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This week we have something REALLY different. iScooter approached us about reviewing their electric scooter to introduce them to our cycling community. I had never ridden an electric scooter prior to this and in honesty have been a doubter of them. Results were a surprise including some clashes with the UK public transport officials. Read on for more.
Summary of iScooter i9 Review
Trivelo Score – 4 / 5
In conclusion, the i9 iScooter impresses on multiple fronts, offering a winning combination of style, performance, and user-friendly features. The sleek design, robust build quality, and powerful motor make it a compelling choice for urban commuters seeking a reliable and efficient mode of transportation. The scooter’s emphasis on safety, coupled with smart features and a generous battery range, further solidify its position in the competitive electric scooter market.
While the i9 iScooter may come with a slightly higher price tag compared to some alternatives, the overall value it delivers justifies the investment for those who prioritize quality, performance, and a feature-rich riding experience. As the electric scooter market continues to evolve, the i9 iScooter stands out as a noteworthy contender, contributing to the paradigm shift towards sustainable and innovative personal transportation solutions.
Introduction to electric scooters (for any not sure about them)
In the rapidly evolving world of personal electric transportation, the i9 iScooter has emerged as a promising contender, offering a sleek design, robust features, and cutting-edge technology. As electric scooters continue to gain popularity for their eco-friendly and efficient commuting capabilities, the i9 iScooter aims to set itself apart with a combination of style, performance, and user-friendly features. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into the key aspects of the i9 iScooter to assess its strengths, weaknesses, and overall value in the market.
We’ll assess how it performs for both leisure and more serious uses for get too and from work taking it to the coast on a cold winters afternoon and also on commute from home to officed in central London.
Read our related article on Are eBikes Legal in the UK if you are also considering an electric bike for transport.
Using the i9 iScooter for leisure
I took the iScooter away with the family. It’s important to remember the iScooter is classified as an ‘electric vehicle’. As such it is subject to certain rules and regulations that you need to be aware of before riding to avoid breaking any laws. I will go into more of this later in this review.
Finding some private land near the coast we had a fun afternoon messing around. Great fun, only issue. We could have done with one each.
Design and Build Quality
The i9 iScooter boasts a minimalist and futuristic design that immediately captures attention. With its sleek aluminum alloy frame and refined lines, the scooter exudes a premium feel. The build quality is commendable, providing a sturdy and durable foundation that instills confidence in the rider.
The scooter features a foldable design, enhancing its portability and making it convenient for users to carry or store when not in use. The folding mechanism is smooth and straightforward, allowing users to collapse the scooter with minimal effort. This feature is particularly beneficial for commuters who need to combine scooting with other modes of transportation.
Performance Results
Equipped with a powerful brushless hub motor, the i9 iScooter delivers impressive performance. The motor provides a smooth and silent ride, with ample torque for acceleration and the ability to tackle moderate inclines. The scooter’s top speed reaches 20 mph, making it suitable for urban commuting and short-distance travel.
The i9 iScooter features a responsive electronic braking system that enhances safety and control. The braking mechanism is smooth, bringing the scooter to a halt without any abrupt jolts. Additionally, the scooter incorporates regenerative braking technology, which not only contributes to a more energy-efficient ride but also prolongs the lifespan of the braking system.
Battery Life and Charging
One of the critical factors in evaluating any electric scooter is its battery performance. The i9 iScooter is equipped with a high-capacity lithium-ion battery, providing a range of up to 25 miles on a single charge. This range is impressive and caters to the needs of daily commuters, allowing them to cover substantial distances without worrying about running out of battery.
Charging the i9 iScooter is a hassle-free process. The scooter supports fast charging, allowing users to recharge the battery to 80% capacity in just two hours. A full charge takes approximately four hours. The convenience of quick charging is a significant advantage. I found this especially useful as someone generally on a tight schedule. Needing the scooter ready to go at a moment’s notice.
User-Friendly Features
The i9 iScooter incorporates several user-friendly features that enhance the overall riding experience. The LED display on the handlebar provides essential information such as speed, battery level, and riding mode. The scooter offers multiple riding modes, allowing users to adjust the performance to their preferences or specific riding conditions.
The deck of the scooter is wide and provides ample space for the rider’s feet, contributing to a comfortable and stable riding experience. The handlebars are also well-designed, featuring ergonomic grips that reduce fatigue during extended rides. The intuitive controls make it easy for beginners to get accustomed to the scooter, while experienced riders will appreciate the precision and responsiveness.
Connectivity and Smart Features
In an era of smart technology, the i9 iScooter didn’t disappoint me. It comes equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, enabling me to sync with me iPhone. This connectivity opens up a range of possibilities, including firmware updates, tracking the scooter’s location, and accessing ride statistics through a dedicated mobile app.
The mobile app provides a user-friendly interface, allowing riders to customize settings, track their riding history, and even locate their scooter in crowded urban environments. The integration of smart features adds a layer of convenience and personalization, catering to tech-savvy users who appreciate staying connected with their devices.
Ride Comfort and Handling
The i9 iScooter excels in providing a comfortable and smooth ride. The shock absorption system effectively mitigates vibrations from uneven surfaces. Result I found it a surprisingly pleasant experience. The 10-inch pneumatic tires contribute to the scooter’s stability, providing a good balance between shock absorption and traction. Personally, I was happy with the ride but my wife being a more decerning rider said she felt every bump. I know what she means as you do feel the lumps and bumps but nothing I found uncomfortable.
Handling is responsive and agile, allowing riders to navigate through crowded city streets with ease. The scooter’s turning radius is impressive, making it suitable for urban environments where maneuverability is key. The combination of a stable platform, ergonomic design, and responsive handling makes the i9 iScooter enjoyable for both beginners and experienced riders.
Safety Features
Safety is a top priority for electric scooter manufacturers. The i9 iScooter incorporates several features to ensure rider well-being. The scooter is equipped with a bright LED headlight and tail-light, enhancing visibility during low-light conditions. Additionally, the integrated reflectors on the sides of the scooter contribute to overall visibility, increasing safety during nighttime rides.
The electronic braking system, in combination with the regenerative braking technology, provides reliable stopping power. The scooter also features a bell, allowing riders to alert pedestrians or other vehicles of their presence. These safety features collectively create a secure riding environment, minimizing the risk of accidents or collisions. Brakes are very sensitive so be careful as you get used to riding. Pulling too hard on the brake too hard could be problematic if you apply too hard too quickly.
Commuter testing
I used the iScooter i9 on the commute to London from home. This involved me using the i9 on the UK rail network. A relatively modest 25 mile journey from the West side of London into Paddington. Bikes and eBikes are not allowed on the trains at peak rush hour unless booked on specific trains. Folding bikes are exempt from this. Bringing the i9 on the train was met with an unexpected response.
I travelled on a train that permitted bikes subject to booking so had a bike stand area. I hadn’t booked as was travelling with the iScooter. When I met the train guard they reported that electric scooters were not permitted. When booking my train, coming through the station or boarding the train nothing suggested this was the case. Following much chat on the subject I was allowed to stay.
From further research different train operators have made different rules on this. GWR who I was using have banned lithium-ion batteries on the basis of fire risk. Others have not. The ban was put in place in June 2023 but is not well communicated on the train operators booking systems. So while the i9 folds to meet dimension requirements it is not allowed on the train for safety reasons due to fire. This makes it less viable for me to aid my commute unfortunately.
Are e-scooter legal in the UK?
According to the gov.uk site the following guidance is given regarding e-scooters:
- You must have a category Q entitlement on your driving license to use an e-scooter
- E-Scooters must have their own motor insurance
- You should wear a cycle helmet when using an e-Scooter but this is not mandatory
- You may use an official trial e-Scooter on the road and in cycle lanes. This is not extended to privately owned electric scooters.
- E-Scooter do not need registration plates or to pay vehicle excise duty
- E-Scooters should only be used by one person at a time
- You must not use an e-scooter to tow any vehicles
- You should not use an e-scooter while drunk or otherwise intoxicated
So, it is not illegal to own or use an e-scooter. Restrictions officially prevent use of e-scooters other than on private land. In reality, with so many official trials of e-scooters how any officials could police this is impossible. Trials have been extended until 2026 which is frankly a joke. People are now using them in all towns and cities. Police cannot be expected to determine which eScooters are private versus trial ones. If you buy one please consider this and the ever changing legislation around them.
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4 Comments
Alberta Quam · April 8, 2024 at 1:54 am
Been looking for an electric scooter. Still confused by the legal stuff on it though. Gonna get one though I think as fits my commute needs perfectly.
Eliezer Sequi · April 4, 2024 at 8:53 am
Looks cool. I’m based in Spain and no such worries with the UK laws on eScooters so looking at options to buy over here. Do you know if they ship to Spain?
Billy · April 4, 2024 at 10:34 am
Hi Eliezer. Yep iScooter ship across Europe.
Kory Ducimus · March 28, 2024 at 11:39 pm
Compared to an ebike seems really cheap. Interested to try one myself.