Full Review
Overview
The Macwheel MX Pro is an upgraded version of the Macwheel MX1, aiming to be a budget-friendly choice for urban commuters, students, and young professionals. Known for their expertise in electric bikes, Macwheel brings interesting concepts to their scooter range. Priced around $399 to $430, the MX Pro is often compared to the Xiaomi M365 due to its design similarities and competitive pricing.
Design and Build Quality
The MX Pro has a design resembling the Xiaomi M365, with variations in handlebars, bell placement, and color shades. Constructed from industrial-grade aluminum alloy with steel, rubber, and plastic finishes, it offers a robust build. Its 16-inch long and 6-inch wide deck, coated with anti-slip rubber tape, provides stability and enough standing space. However, some users report issues like a wobbly folding mechanism and handlebars, indicating possible quality inconsistencies.
Portability
Weighing 28 lbs (12.7 kg) with folded dimensions of 41.1 x 16.5 x 18 inches, the MX Pro is portable and fits easily in car trunks and public transportation.
Performance
Power and Speed
The MX Pro features a 350W motor in the front wheel, offering a top speed of about 15 mph (24 km/h), although this can vary with user experiences reporting speeds between 12 to 17 mph. The scooter is best suited for urban environments and may struggle on steep hills due to limited torque.
Ride Comfort
Despite having solid, foam-filled tires and no suspension, the ride is surprisingly smooth on small bumps, but medium holes can be felt. However, some reviews highlight poor ride quality due to solid tires and short handlebars, making it uncomfortable and challenging to ride on bumpy surfaces.
Range
One of the MX Pro's strengths is its range. With a 360 Wh, 36 V battery, it offers a range of up to 25 miles (40 km), which is commendable for its price range.
Braking
Equipped with dual 120 mm disc brakes with regenerative braking, the MX Pro generally provides safe stopping. However, some users report issues with brake noise and the need for adjustment.
Features
Water Resistance
The MX Pro has an IPX4 rating, indicating protection against water splashes, but caution is advised during exposure to water.
Tires
The 8.5-inch solid tires are immune to flats, a notable advantage over air-filled tires, but this comes at the cost of reduced ride comfort and stability.
Display and Controls
The LCD screen displays speed, battery level, Bluetooth, and light status but is difficult to read in bright sunlight. The scooter offers three speed modes, but wider handlebars would enhance control.
Lights
It includes an LED headlight and brake light, adequate for a budget scooter, but additional lighting might be necessary for night riding.
App Integration
The accompanying app allows scooter locking, speed mode settings, headlight control, and displays various scooter statuses. A unique feature estimates remaining range based on rider weight.
Maintenance and Durability
The MX Pro is expected to last about three to five years with proper maintenance. It requires regular checkups, cleaning, and occasional screw tightening.
Customer Satisfaction and Support
While the MX Pro has improved over its predecessor, there are still reports of build quality issues and some electronic malfunctions. Macwheel provides a one-year warranty and customer support for resolving issues.
Conclusion
The Macwheel MX Pro, with its budget-friendly pricing and decent range, can be a suitable option for those needing a basic urban commuter scooter. However, its performance in terms of ride quality, hill climbing, and braking may not meet the expectations of more demanding users. It's crucial to weigh these factors against the price to determine if it's the right scooter for your needs.
Update: Owner Experience After 6 Months
After owning and riding the Macwheel MX Pro for over six months, I've found that it mostly lives up to its claims, making it a practical choice for short urban commutes. The battery life remains impressive, consistently delivering close to 25 miles on a single charge, rendering it reliable for routine travel without frequent recharges.
On the downside, the issues of ride comfort and durability mentioned in early reviews have partly been corroborated. The solid tires and lack of suspension mean that rides on uneven surfaces can get uncomfortable. There have been lights flickering occasionally, which might indicate some electrical issues that aren't uncommon in electric scooters at this price point.
The customer service has been responsive, which is a comforting aspect, especially when dealing with the warranty or needing maintenance tips. Given its strengths and weaknesses, the MX Pro still holds as a value proposition for those looking for a cost-effective and robust scooter for daily commutes.
