Okai ES20 Neon Electric Scooter Review

After spending several weeks with the Okai ES20 Neon electric scooter, I've found it to be a reliable and fun option for both beginners and regular riders.

Design and Build Quality

The Okai Neon ES20 boasts a modern look with excellent build quality. It features a robust and stable stem with no detectable wobble and large round grips that offer a secure hold, even over bumps. The ultra-modern and clean cockpit is a standout, feeling like a leap forward in design compared to other scooters in its price class.

Performance

The scooter's top speed is a comfortable 16.0 mph, perfect for keeping pace in bike lanes while being safe for newer riders. Its acceleration is more laid-back than sporty, taking about 7.6 seconds to reach 15 mph. Despite this, it's a surprisingly strong hill climber, outperforming many scooters of similar or even higher power ratings on inclines.

Range and Battery Life

In my experience, the Neon covered around 13.8 miles on a full charge in top performance mode, maintaining full speed until the last stretch. This performance is consistent with what other users have reported. The battery life is quite satisfactory, especially considering its use case as a beginner or commuter scooter.

Ride Quality

The Neon is exceptionally stable and easy to ride. Its larger front tire (9 inches in diameter) and a solid rear tire, coupled with the rear suspension, provide a smooth ride over various surfaces. The spacious deck (22.0 inches long) also contributes to a comfortable riding experience, offering plenty of room to adjust foot positions.

Portability

Weighing around 39 pounds, the Neon is relatively easy to carry for short distances. The folding mechanism is straightforward and locks into place securely for carrying or storage. This makes it a convenient option for commuting or storing in small spaces.

Additional Features

The scooter comes with customizable ambient lights controlled via an app, adding a fun and personalized element to the riding experience. However, some users have noted issues with the app, like difficulty in changing the light color or the app running in the background and draining phone battery.

User Reviews

Most users find the Okai ES20 Neon to be a great scooter, praising its ease of use, range, and ride comfort. However, some have noted issues like a noisy motor, an awkward folding mechanism, and early tire wear. One user experienced significant reliability issues, with parts falling apart and becoming unsafe to ride.

Conclusion

The Okai ES20 Neon is an excellent choice for those seeking a beginner-friendly, reliable, and fun electric scooter. It offers a blend of safety, ease of use, and enjoyable ride quality, making it ideal for daily commutes and leisurely rides around town.

Update After 6+ Months of Use

Long-term Ownership Experience

Having used the Okai ES20 Neon for over six months, I've gathered more insights into its long-term performance and reliability:

Positive Updates:

• Durability: The scooter has held up remarkably well with regular use. The frame and handlebars remain solid without any looseness.


• Battery Performance: Even after numerous charge cycles, the battery retains a good capacity, only showing minimal degradation. The range slightly decreased but is still sufficient for most daily needs.


• Maintenance: The Neon has required very little maintenance. Regular checks and tightening of bolts are sufficient to keep it in good running condition.

Negative Updates:

• Tire Wear: As previously noted, the tire wear has been a concern. The rear tire, in particular, has needed replacement faster than expected, which could be an issue for frequent riders.


• Noise Levels: The motor has developed a slight but noticeable increase in noise over time. While not overly disruptive, it's more audible during a quiet ride.


• App Connectivity Issues: The initially reported app issues have persisted. Some updates have improved usability, but connectivity and functionality inconsistencies remain.

Overall Assessment:

The Okai ES20 Neon continues to be a solid choice for both novice and experienced riders looking for a dependable urban electric scooter. While there are some drawbacks concerning tire durability and app functionality, its performance, general maintenance ease, and robust build quality still make it a worthy investment for regular commuting and leisure rides. Despite some minor issues, the overall experience remains largely positive, reaffirming the scooter's value over time.