Levy Scooter First Impressions & First Ride
Today we're doing our first impressions of the Levy Electric Scooter. Levy is a new name in the electric scooter market but you probably know them from their signature feature - a swappable battery. I'll have a full review coming out soon but for now, we'll primarily focus on our first impressions from the unboxing to the first ride.
My previous scooter was the Swagtron Swagger 5 which now seems much heavier than the 25lb Levy Scooter, although the difference is probably only 2-3 lbs. Either way, the less weight the better for portability and performance. The Levy features an integrated speedometer and a round display that reminds me of a smart watch face. It also has an integrated, headlight, tail light and bell along with an IP54 waterproof rating which means its fully protected from water splash at any angle. The most unique feature is it’s 36v Panasonic lithium-ion swappable battery. So you can carry an extra battery for more range is leave the scooter locked up outside and just take the battery in to charge. However, it does make the handlebar stem look thick and front heavy. A 350 watt front hub motor powers the Levy and it’s 8.5" pneumatic tubeless tires maintains good traction on asphalt.
As far as performance, there’s three modes - Beginner which maxes out at 6mph, Eco that maxes out at 12mph and Sport that can hit up to 18mph. I’ve reached 20mph going downhill which was a little fast for my comfort. Wiping out at 20mph on an electric scooter is very VERY risky. It features an 8-10 mile range depending on your weight and speed and is fast on flat ground. However, hills and inclines are a challenge like most scooters in this class. The pneumatic tires absorb some rough terrain but it’s really best suited for smooth surfaces. It also features dual brakes, a mechanical disc brake and electronic brake which feels smooth and responsive.
The Levy Electric Scooter is a simple and effective, all around commuter e-scooter. It’s quicker than you’d expect and Sport mode is probably where you’ll have it set most of the time. The removable battery is Levy’s most significant feature but could also be seen as a novelty as lugging around an extra battery just seems like a rare occasion for most riders. I'll have a thorough review soon but I’m definitely impressed with what I've seen so far.