Mercane WideWheel Pro Scooter Review
- Read Time: 13 min
The one electric scooter you either love or hate. And apparently, love wins according to how popular it is.
A relatively cheap entry-level e scooter, amazing on asphalt and smooth surfaces, yet not without its payoffs. Which the Widewheels fans seem to be happy with.
The riding style is unique and it is a proper fast electric scooter. A bit like a sportscar. Not the one you can ride everywhere and certainly not off-road.
Priced relatively low for a dual motor 1000W entry-level scooter, it is an attractive proposition.
It is available at just below the $1200 mark
Introduction
PROS
- Unique and Thrilling Ride
- Strong Uphill
- Fast
- Folds Nicely
CONS
- Brakes need Readjusting from Time to Time
Speed & Acceleration
The Widewheel Pro is a fast electric scooter but not in a way that it scares you. It floats away with a linear smooth curve all the way to its top speed of 26 mph (42 kph) which you will reach in about 8,5 seconds.
It's about twice as fast as the average rental scooter.
Hill Climbing
It has no problem climbing hills, even 30% inclines. There is plenty of power and where a 250 watt motored scooter would run out of puff, the Widewheel pro soldiers on. the 500-watt dual hub motors make a big difference.
Range
The Widewheel Pro has a good range and even if you ride with stop/starts, over hills, and at top speed, most of the time, with an average rider weight of 165 lbs (75 kg ) you will get 19 miles (31 km) before needing to recharge. What makes this possible is the 48V 15 Ah 720Wh Lithium-ion larger battery pack increasing the range slightly from the base version. In Eco mode and at 15 mph (24 kph) cruising speed, you should be able to make 30 miles (48 km).
Motor Configuration
Dual motors produce a combined continuous 1000W with a peak power output of 1600Watts. You can ride in single motor mode at 500W and it still feels swift enough.
Construction & Build Quality
The Mercane Widewheel Pro has a higher build quality than its predecessor. A lot of the aluminum alloy components have been upgraded and strengthened. Upgraded grips as well.
The stem, fork, and neck have all been beefed up.
It now features an LCD display, upgraded handlebars, and an extra brake lever. The thumb throttle is the same as in previous models.
On the display, you can see speed, mode, odometer as well as battery status, and voltage. A power and mode button for quick changes between Eco and Sport modes is also placed on the display housing.
It looks cool in a way most electric scooters don't. A lot of that is down to the ultra-wide airless tires.
The max rider weight is 220 lbs (99 kg)
Suspension
It does have front and rear suspension but, you would be forgiven for thinking it does not as it is a bit stiff. But it is there and it does do what it is supposed to for this type of e scooter.
Ride Quality
On smooth paved surfaces the ride is phenomenal. It has a floating sensation due to those 4 inch (10 cm) ultra-wide tires and the dual spring suspension does help. It is super fun and you can carve in a way that is similar to snowboarding if that makes any sense.
On anything else it will not be as pleasant. Cobblestones, gravel, dirt...no. A hard-packed dirt trail is doable but only in emergencies. This was never ever meant for any type of off-road activity.
In the same way as an F1 or Indycar is only meant for tarmac so it is with the WideWheel Pro. The turn ratio is also not big. It takes some getting used too. These are all payoffs that are necessary in order to get that unique riding experience.
And we love that about it. It is great that such an electric scooter exists as an option.
Lights
A high mounted front LED light and rear LED tail light is part of the package. As far as led lights go, they are ok but for better vision forward at dark riding, we recommend using an additional front light with better optics.
Brakes
With the updated braking system to 120-mm mechanical dual disc brakes as well as dual electronic brakes, braking performance has improved significantly compared to earlier versions.
From 15 mph (24 kph) to a complete stop is only 12,5 ft (3.8 meters) which is excellent.
It is nice to have that additional brake lever as two breaking systems are preferred on such a powerful scooter.
Portability
The Widewheel pro is definitely portable but not in an ultra light e scooter way. It weighs in at 54 lbs (25 kg) so carrying it up stairs is definitely possible but not for long distances before you need to rest a bit.
Folding handlebars and folding stem turns it into a neat and compact package once folded that measures 43 x 9 x 16 inches (109 x 23 x 41 cm).
No problem getting it into a trunk of even a smaller car once folded.
The stem is super stable when unfolded due to a unique folding mechanism. It is basically a big screw that locks it into place. It is very easy to use and practical when folded for carrying in one hand.
Tires
Low-profile wide solid tires are what the Widewheel Pro electric scooter is all about. The feeling is absolutely unique and there is nothing else on the market that can compare. If you know you will only ride on smooth surfaces, you should definitely try the Widewheel before deciding.
It is very stable due to its wide 4 inch (10 cm) footprint. The dual suspension system helps since the tires are airless. On such surfaces, it has an excellent ride quality.
It also makes it look cool and you will never have to worry about flats.
Deck
Slim but long deck. The deck is 5 inches (13 cm) wide but plenty long for good riding positions. You should never ever ride with your feet parallel and here it would be difficult in any case. It also has an adhesive "sandpaperlike" surface for better grip.
Display
The LCD center display is upgraded and is now bigger and better than on the 2020 Widewheel.
It shows speed, mileage, battery voltage, mode and allows for easy gear selection and cruise control.
Water Resistance
The Widewheel Pro has an IP54 rating which means it is protected from lighter water spray from all directions. You can ride it in light rain but make sure you don't get it properly soaked.
Reliability
Pretty solid even though it is not the most robust of e scooters. If you treat it properly it will not have any big issues.
Known Issues & Solutions
There are complaints about the throttle being jerky and not very responsive. Fluidfreeride offers an aftermarket upgrade which is the same throttle mechanism used on the Wolf King and Nami.
Throttle lag was another complaint that was forwarded to the manufacturer Mercane, who have since fixed this.
But some would still think it is a bit jerky on take-off, which is a part of the scooters profile. And many like that. A fast takeoff from a standstill.
The mudguard is a bit short and if it is a bit wet you will get sprayed and dirty.
Fluidfreeride offers an aftermarket extension.
Conclusion
The WideWheel Pro is an e scooter that doesn't compromise. The charm of it is that it offers a superb riding experience in the right conditions only. Flat smooth surfaces.
If you ride on rougher surfaces the rims can brake. And much like a sports car, you need to treat it with a bit of delicacy. It is a big improvement on earlier models as far as build quality and reliability.
It is fast and has a relatively low rider weight acceptance. You cant go at top speeds and fully brake again and again without needing to adjust the brakes. A delicate touch and riding style will be better.
It will certainly be good as a daily commuter even though it is not super portable, but maybe its right element is as a fun weekend warrior.
Fluid Electric Scooters
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