive, rubber seals fit tight, calf pads are soft and well radiused, pedal grip tape is securely fixed and rubber stoppers protect the side panels when they are folded. The manufacturer has further backed of all this, awarding the V5F an IP55 (ingress-protection) rating.
An optional extra for the original V5, the trolley handle is factory-fitted to the updated unicycle. Self-locking, this extendable handle saves you from carrying the wheel in places where you cannot ride it. Simply lift the rubber handle end up until the mechanism locks into place as seen below.
Considering it weighs just 450g, the aluminium trolley handle is impressively sturdy. Deployed it extends to a height of 90cm from the floor, the embossed rubber handle comfortable in the hand. With the unicycle powered up (remember to turn it on before extending the handle as the power button is disabled with it released) it can be pushed around effortlessly, the motor assisting with only small forces required from the user to direct it and stop if from falling sideways. To stow the handle back, depress the red-anodised button and lower it down until the bar seats back into the clasp.
Fixed to the top of the shell with four screws, the trolley handle can be easily deleted. Weighing around 11.5kg with it removed, we found ourselves carrying the unicycle comfortably by the handle up station stairs, or short distances across car parks.
The folding pedals are covered with skateboard style grip-tape adorned with red InMotion branding. Fixed towards the outer edge of the pedal face, the small rubber InMotion icon doubles as a grip point and spacer to stop the grip tape from marking the side of the unicycle when folded. At the largest point they measure 21cm across and extend 12cm from the body and thus are compact under the average sized shoe.
Upon mounting the V5F, the first thing you notice is the rather aggressive pedal angle that can be seen as a ‘V’ shape in the shot below. We measured it at nearly 20°, a big difference to the 8° of our V8F which is fitted with the same pair. Whilst assisting with clearance-to-the-floor on tight turns and allowing you to ‘carve’ putting torque through the pedals, it can take some getting used to.
To access the schrader valve, with the wheel powered down, lay it on its side with the etched panel shown above ‘face up’, and raise that flap up. You may need to rotate the wheel to bring the valve stem into view. To inflate we suggest using an extension tube and a track pump to bring it up to pressure. The small tyre is rated for 40-65 PSI (2.8-4.5 bar) and arrives from the factory inflated to around 40 PSI. We found around 50 PSI favourable for a rider weighing 80kg and riders should scale that up or down depending on their weight. You will note that for our initial photoshoot shows the tyre being ridden ‘under inflated’ and ride performance was compromised as a result.
Fitted with a 14inch wheel and measuring a touch over 47cm from the ground, this is the smallest ‘wheel’ we’ve ridden yet. Whilst too big to fit in a backpack, the unicycle can be stashed in impressively small places; we have successfully fit it inside a standard size ‘single’ gym locker! Like its bigger brothers, the wheel can be balanced ‘stood up’ on its end, but we wouldn’t advise leaving it like this on a moving vehicle such as a bus or train.
The V5F has a stated max range of 21.7miles. For clarity, these figures are the low end of the estimates given by the manufacturer. Note that InMotion tests their unicycles with a rider weighing 70kg on a warm (25°C) day, their range tests are performed riding at a steady 12.2 mph. In the real world we have seen around 12 miles out of the V5F, using it as most would. For a wheel weighing less than 12kg, that seems reasonable.
InMotion’s app is available for both iOS and Android. Whilst it initially appears polished and is translated better than some of the competition, it isn’t without its faults and bugs. The home screen features the usual speed, remaining range, remaining battery capacity and bearing. Swiping across provides access to the trip computer (with durations, averages and temperatures) an energy meter and a GPS map.
Dragging up on the app home screen will switch on the lights as seen in the overlay, although the V5F lacks the horn feature that is also displayed on the screen. Access the settings menu by pressing the cog icon. It’s in this screen of this application, where we enabled the motor killswitch/lift button under the handle, as ours was disabled out of the box. Here you can also update firmwares, artificially limit the top speed of the wheel (it often ships with a 20km limiter set) reset the wheel balance or make angle adjustments (fore/aft) for the pedals.
Thanks to some clever packaging of the cell pack, the curved battery sits above the wheel on InMotion unicycles. Whilst this adds some height, it means the bodies can be a lot slimmer than the competition, allowing for a more comfortable natural stance when cruising along.
Whilst the side pads at the top of the body look soft and comfy, they don’t come up anywhere near your knee. Those angled pedals mean the inner edges of your calves end up pushed against them which initially feels uncomfortable. Pointing your toes outward (opening your stance) can improve things.
The pedals themselves are identical to the ones fitted to the V8 with grip tape and a rubber logo attached to the face. The small platform will result in some overhang for anyone with size 10 shoes or above. Meanwhile applying the sticky-backed ankle pads just below and behind the white InMotion side emblems can give those with small feet, more purchase when riding.
The compact proportions can only truly be experienced when you try to take the unicycle with you in a car, or on the train. Its tiny size means that it will fit behind the seats of even a coupe or between your legs in a taxi, whist it will fit on the luggage rack of the average commuter train with space to spare.
For such a dinky unicycle, the V5F has some reasonable punch. Up 100w in power from the original V5, the V5 can accelerate smoothly. Whilst 550W of power is respectable, the motor will noticeably struggle when approaching its maximum climbing angle of 18°.
Rated for a 120kg payload, it is enough power for a passenger of that weight to cruise around on at 10mph. However that max speed of 15.5mph is most definitely restricted to lighter riders (sub 80kg), on flat ground, with no head-wind. We’d still recommend wearing safety gear (as a minimum some wrist and head protection) as if you are on the heavier side and you try and push this wheel too hard, you can find its ‘beep’ warning limits quite quickly. Applying a large payload to the wheel will also hamper its range potential with a ‘real world range’ of 20km, rather than the quoted 35km.
A small, light wheel, the V5F is highly agile. Placing your feet towards the outer edges of the pedals allows you to put a lot of leverage across the wheel much like on the MSuperX, this with some splaying of the legs allows for some incredibly tight turns even at walking speeds.
Deployed, the pedals have a clearance of just 11cm to the ground, which explains why InMotion angled them up quite so aggressively, allowing the wheel to be tipped over for tight turns without grounding out. Whilst you can lean this wheel over very easily, beware that it does have a safety cutout when tipped beyond 45°, something to note before you try and carve a berm!
Whilst we agree that big wheels are perfectly suited to cruising, many seasoned riders are adamant that a larger wheel with more inertia can be easier to learn to ride on. In our experience, first time riders mounting larger wheels can find the experience daunting, the extra weight also making the impacts that accompany (ankle/leg scrapes) that much tougher on the body. Our novice riders have made fast progress on this more manageable device.
For a new rider, the canted pedals will take some getting used to, but anyone who uses a unicycle regularly will know that some conditioning of your body will be required to ride almost any new unicycle over distance. New riders are likely to be less concerned with that relatively slow 15.5mph top speed, concentrating on developing the core skills for control rather than treating the wheel as a dragster.
We love the looks but find ourselves constantly buffing the fingerprint-magnet, polished body. Should you wish to keep it in good condition we suggest you invest in the wrap around official protective cover (with its reflective markings) that clips over the top of the body.
What will catch most prospective first-time buyers eyes, is the price, or rather the affordability of the wheel. At a little over half the price of other common wheels on the market, it opens up the hobby to a wider audience. If a rider doesn’t gel with the experience (or more likely, should they wish to sell it to upgrade) the residuals in the used market appear reasonable.
Overall we would say that the V5F is a great wheel to introduce yourself into the world of self balancing electric unicycles. A reliable, high quality product, it is safe in use which ultimately is the number one concern when learning anything this risky
With an extra 12 mile range and 3mph higher top speed at the cost of 1kg extra weight, the V5F is the obvious choice over the older InMotion V5. The other small sized wheel that often comes up in conversation is Gotway’s Mten3. Fitted with a 10inch wheel, the Mten3 is smaller and with a 30% more powerful motor is also more capable, but costs nearly twice as much as the V5F. Kingsong’s 14D and 14S are a closer comparison both fitted with a 14inch wheel. They feature a longer range but with the usual hike in terms of weight that can restrict the portability of the wheel; they too are more expensive.
The scale of the wheel can be gathered from the image above, the V5F is framed by the huge 19-inch MsuperX and the 16inch V10F. As mentioned this is the smallest of InMotion’s unicycles. It is smaller, lighter but not quite as comfortable in use as it’s bigger, more powerful brothers. You can learn more about the differences in the ‘V’ InMotion range in our comparison article here.
InMotion’s V5F is available on our webstore today, it qualifies for free-next-working-day-delivery, order before lunch and you could be learning to ride before the end of tomorrow. If you find yourself putting some miles on the wheel, we’d recommend picking up a spare charger to carry around or leave at your destination.
Spare parts are available for InMotion unicycles. If you are handy with tools the shell can be replaced with white and even gold options available, ideal for replacing yours should you scuff it up whilst learning. Whilst it won’t protect against a big fall, if you want to keep your V5F as scratch-free as possible, we also suggest picking up the genuine protective cover.
Learn about all the electric unicycles we have available in store with our handy comparison. Interested in something a little more serious? Also check out our review of Kingsong’s KS16s and Gotway’s incredible MSuperX!
Electric unicycles are single-wheeled, self-balancing personal transport vehicles. They rely on gyro-stabilisation to keep the rider balanced. Also known as EUCs or SBUs (self-balancing unicycles), electric unicycles are used for social and domestic transportation.
Unlike a standard unicycle, which is powered by pedals, an electric unicycle relies on a battery to power forward propulsion, making it faster and easier to ride.
There are some left-field EUC variations, featuring seats or sometimes even handlebars – but provided the vehicle relies on the use of a single wheel and uses an electric motor, they can still be classified as an electric unicycle.
With just a single wheel, an EUC may look like it is tricky to manage. While some practice will be necessary, the basics of riding an EUC can be easy to grasp – thanks to the inclusion of self-balancing technology.
Just like e-scooters and e-bikes, EUCs are powered by a battery, removing the need for any pedalling. Instead, e-unicycles have stationary footplates on either side of the wheel. Different models have varying battery power and capacity, equating to varying top speeds and range.
As with an electric scooter, an EUC’s battery will have to be charged regularly. Battery power and battery charging time will differ between models but many are capable of covering greater distances between charging than a comparably priced electric scooter.
The self-balancing qualities of an electric unicycle rely on gyro-stabilising technology. It’s the shifting of the rider’s weight which creates an action: if you lean forward, the EUC will accelerate; if you shift your weight backwards, it will slow down and come to a stop – not unlike riding a Segway. Directional movements are performed by slightly tipping the weight over either your left or right foot, or by twisting your hips.
Each electric unicycle features a control board, which will detect shifts in weight and maintain the axial balance which keeps the vehicle upright. Although they are deemed to be ‘self-balancing’, the rider will have to put in some effort to maintain the side-to-side balance.
Given the unique riding technique, some practice will be required before you’re ready to take an EUC out for a spin in public. However, rest assured that this type of vehicle does not require the same level of proficiency needed to ride a standard, manual unicycle!
EUCs are impressively versatile, and equipped to navigate a variety of terrain, but their true potential becomes apparent in urban environments. Many models are best suited to paved or tarmacked roads that allow for smooth cruising.
Many EUCs are constructed with cities in mind, with a carry handle and often a trolley handle incorporated into the design, allowing for easy portability. This is especially useful if you need to use public transport for part of your journey.
For the more adventurous, there are electric unicycle models capable of handling off-road terrain. Before purchasing, be sure to understand your chosen model’s capabilities. If you buy an EUC fitted with a road-going tyre but attempt to use it off-road, you may be in for a disappointing ride.
With their impressively powerful electric motors most electric unicycles are capable of tacking inclines that would trouble a scooter with little difficulty, provided they are sufficiently charged.
Where you can ride you new EUC will ultimately depend on highway laws in your country. In the UK, just as with electric scooters, it is illegal to ride an electric unicycle on the public highway. This is due to a complex set of laws which class EUCs as Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs). These types of vehicles are prohibited from being used on roads or pavements, with potential fines in place for anyone found to be riding one in contravention.
An electric unicycle can only be used legally on private property, such as your own premises or private land – provided you have the landowner’s permission.
However, with the rise in popularity of electric vehicles such as scooters and unicycles, the UK government is under increasing pressure to reassess the laws surrounding their use in public.
Ready to purchase you new e-unicycle? At Scooters Direct we pride ourselves on our electric vehicle expertise. Check our selection of top-of-the-range EUCs, and please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions.
]]>InMotion produce some fantastic transport products, their ‘V’ range of electric unicycles being no exception. Having extensively ridden these models ourselves over the past few seasons, we decided to put together a short comparison article mixing both the specifications and our findings to assist you in selecting the right wheel for your needs. We will be comparing InMotion’s V5F, V8 and V10F self-balancing electric unicycles.
All of the wheels share a similar design language with round glossy panels, smoothly integrated handles with motor cutoff switches, white emblems and blue backlit battery capacity indicators. Both of the ‘F’ models have soft padding at the top of your body for resting the side of your calves on.
The big V10F features squared-off rubber coated folding pedals whilst the others are fitted with rounded smaller units with skateboard style grip tape. Whilst all feature a bright LED headlight and running lights, only the V8 and V10F have programmable ‘arched ring’ strips of multi-colour LED’s running beneath the translucent plastic side panels.
The small V5F is fitted with a 320Wh battery, the V8 a 480Wh and the large V10F a huge 710Wh battery. They take 3.5hrs, 4hrs and 8hrs to charge respectively. Cell packs are mounted above the wheel, responsible for the ellipse silhouette when seen from the side.
Typically the chargers will charge to 85% relatively quickly before ramping down for the remaining charge. All three chargers have the same 84v 1.5A DC output and feature an LED to show charging status. The V8 and V10F chargers feature the same 3-pin plug and are interchangeable unlike the rectangular ‘laptop’ style plug on the V5F.
The V5F has a max range of 21.7miles, the V8 28 miles and the V10F (an almost unbelievable) 56 miles, in line with their battery capacities. For clarity, these figures are the low end of the estimates given by the manufacturer. Note that InMotion test their unicycles with a rider weighing 70kg on a warm (25°C) day, their range tests are performed riding at a steady 12.2 mph. In the real world nearly all of our products (both scooters and unicycles) fall short of the manufacturers estimates as our use cases tend to be varied and much more dynamic.
In testing we have seen around 12 miles out of the V5F, a touch over 20 miles out of the V8 and have hit the high 30’s with the V10F, albeit that data split into several days of journeys. Rider weight will have the greatest impact on range and our test riders are indeed larger and heavier than the UK average. Ensuring your tyre pressures are set correctly is the first step to maximising your range, followed by capping your riding speed to say 50% of the wheels potential. Note that as the remaining battery capacity drops lower, the unicycles will push-back at lower and lower speeds as they lack the energy to hit higher speeds leaving some headroom for the motor to react in an emergency situation.
The smallest wheel in the range, the V5F has the least powerful motor. At 550w it will struggle on inclines greater than 18 degrees and heavier riders will struggle to hit that 15.5mph top speed even on the flat, where the motor is busy keeping you upright. Where the 14 inch wheel wins out is in its nimble slow speed handling, such as negotiating chicane barriers or particularly tight routes in indoor environments such as a hall or warehouse. The short height and light-weight make it impressively responsive, its canted pedals ideal for levering the wheel over for turning almost on the spot.
Rated at 800w, the V8’s motor will meet the majority of riders needs. It is capable of 25 degree climbs and powerful enough to cruise around 15mph, or hit 18.6mph along the flat. The 16 inch wheel feels more at home at higher cruising speeds than the smaller V5F. Whilst the extra mass is apparent, the unicycle can still carve tight turns as confidently as its little brother, even if the extra clearance under those identically-sized pedals is negated by their flatter angle.
With that 2000w motor sat between your feet, the V10F takes the performance crown. It will power up 30 degree inclines, can hit speeds in excess of 24mph (we would recommend anyone looking to go harder/faster to consider serious motorcycle-grade protection when riding!) and happily cruise at 20mph even with a heavy rider aboard. The wide tyre offers a comfortable ride and excellent grip, essential when travelling at speed. At 20.6kg and 623mm tall (with the battery pack mounted up top) the wheel can feel a little top-heavy in use. Tight turns, slow turns require more rider confidence as the tipping sensation will have you ‘back out’ well before the wide and high pedals strike the ground.
Smaller stature riders will appreciate the narrow bodies of InMotion’s unicycles, allowing for a more natural stance than when riding compared to broader-framed models from Gotway or Kingsong. Those with larger feet will benefit from the larger-platform pedals on the V10F, finished with soft rubber they are comfortable in extended use but lack the traction of the skateboard grip-tape adorned V5F/V8 pedals. Taller riders may struggle to ride distances on the V5F, its canted pedals pushing the riders shins into the pads at the top of the body which will take more conditioning to get used to.
Whilst a subjective opinion, our staff are in agreement that the V8 is the most comfortable for casual riders. Its minimal body padding and relatively flat pedals allow for a natural riding position and its height, weight and resulting inertia are suited for riding at moderate speeds with confidence.
All three unicycles feature handles for carrying. At a touch over 20kg it is unlikely that anyone will want to carry the V10F further than up a staircase. In contrast, the V5F weighs an all-together more manageable 11.9kg and can be carried closer to your body thanks to its narrower profile. Unless you are particularly tall the unicycles will fit in a car footwell behind a drivers seat. At 47cm tall and under 17cm wide, the V5F can even be squeezed into gym lockers.
InMotion’s V-series all feature deploy-able trolley handles. When powered up they can be pushed around with the assistance of the motor, the user providing minimal effort to keep the unit upright. The V5F and V10F handles are affixed to the rear of the unit, hinging up almost like a rubber-tipped tail when released. Opting for a telescopic design, the V8 handle operates in a similar fashion to a suitcase handle, released by pressing a button on-top of the case and extending the handle upward where it locks in place.
As a recap, let’s take a look at the data comparing the specifications of each unicycle, as provided by the manufacturer:
Having sold their scooters, eBikes and now unicycles, we have good knowledge of the products and a great relationship InMotion themselves. All of the unicycles featured here ship with chargers, UK specific adaptors and helpful manuals written in good english. They have headlights, bluetooth connectivity (for smartphone app connection), battery temperature protection, lift motor-cutout switches and more.
Thanks to some clever packaging that places the battery pack above (as opposed to alongside) their unicycles are narrower than their competitors, easier to store and more comfortable to ride. Well tested, the wheel programming is both predictable and reliable, safety being paramount. InMotion products are polished (both figuratively and literally) and dependable in use, whichever wheel you choose you can expect a satisfying ownership experience.
There is no one universal unicycle for everyone, picking the perfect wheel is very much down to personal preference and requirements. Having ridden a whole host of electric unicycles, our personal favourite is InMotion’s V8. We feel its balance of reliability, power and top speed, combined with its narrow body and relatively low weight make it the perfect all-rounder.
If you are looking for a long-distance and/or high-performance wheel we’d suggest looking beyond InMotion’s offerings. Check out our review of Kingsong’s 16S, or the supercar of unicycles, Gotway’s MSuperX! Offering larger battery packs and adjustable ride modes at the cost of a much higher retail price, these wheels are for serious riders.
Should you have any comments regarding selecting the right wheel for you, or have noticed any errors in the article, please leave a message in the comments section below.
Announced late 2019, InMotion’s V8 will eventually be getting the ‘F’ upgrade treatment. The V8F retains the 16inch wheel and similar proportions but will been upgraded with a 1000w motor, a 518Wh battery, a wider tyre and larger, wider pedals comparable to those on the V10F. These changes should equate to a higher top speed, longer range plus improved ride performance and comfort. We are looking forward to reviewing the model later this year.
As they are powered by a rechargeable electric motor, e-scooters offer an environmentally friendly alternative to solo motorised transportation, such as motorbikes or cars.
Many commuters dread being trapped in a confined environment with other people, such as a busy train or bus. E-scooters give you the opportunity to travel while avoiding the rush-hour crush.
Good quality electric scooters usually cost between £300 to £1,000 – various factors can affect the overall price. Although the initial outlay may seem daunting, when compared to annual train or bus tickets – which could set you back thousands of pounds – an electric scooter suddenly seems like a worthy investment.
Most electric scooters can reach speeds of around 15mph, which is much faster than walking pace. Utilising an electric scooter on your daily commute will dramatically reduce your travel time, whilst still allowing you to avoid busy public transport and enjoy some fresh air on your way to and from work.
Although some commuters may choose to rely on an e-scooter for their entire journey, this isn’t always a viable option. Studies have concluded that the ‘last mile’, i.e. the final phase of a commute from vehicle to workplace, is the most difficult to complete; many modes of public transport do not drop passengers off exactly where they need to be.
Being lightweight and portable, e-scooters can be carried with relative ease on mass public transit. This means they can be deployed for use once you leave the bus stop or train station and move on to your place of work.
If you decide to upgrade your commuting experience by obtaining an electric scooter (in places where this is legal), there are a few key specs and features you should look out for when making a purchase.
The best electric scooter for commuting will ideally be lightweight, as there may be occasions where you will need to dismount and carry your scooter. Models made with light yet robust materials such as aluminium will usually be suited to the task.
A foldable electric scooter will make the ideal vehicle for commuting. Most foldable models have a simple mechanism which allows them to dramatically reduce in size, for easy and convenient portability.
The ability for a scooter to fold is especially important for commuters who will need to use public transport at some point during their journey, or who may have limited storage space at work.
You should also consider battery power and mileage when buying an electric scooter for commuting. If you are travelling a significant distance each day you must ensure that your chosen model has a battery with enough capacity to support travelling both ways. Finding yourself stuck at work with an immobile scooter would be incredibly frustrating.
Alternatively, look into a way to charge your scooter at your workplace.
It’s advisable that you also consider the terrain of your route to and from work. For example, if you find that your journey includes several hills, look for a scooter with a motor that has enough power to handle repeated steep inclines.
At Scooters Direct we offer a wide range of electric scooters, many of which will make the ideal purchase to fulfil your commuting needs.
Every e-scooter model that we supply benefits from being fully foldable for added convenience.
When it comes to weight, the InMotion L8F Electric Scooter cannot be beaten. Weighing in at an impressively light 12kg and boasting a compact folding design, the L8F can be carried easily when needed.
The L8F enjoys a maximum range of 35km (just under 22 miles), which should certainly be sufficient for most journeys. It also has a conveniently short charge time of five hours, meaning it can be fully charged throughout the working day if needed, to avoid the likelihood of a flat battery when it’s time to go home.
Looking for more information or help making a purchase? Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our customer service team, or head over to our helpful advice blog.
Please note that currently the law prohibits use of electric scooters on public pavements, parks, roads and more in the UK.
]]>Whether you’re looking for an environmentally friendly vehicle to get you from A to B, or an off-roader for remote adventures, there is an electric scooter for every adult – but what exactly should you look for before making a purchase?
When buying an adult electric scooter, identifying the main motive for your purchase will help determine which model is best you for. Unlike models designed for kids, adults’ electric scooters will often have a more practical purpose, such as speeding up your commute.
If you’re planning to use your e-scooter to revolutionise your daily commute (if this is legal where you live) convenience will most likely be a priority.
If your commute requires you to hop on and off public transport, you’d be wise to opt for a foldable electric scooter. After all, buses and trains are notoriously busy during the rush hour – fellow passengers will be annoyed with you if your e-scooter is taking up too much precious on-board space.
Foldable electric scooters will quickly transform into compact and portable loads. They’re also ideal for solving storage conundrums at home or at work. It’s worth checking the scooter’s folded dimensions to ensure if will fit in your desired space.
If your adult electric scooter is intended for your daily commute, you should also consider weight. As advanced as electric scooter technology is, they are not equipped to navigate steps, meaning you will inevitably have to lift and carry it at some point in your journey.
Although bulkier models are often on the heavier side, it is possible to buy a durable yet lightweight electric scooter which weighs in at under 12kg.
If you’re planning on unleashing your inner child and taking your electric scooter adventures off-road, your requirements will be very different.
Whilst an electric scooter for commuting will need be compact and light, off-road models will require a sturdier build to handle rough terrain. The wheels will also need to be larger, with a much deeper treads to help manoeuvre across underfoot obstacles, such as rocks or tree roots.
Off-road electric scooters must also have good suspension, in order to absorb shocks. Without this, you will feel every bump in the ground – enough to ruin an off-road adventure.
The primary difference between buying a kid’s e-scooter and an electric scooter for adults is the weight capacity.
For kids, maximum weight is usually not a concern. However, weight capacity is arguably one of the most important specifications to consider for adults. Although most models will have a substantial maximum payload, budget offerings may be able to carry less than you’d think – the best electric scooters for adults will support a larger load.
It’s vital to check a scooter’s maximum weight capacity prior to purchase; you will find that the quality of your ride is seriously impacted if you do exceed the limit: maximum speed will be decreased, battery life reduced and incline climbing capability diminished.
When assessing an adult electric scooter’s maximum load, you must also remember to include the weight of any baggage in your calculations. If you regularly carry additional bags, such as a work backpack, you could easily find that you exceed your e-scooters maximum weight capacity.
When buying an adult electric scooter, it’s important to research the costs involved, and what your money will get you before finalising a purchase.
Prices for a quality electric scooter will usually begin in the region of £300, with the most advanced models reaching into the thousands. Whilst it is not necessary to part with an extremely large amount of money to acquire a high performing electric scooter, we would avoid steering clear of suspiciously cheap models. They often lack sufficient battery and motor power and are constructed from inferior materials.
By spending a little more on your new mode of transport, you will gain access to useful additional features, such as high-quality construction materials, increased battery power and additional software, such as a dedicated mobile app. Although these extras may not be necessary for all e-scooter riders, it’s worth looking further into how unique additions could be of use to you, and then adapt your budget accordingly.
At Scooters Direct we’re pleased to confirm that our entire range of electric scooters is suitable for adults, with price options to suit all budgets and requirements.
If you’d like further assistance on which e-scooter to buy, please do not hesitate to get in touch with a member of our helpful and friendly team. Alternatively, head over to our advice blog, for comprehensive reviews of models within our range.
]]>Although it should be approached with caution, there are many benefits to opting for a second-hand electric scooter.
The main benefit to buying second-hand is the opportunity to buy a premium model at a lower cost. Although budget-friendly e-scooter brands are available, premium models can come with a hefty price tag.
However, by buying a second-hand scooter, it is possible to get a high-quality model for a fraction of the original retail price. This provides new electric scooter riders with an opportunity to try the sport out without incurring a heavy investment before knowing what specs and features they may want or need.
One of the biggest selling points of electric scooters is that they are kinder to the environment than other forms of motorised transport. Unfortunately, whilst the ride itself may be sustainable, the shipping methods used to deliver a factory-fresh model may not be. Scooters tend to be manufactured abroad; the finished product then needs to be shipped to the supplier, and then forwarded on to the customer after a sale.
By buying a pre-owned electric scooter, you are preventing it from ending up in a landfill. If you choose to buy from a local seller, you will also be mitigating the need for overseas shipping – helping to reduce your carbon footprint.
Whilst there are some advantages to buying a second-hand electric scooter, it’s vital you also consider the downsides before deciding.
When you purchase a used electric scooter, chances are it will not be coming from a renowned reseller, meaning you cannot be sure of the quality. With the existence of knock-off models in the market, because of unscrupulous manufacturers based abroad, you need to be sure that you are buying from a trusted source in order to guarantee that you are buying a legitimate product. It’s wise to do some research: check out reviews that may exist online, or word-of-mouth opinions from other scooter users.
By buying from an independent dealer, you are also sacrificing customer support. A reliable supplier, such as Scooters Direct, will provide on-going customer after-care, ensuring you get the most out of your e-scooter purchase.
According to the Consumer Rights Act, second-hand sellers are legally obliged to refund a faulty item – but bear in mind that wear and tear is to be expected. However, the chances are you won’t be able to return a used electric scooter simply because you’ve changed your mind.
A legitimate retailer will usually have a policy allowing customers to return their purchase within a set amount of time for a full refund – faulty or not.
There is no escaping the fact that a brand-new electric scooter will be in better condition than a second-hand model. Although many will have been well looked after, there is no guarantee that the previous owner will have ridden carefully nor carried out necessary maintenance.
If your e-scooter’s previous owner has not cared for it well, you may need to make necessary repairs or upgrades yourself, which often isn’t cheap. If this is the case, you may find that it would have been more cost effective to have just bought a new model.
The battery is easily one of the most important components of an e-scooter – without it, an electric scooter cannot function.
Over time, scooter batteries will diminish in power. A battery replacement will be required around every three years. This means that, when buying second hand, unless the scooter has not been used you will likely inherit a battery that is not performing optimally.
This could result in:
If you do opt for a used model, you should either choose an e-scooter that is less than three years old or has recently had a battery replacement.
Another disadvantage to buying a second-hand scooter is the lack of available choice. Rather than being able to narrow down your search according specific specs and requirements, it is likely that you will simply have to select from what’s available on re-sale sites such as eBay, Gacebook marketplace or Gumtree.
Additionally, electric scooter manufacturers regularly release updated models, with all-new specs and features. If you’re buying a used scooter, the likelihood is that you will have to wait several years to benefit from such updates.
Although there are benefits to buying a second-hand electric scooter, we’d ultimately recommend a brand-new model.
Whilst used scooters may provide money-saving opportunities, you must consider whether sacrificing on quality, customer support and reputability is worth the trade-off. If you are working with a limited budget but still want premium quality, we’d recommend opting for a high-end manufacturer’s older models.
At Scooters Direct, we have a wide range of environmentally friendly electric scooters, catering for a variety of budgets. If you have any further questions about which electric scooter to buy, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of our team – we’re always happy to help!
]]>Not everyone wants to ride a scooter, nor are they prepared to learn how to ride a unicycle; thankfully there is a third way. Hoverboards can smoothly and quietly transport passengers around for short distances, controlled totally hands free. Suitable for riders of all ages, the InMotion E3 can be picked up in minutes and ridden for confidently ridden for hours. Let’s take a look at what a modern hoverboard provides.
Modern hoverboards aren’t yet the advanced floating decks we were promised in ‘Back to the Future : Part 2’. The term has been applied to electrically powered, two wheeled transporters that employ advanced gyroscopes and powerful in-wheel motors to self balance.
Whilst Segway-style transporters are nothing new, they appear to lack the popularity of the longitudinally-laid out kick-scooter-style brothers. Following the series of serious fires due to faulty battery management systems (or just poor build quality) members of the public could be forgiven for being scared of any hoverboard-style device. Thankfully reputable manufacturers are now building on Segway-Ninebot’s successes in the sector, releasing compact but capable robust and safe personal transporters.
Assembly is straightforward, just slot the knee-bar onto the protruding nub between the footplates and clamp it down using the quick release catch at the rear. If it is loose you can tighten it by adjusting the screws (whilst unlatched) using the included allen/screwdriver tool, further details are available in the supplied quickstart manual.
The tyres arrive inflated but we advise upping the pressure if you are heavier than InMotion’s typical ‘75kg’ rider. With the unit laid down, rotate the wheels until the valve shows in the cutout behind the wheels. Remove the metal valve caps and screw on the included inflation adapter which, thanks to its integral valve, won’t immediately deflate. Terminated with a Presta valve, the tyres can be inflated with a normal car foot-pump/inflator.
Arriving partially charged, the E3 can be ridden straight away, but we recommend fully charging the battery. Lay the unit down and reveal the charge port which is hidden behind a rubber cap at the rear of the deck, before inserting the keyed four-pin cable. The supplied charger will take around 5 hours to charge from completely flat.
Below the power button is a small status indicator window that will display a bluetooth icon when connected to your phone or a red triangle in the rare cases where a problem occurs. You can also see the current battery charge level, shown in five segments, each representing 20% of the batteries capacity; a more accurate percentage reading can be seen in the application. When nearing empty the indicator (along with the arch lights) will start flashing.
Unlike other devices, the board relies on sensors under the soft footplates for forward and back motion whilst the angle of the upright ‘knee bar’ section for rotating left and right. Push down on your toes or lean slightly forward and the E3 will drive ahead, stand upright and flat on your feet and the E3 will stop, lean backwards and it will reverse. Levering the upright bar to the left or right will rotate the entire board in that direction. This can be achieved by pushing your knees from side to side or by leaning your entire body.
At its lowest position the knee bar is perfect for those of average height 160-175cm (5ft3in to 5ft9in) but can be extended for taller riders or to use as a dollying handle for walking it around. Loosen the screw on the front of the bar, slide the soft pad section up to the required height before tightening that screw back down.
At the rear, under the lip of the footplate, is a deploy-able ‘kick’ stand, for propping the E3 up (at a slight angle) when charging or storing it. Ensure you collapse this stand before powering the board up to avoid accidents.
InMotion have adorned the E3 with tens of LED lights. There are two bands of ring light on the inside edge of the wheel guards, a long LED bar on the back of the deck and a powerful headlight on the front. The bright white LED headlight automatically powers up in dark areas, illuminating the path ahead. It can also be turned on and off via the app, where both the arch and deck lighting can also be configured and adjusted.
Out of the box, the bar of LED’s on the rear illuminate blue whilst riding and switch to red whilst slowing down. The rear bar light will also animate across in yellow whilst turning to indicate to those behind, of a change in direction. Beyond aesthetic or entertainment value, the lighting is used to inform the rider of the board status. For example, the ring lights will illuminate red and pulse whilst riding to remind the user that the battery is low .
InMotion provide a smartphone application for both iOS and Android devices.Once you have managed to create an account it will allow you to pair to the board via bluetooth. When connected the app displays the current battery level, estimated remaining range and trip information such as total mileage, average speed and max speed.
It will also allow you to alter the configuration of the E3 such as changing the headlight behaviour (auto/on/off), resetting the balance point, switching the lighting patterns/colours and more. Simply put, it isn’t a great application, released with numerous spelling mistakes, missed translations and bugs; we hope that InMotion addresses this in the near future.
One interesting feature is the ‘remote control’ mode. This allows you to drive the board around using an on-screen joystick or by utilising the gyroscope in your smartphone when nothing is touching the pedals. There is some lag in the system and the board is limited to 4mph when remotely controlled, but it could be used to carry a heavy bag without touching the E3, or just to spook your coworkers.
As with its competitors, we failed to hit the E3’s stated 30km range, averaging low 20's or below, the range shrinking quickly when a heavier passenger (the E3 can cope with a payload of 100kg max) stepped aboard. InMotion’s 30km range reportedly comes from a 75kg person riding the board at a steady 12km/h on a flat road. Unlike a more traditional scooter, we feel people will use this device to travel around a local area, or even indoors in say a large office complex or warehouse, where range is likely to be less of a sticking point.
If you have never ridden a hoverboard or segway style transporter before it can take some getting used to. With its ability to self-stabilise when stationary, the learning process is nowhere near as daunting as a unicycle, most of our office staff picking it up in under an hour. Relaxing is key, as stiffening up your body, or violently jerking around will result in you fighting the board, making it oscillate back and forth beneath you.
When mounting for the first time, place the E3 alongside a wall allowing you to stabilise yourself against it with a hand. Check the kickstand isn’t deployed, power up the device and allow it to balance itself. Standing behind the board step onto the deck with your dominant foot and quickly transfer your weight and your trailing foot onto the opposite pad without knocking the steerer bar in the middle. Relax your core muscles and get a feel for the balance, gently swinging your hips to experience the drive motion. After a few minutes on the board going forward and backwards, leaning (or twisting your hips) to turn the board is the final hurdle.
There can be a tendency (especially if you ride a unicycle regularly) to lean your body forward to accelerate and decelerate, but only a minor weight shift onto your toes or heels is required to control the board. Conversely, when turning at any speed, its advisable to lean your weight across the steerer bar rather than pushing and pulling your knees sideways to steer.
It is all too easy to max out the E3’s approximately 18km/h top speed. As you approach the top speed and continue to push forward the board will rapidly beep at you to warn you, before it starts to lean back as seen in the last photo below. This rotation will shift the riders weight backwards to a more upright position which will in turn slow the acceleration and ultimately the speed of the board. Heavier riders will find that the E3 ‘push back’ occurs at lower speeds as the motors have less headroom, working harder just to balance the passenger.
IP54 rated, you can use it on wet ground, the manufacturer recommending you do not ride in the rain for more than 10 minutes. With its shallow cut tyres, the E3 is at home on tarmac and firm dirt paths, this is not a transporter for off road use. It will cope with small bumps in the path but isn’t designed to tackle kerbs or sharp drop-offs. Thankfully at only 13.5kg its easy enough to step off and lift it (with the kneebar properly tightened) over any obstacle in your way by the pads.
Compared to the fiercely competitive electric scooter market, there are relatively few ‘high end’ hoverboards around. Ninebot’s Mini is probably the most popular board available at this budget.
The E3 and the Mini could have been separated at birth, such are their similarities. They share a common wheel size, deck width and depth and even ride in a near identical fashion. Both offer remote operation via the smartphone app, have powerful LED headlights, wheel fenders and comfortable ride thanks to their tubeless pneumatic tyres.
With a hump splitting the footpads and a knee bar that cannot be adjusted for height, the Mini is arguably less practical as it cannot be used to dolly packages around. Our office consensus is that whilst the Mini is subjectively prettier, the longer range, marginally higher top speed and the extra lighting options edge the E3 ahead. The only other thing to note is that In use, InMotion’s board has a more aggressive push-back when riding at the limit
Hoverboards have proved popular in the office with our staff doing everything from picking orders, to making (and traversing) the office with cups of tea in hand. Its hands-free operation makes it ideal for operating a camera gimbal, carrying items short distances or even chatting on the phone.
However when it comes to covering ground, the hoverboards do not compare to a folding electric scooter. With a top speed of just 11mph and a range that suffers heavily when ridden everywhere at top speed, the E3 isn’t the right choice for travelling any real distance.
Hoverboards may be slower and a little larger in ‘footprint’ but they are significantly easier to master than their electric unicycles brothers. Anyone looking for a ‘hands-free’ transporter (should you be a gimbal operator, work in a large warehouse, want to move around an estate) that will also allow them to balance on the spot, should consider the E3.
If you are looking for a personal transporter for regularly covering short distances, the InMotion E3 will work for you. Should you wish to travel 4-5 miles at a time, we’d recommend looking at a folding electric scooter that is more suited to longer rides.
You can purchase the InMotion E3 on our webstore. It currently includes free next-working-day delivery to the UK!
Following the success of the ES series of scooters, Segway Ninebot are back with a larger, heavier duty, long range scooter designed for a western audience. Is bigger always better? Standing tall, the Max G30 promises a mature, refined product, targeting all of its competitors weaknesses. We put the new scooter through its paces and compare it to our current favourite, Xiaomi’s M365 Pro.
There is certainly some parts sharing going on in the scooter market at the moment. The Max’s familiar silhouette is finished in a dark grey powder-coat style finish, Ninebot opting for yellow trim highlights on the wheel rims, stem logo, accelerator grip and the highly-reflective frame caps.
Shipped in a large black box measuring 121x60x22cm, the max is well (but sadly) protected by large chunks of polystyrene. Inside Ninebot include a UK power adapter, European (2 prong) power adapter, inflation adapter, 2.5mm hex-driver, 6 hex bolts, quick-start guide, user manual and warranty card along with the scooter itself.
If you own a Xiaomi scooter or have seen one of our other unboxing articles you will be familiar with the Ninebot Max’s basic assembly requirements. Once removed from the packaging, the handlebars need to be inserted into the steerer tube. A keyed design, it is impossible to get wrong, with just 6 bolts to insert and tighten with the supplied T-wrench.
Under the deck, at the rear of the scooter is a sprung rubber-sealed flap covering the charge ports. The Max can be charged with the supplied C5 ‘cloverleaf’ mains cable, or with the older ES-series external charger via the 2.0A DC input jack. Charging direct from the mains with that integrated 3A, 121w charger will take just 6 hours to fill up that huge 551Wh (15300mAh) battery! Whilst charging the scooter dashboard will display the current charge level. Note that once charging is complete the scooter remains powered 'on’.
This is the first scooter we have seen with an integrated charger and we are big fans of the setup, the C5 cables both inexpensive and readily available on the open market should you wish to leave one at your office/home/other frequented destinations.
Although arriving inflated, it is always worthwhile checking the tyre pressures. Use a quality pump (ideally one with a pressure readout valve) in conjunction with the included inflation extension tube. Ninebot recommend riding with the tyre pressure between 32 and 37 psi, (the tyres are rated for 55psi max) inflating both equally. Note that before riding you must activate the scooter through the smartphone application.
Despite sharing design similarities with the Xiaomi scooter frame, the folding mechanism is a different and much-improved-upon design. To fold the scooter down, rotate the plastic locking ring anti-clockwise, away from the release latch. When new the large metal release latch can be stiff to operate and those with smaller hands may struggle. Ensuring your head/body is to the side of the handlebars, lever this release latch away from the front of the scooter.
This action collapses the steerer tube to hinge down across the footplate, coming to rest on the rear mudguard. Align the plastic catch on the right-hand-side of the handlebars over the rear fender and allow it to clip in. Unfolding is the reversal of this process, releasing the bars from the rear guard, erecting them, carefully closing the release lever and securing it with the plastic locking ring.
Once folded (and with the kickstand stowed) the scooter can be carried up stairs or for short distances, holding onto the steerer tube. The wide deck requires you to hold it slightly further out from your body than other scooters, this in addition to its near 19kg weight, can fatigue your arms quickly. If you are right handed we suggest carrying it ‘backwards’ with the rear wheel ahead of you to avoid catching your legs on the folded kickstand.
The cockpit is laid out in a familiar way with the brake lever and bell to the left and the throttle lever to the right. Soft grey rubber handgrips finish off the comfortably wide (47cm end-to-end) handlebars.
Once rolling, you can speed up by rotating the throttle control with your right thumb. Powered by a 350w rear-hub motor, the scooter can climb a gradient up to 20% (naturally, dependant on rider weight) and go on to hit its top speed of 15.5mph in a matter of seconds. Inboard of the throttle is the fender latch, securing the upright to the rear fender, allowing the scooter to be carried.
The brake lever to the left of the handlebars operates the mechanical drum brake on the front wheel as well as the regenerative brake in the rear hub motor. The braking action is smooth although the front-drum setup lacks initial bite, as if the system is short on immediate power compared to some of the mechanical rear-disc setups on the market. Adjusting the regenerative braking force of the rear-hub motor (through the smartphone app) improves the overall performance of a system that is doubtless strained by the additional mass of the scooter. In-board of the brake lever, somewhat resembling a ‘grip’ gear-shifter is the bell and rotating the rubber-dial rings it to warn those around you.
Bolted to the top of the stem, a bright LCD display shows the current speed (indicated in km/h as standard but switchable to mph) drive mode, bluetooth status, scooter health and remaining battery capacity, the later displayed as five segments. Recessed towards the bottom of this panel, a single button is responsible for powering up, adjusting and shutting down the scooter. Press to turn on, tap to switch mode, long press to turn on/off the lights and finally press and hold to turn the scooter off.
As mentioned drive modes can be cycled between by double-tapping the power button (even when moving), switching between ECO, Drive and Sport. Each have their own acceleration gradients and top speeds, assisting you in maximising your potential range or provide the most performance when riding.
Mounted under the handlebar stem, sat behind a lens is a bright LED headlight. When powered up, the beam focuses down on the ground a useful couple of meters ahead of the scooter with a crisp, strong beam cutoff. Brighter than the standard M365 setup and with enough spill in the reflector housing to make the scooter visible from a wide angle up front, this is by far the best factory-fit unit we have seen so far.
As mentioned the Max features a ‘twist’ bell. This somewhat unorthodox design allows for multiple ‘hits’ of the bell in quick succession, maximising the potential alert capability. It's position allows you to mute the bell immediately by placing a finger on the black metal body. It took some getting used to but we actually prefer using this integrated design which is less likely to injure a rider than the traditional 'bell' seen on the M365, in the event of an accident.
At the rear is a horizontally mounted red LED that flashes red when the brakes are applied. With the headlamp lit it is also constantly lit, still flashing when braking. It can be configured to be ‘always on’ through the application.
Configured for pedestrian safety mode (again through the app) the scooter speed is capped at 6km/h and this rear light will flash rapidly to warn those behind of the observed limit, the passenger is notified of this by a small ‘walking human’ icon on the dashboard aside of the drive mode. We feel that modes like these demonstrate that manufacturers are committed to responsible scooter use in built up areas.
Size matters. Just ask anyone relatively tall who rode the original M365 for a stint. Xiaomi partically addressed this with the recent enlarged Pro model and for the Max, Ninebot have also redesigned the scooter frame to make it suitable for those 6ft and over. For reference, our 5 foot 11 inch tall model found the footplate roomy and the controls at a comfortable height.
Stepping off the spacious base back on to electric scooters like the original M365 makes it feel positively cramped. The footplate is a good 16.5cm wide with 50cm clear space between the downtube and the rear fender whilst the usable griptape area stretches out to 63cm around these elements. The wide and long stance is topped off with raised handlebars, sat around 118cm from the ground.
The upscaling doesn’t end there, with large 10inch-diameter tubeless tyres fitted front and rear. These feature a larger air volume and can run at a lower-than-average pressure for improved ride comfort. Designed for hard paths, the compound is soft enough to grip whilst the tread features a directional pattern to clear water on wet surfaces.
Anyone who has ever had to change an inner-tube on a small hub-motor wheel will know just how frustrating the process can be. We welcome tubeless tyres with their separate valve stems and will be extensively testing the puncture protection promised by a new inner tyre layer.
Ninebot state that the Max is suitable for passengers 3’11” to 6’6” (120–200 cm) with a maximum payload of 100kg. We have tested the scooter with a rider of 110kg with little hit to the performance beyond the usual range reduction. The tough deck, strong motor and powerful brakes appear to be capable of handling a load slightly beyond these limits, at the customers risk.
Only the kickstand, mounted up the front on the left hand side of the base (likely due to the weight distribution) feels clumsy in use, having experienced Xiaomi’s unit, positioned at the rear.
The Segway-Ninebot app is required to activate/register the scooter before it can be ridden. If you have unboxed yours and have been unable to ride it whilst it beeps at you, this is likely the reason. Upon activation, a series of timed safety messages are displayed (that cannot be skipped) with advice for safe and responsible use of the device.
A simple home-screen design provides you the information you need plus shortcuts to the most commonly used functions of the app such as locking the hub motor wheel when parked and adjusting energy recovery levels. Cruise control can be activated, allowing the scooter to automatically maintain a throttle input (confirmed with a beep), after holding the accelerator at a set position for around 5 seconds. Pedestrian mode can also be engaged, limiting the scooter to 6km/h, ideal for safe control in built up areas. Double-tapping the dashboard view will swap the background for your rear camera feed, allowing you to effectively see 'through' your phone when glancing to check your speed/battery levels.
As per other electric scooters, the Max requires a kick push up to 3km/h before the motor will take over. Under power, acceleration is smooth with reasonable punch when ridden on the flat in sport mode. In our tests sport mode topped out at 25km/h, 20km/h in drive and 16km/h in eco mode. As mentioned the braking performance is great, progressive in its action even on the strongest regeneration mode and offering riders real confidence.
Those 10inch tyres are a revelation on the move. Jumping off of an ES4 (with its small, solid wheels) and onto this Max and an increased stability (and confidence when travelling at higher at cruising speeds) is immediately evident. We are yet to experience a puncture with our test unit but we are confident that the larger, tubeless design will make swapping tyres markedly easier, the pinch of the tube re-fitment often the real snagging point of any repair.
With the majority of our scooters powered by the front wheel, it was great to experience a ‘rear wheel drive’ chassis. On loose inclines there is none of the skittish front wheel scrabbling regularly experienced on front-hub motor setups, potentially due to a more ‘even’ weight distribution of rider and battery thanks to that larger footplate.
With a water resistance rating of IPX5 for the whole body (and IPX7 for its core components) you can use the scooter on a damp path, just avoid riding in heavy rain or through a puddle that would submerge the tyres to the depth of the motor hub. One last thing to note with this ‘oversize’ model, Ninebot’s own suggested age rating of 14+ advises that is not for kids.
The Max commands a premium pricetag, higher even than that on the Xiaomi M365 Pro and Ninebot’s very own ES4, but it is one that the polished platform truly justifies. With its large pneumatic tyres, it offers a confident, comfortable ride on surfaces that a small wheeled scooter (such as InMotion’s L8f) would really struggle on. It avoids the nervousness and vibration of solid wheel models, allowing you to carve turns on rough tarmac with ease. With a range of 31 miles it can theoretically go further than any of the other scooters we sell today.
Beyond budget, its greatest weakness is a result of that class-leading range and build quality; the sheer weight of it. 19kg never feels that heavy in a dumbbell, but spread across a sizeable metal scooter it becomes quite a struggle; carrying the Max any distance is something that should be avoided.
Overall, it is the details that set this scooter apart and justify its pricetag. That freshly engineered quick-release clasp, right down to the metal caps used on the valve stems, the refinements are plentiful.
If you desire a ‘proper’ scooter, one that offers both refinements alongside a long real-world range this is the one to buy. Likewise if you are tall or heavier than average, or are just sick of carrying your charger around with you (and assuming you can afford it!) the Ninebot Max is a must-buy. The Max can truly be considered as the current ‘Mercedes’ of the scooter world and Ninebot should be proud of successfully ‘out-pro’ing Xiaomi in their own game. You can buy the Ninebot Max from our webstore today, with free-next-working-day delivery to mainland UK!
On the surface, an electric scooter looks like a traditional kick scooter. However, rather than requiring manual effort from the rider to propel forwards, an e-scooter is powered by an electric motor, making it an environmentally friendly mode of transport. The batteries feeding these motors do require regular charging, but depending on the capacity, some models possess a range of up to 60 miles.
A foldable electric scooter is exactly what it says on the tin: an electric scooter that can be folded. This usually means it will fold in half, at the point where the handlebar stem meets the deck – although some scooters may utilise less conventional folding methods.
Once folded, the e-scooter is designed to be carried easily. Some sturdier models are designed to allow one wheel to remain on the floor even when folded. With these models, the scooter can either be pushed or pulled when not in use.
Foldable e-scooters are a boon to riders who must use public transport as part of their commute. Taking a bicycle or scooter onto a bus or metro system during the busy rush hour periods inconveniences other passengers and can be quite irritating when space is limited. As a foldable e-scooter is incredibly compact and will not occupy an unreasonable amount of room, it presents a good compromise.
The compact nature of a foldable e-scooter is also a huge benefit when it comes to home storage. Bicycles and rigid scooters can be tricky to store, particularly if you have little space to spare. Folding down a scooter into a conveniently compact size means it can be stored indoors easily and unobtrusively.
Riders will also find that a foldable electric scooter is far more practical than a standard scooter, as they are far less cumbersome to carry when not in use.
Research has found that the last mile of any inner-city commute is the most difficult to complete, simply because public transport will not drop travellers at their precise destination – walking can take a while, whilst cars often get caught in traffic and are not always environmentally friendly.
On the other hand, a battery-powered scooter can navigate dense traffic (in places where this is legal) and reach speeds faster than walking.
At Scooters Direct, our classic electric scooters come with the additional benefit of being fully foldable.
The lightest within our range is the super compact InMotion L8F Electric Scooter, weighing in at an impressively light 12kg. The L8F utilises a unique dual-folding system. This allows the scooter to reduce in size from 106cm x 110cm x 43cm to 110cm x 36cm x 15cm. Unlike some foldable e-scooters, this model also allows for the handlebars to be folded in as seen in the photo below – not just the stem to the deck.
The L8F also features detachable auxiliary wheels which can be fitted to the underside, making for more convenient transportation when folded. For a full run down on the foldable L8F e-scooter, head over to our review.
Anyone looking for an e-scooter with an innovative folding mechanism should look no further than the Ninebot ES2 KickScooter by Segway. Both Segway scooters in our range offer some of the simplest folding techniques on the market. Once your ride is finished, all that needs to be done is to firmly press the plastic tab at the at the front of the footplate with your heel. From here, Segway e-scooters will automatically collapse for convenient transportation.
Whilst Segways are incredibly easy to fold, it isn’t quite as compact as some of our other e-scooters. The front wheel remains forward whilst folded, which also means that it cannot be pushed or pulled; instead it must be carried. Luckily, the ES2 is also superlight; weighing in at just 12.5kg carrying it is a breeze.
Our bestselling Xiaomi electric scooters offer a three-step folding procedure. Once perfected, the Xiaomi folding mechanism will have your e-scooter collapsed in a matter of seconds. Although some Xiaomi models are light enough to be carried when folded, others – such as the M365 Pro at 14kg – are on the heavier side. Luckily, Xiaomi’s folding design allows for most models to be pulled along, mitigating the likelihood of your arms tiring!
Decided to make the move and purchase your own foldable electric scooter? At Scooters Direct we have a wide range of e-scooters, catering to all requirements and budgets, with next day shipping available.
Have more questions? Our team of experts will be glad to help – please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
]]>Electric scooters have transformed the way we travel around cities across the globe, but what if you want to travel more than just a few miles at a time? What if you lack the confidence to ride a scooter through the city but are unable to cycle mile after mile? Then the InMotion P1F hybrid electric scooter could well be for you.
From the handlebars to the saddle, InMotion’s P1F looks distinctly like a bicycle, but with no pedals, no chain and no gears it should be thought of more as an e-scooter. This compact folding hybrid is a revelation in personal transport, more comfortable to ride over longer distances than a traditional e-scooter thanks to its saddle and pneumatic tyres, but smaller and more portable than a full size e-bike.
With a large front wheel, small motor hub and large saddle, the aesthetic could at first be described as awkward. Balance aside the slim tunes finished in satin black paint give way to gold accents on the saddle, crossbar and around the headlights completing the premium finish. Looks aside, in use the package is robust, practical and crucially, comfortable.
Arriving in a box within a box, the P1F needs some minor (toolless) assembly. After lifting the frame from the box, flip the rear kickstand down to hold the unit upright whilst working on it.
A simple folding hinge at the top of the steering tube allows the handlebars to swing up into position, locking them with the large black clamp lever. Atop of the stem is smaller quick release that when released, allows you to rotate the handlebars up to a more comfortable angle for riding and braking. The saddle is easily attached via the quick release clamp fitted to the seat post.
Once the axle shipping protectors have been removed, you can screw the optional ‘treadnuts’ to the front axle for somewhere to rest your feet whilst riding. Finally the Kenda tyres arrive deflated and will need pumping up to 40psi upfront and 50psi at the rear via their schrader (the larger, automotive type) valves.
Turn the P1F on by pressing the red toggle button on the right side of the handlebars, press this again to turn it off. Four green LED’s mounted behind a window indicate the current battery charge level, but a more accurate readout can be gained via the smartphone application.
Mounted in a box centred in the frame is the 36V 8700mAh battery. At the rear edge of the box are two rubber covered ports, the upper a USB outlet that can be used for charging your devices. Below that is a small barrel port for plugging in the included wall charger, which from flat, will take 6 hours to fully charge the battery.
On the left of the handlebars, to the side of the grip is the light switch. When the PF1 is powered on you can click this up to turn on the bright twin LED headlight plus a red running light on the rear. Below this switch is a red push button (mirroring the power button) that operates the horn, albeit an amusing electronic recording of one, piped through the speaker on the side of the headlight.
Beyond these controls, the P1F has two brake levers to actuate its mechanical disc brakes. The left hand lever operates the rear caliper whilst the right, the front, as orientated on other bicycles in the UK. The red rear light will flash when the brakes are operated to inform those behind you, even if the lights are on.
The bright red mechanical disc brake calipers are of a similar design to those found on bicycles and the included manual also details the maintenance procedure.
Whilst the bike is 13.4kg, it's even weight distribution makes it easy to carry up stairs or load into a car by holding the slim crossbar. As ever the stated 35km range figure is based on a svelte, lightweight (70kg) rider on a flat road on a calm day.
When folded and the saddle removed the P1F shrinks down to a small package. At just 90cm long, 30cm wide and 60cm tall it is compact enough to transport in the boot of the smallest cars. Whilst it lacks the ingenuity of a Brompton, the folding handlebar design will likely qualify it for transit on commuter trains at rush-hour where the portage of full size bikes is often restricted.
Collapsing those handlebars takes mere seconds. Lift the chrome safety can and unlatch the large black quick release lever before slowly lowering the handlebars down. Whilst the bike lacks any retainer to secure the bars in place when folded, InMotion have added strain relief around the cables and control wires to protect them.
InMotion’s app is available for Android devices (running 4.3 and above) and iPhone iOS (version 7.0 and beyond). It features all the dashboard readouts you’d expect such as current speed, average speed, battery level, trip distance, total distance, heading, energy consumption and more. As with the Ninebot app the dashboard background can be switched to a see-through wallpaper if your device features a rear camera.
Information about the unit and its battery can be gleamed, diagnosis performed if you are having an issue and settings adjusted to suit the rider. This includes enabling cruise control, allowing you to rest the throttle after holding a set position for 5 seconds, cutting the system off when you pull a brake lever.
Out of the box the P1F is limited to 20km/h. This restriction can be altered under the ‘max speed’ slider in the settings should you feel comfortable riding at full-speed, or wish to lower this ceiling for use by a new amateur or teenager.
For something so positively dinky, it packs a surprising punch. Rotating the twist-grip on the right hand side of the handlebars will engage the throttle. The powerful 350w hub motor can push a (light) rider such as our model up a 12° incline without issue. Along the flat even our heavier team members could hit the 30km/h top speed. There was however a noticeable drop off in pace as the battery depleted to below 25%.
Anyone who has ridden a bicycle will immediately feel comfortable operating the P1F. The initial start can take some getting used to, we recommend kicking off as if riding a child’s balance bike before winding out the throttle and placing your feet on the pegs. Rotating your feet with the handlebars feels strange at first and takes some getting used to.
With its (comparatively to a scooter) larger wheels and pneumatic tyres the P1F feels a lot more stable to ride than many of our electric scooters and is an ideal introduction to personal electric transportation.
The included unisex saddle has a cutout to avoid any numbness on long rides. Sadly the stubby seat post offers no height adjustment. It’s position is short enough to mount for petite passengers but feels particularly low for long-legged riders.
With an IP54 rating and mudguards front and rear the P1F can be used in the wet, but avoid riding through puddles deep enough to submerge the rear motor. The dinky hub mounted kick stand is simple to flick away when you are astride of the bike but strong enough to hold it upright.
If your journeys are over a few miles, or will be longer than 20 minutes then this is certainly a model to consider. Having now travelled hundreds of miles on electric scooters we are conditioned to the strains and bumps that come with riding them, so in comparison the P1F is a revelation in comfort! Sat on that plush saddle you can cover 10-12 miles with far less fatigue.
With its bicycle style sticky rubber tyres and powerful mechanical brakes to haul you up in only a few meters, you can also ride safe in the knowledge that you are prepared for any emergency. The P1F will also appeal to young adults with mild disability issues who aren’t fond of the look of traditional, outdated disability aides.
InMotion’s transporter is not without compromise. Cruise control is difficult to use in anything other than full throttle mode. Fine control is required to maintain the same input for a period that always feels longer than 5 seconds, and the P1F lacks the cruise enabled confirmation beep of the ninebot and Xiaomi scooters. Our testing suggested that the useful real-world range is just over half of the manufacturers promise, but for many that will be enough. Taller or heavier riders may find the P1F unsuitable to ride, indeed they may be better looking at a more conventional electric scooter.
You can buy the InMotion P1F from our store today where you can also find a suitable helmet (or other safety gear) or anti-theft security products. Check our site for more personal electric transport products.
But what exactly affects the price of an electric scooter, and how much should you really be paying for the pleasure of owning one?
At the lower end of the market, it is possible to buy a basic e-scooter for under £100, whilst scooters at the opposite end of the spectrum can reach prices upwards of £6,000.
Most people will find their ideal model to be sitting somewhere in the middle of these two extremes, with standard, all-rounder e-scooters at around £300 – £1,000.
At Scooters Direct we cater for a variety of budgets, with high-quality electric scooters available for between £300 – £600.
The cheapest within our range is the Xiaomi 365, which has been the recipient of many an award and lauded as the world’s most popular electric scooter – proof that a hefty price tag doesn’t necessarily indicate ‘best in class’.
Several features can affect price point, the most important of which being the battery. It’s generally agreed that the battery equates for around 30% of the overall cost of an electric scooter.
In almost all scooters, the more powerful the battery is, the more it will cost. A powerful battery will ensure you reach faster speeds, enjoy a longer battery life and an increased range. Batteries on premium e-scooters can have shorter charge times, reducing your vehicle’s downtime.
It’s essential to consider the importance of a high-quality battery. After all, this is the component that powers your motor – a battery of poor quality will seriously impact your ride.
With premium electric scooters, you will often find that key controls and features can be altered remotely via a dedicated smartphone app. This may include lights, remaining battery life, journey tracking and speed control. This provides added convenience and gives riders the ability to manipulate their scooter’s software to suit their unique requirements.
If you opt for one of the budget offerings, in the region of £100, it is unlikely that you will have access to such software.
Another factor which influences how much electric scooters cost is the materials they are made from. A premium model will usually be made from a high quality, lightweight and durable material, such as aluminium. This will ensure that your e-scooter can be carried easily when not in use and will be able to handle hard usage.
At the other end of the scale, you will often find that cheaper models contain greater quantities of lower grade plastic components. It’s wise not to be lured in by cost; the chances are it will not be very durable.
Some budget electric scooter manufacturers will utilise steel in their models. Whilst steel is a durable metal, it is heavier than the likes of aluminium reducing the scooter’s portability.
When it comes to cost, you will find that premium brands cost more, and with good reason. They will have been developed, tested and reviewed by industry experts. Reputable brands will also use high quality materials and be held to higher safety standards.
However, this is not to say that all reputable brands are expensive. For example, Xiaomi are one of the world’s leading electric scooter manufacturers, yet most of their range is under £400.
Additionally, if you want to buy into a high-end electric scooter brand, but don’t quite have the necessary budget, consider opting for one of their older models, which are usually available at a much lower price point. Whilst you will not be able to enjoy the latest features and mod cons during your ride, you will be able to experience superior manufacturing and design at a lower cost.
When considering the cost of an electric scooter purchase, it’s important to work within a realistic budget based on your requirements and likely usage.
If you are buying an e-scooter as a ‘last-mile’ solution, or for light recreational use, the chances are you do not need to break the bank. In these cases, it would be unnecessary for you to spend extra to buy a scooter with increased battery power, as you will be unlikely to require a longer range, nor will you require particularly fast speeds.
On the other hand, if you plan to ride your e-scooter for the duration of your commute (in areas where this is legal) or for other extended journeys, you should opt for a model with increased range and battery life – which will tend to cost more.
Often, e-scooter riders are fooled into thinking that regularly hiring an e-scooter is more cost effective than buying their own – however, this isn’t always the case.
For example, an electric scooter rental scooter company providing a ‘dockless’ scooter hire service in privately-owned areas of London, charges users £1 for the initial unlocking fee, with an additional 20p per minute. Although this sounds like a small amount, if you were to use such a service for your daily commute, the yearly cost would be upwards of £1800 – more than enough to kit the whole family out with a brand-new e-scooters!
Want to learn more about electric scooters, and what to look for before you ride? Head over to the rest of our knowledge base where we regularly share our extensive expertise on this exciting mode of transport!
]]>At Scooters Direct, the selection of e-scooter models and brands we offer cater to a wide range of different requirements – one of which is the need for speed!
The fastest scooter in our catalogue is the InMotion L8F Electric Scooter, with speeds of up to 19 mph. Whilst this clearly a long way off the race-grade speeds achieved by the Nanrobot LS7, the InMotion L8F is impressively light, which translates into good portability and practicality, and is one-sixth the price of the fastest e-scooter on the market.
(Speeds have been rounded to the nearest whole number)
A variety of factors can prevent a scooter from reaching maximum speed.
One of the biggest causes is the weight of the rider, or the load being carried. Excessive weight will inevitably slow your scooter down, especially if it has a low-powered motor.
When purchasing an e-scooter, be sure to check the maximum recommended weight and ensure this is not exceeded. It’s wise to keep loads to a minimum when riding an e-scooter – not only will carrying extra baggage slow you down; it may also get in your way, potentially making your journey unsafe.
Battery level is another consideration when it comes to achieving higher speeds. Often, the advertised top speed is referring to a scooter with a fully charged battery. If your vehicle’s battery levels are depleted, it will not perform to its maximum capability.
The environment in which you ride your e-scooter will also affect the speeds it can reach. When riding downhill, gravity will naturally increase the rate of travel. However, when travelling up a steep incline, you will find that the scooter struggles to reach high speeds efficiently or effectively.
In countries such as France and America, where electric scooters are legal, rental scooters are becoming an increasingly popular mode of transport in metropolitan areas. However, rented e-scooters do tend to be slower than the premium-grade models available for purchase. E-scooter rental company Scoot, who operates in San Francisco, Barcelona and Santiago, offers the fastest rental scooter on the market, which can reach speeds of up to 30 mph.
Bird and Lime, the most popular global e-scooter hire companies, offer scooters capable of reaching speeds around 16 mph.
Naturally, being able to reach fast speeds on an electric scooter is appealing. However, when making an e-scooter purchase, it is worth considering whether ‘fastest’ does necessarily equate to ‘best’.
In countries where e-scooters are legal for use on public roads, speed limits are strictly enforced. For example, in Belgium the electric scooter speed limit is 16 mph (25 km/h). Anyone found to be exceeding this is liable to receive a fine. In such circumstances it would not make sense to buy the fastest e-scooter on the market; it would be illegal to ever ride at such speeds in public.
It’s worth considering how safe an electric scooter really is, if it reaches speeds of over 50 mph. If you plan on riding in the vicinity of other people, even on private property, you may pose a serious risk to them, as well as yourself, when riding at top speed. If you do opt for a fast ride, it’s vital that you check the brakes regularly to ensure they are in working order. You should also not make an exception when it comes to wearing safety gear.
Invariably, potential e-scooter owners will always consider speed when making a purchase. However, other key variables should be evaluated. These include:
Still unsure which scooter is right for you? At Scooters Direct, we pride ourselves on being e-scooter experts. Check out our other articles for more information and advice on the latest brands. We’re also happy to share our knowledge with you directly – please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
]]>31mph on an electric unicycle! If that sounds extreme to you, you aren’t alone. Gotway’s Tesla, Nikola and MSuperX feature huge powerful motors and the batteries to match. In this review we strap on our safety gear, unbox the crowning MSuperX model and put that 100 mile range claim to the test.
Gotway are not afraid to produce bold, uniquely designed products and the MSuperX is a prime example. It’s canted sweeping appearance (asymmetric front-to-back) combined with the vents and side cuts give the unicycle attitude; it looks fast even when standing still. The decision to clad the entire unit in carbon-fibre-style plastic will surely be a divisive one. Up close the texture appears a little low-budget, however the finish has proven tough, resisting the scuffs you are likely to collect from dropping it or loading it in and out of the car.
Translucent windows spread up the front and rear of the body letting the RGB strip LED's shine through, textured leg pads match the direction of the plastic ‘weave’ and gloss black rustproof screws are used throughout. Only the casing screw holes let down an otherwise slick looking unicycle. The styling touches aren’t all for show, those vents cut into the side panels channel air across the battery to cool it.
Folded up, the footplates are finished in a matte high-power silver, complementing the large twin-seven-spoked wheel exposed below, whilst contrasting against the dark bodywork. With the slightly childish RGB lights extinguished (via the companion app) we feel the MSuperX pulls of a great mix of hypercar style high-tech-materials with a futuristic sci-fi finish.
Gotway’s decision not to brand the body is a welcome one. Once those CE and power rating stickers are removed, the only external markings visible are the ‘made in china’ embossings when the footplates are folded.
Metal backed, the folding footplates are faced with both grip tape and rubber inserts to maximise adhesion with your soles. Deployed in their riding position they ‘cant’ inwards by 15° degrees, so that the inside arch of your foot is marginally lower than the outer edge. This minor tilt takes some getting used to but promotes stability. When folded in (they are retained by magnets) the unicycle measures just 24cm in width.
Gotway state the unit has a maximum payload weight of 100kg, but we have had staffers heavier than this riding it around without issue, beyond the obvious hit to range. When inflated correctly the large tyre wall provides a plushy, shock-free ride. With 135mm of footplate clearance the MSuperX can cope with all but the sharpest of fast turns without bottoming out.
Holding it back from a top score in ride comfort is the thin upper side-padding. The slimline, textured appearance is aesthetically pleasing but doesn’t offer enough padding for new riders, our staff finding that it took some getting used to before the insides of your legs were conditioned to suit.
Fitted with a 19 x 3 inch tyre, this is the largest unicycle wheel that we have tested. The big sidewall offers fantastic comfort both on and off road, just ensure you are running the correct tyre pressures in line with your weight. Inflating is easier than the competition thanks to the large clearance between the base of the shell and the inner rim. If you are used to riding small-wheel unicycles you may find you need to lean more to climb hills but will enjoy the stability that the larger wheel brings when cruising on the flat.
With a wide, slick centre section, the tyre is most suited to concrete or tarmac paths, but the shallow-cut tread shoulders mean it can still provide some grip to deal with dry trails. Exercise caution when attempting anything loose, (especially anything wet) avoiding slippery surfaces such as mud as that powerful motor will quickly spin the tyre up when it loses traction.
As an aside, if you find yourself using the wheel off-road a lot we suggest purchasing Gotway’s MSuperX mudguard. The tiny rubber lip does a great job of keeping the spray off but will need some pilot holes drilled when using the supplied self-tapping screws to fit it, bridging the shell halves.
Recessed on a glossy plastic backplate on top of the unicycle is the chromed power button and rubber covered ports. Hold the unit upright on the floor, supporting it via the handle before long-pressing this power button to turn it on. The wheel will beep before self levelling (front to back) at which point it is ready to ride. To turn off, support it via the handle before pressing and holding the power button for around 2 seconds.
Below the power button, underneath a rubber plug is a USB port that can be used to charge your smartphone, GoPro or other accessory. With the unicycle is powered up our tester measured a 1.5amp output @5V.
The MSuperX features a huge 1600Wh (approximately 19000mAh) 84V battery pack, split across both sides of the wheel for balance. With the included standard-rate 84v 1.5 Amp output wall charger, the unicycle takes a rather pedestrian 14 hours to refill the battery from flat.
With the unicycle on a stand, or laid down on the floor, plug the charger into the four-pin connection under the protective rubber cap, ensuring you take note of the keying of the plug. At 170 x 70 x 33mm the charger and power lead are small enough to carry with you. Should you find yourself riding serious distances on a daily basis, consider buying an aftermarket fast charger with a 5Amp output (although regular use of such a device is not recommended).
Sat in a gloss dish on the face of the unicycle is a bright metal-rimmed headlight LED. With the unicycle powered up, double tap the power button to cycle through off, static or flashing modes. The headlight is slightly angled down and throws light ahead to illuminate your path. Its bright enough for use in lit streets and can be switched to a strobe mode should visibility be preferable.
A pair of RGB strip LED’s hide behind the vertically-stacked smoked-windows on both the front and rear of the unit. Tapping the power button will also allow you to cycle through permanently lit or flashing modes for these lights, alternatively their modes can be altered in the application for rainbow cycling and other effects.
Gotway have revised the rear cluster with a baboon-style red-ringed rear running-light surrounding the central 5-LED status light. This central set of LED’s will switch from green to red when braking.
Hidden away on the curving backside of the body is the MSuperX’s extending trolley handle. There is no release or catch button, just lift the matte handle to telescope up the two sections to the top. It parks at a height suitable for most riders to easily dolly the powered-up wheel around, which is something we found ourselves doing more often due to the heavy weight of the unit however, its rear placement can make doing this somewhat clumsy.
With no lift sensor or motor cutoff button (like those found under the handles on InMotion wheels), ensure you have powered down the device before picking it up, or the wheel will spin up. Should you forget, press and hold the power button to power down the wheel or it will rapidly accelerate before hitting its limit, beeping and returning to standby.
Should the wheel fall over it will bleep five times at you and then switch to standby, powering back up when you return it to an upright position.
An accompanying Gotway smartphone app is available for both iOS and Android. Whilst functional, it lacks the polish and bug-free experience of competitor apps such as Ninebot.
The app enables you to monitor the battery levels, energy usage, remaining battery capacity, current journey distance and much more. Tiltback ‘speed limits’ can be configured and headlight modes can be switched from lit to strobing.
Riding ‘modes’ can also be switched between soft, medium and strong. In soft mode the wheel will require more input on the pedals to get it to respond and it will do so gradually, the whole experience is quite ‘sloppy’. More experienced riders will want to switch to strong mode where the wheel will powerfully balance itself, resisting against inputs, but allowing for firm positive motions should the rider commit.
Riding stats can be reviewed with graphs of speed and power usage alongside mainboard, battery and motor temperatures. As with other apps in this vein, Gotway have re-invented it into a social media platform for sharing with others.
The manufacturer's 100 mile (160km) range claim is reported based on a ~90kg rider on flat land, with dry, calm weather at a relatively low speed. Keeping the speed low (around 10mph or less) is the key to maximising the range on any of our personal electric transporters, but even at these speeds we were unable to reach the stated distance.
We feel it is more accurate to consider the wheel a comfortable cruiser suited to journeys of 7-8 miles plus, rather than some sort of long-haul personal transporter for covering serious distances.
The MSuperX is fast, so, so fast. We advise anyone looking to push the envelope in terms of top speed to wear some serious safety gear, you really do not want to fall off at 31mph without it. None of our staff had ridden something quite as powerful before.
Mounting the wheel takes some getting used to, its higher-than-average centre of gravity an odd sensation between your knees. When rolling, the mass is less apparent, leaving you to enjoy the comfortable ride the thick tyre offers. Whilst radiused, the tyre design isn’t ideal for fast cornering where running up on the sidewall can cause it to wash out.
This wheel is most at home on a smooth flowing path, where it will comfortably and confidently cruise along at higher speeds. The angled pedals feel like there is more leverage for carving through turns. Braking performance is admirable for the mass involved and there was little wobble or shake coming down from high speeds.
Whilst ill advised, the powerful torquey motor allows for some wild riding. Not only can it comfortably climb a 20 degree incline, it is possible to descend a set of stairs on the MSuperX without blowing the ESC’s although such tomfoolery will likely void your warranty.
The large footplates are much better for taller riders with bigger feet (who can also take advantage of the power of the unicycle) and the multi-grip finish offers more purchase than those found on the InMotion and Kingsong wheels. It is very easy to take the large stable footprint for granted, switching from the MSuperX back to the InMotion v8 will initially have you weaving away.
Newer riders may initially struggle with minimal (compared to say InMotion’s wheels) side padding on the body which lacks the initial comfort of InMotion’s offerings. Where the Gotway wheel stands out is the range and reliability. With tank-like build quality, our customers have reported little-to-no issues.
If you want the biggest, most powerful unicycle with the longest range we sell then look no further than the MSuperX. Its price tag is undoubtedly justified for such a powerful machine. We will continue testing it throughout the year so please leave any questions you have in the comments section below.
The MSuperX’s size and weight will not suit smaller riders, those who only need to cover short distances at slower speeds, or those who will need to lug their EUC up and down stairs frequently. If that sounds like your use case, consider picking up an InMotion wheel such as the V8, or if on a budget, the V5F. For an at-a-glance look at of all the unicycles we sell, see our electric unicycle comparison.
Currently electric unicycle manufacturers are fighting to produce the ultimate all-rounder. A light weight wheel with great range. One that is powerful enough to propel heavier riders to high speeds but gentle enough to ride as to inspire confidence in beginners. Kingsong’s answer to this challenge is the KS16S. In this review we decide whether they have succeeded in building the king of unicycles, whilst revealing any compromises made.
Kingsong designs follow a ‘less is more’ approach. Whilst the KS16S lacks the refined minimalist aesthetic of say Braun or Apple, it’s symmetrical form gives it a pleasing if basic appearance. The wheel body mixes soft-touch matte finish plastic with high-gloss radial strips, textured leatherette on the pads is then contrasted by light grey gloss paint on the footpeg backs.
We opted to test this ‘rubber black’ variant, devoid of the ugly multicoloured Kingsong branding on the side pads, leaving only the subtle embossing of the manufacturers logo on the underside of the footpegs that is naturally obscured in use. Only the ugly (yet removable) silver information/safety stickers upon the footplates and under the trolley handle interrupt the refined design.
Our testing suggested this matte finish stands up to the rigours and general abuse of everyday riding a lot better than the gloss finish of the expensive InMotion wheels; however greasy fingerprints will still stand out.
The unicycles’ curved top surface features the only physical controls and ports on the device. At the leading edge is the three-pin power socket capped by a rubber cover. The charger plug features a nut that secures to the threaded plug body ensuring it cannot be accidentally knocked loose. Using the included charger with its 2amp output, the KS16S will take around six and a half hours to charge from flat, the LED on the power brick swapping from red to green when complete. The power brick is compact enough to carry in a backpack for topping up at your destination.
Battery capacity is indicated by the LED lights in the curved band on the side of the unit. When stationary, the LED’s on the sides of the unit will indicate the current battery capacity. Shown in 9 green segments, the LED’s will extinguish as the battery is depleted, the final LED flashing when nearing empty. You should avoid completely draining the battery but the wheel will limit your speed and beep an alarm at you well before this occurs.
Two chrome buttons sit behind the charge port, the larger domed button is a simple single-push on/off power switch, short to power up and a longer press to power down. Smaller and flatter, the auxiliary button controls the lights and bluetooth module. With the unicycle powered up, short presses will turn the headlight/taillights on/off whilst a longer press will enable/disable both the bluetooth connection and the lighting. The small plastic window behind the buttons is a light sensor.
Inline with other manufacturers, Kingsong have named the unicycle after the fitted wheel size. The 16 x 2.125 tyre and tube are rated from 35 to 45 psi and will arrive only partially inflated. The test rider shown is on the lighter side thus we inflated it to 40psi, access the valve by rotating the wheel until it appears below the folded pedals.
We tested the tyre on dry concrete, tarmac, hard dirt and gravel paths. Whilst the tread suggests it is best suited for tarmac, we found it coped well on the fire roads of our local forest. Opting for a tyre with a wide smooth central ridge will doubtless appeal to the majority of us who spend most of our time riding on hard paths.
Measuring just 200mm long, the footplates feel compact under size 10 shoes. Two (replaceable) grip-tape patches keep your feet in place but we would have preferred to see these paired with the rubber strips employed by both InMotion and Gotway for a little more security. When box-fresh deploying and returning the footplates takes more force than the competition due to some particularly stiff pedal springs. Whilst they do soften over time, levering them back up each time leaves you thankful for the pads Kingsong fitted to stop them marking the body. Optional larger 250mm pedals are available for those with larger feet.
Once enabled through the app, you can play audio through the four speakers mounted aside of the pads, streamed from your smartphone over the bluetooth connection. Whilst surprisingly loud, the sound quality is only average and we can think of few times where this would be useful (say a picnic, critical mass ride or even a protest) but it is a novel inclusion nonetheless.
The KS16S features four curved bands of 9 RGB LED’s, sat in a translucent black band on each side of the unicycle. It is probably our favourite implementation of accessory lighting on a wheel so far, a lot more subtle than those found on the Gotway wheels. As mentioned, when powered up but stationary, the battery capacity is indicated by these LED’s coloured green. When riding, these LED’s cycle through a rainbow of colours. This can be disabled in the app for a more stealthy riding appearance whilst retaining the green battery indicator lights when stationary.
Bright white/red LEDs are mounted in windows at the front and rear of the unicycle to act as headlights and taillights. The symmetry goes beyond appearance, with its flat footpeg platform the Kingsong unicycle can be ridden in either direction, the controller switching the brake and headlight positions to suit.
Finding a wheel to use everyday is a fine balance between size, weight and range. At 17.4kg the KS16S sits in a sweet spot, lighter than other unicycles offering a genuinely useful range.
Its 1200w motor is rated for 3000w peak and will power the unicycle up to a top speed of 28mph (45km/h), whilst also allowing it to climb 30 degree inclines. With its 840Wh battery the manufacturer claims it has a maximum range of 80km although as ever, to match this figure will require some slow riding by a light passenger. Speaking of payloads, its maximum passenger weight of 120kg will be welcome for larger riders.
Bridging diagonally across the top, from face to face, is the matte plastic carry handle. The angle of the handle makes carrying the unicycle slightly awkward, requiring you to twist your wrist outward to avoid the wheel hitting your legs whilst walking.
Thankfully the handle doubles up as the trolley handle. Depress the central button to extend the telescopic handle up to a comfortable waist height. When powered, using this trolley handle makes dollying the unicycle around a breeze. If you find yourself carrying the scooter regularly we recommend enabling the lift/stop switch in the smartphone application to avoid any accidents. As standard, the motor will cut off when the wheel tilts over 45° side to side.
Kingsong’s companion app for its unicycles (available on both iOS and Android) is one of the prettier ones available but it isn’t perfect. Designed for all of their transport products, it includes some settings not relevant to the KS16S alongside its fair share of translation errors and confusing labels. The home screen contains an analogue style gauge displaying your direction, current speed, estimated range, battery capacity and the temperature of the unicycle. Swiping right will give you a more detailed breakdown of the unicycle’s status with riding mode, fan status, CPU usage, max power and much more.
A neat feature found in this (and the segway-ninebot application) is the ‘HUD’ mode. Double tapping the screen and the app will swap its background for a live rear camera feed, allowing you to check the unicycles’ live speed/battery/heading/temp values whilst also watching where you are going.
From the factory the wheel arrives in learner mode with acceleration and braking forces engaging ‘softly’. You can switch the riding mode to standard or even ‘experiment’ for a ‘stronger’, faster reaction, ideal for more aggressive ‘sporty’ riding.
Further to this, as standard the wheel is limited to 12mph and will bleep and tilt-back when you hit this speed. You will need to alter these settings and adjust the (annoying) alarm threshold rates under the ‘speed setting’ page of the app. The app also allows you to alter the behaviour of the LED lighting (the colours, animation, etc) or the performance and behaviour of the headlight.
Stepping aboard those compact pedals, the wheel immediately feels familiar to anyone who has spent time on InMotion’s V8. The compact frame wrapped around a 16inch wheel is the favoured format for all of ‘riding’ staff. The wheel feels responsive even in the beginner mode, quickly earning and building trust with its predictable motion.
Those thick vinyl covered pads on the side appear soft and inviting, yet in practice they have little-to-no give and take some conditioning/getting used to. They also limit how close you can get your legs up against the side of the unit, resulting in a wide-feeling stance when riding.
That relatively small wheel size feels agile between your legs and the responsive ESC allows you to confidently make tight turns. With 120mm of ground clearance you are unlikely to ground out the footpegs even in extreme turns at full tilt.
We sell few unicycles that are quicker than the KS16S. With the limiters removed, it is quick to accelerate up to its top speed and will prompt you to decelerate (complete with tiltback) should you attempt to push it further. Considering the diminutive overall size it offers the rider great confidence even at speed with none of the wobbles you’d expect from a wheel of these dimensions.
Once comfortable with the way it responded, we pushed the wheel out of its comfort zone on some light off road trails. The included tyre isn’t suitable for anything too soft or loose but it performs admirably on harder dirt paths. The wheel tucked ‘underneath’ the shell, protects relatively well against water/stone spray even without a mudguard. You will however get some rattles from stones kicked up inside the housing, yet we never experienced any that interrupted the drive.
Performance-wise, a powerful motor in a small (relatively) lightweight body is difficult to beat. The KS16S has become our 'steed of choice' when tackling handling tests in our warehouse. The pedals aren’t as grippy as those on Gotway’s MSuperX, but the flat riding profile is relaxed. Comparing it further to the MSuperX, it is a little louder in use, projecting that low hum/whine that electric scooter riders will be familiar with. At 17.4kg its the second lightest wheel we have tested to date, something that we are grateful for when carrying it upstairs or loading it into a car.
Subjectively the wheel is one of the classier-looking models on the market and with the lights extinguished its stealthy, relatively basic appearance gained favourable comments from staff, friends and family in comparison to the ‘christmas decoration’ criticisms received when riding InMotion’s models. That offset handle position takes some getting used to when carrying the unit upstairs, but the trolley handle has proved resilient throughout our testing.
Having landed on this review, it’s likely that you are in the market for a premium unicycle and the KS16S certainly fits the bill. These 'new generation' Kingsong unicycles are built tough, happily taking a beating and getting right back up for more. The balance of size and power makes it suitable for the final-mile of a commute or a few miles to a coffee shop on the weekends with the battery capacity removing concerns about making it back home. The KS16S isn’t cheap, but it is a fair price for a wheel offering this quality, reliability and performance.
You can pick up the Kingsong KS16S electric unicycle from our webstore today, including free next-working-day delivery to mainland UK address. If you intend to ride this hard, we strongly suggest buying some quality protection for your head, knees, elbows and body at the same time.
As autumn arrives we have lined up some of our more popular accessories sold this season.
Electric scooters are fantastic for travelling on, but with the Pro edition (pictured below) weighing over 14kg, they aren’t always the easiest to lift, let alone carry. As the winter draws in, that metal tube is cold and uncomfortable in the hand when carrying it up the stairs to your flat, or loading it in and out of the car boot. Thankfully we have the solution, a plastic carry handle, ideal for anyone feeling the chill or those with smaller hands that never got on with the girth of the M365’s tubing.
Securing around the steerer tube with three velcro straps, the ergonomic handle is easy to grip allowing you to comfortably transport the scooter beside your waist. Thanks to the slimline profile, you can leave it attached when riding without it getting in the way. Not restricted to the M365 (or even just scooter use) at just £5 it is a useful tool just to have on hand.
If you carry your scooter longer distances, or would prefer a hands-free approach, then consider this shoulder strap. Its universal fitment makes it ideal for any folding electric scooter.
Attaching to the handlebars and the front downtube, the strap can be cinched down to tightly retain around the frame. A plastic pad fitted to the strap can be adjusted along its length to find the perfect balance, whilst ensuring it stays in place on your shoulder.
Unlike the hand strap, the shoulder strap is best removed when riding. Thankfully it unclips in seconds and can be wound to a small bundle, allowing you to store it in a handbag or jacket pocket. Again at just £7 this straps universal appeal make it an obvious purchase.
Whilst we would always recommend that our customers avoid interacting with their smartphone whilst riding their scooter, there are times when the pairing is necessary. This fully adjustable metal phone holder will at least enable you to keep your hands on the controls, ideal when using your phone’s GPS mapping whilst exploring a trail on holiday.
The package includes everything you need to fit and adjust it: the phone clasp, handlebar clamp, plastic adaptor rings, bolts as well as the allen keys to tighten them. Once you have decided on placement and orientation, fitting it takes less than 5 minutes. We particularly liked the two-piece design, allowing us to switch to a horizontal mount without removing it completely from the scooter.
In our example photos the smartphone modelled was sat in a rubber case, but employing the included soft pads at fitting will prevent even a naked smartphone from scratches as you tighten the securing clamp.
Once attached to the scooter, your phone can be tightened and released without tools, simply by turning the knurled metal adjuster on the side. The clamp expands wide enough to retain even the largest of today’s smartphones.
Much like the former accessories, at just £10 it represents excellent value for money. Indeed staff members liked them so much that they are considering purchasing them for their bicycles!
We advise all our customers to take their scooters inside with them at the end of their journey, but we understand that this isn’t always practical. As such we stock a few security options, the Trelock BS450 the most serious of them all.
Trelock have included a useful plastic mounting bracket that is compatible with the scooter steerer tube. Using heavy duty adjustable straps it can be tightened down, ensuring it doesn’t shake free. You secure the BS450 to the bracket simply by sliding the shackle through it and locking the body, there is no need to carry a bag especially for the lock. Weighing 930g, it should have a minimal effect on the range of the scooter.
Two keys are included and these operate the cylinder hidden under a dust cover in the plastic bottom of the unit. We like that when unlocked, the key is retained in the lock body, distinctly lowering the chances of you improperly securing the scooter and walking off with the keys. Its hardened metal body is finished in silver, with a clear ‘security level 4’ rating badge, presumably there to further dissuade any attempts to destroy it.
As with most mobile security products, the Trelock u-lock should be considered a deterrent rather than a perfect solution. The 15mm shackle should resist all but the biggest of bolt cutters but would still likely be defeated by an angle grinder. Bear in mind that a scooter locked in the method pictured could still be dismantled and carried away by a knowledgeable thief with the correct tools and enough time.
Many of the scooters we sell feature lights, often a single bright LED bulb aimed downwards to light the path ahead. Sadly these are rarely fit for purpose, better at identifying your position to other users rather than the forward illumination that actual night riding outside of a city would require. Now that the days are getting shorter, we have started stocking several Cateye lighting products that are far more suited for serious nighttime use.
Take the Cateye Volt 400XC front light for example. This slimline light is mounted in seconds with its integral rubber strap mount and it features four light modes (bright/brighter, pulsing and flashing) should you want to see where you are going or just ‘be seen’. Its integrated 2200mAh battery takes around 6 hours to charge and in the low power mode can offer illumination for an impressive 13.5 hours! The light features a low-battery warning indicator to remind you to top it up from any laptop/tv/powerbank with the included (but universally available) Micro USB cable.
From left to right we can see the standard incandescent headlight of the M365 Pro, followed by the Cateye light in low-power mode before finally the full 400 lumen high-brightness beam. Note that the 400XC has not only a larger focused beam area but also a wider throw of fall-off light, illuminating not just the foreground but the surroundings ahead. Aftermarket mounts are available if you prefer to mount the light to yourself or your helmet.
Weighing just 95 grams and measuring a little over 9cm long, its suitable for keeping in your bag or jacket pocket for when you get caught out by the progressively earlier sunsets. Take a look at this and the other Cateye lights we stock (including a lower power headlight, and wearable rear lighting solutions) on our webstore here.
For those of you who really test the range of your scooters (or perhaps travel to and from the gym/coffee shop aboard it) we now offer a universal drinks holder.
The quick-release clamp makes it simple to install (and remove) in seconds but we advise attaching it to scooters with textured steerer tubes should you wish to put larger, heavier containers into it.
Lastly, those regularly riding their scooter throughout the inclement weather at the moment are going to want to keep on top of maintenance. We suggest grabbing an eco-friendly cleaner such as this Pure bike wash (suitable for scooters).
We recommend pairing it with a soft brush and a microfibre cloth (picked up cheaply from everyone’s favourite online auction site) to keep your scooter clean and safe to use. Below are some before and after shots of a few seconds work on the footplate, traditionally a difficult area to clean up.
Acid free, you can be sure that it is safe for cleaning your scooter and also rinse away. You can find the Pure bike wash on our webstore here. To clean oil or more stubborn dirt, consider trying our eCare foam cleaning spray.
We stock a whole host of accessories from safety accessories such as helmets, knee pads, elbow pads and body protection, alongside security, storage and maintenance products.Browse the accessory section of our webstore for more.
Despite concerns surrounding their legality, more and more people are turning to electric scooters as a new and sustainable mode of transport. Reaching substantial speeds and conveniently compact, e-scooters make the ultimate vehicle for commuters and thrill seekers alike across the world.
However, partly due to their legal status in the UK, some riders may find themselves confused as to whether their electric scooter requires insurance.
Owning an electric scooter is not against the law. However, it is illegal to ride an electric scooter on the public highway, i.e. publicly owned roads and pavements.
There have been reports in the media which suggest e-scooter riders who have been apprehended by the police for breaking the law have also been reprimanded for not having insurance. According to The Telegraph, London’s Metropolitan Police force insists electric scooters do require the same insurance as any other road vehicles – despite it being illegal to ride an e-scooter on the road. Officers have cited the Road Traffic Act as grounds for this action. Under the RTA, individuals can be charged for not having insurance, a licence, a number plate, a helmet or valid MOT for their vehicle.
Technically, an electric scooter does not require vehicle insurance. Due to their classification as Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs), they cannot be ridden in public at all, meaning insurance is not necessary.
It is, however, perfectly legal for an electric scooter to be ridden on private property, such as at your home or in your garden. When riding your e-scooter in private you do not need insurance.
The confusion surrounding the legality and restrictions surrounding electric scooter use can result in people breaking the law by accident. Essentially, riding an electric scooter is illegal in public – but if, in theory, you were to ride on the roads, you would need cover equivalent to that of car or motorised bike insurance.
If you ride in private (as the law dictates you must), vehicle insurance is not a legal requirement.
With a rise in e-scooter confiscations seemingly due to lack of insurance, its no surprise that riders have begun to investigate the purchase of appropriate cover. However, in the UK, this type of insurance does not appear to exist. Given that it is illegal to ride an e-scooter in public, insurance companies are naturally not interested in providing a suitable product.
It’s unlikely that the position will become clearer soon. Authorities have announced that the laws surrounding electric scooters are being re-considered, which means they could eventually be legalised. If this were to happen, given the lack of a precedent in the UK, it could take insurers a while to come up with a standardised offering.
For an idea of how the issue of e-scooter insurance could evolve, were circumstances to change in the UK, it’s worth looking at parts of the world where e-scooters are legal for public use.
Over in the US, rental scooters are becoming increasingly popular. However, the issue of insurance becomes trickier when it relates to a rented vehicle. E-scooter rental companies, such as Bird and Lime, provide ‘limited liability’ insurance. However, all customers must sign a rental agreement which essentially strips the company of all responsibility in the event of an accident: liability is therefore transferred to the customer.
Although personal insurance is not required by law in America, it is widely recommended. If someone were to damage another person’s property or cause accidental physical harm while using a scooter, they may find themselves liable for covering the resultant costs incurred by the affected party.
Many Americans rely on standard home or healthcare cover. However, some policies explicitly note that they will not cover any damage or injury caused by motorised scooters and bikes. Consequently, it’s common for e-scooter riders to take out ‘umbrella liability’ as an add-on to their standard home policy.
There’s no denying that the premium electric scooter models are not cheap. If you do make an investment into a top-of-the-range e-scooter to ride on private property, you’d be wise to insure it against potential theft or damage.
One of the best, and most cost effective, ways to cover your e-scooter is by adding it to your home contents insurance, rather than taking out specific insurance. Although all policies differ, this should protect your vehicle against both theft and damage.
Looking for more information about e-scooters? Check out other articles in our blog for in-depth knowledge, reviews of the latest models and technical tips.
We also sell a full range of e-scooters to cater for varying experience levels and budgets: from premium brands to entry-level options.
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Should you eventually wear your tyres out, or (more likely) fall victim to a puncture, you will need to remove the tyres and innertubes from your M365 electric scooter. It is a complex and fiddly procedure that many find daunting. This article aims to guide you through the process, offering tips and tricks for making it easier along the way.
This article is relatively long so here are a few of the main points:
If you are still struggling, we recommend contacting your local bike shop for experienced help, many will be willing to assist for a small fee.
This job is a difficult one, but made easier by purchasing the correct tools. To perform this task we recommend getting hold of the following:
Avoid using the short levers designed for bicycle tyres. The stiff bead and small diameter of the scooter tyres calls for a stout tool to lever over the wheel rim, even when warm. We recommend these long, rubber handled tools, available as a pack of three on our webstore.
Scooters Direct cannot accept any responsibility for any damages resulting in following the actions in this post. Please work on your scooter with care.
The rear tyre appears more puncture prone (at least in our experience ) thankfully it is the easier of the two to work on.
If you have read our teardown guide, you will be familiar with this process.
1. Lay the scooter down on its left (brake disc) side on a soft surface and remove the rear valve cap. Use one of the hex drivers to deflate the rear tyre by depressing the valve in the middle of the stem, whilst squeezing the tyre to force the air out.
2. Take the scalpel and lift the plastic reflector from the plastic cap. Make sure you lift the plastic piece beneath at the same time, not just the sticker ontop. Tip : Insert the tool at the edge closest to the front of the scooter which is also furthest away from the glue and will lift with the least resistance.
3. Use the 2.5mm hex driver to remove the two bolts securing the plastic cap to the frame and take it off.
4. Using the 4mm hex driver or allen key, remove the wheel bolt, spring washer and flat washer. The photo below shows the parts removed and the tools employed so far.
5. Take a tyre lever and gently release the tyre bead from the rim. Once you have popped it off in a couple of places you should be able to completely release one side with your hands.
6. Flip the scooter over and repeat the steps on the other side. Use the scalpel to release the cover (again from the leading edge), the 2.5mm hex driver to remove the cap screws and the 4mm driver to remove the bolt. If you struggle with this axle bolt, spraying with WD40 can help.
7. Slide the wheel back and out of the horizontal dropouts, you may need to pull the mudguard tip away slightly to free the wheel but it does not need to be removed.
8. With the wheel free of the scooter, place it on a soft surface to avoid bending the brake disc. Starting from the opposite side of the valve, pull the tyre away from the wheel rim and pull the innertube out through the gap.
9. Release the valve from the rim before completely removing the innertube from the wheel. You may have to work the valve to free it from the rim as they can sometimes be tightly retained.
10. Should you want to remove the tyre for replacement, flip the wheel over and pull the rim out of the tyre from the brake disc side, you may need to use a tyre lever to get it started.
The photo below shows the tyre and tube removed from the rear wheel of the scooter. You can now carefully inspect both to determine the cause of your puncture.
Should you need any spares or tools for this job, you can buy them from our webstore with the links below.
If you are re-using your tyre, now is the time to inspect it for any debris or other foreign bodies that might puncture a new tube. You should also double-check the new inner tube holds air before fitting it by inflating it. Take note that the inner tubes have offset valves to match the offset holes on the scooter wheel rims.
1. Fit the innertube to the wheel rim, poke the valve stem through the hole and screw on the valve cap to hold it in place.
2. Take note of the rotational direction of the rear tyre. Both the brake disc and tyre have arrow indicators that can help you do this.
3. Press the tyre down onto a work surface to ovalise it before inserting the wheel and innertube.
4. Ensuring the innertube is sat in the inner dish of the rim, carefully rotate the wheel into the tyre. You should be able to work the wheel and innertube into the place without tools.
5. Take your time working the tyre bead over the wheel, it is very easy to pinch the innertube with the wheel rim and puncture it. The goal is to seat the disc-side of the wheel into the bead whilst the other side is still 'out' as seen in the second photo below. Once you have this in position, pull the tyre away from the bead on the disc side, working around the wheel to ensure the innertube is within the tyre and not caught on the wheel lip.
6. Clamping the tyre in both hands, push the bead over the lip by the valve stem. Grabbing the top of the tyre (that is still unseated) should hold it in this position.
7. Re-insert the wheel into the scooter frame and re-fit the wheel bolts on both sides, leaving them just finger tight.
8. Apply some lubricant such as dish-soap to the underside of the tyre bead. Wedge your tyre lever into the gap between the wheel and tyre and rotate it to brace it up against the scooter frame. Holding the lever in one hand, use the other hand to rotate the wheel clockwise. As you rotate the tyre should slip over the lever tip and onto the wheel rim.
9. Rotate the wheel round, pinching the tyre with your hands to check that the innertube is clear from the wheel lip, to avoid any potential pinch flats.
10. Pump the tyre up to your desired pressure.
11. Replacement of the caps and trims is the reversal of removal. Ensure that you tighten the wheel bolts up before replacing the caps but do not over-torque the axle or cap bolts.
The motor wire tethers the front wheel to the scooter making it harder to work on. You can strip the bottom plate off of the scooter, disconnect the motor wires from the ESC and pull the wheel completely clear of the frame but we find that with some care there is normally enough slack in the cable to perform tyre changes with it still connected.
1. Use the scalpel to lift the reflector strips up from the bottom corners, again being sure to lift the entire plastic piece and not just the sticker on top.
2. Use the 2.5mm hex driver to remove the four long screws.
3. With the plastic cap removed, unscrew the four shorter screws with the 2.5mm hex driver. Below are the tools used and items removed so far.
4. Lifting the plastic fork trim, slip the open end of your 18mm spanner underneath and loosen the wheel nut. Unscrew this completely and slide it up the motor wire and out of the way.
5. Use a hex driver to deflate the tyre.
6. Flip the scooter over to work on the other side, turning the handlebars to ensure the cable is not pinched below the wheel.
7. Use the scalpel to lift the reflector trim and unscrew the two bolts below with the 2.5mm hex driver.
8. Remove the plastic cap and unscrew the four short screws holding the fender trim down with the 2.5mm hex driver.
9. Lift the trim and use the ring end of the 18mm spanner to undo and remove the wheel nut. Some WD40 can help if the nut is stiff.
10. Carefully slide the wheel out of the vertical dropouts taking note of the orientation of the keyed washer that sits on the face of the wheel. The photos below show this and the components removed to release the wheel.
11. Take a roll of tape or similar firm cylindrical object and rest the wheel on it wire-side-up to work on it without damaging the axle.
12. Using two tyre levers in a cross formation, release the tyre bead, ensuring you do not damage the motor wire in the process.
13. Release the tyre from the wheel using a tyre lever, separating the tube from it as you go.
14. With the tyre free, work on removing the inner tube. The valve can be difficult to remove from the wheel due to the tight clearances around the valve stem. Using some dish soap can aide removal, however if your tube has punctured it can be quicker to just cut it free from the valve, removing them separately.
If you have struggle with removing the inner tube valve stem, then you may find reinserting it even more difficult. We suggest using a rotary tool to slightly widen the hole in the plastic guide. Note that this isn't strictly necessary and may make it more difficult to attach your valve inflation adapter when the inner tube is deflated.
If you are re-using your tyre, now is the time to inspect it for any debris or other foreign bodies that might puncture a new tube. You should also double check the new inner tube holds air before fitting it.
A new tyre will appear to have squarer sidewalls than a used one as can be seen below, this is completely normal.
1. Take note that the inner tubes have offset valves to match the offset holes on the scooter wheel rims.
2. Slip the valve stem through the tight hole and seat the inner tube around the rim. Install the inflation extension hose over the valve stem to hold it in place.
3. Take note of the rotational direction of the front tyre. With the motor-wire facing upwards, the wheel and tread pattern rotate in a clockwise direction.
4. Press down on the tyre onto a hard surface to ovalise it before passing the motor-wheel through.
5. Apply lubricant to the inner lip of the tyre bead front and back.
6. Ensuring the innertube stays in the dished 'v' of the rim, work the opposing side of the bead onto the wheel lip until you are at the stage of the first photo.
7. Check the innertube is not pinched on the lip of the wheel at all before placing the wheel motor-wire side up. Inflate the inner tube a few PSI to seat it around the wheel rim and away from the lip.
8. Seat the tyre bead under the wheel lip by the valve, then use two tyre levers on opposite sides of the wheel to lever the tyre on. Be extremely careful not to catch the innertube here as it is easy to damage or split it. This step can take several attempts it may help to brace the tyre against your foot or leg to hold it in place.
10. Inflate the tyre to your chosen pressure.
11. Replacement of the wheel, caps and trims is the reversal of removal. Ensure that you tighten the wheel nuts correctly, then replace the caps but do not over-torque the wheel nuts or cap bolts.
At this stage we do not offer a puncture repair or tyre changing service. Approach your local bike shop who make be able to help if you are unable to work on the scooter yourself.
The M356 innertubes aren't the sturdiest so punctures are fairly common. You can defend yourself against them by installing a tyre sealant that will cure, sealing small holes that may be punctured in the tube. Learn more about tyre sealant and correct tyre inflation in this article. We will also soon be stocking puncture-proof solid-tyres.
However, as fun as they are, electric scooters come with plenty of associated safety concerns. Being aware of the risks and how to protect yourself will keep you safe on your scooter. We have outlined what steps you can take to ensure you are riding safely, whilst still maximising your enjoyment.
When riding, safety equipment is of the utmost importance. Being motorised vehicles that can reach significant speeds, electric scooters – when ridden recklessly – can be dangerous.
Although it is illegal to ride an electric scooter on roads or pavements in the UK, a significant risk still exists while riding off the public highway – so appropriate safety equipment must be worn.
A helmet is arguably the most vital piece of safety equipment. It will provide protection against head injury, which in a serious case could be fatal.
There are some unfortunate statistics available regarding e-scooter accidents, which make for grim reading. At one American academic hospital in southern California, head injuries accounted for 40% of electric scooter injuries admitted to the Emergency Room during 2018. Yet only 4.4% of those riders were wearing a helmet.
Don’t buy knock off, or sub-par quality helmets just because they are cheaper.
It shouldn’t be too tight or too loose. Most importantly, it must be comfortable to wear. A well-fitting helmet won’t obscure your vision. If possible, ask a friend to help you measure the circumference of you head for a more accurate fit.
A lightweight option that is still strong enough to provide enough protection is the ideal combination. A heavy helmet will be uncomfortable to wear and will quickly make your neck ache!
Without chin straps, the helmet will not be secure on your head. It could easily come off if you were to fall from your scooter, rendering it useless.
While it is more important to consider safety over style, if you buy a helmet that you don’t like the look of or don’t feel comfortable wearing in public, you will obviously be far less likely to wear it.
Elbow pads and knee pads are other vital pieces of safety equipment to be worn when out on your electric scooter. Elbows and knees often take the brunt of a fall, making them more prone to injury.
Good quality pads will provide protection from nasty scrapes and absorb the shock of a fall – helping to prevent more serious injuries like bone fractures.
As with a helmet, you should always buy high quality knee and elbow pads manufactured for a reputable brand. Don’t compromise safety for the sake of a few pounds.
It’s also essential to ensure the pads are comfortable, but not too restrictive. Elasticated models with adjustable straps are often a sensible choice.
A well-designed electric scooter will have lights built in as standard, increasing your visibility at night or in poor weather conditions. However, we would recommend that you also wear reflective safety accessories, such as a reflective jacket, trainers or detachable clothing accessories.
Regular maintenance of your electric scooter is essential to ensure it remains safe to ride. If any element of your scooter, such as your brakes, is not operating properly a dangerous scenario could arise.
First and foremost, you should refer to the instruction manual that will have been included with your e-scooter. It will outline what general inspections you could carry out. Important things to keep on top of as an electric scooter owner include:
It can be tempting to allow your friend to hop on the back of your scooter while you’re riding. Unfortunately, electric scooters are designed for one person only; they are not large enough to hold two, nor are they capable of remaining stable under excessive load.
Having an extra person aboard will also be a cause for distraction, which could lead to you being unaware of hazards in your path.
If you are a confident rider in an open space, you may feel comfortable testing the boundaries of your scooter. If you are riding in an area with lots of obstacles reduce your speed. Hitting a solid obstruction, such as a wall, at just 30mph could be fatal.
Likewise, if you are an inexperienced rider it is not safe to push your scooter to its limit. Instead, take your time and get to grips with correct and safe technique.
If you do feel the need for speed, it is vital that you regularly inspect your brake pads and keeping on top of maintenance. Equally, be sure to keep a sensible braking distance, ensuring that you can stop in time if an unexpected obstacle were to arise.
In the UK, it is illegal to ride an electric scooter on the road or pavement, meaning you don’t have to worry about keeping safe on busy roads. However, it is still advisable to consider location carefully. For example, ensure that your model is equipped to ride on certain terrain.
If you’re planning to go off-road, check that your chosen route is actually suitable for an electric scooter – for example, steep paths or particularly rough tracks could make your journey unsafe.
It’s sensible to familiarise yourself with your scooter’s battery capabilities and mileage – this information will be included in your instruction manual. Before heading out on a journey, always ensure that you have enough battery power to cover your intended route.
While out and about, remember to double check that you’re not approaching your mileage limits – running out of juice miles from your destination could leave you with a very long journey to make on a push scooter! As annoying as this may be, it could also leave you in an unsafe situation or location.
Still wondering how to keep safe when out on your electric scooter? Our team of experts is here to help – please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
]]>There’s a wide variety of electric scooters out there, and an equally wide variety of brands to match. This infographic is designed to help you differentiate between three of the leading brands currently dominating the electric scooter market: Xiaomi, Razor, and Segway.
Each brand offers a unique range of electric scooters, each with their own specs and features. Here’s a handy table to provide an overview of each brand’s major models – price, dimensions, weight, max load, max speed, and features.
Xiaomi M365 Electric Folding Scooter |
Razor E300s Electric Scooter |
Segway Ninebot ES2 Scooter |
· Price: £359.00 · Dimensions: 108cm x 43cm x 114cm · Weight: · Max Load: · Max Speed: Features:
· Lightweight aluminium frame · Durable build · 3-step folding design (easy to transport) · High powered battery · Kinetic energy battery · Dedicated phone app that records key information
|
· Price: · Dimensions: · Weight: · Max Load: 100kg · Max Speed:
Features:
· Solid steel frame · Removable seat post and padded seat, for added comfort on longer journeys · 24V battery with up to 40 minutes use in a single charge · Pneumatic tyres for a smoother ride · Some assembly required |
· Price: · Dimensions: · Weight: · Max Load: · Max Speed: 15.5 mph
Features:
· Lightweight design · Foldable functionality · High powered battery · Optional add-ons to increase battery-life · Dedicated phone app that records key information · Anti-theft functionality
|
Xiaomi M365 PRO Electric Folding Scooter |
Razor E-Prime Electric Scooter |
Segway Ninebot ES4 Scooter |
· Price: · Dimensions: · Weight: · Max Load: · Max Speed:
Features:
· Lightweight aluminium frame · Durable build · 3-step folding design (easy to transport) · High powered battery · Kinetic energy battery · Dedicated phone app that records key information · Display panel showing key information in real time
|
· Price: · Dimensions: · Weight: · Max Load: · Max Speed:
Features:
· Lightweight aluminium frame · Durable build · Foldable frame · 36V battery with up to 40 minutes use in a single charge · Pneumatic tyres for a smoother ride · Some assembly required · Anti-rattle technology · LED display with real time information |
· Price: · Dimensions: · Weight: · Max Load: · Max Speed:
Features:
· Lightweight design · Easy to fold · High powered battery · Cruise control options · Dedicated smart phone app that records key information · Anti-theft functionality · Display panel showing key information in real time |
Sometimes specs and features just aren’t enough, and you need a little guidance to help make your decision. Here’s how each brand approaches the electric scooter market, and how they might suit your needs.
Ideal for first-time and experienced adults who care about how they get from A to B and are looking for a quality product to match that need. Xiaomi electric scooters are slick and finely made. They provide convenience, power that lasts, and unique features that integrate with Xiaomi’s other electronics.
With a history in creating excellent scooters for kids, it’s no surprise that Razor primarily deal in the family-friendly market of electric scooters. Their products are perfect for active kids or young adults, who want something hardy and fun to ride. They can make a great gift for any speedy little racer.
With their impressive specs (particularly in the speed department), Segway electric scooters are built for the enthusiasts. Any buyers looking for a luxury product, made by a company with a history of innovation, may find Segway’s electric scooters a more-than-suitable choice.
]]>However, despite their popularity in countries like America and France, e-scooters are illegal to ride on UK roads. However, they can be used on private property.
Whilst there are plentiful opportunities to purchase high-quality scooters from reputable UK companies, several buyers opt for imported models, despite the associated risks. But what exactly are the dangers of importing an electric scooter, and why should you stick to a reputable UK supplier?
When a trend rises as quickly as e-scooters have, there will always be some people who will try to cash in on a product’s popularity without worrying about quality. In the case of e-scooters, this has led to an influx of fake models from abroad, with China being the primary point of origin.
These products will often be convincing duplicates of models offered by reputable manufacturers, meaning an unsuspecting buyer could pay above and beyond for a sub-par scooter. As these fakes may be artfully copied, it can be tricky to tell whether or not you are receiving a genuine product when importing from an overseas online retailer.
The primary danger posed by fake e-scooters is poor build quality. A producer of fakes will not be working to the same safety regulations and standards as that of a genuine manufacturer, which may result in a product that is inherently unsafe.
There are a few easy ways to spot a rogue supplier when looking to import an electric scooter:
Even suppliers providing genuine e-scooters can be unreliable when it comes to importing. If something were to go wrong with your vehicle, consider how difficult (not to mention expensive) it may be to ship it back to the supplier in order to get it repaired or obtain a replacement. Shipping the product back could take weeks. The same time frame may also apply when sending it back to you.
Overseas suppliers are also not subject to the strict selling regulations UK-based suppliers are. When buying goods from a domestic online supplier, the product you receive must be of a satisfactory quality and should match the given description. Even if the e-scooter you import is a genuine product, you may still not be happy with what you have received. If it has been imported, you will not be protected by UK buyers’ rights.
If you decide to import an electric scooter from overseas, you may also find that customer support from the supplier is limited. This could translate into a lack of delivery updates, no support for potential faults as well as reduced scope for a refund.
Another key consideration when importing is the cost. The shipping fee alone will be considerably high. Even the most compact of e-scooters can be heavy and will require extra packaging and care to protect them during transit, which does not come cheap.
You must also consider the customs charges items incur when shipped from abroad. These are typically not advertised on a supplier’s website. The cost will vary from purchase to purchase, but some buyers have experienced fees of up to 30%. Before making a decision, it’s wise to refer to the Government’s import and customs guidelines to find out what you can expect to pay and avoid any nasty surprises.
Depending on where you are importing your e-scooter from, the delivery time can be significant. Whilst purchasing a vehicle from mainland Europe may not incur as significant a delay, buying from far-flung locations such as the US or China will be a different story. Delivery times for imported purchases can reach several weeks, occasionally months, which will serve as both a source of irritation and anxiety.
By buying from a UK-based supplier, you can mitigate this inconvenience and expect to have your brand-new scooter with you in a matter of days, ready to ride!
Ultimately, we’d recommend against it. Even if you manage to avoid the counterfeit electric scooters on the market, you may find yourself either dealing with an unreliable and unhelpful seller or having to wait weeks for your new scooter to be delivered.
When dealing with a reputable, UK-based seller such as Scooters Direct, you can remain confident in the level of service you will receive, as well as the quality of the product. We’re proud to have a close relationship with couriers, meaning your scooter will arrive within a week.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you’d like more information – our customer service team is always on hand to help.
]]>Sat at the top of the Ninebot scooter range is the ES4. Based on the fantastic ES models it features puncture-proof solid rubber tyres, suspension front and rear, a powerful hub-motor in the front wheel and a simple folding mechanism all wrapped up in a sleek body with a premium feel.
Simply put, Ninebot’s ES4 is the ES2 scooter with an auxiliary battery fitted. The base unit is identical, retaining the relaxed riding position, comfortable suspension and clean looks of its ES siblings. Doubling the battery capacity naturally increases the range but also unlocks some extra performance from its front-mounted hub-motor, increasing both top speed and hill climbing ability.
If you order your ES4 from scooters direct it will likely come with this battery factory-fitted. The upgrade kit is a user-end addition to the ES1 and ES2 scooters, it arrives in a brown cardboard box containing the battery itself and a fixing kit with tools and instructions.
Installation is straightforward, remove the three black hex screws on the stem using the included allen wrench. Pop-off the plastic cover below the charger port and remove the two hex bolts holding the plastic mount to the stem to reveal the charge port. Install the support bracket, refitting the three screws, clip the battery pack onto it, secure the battery with two new hex bolts before finally popping the (sided) rubber bungs to cover the holes.
The scooter firmware will need updating before you ride, connect your smartphone via bluetooth using the Segway Ninebot app. As you can see the scooter views the two battery
With the charge port covered by the new battery, the scooter is charged via the new pass-through port found under a flap on-top of the expansion battery. Above this port is a new button that when pressed, will light up to four LEDs to indicate the remaining charge level in this particular battery.
Using the standard charger on this larger total capacity inevitably means longer charge times. When completely depleted the ES4 will take 7 hours for a full charge.
As an upgrade the ES4 retains the design features, supple suspension and build quality of its ES2 sibling. This includes the most straight-forward folding design on the market, the scooter can be dropped and clipped in a matter of seconds.
Drop the plastic release catch at the front of the grip and step down on it to release the catch. Lower the handlebars down until the steerer tube latch hooks into the rear mudguard.
With the expansion battery, the natural hand hold (the charge port) removed and the weight balance altered, the ES4 is less comfortable to pick up, but now weighing 14kg it is unlikely that you would want to carry it any distance.
As mentioned, the underlying scooter is identical to the ES2 unit we recently reviewed in detail. The blue-gripped right-hand switch controls the throttle to the 300w front-hub-motor, but much like its competitors, a push is required before it will kick in. Across the bars, the grey-gripped switch by your left-hand activates the brakes. Pressing the brake with the throttle depressed will override any acceleration attempts and will engage the front-hub e-brake. The rear mudguard still operates as a friction brake for use in emergency situations.
With the auxiliary battery installed, the effective capacity is expanded from 187 Wh to 374 Wh. Double the capacity sadly doesn’t equal double the effective range. Whilst it is a huge improvement over the original scooter, we failed to hit the manufacturers suggested 28 mile (45km) maximum range, instead reaching the low 20’s in the eco mode.
In ES4 ‘trim’, the scooter does receive a performance boost raising the motors maximum power to 800w peak. This unlocks the top speed to a more useful ~19mph (30km/h) in the highest power mode and allows the scooter to tackle gradients up to an impressive 15 degrees (26%).
Available on both Android and iOS the companion app is one of the better designed out there, once you have got past the frustrating signup process. Required for initial activation (if you scooter is beeping at you and feels slow, turn to the app to check) the application allows you to monitor the battery charge levels in both the standard and auxiliary battery, modify energy recovery level, enable cruise control, add speed restrictions, alter the lighting setup and much more.
The app home doubles as a dashboard, displaying current orientation, speed, remaining range and allowing you to lock the scooter, much like the M365. It also has an ‘augmented’ mode that will activate your rear mounted device camera and replace the solid background with the view behind the phone, presumably to minimise the time distracted, not paying attention to where you are going. Beyond the stat readouts Ninebot include a tutorial resource section full of useful tips for getting the most out of your scooter.
Ninebot’s ES2 frame was always comfortable to ride on all but the roughest of surfaces and the extra weight of the auxiliary battery doesn’t harm its performance. Sadly the extra weight sat on the upright, does somewhat unbalance the scooter under braking. With the regeneration set to maximum, hitting the brakes results in a particularly nose-heavy sensation.
The added boost of power is evident in all the ride modes and makes the scooter sprightly even on the standard firmware. In the most powerful sports mode it is possible to get the front wheel spinning on slippery surfaces, something to bear in mind when riding in the winter.
Overall the improvements enhance the Ninebot ES models to a competitive position in the market. Ninebot directly addressed one of the ES2’s biggest shortcomings with the ES4, its range, bolting on the extra battery to extend the range to a more useful 20+miles. Despite numerous new releases into the market, the ES2/4 is (subjectively) one of the more aesthetically pleasing scooters around, even with the additional battery ‘hump’.
As mentioned mounting the battery on the stem means it is no longer as easy to hold when carrying, the additional weight aside. The Ninebot software continues to offer a better experience than the competition, with an extra panel in the battery readout to view the status of each battery individually.
However considering its base as the ES2, the ES4 naturally suffers some of the same issues that marked the original down. The braking performance is still mediocre and stopping distances are effectively extended as a byproduct of slowing from the higher top speed. We maintain that if you intend to ride in hazardous environments where safety is a concern, consider the M365 or larger M365 Pro with their mechanical disc brakes instead.
The Segway Ninebot ES4 folding electric scooter is available on our webstore, should you have the original ES2 we also offer the expansion battery as a separate upgrade here.
As per our original review, if image is important, the Ninebot scooters should be at the top of your list. They are by far the slickest scooters to date with a refined appearance that oozes quality. With the previous range issues addressed, only the poor braking performance holds them back from being our favourite model yet.
The Xiaomi M365 Pro is the successor to the world's favourite electric scooter. When we first got our hands on one, we decided to pull it apart to see what Xiaomi had improved upon. We know many of you might be interested in how the scooter goes together and have opted to share our experience.
Please note: This article is best experienced on a laptop/large screen. The photos have been compressed for fast loading, click them to view larger versions with more detail.
To dismantle the scooter you will need the following hardware:
We recommend purchasing some high quality Allen keys and/or driver bits. Avoid cheap tools that can round off, or worse still, round the bolts on your scooter!
We will be tearing down the scooter top to bottom, breaking the process down as we concentrate on components.
This is not a repair guide, instead we are sharing our investigative findings whilst examining the new Xiaomi scooter. We will not take any responsibility for any damages resulting in following the actions in this post.
The scooter hand grips just pull off of the bars. Firmly grab them and rotate as you pull them off of the end. Note that they are sided, marked for left and right and feature a groove (along the leading edge of the bar) to retain them.
Begin by releasing the brake cable from the lever. Pull the red brake outer tube away from the lever to reveal the metal ferrule, then pull the cable away from the front of the scooter allowing it to pass through the channel in the front of the lever. Once free you can depress the lever to reveal the round metal head of the cable, lift it up to release it from the handle.
Release the lever clamp from the bars by removing the 5mm hex bolt underneath. Unscrew the two small cross-head screws under the lever and carefully release the sensor door from the bottom.
Rotate the sensor housing 90° to release it from the channel on the front of the handlebar. Pop the small two-legged triangular sensor-cover off, lift the sensor out and remove the housing.
Unscrew the 4mm hex bolt under the front of the bell to release its clamp on the bars. Remove the end-cap off of the bars and slide the bell off of the end, carefully passing the brake lever sensor through the clamp as you do.
Using your nails or a plastic spudger, carefully lift the two plastic covers from the top of the stem. They are held on with foam tape so a hairdryer on a cool setting can warm the adhesive and aide the release if you are having difficulty.
With the scooter powered down, unscrew the three small cross-head screws securing the control board and carefully lift it up and out. Release the cable-tie and pop off the rubber thimble to expose the three control connectors and carefully unplug these. The black/blue/red connector is for the brake lever, yellow/white the headlight and the red/green/black is for the throttle.
Lastly carefully pull the grey cable up from the tube to fish out the black connector and uplug it to release the controller board. If you are having trouble pulling the cable up, back off the four bolts that hold the handlebars to the upright tube as it can often get caught by them.
The headlight unit is held to the front of the scooter with two small cross head screws, one on-top and one below. Removing them both will allow you to pop it from the front, pulling the cable through the resulting hole.
With the headlight removed, you can access the stem cap. Held on with three 4mm hex bolts, it is backed with two locating gaskets. The control cables for the electronic are retained in the handlebar by rubber mounts that sit in the groove. With this removed the handlebar will drop out of the front of the stem so be ready to catch it.
With all of that removed, you can now access the throttle. Unscrew the long 3mm hex bolt that tightens the the metal handlebar clamp. release the cable from the handlebar and slide the entire unit off of the end of the handlebar. Note that you will need to remove the plastic handlebar caps (they just pop off) as the throttle base sits in the channel to resist the rotation in use.
Below you can see the entire handlebar setup with the two electronic control cables.
The stem is held on with the four 3mm hex bolts that you will have installed when you first built the scooter, before popping off the upright.
Remove the red rubber grommet from the brake hose at the top. Remove the red second rubber grommet from the bottom of the tube. Unlatch the folding mechanism to lay the upright down, unscrew the long 5mm hex bolt in the side. Pull the cables through the upright tube to free it.
The rotating safety catch is held on by a 2mm hex bolt on the side, once removed it can be careful prised from its seat around the tube. Underneath the hard plastic seat (covered in grease) is secured to the tube with a 2.5mm hex bolt, release this and slide the component off of the top.
The lever itself bolts through to the front solid catch. If you have ever adjusted the tension on the clamp you will be familiar with this part. Place an 8mm spanner around the spline-d black spacer, then use a 10mm spanner to back off the securing nut half a turn. Leaving the 8mm spanner in place, release the 4mm hex bolt in the front of the latch. On our scooter a lot of thread lock had been applied so it was tough to remove.
You will now be left with a headless scooter as shown below.
Flipping the scooter over, remove the two 4mm hex bolts that secure the folding kickstand to the base of the deck.
The battery cover is secured with twenty-one torx 10 bolts. Removing them by hand can take a while but with a quality driver bit you can use a low-torque electric screwdriver to help. The bolts on the leading edge of the deck may be burred up depending how aggressively the scooter has been ridden over kerbs or rocks.
Please take care when disconnecting electrical connections, the ESC features a large capacitor.
The battery connects to the ESC via a yellow XT30 plug, carefully pull this out. Next take a knife and remove some of the silicon sealant securing the charger socket cable (the white plastic connector with a red and black wire running in and out of it) until it can be disconnected.
Unbolt the two 2mm hex bolts securing the socket to the chassis and carefully pull the loom and connector through the hole.
The ESC is secured to the chassis with three 3mm hex bolts with washers, remove these and the remaining connector cables (motor/control/lighting) before lifting it out. The deckplate doubles as a heatsink and the ESC will have some thermal paste on the backing plate to facilitate this.
With the ESC removed, the battery is still connected to the rear brake light via a connector beneath the rear mudguard. This can be accessed underneath, simply squeeze and pull it out, taking the foam sealing gasket with the cable.
The battery is secured to the deck with four 4mm hex bolts with washers, remove them and lift it straight up and out.
Release the motor cable grommet and pull the four-headed cable through from the deckplate.
Use a scalpel to remove the u-shaped reflector cover (not just the sticker) from the left hand side. Unbolt the four 2.5mm hex bolts that secure the plastic cap.
Under that there are another four 2.5mm hex bolts that secure the trim to the fork, these are shorter than the last. With those released you can pull it away and slip the open end of an 18mm spanner onto the wheel nut. Rotate anti-clockwise to release and slip the nut off down the wire to retain it.
Approach the other side in a similar fashion. Use a scalpel to release the reflective bolt cover, undo the two 2.5mm hex bolts holding the cap and remove it.
Under that there are another four 2.5mm hex bolts that secure the trim to the fork, these are shorter than the last. With those released you can pull it away and slip the ring end of an 18mm spanner onto the wheel nut. The wheel can then be lifted up out of the drop-outs. Note the keyed washer that locates in one orientation.
The wheel hub lid is secured by six torx 20 bolts that were fitted with thread lock. The motor core stays in place thanks to the magnets but can be popped out should you wish to replace it.
The front mudguard is held on by a 5mm hex bolt with washer, accessible underneath the front fork.
Release the 5mm hex bolt through the top and retain the collar and washer as shown.
Undo the further two 5mm hex bolts that cinch it tight and lift off. Note the order of washers and locator components for re-installation.
Remove the 3mm hex bolt retaining the collar cover and slide the plastic cover off of the top. Remove the metal alignment and the metal race underneath that.
Pull the forks downward to release them from the frame. Take care with the bearings rings top and bottom as they aren't self contained.
(This assumes you have already detached the battery cable underneath between the rear deck and the rear wheel)
Use a small flat head screwdriver and remove the rubber bungs on-top of the front of the mudguard, they are keyed so its easiest to stick the tool down the rear-most edge. Remove the three 3mm hex bolts to remove the three bolts revealed and lift the mudguard off
You must remove the mudguard to remove this. The light unit itself is held in place by two cross head screws. The plug head is retained in by a further two cross head screws at the other end, be careful with the plastic plug clip as it is brittle. Sadly the wire is still at risk of wear from the rear tyre should the guard get depressed down whilst riding.
The metal hook is secured to the mudguard with one 3mm hex bolt and washer which can be removed from the underside once the brake light cable has been discarded.
The metal hook is secured to the mudguard with one 3mm hex bolt and washer which can be removed from the underside once the brake light cable has been discarded.
Remove the side reflective insert (to clarify, not just the sticker top but the plastic underneath). Unbolt the two 2.5mm hex bolts underneath. Use a driver to remove the 4mm hex wheel bolt, ensuring you retain the spring washer and flat washer in the correct order.
Flip the scooter over and perform the same task on the other side. Unbolt the two 2.5mm hex bolts underneath the cover. Use a driver to remove the 4mm hex wheel bolt, then slide the wheel out of the horizontal dropouts. The rear disc can be replaced by removing the five 2.5mm hex bolts.
Remove the metal end from the brake cable. Release the cable by loosening the 4mm hex bolt, there is no need to totally remove the bolt, just rotate the catch below to release the cable. Remove the two 4mm hex bolts holding the caliper to the frame.
This can be done in-situ with the rear wheel removed. Use a 5mm allen key to rotate the back cap of the caliper. The resulting piece will fall out the back, retaining the pad with its magnet. Remove the other pad using a flathead screwdriver.
This flows through the wide down-tube then joins a channel through the footplate and emerges to the side of the mudguard. If you are replacing this make sure you run a snake of some sort when removing the cable as it is very difficult to route.
There are two side pieces plus a round front piece that protect the edges of the scooter footplate. There are two cross head screws per piece that need to be removed before they un-clip from the frame.
The metal piece the stand bolts into can be removed when these are clear of the frame.
This is just a sticker, warm it up with a hairdryer and it will unpeel quite easily. You will need to remove the handlebars/downtube and the front forks to fit a new one if you do not want to cut it.
With our teardown complete, here are all the components that go together to create the scooter. If you have any questions regarding the M365 Pro and its construction or repair, feel free to leave them below.
The ES2 is a folding electric scooter from personal transport experts Segway-Ninebot (yes, that Segway). Used by ride sharing companies Lime and Bird in cities across the US, the scooter has proved itself through thousands of hard rental hours. Combining its stylish, premium appearance with an intuitive user-friendly control system, the ES2 has become the scooter-of-choice for fashion-conscious commuters looking for a final-mile solutions world-wide.
Shipping in upmarket white retail packaging with an image of the scooter proudly adorned, Ninebot set the tone for the ES2 experience. Included in the package is the scooter, handlebar, five hex screws with a T-shaped driver, documentation and the charger with power adaptor.
Some assembly is required, unfold the scooter until it clicks and deploy the kickstand. Remove the plug on the tube, connect the multiplug and slip the handlebars into place. Use the wrench to insert the four screws (one spare is provided) and tighten. The ES2 requires activation before you ride, connect via bluetooth to your smartphone using the ninebot app, following the instructions to set it up.
The scooter arrives partially charged but from flat will take just 3.5 hours to charge. During charging a more accurate battery percentage level is usefully shown on the handlebar display above the standard segmented meter.
The cockpit of the ES2 is as sleek and uncluttered as the rest of the scooter. The blue-gripped accelerator lever is mounted to the right, the grey-gripped brake lever to the left with the circular display with inset multi-function button mounted between them.
That button is pressed to power the scooter up but can be tapped to change drive mode, or held to toggle powering the headlight, much like the Xiaomi M365 models. The LED display features the current speed, units, bluetooth status, drive mode and remaining battery capacity, the later shown in 5 segments.
Ninebot have fitted the ES2 with a below-average sized battery. Whilst quick to charge, the 5200mAh unit situated in the steering tube limits just how far you can ride the scooter. Its three drive modes are ECO, Standard and Sport (the later identified by an ‘S’ in a red circle) are shown on the display and are cycled through by double tapping the power button.
Feeding a front mounted 300w (700w peak) hub motor, the scooter accelerates briskly to its top speed of 15.5mph (25km/h) in sport mode. Riding around in the highest power mode (as many of us do) is discouraged as it will severely impact the range, in some cases almost halving it.
Reaching the stated 15 mile (25km) range will require all but the lightest of passengers to approach the throttle with caution, even in the eco drive mode. A compact unit, the charger is designed to work worldwide and can easily be carried along with you in a small bag. Should you deplete the battery the scooter can still be used as a manual kick scooter.
A bright white headlight LED sits on the front of the scooter just below the handlebars, it turns on with a long press of the power button. Much like other models it is angled down to light the way close ahead of the scooter, but the reflector spreads the light out for a wider beam. Alongside the rear wheel on the frame are two brake lights. Questionable positioning aside (as they are not visible from directly behind) three LED’s per side light up as you slow down, doubling up as running lights when the headlight is lit.
Further to this, Ninebot have fitted 16 questionable ‘underglow’ LED lights under the footplate.The colour and animation effect (eg. dynamic breathing) of these are configurable through the smartphone app and they do make the scooter a lot more visible at night, yet we feel most will just turn them off.
Available on both Android and iOS the companion app is one of the better designed out there, once you have got past the frustrating signup process. Required for initial activation (if you scooter is beeping at you and feels slow, turn to the app to check) the application allows you to modify energy recovery level, enable cruise control, add speed restrictions, alter the lighting setup and much more.
The app home doubles as a dashboard, displaying current orientation, speed, remaining range and allowing you to lock the scooter, much like the M365. It also has an ‘augmented’ mode that will activate your rear mounted device camera and replace the solid background with the view behind the phone, presumably to minimise the time distracted, not paying attention to where you are going. Beyond the stat readouts Ninebot include a tutorial resource section full of useful tips for getting the most out of your scooter.
Where the ES2 really shines is its ride comfort. A small damper is fitted on top of the front forks, suspending both the handlebars and footplate from shocks through the front wheel. The damper itself has limited travel but saves your wrists from the worst of the vibrations.
At the rear of the scooter Ninebot have hidden a compact, complex swingarm system under the deck. Resisted by a large spring it is suitable for riders of all weights, damping the platform under your feet and is arguably the smartest solution we have seen yet.
The resulting ride is very impressive, the dampers coping admirably with larger surface imperfections damping everything but the biggest hits from potholes. We hope to see a manufacturer employ an advanced system like this in conjunction with pneumatic tyres for the ultimate in ride quality.
Those solid rubber tyres will be particularly attractive to those who ride in puncture prone environments, such as those littered with nails and broken glass. The hard tyres appear to wear slowly (thankfully, replacing the tyres is a time consuming labour-intensive task) and perform well in the dry but they lack grip on cold or wet surfaces.. Despite the small wheel size, the scooter feels stable right up to its 15.5mph (limited) top speed.
Our model tested the suspension to its limits, bottoming out the suspension with his uniquely aggressive riding style and the ES2 coped admirably. Should you plan to treat the scooter in a similar fashion we recommend periodically checking tightness of the four hex bolts that secure the deck to the headset.
Of all the scooters we have tested, the ES2 has by-far the simplest folding down procedure. Flip down the plastic tab at the front of the footplate (just below the orange sticker), then with both hands holding the handlebars, use your heel to firmly strike down on the exposed plastic tab to release the catch. Once you have mastered it the scooter can be collapsed and picked up in seconds.
Much like the M365, the upright clips into the rear guard to retain it. To release, push down on the fender and lift the handlebars up until the upright clicks into place. When not in use, the retaining catch on the tube can be used as a carry hook for small items.
Due to the position of the hinge, the folded scooter cannot be dollied around like some of its competitors, as the front wheel no longer touches the ground. Indeed this design results in a longer package when folded, meaning it may not fit in the boot of some smaller cars.
That aside, the ES2 is by far the most comfortable scooter to carry any distance. With the battery situated in the upright, the majority of the weight is firmly in your hand (which falls naturally to the balance point, the charging port cover) giving you a confident, controlled balance when carrying it.
Hitting the grey rotating switch on the handlebars initiates the electronic brake. This regenerative system recharges the battery whilst gradually slowing the scooter down. The rear fender doubles up as a friction footbrake, much like a child’s kick scooter, push it down with your heel to manually slow the scooter down. In practice you are only likely to use it in an emergency, and even then we found it very easy to lock the rear wheel up and end up sliding the scooter.
We feel what is gained from this simple, maintenance-free system, is sadly lost in performance. Even utilising both braking methods at once, the ES2 pulls up 10-15% further than the Xiaomi M365 scooters with their mechanical systems and the e-brake-only approach lagged considerably further behind; Ride with caution, this is not a scooter that stops quickly.
Ergonomic grips and rubber tabbed controls allow you to keep control of the scooter. Its wide footplate is comfortable to stand on, the rubber grip offering great purchase whilst being easy to clean. That stem-mounted display is simple to read and bright enough to be legible on a sunny day.
With the battery weight in the steerer tube, the scooter certainly feels ‘taller’ with its raised centre of gravity. This design decision does gift that rear damper an easier life, restricted to resisting just the passengers weight.
Even with its comparatively small wheels (8 inch) the scooter feels stable at full speed. However those solid tyres do make it one of the louder scooters to ride, with rough surface vibrations rattling their way through the body and trim.
With its suspension, the ES2 leads the way in ride comfort, shortly followed by the M365 variants and their large pneumatic tyres. A compact design, it folds down smaller than the M365 but loses out to the InMotion’s L8F, with its collapsing handlebars. Despite weighing a similar amount as its direct competitors it is much more comfortable to carry due to that tube-mounted battery. The torquey front motor puts the performance in-between the M365 and M365 Pro, especially when it comes to inclines on the factory firmware.
As mentioned its braking performance is only average. If you intend to ride in hazardous environments where safety is a concern consider the M365 or larger M365 Pro with their mechanical disc brakes. The scooter features no horn or bell as standard to warn others around you. The Ninebot software is better designed than the competition, featured packed with settings alterations and tutorials on how best to use the ES2. Whilst an awkward metric to gauge, we feel this scooter has turned more heads than anything to date with people everywhere stopping to ask us where we got it.
If image is important, the Ninebot ES2 should be at the top of your list. It is by far the slickest scooter to date. Unlike other models, all of its bolts and hinges are hidden away with streamlined cladding and rubber trims, its refined appearance oozes quality.
Whilst the brakes are lacklustre, only its range really lets it down, around 8-9 miles in the real world should you, like us, ride in the higher-power modes. In Ninebot’s defence (and to put it in context with the rest of the market) this no more inflated than the competition’s range promises. If range is important, consider purchasing the ES4 variant with its extended range battery.
The Segway Ninebot ES2 folding electric scooter is available from Scooters Direct today with free next-working-day delivery.
Successor to the world’s favourite scooter, the M365 Pro is the latest folding electric scooter from technology giants Xiaomi. An evolution of the workhorse employed by BIRD, Spin and other ride sharing schemes across the US, the Pro model retains the signature design, proven braking system and inflated tyres but has evolved its powertrain and frame to be bigger and better in many, many ways.
If you are thinking the Pro model sounds more of an upgrade rather than an evolution of its predecessor, then you would be correct. The larger battery pack results in longer range, made more achievable by the revised drive modes. Fitted with a more powerful motor, it can tackle steeper gradients but the top speed is still limited to 15.5mph. A wider and longer footplate, paired with ‘taller’ handlebars makes it more comfortable to ride the longer distances a larger battery pack makes possible, if those increases up the overall weight by 1.7kg. At a glance, beyond its increased size, the red rimmed front hub motor and dark grips/bell set it apart from the original model. You can learn more about these differences and more in our recent comparison article.
The scooter arrives partially wrapped inside a large-long cardboard box. Included in the (rather eco-unfriendly) polystyrene packaging is the charger, power lead, tyre inflation adapter and the usual selection of warranty and user documentation.
Should you skip the manual, the all-important unfolding and latching process is as shown below. With the lever open, lift the handlebar up till its sat upright and seated correctly, swing the release lever upwards (it may be a little stiff at first) to latch it in place. Rock the handlebars back and forth to check it is properly secured before rotating the plastic safety collar around to ensure it cannot accidentally release.
Arriving 95% assembled, you are required to fit the handlebars. This is a simple case of slotting them into upright and fitting four bolts using the supplied the hex-driver. Note that Xiaomi include a typical mileage use case for the scooter. Its 45km maximum range is based on a 75kg passenger riding upon a smooth surface on a warm, calm day.
The tyres are shipped inflated but we suggest you adjust them to suit your own riding requirements. Check our tyre-inflation article for instructions and recommended pressures.
Out of the box the scooter arrives partially charged. Completely depleted a full charge of that big battery can take up to 9 hours. The connector is situated on the left of the scooter, under the deck lip, covered by a red magnetically-seated rubber flap. The adaptor LED will switch from red to green when complete. Charge level is displayed in 5-segments on the stem-mounted, revised display when powered up, or on the companion smartphone app. This display also features icons for bluetooth connectivity, headlights, overheating, service and more.
If you have ever ridden an electric scooter before the controls will immediately be familiar to you, a throttle controlled with your right hand, a brake controlled by your left. These are split by a bell and a glossy dashboard with recessed power switch.
The scooter turns on with a quick tap of this stem mounted button, accompanied by a beep and a quick self-test of the display. This same button is responsible for drive mode selection (double tap to switch power modes) , turning the lights on/off (press and hold for 1 second) and power down the scooter (press and hold).
The throttle is controlled by a thumb lever on the right hand side of the handlebar. Depressing it rotates it around the bar to a maximum of a quarter-turn when wide open. Like many of its competitors, the M365 Pro needs to be rolling (in this case over 3mph) before the motor will assist, thus with one foot on the deck swiftly kick off, then with both feet firmly planted on the deck apply the throttle to speed up.
That huge 12800mAh battery provides it the longest range of all the scooters we’ve tested so far. Xiaomi suggest that 28 miles (45 km) is possible under the right conditions, but our real-world tests suggest 20 miles is more likely. Few people we know are riding 10+ miles (in any one go) on their scooter but when travelling just a few miles a day the extra capacity does lengthen the interval before it needs charging again.
A 20% increase in motor-core size results in a torque increase most evident when climbing. With a light passenger the Pro scooter can now scale inclines up to 21% (12°).
Featuring three different ‘drive modes’ you have more choice over how you want the scooter to perform, assisting you when it comes to eking out those final miles with little charge remaining. Xiaomi have set the top speed in ECO mode to a glacial 9.3mph (15km/h), D(rive) mode to a more respectable 12.4mph (20km/h) whilst S(port) mode is required to hit that 15.5mph (25km/h) limited top speed.
As mentioned, to switch between them, double-tap the power button when the scooter is powered up, this can even be performed on the move. In reality, if not cruising along a promenade the majority of us ride around in the high-power S mode for the best performance, albeit at the expense of some range. The current mode icon will display under the new speedometer readout which is configurable in metric or imperial units through the app.
The folding mechanism design can appear daunting at first but the tried and tested system takes just minutes to master, allowing you to collapse the scooter in seconds. Rotate the plastic safety anti-clockwise, unhinge the quick release all the way down until the front latch lifts, then drop the bar down. As you lower the handlebars, align the bell so that it latches onto the rear fender catch, holding it in place.
When folded the scooter can carried by the handlebar, or stowed away under train seats / in the boot of a car. At a hefty 14.2kg you are unlikely to want to carry the scooter any distance, but when folded, take hold of the handlebar grips and the scooter can be dollied around on its front wheel.
To unfold the scooter, push the bar down towards the fender and lift the bell lever to release it from the catch, before raising the handlebars up and fixing the hinge quick release.
Similar to the original M365 scooter design, the mechanism will loosen over time and will need adjusting every 4-5 months (with an allen wrench and a couple of small spanners) should you use (and crucially, fold) the scooter daily. Early M365 scooters are beginning to show some catch wear resulting in a slack feel to the handlebars, this can be mitigated by purchasing a rubber damper which is compatible with this model.
Xiaomi have kept to the same directional 8.5 x 2 inch tyres with innertubes both front and rear. They offer great grip even in cold weather thanks to their soft compound, their width and tread resist hydroplaning well and they roll nicely too. Crucially, considering this models lack of suspension, the tyres have enough sidewall to deal with big shocks from deep potholes as well as the high frequency vibrations from hard, rough trails.
However there are two small downsides. Firstly the valves, which the position/length of can make inflation frustrating, even with the included adapter. Secondly the replacement of the tyres or even just the innertubes themselves. Even with the help of specialist tools they can be tight to replace, especially on to the hub-motor front wheel.
Preventative steps can be taken against the dreaded puncture. Some riders prefer to fit solid tyres, however we recommend adding tyre sealant. This avoids the compromises of range and ride quality the heavier tyres bring, whilst offering peace-of-mind that your journey will not end prematurely. As a bare minimum, ensure your tyres are correctly inflated.
Holding the throttle, even wide open can tire your thumb, especially on rough surfaces. Activating cruise control via the app can limit fatigue when riding. When enabled, holding the throttle at a fixed angle for 5 seconds will result in a beep, let go of the throttle and the scooter will continue along as if the throttle is still held at that point. Much like in a car, to disengage cruise you can either tap the throttle switch or the brakes.
Fans of the M365 heralded its mechanical disc brake as their favourite feature. In market where ‘brake-by-wire’ e-brakes have become the norm, the instantaneous feel, feedback and response from the brake lever, quickly builds confidence in novice riders.
The Pro improves on this design with a larger 120mm brake disc sat within a revised caliper with new pad retention design. This revised setup promises better braking performance, improved heat management and potentially an end to pad vibration.
Simply letting off the accelerator will automatically engage regenerative braking, with the scooter slowly decelerating to a crawl using the force to mildly recharge the battery. This kinetic energy recovering system strength can be weakened to allow the scooter to coast off of the throttle, but can also be boosted to increase the ferocity in which the scooter will slow.
Whilst marginal on paper, the increase in footplate length over the original M365 leaves more space for a pair of size 10’s and the hike in handlebar height brings the wrists up to a more natural position. These advancements alongside the under-the feet weight distribution and larger than average wheel size makes for a scooter with excellent balance, traction and handling. This is one scooter that you can confidently ride and corner at speed.
Mounted on the front of the stem is a bright 1.1w LED sat in a reflector housing. As stated a one-second long press on the power button will turn this on, the same procedure will turn it off. Angled down it pool on the ground a few feet in-front of the scooter to light your way. As standard the taillight is lit whenever the headlight is but the taillight can be set ‘always on’ to increase visibility. Regardless of mode the taillight will flash quickly whenever the brake lever is pulled to indicate the vehicle is slowing.
Whilst the bell spends more of its time latched to the rear fender than being rung, it is always useful for warning others around you. Those fenders do an impressive job of keeping you dry when travelling over wet surfaces, although the scooters IP54 ‘limited ingress’ rating will mean avoiding any puddles deeper let alone hosing it clean.
Xiaomi provide a companion app available on both Android and iOS. Connecting via bluetooth, the Mi Home app can provide battery level readout alongside trip details such as average speed and current riding mileage.
Delve deeper and it will provide you historical trip information alongside extensive battery condition details. It also provides adjustments for energy recovery strength level, enabling the cruise control, altering vehicle password settings and updating the firmware. From its home-screen the app can also ‘lock’ the front hub motor. Whilst it will not stop anyone carrying it away, should they try and push it along or ride it, the scooter will beep loudly.
Offering a well-rounded package, the M365 Pro holds it own against its competition. Whilst it lacks the advanced suspension design of the ES2, the larger tyres offer better high speed stability, if an obvious vulnerability to punctures. The Xiaomi scooter doesn’t fold down to the svelte, compact footprint of the InMotion L8F, but its tall handlebars and large footplate make it the most comfortable for broad or taller passengers.
Xiaomi’s new display is a useful addition but one that can be retrofitted to the standard model (or bought pre-fitted) should your budget be limited. Only the Ninebot ES4 can match its range, but both weigh in a little over 14kg and sit at the heavy end of the market. The braking performance of Xiaomi’s scooters outperform the competition by far thanks to the combination of soft grippy tyres and a mechanical disc, making them the models to turn to in harsher climates.
Quiet in operation, reliable, comfortable to ride and with excellent range; There is a lot to like when considering purchasing a Xiaomi M365 scooter. This before you consider the impressive availability of aftermarket additions, not forgetting the active modification scene with third-party firmwares that can improve the performance of the scooter (for example, de-restrict the top speed) albeit at the cost of some range and lifespan.
If you are smaller and lighter than average, or should you already own one you may be happy with the original M365 electric scooter, however for new customers we feel the Pro’s improvements and refinements edge it ahead. It is a product that we can confidently and highly recommend to all our customers.
You can buy a Xiaomi M365 Pro scooter from our webstore today. As mentioned we have a whole host of spares available including tyres, inner tubes, brake discs and pads. There are also plenty of compatible accessories available from handlebar mounted phone holders to the aforementioned tyre sealant. Lastly, if you don’t currently have one, we recommend picking up a helmet and encourage all our customers to use safety equipment whenever riding one of our scooters.
Xiaomi's M365 has been a smash-hit across the globe. Favoured by ride sharing schemes and private owners alike, it is the model that nearly everyone has ridden or seen. With the release of the M365 Pro, we are taking a look at the revisions that have been made to the successor of the world’s favourite electric folding scooter.
With a series of small changes, the Pro scooter can be thought of more of an evolution of the original. For an at-a-glance overview of the changes, see our info-graphic below (click through for a bigger, clearer version).
The Pro’s dashboard now displays a speedometer (switchable between imperial and metric), drive mode indicator (ECO/D/S), overheat/service warnings, headlight and bluetooth status plus a five-segment battery capacity readout. This information rich display gives riders invaluable feedback on the live status of the scooter, beyond the capabilities of the four led lights on the original.
A modification is now available to retrofit this display to the standard scooter, read our article here for more information.Operation between modes, switching the headlight and powering the scooter are still all controlled by varying presses of the single top mounted button.
Xiaomi have reworked the ESC programming to create a new ‘sport’ mode on-top of the standard and eco modes of the original scooter. Instead of increasing the top speed beyond 25km/h (likely due to legal restrictions in some territories) the top speed in ‘eco’ mode drops to 18km/h with ‘standard‘ set to 20km/h. Running these lower power modes will likely help riders maximise the range of their scooters.
The biggest selling point for the new scooter is doubtless the huge new battery pack. Sat in a new metal enclosure (measuring 370 x 84 x 43mm excluding the mounting tabs) it weighs 2746g, over 1.1kg heavier than the original pack.
The larger pack results in longer charge times as the standard power supply has been retained, the Pro model takes 9 hours to charge for flat, up from the 5 hours of the original.
The pro scooter is more comfortable for taller or larger passengers. Xiaomi have extended the upright for the handlebars 40mm, lengthened the footplate deck by 50mm and widened it by 10mm. Whilst those increases seem small, stepping back onto the standard scooter now feels cramped in comparison. Total dimensions are up from 1140 x 1080 x 430mm to 1180 x 1130 x 430mm. This redesign combined with the larger battery and motor means the Pro scooter weighs 14.2kg, 1.7kg up from the standard one.
Rated at 300w nominal, 600w peak, the front hub motor has been modified to provide more power. Whilst the wheel, hub and tyre are the same size, the core and magnets are now 20% deeper. The entire package (including tyre/valve/innertube) is up 202g by our measurements to 3113g.
The resulting power increase improves the scooters ability to climb hills. The Pro scooter can now tackle a gradient up to 12° (21%), compared to the originals 8° (14%). Naturally its performance will still be restricted by the riders weight, the battery charge level, atmospheric conditions and of course tyre pressure.
Xiaomi have fitted a 120mm larger (diameter) brake disc, up 10mm over the standard unit. The brake pads themselves have a smaller contact patch, 18mm down from 21mm but are now keyed with the tab sitting in a slot on the revised caliper, potentially to minimise rattling potential. The rear wheel hub has also been increased 10mm to match the chassis but still features the same rim, tyre and tube.
Do you have any questions about the M365 Pro scooter? Leave us a comment below. You can grab your own Xiaomi M365 Pro Electric Scooter today on our webstore where we have a whole host of electric folding scooters available with free-next-day delivery.