I’ll wholeheartedly confess that I’m a huge fan of high-performance full-suspension e-scooters. The Evolv Terra, an innovative e-scooter from City Machina, successfully amplifies the performance of its compact, EV-type design by enabling it to navigate rougher terrain at faster speeds without compromising stability or comfort. While the scooter may not excel in every aspect, it still offers an impressive array of features at a reasonable price.
Evolv Terra tech specs
- Two high-performance twin motors delivering 2.2 kilowatts of peak energy.
- 48V 15.6Ah (720Wh)
- 31 mph (50 km/h)
- Up to approximately 34 miles (54 kilometers).
- 53 lb (24 kg)
- 265 lb (120 kg)
- What’s your take on a dual-sport adventure riding experience?
- Rust-resistant entrance and rear self-adjusting drum brakes ensure worry-free performance.
- 8.5″ stable tires
- High-performance motorcycle features include entrance and rear LED lights with sleek facet tube lighting, a crisp bell, an intuitive LED display with built-in throttle cutoff, and essential trip and odometer readouts. The rear kick plate boasts a conveniently integrated carry handle, while the sturdy kickstand provides added stability.
What’s the thrill of a ride on the open road? The Evolv Terra electrical scooter promises to deliver just that, with its sleek design and impressive specs. In this review, we’ll put it to the test, exploring its performance, features, and overall value.
The first thing you notice about the Terra is its sturdy build quality, with a robust frame that can withstand the rigors of daily use. The 1000W motor provides plenty of oomph, effortlessly propelling you up steep hills or along flat terrain at speeds of up to 25mph.
Scootin’ for efficiency
This isn’t our first rodeo with an Evolv e-scooter from City Machina; we’ve had a go-around before. The Evolv Tour 2.0 marked a great starting point, yet the Evolv Terra takes efficiency to new heights.
I believe any scooter capable of exceeding 30 mph (48 km/h) has already reached excessive speed in my estimation. While not a Dualtron, its speed is still suitable for keeping pace with traffic in most urban environments and busy city zones.
Having the flexibility to ride alongside automobiles, rather than being forced onto the roadside, significantly enhances safety for cyclists in areas lacking dedicated bike lanes.
While adhering to designated bike lanes is commendable, especially in areas with well-developed cycling infrastructure, it’s essential to acknowledge that maintaining a speed of 30 mph can be hazardous to fellow cyclists sharing the same route. As you ride, prioritize safety by slowing down to a pace that allows for smooth interactions with other cyclists sharing the path. For long stretches of open road, a steady pace of 30 mph offers a harmonious blend of enjoyment and security.
Powered by two motors capable of producing 600 watts of consistent power and 1,100 watts at peak capacity. With 2.2 kilowatts of power at your fingertips, you’re able to scale inclines and navigate steeper terrain with relative ease, outpacing the capabilities of a budget-friendly scooter.
The tyres boast remarkable stability, offsetting the traditional drawback of being non-pneumatic – a trade-off that comes with the significant advantage of never experiencing a puncture. While the twin suspension mitigates the drawbacks of stable tyres, as the rough ride is effectively counterbalanced by the suspension’s cushioning effect.
While not designed specifically for off-road use, I still managed to take the scooter on a short spin across some grassy terrain. The suspension is specifically designed to handle minor road imperfections, not deep potholes or uneven terrain, particularly when transitioning from tarmac to grass, where non-stick tires can compromise traction.
Despite being back on the street, the scooter still gleams with brilliance. While you can venture onto rough terrain, including packed dirt and gravel roads, refrain from expecting rapid off-road performance as it may put excessive stress on the vehicle.
This is a dedicated on-road commuter scooter, designed specifically for urban transportation.
The incorporation of fundamental components, including adequate illumination, sturdy fenders, and reliable braking systems, is crucial. As a passionate enthusiast, I relish the sight of drum brakes adorning scooters, a welcome alternative to the ubiquitous disc brakes that often dominate the landscape. While many assume disc brakes are the pinnacle of scooter braking technology, this notion is simply not accurate.
While these brakes exhibit strong stopping power, they struggle with low efficiency in wet conditions, necessitate additional maintenance (especially for cable-pull disc brakes), and if you inadvertently strike the disc rotor against a curb, the resulting brake pulse will persist due to a slightly warped disc. While disc rotors receive enhanced protection on taller bicycle wheels, they often remain exposed on smaller scooter wheels, leaving them vulnerable to curbs and other hazards that can cause damage and wear.
While drum brakes are indeed fully sealed, eliminating the need for routine maintenance and minimizing concerns about performance degradation following exposure to water, it’s essential to note that they still require occasional inspection and adjustment to ensure optimal functioning.
In contrast to disc brakes, which are often straightforward to repair, hydraulic brake systems typically provide a hassle-free stopping solution without the need for extensive maintenance or adjustments.
Not fairly as transportable
As the scooter rides smoothly, its design is not particularly well-suited for carrying purposes. At 117 pounds, this fish is surprisingly weighty.
A rare elevator capable of elevating directly into an automobile trunk or up a flight of stairs is feasible. When carried for an extended period, the weight becomes crushing. With twin motors and a massive 750 Wh battery, you’re rewarded with impressive performance, but at the cost of a substantial weight – a considerable trade-off for this e-scooter.
The fortunate few who travel without the hassle of stairs or escalators will likely remain unaffected. When your daily commute involves climbing multiple flights of stairs, it’s worth considering the practicality of lugging an unwieldly 53-kilogram scooter up and down each day.
The outstanding feature of this product is its robust and reliable folding mechanism. Utilizing a substantial security mechanism ensures the item won’t unfold unexpectedly during use, and remains securely compacted when you need to easily transport or store it. The handlebars also fold inward, allowing the bike to become even more streamlined. This slim storage box is ideal for stowing small items in the backseat of a car or discreetly storing objects beneath a narrow shelf.
Room for enchancment
I’d love to see an upgrade to one space I want – namely, the throttle. While they still employ the classic set-off design, a mechanism is used that throttles forward motion by activating a trigger-like lever with the thumb-side of the dominant hand’s first finger.
While they’re common among electrical scooter enthusiasts, I’ve never been a fan of them. Positioned strategically above the brake lever, this placement may pose a challenge for inexperienced riders or those facing an emergency situation. It doesn’t seem prudent to adopt an identical pedal layout for acceleration and braking, as it could lead to confusion and decreased safety on the road. To achieve desired results, you usually require these two skills to be noticeably different.
Can we accommodate riders of varying weights by offering an optional adjustable suspension setting for our corporate supply vehicle? This feature would ensure that both a 100-pound rider and a 250-pound rider can enjoy the same ride quality, sans compromise.
Despite being valued at $1,245, the scooter still appears to offer great value. While more affordable options exist, the price tag is reasonable considering the exceptional performance, comfort, and versatility offered by this high-quality scooter. I’d enthusiastically endorse the Evolv Terra to loved ones seeking a reliable electric scooter for daily commutes. For those who require a scooter only occasionally, more affordable options are available that may better suit their needs.
