Jetson Tempo Electric Scooter Review

When considering electric scooters for the younger crowd, the Jetson Tempo stands out as a compelling option. Jetson, a brand known for creating eco-friendly, innovative personal mobility products, aims to provide children with a safe and fun entry into the world of electric scooters. Today, we're taking a closer look at the Jetson Tempo to see just how it stacks up.

Key Specifications

• Top Speed: 9 mph


• Range: 6 miles


• Climbing Angle: 15 degrees


• Product Weight: 15 lbs


• Weight Limit: 120 lbs


• Motor: 80 watt chain motor


• Battery: 12V, 4.5Ah lead-acid


• Removable Battery: Yes


• Brake: Rear foot e-brake


• Throttle Type: Twist throttle


• Wheel Size: Front: 5.5 in.; Rear: 5.7 in.


• Tire Type: Rubber


• Charging Time: Up to 5 hours


• Frame: Steel


• Kickstand: Yes


• For Riders: Aged 8+


• Safety Certification: UL 2272

Design and Build Quality

The Jetson Tempo boasts a sturdy steel frame that's built to endure the rough and tumble that's expected from a kids' scooter. It's got a traditional and solid look, with stationary handlebars providing great stability for less experienced riders. The product dimensions at 30" x 13.5" x 36.2" make it a suitable size for its target audience of 8 years and up. Complete with a convenient kickstand, the scooter can stand upright when not in use.

Performance and Safety

With a moderate top speed of 9 mph and a 6-mile range, the Tempo is fast enough to be exciting for kids but still within a safe limit for parents' peace of mind. The scooter's 80 watt motor and chain-driven system provide adequate torque for the climbing angle of 15 degrees, making slight hills manageable.

Safety is paramount in products designed for children, and the Jetson Tempo ticks that box with a rear foot e-brake that offers prompt stopping power. Its safety standards are also affirmed as it's UL 2272 certified, which indicates that it has passed rigorous electrical and fire-safety tests.

Battery and Charging

The Tempo is powered by a 12V, 4.5Ah lead-acid battery, which is removable for convenience. It's not the latest in battery technology but is typical for scooters in the more affordable range. Charging time is up to 5 hours, so you can charge it overnight and have it ready for the next day's adventures.

Ride Quality

The Tempo's rubber wheels measure 5.5 inches in the front and 5.7 inches in the rear. While they aren't the largest wheels on the market, they do just fine on paved surfaces. The ride is smooth on sidewalks and paths, but rougher terrain may be a challenge, so it's best used in urban settings. The twist throttle is an intuitive feature for kids, enabling them to control the speed with a simple turn of the handle.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Safety certified design makes it suitable for young riders.


• Removable battery for easy charging.


• Simple, intuitive controls.


• Sturdy design with steel frame.

Cons:

• Lead-acid battery technology lags behind more modern lithium-ion batteries.


• Smaller wheels may struggle on non-paved surfaces.


• Maximum weight capacity may limit suitability for older or bigger kids.

Conclusion

The Jetson Tempo is a user-friendly, safety-oriented electric scooter ideal for giving children their first taste of electric travel. Its build quality is in line with what you would expect for an entry-level scooter in this price range, offering a stable and enjoyable riding experience. While the lead-acid battery might not excite tech enthusiasts, it does the job for the distances and use cases this scooter is designed for.

With features like the rear foot e-brake, removable battery, and a solid frame, the Jetson Tempo makes a convincing case for itself, especially for children just stepping into the world of personal electric vehicles. It's a great stepping stone that combines fun and freedom with safety and reliability, making it an excellent choice for the younger members of the family.

Update After 6+ Months of Use

After more than six months of regular use, some additional insights into the Jetson Tempo have surfaced, which potential buyers might find useful. The experience has mostly validated the initial impressions, but with nuanced observations:

Positive Updates:

• Durability: The steel frame has held up impressively well, handling the general wear and tear from kids with minimal fuss.


• Battery Reliability: Despite initial reservations about the lead-acid battery, it has maintained its capacity reasonably well, offering consistent performance and reliability through repeated charges.

Negative Observations:

• Performance in Diverse Conditions: As anticipated, the scooter struggles on rough terrains. User experiences indicate that performance on grass or uneven paths is less than ideal, which can limit the places where children can safely ride.


• Weight Limit Restrictions: A few instances have been reported where kids close to the weight limit experienced decreased performance, particularly in terms of speed and battery life.


• Long-Term Battery Concerns: Although the battery has performed well, there's an underlying concern about its longevity and eventual replacement cost, considering that lead-acid batteries typically have shorter lifespans than their lithium-ion counterparts.

In conclusion, the Jetson Tempo continues to be a solid choice for young riders stepping into the electric vehicle space. As long as expectations are managed concerning its performance on varied terrains and the eventual need for battery maintenance, it provides good value and a fun experience for its intended demographic.