VSETT 8 is a high-performance electric scooter that has been garnering a lot of attention in the market. It comes packed with advanced features such as a powerful motor, large battery capacity, long-range, and excellent suspension system, making it a popular choice among electric scooter enthusiasts.
With its sleek design and sturdy construction, the VSETT 8 is a scooter that promises to deliver both speed and stability, making it ideal for both short commutes and longer journeys. In this review, we will take a closer look at the VSETT 8, examining its features, performance, and overall value for money, so you can make an informed decision before purchasing one for yourself.
Speed and Acceleration
When it comes to acceleration, the VSETT 8 scooter has nearly the same power and speed as the 8R model. Additionally, it compares favorably to many similarly-priced scooters like the EMOVE Touring and Zero 9. However, for those seeking even faster acceleration within the VSETT range, the VSETT 9+ (15.6 Ah) model may be a suitable alternative.
It is equipped with dual 650W motors that can propel you from a standstill in less than 2.7 seconds, and it offers a faster maximum speed of 33 mph while still providing a similar range of 28 miles. Another notable feature of the VSETT 8 is its cruise control function, which comes in handy for maintaining a consistent speed over long distances.
This feature helps prevent fatigue in your index finger and muscles from having to continuously hold down the throttle while riding.
Top Speed
Capable of achieving a top speed of 26 MPH, the VSETT 8 is propelled by a single 600W peak-power brushless hub motor. This speed is sufficient for most riders, but the VSETT 8 has even more to offer. In fact, it outperforms many other standard scooters currently available.
Hill Climb
The VSETT 8, which shares the same voltage, speed, and acceleration as its larger counterparts, the VSETT 8R, can scale inclines of up to 18 degrees. While this may not seem impressive when compared to high-performance scooters with exceptional hill-climbing abilities, it’s worth noting that the VSETT 8 is one of the top performers in its price range and power category.
Battery and Range
The VSETT 8 is equipped with a 48V 15.6 Ah 750 WH LG battery, which allows it to travel up to 48 kilometers (30 miles) on a single charge. This range is comparable to the Mantis 8 Base and Speedway Leger, making it a suitable choice for riders who need to travel longer distances.
While the INOKIM Quick 4 Super has a longer range of 70 km (43 mi), it lacks suspension, which affects its ride quality in comparison to the VSETT 8. Similar to other models in the VSETT line, the VSETT 8 features a dual-charging system located at the top left of the deck. Charging the battery with a single charger takes approximately 11 hours, but using a second charger reduces the charging time to 5.5 hours.
Motor Configuration
Equipped with a single 48V 600W brushless motor at the rear and an improved LG 15.6 Ah, 750 WH battery, the VSETT 8 can cover up to 48 km in Eco mode. Additionally, the scooter has an impressive hill-climbing ability, with the motor able to handle an 18-degree incline. This is about three degrees steeper than many other scooters of a similar size and weight.
Suspension
The VSETT 8 stands out as the sole scooter that features a swingarm suspension. This makes a significant difference in the amount of travel the front and rear polyurethane coil springs can deliver. The pair of adjustable springs are capable of absorbing the worst of uncertain terrain, providing a smooth and comfortable ride across the urban landscape.
Moreover, the VSETT 8’s front pneumatic tire contributes to its shock-absorbing capabilities, providing more insulation from the ground compared to its rear solid counterpart as it’s air-filled. While it’s true that the VSETT 8’s suspension is not as advanced as the hydraulic setups found on VSETT’s later models, such as the 10+R and 11+, it’s important to note that these scooters are significantly more expensive.
Therefore, the 8’s suspension still provides excellent value when compared to the higher-end models.
The Braking System
The VSETT 8 is equipped with a pair of mechanical drum brakes, which provide ample stopping power when needed. Although drum brakes are not as effective as disc or hydraulic brakes, the VSETT 8’s brakes are comparable to other similarly priced scooters such as the Apollo City and Zero 9, both of which have a front disc and rear drum brakes capable of stopping from 15 mph in 3.2 meters.
While the braking performance of the VSETT 8 may seem lackluster compared to higher-end models with hydraulic disc brakes, it is worth considering its value when compared to other scooters in its price range. In fact, 80% of scooters in the same price bracket lack dual mechanical brakes, relying instead on either a single mechanical brake (usually on the rear wheel) or an electronic braking system (which the VSETT 8 also has).
The dual braking system on the VSETT 8 is not only unique among its class but also low maintenance, requiring little attention. However, riders may want to adjust the strength of the regenerative braking system, which can be done by accessing setting P11 on the QS-S4 display.
Portability
Although a bit heavy for daily commuting, the VSETT 8 is still quite portable thanks to its folding mechanism. By collapsing the scooter at the neck, its height is reduced to a mere 15 inches, which is less than a third of its full size of 48 inches. This feature makes it perfect for packing in the trunk of your car when heading out for a vacation or for storing it away neatly in a closet at home.
Additionally, the foldable handlebars and telescopic stem contribute to its compact size, shrinking it down to just 37 inches in length. This puts it in the same league as ultra-portable scooters such as the INOKIM Light 2. Unfortunately, the VSETT 8 isn’t as lightweight as those scooters.
Handlebars
The handlebars on the VSETT 8 scooter are wider than those found on similarly-priced models such as the Apollo City and Horizon 13, measuring 24 inches. The wider handlebars provide greater control over the scooter’s handling and improve the overall riding experience.
The handlebars feature the QS-S4 display, which serves as both a finger throttle and displays important information such as speed, riding mode, and trip distance. Additionally, the handlebars also house the battery voltage meter and NFC immobilizer, with hand-operated drum brakes located on either side of the handlebars for easy access.
Unlike other performance scooters, the VSETT 8 handlebars can be folded, making for a more compact package when not in use. However, the handlebars lack an ergonomic design, but this allows them to sit better against the scooter when folded. It’s worth noting that the height of the handlebars can be adjusted between 29.5 and 40 inches.
Frame
The VSETT 8 scooter has an army-inspired color scheme that stands out from the rest of the VSETT scooter range, which features bright colors such as red, yellow, blue, and a bold bubblegum teal. The 8’s color scheme and design give it a mechanistic and militaristic appearance that complements its impressive performance and specifications.
The scooter’s clean lines, bunched, exposed cord, and LED light strip that runs the length of its stem add an industrial touch that exudes toughness. Despite its edgy appearance, the VSETT 8 also has a touch of sophistication, as seen in its LED light strip, which is reminiscent of the Segway-Ninebot Air T15 and Zero 9.
However, the VSETT 8 not only looks the part, but it also outshines other scooters with its exceptional features and design.
Deck
Similar to its handlebars, the VSETT 8 scooter’s deck is designed to provide a secure and enjoyable riding experience. Measuring 26.5 inches in length and 8 inches in width, the deck offers ample space for even the tallest riders to stand comfortably. Additionally, the kick plate located at the rear of the deck adds an extra 5 inches of foot room.
By placing your back foot on the kick plate, you can shift your body weight forward into the ride, improving your balance and aerodynamics, particularly when traveling at higher speeds. Unlike later VSETT models, which use a silicone covering, the 8’s deck features only a pair of sparse columns of grip tape for added traction
Tires
The VSETT 8 features two different types of wheels, and they are not equal in terms of their characteristics. The front wheel is pneumatic, while the rear one is a less desirable solid rubber tire. Despite this, both tires are suitable for the scooter’s slender frame, with the rear solid tire measuring 8 x 2 inches, and the front pneumatic tire being slightly larger at 8.5 x 3 inches.
Although they are not the widest tires available, they still provide a sufficient contact patch with the road to deliver a smooth and stable riding experience.
Lights
The VSETT 8 features both front and rear button lights and turn signals to indicate your movements to other road users. One of the most notable features is the stem light, which is a slim LED strip that runs the length of the steering column. It adds a unique aesthetic to the scooter but serves a more decorative purpose rather than being functional for visibility.
The VSETT 8 has an extensive range of LED lights, but it lacks a crucial headlight, which is necessary for nighttime riding. Therefore, you may need to attach an additional headlight if you plan to use the scooter in low-light conditions. Despite this, the 8’s LED setup is still noteworthy, especially its turn signals, which are not often found in scooters of this price range.
Moreover, the turn signals on the VSETT 8 are more effective than those on the VSETT 11+, which are located on the side of the deck and not as useful.
Build Quality
The VSETT 8 may not have the speed, features, or showiness of some of VSETT’s higher-end models, but it is much more affordable and constructed of the same top-notch materials. To begin with, the 8’s frame is made of a 6082-T6 aviation-grade aluminum forging alloy.
This material is utilized in constructing bridges, cranes, trusses, milk churns, and even beer barrels, and is engineered to withstand high-stress conditions. The 8’s shaft is made of carbon chromium alloy steel known as SCM400, which has the advantages of high steel purity, a strong composition, and minimal surface defects, resulting in exceptional durability.
For the VSETT 8’s more superficial components, such as the handlebar grips and fenders, a combination of rubber and reinforced plastic has been utilized. To balance the front and rear coil spring’s performance, durability, and comfort, polyurethane bushings have been utilized in the suspension.
The 8’s telescopic stem, like that of the 8R’s, is another excellent value addition from VSETT’s engineers and is exclusive to all other scooters in the VSETT line.
The Quality of the Ride
The VSETT 8 boasts a smooth ride experience thanks to its pair of coil springs and swingarms. These springs are adjustable, enabling you to find the perfect level of comfort regardless of the terrain. Tighten them for high-speed roads on well-maintained routes or loosen them for rougher urban terrain.
Additionally, the deck and handlebars offer ample widths, enhancing your control when accelerating and turning corners. The deck’s kick plate also allows you to lean into the ride for maximum comfort and traction. Although replacing the rear solid tire with an air-filled variety could improve damping on uneven ground, the VSETT 8’s price point is a significant factor to consider.
Although the straight handlebars lack the ergonomic, curved shape of VSETT’s more premium models, the overall comfort of the ride still surpasses what you’d expect for the price.
Warranty
If you purchase the VSETT 8 from REV Rides, the only authorized distributor of the VSETT line in the United States, you’ll receive a 12-month warranty. Although this warranty is relatively generous compared to other scooters, it doesn’t cover damages due to wear and tear, accidents, collisions, or unauthorized modifications.
Additionally, labor is not included, so you may need to pay extra for repairs or replacements even if the damage is covered by the warranty. The warranty also excludes water damage, as well as damage caused by elemental forces such as wind or fire. Finally, REV Rides offers the option to extend the warranty by up to three years through Extend, a third-party product protection company. Overall, the warranty for the VSETT 8 is fairly standard.
Can You Ride the VSETT 8 in the Rain?
It’s surprising to find that the VSETT 8 scooter has an IP54 water resistance rating, which is a certification that most scooters in the Dualtron and INOKIM lineups lack. This rating indicates that the 8 is entirely splash-proof and is suitable for riding in the rain. However, it’s essential to note that any damage resulting from adverse environmental conditions won’t be covered under warranty.
It is always best to check the manufacturer’s guidelines and avoid riding in wet weather to ensure the safety and longevity of the electric scooter.
Conclusion
The VSETT 8 is a powerful electric scooter that offers an excellent blend of performance, value, and quality. Its aviation-grade aluminum forging alloy frame, carbon chromium alloy steel shaft, and polyurethane bushings offer excellent durability and ride quality. The adjustable coil spring suspension and wide deck and handlebars provide a comfortable and smooth ride on various terrains.
Although the scooter comes with a 12-month warranty, some limitations apply, and damages caused by adverse environmental conditions are not covered. Nonetheless, the VSETT 8’s IP54 water resistance rating makes it splash-proof and suitable for use in the rain. Overall, the VSETT 8 is an excellent option for anyone looking for an affordable yet high-quality electric scooter.
