REVIEW – Several years ago my vehicle suffered a mechanical failure stranding my family at a campground at the north end of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel. It was an easy fix, but the nearest auto parts store was miles away with no bicycle, taxi, or ridesharing available. A park ranger took me to get the part, but if she hadn’t, the situation could have spiraled out of control quickly. If I had the Dynamic Scooter Model B in the trunk, my problems would have been solved with far less consternation.
What is it?
The Dynamic Scooter Model B is a rechargeable single-rider electric motorized conveyance that can be folded into a compact size.
What’s in the box?
- Dynamic Scooter Mode B electric scooter
- Removable battery
- Charger and cord
- Hex tool
- User manual
Hardware specs
- Model: Dynamic Scooter Model B
- Unfolded size: 920 x 475 x 1070mm (36.2 x 18.8 x 42.1 inches)
- Folded size: 675 x 130 x 305mm (26.6 x 5.1 x 12 inches)
- Height from foot platform to ground: 136mm (5.35 inches)
- Weight: 10kg (22 pounds)
- Maximum load: 100kg (220 pounds)
- Maximum speed: 25KPH (15.5 MPH)
- Battery capacity: 36V, 5Ah, 250 watts
- Battery charging time: 4 to 5 hours
- Battery storage time: 3 months (recharging every 90 days is recommended)
- Capacity per charge: 15-20km (9.3 to 12.4 miles) maximum under optimal conditions
- Maximum climbing angle: 15°
- Power supply input power: 100-240VAC, 50/60Hz
- Power supply output power: 42V, 1.5A
- Working temperature: 0 to 35°C (32 to 95°F)
- Storage temperature: -10 to 35°C (14 to 95°F)
- Optional USB port and Bluetooth speaker
Design and features
The Dynamic Scooter Mode B electric scooter arrives in a large-ish box with good styrofoam packaging.
The Model B’s design is impressive and arrives in its folded state. The compact size is what interested me and it’s small enough to be carried in a car trunk, stored in a closet, or hidden under a desk. I would imagine the size would be ideal for subway or ride-share commuters.
The folded hand grips fold forward and lock in place using the clamping rings.
The photo shows the left ring engaged and the right released.
On the left are the brake and buttons for the headlights and horn.
On the right handle is the accelerator with adjacent “Function” and “Power” buttons.
To unlatch the Dynamic Scooter Mode B electric scooter’s riding platform, press the brake pedal/rear fender…
…And pivot the wheel until the hinge latch engages.
The platform has a textured surface to prevent slipping.
The handlebar swings up and latches securely using a clamp at its base.
The handle rod extends, adjusting to the rider’s height, and clamps in place.
And just like that, the Dynamic Scooter Mode B electric scooter is ready for action.
A kickstand keeps it upright while stationary.
I particularly liked the ability to remove the battery which can be charged either attached or detached.
Dynamic Scooter states it should be fully charged before. If the Model B is to be unused for a while, it should be recharged every 90 days. Multiple batteries could be used to increase the Model B’s range and operating time.
The coaxial charging port is under the rubber cover at the top. The release buttons for the handlebar and battery are under there too.
The Dynamic Scooter Mode B electric scooter’s power supply has a detachable cord and plugs into any convenient wall socket. Complete charging will take about five hours.
An LED changes from red to green when the battery is full.
Holding the Dynamic Scooter Mode B electric scooter’s power button for a few seconds turns the Model B on or off. There is a chime and the display comes to life. Speed, gear, units, and a bar graph at the bottom display the battery capacity. If there is a fault, a small wrench will illuminate. The Model B’s gear is toggled by pressing the “three bar” button. A red “D” indicates “Sports Mode” for the highest speed (25KPH 15MPH), white for “Normal Mode,” (20KPH, 12MPH), and off for “Beginner” (slowest top speed of (10KPH, 6MPH).
Riding the Dynamic Scooter Mode B electric scooter takes balance, practice, and, dear Gadgeteer, a high degree of safety. Even at a slow speed, a tumble could do serious bodily damage. At 15MPH, you can count on road rash at the very least. Always wear a helmet, elbow and knee pads and please… please, please, obey traffic laws. This is a motorized vehicle and should stop at stop signs, play nice with other traffic, and watch for pedestrians. Let’s face it, even if you’re legally correct right, a trip to the hospital is no fun. As my dad used to say, “Watch out for the other guy.” Please, friends, don’t be “the other guy.”
Read that manual!
To start moving, rotate the thumb-controlled accelerator and push off with a foot. The motor will engage and speed can be increased with pressure on the accelerator. If a constant speed is held for six seconds, cruise control will hold the desired speed.
To slow down, press the brake pedal on the right grip. It’s worth noting that the deceleration using the button isn’t fast. The brake grabs with increasing pressure on the thumb control, but there is no tactile feedback. For a more rapid response, press on the brake pedal which doubles as the rear wheel fender works. It feels somewhat odd to press backward to stop, but with time I’m confident it would become second nature.
The Dynamic Scooter Mode B electric scooter handles smoothly on flat pavement, but with the small, non-pneumatic tires, bumps can be jarring. The turning radius is… large. I shouldn’t attempted sharp turns at higher speeds. I want to keep my teeth :-). I need more practice.
The reflectors on the sides of the front tire could use a little more stickiness.
At the top speed of 25KPH (15MPH), the ride is exhilarating, but I need to stress again that ample repetition in a nice, quiet neighborhood is prudent.
Everyone that’s spent time behind the wheel at night has experienced that “Oh crap! I barely saw that!” feeling so I’m not a huge fan of “roadside” vehicle use at night (scooters, bicycles, mopeds, skateboards, etc.). I find that as I age, being able to see them becomes more challenging and a greater safety concern. That being said, I’m thrilled with the abundantly bright headlight on the Dynamic Scooter Mode B electric scooter which should help, but I wish they had included an equally visible tail light.
The only issue I encountered was changing the display from speed units of KPH to MPH. It’s not documented in the manual, but after some fiddling, I was able to figure it out. I’ll save you the trouble…
- Turn the scooter on
- Press and hold the “Menu” (three bars) button
- Press and hold the power button for two seconds to access the scooter’s configuration settings. “P0” should appear on the display. There are also “P1” and “P2” settings, but I didn’t change them because they might affect the scooter’s performance or safety.
- Release both buttons
- Tap the “Power” button and “0” should be displayed
- Tap the “Menu” to toggle between KPH (0) and MPH (1)
- Press and hold the “Power” and “Menu” buttons to exit the settings menu. Your speed unit selection will be retained
What I like
- Folding design fits into tight spaces
- Removable battery
- Excellent headlight
- Good performance
- Dual braking systems
What I’d change
- Add a mechanism to keep the grips latched while folded to make carrying easier.
- Add a tail light (maybe flashing)
- Maybe include a handle or strap for shoulder carry
- Add documentation to change KPH to MPH (and descriptions of what the other parameters do too).
Final thoughts
“The smaller something is, the more likely you are to carry it and have it when you need it” has been a motto of mine for a long time. I can’t speak for your community, but scooters are everywhere here. They are practical, efficient, and make short commutes pleasurable, but leaving one behind because it’s too large to go where you’re going is troublesome, and leaving one at the office door has its own set of concerns. The Dynamic Scooter Model B is the smallest and lightest I’ve seen thus far and addresses concerns I have about larger models. It has some great features and is an outstanding choice for secondary transportation. Thank you and great job, Dynamic Scooter
Price: $339 on Kickstarter with a suggested retail of $450.
Where to buy: Kickstarter
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Dynamic Scooters.
Gadgeteer Comment Policy - Please read before commenting
When will you up grade to honey comb tires and a taller handle bar for the model b?
The range of this scooter is far away from what advertised. My weight is 190 lbs, my wife is much lighter, but we could never exceed the range of 4-5 miles on a single charge with even the headlight OFF. It is nothing, to be honest, comparing to what is on the website.