Latest news with #Turboant
CNET
01-08-2025
- Automotive
- CNET
This All-Terrain Electric Scooter Punches Above Its Budget-Friendly Price
Table of Contents This All-Terrain Electric Scooter Punches Above Its Budget-Friendly Price The Turboant R9 is the most powerful electric scooter in the company's current lineup. That would mean more if Turboant didn't specialize in inexpensive models best suited for casually zipping around town and last-mile commutes. On the other hand, at $550, the R9 overdelivers on features and performance with its 500-watt rear brushless motor, 10-inch knobby tubed tires and a design aimed at riders who want a little more freedom in where they ride. Unboxing is simple: The R9 arrives mostly assembled. Just bolt on the handlebars, charge it up (a full charge from empty takes 6 to 8 hours), and you're good to go. The box includes a charger, valve adapter, some basic tools and a user manual. Visually, it follows Turboant's other models: matte black frame, red accents and a clean, no-fuss silhouette. The aluminum alloy chassis supports up to 275 pounds and the scooter weighs 55 pounds. The deck is roomy at nearly 20 inches long, with a rubberized surface for traction, with a 4.7-inch ground clearance. The cockpit layout is minimal, with two buttons (power and mode) and a 5-volt USB-A port for phone charging. You can toggle among three modes: Mode 1: 10 mph Mode 2: 20 mph Mode 3: 28 mph The 23.2-inch-wide handlebars are fitted with fairly comfy grips and dual brake levers (for front and rear drum brakes plus an electronic brake). It has a proper horn, a thumb throttle and a toggle for rear signal lights (although they don't self-cancel) -- all features I appreciate having, especially at this price. Lighting includes a 5-watt adjustable LED headlight and a rear taillight for increased visibility on night rides. Joseph Kaminski/CNET The display is straightforward and shows your current speed, battery level (in brackets) and the active riding mode, along with an icon indicating when the headlights are on. As for the signal lights, there's no visual indication on the display, but there's at least a beep to remind you to shut them off once you make your turn. There's no odometer, which feels like a miss. Sure, you can track distance with a phone, but it would've been helpful for range tracking. Also missing: A companion app. This is purely a point-to-point commuter, with no connected features or customization via a phone. Joseph Kaminski/CNET Where the R9 does shine is the ride. It has a four-spring suspension setup, which helps smooth out rough pavement and the occasional dirt path. This isn't a trail shredder by any means, but perfect for imperfect city streets. The throttle response is smooth enough to make it beginner-friendly, too, and the 500-watt motor has decent torque for getting up to speed and handling most inclines (Turboant says up to 20%). It ships in kickstart mode by default; you'll need to push off before the motor engages. But you can disable that by pressing the power button four times. Joseph Kaminski/CNET The R9 can travel up to 35 miles on a full charge of its 48-volt, 12.5-amp-hour (600-watt-hour) battery. This is based on Turboant's testing with a rider weighing 165 pounds, a fully charged battery, an outdoor temperature of 77 degrees Fahrenheit and the scooter traveling at 20 mph on a dry, level road. I really like that Turboant includes this info on a card with the scooter to set expectations. I would love to see more manufacturers include this information. Is the Turboant R9 worth buying? The R9 is one of the best sub-$600 scooters I've tested recently. It doesn't reinvent the wheel but it's one of the strongest value picks in Turboant's catalog. It's comfortable, powerful enough for most commutes and can handle more than just city streets, without breaking the bank.
Yahoo
08-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
I Tested the Turboant M10 Pro Electric Scooter and It's Ideal for First-Time Buyers
The term "Pro" is overused, but the $400 Turboant M10 Pro is aptly named as an upgrade within Turboant's entry-level scooter lineup. Though it may not rival more-powerful, higher-end models, it stands out as a premium choice in Turboant's lower-end lineup. It provides what you'd hope for at this price: practicality, reliability and a touch of style. The M10 Pro is simple yet stylish. Its all-black design with red accents gives it a clean and modern look. The M10 Pro comes with all the necessary tools for assembly, which primarily involves attaching the handlebars. It also features a bright, easy-to-read LED display, complete with a USB-A charging port — a thoughtful addition for keeping your phone or other devices powered on the go. The wiring is neatly routed internally through the scooter and is visible only at the exit points near the brake lever and rear caliper. The deck measures approximately 17.7 inches long and 6.3 inches wide, offering ample room for a comfortable, staggered stance while riding. This design ensures that riders of various sizes can maintain stability and comfort during their commute. The M10 stands about 3.2 inches off the ground, with 20-inch wide handlebars equipped with a simple thumb throttle. At just 36 pounds, the scooter is lightweight and portable, yet it retains a robust and sturdy feel. It can support riders up to 220 pounds. Its 8.5-inch pneumatic tires handle minor bumps and cracks well, delivering a comfortable ride on smooth roads and light urban terrain. Turboant M10 Pro electric scooter See at Turboant Given its price, the Turboant M10 Pro delivers solid performance. Powered by a 350-watt motor, it reaches a top speed of 20 mph, making it a reliable choice for short, everyday commutes. For riders not ready to reach 20 mph, the M10 Pro offers two ride modes: Mode 1, with a top speed of 12 mph, and Mode 2, with a top speed of 20 mph, along with cruise control, which is nice to have on long straightaways where you aren't frequently starting and stopping. The estimated 30-mile range is excellent for city rides and last-mile commutes, though it'll vary depending on rider weight, terrain and speed. The 36-volt, 10-amp-hour lithium-ion battery fully charges in approximately six hours. The scooter's IP54 rating allows it to withstand light rain, though the Turboant isn't built for water submersion. It also features a mechanical rear disc brake and a front electronic brake, providing dependable stopping power and added safety if your power fails for some reason. The M10 includes a tiltable 1.5-watt LED headlight in the front and a red taillight, ensuring visibility in low-light conditions. The scooter also includes a bell to alert others as you ride. The M10 Pro offers great value, but it does have some limitations. The motor is sufficient for flat terrain and mild inclines (up to 15%), but it struggles on steeper hills, which could be a drawback for riders in hilly areas or folks closer to the scooter's 220-pound weight limit. Additionally, though it's functional, the deck may feel tight or unstable for taller riders or those with larger feet. Lastly, although the clean black-and-red design looks nice, the Turboant lacks the premium aesthetics of higher-end scooters. The Turboant M10 Pro is a solid option for people seeking an affordable commuter scooter. Though it may not match the power or premium look of more expensive models, its speed, range and portability make it an excellent value. It's ideal for first-time scooter buyers or anyone looking for a budget-friendly, dependable ride to get them that last mile.
