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
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