In the month I’ve been testing the Bluetran Lightning, I’ve needed to cost it solely as soon as. Once. That was after about 40 miles’ price of journeys (at varied sub–30-mph speeds). This electrical kick scooter by no means failed going up steep hills, its hydraulic brakes are improbable, and its suspension appears like a magic carpet trip. It’s an entire new world.
Well, form of. The solely other escooter I’ve tried that may match this efficiency is the MiniMotors Dualtron Victor. Fun truth: Bluetran is a brand new subbrand from MiniMotors, so that they’re successfully made by the identical firm. They really feel very a lot the identical, and each begin on the ungodly worth of $2,699. I attempted the priciest model ($3,099), which has an LG battery that packs a bigger capability for prolonged vary.
Lightning Speed
Photograph: Bluetran
Anytime I rave about an electrical scooter’s superior energy and vary, I instantly need to qualify my enthusiasm due to two main elements: weight and … the legislation.
First off, this escooter is an insane 88 kilos, 15 greater than the Dualtron Victor. It required barely any setup, however I darn-nearly threw out my again getting it out of the field. (I like to recommend placing the field on its aspect, taking out the Styrofoam, and rolling it out. Also, give your supply driver some cookies.)
This weight impacts all the pieces. I’m shifting to a brand new house with a flight of stairs, and there isn’t any method I’m going to frequently take this car up and down slender steps. Forget hopping on public transportation in case you ever end up in rain or have a lifeless battery—until lifting 88 kilos seems like nothing to you. (You can fold down the stem and lock it to the deck for “easier” carrying.)
Then there are native velocity legal guidelines. The Bluetran Lightning can hit as much as 47 miles per hour. I do not advocate it. It’s unlawful in most cities and states, and simply too darn quick. You’re mainly a wizard on a broomstick, besides no less than they’ve bizarre potions and spells to mend or regrow bones. Like any automobile, be sure you observe native velocity legal guidelines and you will get much more vary than I did. (I principally rode deep in Brooklyn on empty streets to check velocity, dealing with, and braking.)
On its default settings, the Lightning was typically too quick for me. The 5,040-watt dual-hub motor kicks off so laborious your physique will lurch backward (it has much more energy than the Victor). But there is a resolution: Go into the scooter’s settings by way of the show on the handlebar and you may tweak its efficiency. I minimize the output down by 50 % and it was nonetheless quick however way more manageable. (These settings are listed within the handbook.) There are three gears on the scooter, and after I tweaked the settings, gear 1 now successfully goes round 15 miles per hour, which is the authorized restrict right here in New York City.
