Glion Dolly Foldable Lightweight Adult Electric Scooter Review 2023: A Commuter’s Dream?
Pros
Cons
Foldable scooters often have to sacrifice motor speed and power to keep its lightweight and compact form. However, there are a few gems out there that are just the right balance for daily commuters.
The Glion Dolly scooter is considered one of the best foldable electric scooter on the market, making it a viable option for those who are planning to skip the bus on their way to work.
As to whether it can survive the battles of everyday commute, you will just have to read our Glion Dolly review to find out.
Speed and Power output
The Glion electric scooter is powered by a 250-watt brushless hub motor located inside its rear wheel. It also boasts a top speed of 15 mph which is a safe speed, and street-legal in most parts of the United States. This is expected, of course, since it is mainly marketed as a foldable scooter. Big, bulky motors do not usually go well with its compact structure.
Considering it was designed with the average commuter in mind, we do not see the speed as a disadvantage really. Unlike bicycle riders who will be driving on the road, those who will be using the Glion Dolly electric scooter will most likely use the sidewalks where pedestrians pass by.
Most of the time, you will probably be traveling at a speed that is slightly faster than walking pace so the top speed is just appropriate.
Range and Battery Performance
The Glion Dolly foldable commuter electric scooter can run up to 15 miles on a single charge. Frankly, there are other scooters with a much better range such as the Xiaomi Mi 365 that can run an impressive 18.6 miles. This does not mean, however, that you should dismiss the Glion Dolly scooter right away.
While the Xiaomi has a better range, it does take 5 hours to fully charge. The Glion electric scooter, on the other hand, has a 36V lithium-ion battery that quickly charges in just 3.5 hours.
Plus, this commuting scooter is not really meant for long-distance trips. It is more suitable for use in-between public transportation or even for short leisurely trips.
If you are going to bring this to work, you may need to charge it before traveling home, even if the total distance is below the 15-mile maximum range. A lot of users have reported that the scooter tends to gradually lose power once the battery dwindles, so keeping it energized will help you maintain good speed and acceleration.
Design & Construction Quality
The Glion Dolly is not exactly the most aesthetically pleasing scooter out there. It focuses more on practicality than its looks. If you are looking for a long-lasting, low-maintenance vehicle, then this Glion electric scooter is a sure winner.
Unfortunately, it does not tick all the right boxes. While construction is solid, the scooter does not offer the same standard in terms of comfort. Riding through rough roads can be noisy and can leave your joints and back aching by the end of the day.
Materials:
The Glion Dolly foldable lightweight adult electric scooter is made of 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum covered with special powder to prevent corrosion. It can accommodate riders of up to 225 lbs.
It weighs 28 pounds which is a bit on the heavy side, probably because it is not meant to be carried around. The extra weight does add a bit of stability to the scooter. Plus, you are going to be wheeling it around most of the time so you will barely notice the difference.
Handlebar:
The handlebars of the Glion Dolly are a bit slim compared to most scooters. It has an LED display that shows the scooter’s battery life.
It is probably the scooter with the best handlebar folding mechanism. Lowering the handles is a smooth process and these are locked in place. Unfolding it again can be done with ease.
Foldable:
The Glion Dolly electric scooter is by far the best foldable scooter that we have ever seen. Its name is derived from the two small wheels, called the dolly wheels, attached to the rear wheel of the scooter. Combined with its vertical self-standing mechanism, the Glion Dolly transforms from a standard electric scooter with dimensions of 38 x 45 x 16 inches into a compact folded structure of just 37 x 12 x 8 inches.
It folds together quickly and easily. You just need to pull the handlebars down, hit the release lever, and step on the metal pedal. Then boom! You are ready to roll it around like a piece of luggage.
Clearly, this is ideal for commuters who are going to be traveling in-between buses or trains. It also gives you a sense of relief and convenience knowing you will not have to carry that 28-pound scooter around in your arms all the time. You can easily store it in bus compartments or just let it stand vertically as you enjoy the rest of your ride.
You can also purchase the cover that comes with the scooter to protect it from rain or snow while you pull it around.
Assembly:
The Glion Dolly foldable commuter electric scooter comes fully assembled. It comes folded so you simply have to unfold it, then it is all ready to roll.
Tires & Braking System
The Glion Dolly uses 8” tires featuring an airless honeycomb interior developed by the military. They do not offer the same riding experience offered by pneumatic air-filled tires but at least you would not have to worry about getting any flats.
It uses an anti-lock electronic braking system located inside the rear hub motor. Generally, we prefer mechanical disc brakes as these can be activated even with no battery. However, a lot of users reported that when the battery of the Glion Dolly does run out, the acceleration shuts down before the brakes stop so it is fairly safe to use.
Safety
The scooter has a front light and a rear reflector for riders who travel at night. The headlight is not as bright as other scooters, but it is safer because the rider wouldn’t blind oncoming traffic with bright lights. The manufacturers thought of these details to ensure the safety of the rider as well as others on the road.
Bluetooth
Unlike the Xiaomi M365 and the Swagtron Swagger 5, the Glion Dolly does not have a separate smartphone app nor offer Bluetooth connectivity. This is one of the major let-downs of the Glion Dolly as most scooters within its price range are already offering this added feature.
Brand & Customer Service
The Glion Dolly actually started as a Kickstarter project and was advertised as the perfect last-mile solution for commuters. (1) The company headquarters is located in Holdrege, Nebraska. The Nebraska team provides technical support for online sales as well as necessary service repairs.
It offers a one-year warranty (2) for its electric scooters including the battery. Similar to most limited warranties, it does not include ordinary wear-and-tear as well as damage from any misuse.
Downsides
- No cruise control function
- Does not offer Bluetooth connectivity
- Bumpy riding experience on rough pavement
- Short-range rides
- Power diminishes as the battery is used up
Who Should Buy the Glion Dolly Foldable Lightweight Adult Electric Scooter?
The Glion Dolly Foldable Commuter electric scooter is suitable for commuters. It was clearly designed to address the needs of those who need a quick ride to work or are traveling in between public transportation.
Final Verdict
Despite its drawbacks, the Glion Dolly foldable lightweight adult electric scooter deserves a rating of 4.5/5. If you consider its main purpose, the Glion Dolly really does deliver. It promises commuters with a portable and foldable scooter without sacrificing build quality, speed, and range.
While not meant for long-distance commutes, it is, however, a reliable mode of transportation for last-mile journeys, short trips to the office, leisurely rides, and even for commuting between buses and trains.
Glion Dolly Foldable Lightweight Adult Electric Scooter Reviews
| Glion Dolly Foldable Lightweight Electric Scooter Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Top Speed | 15 MPH |
| Motor | 250 watts |
| Range | 15 miles |
| Battery | 36 Volts |
| Charge Time | 3.5 hours |
| Max Load | 225 LBS |
| Weight | 28 LBS |
| Wheel Size | 8 inches |
| Tires | Honeycomb airless tires |
| Brake System | Electronic |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Price | $$ |
FAQs
References
- https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ionsmartscooter/glion-dolly-electric-scooter-last-mile-commuting-s/description
- https://glion-scooter.com/product-warranty/
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