iScooter i9 Review: Best Budget Electric Scooter in 2024
Immersing ourselves in the world of urban electric scooters, we've taken the iScooter i9 for a thorough spin, unveiling the nuances of its design, performance, and overall value.
This isn't just a test ride; in this iscooter i9 review you will get to nkow what sets the machine apart in a crowded market, particularly for the discerning teen rider in 2024.
iScooter i9 Review : Key Takeaways
Pros
Quick and Easy Assembly
Cost-Effective and Eco-Friendly
Fast delivery
Excellent Customer Service
Cons
very heavy to lift
Overly Flashy Lighting
Difficult Folding Mechanism
In this article, we'll explore the unique features and aspects of the iScooter i9 to provide you with a thorough understanding of what makes it a standout choice as an electric scooter in 2024.
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Our initial reactions to the design, build quality, and setup process of the iScooter i9 right out of the box.
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Insights into how the scooter performs in an urban setting, focusing on its speed, maneuverability, and overall commuting efficiency.
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Assessment of the scooter's comfort during extended use, including seat comfort, handlebar ergonomics, and ride smoothness.
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Our experience with folding and unfolding the scooter, its portability, and how we managed its weight for transportation.
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Exploration of the scooter's lighting system, flashy lights, and additional features that enhance or detract from the riding experience.
Unboxing and First Impressions
We received the iScooter i9 at our Ottawa location within 10 days via DHL, and the anticipation of testing this much-talked-about scooter was palpable. As we carefully unboxed it, the iScooter i9 presented itself with a flair of sophistication and modernity that immediately caught our eye. Its sleek design and matte finish gave it a premium feel, resonating with our team's appreciation for well-crafted gadgets.
Effortless Assembly
As we began assembling the iScooter i9, the first thing we noticed was the well-detailed instruction manual. Not only did it provide clear, step-by-step guidance for assembling the scooter, but it also included valuable safety advice for riding on roads and around pedestrians. This added layer of guidance was a thoughtful touch, showing a commitment to rider safety and awareness.
The assembly process was straightforward. Each component fit seamlessly, and the manual's diagrams made it easy to visualize each step.
City Commute and Speed Test
Testing the iScooter i9 in the bustling streets of Ottawa, we put it through its paces to evaluate its city commuting capabilities and performance. From Gloucester to the downtown Chipotle, the scooter became our go-to for quick, effortless trips.
In the highest mode (S), we reached speeds of up to 30 km/h, which was perfect for covering distances quickly. This mode was especially useful for our downtown dashes, where we noted the scooter shaved a good five minutes off the journey compared to an e-bike.
The iScooter i9 impresses with its rapid acceleration. While this makes the electric scooter ideal for swiftly navigating through Ottawa's streets, it also calls for extra caution, especially for teens. Its agility is further enhanced by the handlebar's ability to rotate 360 degrees, allowing for excellent maneuverability in various urban scenarios, from busy sidewalks to tight corners.
Adjustability is another strong suit of the iScooter i9. It offers three height settings and speed modes, catering to a wide range of preferences and making it a suitable electric scooter for teens and adults alike. However, during our use, we frequently encountered flat tires, a drawback of the air-filled tires. This experience has led us to consider switching to solid rubber tires for increased reliability and reduced maintenance, a common concern among electric scooter reviews.
Enhanced Riding Comfort and Performance Insights
Exploring the capabilities of the iScooter i9, we embarked on a more adventurous ride, traveling from East Ottawa to Gatineau. While highway driving was off-limits, this journey allowed us to really gauge the scooter's long-distance performance and comfort.
Stability and Terrain Adaptability
The ride to Gatineau also tested the iScooter i9's stability and adaptability across various terrains. Its suspension system proved to be a standout feature, smoothly handling bumps and irregularities in the road. This consistent stability was a key factor in our overall positive experience, allowing a smooth and secure ride from start to finish.
Long-Distance Usability and Battery Life
On our journey between East Ottawa and Gatineau, closely monitoring the iScooter i9's battery life was crucial. The advertised range is 18.6 miles (30 km), and we planned a round trip of approximately 13 km each way. We set off with the scooter's irobot app configured to keep track of our distance and battery usage.
As we neared the end of our 26 km round trip, the battery indicator showed a significant drop. Unfortunately, just as we completed our journey, the battery depleted completely. This was a bit short of the advertised range, indicating that factors like speed, weight, and terrain can impact the actual distance covered on a single charge.
This experience highlighted the importance of being mindful of battery life, especially for longer trips. While the iScooter i9 performed admirably for the majority of our journey, its battery endurance fell slightly short for extended use without a recharge. Riders planning similar or longer distances should consider this when planning their routes and charging opportunities.
Folding Mechanism Challenges
The folding mechanism, designed to make the scooter more compact for carrying and storage, presented some challenges. We found the clip that secures the scooter in its folded position to be stiff and difficult to operate. On several occasions, it required significant effort to lock and unlock, and at times, we resorted to using a screwdriver to pry it open. This aspect of the scooter's design was less intuitive than we had hoped and could be a point of frustration for users who need to fold and unfold the scooter frequently.
Portability and Weight Considerations
Regarding portability, the iScooter i9's advertised weight is 12 kg, but our measurements showed it to be slightly heavier at 13 kg. This additional weight, though seemingly small, was noticeable when carrying the scooter over distances or climbing stairs.
The compact size, once folded, was beneficial for fitting into smaller spaces like car trunks or storage areas. However, for those prioritizing ease of transport and lightness in an electric scooter, the iScooter i9's weight is an important factor to consider.
Customizing the Ride: Lighting and Extra Features
Exploring the iScooter i9 further, we delved into its customization options, focusing on the lighting system and additional features that contribute to the scooter's practicality and appeal.
Lighting System and Safety
One aspect we were keen to explore was the iScooter i9's lighting system. The scooter comes equipped with both front and rear lights, which we found to be adequately bright for night riding. However, activating the lights also turned on multicolored, flashy lights.
While some might find this feature attractive and fun, we felt it was a bit excessive for our taste, preferring a more subtle lighting option. This aspect could be a matter of personal preference, but it's worth noting for those who desire a more understated appearance.
Additional Features and Practicality
In our hands-on experience with the iScooter i9, we discovered a range of features that significantly enhance its functionality. Notably, the three-speed settings and height adjustments were standout aspects. These allowed us to customize the ride according to our comfort and speed needs, making the scooter highly adaptable for various users and riding conditions.
Smart KCQ Scooter APP
One of the most appealing features was the integration of the iScooter's irobot app. This app provides us with remote control capabilities, adding a layer of convenience and technological advancement to the scooter. The ability to control the scooter remotely not only impressed us but also opened up new possibilities for scooter use and security.
Cruise Control
We also appreciated the cruise control feature, which added to the ease of longer rides. It allowed us to maintain a steady speed without constant throttle adjustment.
Tackling the Tire Issue
However, we did face challenges with the scooter's air-filled tires. Repeated instances of flat tires, particularly when riding on city streets, were a concern. To address this, we are considering the option of switching to solid rubber tires. This change could lead to better durability and less maintenance, a topic we explored in detail in our article on the iScooter i8.
Assessing the iScooter i9's Value for Money
In conclusion, the iScooter i9 presents itself as a solid option in the electric scooter market, especially considering its price point. Currently on sale for £238.99, down from its original price of £395.99, it offers significant value for those looking for a quality electric scooter under $400.
The scooter's strong performance, comfortable ride, and user-friendly features like the KCQ APP and cruise control make it an appealing choice for a wide range of riders. Its stylish design and functional versatility cater to both urban commuters and leisure users. While it does have some downsides, such as the weight and folding mechanism challenges, and the issue with flat tires, these are relatively minor when weighed against the overall benefits and the price.
For anyone in the market for an affordable electric scooter that doesn't compromise on quality and features, the iScooter i9 is a top pick. It strikes an excellent balance between cost and performance, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking efficiency, comfort, and modern conveniences in their daily commute or recreational rides.
FAQ
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the 30-day return and refund policy allows you to buy with peace of mind
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beside the scooter, iscooter offers a bag for storage
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