I live on one of the narrowest streets in New York. It’s almost impossible to drive a car on this street without the gridlock of traffic. But as my workplace is almost 10 miles away, I need a vehicle for the commute.
While researching possible alternatives to a car, I came across electric scooters, and one brand, in particular, caught my attention. The electric scooter that captured my attention was the Swagtron Swagger 5 electric scooter, and I was compelled to buy one after I read more about its features.
Swagtron is an Indiana-based company in South Bend that is known for making lightweight and foldable electric vehicles that make daily commuting easier. The Swagtron Swagger 5 is a pre-assembled scooter that doesn’t require any special tools or hard labour for the owner to get it up and running.
The Swagtron Swagger 5 electric scooter is a budget-friendly scooter with innovative features and a compact design. It is the best electric commuter scooter and has everything a young professional or adult desires.
Pros
- The 300 W powerful motor helps you ride at a top speed of 18 mph.
- Swagtron has 8.5-inch airless tire construction that makes it sturdy and puncture-proof.
- Though the scooter is 26 lb, it can withstand a weight of 320 lb.
- It has a long-lasting battery with 36 V power.
- It takes 3.5 hours to charge the battery fully. The scooter can travel 11 miles on a single charge.
- It works well with the Swagtron App that allows the user to keep track of their daily commuting.
- LED headlight and rear brake light make the scooter safe for night rides.
Cons
- The instruction manual is not available with the scooter.
- This electric scooter has lower ground clearance; the battery can be damaged as it is located below the pedal.
- Disassembling the battery is challenging, given its placement below the pedal.
Buyer’s Guide
Motor Capacity
One of the essential components of an electric scooter is the motor. A powerful engine directly leads to better speed. For daily commuting, a strong 300 W motor is best. There are different motors available for electric scooters, but most budget scooters have at least a 250 W motor. If the electric scooter is large, the motor size can vary from 1000 – 5000 W.
Effective Battery Power
Generally, electric scooters either have a lithium-ion battery or a sealed lead-acid battery. The Swagger 5 has a lithium-ion battery that allows the rider to cover 11 miles with a single charge. The Swagger 5’s battery requires 3.5 hours to charge fully. Lithium-ion batteries are better as they are charged in less time and allow you to cover a longer distance than lead-acid batteries.
Tire Type
For electric scooters, both pneumatic and non-pneumatic tires are good. Pneumatic tires have no air, so there is no chance of the tire getting punctured. For smooth rides on uneven roads, airless tires work great. Tires that allow the user to ride non-stop on any terrain without going flat during long-distance rides are best.
Speed and Range
Before buying an electric scooter for daily commuting, it is essential to know the speed provided by the scooter. As mentioned earlier, the range and speed depend on the motor. Thus, the better the motor quality, the higher the pace it will provide.
The appropriate top speed range for electric scooters is around 20 mph. With advanced technology, scooters with a top speed of 30 mph are also available in America.
Reliability and Portability
Before buying an electric scooter, it is always better to know about the additional features like reliability, portability, and design. People prefer foldable scooters as they are compact and convenient to carry.
The solid construction of the scooter makes it 100% reliable and robust. When considering reliability, remember that the stronger the scooter’s body, the higher its weight capacity.
Features and Benefits of Swagtron Swagger 5 Electric Scooter
Long-lasting battery
The high-capacity 37 V battery helps you ride up to 11 miles on a single charge. The battery helps ride uphill and on any terrain with ease. The Swagtron electric scooters have a 36 V lithium-ion LG battery that makes the scooter unstoppable. It is easier to maintain a lithium-ion battery as it is lightweight and long-lasting, unlike lead-acid batteries.
Powerful motor
The Swagtron Swagger 5 has a 300 W motor. This allows it to reach a top speed of 18 mph. For riding at higher speeds, you must get a model with a larger motor. For riding uphill and on uneven terrain, an electric scooter must have a motor with a minimum power of 250 W. Motors for electric scooters range from 200 W to 5000 W.
Puncture-proof tires
Pneumatic tires with a honeycomb design make the scooter skid-resistant and long-lasting. The Swagger 5 has 8.5-inch tires that ensure every ride is smooth, even on uneven and rough surfaces. Pneumatic tires are easy to maintain and do not go flat easily. Air-free tires are also great as they are puncture-proof.
Robust construction with other safety features
The scooter has three different speed modes, allowing the rider to choose the speed according to the terrain. The front LED and brake light makes the scooter safe for night rides. Robust construction helps withstand higher weights and makes the ride smooth.
The Swagger 5’s robust aluminum body can withstand a maximum weight of up to 320 lb. When compared to other scooters mentioned below that can withstand the weight of 220 and 260 lb.
- One-click folding gear: Folding the scooter is simple with this excellent feature. It allows the rider to store the scooter in a car trunk, garage, or other compact places. It also makes it easier to carry while traveling outdoors.
Alternative Products
#1 GOTRAX XR Ultra Electric Scooter
If you are looking for an alternative for Swagger 5, the GOTRAX electric scooter is also ideal for daily commuting. Both have a 300 W motor capacity and LED light. With a similar battery and motor capacity, the top speeds achieved are also almost the same. Swagger 5 has a top speed of 18 mph, and the GOTRAX XR boasts a top speed of 17 mph.
Both scooters have a robust aluminum construction, but the Swagger 5 can withstand a weight of 320 lb, and the GOTRAX XR Ultra has a limited weight capacity of 220 lb. If you are a heavier person, you should select the Swagtron Swagger 5. Otherwise, you can go for the GOTRAX XR electric scooter with minimum compromise on performance.
Wrap Up
With the changing times, people’s tastes and preferences for transportation have also changed. There has never been greater differentiation in the design, features, and price range for electric scooters.
I hope this review helps you buy the best electric commuting scooter for yourself. The buyer’s guide and the Swagtron Swagger 5 review will surely make things less complicated.
Consider all the features that make the Swagtron Swagger 5 electric scooter an excellent choice, along with the alternative mentioned above, before investing your hard-earned money in buying an electric scooter for daily commuting.