Glion Dolly Review
Glion Dolly Specifications
- Top speed: 25 kmh 15.5 mph
- Range: 24 km 15 mph
- Motors: single hub BLDC
- Power: 250 W real, 600 W peak
- Battery: 238 Wh, 36 V
- Battery type: LG lithium-ion
- Charging time: 3.5 h
- Avg. charging cost: US: $0.04, Canada: $0.02, UK: £0.07, EU: €0.07
- Weight: 12.7 kg 28 lbs
- Weight limit: 115 kg 254 lbs
- Tire size: 8 in
- Tire type: solid honeycomb
- Foldable: yes
- Foldable handlebars: yes
- Build material: 6061-T6 aircraft grade aluminum alloy (powder-coated)
- Terrains: urban
- Brakes: rear anti-lock electronic brake
- ABS: yes
- Shock absorbers: front spring
- Lights: front LED, rear brake, reflective stickers
- Control: LCD display
- Warranty: 12 months
- Folded dimensions (L * W * H): 94 * 20 * 30 cm 37.01 * 7.87 * 11.81 in
- Unfolded dimensions (L * W * H): 97 * 41 * 115 cm 38.19 * 16.14 * 45.28 in
- Deck dimensions (L * W): 43.5 * 14 cm 17.13 * 5.51 in
- Ground clearance: 13.3 cm 5.24 in
- Deck to handlebar height: 99 cm 38.98 in
- Adjustable handlebar: yes
- Notes: vertical self-standing, trolley wheels
Tests and measurements
- Speed tests (EScooterNerds): 25 kmh 15.5 mph
- Speed tests (third party): 25 kmh 15.5 mph
- Range tests (EScooterNerds): 26 km 16 mi
- Range tests (third party): 25 km 15.5 mi
- Braking distance tests (EScooterNerds): 5 m
- Braking distance tests (third party): 5 m
- Weight limit tests (EScooterNerds): 90 kg 198 lbs
- Waterproofing tests (EScooterNerds): no issues in light rain
- Waterproofing tests (third party): no issues in rain or snow
Ratings and scores
Pros
- extremely portable
- lightweight
- folds in seconds
- unique suitcase design
- comfortable ride
- suitable for urban rides
Cons
- low range
- low top speed
- not suitable for off-road riding
- no folding lock
When to buy
The Glion Dolly, priced at around $429, stands out as a versatile and portable electric scooter. Ideal for last-mile commuting, it’s perfect for beginners, offering durability and reliability with its solid-tire design.
When not to buy
Explore alternatives if you desire advanced features or premium options beyond the Glion Dolly’s simplicity. Consider other models for higher performance, off-road capabilities, or extended ranges. If your budget permits, higher-priced scooters may offer additional benefits.
Check out this full Glion Dolly review and see if this neat, cool solid-tire road warrior is the right choice for you.
Basics
Let’s go through some basics about the Glion Dolly.
Unboxing, assembly, owner’s manual
The Glion Dolly comes well-packaged in a cardboard box with ample styrofoam protection and nylon covers, ensuring it rarely arrives damaged or dead-on-arrival.
Assembly was hassle-free; the scooter was nearly ready for riding. I had to just adjust the handlebar height to my preference and conduct a quick check to ensure proper brake function and tighten a couple of loose screws.
The Glion Dolly includes a detailed, illustrated guide for every procedure. It’s a valuable resource with troubleshooting instructions in case issues arise (although I didn’t really have any issues, so I never had to study it in detail).
Folding and unfolding
First, lower the handlebar to minimize the scooter’s height.
Then, fold the handlebars to further reduce its size. Press the silver pedal lever on the front deck to activate the folding mechanism, confirmed by a distinct click.
One of the most notable features for me was the removable Dolly handle on the front deck.
Extend it to turn the scooter into a suitcase-like draggable unit, aided by auxiliary Dolly wheels at the rear. This innovative aspect sets it apart, likely inspiring other models.
When folded, the scooter can stand upright, ideal for narrow storage spaces—an exclusive feature of the Glion Dolly I haven’t seen in other scooters yet (and I think some models will start to copy this useful feature soon).
How to ride the Glion Dolly?
The Glion Dolly is a straightforward and beginner-friendly scooter, with easy-to-master controls and riding that take just a few minutes.
Simply hold the power button to turn the scooter on or off. When on, tapping the button toggles the headlight.
No kick is required to start – I just hit the throttle, and the scooter accelerated immediately.
Performance
Read on for a more detailed analysis of the Glion Dolly motor and performance, speed, range and climbing abilities.
Motor, speed, and speed tests
The Glion Dolly boasts an official top speed of 15 mph / 25 kmh, a figure I myself have confirmed, as well as many other owner reports and speed tests.
Some users even report slightly higher speeds, reaching around 17 mph / 27 kmh. I was able to reach almost that exact speed on a flat terrain, and about 13 mph / 20 kmh on a slightly uphill terrain.
The acceleration is quick but smooth – it took me approximately 7 seconds to reach the scooter’s full speed.
Powered by a 250 Watts BLDC hub motor (peak power 600 Watts) integrated into the rear wheel, the Glion Dolly provides extra torque and climbing power.
Like most modern scooters, it lacks gears and chains, eliminating the need for complicated maintenance procedures.
Climbing and climb tests
While the Glion Dolly’s motor isn’t significantly more powerful than other budget scooters, I was impressed with its climbing ability.
Although there isn’t an official climb angle for the Glion Dolly, I can confirm that it can handle mild to moderate hills well, with angles around 15 degrees posing no issues. Still, if you live somewhere with lots of hills and valleys and ups and downs, I would recommend taking a look at a scooter that’s great for climbing hills.
Climbing difficulty increases as the battery level drops.
Range and range tests
The Glion Dolly has an official range of 15 mi / 25 km per battery charge, a figure substantiated by user reports.
Some owners claim even greater ranges, reaching up to 18 mi / 29 km, highlighting the scooter’s real-world performance.
However, during my ride I reached about 16 mi / 25.7 km on a mostly smooth terrain.
Honestly, I like scooters with bigger ranges better. The range of the Glion Dolly is fine for regular use and daily commutes, but if you’re like me and want more range out of your scooter, I suggest taking a look at my list of the best scooters with long range.
Battery and charging
The LG lithium-ion battery, situated in the deck, boasts 36 Volts and 7.8 Amps, providing a total capacity of 280 Wh.
It’s not often that a budget-friendly scooter comes with a top-notch LG battery. Remarkably, this high-quality battery offers an extended lifespan, lasting at least 3 years and likely approaching 5 years (1000+ charge cycles).
Charging the Glion Dolly to full capacity takes approximately 3.5 – 4 hours.
The charging port, located on the diagonal part of the stem near the deck, features a protective cover to safeguard against water and dust intrusion.
Ride experience
The Glion Dolly is synonymous with fun, offering a robust and high-quality ride that’s both safe and enjoyable.
However, I noticed one tradeoff.
Despite the front spring suspension mitigating shocks, the solid tires compromise smoothness compared to air-filled ones.
In my view, this makes the Glion Dolly exclusively suitable for urban use, not for off-road rides.
Nevertheless, the overall build quality, stability, and wide handlebars enhance control and balance, compensated for the reduced smoothness.
Balance and turning
This is a key factor where the Glion Dolly impresses and gains the admiration of many, particularly experienced scooter enthusiasts.
With some of the widest handlebars among budget-friendly scooters, the Glion Dolly’s foldable design allows for substantial width when unfolded.
Since this width enhances control, I was able to turn and navigate the scooter exceptionally easy.
Glion Dolly vs other electric scooters
Let’s see how the Glion Dolly compares against other popular scooters.
Glion Dolly vs Xiaomi M365
I’m gonna go against the current here and suggest that the Glion Dolly wins this one for many use cases.
The pivotal factor is the pneumatic vs. solid tire debate. However, if you prefer a pneumatic tire scooter, there are better options than the Xiaomi M365.
Glion Dolly vs GoTrax GXL V2 Commuter
In my opinion, the GoTrax GXL V2 Commuter is a strong contender against the Glion Dolly.
While it has slightly weaker performances and inferior build quality compared to the Glion Dolly, it excels in providing more comfortable rides—the Glion Dolly’s weak point.
Overall, my recommendation would be to choose the Glion Dolly unless you specifically prefer an air-filled tire scooter, in which case, consider the GoTrax GXL V2 Commuter.
Glion Dolly vs Ninebot ES2
Although the Ninebot ES2 enjoys greater international popularity, I contend that the Glion Dolly presents a compelling option and may be a superior choice for many.
This is mainly attributed to its superior build quality, low defect rates, and higher overall ratings.
Despite the Ninebot ES2 also featuring solid tires and enjoying significant popularity, a decision leans toward the Glion Dolly, primarily due to its consistently better user reviews.
Build quality
The Glion Dolly excels in toughness and build quality, boasting a well-designed and executed structure that withstands punishment effortlessly.
The frame, deck, and handlebar of the scooter are crafted from powder-coated 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum alloy.
Typically, the Glion Dolly is presented in black with silver details and a hint of green, reflecting the brand’s color.
Its materials, attention to detail, and finishing touches surpass expectations for its price.
In my research on scooters with the longest lifespan, it emerged as the winner, showcasing the lowest defect rates and the longest reported ownership without any problems.
Features
The Glion Dolly offers some great features which differentiates it from other scooters in this price range.
Tires and suspension
The Glion Dolly excels with its 8-inch solid honeycomb airless tires, a key reason why many experienced scooterists prefer it over Xiaomi scooters.
Since the tires are puncture-proof, the ride was reliable.
The rear tire includes two small “helper” wheels, aiding in pulling the folded scooter.
To absorb road bumps and cracks, there’s spring suspension between the front wheel and the stem.
Plastic mudguards on the tires effectively prevent water and mud splashing, providing durability and minimal issues.
Brakes and ABS
The Glion Dolly boasts two rear-wheel braking systems, offering some extra safety through brake redundancy.
The primary electronic brake incorporates an anti-lock braking system (ABS), preventing wheel lock on slippery surfaces.
I realized that activating the rear foot brake by pressing my foot on the mudguard surprisingly delivers strong braking power (unlike many rear foot scooter brakes, which often serve more as decoration).
Simultaneous use of both brakes usually resulted in a braking distance of 6-7 meters.
Lights and riding at night
The sizable LED headlight is positioned near the stem’s bottom, and it provided illumination up to 4 meters at night.
It’s strong enough for some night riding, though positioning it higher for a broader and less bump-affected light spread would be an improvement. You can adjust the headlight angle as needed.
The rear mudguard includes a brake light to signal your presence and actions to other road users.
Water resistance
While the Glion Dolly lacks an official IP rating, the manufacturer suggests it has some water protection, incorporating features to reduce water damage.
The user manual advises against riding in wet conditions, reminiscent of warnings seen on IP54 scooters.
During the time I was testing this scooter, the weather was mostly nice, so I couldn’t really try it out in wet weather. I did try it out after some light rain one day, and I didn’t notice any issues, even though I was expecting the solid tires to be slippery on wet surfaces.
Just to stay on the safe side, if you live somewhere with lots of rain or snow, I probably wouldn’t recommend a scooter without an official IP rating like the Glion Dolly. Check out my guide on the best waterproof scooters in that case.
Weight, dimensions, and portability
Weighing just 28 lbs / 12.7 kg, the Glion Dolly stands out as one of the lightest scooters for adults.
When folded, it occupies minimal space at 37 x 12 x 8 in / 95 x 30 x 20 cm.
The foldable handlebars add to its portability without compromising stability during rides.
A unique superpower is the trolley mechanism, which allowed me to effortlessly pull the scooter like a suitcase when folded. This eliminates the need to carry it, except when navigating stairs.
Additionally, the Glion Dolly can stand vertically when folded, a priceless feature for storing in narrow spaces.
The Glion Dolly’s lightweight, compact dimensions, and trolley-like pulling capability make it exceptionally convenient for bus and train travel, public transport stations, car trunks, and various destinations.
In my opinion, this is great, especially because I travel frequently, and this scooter is easily portable.
Weight limit
Officially, the Glion Dolly can support up to 254 lbs / 115 kg. However, anecdotal evidence suggests it can handle even heavier riders, possibly exceeding the reported weight capacity.
If you or the intended rider surpasses the weight limit, consider exploring electric scooters with higher weight capacities for a better fit.
Controls and handlebars
The power button and dashboard are on the right handlebar. It is a pretty easy electric scooter to manage.
Acceleration is controlled by a right-handlebar twist-throttle, and the brake twist-throttle is on the left.
Adjustable handlebars have two levels, catering to both shorter and taller individuals.
The wide handlebars, a standout feature of the Glion Dolly, enhance turning and control without sacrificing portability.
A loud bell on the left handlebar ensured people nearby heard me when I was approaching and warning them (and, I’m happy to report, they got out of my way immediately).
Screen
The digital screen is very easy to understand, as it only displays the battery level with 4 bars.
It was not the brightest display in the world, but it will be enough for the majority of sunny days.
In my opinion, this may be an area where this scooter could improve – at least a speedometer would be great and probably not difficult to add.
Deck
The deck measures 5.5 inches in width and 17 inches in length. It provided ample foot space and comfort, at least for my build (I wear size 11 shoes).
With a ground clearance of approximately 3.5 inches, navigating curbs and sidewalks was hassle-free.
The extended kickstand ensured stability for me and prevented tipping.
For added safety, the deck is equipped with anti-slip sandpaper on top.
The front of the deck houses the Dolly handle, facilitating easy pulling when the scooter is folded.
Accessories and customizations
The Glion Dolly is compatible with various electric scooter accessories and customizations.
Many owners opt for the original bag as their first accessory, while some prefer a motorcycle thumb throttle over the twist throttle.
Accessories like a trunk, basket, or a hook for shopping bags can be installed on the stem.
While a seat isn’t commonly seen for the Glion Dolly, it would require significant changes and technical expertise.
Additionally, always wear a helmet when riding the Glion Dolly; I recommend a half-helmet like the ILM Half Helmet or a bike helmet like the Giro Register MIPS if you want a more comfortable option.
Security
As with most budget scooters, the Glion Dolly offers no way to secure it when leaving it unattended.
You may want to check out the electric scooter locks guide to find the best lock for your Glion Dolly. The Via Velo Heavy Duty U-lock on Amazon might be a good choice for the Glion Dolly, as it strikes a great balance between strength and price (same as the Glion Dolly itself).
Known issues and tradeoffs
The standout feature of the Glion Dolly is its reliability, boasting one of the longest lifespans and lowest defect rates among budget scooters.
However, some design choices, while contributing to its strengths, result in a few weaknesses.
The most notable drawback is the ride smoothness. The newer 225 version has a front suspension system, improving the ride but not eliminating the solid tires’ limitations for the most comfortable experience. If you’re after the most comfortable riding experience, I suggest taking a look at my article on the best electric scooters with suspension.
The screen is minimal, displaying only the battery level, which could be improved in my opinion.
While some users prefer a thumb throttle over the twist throttle, this is a subjective matter. Thankfully, transforming the twist throttle into a thumb throttle is a simple and affordable customization.
The absence of speed modes may bother some users. Personally, I didn’t really have a problem with that, since I don’t often change speed modes anyway. However, I did find the top speed to be somewhat limiting, and if you think you might have the same experience, I recommend checking out some of the faster scooters out there.
The Glion Dolly lacks an app, but you can use the Universal Scooter App by EScooterNerds for various useful features, even though it won’t connect due to the scooter not having Bluetooth.
Finally, I would like to point out that even though the Glion Dolly is a great budget scooter, it’s still a budget scooter. Meaning, even though you’ll likely have a great time with it, you can’t expect the same level of quality that a $1,500 or even a $1,000 scooter would provide.
In summary, the Glion Dolly has a few downsides, but I wouldn’t consider them dealbreakers.
Verdict
Many groups of scooterists will find the Glion Dolly to be a perfect choice for them. The most important ones are:
- first-time owners and beginners
- commuters, especially last-mile commuters
- people that need a super-portable scooter
- value shoppers
- anyone looking for the most quality on a budget
- anyone with a budget under $500
- anyone living in a place with bad roads where flats are common
If you fall into one or more of those categories, be sure to check out the Glion Dolly – you will be joining a club of countless very happy scooterists.
