Mercane WideWheel (Dual) Electric Scooter Review

After spending several weeks with the Mercane WideWheel (Dual) electric scooter, I've gathered a wealth of impressions that paint a vivid picture of what it's like to incorporate this scooter into daily life.

Performance

The WideWheel, as its name suggests, houses wide tires that immediately stand out. They're not just for show; their width provides a sense of stability that's unparalleled, especially when navigating urban terrain. You can feel the scooter's heft beneath you—a testament to the dual motors that churn out a combined 1000W of power. Acceleration is rapid and satisfying, propelling the scooter to its top speed with enthusiasm that makes you hold on tight.

When it comes to speed, the WideWheel doesn't disappoint. It can achieve speeds upward of 25 mph, which, for an urban commuting scooter, is quite brisk. The acceleration curve is gentle enough at the start to be manageable for a beginner, yet it has the punch for an adrenaline enthusiast to enjoy. Where it really shines is hill-climbing; it devours inclines that would make other scooters falter.

Battery Life & Range

Mercane claims you can get between 20 to 30 miles on a full charge, depending on conditions and rider habits. In my experience, this holds up fairly well. You can easily get through a whole day of average commuting without worrying about your next charge. The charging time is somewhat lengthy, at around 6 hours, so overnight charging is the most convenient option.

Ride Comfort

The solid wheels are a double-edged sword. They all but eliminate the maintenance issues of pneumatic tires—no flats here—but they also transfer more road vibration to the rider. Despite this, the polyurethane foam inside the wheels does alleviate some of the shocks, and the WideWheel carries enough weight to smooth out smaller bumps.

There is a suspension system, which does a decent job at handling everyday irregularities on the pavement. But it's worth noting that it's not a plush ride. You'll feel it if you hit a pothole. The deck is reasonably spacious, though, and the texture ensures your feet stay planted.

Design & Build Quality

The WideWheel certainly looks different from most scooters on the market. Its design language is all about curves and heft, giving it a futuristic flair. The build quality is solid; it has to be to support dual motors and a weighty battery pack. The frame is made of high-grade materials, and it feels every bit as durable as it looks. However, its weight is a significant consideration—it's not a scooter you'll want to carry up several flights of stairs.

Braking System

The Dual variant of the WideWheel comes with dual disc brakes, and I can't understate the importance of this. The stopping power is excellent, providing a level of control that is essential given the scooter's speed. They're responsive without being grabby, though you may want to adjust them to your liking for optimal performance.

Portability

At about 50 pounds, the WideWheel is not the most commuter-friendly in terms of portability. It does fold down, which is a necessity for storing it or taking it on public transportation, but it's more suited to those who can roll it along or have a space to keep it on the ground floor.

Lights & Visibility

Visibility is crucial for evening scoots, and thankfully the WideWheel comes with bright front and rear lights. They're well-positioned for being seen by others, though I would have liked the front light to be a touch brighter for better pathway illumination.

Unique Features & Drawbacks

One of the unique aspects of the WideWheel is the throttle and control system. It's intuitive and provides good feedback, but it also has the 'cruise control' feature that takes some getting used to. The lack of a proper speedometer is a drawback; you get five LED lights to show your remaining battery, which is less precise than I'd prefer.

Final Thoughts

The Mercane WideWheel (Dual) is a powerhouse of an electric scooter, suitable for those looking for performance and stability in their ride. It's well-built and impressively powerful, but its weight and size make it less practical for those with space constraints or for multi-modal commuters. For riders on relatively smooth urban streets who value speed and want to avoid the maintenance of pneumatic tires, it's an excellent choice. As always, though, I recommend a test ride to see if its unique ride character meshes with your personal preferences.

Update After Over 6 Months of Use

After more than half a year of regularly riding the Mercane WideWheel (Dual), my appreciation for its robust build and performance has increased, though not without noticing some of its long-term challenges.

Longevity and Durability

The build quality continues to impress. Despite rigorous use, the scooter's frame and motor show little sign of wear. The electronics and battery system have also proved durable, maintaining a reliable charge capacity and system integrity.

Maintenance and Usability

Regular maintenance has been minimal, primarily due to the solid tire construction. However, the same feature that reduces maintenance also continues to compromise comfort on rougher surfaces. Extended rides on uneven streets can become uncomfortable.

Additionally, the weight of the scooter, initially a minor annoyance, has proven cumbersome over time, especially when needing to transport it over areas not accessible by riding. Its heaviness is felt particularly when lifting it into a car trunk or carrying it upstairs.

User Experience

The intuitive controls are still a standout feature, allowing for an enjoyable ride experience. However, minor electronic glitches have surfaced, such as occasional unresponsiveness from the display lights. These issues are more of an inconvenience than a dealbreaker and are typically quick to resolve.

Performance Over Time

Performance-wise, the scooter still performs admirably in terms of speed and hill-climbing ability. The dual motor setup continues to provide the necessary power for almost all urban terrains, except in very steep areas where performance has slightly decreased as the battery has aged.

Overall Impression

The Mercane WideWheel (Dual) remains a high-performance scooter, ideal for short to moderate commutes in urban settings. It's best suited for those who do not need to carry it frequently and have space to store it conveniently. While there are newer models on the market, this scooter still holds its own in terms of value and durability for the price, making it a worthwhile investment for serious scooter enthusiasts looking for a dependable, high-speed option.

With continued care and occasional maintenance, the Mercane WideWheel (Dual) should continue to serve well for commutes and recreational rides alike, proving its worth as a long-term investment in your personal transport arsenal.