Ducati Scrambler Cross-E Electric Scooter Review

The Ducati Scrambler Cross-E is one of the best-looking e-scooters with a top speed of around 15.5 mph and a range of up to 24.8 miles.

The Ducati Scrambler Cross-E embodies the true essence of what a Ducati should be. It brings stunning performance and styling to the iconic Ducati platform but in a much smaller frame. The Scrambler Cross-E is a motorcycle-inspired electric scooter that reinterprets Ducati’s iconic Ducati Scrambler motorcycles.

This scooter boasts a bold style and loads of innovative highlights, a true cruiser and every rider’s dream. It mixes the heritage of Italian artistry with cutting-edge design and sports an elegant figure, making it perfect for all types of riding. Yes, I know that sounds like a line straight out of a cheesy romance novel, but it’s true. The Scrambler Cross-E combines performance and practicality into one vehicle that a discerning urban rider cannot ignore.

Scrambler Cross-E: The Lowdown…

We’ve all heard, or at least know, about Ducati from one place or the other. Ducati is a revered name in the motorcycle world. The brand is owned by Italian luxury sports car maker Lamborghini, whose parent company is revered German carmaker German, Audi. Ducati has excelled as a motorcycle manufacturer for many years, with a reputation for building high-performance motorcycles. The company has also won several championships in the World Superbike Championship and the MotoGP Grand Prix.

Ducati entered the e-mobility space through collaboration with MT Distribution. The partnership allowed MT Distribution to bring the Ducati-branded electric scooters, folding e-bikes, and accessories to market in 2020. Its current electric scooters catalogue includes the Ducati Corse and Scrambler Cross brands. The Scrambler Cross brand comprises City Cross-E X Total Yellow, City Cross-E Black & Yellow, Cross-E Sport, City Cross-E Total Black, City Cross-E offroad edition, and Cross-E. 

The brand name ‘Ducati Scrambler’ was originally attributed to a line of single-cylinder Scrambler motorcycles that were made for the American region from the early ’60s to the mid-’70s by Ducati. The Scrambler Cross-E propels the Ducati legacy with an electric scooter that’s as practical as it is stylish. Every part of the Cross-E has been enhanced to give you a piece of retro Italian style combined with state-of-the-art technology.

With its high-strength alloy steel frame and a decent 15.5 mph (25 km/h) speed, the Ducati Scrambler Cross-E gets you from A to B with speed and ease. And there’s no mistaking this scooter–simply look out for a bumblebee-looking scooter cruising stylishly down the street– that’s the Cross-E. The Cross-E features multiple upgrades from the City Cross-E and is designed to offer more off road capability.

Key Differences Between the City Cross-E and Cross-E

The scooters have some similarities, e.g., a max speed of 25 Km/h, a 40-45 km range, and a max load of 120 kgs. However, there are enough differences to warrant serious consideration of the benefits and drawbacks of each before purchasing, as listed below:

• The City Cross E is exclusively meant for urban riding. The Cross-E has some off road capability and makes it easier to go from paved tracks to park trails. Ducati offers a City Cross-E offroad edition, which heavily borrows from the Cross-E.

• The City Cross-E is built using lightweight aluminium alloy, keeping the weight at a minimal 19 kgs. The Cross-E, on the other hand, utilizes a steel alloy in construction and has an exaggerated deck. The result is 27 Kgs weight for the original version and 29 for the Sports version, which weighs a little more due to the larger battery. The City Cross-E Offroad version also borrows the steel alloy alloy, thus is heavier than the regular edition.

• The City Cross-E is propelled by a 350W motor, while the Cross-E comes equipped with a 500W motor.

• The City Cross E has a 36V, 12.5Ah, 450Wh battery capacity. Alternatively, the Original Cross-E comes equipped with a 36V, 10.4Ah, 374Wh, while the Sports version carries a 48V, 10.4Ah, 499Wh, with 52 cells.

• The City Cross-E has a small stem-integrated LCD screen, while its Offroad version sports a larger 3.5″ LCD. The Cross-E sports the same 3.5″ LCD.

• The wheels on the scooters are of different sizes. The City Cross-E rolls on 10″ tires, while the Offroad version has the 11″ size. The Cross-E comes in with a thicker variation of the 11″ wheels for maximum stability.

• The cost varies as well. The City Cross-E retails for €599 / $670, while the Cross-E retails at €899/ $1000 (Original version) and € 999/ $1105 (Sports Version).

Read on for the full Ducati Scrambler Cross-E review.

Ducati Scrambler Cross-E Specifications

Ducati Scrambler Cross-E Cons

It lacks a suspension system and thus affects ride quality.

It is heavy, and this discourages portability

It lacks Bluetooth connectivity/app and NFC ignition card available on other models

The front headlight is lowly placed

Ducati Scrambler Cross-E Summary

The Ducati Scrambler Cross-E electric scooter comes in a black and yellow colour scheme, which perfectly complements its luxury feel and is both eye-catching and stylish. The frame is made out of high-strength aluminium alloy steel, which gives it strength, stability, and durability. It also features a solid tubular stem, which provides excellent rigidity and stability. However, the material puts the Cross-E electric scooter a little on the heavy side, at 59.5 pounds (27 kg). 

The Ducati Scrambler Cross-E electric scooter is equipped with a powerful motor that ensures impressive acceleration, good range, and enormous fun. It is powered by a 500W rear brushless electric motor that can travel up to 15.5 Mph (25 Km/h) and haul a maximum rider weight of 264.5 lbs (120kg). It’s also built with a 36V, 10.4Ah, 374Wh Li-Ion battery that allows 24.8 miles (40 km) of travel on a single charge and takes 5-6 hours to charge fully. The 500W motor is powerful enough to generate torque that effortlessly propels the scooter through 15% gradients. 

The Ducati Cross-E also comes equipped with 11-inch tubeless tires designed to handle the tricky terrain of off-road riding. The tyres provide cushioning in the absence of suspension and allow you to ride over most terrain with ease. This model is also equipped with dual front and rear disc brakes to help ensure that you stop when you need to. Further, this electric scooter’s 3.5-inch built-in LCD screen is bright and easy to read, even in the most brilliant daylight. 

The ergonomic handlebars on the Ducati Scrambler Cross-E electric scooter make riding as fun and straightforward as possible. The scooter is further equipped with dual front LED lights and rear red lights, meaning you can travel safely, whether it’s day or night. It has a cruise control function for maintaining an average speed when riding. The absence of a suspension system can be felt, especially on bumpy roads. But if that’s not a priority for you, this is an excellent product and good value for your money.

Read on for a more detailed look at Ducati Scrambler Cross-E and its ingenious specifications.

Performance Overview

The new Ducati Scrambler Cross-E lets you experience the same visceral thrill of a Ducati motorcycle in a unique electric scooter. With its powerful brushless motor that yields 500W continuous power output and a high-capacity battery, the Cross-E is ready for any adventure. An agile and dynamic vehicle, it is powerful and capable of taking you up to 15.5 mph. However, that depends on the driver’s weight, road condition and how you ride. 

Acceleration is linear: the electric design means immediate response to any input, with no lag between your command and the scooter’s performance. The Ducati Scrambler Cross-E electric scooter is also serious about giving you the power to take it through most terrain and conquering inclines of up to 15%. The manufacturer advertised range is 24.8 miles (40 km), but the actual range in real-world use is nearly half, particularly if ridden at higher speeds and/or in windy conditions or cold weather.

Speed & Acceleration

The Ducati Scrambler Cross-E electric scooter may not be for you if you’re looking for speed and power. The max speed is a modest 15.5 Mph (25 Km/h)—more of a casual jaunt than a sprint. This can be a nice feature for riders who are just going to cruise around town on the weekend, but it isn’t suited for long-distance riding or racing. However, the motor guarantees excellent pick-up when you are accelerating.

The Ducati Scrambler Cross-E electric scooter also has three-speed modes: Sport, Comfort, and Eco. The Sport mode has a maximum speed of 15.5 Mph (25 Km/h), while Comfort and Eco have a maximum speed limit of 9.3 mph (15 km/h) and 3 mph (6 km/h). It also features cruise control, allowing you to relax and enjoy the ride!

Hill Climbing

With an impressive peak power of 600W, the scooter has enough grunt to help you climb up to 15% inclines. Now, the manufacturer claims that the scooter can conquer hills of 27%, but under average conditions, the 500W motor may struggle to ride through such steep gradients.

Battery & Range

The scooter is powered by a 36V, 10.4Ah, 374Wh lithium-ion battery. Lithium-ion batteries are the most common type of battery used in electric scooters and have a good reputation for reliability. The battery can be fully charged in around 5 hours.

The Scrambler Cross E comes with a removable battery. It takes just a few minutes to unlock and remove the battery from the scooter. You simply lift the footrest, which reveals the battery case, then open said case with the dedicated keys. You can then charge the battery directly using the manufacturer-issued charger. To extend range, purchase a separate battery and use them interchangeably.

The manufacturer-advertised range is 24.8 miles (40 km), but this is only if you meet the following conditions:

• Ride at a fixed speed of 25kph (15mph) on a flat road, with no wind, and in Eco mode

• Use no lights or other electrical equipment

• Have a rider weight of less than 150lbs

• You do not exceed 50% throttle for longer than five minutes at a time.

• No stop-and-start riding in urban areas and/or traffic jams.

• The ambient temperature is between 65 and 75 °F (18–24 °C).

• Your battery is fully charged and has been in storage for no longer than 30 days before the start of your ride.

These are near-unachievable in any real-life setting, and riders should therefore expect a significantly lower actual range–about 15 to 20 kms in the highest speed setting.

Motor Configuration

With a quiet 500W continuous power output motor in the rear hub, the Scrambler Cross-E packs a punch. The Scrambler Cross E’s 600W peak power provides a smooth acceleration curve that’s not overwhelming on the rider.

The motor is a brushless motor, which means no brushes are needed to engage the commutator, making it more efficient and less prone to overheating than brushed motors. Also, the motor requires minimal maintenance.

Construction & Quality

The scooter is superbly built and designed to be used in an urban environment and the occasional offroad. Sturdy and long-lasting, the scooter’s frame is crafted from high-strength alloy steel, ensuring durability. However, the alloy steel comes at the expense of added weight. Additionally, it sports an ergonomic and comfortable handlebar with rubberized grips making it easy to hold and maneuver.

This new BumbleBee-inspired model, plus its less striking all-black version, features a unique deck that’s designed like an ottoman. It features concealed storage that opens up to reveal the battery case and removable battery. The deck and graphics featured to create an optical illusion—an intricate wavy pattern that’s as gorgeous as it is mind-boggling. The colour pattern is also in line with the original Ducati Scrambler motorcycle blueprint.

It has a solid fender with a footrest so that you can rest your feet while waiting at stop lights or signs. The scooter’s handlebar comes with an easy-to-use throttle and controls to switch it on and adjust the speed, acceleration, and braking power. You’ll feel like James Bond as you cruise through traffic in this stylish vehicle. Also, it has a solid, non-adjustable stem that doesn’t wobble. This is key for the safety and agility of your ride.

The battery has been so cleverly integrated into the design of this electric scooter that you’d never know it was there until you needed it. It’s housed under the deck and is removable, making charging easy and convenient. A kickstand is embedded on the side of the deck to make sure you don’t have to worry about balancing your scooter when you take a break. 

Suspension & Comfort

The scooter lacks a suspension system. This was likely done to keep the scooter’s weight down and make it more agile. However, the absence of a suspension system makes the ride a bit bumpy on very uneven roads.

Ride Quality

The Scrambler is a smooth ride, with a responsive throttle and the kind of quiet operation you’d expect from an electric vehicle on urban terrain. However, the lack of suspension might make for a bumpier ride on uneven surfaces. To make up for that, the rear in-hub motor delivers a quiet and powerful ride, while the 11″ anti-puncture tyres provide superior grip on any surface.

This rugged ride is made to perform moderately well off-road and on inclines. It has a robust motor that provides plenty of power to climb hills and other obstacles with relative ease. And it’s designed with a robust frame, so it can hold up to the rumbles experienced on off-road conditions without sacrificing too much stability.

The handlebar is designed to be comfortable and functional. The handlebar is ergonomic, and the ends are fitted with rubberised grips, ensuring a firm and comfortable grip. In addition, the scooter features a rather unique but spacious wavy-like deck that is covered in a non-slip material. This will keep you safe and comfortable as you ride. The deck is also large, providing plenty of space to accommodate riders of all sizes.

The stem does not wobble or twist even while riding over bumps and dirt roads thanks to its clamping system–but you have to keep tightening the bolts as they tend to come loose.

Lights

The scooter’s lighting system comprises a double front headlight and rear red lights for optimal night visibility. The anti-glare front headlight offers sufficient illumination, though the low placement on the scooter may limit visibility by other motorists–Ducati should have gone with a higher-mounted light. However, the lights are adjustable, and you can change elevation to allow for better light projection. Also, it lacks indicators and reflective stickers or materials, making it less visible in low-light conditions.

Braking

The Cross-E electric scooter has efficient braking technology to make for a safe, smooth ride. The braking system features a dual disk brake that provides even and well-balanced braking power and is easy to control.

The disc brakes provide superior braking power in all conditions. The brakes are activated by hand levers on the handlebar and are easy to use, even when wearing gloves. The brake levers also have an adjustment screw that allows you to fine-tune the braking power to your needs.

Portability

The Cross-E weighs 59.5 pounds (27 kg), probably because of its bulky frame, beefy tyres, and battery pack. This scooter’s weight makes it nearly impossible to lift off the ground for most and takes significant energy for those that attempt to carry it. For a mid-range scooter, this is a real drawback. In fact, it weighs more than some of the best performance scooters, e.g., Kaabo Skywalker, 10S Apollo City Pro 2022, EMOVE Cruiser, Vsett 8+, and Zero 10. However, the folded dimensions are good for storage convenience, i.e., 118.3 x 46 x 49.8 cm. And the folding mechanism is quick and easy.

Tyres

The scooter comes with ‘fat’ 11″ tubeless front and rear anti-puncture tyres, designed to absorb vibrations while riding on dirt roads or other areas that present a challenge to regular tyres. However, most riders report that the wheels are mostly cosmetic and do very little to prevent jarring. 

The knobby offroad tyres are designed to ensure maximum grip on any surface. In addition, Its tires are anti-puncture, so you don’t have to worry about getting stranded because you ran over a nail or a stray piece of glass. 

Deck

The Ducati Scrambler Cross-E electric scooter has a unique deck design that features a sturdy, wavy platform with distinct pixel graphics. The deck’s color is grey and yellow and has a stylish, angular twist. The aesthetic of this scooter is reminiscent of a Jeep while maintaining the sleekness of a luxury item.

The deck is spacious enough to fit two sets of feet. However, because of its wavy design, the rider will need to place one foot in front of the other. The deck of the Scrambler Cross-E is covered in a non-slip material that will keep you safe and comfortable as you ride.

Controls & Display

The Ducati Scrambler Cross-E sports a lean and sporty handlebar that offers an ideal level of control. The handlebar is wrapped in grips that are easy to hold, allowing your hands to relax during the ride. The handlebar’s center is a pretty 3.5″ LCD display that provides all the important information about your ride.

The display shows your real-time speed, distance travelled, the time elapsed, speed mode, and battery level. It even indicates when the scooter’s cruise control and headlights are on. It also has the Power Button that also changes ride modes and switches on the front headlight.

The brake levers are situated on the handlebar and are easy to reach and use. Other controls are also easily accessible. The right side of the handlebar has a thumb-activated throttle.

Water Resistance

The Cross-E scooter has an IPX4 rating, meaning that it can withstand light showers and splashes from the side. It can ride through shallow puddles without sustaining electrical damage to the internal mechanisms. That aside, do not spray hose your scooter when cleaning or ride it in heavy downpour.

Reliability

The Ducati Scrambler Cross-E has been designed and built to the same standards as Ducati’s world-renowned motorcycles, meaning that it benefits from the same level of quality and attention to detail. The alloy steel frame is durable enough not just for riding but can sustain falls without damaging the structure–a necessary feature for off-road vehicles.

The beefy 11″ tires are built to supplement the lack of shock absorbers and withstand rough offroad terrain. They are also anti-puncture, but that should not give riders a license to recklessly ride through sharp objects. For increased juice, the scooter also features a removable battery that riders can secure in a set to use interchangeably for an extended range. 

The speed, acceleration, and torque come together to give this scooter reliable moving power, with a reliable set of brakes to bring the scooter to an uncompromised stop. Thanks to the front and tail lights, you can also ride the scooter in low light conditions without much worry.

Warranty 

The Scrambler comes with a 6-months warranty as standard. With the purchase of this unit, you also get Family Protection with AXA insurance. In addition, Ducati offers a customer support service that is available 24/7, meaning that you can always get in touch with someone if you have any issues including AXA assistance.

Maintenance

The Ducati Scrambler Cross-E is a work of art, an icon of automotive design. It requires a certain level of care and maintenance; you should read the owner’s manual carefully and follow all the recommended procedures to keep your scooter in top condition, including; 

• Inspect the wiring periodically for any damage or signs of wear and tear.

• Keep the battery properly charged and store it in a cool, dry place when not in use.

• Regularly check the tire pressure and keep them at the recommended level.

• Check the brakes to make sure they are functioning properly.

• Lubricate the moving parts every 2 weeks or so.

• Clean off any build-up dirt or mud every week or so.

• Ensure that all screws and bolts are tight to prevent anything from coming loose over time.

• Always store the scooter in a dry place, away from direct sunlight or rain.

Known Issues

As a relatively new entrant into the world of E-scooters, the feedback on Ducati scooters is not as comprehensive as that of scooters that have been around for decades. But, the following seems to be the sentiment of many of the customers who have tested out the Scrambler Cross-E:

• Customers have complained that the screws at the base of the handlebar are problematic, and even after replacing them or tightening them to the end, they still come loose again. As a result, the handlebar remains wobbly.

Ducati Scrambler Cross-E: Is it worth the money and is it worth buying?

The Scrambler Cross-E offers good ride quality on city roads, and the fact that the battery is removable makes it very convenient in terms of charging and extending range. The build quality is excellent owing to the strong steel alloy used; however, this introduces a new weight challenge, which greatly reduces the scooter’s portability. We wouldn’t recommend it as a commuter scooter as you will struggle with the weight. However, we stand by the scooters in their City Cross E line-up or Pro series, which weigh far less.

The off road capability is dismal despite it being a selling point. The speed is okay–nothing out of this world, and the range is average. Again, you can easily get a scooter with better performance and added features like suspensions at the price point. Here are a few scooters with suspensions that can be great alternatives: Zero 9 has dual springs and disc brakes and retails at $1099; Mercane WideWheel Pro has dual motors that produce 1000W, it can reach speeds of 41kmh, and has disc brakes and dual spring suspensions at a retail price of $1169. Generally, this is an average scooter with a hyped-up brand name.