Kugoo Kirin M4 Review

The ultimate budget electric scooter with a top speed of around 28 mph and a range of up to 28 miles. 

The Kugoo Kirin M4 electric scooter is by far one of the most versatile budget scooters in the market today. It is a revolutionary electric scooter model built on the backbone of Kugoo’s high-quality components and state-of-the-art engineering and design. It offers the best innovative features and a premium design that you will only find in the most advanced electric scooters.

This high-performance electric scooter is the ultimate urban commuter companion for those with active lifestyles. It delivers a thrilling ride experience and exceptional performance- the decent top speed is a great way to shorten your commute time. The scooter’s impeccable design combines the flexibility of a standard motorcycle with the seating comfort and stability of a passenger vehicle.

As a result, the e scooter offers a comfortable, affordable, eco-friendly and highly convenient means of transport. 

Kugoo Kirin M4: The Lowdown…

Kugoo is one of the fastest-growing global scooter brands. The brand’s original design and quality control standards have earned it praise from industry experts and loyal customers worldwide.

The company was founded in 2015 and has quickly become one of China’s most popular scooter brands. Kugoo’s product lineup is a leader in the European scooter industry and continues to expand its distribution channel to countries throughout Europe and the rest of the world.

However, some riders in different countries or states in the US may need to get special licenses and certifications to be allowed to ride this speed monster on public roads. 

Kugoo continues to produce innovations that will define the future of transportation. It has sold over 100,000 units globally- a testament to its quality and popularity. Portability and versatility are core offerings with the company’s collection of scooters.

Kugoo ensures that you can seamlessly commute in an urban environment to carrying your scooters between classes on a college campus. You can also tuck your scooter next to you on the subway or other forms of public transportation, and it even comfortably fits in most car trunks. The agile nature of Kugoo scooters makes them easy to ride for different types of riders in a wide (though limited) variety of track conditions.

The Kugoo scooters are a revolution in personal mobility, and the Kirin M4 is one of the more elite scooters in the Kirin scooter line. Whether you are zooming down the street or coasting through the park, the Kirin M4 is an exhilarating way to get around. The scooter has been designed to accommodate the riding needs of novice and experienced riders alike. The M4s feature a sleek design, high-speed capabilities, and a powerful electric motor that can take you anywhere. In addition, M4’s sturdy frame and extended handlebars give riders a sleek, ergonomic ride that will have them comfortably cruising for miles on end. 

The Kirin series has been well appreciated in the budget scooter market for its high quality and performance standards. The M4 continues this tradition with its cutting-edge design and innovative features. The M4 is everything a portable scooter should be: durable, reliable, and stylish. Kugoo also throws in some additional specs that tip the scales favouring the M4, like the skeletal joint between the stem and the deck that can be used with virtually most bike locks, the underglow, the fancy turn signals, and a height-adjustable stem.

Overall the scooter offers excellent bang for your bucks, at the fair price of £467,08/ $650. Read on for a more detailed review. 

Kugoo M4 Specifications

Kirin M4 Cons

It is hard to notice the turn lights when the sun is out

It has no cruise control feature

Lacks Bluetooth connectivity/mobile app

Has no sealant in the tyres

Lacks regenerative braking

Has slight stem wobble

Kirin M4 Summary

Kugoo is redefining the electric scooter landscape with impressive Electric scooter models that meet and exceed diverse riders’ needs and requirements. From street-legal, adult-sized two-wheelers to compact, kid-friendly scooters that can go anywhere on any surface, every rider is sure to find exactly what they need in a Kugoo. Kugoo is reimagining the electric scooters landscape by bridging the gap between traditional kick scooters and e-scooters. Built with great attention to detail, these machines are designed to make them as reliable, robust, fun, and adventurous as possible. 

The M4 is a Kugoo offering from the Kirin series. This scooter is the embodiment of Kugoo’s ambition to become the number one electric scooter manufacturer globally. It is an all-round scooter designed with a focus on style, performance, and safety. It is packed with innovative features like dual, entire rear and front suspension and a quick throttle integrated with the smart display, which delivers one of the smoothest rides you will find. The scooter further features 10-inch shock-absorbing pneumatic tyres that can handle most surfaces while retaining ride comfort. The integrated lighting system keeps you safe after sunset, with the underglow ensuring that the M4 stands out as a genuinely stylish scooter.  

The riding performance on this scooter is high-level, with a reliable 3-way braking system and a manufacturer-cited top speed of 28 mph ( 45 km/h) and 28-mile (45 km) range – making it ideal for fast-paced and often crowded city roads. This is facilitated by Kugoos unwavering standards on the parts used in the scooter assembly, like the robust 500W motor and the high-performing 48V, 11 Ah battery.

The M4 boasts a sleek premium build quality, stylish design, and ergonomic frame with an intuitive smart digital interface that lets riders cruise through the urban jungle in style and comfort.

The aluminium frame is superbly built and features a robust, sturdy stem that also comes with a folding mechanism to facilitate portability. Ride comfort is further facilitated by the expansive deck and a seat attachment that will have you forgetting you’re riding on a scooter. The suspensions also ensure no jarring is felt on the seat, which would make for a horrible sitting experience.

Available in black with red accents, this stylish scooter is a must-have for anyone looking to amp their commuting experience. You also get additional features like the keyed ignition with a voltmeter that is not standard with budget scooters. Read on for an in-depth look at the Kugoo Kirin M4 electric scooter- a serious contender in the budget scooters category.

Performance Overview

The Kugoo Kirin M4 electric scooter is designed with a single drive, 500W brushless hub motor that delivers 528 Wh of power. Therefore, it can transport riders through a manufacturer-cited 28 miles (45 km) range while achieving a top speed of 28mph (45km/h). Kugoo notes that these performance specs are achieved under optimal conditions, which they go a step further by defining.

To attain the top speed and maximum cited range, the following conditions must be attained:

• A 55 kg rider
• The riding track must be free of inclines, obstacles and mostly smooth
• The rider must retain a constant speed
• The rider should brake less than three times during the test ride to ensure that the battery discharges uniformly.

However, real-world tests performed by an averagely weighted rider (under 100 kgs/ 120 lbs) in urban and light off-road tracks show the scooter achieving a maximum range of 35 km (21.7 miles) on the lowest riding gear. The speed attained will also be slightly lower than the top speed for heavier riders. Regardless, the Kirin M4 is stated to carry a weight capacity of up to 330 lbs (150 kgs).

The robust motor also offers a maximum torque of 24N.m/s to deliver exceptional climbing ability on hilly terrain. Riders report that the scooter does not lose speed going uphill compared to other scooters in its price range. The scooter is equipped with a 3- tier braking system that offers superior stopping power for safety. It has a 4-10m braking distance, ensuring that you are in complete control of your ride at all times.

Speed & Acceleration

The Kugoo Kirin M4 Electric Scooter is ideal for urban commuters who want to get to their destination quickly. The scooter lets riders breeze through city streets faster than ever before, surpassing its competitors in terms of top speed. At (28 mph/45 km/h), the Kirin M4 is one of the fastest budget scooters, going faster than Xiaomi M365, Ninebot Max, Uscooters Booster Sport and Boosted Rave.  

The thumb throttle integrated into the smart display delivers instant power to the motor that’s domiciled on the rear hub. The scooter has an average acceleration curve and rides on three driving modes that can be activated by pressing the mode button on the digital display. The default Eco mode has a top speed of 9.3 mph (15km/h) while regular mode tops out at 18.6 mph (30 km/h), and Sport mode delivers an exhilarating maximum speed of 28 mph (45 km/h). However, take note that the faster the speed mode, the quicker it depletes the battery.

Hill Climbing

Hill Climbing is a measurement of how steep a hill can be climbed without losing power. The steeper the hill can be climbed, the more energy-efficient the motor and battery are.

If you live in an area with hilly terrain or enjoy riding on dirt trails through hills, this is an important metric to consider. The Kugoo is not a hill-climbing champion, but the 500w motor with a peak torque output of 24N.m/s lets riders conquer hills with up to 15 degrees in gradient.

Battery & Range

The scooter is powered by a 48V, 11Ah Lithium battery that boasts a 528Wh capacity. This type of lithium battery provides several advantages over other types of batteries such as lead-acid and NiMH (nickel-metal hydride) batteries- the most notable being its lighter weight which translates to better performance. The M4’s battery fires up in just 6 hours, although it might take longer if you charge your electric scooter for the first time.

Although the M4’s range is short for longer commutes, it is pretty impressive for urban commuting. For most riders, the 28-mile range will be sufficient because it covers most commutes and gives you enough time to go grocery shopping or run other errands without worrying about charging the battery frequently.

Motor Configuration

The Kugoo Kirin M4 Electric Scooter was designed with a 500-watt brushless motor, which provides the perfect balance of power and efficiency. The motor is safely housed in the rear hub encasing to preserve it from the elements. The Brushless motor is more efficient than brushed motors and delivers a smoother powerband.

The motor on this scooter offers power-boosting torque for average inclines and quick starts. Additionally, the immense torque that this motor provides makes the e-scooter easy and fun to ride, and it can carry loads of up to 330 pounds (150 kilograms).

Additionally, the controller used on this scooter is a sine wave, 42V to 54.6V, 21A limited output. 

Construction & Quality

The scooter is made of plastic, rubber and a few metal parts- aluminium and steel. The design itself looks stylish, with a black colour that immediately catches the eyes of anyone who looks at it. The scooter is not as light as other electric scooters, but it provides a durable and robust ride.

The Kugoo Kirin M4’s frame is its best feature. It is made from aviation-grade aluminium; the same aluminium Boeing uses to build their aircraft. The material delivers a detailed aesthetic and is weather and rust-proof, ensuring the M4’s durability. 

The carefully crafted lines of the scooter’s retractable handlebars give the scooter a sharp, sleek look. The voltmeter and LED display are ergonomically mounted on the handlebars, keeping riders informed on speed and battery life. In addition, the wires are cleverly concealed through the stem, keeping them safe from damage while also protecting reducing tripping hazards.

The M4 scooter comes with a seat option. The seat can be carefully retracted when not used to allow for comfortable standing on the expansive deck. The stem is also adjustable to match the rider’s riding height, both when seated and standing. Another impressive feature will be the skeletal joint that allows the scooter to fold in one easy step and offers good dynamics for use with most bike locks. 

The large deck accommodates larger feet side by side and features fenders on the rear and front wheel to protect riders from splashes when running through puddles. The robust, rear-located kickstand holds the bike stationary when parked, without worry about it tipping over.

Suspension & Comfort

The Kirin M4 has dual front and rear suspension. It is easy to take the scooter over small curbs and potholes, but it would be best to avoid extremely rough terrain. A combination of pneumatic tyres and a double shock absorber system is not expected at this price range.

Most scooters either completely lack shock absorbers or are only equipped with a single set. In fact, higher-priced scooters like the Gotrax Gmax Ultra, Inokim Light 2, Ninebot Max, Unagi E500 all lack suspension- making the dual set on the M4 quite the highlight.

Ride Quality

The ride quality of the Kugoo Kirin M4 is surprisingly good. It’s comfortable, though it does feel a bit like you’re sitting on an office chair with wheels on it when you ride. It’s ergonomically designed to fit any body shape or size and has an easy turning radius in tight spaces. The large pneumatic tires give the scooter excellent handling capabilities as they are big enough to take it over bumps and curbs without bottoming out. The shock absorption quality on air-filled tires also allows the scooter to go over pretty rough surfaces like light off-road trails, dirt roads and even speed bumps without breaking much sweat.

What further enhances the ride comfort is the dual, rear and front spring suspensions. Additionally, the M4 electric scooter is designed with stem height adjustment for ride comfort at different heights, as the scooter has an optional seat. The seat can be adjusted to different heights and provides utmost comfort, especially on longer rides. The handlebars are also adjustable so that you can customise your comfort level. Therefore, even if you are on the taller side, you will still enjoy using this scooter.

The M4 features a spacious deck platform that allows riders to stand comfortably. Covered with a frosted coating, the deck sits below the rider’s feet and is made specifically to grant firm footing while riding. The handle grips are also made from rubber for better grip, optimum steering and control. The features facilitate further comfort and safety, including a 3-way lighting system for night riding safety and a loud enough horn.

Lights

The Kugoo Kirin M4 Electric Scooter features a three-way lighting system. The front headlight is bright, albeit low mounted. In addition, the scooter has LED strip lights aligned on both sides of the deck for aesthetics and visibility.

The scooter also features turn lights embedded on the rear side of the deck. However, customers have pointed out that the turn lights are hard to notice during the day, therefore only efficient for low light riding.

Finally, the scooter features a bright red light on the fender that serves as a tail light and blinks to indicate braking.

Quick disclaimer, the scooter emits a quiet beeping sound when the turn signals are activated – so riders should not be alarmed.

Braking

The Kugoo Kirin M4 tops out at 28 mph; thus, an efficient braking system is crucial for keeping the rider safe. That is why the M4 scooter includes both a progressive dual disc brake and an electronic braking system for smooth, secure, and stable braking.

Disc brakes provide a higher stopping power than traditional drum brakes, making them ideal for scooters used in fast-paced environments. The disc brake braking distance on this scooter falls ideally between 4 to 10 metres depending on the speed the rider is braking from.

They also offer excellent stopping power in all weather conditions, which is especially important for commuters who use their scooters year-round. Additionally, electronic braking is faster, requires less maintenance, and doesn’t depend on the conditions of the scooter’s wheel to stop efficiently.

Portability

The Kugoo Kirin M4 Pro electric scooter has an easy and complete folding design. The folding parts on the scooter include the seat, the stem, and the handlebars. The folding elements make the scooter easy to stow in tight spaces like a car trunk. One simply pulls the knob that holds the stem firmly in place, and the stem collapses to the deck in one swift motion. You can pull back the handlebars to make for an even more compact package.

However, the scooter weighs 23.2 kgs/ 51lbs, putting the scooter in the same category as bulky performance scooters such as the Kaabo Mantis 8, Dualtron Raptor 2 and Mercane WideWheel Pro. This makes the scooter less portable.

Tyres

The Kugoo Kirin M4 Electric Scooter rides like a breeze on 10-inch pneumatic anti-skid tyres. The tread pattern provides good grip, ensuring maximum stability and traction, perfect for cruising around neighbourhoods or weaving through bumpy terrain. The scooter also sports a pair of aluminium rims that adds to the integrity of the wheels.

However, Kugoo should consider adding tyre sealant, as these tyres are highly prone to punctures from nails or other debris.

On the bright side, the pneumatic tyres offer superior comfort and better shock absorption when compared to solid tires.

Deck

The Kirin M4’s deck is spacious. At 21cm wide, it accommodates the rider’s legs without sacrificing stability or balance. Moreover, the M4’s Deck is customised to enhance comfort during longer rides. The seat option speaks to the riding versatility, allowing riders to alternate between sitting and standing as preferred. The deck surface is covered by a frosted anti-slip material that maintains a steady grip while riding through the most diverse terrains.

Controls & Display

The Kugoo Kirin M4 features a bold design that ensures riders travel the city streets in style. The handlebars are a little busy, with multiple controls on either side. This may not be ideal for beginners who would spend too much time with their eyes on the cockpit. It has a brake lever on either side of the handlebar and the smart display screen on the right side with an integrated index-controlled throttle for seamless acceleration. 

The display has the on/off switch and the mode button and relays info such as mileage, battery level, speed mode and current speed. The ignition switch is located on the right, and above it is the battery meter. On the left side of the handlebar sits the green bell button, a red light switch, and a turn lights slider switch that you flip to the right or left when you want to turn.

Experienced riders will appreciate the dedicated ergonomically designed controls and strategically placed for easy access and control.

Water Resistance

The Kirin M4 scooter comes with an IPX4 waterproof rating, ensuring handling wet ground, mist and fog. It can also take short, light and infrequent rain.

However, you shouldn’t cross deep-seated water puddles as this can expose the electronic components to damage.

Reliability

Kugoo’s Kirin M4 Electric Scooter is designed for riders who want to enjoy urban life with a little extra zip. The Kirin M4 has plenty of power and torque to carry heavier riders through flat terrain and relatively inclined tracks. The powerful and integrated battery provides up to 28 Miles ( 45 Km) of riding range, making it both a short and long commuter companion.

The Kugoo Kirin M4 Electric Scooter’s robust frame ensures that it can stand up to daily use, while its slew of incredible features such as beefy anti-skid tyres and dual suspension ensures that you ride safely and comfortably to your destination. In addition, the scooter has a durable frame that can withstand constant use and weather the elements. 

Warranty 

Kugoo offers 12 months limited warranty on the fuselage parts, a 6- month to 12 months warranty on electronic accessories and a warranty for the period of 14-days to 90 days for moving parts. However, the warranty is void in the case of accidental damage and is only applicable in instances where the defects result from the production process. The customer bears the shipping cost should the manufacturer choose to honour faulty claims.

Kugoo has a customer service support team that is reachable through social media pages, email, and the contact form on the website.

Known Issues

Customers have complained that the seat has a loose locking mechanism. After riding the Kirin over a distance, the seat attachment starts to wobble, which does not inspire confidence in a rider

Some riders have also complained of stem wobble, which is very common in budget scooters. The stem lacks an extra safety lock to hold the stem in place- a design spec that has been adopted by many manufacturers to ensure that the stem remains stable when riding, and to prevent accidental folding.

Maintenance

Like all electric scooters, the Kugoo Kirin M4 Electric Scooter requires some essential maintenance and checks to ensure a safe and smooth experience. However, don’t worry yourself, as routine maintenance is not a complicated chore.

The detailed user manual will walk you through all maintenance procedures and keep everything in working order. With a complete inspection checklist and a few preventative measures, your scooter will serve you for years to come.

• Regularly check the tyre pressure and replace it when necessary. Ensure it is inflated to the recommended PSI.
• Lubricate the moving parts every two weeks for continuous optimal performance.
• Regularly check the brakes and levers to ensure proper brake functionality.
• Charge your scooter with the recommended charger and within the prescribed charge time. Electrical faults occurring as a result of improper charging routines void the warranty.

Kirin M4: Is it worth the money and is it worth buying?

Kugoo has spent years perfecting the Kirin M4, making it as safe and stylish as an electric scooter can get. The scooter offers an exceptional riding experience thanks to its pneumatic tyres and twin rear and front suspension, while its high capacity lithium-ion battery provides an impeccable range. With a sleek and minimal design that will blend seamlessly into the urban landscape, this is more than just a scooter – it’s a statement. The scooter is also safe with an uncompromised braking system and excellent lighting.

The price is another thing I love. Even though other electric scooters out there offer better speeds or ranges for a similar price, they’re usually not as well-built. There are compromises here and there, as with everything in life- but Kirin M4 owners do not seem to have much to complain about.

Overall, the Kugoo Kirin M4 Electric Scooter has been consistently receiving outstanding reviews since its release, and it’s worth considering if you want an affordable alternative to overpriced gas scooters but don’t want to sacrifice performance.