Fluid Vista Review
Fluid Vista Specifications
- Top speed: 50 kmh 31 mph
- Range: 72.4 km 45 mph
- Motors: dual rear drive
- Power: 1000 W real, 1800 W peak
- Battery: 858 Wh, 60 V
- Charging time: 8 h
- Avg. charging cost: US: $0.14, Canada: $0.08, UK: £0.27, EU: €0.25
- Ingress protection (IP): IPX5
- Weight: 27.2 kg 60 lbs
- Weight limit: 120 kg 265 lbs
- Foldable: yes
- Brakes: front drum, rear disc
- ABS: ABS
- Shock absorbers: front and rear spring, dual adjustable
- Lights: front, rear, lateral LED, turn signals
- Control: digital display
- Warranty: 12 months
Tests and measurements
- Speed tests (third party): 49 kmh 30 mph
- Range tests (third party): 66 km 41 mi
- Braking distance tests (EScooterNerds): 6 m
- Braking distance tests (third party): 5.5 m
Ratings and scores
Pros
- biggest solid tires ever
- very good build quality
- good braking system
- good range
- very good suspension
- very good weight limit
- low maintenance
Cons
- not the most portable
- headlight could be brighter
- throttle response is a bit slow
When to buy
Definitely get the Fluid Vista if you live somewhere where flats are a common problem, which includes cities with very bad roads and lots of potholes. Also consider this scooter if you’re looking for a strong and well-balanced commuter with a lot of range.
When not to buy
This is primarily an urban scooter, so don’t expect to have a good time taking it off-road. Also, while performance is pretty good, this is still not a power scooter.
In this review, I’ll take you through every detail I observed during the time I spent thoroughly testing the Fluid Vista, aka the FluidFreeRide Vista, aka the FFR Vista, and let you know why I think the buzz around it is more than justified.
Basics
Let’s start with some of the basics of the Fluid Vista.
Unboxing and assembly
The Vista comes in a big, brown, regular-looking box. Besides the scooter, you will find a charger, a tool kit, and a user manual.
Assembling the Vista is super-simple.
Folding and unfolding
The folding mechanics of this scooter can’t get any simpler. You will have to get the handlebar up and secure it with a push button which you will find on the bottom of the stem, that’s it.
For unfolding it is the same principle but backwards. You will have to release the push button that keeps the handlebar straightforward and fold the handlebar down.
Performance
Here are some of the performance aspects of the Vista.
Motor
The Vista has a cool 1000 W rear motor, with a peak power of 1800 W. This is more than enough power for daily commutes for the majority of drivers in my opinion.
Speed and speed test
The manufacturer says that the top speed of the Vista is 31 mph / 50 kmh which is pretty fast for the price you are paying in my opinion.
In my speed tests, the Vista effortlessly reached its claimed top speed on flat terrain with a full battery. The acceleration is equally impressive.
There are some people who say that they reached a top speed of 37 mph / 59 kmh, but if I’m honest I don’t believe that this scooter can achieve that speed.
If you want something with a bit more juice, check out my guide on the fastest electric scooters.
Range and range test
The official range of the Fluid Vista is 45 miles / 72 km with the 14.5 Ah battery and 65 miles / 104 km with the 21 Ah battery.
I had the Vista with the 14.5 Ah battery for testing.
In my testing, I only managed to reach a range of 42 miles / 67 km, which is a little lower than the official range.
If this range isn’t enough for you, check out my guide on the best long-range electric scooters.
Climbing and climb test
The rear motor offers an official climb angle of 20 degrees.
Before testing the climb angle, I fully charged the scooter so it could give me the best result.
I only managed to climb a hill of about 17 degrees without a problem, but when climbing a hill of 20 degrees as the manufacturer suggests, the scooter struggled for a while and it stopped in the end.
So, the Vista is a decent climber, but not the best one out there. If you need a scooter with stronger climbing angles, check out my guide on the best climbing electric scooters.
Ride experience
Maybe this scooter isn’t the fastest but for sure I can say that it has enough speed and acceleration to make your ride fun and interesting.
The Vista also has a very comfortable ride which is provided by the adjustable front and rear suspension and 10-inch solid tires. That’s already a pretty unusual engineering and design choice, since almost all solid-tire scooters have 8.5-inch tires. The extra size definitely helps a lot for ride comfort.
All in all, I’m very satisfied with what this scooter brings to the table for its price in terms of day-to-day experience.
FluidVista vs other scooters
Let’s see how the Fluid Vista compares to other scooters with a similar price or in the same class.
Fluid Vista vs Mercane Widewheel Pro
A lot of people are starting to compare the Vista with the Widewheel Pro.
To me, it feels like the Vista is meant to be the successor of the well-known Widewheel Pro. It won’t have the same signature wide tires, but it does have large solid tires, and pretty much all the performance comparisons go in favor of the Vista.
Their prices are almost the same.
I’d say the only thing that the Widewheel Pro has to offer here is the very wide tires, which do have added benefits like better balance and safety. If you prefer that, check out my review of the Mercane Widewheel Pro.
Build quality
The Vista impresses with its durable and sleek frame, conveying a sense of excellent quality in its construction.
It showed no signs of poor quality during my tests. Every component seamlessly integrates into a sturdy whole, showcasing meticulous attention to detail in weld precision and frame resilience.
This scooter is a well-crafted machine built to endure all conditions, offering riders a reliable, long-lasting, and aesthetically pleasing companion on their journeys.
Features
These are some of the features that the Vista boasts.
Battery and charging
The scooter can come with two different battery types. The first option is a 60V 14.5Ah 858 Wh battery and the second option is a 60V 21Ah 1260Wh battery.
Both batteries provide a good lifespan and excellent range and in my opinion, you can’t go wrong with either of them.
Recharging takes about 8 hours to reach full capacity for the 14.6 Ah battery and for the 21 Ah battery it takes a bit longer, which is very decent for batteries of this size in my opinion.
Brakes
The scooter is equipped with front drum and rear disc brakes and they are very responsive, which ensures riders can confidently bring the Vista to a stop with precision and efficiency.
Also, the Vista has regenerative braking which you can make stronger or weaker through the mobile app.
Overall, I liked the brakes, they felt pretty secure.
Suspension
The suspension system sets a new standard for comfort and adaptability.
It has an easily adjustable front and rear suspension, and the scooter ensures a smooth and controlled ride across various terrains.
The suspension can be fine-tuned to cater to individual preferences and conditions.
This feature transformes the riding experience, offering riders the flexibility to customize their scooter’s suspension for optimal comfort and performance.
Tires and fenders
The Vista features 10-inch solid tires and you won’t have to worry about getting a flat tire.
These tires and the scooter’s front and rear suspension ensure a smooth and controlled ride on multiple terrains.
It felt like the tires are one of the key components of this scooter, as they define so much about it. They are quite bigger than the typical solid tires, which really contributes to ride comfort. At the same time, they are solid tires, so they will never get flat.
I think the brand is onto something here, I wouldn’t be surprised if we start seeing more scooters from other competitors with larger solid tires appear on the market soon.
The Vista also has full-length fenders, made of durable plastic, shield against mud and debris, keeping you and the scooter clean during rides through puddles or city grime.
These fenders also contribute to the scooter’s style, seamlessly integrating with its aggressive stance and futuristic design.
Lights
The Fluid Vista is equipped with front and rear LED lights, customizable lateral LED lights, and integrated turn signals which make your ride safe in traffic.
The only problem with the lightning system is the front headlight isn’t bright enough for my preference.
Also, the deck lights can be turned on and off from the mobile app and you can customize the colors and patterns which is a very neat feature in my opinion.
Screen and controls
The Vista has an ergonomic cockpit with an extra-large display, ensuring visibility even in bright sunlight.
This comprehensive display provides crucial information such as:
- current speed
- riding mode
- distance traveled
- remaining battery
- voltage, amperage
- temperature warnings
App
The Vista uses the King Song app which you can connect to via Bluetooth, and it is the ultimate tool for enhancing the Fluid Vista experience in my opinion.
With the app, you can:
- Modify acceleration and electronic braking strength.
- Set different top speeds for each gear.
- Customize the time it takes for cruise control to activate.
- Implement a passcode for added security.
- Enable remote scooter locking with a loud alarm.
- Control lights, including deck LED patterns.
Weight, dimensions, and portability
The Vista, weighing only 60 lbs / 27 kg, maintains a sturdy build without sacrificing maneuverability. Its well-balanced dimensions contribute to a comfortable and ergonomic riding experience.
The scooter’s dimensions when folded are 49.5 x 25.5 x 24 in, and 49.5 x 25.5 x 50 in while unfolded. Users should be mindful of storage and transportation needs.
I tried to put it in the trunk of my car (Ford Fiesta) and it barely fit.
Anyway, if you prefer to have a scooter that is more portable, you will probably not pick this one. Check out my guide on the lightest electric scooters for that.
Weight limit
The Vista has a respectable 265 lbs / 120kg weight limit and is built for riders of average stature.
Exceeding this limit not only compromises safety and performance but also puts undue stress on the frame, suspension, and other vital components.
I had to test the weight limit but I weight only 198 lbs / 90 kg, so I put on a workout vest of 90 lbs /40 kg and the scooter had a tiny drop in performance.
If you are above this weight limit, check out my guide on the best electric scooters for heavy-riders.
Water resistance and waterproof
This scooter features an IPX5 water resistance rating, providing a commendable level of protection against water splashes and light rain.
This means the scooter can confidently navigate through damp conditions, ensuring its reliability in various weather scenarios.
I wouldn’t recommend regularly driving the scooter in wet conditions as it isn’t fully waterproof (even though I tried out the scooter on one semi-rainy day with wet and slippery streets, and I had absolutely no issues at all).
Accessories and customization
The scooter has a fairly regular design and build, so most of the common scooter accessories will fit it. Personally, I would probably go for stronger lights.
Also, make sure to always wear a proper scooter helmet for added safety. I used a full-face helmet during my rides, but you can get away with a half-helmet I believe.
Security and locks
The scooter has a feature for implementing a passcode for added security and remote locking.
The electronic locking system adds an extra layer of protection which may deter potential theft.
I would recommend getting some kind of physical lock for added safety because the scooter can catch a lot of eyes (check out my guide on the best electric scooter locks to find the perfect choice).
Issues and downsides
While the Vista is an excellent scooter, it’s essential to be aware of potential issues and downsides.
For starters, the solid tires, while bigger than usual, are still solid tires, which means ride quality might suffer in some situations. I didn’t find that to be an issue, but it’s something to be aware of if you’re spending a lot of time on the scooter.
Additionally, there are riders who complain that after riding for a while, the display started flickering and they couldn’t see in which mode they are in. I didn’t find this to be the case.
One minor issue I was kind of annoyed by was the vibration that comes from the rear wheel, but except for that, I didn’t had any other problems with the scooter.
Verdict
This is a unique scooter. Its performance, quality level, and value are all very solid.
However, there is one use case where it absolutely shines, and it outshines pretty much every model I’ve reviewed.
That use case is poor road infrastructure.
If you live somewhere where the roads are horrible and you will not only have very bumpy and uncomfortable rides, but you will else get a lot of flat tires, then the Fluid Vista would be the perfect solution for you.
Because of its solid tires, you won’t suffer flats, and because these are the biggest solid tires available today (plus it comes with suspension), you will have smooth rides even on the worst roads.
