Speedway Mini 4 Pro Electric Scooter Review

As someone who's ridden a fair share of electric scooters, I am always on the hunt for that perfect balance between performance, portability, and practicality. Enter the Speedway Mini 4 Pro, a scooter that's garnered a reputation for threading that needle quite adeptly. Let's dive into what makes the Mini 4 Pro a contender in the packed electric scooter market.

Design and Build Quality

Constructed from robust aluminum alloy, the Speedway Mini 4 Pro strikes an impressive figure. With a substantial frame that can support up to 265 lbs, it’s clear that Mini Motors USA has designed this scooter for durability without skimping on style. The foldable mechanism is robust, making transportation and storage a breeze, especially given the scooter's relatively light 35-pound frame.

Performance

The powerhouse behind the Speedway Mini 4 Pro is its 1,360-watt BLDC hub motor. This motor allows riders to reach a top speed of 28 mph, though I found a sweet spot at around 18 to 20 mph for a balance of speed and battery longevity. The stated 30-mile range is ambitious, but really, it’s closer to 20 miles with regular use, especially if you tackle hilly terrain or are a heavier rider.

Speaking of hills, the Mini 4 Pro's motor handles inclines with a grace that belies its compact size, climbing grades of up to 27% with little complaint. This means you'll experience minimal speed drop-off on those challenging city overpasses or suburban hills.

Comfort and Ride Quality

The dual suspension system is where the Mini 4 Pro truly shines. It's impressively smooth over most urban terrains, and the 8-inch pneumatic front tire coupled with a solid rear tire provides a ride that feels both secure and cushioned. The one caveat is the rear tire; being solid, it doesn't absorb shocks quite as well as if it were pneumatic, but this is a tradeoff for increased puncture resistance.

Practical Features

LED lights come standard on the Mini 4 Pro, including dual front LEDs and a rear light that increases visibility for those night rides. The handlebars also fold down alongside the main body's folding mechanism, making the entire package compact. The regenerative braking system is a nice touch, adding a bit to the battery life as you slow down or descend.

Drawbacks

No scooter is without its drawbacks. Firstly, some users have noted a tendency for the scooter's front to tip back under heavy acceleration or when not both feet are planted firmly. This can be a little alarming, but it’s also a reminder to always accelerate with caution.

Another downside, which is common among scooters in this price range, is the lack of built-in signal lights. While the standard LEDs are sufficient for visibility, navigating through busy traffic could be made safer with turn signals.

Lastly, the battery indicator can be erratic, showing lower charge during uphill rides and then bouncing back on flats or descents. Over time, you'll learn the idiosyncrasies of the battery readout, but it's something to be mindful of on longer trips.

Conclusion

With a price tag of $1,049.00, the Speedway Mini 4 Pro is not the cheapest option out there. However, for that investment, you're getting a high-quality, powerful scooter that's lightweight and fun to ride. Its folding design and performance make it ideal for urban commuters or those after a capable leisure scooter.

In my experience, the Speedway Mini 4 Pro stands as an excellent gateway into the more premium electric scooter market, offering a commendable blend of features for an entry-level price. It's powerful, reliable, and with those customizable options, you can make this ride truly your own. Whether you're using it for your daily commute or on spontaneous weekend adventures, the Speedway Mini 4 Pro is likely to impress and deliver unadulterated riding joy.

Update After Six Months of Ownership

Having used the Speedway Mini 4 Pro extensively over the last six months, I've come to appreciate its virtues and identify its few shortcomings more clearly.

Positives:
Reliability remains one of its strongest points. It has handled consistent use without any major drop in performance. The compact design continues to be immensely useful in city living, making it easy to take on public transport or store in small spaces.

Negatives:
On the downside, maintenance, particularly tire maintenance, has been a bit of a learning curve. The solid rear tire, while resistant to punctures, has begun to show signs of wear and affects ride comfort as it ages. Additionally, the lack of turn signals has become more noticeable as I navigate busier routes.

Ultimately, the Speedway Mini 4 Pro has solidified its standing in my daily routine. Its robust performance meshed with practical features justifies its price over time. For anyone considering this model, it remains a substantial long-term investment in your commuting arsenal.