Turbowheel Lightning+ Review
Turbowheel Lightning+ Specifications
- Top speed: 72.4 kmh 45 mph
- Range: 64.3 km 40 mph
- Motors: dual motors
- Power: 2400 W real, 3600 W peak
- Battery: 1260 Wh, 60 V
- Battery type: LG, Sincpower 18650 2.6Ah cells
- Charging time: 3 h
- Avg. charging cost: US: $0.2, Canada: $0.11, UK: £0.39, EU: €0.37
- Weight: 35.4 kg 78 lbs
- Weight limit: 150 kg 330 lbs
- Tire size: 10 x 3 in
- Tire type: Tuovt tires
- Foldable: yes
- Seat: yes
- Terrains: all terrains
- Brakes: dual hydraulics Zoom disc brakes
- Lights: deck headlights
- Keys: yes
- Warranty: 12 months
- Folded dimensions (L * W * H): 128 * 68 * 50 cm 50.39 * 26.77 * 19.69 in
- Unfolded dimensions (L * W * H): 128 * 68 * 123 cm 50.39 * 26.77 * 48.43 in
Tests and measurements
- Speed tests (third party): 71 kmh 44 mph
- Range tests (third party): 61 km 38 mi
- Braking distance tests (EScooterNerds): 5 m
- Braking distance tests (third party): 6 m
Ratings and scores
Pros
- very powerful and fast
- good range
- great suspension
- great build quality
- fast charging
- good climbing
Cons
- bad portability
- expensive maintenance
- bad lights
When to buy
The Turbowheel Lightning+ attracts both experienced riders seeking an upgrade from budget scooters and first-time owners aiming for one of the best electric scooters available. While I typically advise caution with powerful scooters for beginners, the Lightning+ stands out with various speed and riding modes, making it suitable for all rider types. I would recommend it to any true scooter enthusiast, regardless of their experience level, even if they’ve only ridden rental scooters before.
When not to buy
The TurboWheel Lightning Plus, while impressive, may not be the best fit for everyone. The scooter comes with a high price tag and isn’t budget-friendly, weighs a hefty 80 lbs, may attract unwanted attention due to its powerful motor, and could be less comfortable for longer rides. If you prioritize affordability, portability, discreet riding, and maximum comfort, exploring alternative electric scooter options might be more suitable for you.
This is a comprehensive review of the Turbowheel Lightning+ scooter model based on my tests and experience with it. We will see why this scooter is so respected and beloved in the scooter world, and why it is often seen as one of the best higher-end electric scooters in the world in general.
Basics
This is the 101 for the Turbowheel Lightning+.
Unboxing and assembly
The box that arrives at your home will include:
- scooter
- standard charger
- two keys
- Allen multikey
- user manual
There’s almost no assembly required on your part, you only need to install the handlebars, adjust the controls and set the brakes to your preference.
User manual
The user manual for the Lightning is not terribly long, and has quite a lot of useful illustrations, so going through it shouldn’t be a major pain.
Make sure to at least quickly scan through it, as different versions of the scooter may have some different specifics.
How to fold and unfold
The scooter’s folding mechanism is robust and often described as rigid. To fold or unfold, unlock the front latches, raise the clamp, and fold the stem.
Adjust the stem angle by tightening or loosening the screws at the base.
Performance
The Turbowheel Lightning+ excels in performance. The value proposition is outstanding, with comparable scooters often costing twice as much.
In fact, there are only a handful of other $1500 scooters with dual motors.
The Lightning+ is highly powerful and suitable for regular and casual riders, but it may be too intense for some. Anything more powerful is considered a racing scooter, likely beyond the interest of the average rider.
Motor
The standout feature of the Turbowheel Lightning+ is its two-hub BLDC motors, boasting 1200 Watts of real power per motor.
The dual motors ensure excellent torque and acceleration which in my opinion are mindblowing.
Speed and speed test
The Lightning+ can go at 45 mph / 72 kmh. Numerous owners and testers confirm these speeds, often describing the experience as intense.
I managed to achieve the official top speed, and my legs were shaking at the end of the ride from fear of the high speed.
The Lightning+ dual motors offer rapid acceleration, especially in dual motor mode.
If you are an adrenalin junkie and this speed doesn’t phase you check out my guide on the fastest electric scooters.
Range range and range test
The Lightning+ boasts an official range of 40 mi / 64 km.
When I tested the scooters with the Turbowheel Lightning+, I only managed to achieve the official range.
Note that colder temperatures may reduce the range, a common factor for all-electric vehicles.
If this range isn’t enough for your daily commutes, check out my guide on the best long-range electric scooters.
Climbing and climb test
The Turbowheel Lightning+ is equipped with powerful motors and an impressive battery, effortlessly conquers steep hills. User tests reveal it rarely falters, slowing down only on extremely steep slopes.
Although there’s no official climb angle, estimates based on tests and owner reports suggest at least 30° / 58% for the Lightning+.
My tests provide results of 32° / 62% for the Lightning+.
If this isn’t enough for your climbing needs, check out my guide on the best hill-climbing electric scooters.
Ride experience
It’s not surprising that the Lightning+ provides buttery-smooth rides, both in challenging urban environments like poor roads with lots of potholes and bumps and cracks, and in punishing off-road scenarios like dirt trails and rough terrain.
The combination of large pneumatic tires (with an off-road option available), top-notch dual suspension, and excellent build quality overall, all work together to make riding this scooter a dream.
In my opinion, is one of the best all-arounders available.
Turbowheel Lightning+ vs other scooters
Let’s see how the Turbowheel Lightning compares to other scooters.
Turbowheel Lightning+ vs Turbowheel Lightning
Key differences between the Turbowheel Lightning and Lightning+ include the motor, battery, and folding handlebars.
The Lightning has 2000 Watts of motor power, a top speed of 40 mph / 64 kmh, and a 957 Watt-hour battery for a 30 mi / 48 km range.
In comparison, the Lightning+ boasts 2400 Watts, a top speed of 45 mph / 72.4 kmh, and a larger 1260 Watt-hour battery for a 40 mi / 64 km range.
Both models now feature folding handlebars, and both come with fully hydraulic disk brakes.
Turbowheel Lightning+ vs Zero 10X
The Turbowheel Lightning models and the Zero 10X appear similar on the surface.
The Zero 10X has less motor power than the Lightning+, with dual motors at 2000 Watts real power and 3200 Watts peak power.
The Zero 10X is slower than the Lightning+, but offers a range equal to the Turbowheel Lightning+,
Turbowheel Lightning+ vs Apollo Phantom
Choosing between the Turbowheel Lightning and the Apollo Phantom isn’t straightforward.
The Lightning offers raw power and affordability with dual 1200W motors hitting 50 mph / 80 kmh, outpacing the Phantom’s 30 mph / 48 kmh. Yet, the Phantom excels in handling and stability, thanks to hydraulic suspension and wider tires.
In terms of range, the Lightning leads with 65 miles, while the Phantom offers a 40-mile range but compensates with a plush seat and ergonomic design for superior comfort.
Ultimately, your choice depends on your priorities, but if you are interested in the Apollo Phantom, check out my review here.
Turbowheel Lightning+ vs Dualtron Thunder
The Turbowheel Lightning and Dualtron Thunder are formidable electric scooters, each offering powerful performance and robust constructions.
Choosing between them is akin to navigating a storm, with both promising exhilarating rides but distinct characteristics.
The Lightning, a seasoned contender, impresses with raw power from dual 1200W motors, reaching a speed of 50 mph / 80 kmh. Built for off-road adventures, it boasts knobby tires and a 65-mile / 96 km range.
However, its focus on speed sacrifices some comfort with a minimalistic deck and firm suspension.
On the other hand, the Thunder, a refined competitor, combines elegance and balance. Its dual 1500W motors provide a smooth 63 mph / 101 kmh ride, complemented by hydraulic suspension for excellent bump absorption.
Wider tires and ergonomic design prioritize comfort on various terrains, offering a 50-mile / 80 km range.
Nevertheless, the Thunder’s premium build and added features come with a higher price tag.
If you are still interested in the Thunder, check out my review here.
Build quality
The Lightning+ is a true high-end electric scooter, and that’s best reflected in its excellent build quality.
Engineered for quality and performance, the scooter primarily uses aluminum with some steel for critical components, featuring high-quality elements from premium brands.
Its assembly and execution, backed by thorough quality assurance processes, contribute to its overall excellence.
As a long-standing bestseller in the high-performance scooter category, the Turbowheel Lightning+ demonstrates remarkable durability.
Users commonly report riding without issues in the first year, with only minor malfunctions or flats occurring after extensive use. The chances of a complete breakdown, even after two or more years, are minimal, reinforcing its reputation for reliability.
Features
Here are some of the features of the Turbowheel Lightning+.
Battery and charging
The Lightning+ is fully equipped with all the expected features of a modern scooter.
The Lightning+ boasts a robust LG battery with 60V, 1260Wh, and 21Ah capacity.
It features two charging ports and supports three charging methods: a single regular charger, two regular chargers, or one fast charger (80% charge in 3 hours).
The scooter comes with a standard charger, and you can choose to order an additional regular charger or opt for the fast charger.
The fast charger allows you to select the charging speed and desired battery capacity, excluding the use of two fast chargers simultaneously.
Using the fast charger may reduce charge cycles and the overall battery lifespan, but for me, it’s definitely worth it.
Improved battery technology makes the Lightning’s fast chargers more efficient compared to those of scooters from five years ago, minimizing deterioration.
Tires
The Lightning+ comes with standard Tuovt street tires, featuring shallow treads suitable for regular street and urban use.
These 10-inch diameter and 3-inch width tires offer comfort, smooth rides, stability, and control. Despite having inner tubes, reports of flats are rare for the Lightning model.
Optional Tupda hybrid off-road tires, with the same diameter and width, feature deeper treads and larger knobbies for varied terrain.
While these tires can be purchased separately for an upgrade, the process of switching them is more involved, so it’s advisable to choose your primary tire type wisely.
The off-road tires are worth it in my opinion because they make this one of the best off-road scooters currently.
The recommended tire pressure is 40-45 PSI.
Suspension
The Lightning+ has dual spring and fork suspension on both wheels.
The scooter features a bouncy spring suspender on the front and a rear spring suspension damper that can be easily adjusted with a screw to suit your preference.
Although not as cushy as a hydraulic system, many experienced scooterists still consider it one of the best suspension setups in the game.
For my preference, it was excellent, and I would barely adjust it at all.
Brakes and safety
The Turbowheel Lightning+ model originally had dual disk brakes, but now it can be equipped with the top-rated fully hydraulic Nutt brakes, considered the best for electric scooters worldwide.
With strong or excellent brakes, depending on the model, the well-made scooter can be confidently classified as safe.
Still, you must always respect its power and potential, and wear the proper electric scooter helmet at all times while riding. I recommend a full-face motorcycle helmet.
Frame, deck, and handlebars
The scooter’s frame is robust and constructed from a combination of aluminum and steel. While the stem faced stability issues in older batches, this problem has been resolved in newer versions.
Occasional lubrication of the joints may be necessary.
The wide and spacious deck features a rear elevation, providing extra surface area and functioning as a convenient footrest when riding at higher speeds.
Lights and night rides
The lights are one of the biggest weaknesses of the Lightning+.
The front headlights, positioned inside the deck, are suboptimal and not very bright, mainly serving as positional lights. They are insufficient for night riding to see the road ahead clearly.
The brake light is located on the rear fender, and two additional brake lights on the deck flash in red when the brakes are applied.
If you plan on riding at night, I suggest getting a stronger set of lights (see my guide on the best electric scooter accessories for the ideal pick).
Cockpit, dashboard, controls
The right handlebar includes the digital screen, control dashboard, trigger throttle, power and speed mode buttons, key ignition lock with voltmeter, and the front brake lever.
The left handlebar houses buttons for switching between eco and turbo modes, single and dual motor modes, the rear brake lever, and a bell for alerting other traffic participants.
The rounded digital multicolor screen has high contrast, shines fairly brightly even on sunnier days, and can show you the readings for:
- current speed
- battery level
- speed mode
- trip distance
Security and locking
The Turbowheel Lightning+ can’t be started without a key, which makes theft a lot less likely.
Still, this is a very expensive item, and experienced thieves will quickly recognize it on the street, so I recommend getting an additional scooter lock of high quality and strength, and not hesitating to spend even a few hundred dollars on it.
Weight, dimensions, and portability
This is not a portable scooter. It is not meant to be carried around in your hands too much.
The Turbowheel Lightning+ weights 80 lbs / 36.3 kg. That will be too heavy for most people to carry for longer distances.
The dimensions of both scooters are the same.
When unfolded, the dimensions are:
- 50.4 in / 128 cm in length
- 26.7 in / 68 cm in width
- 48 in / 123 cm in height
When folded, the dimensions become:
- 50.4 in / 128 cm in length
- 26.7 in / 68 cm in width
- 19.8 in / 50 cm in height
When folded, the scooter lacks a convenient handle for easy carrying, requiring the use of both hands. It fits in medium to large car trunks but not in smaller trunks.
Weight limit, rider height, and usage by heavy adults
The Lightning+ has an official weight limit of 330 lbs / 150 kg. Heavier riders generally find adequate support.
When it comes to rider height, several riders over 6 feet / 183 cm have reported that the scooter is tall enough for them to ride it comfortably (you can see my guide on the best electric scooters for tall adults if you’re even taller than that).
Water resistance and riding in wet conditions
The Lightning+ lacks an IP water protection standard. While the battery casing and critical components have some water resistance, the manufacturer provides no guarantees on the scooter’s behavior or performance in wet conditions.
Additionally, the warranty does not cover water damage, so it’s strongly advised to minimize riding in the rain.
That said, a few brave owners have tested the scooter through some light rain and report no issues at all. My initial advice still stands though – avoid riding in the rain.
If you don’t want to listen to the manufacturers and ride in the rain, check out my guide on the most water-resistant electric scooters.
Accessories, customizations, and upgrades
The scooter itself is fairly complete in terms of features, but it also provides a few different customization and upgrade options you can add after-market.
One of the first accessories that many owners choose to get for their scooters is the Turbowheel Lightning seat. This optional part is easy to add or remove as needed, and you can get it for $119.
A very common upgrade that owners frequently choose is also the Turbowheel Lightning+ fast charger.
Another useful accessory might be the thumb throttle, although that comes down to personal preference.
In additiona, you can see some generic scooter accessories as well, chances are, they will fit the Turbowheel Lightning just fine.
App
As with any Turbowheel scooter, the Lightning+ doesn’t have bluetooth features and doesn’t support an app.
I recommend taking a look at the EScooterNerds Universal Scooter Helper app.
It will not connect with the scooter either, but it will provide you with some complementary features such as cleaning and maintenance checklists, tools, calculators, resources, guides, etc.
You can find the app available for both iPhone and Android.
Defects, problems, and downsides
The Turbowheel Lightning+ is a premium scooter and has some issues, but they are rare and generally not dealbreakers.
The most common problems reported, such as slight understeer of the front wheel and mediocre handling, have been minimal and viewed by many as features rather than bugs, especially at faster speeds.
A few owners have reported issues with rigid clamps and handlebar connections, as well as some concerns about squeaking sounds from the folding mechanism, which is the most serious problem reported.
Other minor issues include an overly sensitive throttle (adjustable), noisy front brakes, weak headlights, and occasional flat tires (usually easily replaceable).
Overall, satisfaction with the scooter remains high among owners.
One issue that’s a personal pet peeve of mine is that the scooter doesn’t have an IP water protection standard.
Apart from the minor issues mentioned, it’s important to note that this scooter is large and heavy, not designed for frequent carrying.
While this aligns with its powerful nature, it’s a factor to consider if you’re contemplating a purchase.
Summary
The Turbowheel Lightning+ is a powerful and feature-rich electric scooter that delivers an exhilarating ride experience. It’s well-suited for experienced riders who prioritize speed, range, and comfort, and it’s one of the best $2000 electric scooters ever made, to this day.
However, its high price, weight, and lack of app support may deter some potential buyers.
If the money isn’t a problem, I highly recommend it to everyone and you won’t regret getting it.
