iScooter i9 Review

A budget-friendly, feature-packed commuter scooter offering reliability and performance for everyday urban rides.

Looking for a reliable commuting scooter that won’t break the bank? The iScooter i9 might just be your ideal match. This scooter is all about delivering fantastic performance without burning a hole in your pocket.

Weighing in at just 26.4 lbs, it’s one of the lightest scooters. But don’t let that lightweight fool you; this scooter packs a punch in terms of performance and features. With a 25 km/hr top speed, you’ll breeze through streets effortlessly. And it covers up to 18.6 miles on a single charge, making it perfect for your daily travels.

Overall, the i9 e-scooter is the go-to choice for those seeking affordability, portability, and top-notch features, all bundled up in one sleek ride. Dive deeper into our comprehensive i9 electric scooter review to uncover everything you need to know about this fantastic entry-level scooter.

iScooter i9- The Lowdown

When it comes to choosing the perfect scooter, it’s essential to weigh your options. Let’s start by comparing the iScooter i9 and its sibling, the i9 Max. The i9 is all about portability, tipping the scales at just 26.5 lbs, while the i9 Max is a bit heavier at 35 lbs. However, the Max boasts superior specifications—it’s got more power (500 W), a higher maximum speed (19 mph), and an increased maximum range of 25 miles. On the flip side, it comes at a steeper price, about £140 more than the i9. So, if you’re after a budget-friendly option with solid features, the i9 is your go-to, while the Max is for the pros seeking greater speed and range, ready to spend a bit more.

Now, let’s roll over to a competitor within the same price range: the Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter Essential. Both scooters weigh in at 26.4 lbs and boast an IP45 waterproof rating. Charging times are about the same for both. However, the iScooter i9 outshines the essentials regarding speed and range. With a top speed of 25 km/hr and a maximum range of 30 km, the i9 races ahead of the Essential’s 20 km/hr speed and 20 km range.

But here’s the twist: the Essential packs more power with 500 W compared to the i9’s 350 watts. Also, their tyres differ significantly. The i9 sports honeycomb tyres that are durable, low-maintenance, and puncture-resistant, providing a smooth ride on even surfaces. However, they might not absorb shocks as well as pneumatic tyres. On the other hand, the Xiaomi scooter flaunts pneumatic tyres, offering better shock absorption, especially on rough terrain, although they’re more susceptible to punctures.

With all these details, the decision boils down to your budget, desired features, and the riding experience you seek. But for now, let’s dig deeper into the specifics of the iScooter i9.

Specs

iScooter i9 Pros

Impressive performance 

15.5mph (25km/h) top speed

Practical 18.6miles (30km) range

Additional features like cruise control

Portable with a 3 sec folding mechanism 

Durable construction 

App integration

iScooter i9 Cons

Unremarkable design

Becomes sluggish when used at load capacity

Power diminishes as battery life decreases

he instruction manual could be better and more detailed

Needs better shock absorption capability

iScooter i9 Summary

The i9 might not be perfect, but its incredible affordability makes it an outstanding entry-level choice in the e-scooter arena. It competes neck and neck with other e-scooters in its price bracket, even giving those from Xiaomi a run for their money, and boasts extra features that sweeten the deal.

The iScooter i9 Foldable Commuting Electric Scooter is all about mixing convenience and performance. It’s a strong, efficient option with a 350W motor that hits speeds up to 15.5 mph and an 18.6-mile range. The one-step folding trick makes it super portable at just 26.4 lbs, easily fitting into cars or tagging along on public transport.

This scooter’s got your back in different weather situations thanks to its IP54 rating, which means it can handle a bit of water. It throws in three riding modes, a comfy thumb throttle and a bright LED headlamp for better visibility, ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride.

The iScooter i9 scores extra points for its added treats, like cruise control. It lets you set a constant speed, giving your thumb a break and saving battery juice. Plus, it comes packed with a battery management system for protection, ensuring your safety by monitoring the battery’s status and safeguarding against overcharging and discharge. It also provides short circuit protection and temperature protection. Safety is further boosted by a double braking system and compatibility with the “kcq scooter” app, offering customisation and monitoring options.

However, the scooter is rather plain looking, so it’s not very aesthetic. But, considering the price, we can’t fuss about its looks!

Performance Overview

The iScooter i9 is a champ when it comes to performance. With its 350W motor, it hits speeds up to 25 km/hr and covers about 18.6 miles on one charge. Whether you’re zipping to work or cruising around town, this scooter’s got your back. It offers three riding modes that affect how far you can go: ‘Eco mode’ for longer rides at a slower pace and ‘Sport mode’ for a speedy spin.

The battery is a winner—36V 7.5Ah 270Wh—promising great endurance. It’s a quick charge, too, just 3-6 hours, so you’re not stuck waiting for long. Equipped with honeycomb tyres and a reliable braking system, it keeps your ride steady and safe. Plus, the LED display keeps you in the know, showing your speed, battery life, and mode selection—making your ride smooth.

Top speed and Acceleration

The iScooter i9 is all about reaching speeds up to 25 km/hr with its 350W power, but there are a few things to think about when it comes to its performance, as discussed below.

• Roads: On roads, this speed works great for cruising around town and keeping up with moderate traffic.

• Pedestrian Walks: The scooter might be too fast for crowded or narrow paths, but it better suits wider walkways or shared routes.

• Versatility: At 15.5 mph, the iScooter i9 offers a nice middle ground for fun rides and practical commuting. It’s efficient without being too speedy, making it great for outdoor entertaining riding in urban areas.

Now, coming to the acceleration of the i9, it works with a thumb throttle and a “kick-to-start” safety feature. You have to give it a little kick or push to get it moving slowly before using the throttle. This prevents sudden jolts when starting and gives you control over the acceleration process. Safety first, always!

Hill Climbing

One thing that wowed me about the iScooter i9 is its awesome hill-climbing game. This scooter takes on inclines up to 15% without breaking a sweat, making those urban slopes a breeze. Whether on a gentle rise or a modest hill, the i9 keeps its cool, making the ride smooth and reliable.

Electric Scooter Range and Battery Life

The iScooter i9 rocks a 36V 7.5Ah 270Wh battery that’s awesome. It charges up quickly—only 3-6 hours! Plus, it is a cool Battery Management System (BMS) that keeps you safe by constantly watching the battery’s performance. It ensures nothing goes wrong—no overcharging or sudden power losses- and even handles temperature issues.

This battery has enough power for city trips, covering around 18.6 miles on a single charge. Perfect for those shorter or medium rides, whether you’re off to work or just cruising around.

But, when you’re riding on hilly roads or going fast all the time, the greater load causes faster battery usage and makes it run out quicker, reducing how far you can go on one charge.

Motor Configuration

The iScooter i9’s 350W motor is a big deal regarding how this scooter moves and works. It brings some good stuff and a few things to think about.

The 350W motor gives the scooter enough power for city trips, keeping a nice speed and a good push when you start. It’s just right for city rides. With it, the scooter cruises at about 15.5 mph (25 km/h), a comfy speed for city trips—neither too fast nor too slow. But, while it is cool on moderate slopes, on really steep hills, or if you are carrying a lot, the motor might slow down a bit, affecting how fast or well it goes.

Construction and Build Quality

The iScooter i9 is built to strike a perfect balance between toughness and easy carrying. Made with an aluminium alloy frame, it’s strong enough to handle riders up to about 220lbs (100kg) but stays light enough to tote around.

iScooter went all out with this i9 entry-level scooter, covering everything from the tyres to the app and even a Smart Battery Management System. They nailed the look, the ride feel, and the performance—top-notch all around.

But here’s the thing: it doesn’t have an adjustable stem. This might bug some riders since they can’t change the handlebar height to fit how they ride.

Deck

The iScooter i9’s deck is big enough to place your feet easily, making it comfy and stable. This big space also means you can adjust how you stand for the most comfortable ride ever.

The surface is rough and anti-slip, so you won’t slip and slide even when it’s wet or slippery. Safety first! Plus, it has enough room for a seat if you want to ride without standing and give your legs a break.

Tyres

The 8.5-inch sturdy honeycomb solid tyres that come with the i9 electric scooter are a big deal when it comes to having a great ride. They’re tough and won’t get punctured easily. Plus, they need almost no maintenance. Their super strength means they handle rough roads and small bumps without a problem, keeping your ride smooth and reliable.

But here’s the catch: When yyou’reon rough or bumpy roads, these tyres might make your ride a tad less comfy. They’re not as good at absorbing shocks as air-filled tyres, so you might feel more of the bumps and shakes from the road.

Suspension

The iScooter i9, unfortunately, doesn’t come with any suspension system. This absence of suspension means that the scooter might not absorb shocks or bumps from the road as effectively compared to electric scooters equipped with suspension. Consequently, riders may experience a bumpier and less comfortable ride, especially when navigating uneven or rough terrains.

Braking

The iScooter i9 packs a double punch in braking, offering both mechanical disc brakes and an Electronic Brake System (E-ABS) for top-notch enhanced safety while you ride. These mechanical disc brakes bring that reliable stoppage power, gripping the brake rotor for quick and effective halting whenever you need to slow down. Additionally, the E-ABS system prevents your wheels from locking up, especially on tricky or slick surfaces, giving you an extra layer of security.

Ride Quality

The ride quality on the iScooter i9 is superb! The honeycomb tyres play a vital part in making your journey smooth. Feeling tired from standing? No worries! You can easily add a seat to relax while cruising around. Plus, let’s not forget about the three different riding modes available—Eco for a slower pace of 6km/hr, Drive for a moderate speed of 15 km/hr, and Sport for a thrilling ride at 25 km/hr.

Moreover, the cruise control feature takes your riding experience up a notch, making it a breeze. It’s like the cherry on top that makes everything better, covering up any little drawbacks the scooter might have had.

Portability

Looking for a convenient ride? The iScooter i9 adult electric scooter has you covered. Its one-step folding system works like a charm, taking just 3 seconds to fold up. This scooter becomes your perfect companion for zipping around cities, campuses, or even at work.

The foldable electric scooter is also super lightweight, only 26 lbs! You can easily tuck it away in your car trunk without fuss or carry it on the subway.

Now, let’s talk about the folding process. Remember to turn the scooter off first. Folding is a breeze—unlock the folding mechanism, bend the handlebar stem, and hook the buckle onto the rear fender. Unfolding is just as simple—release the buckle, raise the handlebar, and lock the folding structure. Easy-peasy!

Lights

The iScooter i9 is your ride for safer nights. It comes packed with lights to brighten your way—front and rear LEDs for a clear view ahead and behind. And wait, there’s more! It’s not just about seeing; it’s about being seen. With brake lights in vibrant red (they even flash!) and turn lights, this scooter ensures everyone sees you.

When it gets dark, don’t worry; the i9’s got your back. A strong multi-point protection featuring a remarkable 2.1W front light illuminates your path for better visibility, allowing you to ride safely at night. Plus, the scooter includes a bright rear brake light and e-mark-certified reflectors that add another layer of safety, ensuring you’re visible and avoiding any unexpected run-ins.

Controls & Display

The iScooter i9 makes controlling your ride easy with its smart LED dashboard. Everything you need to know about your rides, like speed, battery level, and even your mode, is on a bright, colourful screen. And guess what? It’s not just the dashboard – you can manage everything from an app on your phone.

This nifty app, the KCQ app, connects to your scooter through Bluetooth. Lock or unlock it, turn lights on or off, change gears, start modes, and even set cruise control, all from your handy phone app. It’s like having your scooter at your fingertips wherever you go!

Water Resistance

With its IP54 waterproof rating and designed mudguard, the iScooter i9 is not afraid of a little rain. The scooter offers weather-resistant riding, which means you can confidently ride without worrying about the weather affecting your scooter.

Reliability, Warranty & Customer Service

Regarding reliability, the iScooter i9 is crafted from sturdy materials meant to endure, ensuring durability and lasting performance. The Smart Battery Management System protects the battery from potential electrical issues to further safeguard its functionality. iScooter maintains a reputation for producing scooters that meet high standards.

For a worry-free purchase experience, acquiring your e-scooter from a trustworthy company, ideally one with a physical store, is advisable. This way, you can receive superior service and repairs if needed. Alternatively, purchasing directly from the iScooter website or credible sellers on platforms like Amazon is a good choice.

The iScooter i9 electric scooter is backed by a standard 12-month official warranty. Additionally, the availability of UK-based replacement parts simplifies the repair process, ensuring easy access to necessary components when needed.

Maintenance

Maintenance for the i9 electric scooter is not too complicated. Besides keeping an eye on the tyres, checking the batteries occasionally is essential. Battery life can be tricky to predict, but it is the first thing that might need attention. The good news is that swapping it out is easy.

As for the scooter’s body, keeping it tidy is a good idea. After your rides, a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth helps keep it looking fresh. Also, those mudguards do a neat job of keeping things cleaner, which is a nice bonus!

Known Issues

The iScooter i9, while a solid performer, does come with a few things to keep in mind. First off, its design doesn’t stand out much—it’s quite plain and average-looking.

Under a full load, the i9 can feel a bit slow. It’s best to note this if you plan to carry heavy stuff while riding. Also, as the battery drains, the scooter’s power decreases, too. That’s pretty normal for most electric rides, but it’s something to remember for longer trips.

The instruction manual might need a bit of an upgrade. Some users felt it lacked the details necessary for assembly, making setup a bit trickier.

Some hardware tweaks might also be required for better performance and durability. Plus, those honeycomb tyres might not be the best for bumpy roads, so caution is advised.

Is it Worth Buying?

The i9 scooter isn’t half bad, but it’s not the best in the market. Given its price in this league, it packs in quite a few extras that others in the same gang might not offer. Although the battery and motor could use a bit more oomph, despite its cool add-ons, it holds it back from being a top dog.

Nevertheless, it’s a decent bang for your buck and could use a bit of tuning to hit the sweet spot. For those on a tight budget, it’s a good entry-level pick. But if you’re willing to shell out more cash, maybe consider grabbing one with suspension for smoother rides and longer trips.

Considering it’s suitable for kids over 8, it’s a particularly great choice for teens. The range, speed, and safety features are spot-on for them. It’s not too pricey either, making it a great gift for your kiddos!