Recently, ZonDoo unveiled its latest addition to the family – the RoadHitter, touted as the fastest electric scooter in their collection, and indeed one of the swiftest in the industry. With its striking 68mph top speed and sleek design, the RoadHitter initially appears as an audacious scooter, seemingly tailored only for thrill-seekers prioritizing excitement over safety. While it may certainly thrill, this activity also boasts several additional features worth exploring.
The RoadHitter features three gear modes, which can be cycled through seamlessly, but two notable modes – eco mode and twin motor mode – are easily accessed via a convenient toggle near the right-hand thumb, allowing for intuitive control and versatility on the go. On a single occasion, you’ll have the opportunity to seamlessly transition into a mode offering significantly more controllable acceleration, ideal for scenarios where quick and sudden movements must be avoided. This mode alone provides an extra energy output of approximately 4kW, similar to that of many scooters available on the market today.
Despite the initial challenges, you’ll soon have the ability to seamlessly transition into twin-motor mode, allowing for rapid escape from congested traffic scenarios during frantic daily commutes. Why settle for a mere incline when you could conquer a formidable peak? As you stand poised on the airport runway, clad in a full flak jacket, you find yourself questioning Zondoo’s 68mph claims in stark contrast to the roar of an airplane preparing for takeoff.
The RoadHitter boasts an impressive range of approximately 70-80 miles on a single charge, truly setting it apart from its competitors. While rare instances may exist where daily commutes or errands exceed 70 miles, the capability to undertake multiple trips before needing to recharge is still a significant advantage, especially considering the lengthy 6-8 hour charging period via dual chargers?
The Scooter is equipped with two powerful 4000W motors, though it’s essential to note that the manufacturer’s claim of reaching a top speed of 68mph might be overly optimistic, as actual performance is likely to yield a much more modest and potentially unstable maximum velocity. As I accelerated the scooter to approximately 45 miles per hour on a straight stretch of highway, I was deeply relieved to be wearing top-notch motorcycle protective gear, which proved crucial in mitigating the onset of appreciable velocity wobble.
Despite having significantly more energy and velocity, the scooter’s lack of a steering damper makes it challenging to envision it being ridden safely at such high speeds. With their exceptional expertise and driving prowess, the RoadHitter is confident they can safely exceed 45mph without a crash. While novice riders of high-performance electric scooters may consider installing a steering damper as an aftermarket upgrade. While maintaining a steady pace, keep your speed below 40 miles per hour.
Achieving speeds of up to 40mph for heavy riders, whether in a hasty acceleration or an uphill climb, 8kW of energy can effectively facilitate such scenarios. Let’s accelerate the pace for the remarkable Dave Osborne and his ilk, abandoning the 68mph velocity.
ZonDoo RoadHitter gentle present
The scooter boasts a visually striking design, featuring customizable RGB lighting that illuminates almost every surface, as well as sequential flip indicators and sleek headlights that make a statement. How does one’s RoadHitter become a beacon of sunshine in the dead of night? At its highest speed, you might easily mistake this vehicle for multiple police cars.
The scooter is equipped with a 72V, 43Ah lithium-ion battery pack, providing over 3kWh of energy storage. The total weight ranges from 68-75kg depending on whether the removable seat is attached. With its substantial weight, the scooter becomes a challenge to maneuver up and down stairs. When considering a scooter for commuting, the weight and portability of the device will undoubtedly play a crucial role in your purchasing decision, particularly if you anticipate needing to carry it for part of the journey at some point in the future?
While the folding process is relatively straightforward, we recommend having a second person with some physical strength assist you in doing so, as it can be quite bulky and challenging to manage on your own.
The 13-inch all-terrain tires combined with an adjustable rear suspension crafted a remarkably comfortable ride, deftly navigating even the most challenging road conditions.
While commuting via high-traffic areas can be challenging, riders of scooters should be aware that, despite their bright lights and prominent visual presence, cars often struggle to detect them on the road, making heavy reliance on the horn necessary. While the current horn volume may suffice on quiet paths, it’s indeed crucial to consider the safety of pedestrians and cyclists who share roads with vehicles moving at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour – in which case, a slightly louder horn would be beneficial for alerting them? It’s possible that two distinct ranges of horns would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon under study.
One factor that proved to be executed exceptionally well was the braking system. With their powerful back-and-front hydraulic brakes, this sturdy scooter comes to an abrupt halt in no time.
Electrek’s Take
We’re being upfront: this scooter has the potential to be extremely hazardous in the wrong hands, posing a significant risk of injury to its rider. Scooters are simply designed for leisurely rides, not high-speed thrills.
While we may not be your parental units, you’ve found yourself an impressive ride in the form of the quickest accelerating and steepest-hill-ascending scooter available – a true discovery! When evaluating this scooter, our primary goal was to observe the outcome of installing an 8kW motor. Now we all know.
While the scale-up potential for these batteries and motors appears promising, a more precise observation suggests they would be ideally suited for applications such as Vespa-type scooters or low-power motorcycles where their capabilities can be fully leveraged.
Overall, the RoadHitter is a pleasure to ride at moderate speeds, offering a pleasant balance of variety and comfort, along with a lightweight design that makes it ideal for commuters who need to navigate multiple staircases without fatigue.
