Turbo Ant M10 Electric Scooter Review

In the fast-paced world of electric mobility, finding a scooter that perfectly balances affordability and performance can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Enter the TurboAnt M10, an intriguing, budget-friendly contender that promises to cater to the casual commuter and last-mile traveller, all for under $500. 

Dive into our comprehensive review as we explore the features that make the M10 stand out, from its commendable performance given the price point to its unique curved handlebar, its IP rating, the ride quality its 10-inch air tires offer, and the safety implications of its front and rear reactive lights.

TurboAnt M10: The lowdown

Most of us recognise TurboAnt from their groundbreaking removable battery scooters—the renowned TurboAnt X7 series. The initial success of the X7 paved the way for its successors, the upgraded X7 Pro and X7 Max. With each innovation, TurboAnt cemented its reputation in the budget and midrange e-scooter categories. Today, the name TurboAnt has become synonymous with extended range and the safety benefits of swappable batteries. 

However, not every rider was keen on the top-heavy feel brought on by the stem-embedded battery design. Acknowledging this feedback, TurboAnt returned to the drawing board and introduced the M10 series. Though more basic, the M10 scooters provide a choice for those seeking enhanced stability and portability.  

While it doesn’t match the X7’s range capabilities, the M10 comes with some redesigns that make it a worthy X7 alternative. And for those looking for a more budget-friendly option without compromising on the M10’s charm, TurboAnt has also unveiled the M10 Lite.

Key differences between the TurboAnt M10 and M10 Lite

• The M10 has a rear hub 350-watt motor, while the M10 Lite has a front hub 350-watt motor.

• The M10 Lite has a claimed range of 15.5 miles (25 km), while the the M10 has a longer range of 18 miles (29 km).

• The top speed on the M10 scooter is a claimed 20 mph (32 km/h), while that of the M10 Lite is 16 mph (26 km/h).

• The M10 Lite electric scooter rolls on 8.5-inch pneumatic tyres, while the M10 rocks a pair of 10-inch air-filled tires.

• The M10 Lite has 2-speed modes, while the M10 has 3 riding modes.

• The M10 Lite has a USB charging port, while the M10 doesn’t.

• The M10 has a larger 270 wh battery that charges in 5 hours, while the M10 Lite has a smaller 238 wh battery that charges in 4–5 hours.

• The M10 is lighter at 29.8 lbs (13.5 kg), while the M10 Lite is ironically heavier at 30.86 lbs (14 kg).

• The M10 Lite has a small, regular central LED display, while the M10 has a horizontally elongated panel.

TurboAnt M10 Specifications

TurboAnt M10 Pros and Cons

TurboAnt M10 cons

 Struggles on hills

Low range

Bland design

Awkward brake position
 

TurboAnt M10 Summary

In the electric scooter realm, where power and price often battle for supremacy, the TurboAnt M10 seeks to find its footing. Priced under $500, this scooter is equipped with a 350-watt brushless rear motor, whose power is a little underwhelming. Don’t get us wrong; for this price, few scooters will really wow you performance-wise, but the M10 was still a bit of a letdown on hills and on the acceleration front. 

That said, the M10 commuter scooter makes up for the underwhelming power on the speed–and a little on the range and braking front. TurboAnt claims an ambitious range of 18 miles (29 km) from its 270 wh battery. However, real-world tests bring this figure closer to 11 miles (17.7 km), which is what you get with other entry-level scooters like the NIU KQi1 Pro, Segway Ninebot E2, and the Unagi Model One Voyager. And unlike its X7 counterparts, the battery isn’t removable, but it fully charges in a respectable 5 hours, so you can swiftly get back on the road.

You can confidently cruise at 20 mph (32 km/h) on the TurboAnt M10 electric scooter and enjoy a plush ride despite not featuring any dedicated suspension. The scooter’s smooth ride is courtesy of its 10-inch tires. However, potential buyers should note the weight limit: it’s not ideal for heavier riders, with a maximum capacity of 220 lbs, and going above the limit will significantly reduce performance, not to mention is potentially dangerous for the scooter’s structural integrity.

Aesthetically, the TurboAnt M10 is pretty bland. It’s all black and has a frame reminiscent of every other basic scooter, except for the unique wide-curved handlebars, complemented by an elongated horizontal display panel. In addition, with an IP54 rating, it promises a decent level of water and dust resistance, which is essential for urban commuting. And safety, especially night riding, isn’t compromised either, as it’s equipped with commendable headlight and taillight systems.

There’s much more to tell, so read along for our comprehensive thoughts on the TurboAnt M10 electric scooter.

Performance Overview

The TurboAnt M10 electric scooter is a vehicle designed for casual commuting or as a last-mile solution. Riders shouldn’t expect too much in terms of range or raw power. That said, the speed is higher than usual for this class, keeping up with the class champ, the Hiboy S2, but with a much more comfortable ride. 

Additionally, if you have hills on your commute, like all single-motor scooters, this scooter may struggle a bit to maintain its speed. A great alternative would be a dual-motor scooter like the Unagi Model One Voyager, which also comes with an upgrade to the acceleration.  

Regardless, for the casual commuter whose primary concern is getting from point A to point B without worrying too much about how fast they’ll get there, the M10 is an okay scooter for the price.

Speed and Acceleration

The TurboAnt M10 electric scooter has a top speed that will put many scooters in its class to shame. The manufacturer indicates a maximum speed of 20 mph (32 km/h). However, independent reviewers give the top speed anywhere from 18.3 mph to the claimed top speed. 

As always, speed is affected by factors such as weight, battery levels, elevation, the effects of headwinds and tailwinds, etc., so the numbers you see could vary. Also, remember that scooter speedometers (like car speedos) aren’t the most accurate as you make your reading.

The acceleration, based on different rider weights, read between 7.2 seconds to 7.6 seconds to 15 mph, which, honestly, is on the lowest end of most scooters available on the market.

Battery and Range

The M10 is an outlier in the TurboAnt line of scooters, as it comes with a deck-encased battery that’s not removable like models in the X7 line. No extra battery means there’s no range potential beyond what you get from your single charge, which TurboAnt indicates as 18 miles (29 km).  

However, the stated range is only to be expected under ideal conditions; real-world testing by an independent reviewer gave a little over 11 miles (17.7 km). Power is supplied by a 36 v, 270 wh battery that charges from empty to full in just 5 hours, so should you run out of juice, expect that you can be powered up and ready to go in no time.

Motor Configuration

The TurboAnt M10 has a rear hub 350-watt brushless motor. The benefits of a rear-wheel motor include improved traction and stability, especially when climbing hills or navigating rough terrain. Additionally, since the front wheel deals with steering and absorbs most of the impact from bumps, having the motor in the rear helps reduce mechanical stress on the scooter. However, the M10 Lite has this configuration if you’d prefer front-wheel drive.

Braking

The TurboAnt M10 has a dual braking system that comprises a rear disc brake and a rear electronic braking system. Both brakes are activated by squeezing the brake lever found on the left handlebar. From a speed of 15 mph, an independent reviewer recorded a braking distance of 16.1 feet. Now, this is not world-class stopping power; however, it is typical of scooters on the lower end of the market. Scooter manufacturers, budget or not, should invest in top-notch brake setups. But, having knowledge of how much stopping power you have makes riders more aware of the distance they need to keep to allow for safe braking.

Construction and Quality

The TurboAnt M10 is a commuter scooter with an incredibly light frame. The frame is made of 6061 aluminium, which is also great for durability. The M10 is covered in a black coat of paint but has red highlights from the red brake cable that is routed through the downtube to the base and from the red reflective decals at the front and back of the scooter.

Assembly is quick and easy, as most parts come pre-assembled. Screw on the handlebars that come with nicely textured grips on either end, attach the bell and brake levers, and if it passes basic inspection for power and tyre pressure, you’re good to ride. The swept-back design of the handlebars with the semi-circular deck makes the most attractive design choice; otherwise, the design feels pretty basic. 

The M10 differs from the TurboAnt X7 line design-wise in the following key ways:

• The battery is encased in the deck, not on the stem like the X7. It is also not a detachable battery pack like the predecessors.

• The scooter features a superior stem-to-deck latch with a loop design that’s harder to come undone when carrying the scooter.

• The M10 has a trigger-style throttle attached to the bars, unlike the X7 line’s thumb throttles.

• The reflective decals feel like a downgrade; they look more like slap-on decor stickers.

Overall, the design isn’t much to write home about, but it is functional and practical, which sometimes is all you need from a reliable commuter. 

Ride Quality

The TurboAnt M10 e-scooter has its ride quality as its standout feature. Most sub-$1000 scooterscompromise ride quality to keep production costs low, to maintain a lightweight, and to eliminate maintenance needs. That said, it’s more uncommon to see an entry-level scooter with suspension than it is to see one without, which is why we won’t penalise the TurboAnt M10 for not having a suspension system.

That said, the commuter scooter delivers a uniquely comfortable ride thanks to its 10-inch pneumatic tubed tyres. The fact that they are air tyres means they provide better shock absorption and cushioning compared to solid tires commonly found on entry-level scooters. And being larger in size than is standard for this class of scooters, the 10-inch tubed, pneumatic tires increase the contact patch with the ground, allowing for better traction and handling and making it easier to navigate through bumps and uneven surfaces. 

The 17.7-inch handlebars offer ergonomic hand placement for riders of most heights. However, the buttons on the display are not reachable with both hands on the steering; riders have to stop to switch riding modes or turn on the lights, as riding one-handed has been proven to be fatally dangerous. The deck is also standard size, meaning the average adult can get away with occasionally shifting stances to the most comfortable placement. 

Riding is intuitive, and the trigger throttle on the M10 has less fatigue on your index finger than the one typically attached to the EY3 throttle. And thanks to the cruise control feature, you can ride with your hands off the finger throttle. Then, simply pull on the brake lever to deactivate cruise control. The stem has no wobble, meaning riders can confidently navigate the track. And lastly, the deck offers enough traction to keep the rider’s feet firmly planted for efficient navigation.

Portability

The M10’s other superpower is its portability. The TurboAnt M10 is a 29.8-pound (13.5-kg) electric scooter, meaning it’s easy for most riders above the teen-age to carry, even over a flight of stairs. Additionally, it folds down to really small dimensions: 107.0 × 45.0 × 39.3 cm, ensuring that you can store it in the tightest of spaces, whether under your desk at work or in the trunk of your car. This makes it a convenient option for commuters who need to navigate crowded public transportation or for those who simply want to save space in their living area. 

The locking mechanism incorporates a locking lever and a close-fitting plastic ring around the stem’s base. As you raise the stem to its upright position, the lever automatically locks into place. The plastic ring then secures behind this lever, preventing any accidental lever movement which could unlock the stem, causing it to fold. To fold the scooter, simply twist the plastic ring to create clearance for the lever, press the lever, and fold the scooter down.

For the TurboAnt M10, the stem-to-deck latch has been enhanced. Rather than a hook on the handlebars’ rear, it makes use of a loop. The rear fender, in contrast to having an integrated latch, now has an outward-facing hook situated close to the scooter. This hook connects to the loop, ensuring the stem remains securely attached to the rear fender when folded. To detach, one would need to shift it sideways. This design improvement makes the M10 more user-friendly and portable when folded.

Lights

The lighting is typical, from the small, high-mounted headlight to the reactive taillight (with brake light) and a couple of reflectors on the front and rear sides of the scooter. For basic riding at dusk, the set-up is sufficient. However, for safe night riding, the stock lighting may not provide enough visibility. Therefore, it’s advisable to invest in brighter and more powerful aftermarket lights for enhanced safety. 

Controls and Display

The display is an aesthetic win; however, the same cannot be said regarding practicality. The black, semi-circular plastic panel has a display in the middle, showcasing your metrics in lateral alignment. You don’t get much, but you get the basics. The display screen shows battery life, indicated by a 4-bar gauge, speed, riding mode, an indicator for headlight status, and an icon for cruise control on/off.

The flat panel design ensures that the metrics are easily readable. However, in bright sunlight, it’s not as easy to read. In addition, you get two control buttons on either end of the display that are not reachable with your hands on the grips. The left button is the power button, and double-clicking it toggles between the three riding modes: Beginner mode 6mph (green), Eco mode 9mph (yellow), and Sport mode 20mph (red). Alternately, the right button turns the headlights on or off. 

The scooter also has a basic bell for cautioning unwary road users. And you get the finger throttle on the right and the hand-operated brake lever on the left handlebar.

Tyres

The TurboAnt M10 is equipped with large 10-inch air-filled tires that are great for ride comfort, traction, control, and handling. They are a step up from the 8.5 and 9-inch tyres we see on most scooters in this price point. However, the tyres are also tubed, meaning they are more prone to punctures and require more maintenance in terms of pressure checks, so ensure that’s a trade-off you can live with.

Deck

The TurboAnt M10 electric scooter has a decent-sized deck. The scooter’s deck measures 20 inches x 6.1 inches (50 cm x 15.5 cm), which is plenty of space to move your feet around and find a comfortable riding stance. However, the deck sits close to the ground at 4.1 inches (10.5 cm), meaning rolling over obstacles or hopping off curbs could potentially scrape the underbelly, which potentially risks damaging the battery.

Water Resistance

The scooter has a basic IP54 water resistance rating, allowing riders to get caught in light rain and ride through splashes without worrying about damaging the scooter. However, it is important to note that the scooter is not waterproof and should not be submerged in water or exposed to heavy rain for prolonged periods of time. Also, note that e-scooter warranties typically don’t cover water damage, so even as you ride in light showers, keep that in mind.

Reliability and Warranty

TurboAnt offers a one-year standard warranty for your M10 scooter. This typically covers your frame and battery, while consumables like the charger, controllers, and lights are covered for 6 months. In addition, TurboAnt also stipulates a 30-day return and refund policy: if you’re not happy with your scooter, simply follow their guidelines on product returns and get your money back.

Moreso, they swear by fast delivery, with a 5-business-day guarantee for US citizens. Purchasing your TurboAnt M10 also grants you lifetime technical support via email or phone. However, many dissatisfied customers have taken to various online platforms to complain about TurboAnt’s slow and inefficient customer service. Regardless, Turboant stand by their claim for efficiency and reliability when it comes to dealing with customer complaints.

Maintenance

By adhering to these maintenance and care tips, you can ensure that your TurboAnt M10 electric scooter remains in top shape for years to come. However, always refer to your user manual for more detailed and specific guidelines.

• Before each ride, inspect your scooter for any visible damage or loose components, especially critical parts like brakes, tires, and lights.

• Avoid depleting the battery completely; it’s often recommended to keep the charge level between 20% and 80% for lithium-ion batteries.

• Store in a cool, dry place, and avoid exposing the battery to extreme temperatures.

• Use the charger provided by the manufacturer to prevent any damage.

• Check air pressure regularly and ensure it’s within the recommended PSI. Also, inspect for any punctures, cuts, or excessive wear and replace as necessary.

• Periodically inspect and test the brakes to ensure they’re functioning correctly. Adjust or replace brake pads when they start thinning.

• Use a damp cloth to wipe down your scooter after rides, especially if you’ve been out in muddy or wet conditions. 

• Finally, periodically check all nuts, bolts, and screws to ensure they’re tight. Lubricate moving parts, like the folding mechanism and brake components, but avoid getting lubricant on the brake pads.

Known issues

Outside of the issues mentioned throughout the article, riders have also taken to various public platforms to report the following problems with the TurboAnt M10 e-scooter:

• Sudden and unexplained battery failure remains the most common complaint.

• The brake wire connection tends to get twisted or loose.

• Few riders reported the kickstand falling off.

• Lastly, slow and unhelpful response by tech support has been repeatedly pointed out.

Is this electric scooter value for money, and is it worth buying?

The TurboAnt M10 establishes its claim in the economical e-scooter market, presenting a viable option for riders conscious of budget without compromising on essential features. Despite its 350-watt brushless rear motor not providing blistering acceleration or effortlessly mastering steep inclines, its performance aligns firmly with expectations of a scooter with an affordable sub-$500 price tag.

And though its actual maximum range may fall short for extended commutes, for those targeting peak speeds of 20 mph without a considerable financial expense, the M10 stands out as a top pick. Plus, it manages to assure a smooth ride courtesy of its 10-inch air-filled tires, even without a dedicated suspension system.

For those weighing under the 220-pound threshold, the M10 adequately meets the mark as a dependable, budget-friendly choice for both daily travel and relaxed neighbourhood cruises. And if portability is a key consideration in your vehicle selection, the M10 is a perfect scooter. 

 While its simple design might not turn heads, when it comes to deriving value for your investment, this scooter undoubtedly delivers.

Other similar E-Scooters

As you’re comparison shopping, here are the best electric scooters to look at in place of the TurboAnt M10:

• TurboAnt X7 Pro

• TurboAnt M10 Lite

• Segway E2

• NIU KQi2 Pro

• Gotrax G3 Plus

• Hiboy S2