Swagtron Swagger-5 Boost E-Scooter Review: 300-Watt Motor with 37V lithium-ion battery
The Swagger-5 Boost has heavy load capacity, and is a less expensive entry-stage scooter for commuters.
The Swagger-5 Boost is a strong, less expensive starter electric powered scooter that has the minimal variety and velocity for commuting and flat-resistant tires, however little surprise absorption and style.
SWAGGER five BOOST: SPECS
Motor: Single 300-watt
Battery: 37V lithium-ion battery
Range: 12 miles
Folded size: 41.5 x 19 x 17 inches
Unfolded size: 41.5 x 45.3 x 17 inches
Weight: 26 pounds
Wheel size: 8.5-inch, airless honeycomb
Max velocity: 18 mph
Max rider weight: 320 pounds
Electric scooters like Swagtronโ Swagger-5 Boost rocketed in recognition all through the pandemic, however they’re no passing fad. The quality electric powered scooters will simplest end up an increasing number of a part of the mainstream as a reasonably less expensive commuting choice thatโs greener than vehicles and much less bodily annoying than bicycles.
The Swagger-5 Boost replaces Swagtronโs entry-degree commuter scooter, the Elite, whilst upgrading the motor and tires. While its extraordinarily primary look wonโt win any factors for style, it hits an amazing stability among fee and features. I observed it flawlessly, able to transport me round and among neighbourhoods in an honest quantity of comfort and convenience.
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Swagger-5 Boost evaluate: Price and availability
Swagger five Boost costs $399, similar to the preceding Elite model. Itโs to be had for purchases on Swagtoronโs website or outlets like Amazon(opens in a brand new tab).
The Boostโs fee is similar to different entry-stage, mid-variety scooters, just like the TurboAnt M10 ($449) and GoTrax GXL V2 ($349).
Swagger-5 Boost evaluate: Design
The bones of the Swagger-5 Boost appearance almost equal to the Elite, even though the colours are different. Then again, I truly havenโt seen any primary aesthetic variations in most of the numerous electric powered scooters in the market.
Swagtron Swagger-5 Boost on sidewalk at park (Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
The black aluminium alloy body is punctuated with the aid of using silver-grey lettering and crimson wires. Unlike a few brands, the front stem doesnโt preserve the battery; itโs placed below the deck. This may be a problem whilst youโre going over bumps or potholes, because the battery compartment might also additionally get damaged, however itโs an extraordinary occurrence.
The stem folds down and locks onto the lower back wheel, so that you can stash it in a vehicle trunk or deliver it greater easily. At 26 pounds, itโs a hint lighter than the GoTrax GXL V2 or even greater than my private e-scooter, the now-unavailable Sligo X8. The light-weight Boost turned smoothly to recover from one step into my apartment, however Iโm an excessive amount of a weakling to strive a complete flight of stairs.
Swagtron Swagger-5 Boost folded (Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
A few cables for the brakes and battery run in part alongside the stem. I want them to have been a chunk greater tucked away and unobtrusive, as I may want to envision situations in which they snag on something in its path.
At the pinnacle of the stem are the handlebars and LED show. The left take care of is domestic to a bell, the brake lever controlling the rear disc brakes, and a clip that locks into the rear wheel whilst the scooter is folded. On the proper take care of is the accelerator push lever.
Swagtron Swagger-5 Boost handlebars (Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
The show suggests the 2 maximum critical belongings you want to recognize: velocity and battery level. The on/off button also can toggle among the Boostโs 3 velocity modes.
The deck is huge, sufficient for maximum human beings, with an IPX4 water resistance score and respectable grip. I nonetheless wouldnโt trip it in something greater than a completely mild drizzle, even though. The Boost can deliver as much as 320 pounds, that’s at the heavier aspect of weight capacity. Of course, better freights will lessen overall performance.
One of the largest improvements the Boost has over the Elite is the airless honeycomb tires, which the business enterprise trumpets as โno flats.โ Air affords cushioning, so the strong tires will bring about bumpier rides. Since I donโt trip very lengthy distances, Iโm exceptional taking the trade-off and now no longer having to fear approximately changing a tire.
Swagger-5 Boost evaluate: Performance and battery life
One aspect the Boost lacks is a rear foot brake, which I love approximately my Slidgo X8. Well, as a minimum Swagtron doesnโt put it up for sale as a foot brake for the Boost. More on that below.
While Iโm at the lighter aspect, I stay in a completely hilly area, so any electric powered scooter I evaluate gets an intensive overall performance take a look at up a steep incline. The Swagger five Boost completed admirably, hitting 14 mph (approximately as rapid as my Slidgo). On a flat surface, it had no trouble reaching its pinnacle velocity of 18 mph. Acceleration turned instantaneously and powerful. The decrease speeds, first equipment and 2nd equipment, appear superfluous and I by no means used them other than a preliminary tryout.
The Boostโs honeycomb tires did make for a barely greater damn trip than electric powered scooters with pneumatic tires, however it turned into greater than tolerable. If you stay in a town like me, you can discover yourself using greater particles like glass, so it was additionally comforting to realise I wouldnโt get a flat or blowout. I rode through a sprinkling and on rain-soaked streets, and observed traction to be good.
In phrases of battery life, a number 12 miles is at the decrease give up for even an entry-degree commuter scooter. I by no means had a problem with it, by no means using it for greater than 4 miles at a time. After a minimum 3 of those jaunts, I was pleasantly amazed to discover the Swagger five Boost turned into a 1 / 4 charge.
Now, letโs speak about braking. The 2nd-quality characteristic on my Slingo X8 is the foot brake. Nothing in the Boostโs specs โ both on Swagtronโs internet site or withinside the substances that got here in the box โ indicated it had a foot brake. When I first commenced trying out the Boost, I relied simplest at the hand brake, which honestly, turned into scary. I completed the rate exams in lengthy, carless, stoplight-much less stretches so I may want to sluggish down obviously after observing the hand brake. The few instances I rode in bike lanes or streets, I made positive to lessen velocity. Even then, whenever I squeezed the lever, I felt like my frame would possibly pitch ahead over the front of the scooter.
Swagtron Swagger-5 Boost disc brakes (Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
After every week or so, I determined to peer what might show up if I simply stepped at the lower back fender. It took some attempts and I needed to surround my foot farther lower back than expected, however doing so slowed the scooter considerably. Is this encouraged with the aid of using Swagtron? Probably now no longer. For the Elite, the business enterprise placed out a PSA that the rear fender isn’t a brake: โThe rear fender of an electric powered scooter is probably housing critical electric components, inclusive of motor connections or brake mild connections. Slamming down at the fender together with your foot would possibly harm critical wiring components.โ
So, perhaps I did it wrong, but I donโt regret appearing in a manner that makes me experience safer.
Swagger-5 Boost evaluate: Interpretation
Ultimately, I observed the Swagger five Boost to be a strong, reliable electric powered scooter that does precisely what it units out to do: offer a choice for commuting and travelling quick distances. At much less than $400, itโs additionally less expensive for every body seeking out a starter scooter with respectable variety and velocity. Your private alternatives will decide if my problem with the foot brake is a dealbreaker.
If you want to head quicker or longer distances, youโll want to put money into a greater powerful, high-priced model. But for maximum human beings and maximum purposes, the Swagger-5 Boost is a great choice.
In phrases of battery life, various 12 miles is at the decrease give up for even an entry-stage commuter scooter. I by no means had an trouble with it, by no means driving for extra than 4 miles at a time. After at the least 3 of those jaunts, I changed into pleasantly amazed to discover the Swagger five Boost changed into nevertheless 1 / 4 charged.
Now, letโs communicate approximately braking. The second-first-rate function on my Slidgo X8 is the foot brake. Nothing in the Boostโs specs โ both on Swagtronโs internet site or withinside the substances that got here withinside the box โ indicated it had a foot brake. When I first commenced trying out the Boost, I relied best at the hand brake, which honestly, changed into scary. I finished the velocity exams in long, carless, stoplight-much less stretches so I should sluggish down evidently after which practice the hand brake. The few instances I rode in bike lanes or streets, I made positive to lessen speed. Even then, each time I squeezed the lever, I felt like my frame may pitch ahead over the the front of the scooter.
After per week what might appear if I simply stepped at the lower back fender. It took some attempts and I needed to vicinity my foot farther lower back than expected, however doing so slowed the scooter extra evidently. Is this encouraged via way of means of Swagtron? Probably not. For the Elite, the corporation positioned out a PSA that the rear fender isn’t a brake: โThe rear fender of an electric powered scooter is possibly housing critical electric components, which include motor connections or brake mild connections. Slamming down at the fender together along with your foot may harm critical wiring components.โ
So, perhaps I did it wrong, but I donโt remorse appearing in a manner that makes me experience safer.
Swagger five Boost Pros & Cons
Pros
+Under $400
+Solid tires that wonโt move flat
+Heavy load capability
Cons
-No real foot brake
-Low deck clearance
Swagger five Boost review: Interpretation
Ultimately, I observed the Swagger five Boost to be a solid, reliable electric powered scooter that does precisely what it units out to do: offer an alternative for commuting and travelling brief distances. At much less than $400, itโs additionally low cost for all people searching out a starter scooter with first rate variety and speed. Your non-public choices will decide if my trouble with the foot brake is a dealbreaker.
If you want to move quicker or longer distances, youโll want to spend money on a extra powerful, steeply-priced model. But for maximum human beings and maximum purposes, the Swagger five Boost is a great alternative.
