REVIEW – While on vacation several years ago, my car lost a belt idler. Miles from the nearest auto parts store left me few options other than begging for a bicycle, bumming a ride, or calling for a VERY expensive taxi ride across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel. Thankfully a park ranger had mercy on me, but the impression of feeling stranded has never left me. I sure wish I had a TurboAnt M10 Lite Electric Scooter with me!
What is it?
The TurboAnt M10 Lite Scooter is a rechargeable battery-powered electric scooter equipped with pneumatic tires and a rear disk brake and propelled by a 350-watt motor.
Hardware specs
- Unfolded Dimensions: 44.49 x 19.69 x 45.87in (1130 x 500 x 1165mm)
- Folded Dimensions: 49 x 19.69 x 20.48 in (1130 x 500 x 520mm)
- Ground Clearance: 15in (80mm)
- Net Weight: 30.86 lbs, 14kg
- Charger Input Voltage: AC 100-240 V, 50-60 Hz
- Charger output voltage: 42VDC, 1.5A
- Charging time: 4 – 5 hours
- Battery capacity: 6.6Ah, 238Wh
- Maximum storage time: Six months after full charge
- Motor: 36V, 350W
- Tire (Front & Rear): 5-inch pneumatic
- Max speed: 16mph
- Range:15.5 miles (25km)
- Maximum climbing inclination: 15°
- Load: 44-220 lb (20-100 kg)
- Frame Material: Aluminum alloy
- Folding stem
- Non-detachable battery pack
- Brakes: Electric and rear disk brake
- Speed control: two settings with linear adjustment
- Headlight: 2 W white LED
- Taillight: Red LED
- Warning bell
- Waterproof Level: IP54
- Operating temperature: 32 to 113°F (0 to 45°C)
- Storage temperature: -4 to 113°F (-20 to 45°C)
- One-year warranty
What’s in the box?
- M10 Lite electric scooter
- Charging adapter
- Handlebars
- Brake lever
- M6 hex wrench
- Two M2.5 hex wrenches
- Five M6 x 10mm bolts
- Four M4 x 10mm bolts
- Four mudguard screw-hole caps
- Air valve adapter
- User manual
Design and features
Before starting please consider that an electric scooter is not a toy. It contains powerful batteries and is capable of achieving speeds that will cause bodily injuries to the rider or others should an accident occur. Check local laws regarding usage, and please remember that in many states bicycles, mopeds, and scooters are considered motor vehicles and are required to obey the same traffic laws as a car. Don’t be that guy. Running stop signs, and lights, and weaving through traffic can get you killed. Please, dear Gadgeteer, always wear a helmet, be careful, and, as my dad always said, “watch out for the other guy.”
The TurboAnt M10 Lite Scooter arrived in a large box. There were some abrasions in the cardboard, but the contents were intact. At 30 pounds, it’s a beastie.
The scooter and parts are packaged in heavy foam and bubble wrap.
Some light assembly is required. TurboAnt supplies three hex wrenches and bolts. Unfortunately, the fit of the wrenches to the bolts is rough. The 2.5mm hex wrenches were a sloppy fit and the 6mm was too tight. This isn’t very important if you have the correct tools.
The manual does a good job of illustrating the assembly process.
The handlebar electrical connector runs inside the tubing.
The handlebar attaches to the stem with four bolts.
The throttle is on the right…
… And the brake is on the left.
There’s also a mechanical bell on the left. Ding!
Hand grips are comfortable rubbery material.
I was surprised to find a USB charging port on the back of the TurboAnt M10 Lite Scooter’s handlebar assembly. I think trying to hold a phone or using headphones while riding a scooter is a “few fries short of a happy meal” crazy. I suppose if the phone is pocketed, charging while on the scooter would be okay provided the cord doesn’t get in the way.
When it came time to attach the spanner screw that connects the stem latch, it was not found with the other hardware. Thankfully, it was found at the bottom of the box. This is lucky because there were a few holes in the cardboard and they could have ended their journey being swept out of the back of a delivery van. Without these parts, finishing assembly would not have been possible. Hey, TurboAnt, as a suggestion, maybe put these parts in the bag with the other hardware.
Once I found the screw (and used my tools), the stem assembled easily.
Four more bolts join the mudguard to the deck.
TurboAnt provides plugs for the mudguard screw recesses for a nicely finished look.
The stem folds down for storage. Wires and cables are reinforced to prevent damage.
The hook on the handlebar engages with a rubber latch on the mudguard to hold the stem in place, but I’m sorry to say it’s not very secure. Carrying or storing the TurboAnt M10 Lite Scooter with only this holding the scooter’s weight would make me nervous. It works, but I’m afraid the scooter would be destined for a tumble to rely on it.
The deck is wide and stable.
There’s a kickstand on the left side. It folds easily and dependably keeps the scooter upright.
Tires are pneumatic and should be inflated to 40-45PSI. TurboAnt includes an adapter to make it easier.
When in the upright position, the stem lock safety latch should be engaged. It’s a good idea to double-check before going for a ride.
Following assembly, the battery should be charged. The power supply is similar to the laptop power bricks we all know and love. The cord is two-lobe style and fits snugly into the charger.
The power supply input is connected to a port located under a rubber cover. Don’t forget to close the cover before riding to prevent the road’s crud from getting inside. Charging takes about five hours. There’s an LED on the power brick that changes from red to green when charging is complete. I would have liked to see an indicator onboard. After charging, it’ll operate up to an impressive 15-1/2 miles! Wahoo!
It’s worth noting that at cold temperatures, the operating range can be cut in half so please plan your forays accordingly. If that does happen, it’s comforting to know that the TurboAnt M10 Lite Scooter will fit in almost any trunk and most public transit will allow scooters to be carried on busses.
To turn on the scooter, hold the power button for one second. The LED display indicates the battery status with bars to the left and right of the speedometer. The motor icon illuminates when propulsion power is available.
The headlight and taillight are turned on and off with a quick tap of the power button. A green indicator on the LED display confirms activation.
The TurboAnt M10 Lite Scooter is equipped with dual speed controls. Tapping the button above the power toggles between levels.
Safe riding takes practice. The short wheelbase, upright riding position, and speed are particularly susceptible to rapid changes in steering and could result in a fall. Please consume with copious caution!
Like a traditional scooter, pushing off with one foot is needed to get moving. A speed of about 1.9 mph (3kph) is required before the throttle engages. Gently… gently… (did I say gently?) press the throttle to accelerate and squeeze the brake to slow down or stop. The first few times engaging the throttle were surprising because the M10 Lite abounds in torque.
The rear brake is s drilled disk and can stop the scooter very quickly. Again, practice is warranted. There’s also an “electric brake” that isn’t described in the manual, but I suspect is electromagnetic.
When the scooter maintains a constant speed above 3.7 mph (6 kph) for a few seconds, a beep sounds and cruise control engages, maintaining the current speed until the throttle or brakes or throttle are touched. This works very well!
The top speed on the lower setting is about 10mph. The upper speed is about 15. I took the M10 Lite for a spin around the block and the top speed is exhilarating if not a bit scary for my old man nerves. I’d post a video, but I’m sure I look very goofy – Think Santa on a surfboard and you’ll have a decent mental image :-)! I could feel the 40° wind through my hair…. Well… if I had any hair…
Steering is as responsive as I expected it would be and any quick movement of the handlebars is sure to cause a fall. At the top speed, I have no doubt there would be some road rash. Ouch. Still, I had a blast riding! Braking is equally snappy and a light touch is recommended. The turning radius was, very wide to feel safe, but then again, I know I’m a total street surfing amateur.
What I like
- Long battery life
- Pneumatic wheels handle bumps well and are great on smooth pavement.
- Cruise control! Awww Yeah!
What I would change
- Tool quality could be improved
- The fit of the tools and bolts could be better.
- Put the stem latch bolt in the bag with the other hardware to prevent accidental loss.
- A charge indicator on the scooter would be welcomed.
- The folded stem latch is unstable and could benefit from some reinforcement.
Final thoughts
Zipping over the streets on the TurboAnt M10 Lite Scooter was thrilling! Now I have an idea of how Santa feels on his sleigh! It’s very fast and has excellent braking. Battery life in warm weather is outstanding and it’s portable enough to pack for supplemental transportation. Having one in the trunk as a backup would have been a huge comfort all those years ago. Nicely done, TurboAnt! Such fun!
Price: $369.98
Where to buy: TurboAnt
Source: The sample for this review was supplied by TurboAnt.
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very informative article! is it waterproof? I live in Florida and it does rain here often.