One of the more unique scooters we've tested this year, the ElitePrime from Yadea did not disappoint! With its full suspension and 1,500-watt peak motor, the ElitePrime is definitely a scooter to keep your eye on!
Video Review
General
Frame and Contact Points
Electronics
Bicycle Components
Featured Accessories
Written Review
Introduction
In a landscape full of electric scooters, the Yadea ElitePrime doesn't just blend into the background. As soon as we pulled it out of the box, it had our attention with its 1,500-watt peak motor, full suspension, and a pretty slick design. But does it deliver on performance as much as it does on aesthetics? Let's find out.
Motor and Performance
Powering the ElitePrime is an 800-watt nominal, Yadea-branded motor. This rear-hub motor pushes the scooter to a top speed of 20 mph, which, although not groundbreaking, is in line with many urban electric scooters. But here's the kicker: the motor can peak at a whopping 1,500 watts, offering impressive acceleration and enough power to tackle some steeper hills, which is an area that most scooters tend to fail in.
Battery and Range
The ElitePrime houses a 696Wh battery, a solid capacity for a scooter in this price range. One thing I do love is the MagQuick charging! Chargers are getting better this year, but the charger here made me feel like I was plugging in a MacBook Pro. Unlike a MacBook Pro, this thing is IP67 rated, so water and dust aren’t an issue for the ElitePrime. While the scooter's minimum range is quoted at 20 miles, keep in mind that real-world range often depends on factors such as rider weight, terrain, and how hard you push that throttle, so you might get a little less or a little more.
Throttle and Control
Speaking of the throttle, the ElitePrime opts for a thumb throttle system, a choice that many riders prefer for its comfort and intuitive control. You also get a Yadea-branded stem display showing your speed, battery level, and other essential data. For more in-depth insights like trip history or scooter diagnostics, Yadea also offers a dedicated mobile application, and in our testing, the application worked well and we didn’t have any issues with it.
Suspension and Ride Comfort
The ElitePrime is equipped with single-sided polymer shock suspension on both the front and rear, boasting 61mm of travel. This full-suspension setup offers a comfortable and smooth ride, absorbing much of the shock from bumps and uneven road surfaces. It feels more or less like traditional suspension as you ride it, but it feels like higher-end suspension. At 220lbs the suspension offered a stiff enough ride for me, while also allowing you to carve the streets in an interesting way. It was a lot of fun!
Braking System
With all the craziness of our busy world, safety is paramount when it comes to personal electric vehicles. The ElitePrime comes with a dual-opposite braking system – a mechanical brake combined with an opposite drum brake. These 120mm rotors provide solid stopping power, and allow you to come to a quick stop when needed.
Tires
Rolling on 10-inch Nano Memory Gel tires, the ElitePrime is designed for city commuting. The self-healing feature of the tires is particularly noteworthy – these tires can seal small punctures automatically, reducing the risk of a flat in the middle of your commute.
Design and Build
Weighing in at 64 pounds, the ElitePrime isn't the lightest scooter on the market, but it's sturdy and well-built. It also has a folding frame for easy storage and transport. The deck has a 6-inch clearance and a 7-inch width, providing ample space for your feet during rides. The usable deck length comes in at just over 22 inches, so there’s plenty of room here all around.
Final Thoughts
Retailing at $1,500, the Yadea ElitePrime offers robust performance and features. The powerful motor, full suspension, and self-healing tires make it an enticing choice for urban commuters looking for an electric scooter that delivers a smooth and comfortable ride.
Remember, no scooter is perfect for every rider – it's important to consider your specific needs and riding conditions. But if you're looking for a well-rounded scooter with plenty of power, the ElitePrime is certainly worth a second look.
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