Inmotion L9 Electric Scooter Review

Inmotion L9 Summary

Inmotion has been a leader in the urban mobility field for a while now, and its latest offering, the L9 Electric Scooter, makes the case that it deserves to retain its position at the top.

With an emphasis on keeping up with the trends while still providing unparalleled quality, the L9’s elegant design is merely the surface of what this scooter can do. Built with Inmotion’s signature design, the L9 scooter allows for seamless travel with its high-capacity lithium battery that delivers an impressive mileage of 59 miles (95km). And, should you run out of power, the scooter comes with a pushing assist function.

The Inmotion L9 Electric Scooter comes with smooth thumb throttle control, making accelerating and decelerating a breeze. Additionally, the scooter features a single yet powerful front 500-watt motor that delivers enough torque to conquer 30% inclines and carry riders weighing 308 lbs (140 kgs). It also comes with a top speed of 18.6 mph (30 km/h), so you can glide over urban roads.

Another highlight feature of this scooter is a reliable braking system that includes a disc brake combined with a regenerative brake that offers unprecedented rider control. 

When talking about best-in-class, we cannot forget to mention the dual suspension system. It enables the scooter to smoothly glide across bumpy roads or sidewalks, making riding a breeze even with imperfections on the riding track.

This, coupled with the 10-inch pneumatic tyres, offer unprecedented riding comfort on urban roads and light off-road trails. Whether you’re a brand new beginner or an experienced rider, the L9 is guaranteed to deliver the thrill of a lifetime.

The frame is made of high-grade aluminum, so it is solid and durable, and it features a spacious deck to ensure that you can cruise without fear of tipping over.

The quick and easy folding design makes it easy to store, the perfect commuter companion. Thanks to the soft rubber grips that mould to your hands, holding on to the handlebars is a breeze. Additionally, it features a slim design and clean black or grey finish that gives the rider a professional appearance. 

The scooter also comes with a unique three tier-lighting system designed to increase visibility at night. The bell is loud enough to alert other road users of your presence, making the scooter truly safe to ride.

What’s more, Bluetooth connectivity lets you connect your smartphone with the scooter through the Inmotion App and thus easily track your scooter’s health, performance, and other stats. 

The rear fender is notably large-sized and will protect riders from splashes of dirty water and elements. In contrast, the different water ratings on the scooter parts ensure that the scooter is protected from water damage from riding in rainy weather or through shallow puddles. Overall, this is a scooter designed to provide an unparalleled riding experience. 

Read on for a detailed look at the L9 electric scooter- a feature-packed budget scooter.

Performance Overview

The Inmotion L9 electric scooter arrives with a single drive, front 500w brushless hub motor tuned to deliver more power, better torque, and increased battery efficiency.

The motor produces 1000w of peak power output — more than enough to cruise at the manufacturer’s cited maximum speed of 18.6 mph (30km/h) and haul a maximum rider weight of 308 lbs (140kg). However, the top speed depends on the rider’s weight, terrain, weather conditions, and battery level.

Independent real-world tests indicate that the scooter can achieve the advertised maximum speed with a rider of average weight on flat terrain in sport mode.

The scooter has three riding modes; Eco, Standard, and Sport. Riders can choose the option that best suits their riding needs — whether they are doing a leisurely cruise or trying to shave a few minutes off their commute. Eco mode is the slowest with a top speed of 10mph (16km/h), Standard mode maxes out at 15mph (24km/h), while with Sport mode, it is possible to achieve the maximum speed of 18.6 mph (30km/h). 

The scooter has an incredible hill-climbing ability and can scale inclines of 30% without breaking its stride while maintaining a consistent speed.

Additionally, the self-balancing scooter comes with a cruise control feature that can be activated through the Inmotion App or by retaining a constant speed for 5 seconds. Additionally, this electric scooter features a dual braking system with a braking distance of under 14 feet/ approximately 4m that will grant you complete control of your ride at all times.

Speed & Acceleration

The Inmotion L9 Electric Scooter is the ideal solution for short commutes. With a top speed of 18.6 mph, you can zip through traffic with ease and arrive at your destination relaxed and ready to tackle the day.

The L9 isn’t the fastest electric scooter. Still, if convenient travel is your priority, it checks all the right boxes — an excellent pick for those living in urban areas with speed limits on regular scooters.

However, Inmotion offers a variation of the L9, the ‘special high-speed edition,’ that clocks a top speed of 24.8 mph/ 40 km/h.

The scooter boasts a smooth and responsive thumb-activated throttle that delivers instant power to the front wheel in any situation. The motor has no trouble responding to your commands and moving you forward, whether starting from a standstill or accelerating mid-ride. The scooter’s acceleration curve is smooth and predictable, allowing users to adjust their speed promptly.

It features three driving modes (Eco mode, Standard mode, and Sport mode) that can be activated by double-pressing on the single button on the digital display. However, the faster you go, the quicker your battery will drain. You can switch between speed modes to conserve battery.

Real-world acceleration tests indicate the scooter goes from 0-15 mph in about 4 seconds and takes a total of about 6 seconds to achieve top speed. This is remarkable considering budget scooters like the Ninebot Max, Hiboy S2, and Gotrax accelerate from 0-15mph in about 5.5 seconds, 6 seconds, and 8 seconds, respectively. 

Hill Climbing

The L9’s motor can carry riders on tracks featuring 30% inclines, making it ideal for city riding but not for extreme hill climbing. The motor can take on smaller hills, but it depends on other factors like the weather, rider’s weight, terrain, and battery level.

The L9 outshines the High-Speed edition of the scooter in terms of hill climbing due to its high-torque capacity. Additionally, the smart battery management system will regulate overheating when going up steep inclines due to the immense power required by the motors.

Battery & Range

The Inmotion L9 Electric Scooter has one of the most efficient batteries for a scooter in its class, with its 54V (63V max ), Lithium-ion battery boasting a whopping 675Wh capacity. The powerful battery, according to Inmotion, delivers an impressive mileage of 59 miles (95km) on a single charge. However, this tested range is based on the following optimal conditions;

• A maximum speed of 11.16mph (18km/h)
• A rider weight of 165 lbs (75kg)
• Environmental temperature of 25°C
• A flat terrain
• Begin the test with a fully charged battery

However, a real-world range test with a rider weighing 165 lbs (75kg) achieved a 31.1 miles range on Sports mode and on rough, hilly urban terrain.

The battery takes considerably longer to fully charge since it has a large capacity- it takes 7.2 hours when using a single charger—using dual chargers halves the duration to 3.6 hours. You can track the battery life through the App or on the display. On the flip side, the scooter has no provision for a fast charger, like most high-performance scooters. 

The scooter has a smart battery protection system that has temperature protection, protecting the battery from damage. Additionally, the scooter features a pushing assist in its design, which is more accessible than walking alongside the scooter. This feature also saves the day in the (unlikely) event you find yourself with a drained battery. 

Motor Configuration

The L9 Electric Scooter has a front-driven brushless motor with 500-watt output (1000 W peak) that gives the scooter its smooth power delivery. The hub motor is encased in a sturdy casing to protect it from elements. The Brushless motor is faster and more efficient than the standard model, and it delivers better performance. The incredible strength of this electric scooter enables it to haul riders weighing up to 308 lbs (140kg). 

Construction & Quality

The L9 electric scooter is a classic scooter ride with a hint of modern design. Built to deliver smooth rides and fast speeds, it is a solid piece of machinery that doubles up as a fashionable statement for urban commuters.

The scooter is a product that is not only well designed but is also built well. The entire frame is made from aluminum alloy as it is aesthetically pleasing, and more importantly, it is durable and sturdy. Aluminium ensures that it can stand up to anything — from rust and lousy weather to rough handling.

The premium-quality handlebars of the scooter stand out from the generic handlebars used on other models. These are designed with a good understanding of ergonomics and comfort and boast an elegant look.

They are ultra-wide with rubberised grips for extra grip and comfort. Further down, the scooter features a spacious deck that can accommodate wider feet side by side; also, there is a sizable fender on the back wheel to protect riders from splashes.

You will also spot a registration slot on the rear fender. The stem is also crafted from aluminum alloy, and it is significantly taller than the stems of the other scooters. The scooter’s kickstand is a solid, retractable solution that won’t rattle or bend under the weight of your scooter when parked.

There are a few things to note about the construction quality. The underdeck features a plastic case that does not inspire confidence when riding over obstacles. The scooter also has a sizable run of exposed wiring- which riders could easily clip to the stem.

Additionally, the bell does not feature the same quality build as the rest of the scooter and feels more like a cheap add-on. 

Suspension & Comfort

The L9 electric scooter features dual front and rear suspension, ensuring a silky-smooth ride on urban surfaces. The front features fork suspensions like those seen on bikes, while the rear features dual spring suspensions that are well concealed within the deck. The shocks are built with heavy-duty components and are best-in-class in the commuter scooter category. Coupled with the pneumatic tires, the Inmotion L9 scooter offers unmatched riding quality in its class.

Ride Quality

Inmotion’s L9 electric scooter is a classic blend of form and function. Sleek lines and high-performance functionality make it perfect for an urban commute.

The scooter rides like a dream thanks to its softly buoyant dual front and rear shock suspension that takes the sting out of any bump or pothole. It also has sizable 10-inch pneumatic tyres with excellent suspension that provides superior cushioning and shock absorption.

The size of the deck is one of the scooter’s greatest strengths, providing riders with plenty of space to be comfortable and safe while riding. The textured anti-slip rubber coating also adds to rider safety — it ensures a firm grip for those quick turns and sudden stops.

The scooter’s motor is quiet and won’t bother you as you zip through the neighbourhood or the city. With its sleek, stylish 3-tier lighting system, it will still be visible at night. It also has an averagely loud built-in bell to alert other road users. 

The Inmotion L9 electric scooter is one of the tallest electric scooters on the market today. It measures 43.2-inches from the ground, meaning it is great for taller riders but may not be comfortable for shorter ones. Overall, this scooter has been crafted to deliver unprecedented comfort to riders.

Lights

The L9 comes with a unique lighting system for a budget scooter. While competing models are fitted with low-quality lighting, this electric scooter has a powerful 3-tier lighting system to ensure the visibility and safety of the rider during the day and at night.

The lighting system comprises a dual 1.25W front headlight, customisable deck RGB LED strip that doubles as turn signals, and an LED brake light embedded on the rear fender. The front headlight is high mounted to ensure the rider’s path is adequately lit during the night.

In addition, the side RGB LED lights are automatically activated when you lean to take a turn. The downside to this feature is that the lights activate even when the riders swerve, which could be misleading to other road users. The scooter is also equipped with reflectors all around the scooter for added safety when riding in low light.

Braking

The L9’s robust braking system is one of the most reliable you will find on a personal mobility scooter. The braking system features both a rear disc brake and front regenerative braking, ensuring the motor stops immediately when you apply the brakes.

The traditional disc brake slows down or stops the wheel when the rider engages the left-mounted brake lever.

On the other hand, the rider simply disengages the throttle, providing regenerative braking and gradually slowing down the scooter. This braking system is not very strong, but hopefully, riders can adjust it on the Inmotion App for a more stable braking experience.

This dual-braking set-up ensures that you can stop at any time, with a shorter braking distance, furthering your riding control. The regenerative brakes also help preserve your battery life.

Portability

The L9 from Inmotion is a weighty option — at 52.9 lbs (24kg), it is one of the heaviest budget-priced scooters on the market. In comparison, the Glion Dolly and Hiboy S2 weigh significantly less: the Glion Dolly weighs 28 pounds (12kg) while the Hiboy S2 weighs 29.5 lbs (13.4 kgs).

The scooter is also large-sized, and even when folded, it has bulky dimensions of 130.7 x 52 x 56 cm (LxWxH). Stowing it in the car trunk requires some degree of patience as the handlebars don’t fold.

However, the scooter has an easy 2-step folding mechanism that involves holding the safety button on the stem, pulling down the latch and folding the stem as it securely latches to hook on the deck’s rear.

Tyres

The L9 electric scooter is equipped with 10” by 1.9” tubeless pneumatic tyres in both the front and rear. These tyres offer the smoothest ride possible compared to solid tyres that cannot absorb shocks and bumps.

They are also more resistant to flats and easier to maintain (e.g. repairing punctures) than other types of pneumatic tires, so they will be less likely to pop while on the road. While air-filled tires offer more cushioning, they are still highly susceptible to punctures. The scooters’ deeply grooved tyre pattern provides excellent traction across all kinds of tracks and in all weather conditions.

Deck

The L9’s long and wide deck is comfortably spacious. An overall deck size of 19.1 inches by 7.3 inches provides ample room for riders to place their feet comfortably side by side or front and back while riding. The expansive deck leaves plenty of room for stability and balance as you cruise your way through the neighbourhood.

With the Inmotion logo printed on its surface, a grippy anti-slip rubber deck material covers the deck surface and ensures a steady grip. The high-profile design will allow you to ride over pavement cracks and speed bumps without damaging the underdeck.

Controls & Display

The Inmotion L9 electric scooter is a charming scooter with a modern design that looks elegant with its wide ergonomic handlebars, and a unique sizable integrated head-turning LED display.

The handlebars are neat with just the brake lever for the rear disc brake on the left, the thumb-activated throttle, and the bell on the right. The futuristic LED display sits at the centre of the handlebars, and like the handlebars, it isn’t cramped; instead, it has just one button for switching on the scooter, headlight and changing the riding modes.  

To power the scooter on and off, all you have to do is to long-press the button for 3 seconds. When powered on, a short press switches the lights on and off, while double-pressing the button on the display lets riders toggle between ride modes.

The LED handlebar display shows everything the rider needs to know at a glance. It is an easy-to-read screen that enables you to track speed, battery life, gear, turn signals, push assist mode, and error display without diverting your attention from the ride.

The display also indicates when you have connected your phone with the scooter via Bluetooth.

Water Resistance

Unlike other scooters, the L9 Electric Scooter has different water resistance ratings for its various parts. The body has an IP rating of IP55, the controller is rated IPX6, while the battery has a water resistance rating of IPX7.

With an IPX7 rating for its battery, the L9 can withstand submersion in water of 1m depth for 30 minutes — keeping it safe from rain, snow, or any other kind of precipitation. 

The IPX6 rating of the controller means the controller is protected from high-pressure water splash from any angle. Also, the IP55 rating for the scooter’s body means it is protected against dust although not fully dust-tight. It is also completely protected against solid objects and water jets projected by a nozzle (6.3mm) from any angle.

While this scooter can be ridden in any weather condition, it is best not to ride through puddles. However, it is advisable to go by the lowest rating not to expose any of the components to possible damage. Water can damage electronic components, which impairs the performance of the motors.

Reliability

The Inmotion L9 electric scooter is a powerful ride that offers both urban and off-road capabilities, promising to ease the city’s travel strain. Its sleek and sturdy design maximises efficiency and stability while minimising effort — making it the perfect companion for long commutes or short treks.

The battery on this scooter is lithium-ion, which is more efficient than its predecessors, won’t burn out, and has a longer life span. It’s housed in a solid aluminium frame that can stand up to the most rigorous daily conditions.

It’s also water-resistant, which makes it a year-round companion. The shocks, pneumatic tyres, and extended deck guarantee a comfortable ride experience. Additionally, the scooter is safe thanks to the 3-tier lighting, the responsive brakes and the bell.

Warranty 

Inmotion has a 30-day return policy. However, only unopened items and items in their original packaging are valid for returns. Also, the returns must be initiated within 30 days after purchase. The customer is responsible for the shipping fees. 

The scooter is covered by a 1-year limited warranty that covers defects in materials and manufacture from the date of purchase of the scooter. For refurbished scooters, Inmotion offers a 90 days limited warranty that is valid from the date of purchase and for “Open Box” purchases, the scooters have a 6- months warranty.

Inmotion’s support team is available to help out customers with any queries. The customer representatives are available through the contact us page on their website. 

Known Issues

The scooter is a well-designed scooter, save for a few oversights in the design. For instance:

• The stem is one of the tallest on a scooter and does not offer excellent ride comfort for riders below 5’8. Unfortunately, it is not height-adjustable, meaning this will not be an ideal fit for shorter riders.
• The scooter may come with Bluetooth connectivity, but it is not the best. Riders have reported poor connectivity or connectivity failures when trying to connect their phones.
• The automatic turn signals are great to indicate direction when riding; however, a manual indicator or a “turn off” function. This is due mainly to the fact that the scooter detects any turn (including swerves) as an intent to change direction and the turn signals come on.

Maintenance

A good scooter needs routine maintenance to ensure it is in good working order. Inmotion’s L9 Electric scooter maintenance is easy and can be done by anyone following the maintenance guide as stipulated in the user manual. Almost everything is done using a hex key, which means you don’t need special tools to keep it running smoothly. However, it is recommended that you:

• Regularly inspect the scooter to ensure that everything is in place, particularly the nuts and bolts that hold the scooter together.
• Though it is simple to clean and maintain, you’ll want to follow the guidelines in the manual to do so. 
• Clean and lubricate the scooter regularly.
• Check your scooter often, especially after you use it. The nuts and bolts that hold the scooter together can loosen, and if they do, you may experience sudden braking or even an accident.
• It is also important to charge the scooter using the recommended charger and within the recommended time.
• The air-filled tyres should be checked regularly and inflated to the correct PSI.
• The brake lever and brake disc should be checked periodically to ensure they are in working condition.

Inmotion L9: Is it worth the money and is it worth buying?

The Inmotion’s L9 is a fantastic scooter for the modern commuter. With its combination of a powerful motor and high-capacity battery, it is the perfect option for both city driving and longer commutes.

It has been engineered with a solid ergonomic frame capable of withstanding the weight of heavy riders. The fenders and shock-absorbent 10-inch pneumatic tyres ensure that users remain comfortable even on bumpy surfaces. Additionally, its excellent handling and top speed make it an impressive overall package that’ll deliver the best ride effortlessly. 

The scooter is impressive, especially considering that it greatly borrows from the innovative features of shared scooter models like the Bird and Xiaomi M365.

However, Inmotion steps the build quality further to ensure that this scooter stands out of the commuter category and avoids the need for many after-purchase add-ons.

Shorter riders would be warned of a possibly uncomfortable ride experience due to the longer stem. At the price of £733.62 / $999, you will be getting excellent range, impressive ride quality and uncompromised safety, which sounds like quite the steal.