Fast Answer for Busy Riders ⚡ (TL;DR)
The InMotion Climber is the overall winner here: it simply offers more performance, better weather protection, stronger hill-climbing and sharper value, all in a still-manageable package. It feels like a modern, well-engineered tool built for serious daily commuting rather than a warmed-over classic resting on its reputation.
The ZERO 9 still makes sense if your streets are truly awful and you prioritise cushy suspension over everything else, or if you're deeply allergic to the idea of a rigid frame. It's friendlier to the knees, but you pay for that comfort in price, tech, and outright performance.
If you want maximum torque, better safety margins in the wet, and more scooter for your euro, go Climber. If you want a softer ride on bad tarmac and don't mind paying extra for an older design, the ZERO 9 can still be a charming choice.
Stick around for the deep dive-this match-up is closer in a few areas than the headlines suggest, and the right choice really depends on how and where you ride.
Choosing between the ZERO 9 and the InMotion Climber is a bit like choosing between a well-loved old sport hatchback and a new, slightly under-the-radar EV: one has history and a fanbase, the other quietly outperforms it in most of the boring, important stuff.
I've put serious kilometres on both of these scooters-city commutes, miserable rainy days, cobblestone torture tests and a few "this hill really did look flatter on Google Maps" moments. On paper they both sit in that mid-range, serious-commuter bracket. On the road, though, they deliver very different experiences and make very different compromises.
The ZERO 9 markets itself as the classic "Goldilocks" all-rounder, while the Climber rolls in with dual motors and a price tag that makes you double-check if the spec sheet is actually a typo. Let's unpack where each one shines, where each one annoys, and which one you should realistically put your money on.
Who Are These For, and Why Compare Them?
Both scooters target riders who've outgrown rental toys and entry-level commuters, but don't want a 35 kg monster living in their hallway. Think daily trips of roughly 10-25 km, with real traffic, real hills and real-time pressure to get places on schedule.
The ZERO 9 positions itself as a high-performance single-motor commuter with proper suspension and enough punch to keep up with city flow. It's the "step-up" scooter for people coming from Xiaomi/Ninebot territory who have discovered what a steep hill actually feels like on 350 W.
The InMotion Climber goes after a slightly different pain point: "I live on a hill and I'm tired of my scooter dying on it." Dual motors in a relatively light chassis, sensible top speed, strong water resistance and a price that undercuts many slower single-motor rivals-it's designed as the hill-flattening, year-round workhorse.
They end up competing because:
- Both live in the mid-range commuter price and weight class.
- Both offer "serious" performance without going full hyperscooter.
- Both claim to be capable daily drivers for real city use, not just toys.
Design & Build Quality
In the hand, the design philosophies could hardly be more different.
The ZERO 9 has that classic "old-school performance scooter" vibe: industrial frame, exposed bolts, visible hardware everywhere. It feels solid enough, but also a bit like something that expects you to own a basic tool kit and know what Loctite is. The folding handlebars and stem latch are practical, but over time they can develop play if you're not religious about maintenance. It's a bit like a nice old mechanical watch-great, as long as you're willing to tinker.
The Climber, by contrast, feels like a more modern product. Clean lines, minimal visual clutter, fewer "DIY" touch points on display. The aviation-grade aluminium frame feels tight and rattle-free, and the stem lock clicks into place with reassuring finality. There's effectively no stem wobble, even after a lot of abuse, which is more than I can say for many scooters wearing the "performance commuter" badge.
Then there are the details. ZERO goes heavy on swag lighting and visible cables; it's functional, but dated. InMotion goes the opposite way: stealthy matte black, subtle orange accents, split-rim wheels that scream "someone here thought about tyre changes before shipping this thing." The Climber looks and feels like a purpose-built commuter, not a modded hobby project.
If you love mechanical, visible, adjustable everything, the ZERO 9 scratches that itch. If you prefer something that feels engineered to work out of the box and keep working with minimal fuss, the Climber has the edge.
Ride Comfort & Handling
This is the one big area where the ZERO 9 can still pull rank-and where your local road quality might decide the winner for you.
The ZERO 9's dual suspension (front spring, rear air shocks) plus smaller pneumatic tyres gives a genuinely plush ride for its size. On broken asphalt, patched tarmac, cracked bike lanes and the usual European "historic charm" cobblestones, it noticeably takes the sting out. After a few kilometres of rough stuff, your knees and wrists are still on speaking terms. You do get some bobbing and a bit of pogo effect if you ride aggressively, but overall it's a very forgiving platform.
The Climber, in contrast, is brutally honest. No suspension at all; just reasonably large 10-inch pneumatic tyres between you and the road. On fresh asphalt, it's brilliant-direct, planted, and confidence-inspiring. The handling is predictable, turn-in is crisp, and the low centre of gravity makes lane changes and evasive moves feel natural rather than dramatic.
Handling-wise, I prefer the Climber. The extra tyre size, rigid frame and dual motors give it a composed, confident feel at speed. But if your daily route is basically an obstacle course of bad road repairs and tram tracks, the ZERO 9's suspension is the one your joints will thank you for.
Performance
Here's where the Climber earns its name and its keep.
The ZERO 9's single rear motor has decent shove. Off the line it's lively, you can dispatch rental scooters and lazy cyclists without trying, and once you unlock it for private use it will reach speeds that feel distinctly "are we sure this is a good idea on 8,5-inch wheels?" It pulls well on typical city inclines and feels adequately muscular for most lighter to mid-weight riders.
The Climber, though, plays in a different league for this weight class. Dual hub motors deliver that unmistakable all-wheel tug when you hit the throttle. Getting up to urban speed limits happens very quickly-quick enough that you'll catch yourself grinning the first few times and then learn some throttle discipline in Sport mode. It's not hyperscooter violent, but for something you can still plausibly carry up stairs, it is impressively eager.
On hills, the difference becomes comical. The ZERO 9 will climb what most cities throw at it, but you feel it working. Speeds drop, you nurse the throttle, and on long or steep climbs you start watching the battery gauge a bit nervously. The Climber, on the other hand, just... goes. Steep residential streets that make normal commuters wheeze are taken at very usable speeds, and it maintains momentum in a way that feels frankly unfair compared to similarly priced single-motor scooters.
Braking mirrors this split: ZERO 9 uses a front disc and rear drum, giving respectable stopping power when well-adjusted. Modulation is decent, but you do need to keep that system tuned. The Climber's combination of strong regenerative braking and rear disc feels more modern and more confidence-inspiring. You pull the lever, the motors dig in to slow you before the mechanical brake finishes the job, and the whole process feels smooth and predictable rather than grabby.
For flat-city riders who rarely see serious gradients, the ZERO 9's performance will feel fine. For anyone in a hilly city-or a heavier rider-the Climber is hands-down the more capable and less stressful choice.
Battery & Range
Both scooters land in that "commute all week if you're gentle, or commute hard a day or two then recharge" territory-but they go about it differently.
The ZERO 9 carries a slightly larger battery pack, and on paper promises very optimistic distances. In real life, ridden like a normal human who doesn't stay in Eco mode and actually uses its performance, you're typically looking at something comfortably in the mid-tens of kilometres before you start counting bars. Enough for most daily commutes with a margin, but if you're heavy on the throttle you'll see the gauge drop quicker than the marketing brochure suggests.
The Climber, with a slightly smaller pack, compensates with surprisingly decent efficiency when you're not riding flat-out in dual-motor Sport all the time. In mixed use, it lands in a very similar real-world range band to the ZERO 9. The twist is that the Climber is more likely to be hammered up hills and launched from lights, which does eat into range faster. If you treat it as the hill-eating torque machine it is, expect to charge a bit more often.
Charging is another small but real difference. The ZERO 9 fills up in a reasonable overnight window; the Climber takes a chunk longer due to its conservative charger. If you're the sort who regularly forgets to plug in and then needs a meaningful top-up in an hour before heading out, the ZERO 9 is slightly more forgiving. If you're a set-and-forget overnight charger, both are perfectly serviceable; you just don't buy the Climber for its charging speed.
Range anxiety on both? Manageable, as long as your daily loop isn't extreme. The bigger distinction isn't "how far" but "how consistently at speed, especially uphill"-and that needle clearly swings towards the Climber.
Portability & Practicality
Neither of these is a featherweight, but both sit in that "just about carryable if you're reasonably fit" zone.
The ZERO 9 is the lighter of the two, and you do feel that when dead-lifting it up stairs or heaving it into a car boot. Its folding handlebars make it quite narrow when packed down, which is handy on crowded trains or tight storage spaces. The catch is that the folded package, while compact, isn't especially easy to roll in "trolley mode"; you mostly end up carrying it rather than wheeling it beside you.
The Climber weighs a couple of kilos more but earns those kilos in dual motors and a stiffer chassis. The folding mechanism is quick and confidence-inspiring, and once latched to the rear fender it's an easy grab-and-go unit. It doesn't have folding handlebars, so it takes up a bit more width, but in real life it still slides into most lifts, hallways and car boots without drama.
Where the Climber really pulls ahead on practicality is weather resistance. It's built to tolerate real-world commuting: puddles, wet roads, and the inevitable "I really did check the forecast, honestly" surprise shower. With the ZERO 9, despite fancy IP claims, the community reality is clear: treat heavy rain as something to avoid, not something the scooter shrugs off. Electronics and water don't always get along perfectly in that chassis.
If your day involves a few stairs and dry weather, the ZERO 9's slightly lower mass and folding cockpit are pleasant. If your day involves uncertain weather and you want fewer "is this going to fry my controller?" thoughts, the Climber is the more grown-up choice.
Safety
Safety isn't just brakes and lights; it's how the whole package behaves when things get messy.
The ZERO 9 wins on sheer visibility from the side. The stem and under-deck lighting make you look like a small landing strip at night. Cars notice. The flip side is that the main headlights sit low and don't project especially far ahead; they're better at making you seen than showing you where that next pothole is. For serious night riding, you really want a proper bar- or helmet-mounted light.
On grip, the ZERO 9's smaller pneumatic tyres do well on dry tarmac, and the suspension helps keep them planted over bumps. In the wet, though, you're on small wheels, a torquey rear motor and a chassis that was never truly designed to party in the rain. Add in community-reported water ingress issues, and it's not a scooter I'd pick as a deliberate wet-weather commuter.
The Climber takes a more conservative but, frankly, safer approach. Larger tyres, a lower-slung battery in the deck, and a rigid frame mean stability at speed is excellent for this class. The high-mounted headlight is much better for actually seeing the road ahead, even if keen night riders will still want something brighter. Braking, as mentioned, is strong and progressive, and the regen means the scooter starts slowing the moment you ask it to.
The big win, though, is waterproofing. Proper ingress protection on both body and battery massively reduces your risk of unexpected cut-outs in the wet. You still need to ride sanely on slippery surfaces, but the Climber is clearly engineered with bad weather in mind, while the ZERO 9 feels more like a fair-weather friend that just about tolerates drizzle.
Community Feedback
| ZERO 9 | InMotion Climber |
|---|---|
What riders love
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What riders love
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What riders complain about
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What riders complain about
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Price & Value
Here's where the Climber quietly pulls the rug.
The ZERO 9 sits noticeably higher in price, positioning itself as a premium single-motor mid-ranger. When it first appeared, that made sense: it really did define the category for a while. Today, though, the market has moved. For the money, you're getting an older design, some known quirks, and performance that, while decent, is no longer exceptional.
The Climber, meanwhile, offers dual motors, serious water protection, great hill performance and modern engineering for significantly less. In the current market, it punches far above its price bracket. To get equivalent dual-motor capability elsewhere, you generally need to spend quite a lot more-and often end up with a heavier, less portable scooter in the process.
If your priority is cushy suspension and you're happy to pay a premium for a softer ride, the ZERO 9 still has a value case. But if you look at euros per capability-torque, hills, robustness, year-round usability-the Climber is simply the more rational purchase.
Service & Parts Availability
ZERO as a brand has been around the block, and the ZERO 9 has a huge installed base. That means:
- Lots of third-party parts and compatible components.
- Plenty of guides, videos and forum posts on every conceivable tweak and fix.
- Generic consumables (tyres, tubes, brake pads) are easy to source.
InMotion, coming from the EUC world, has a different flavour. They tend to own more of the design and supply chain themselves, which translates into:
- Better integrated app and electronics ecosystem.
- More consistent spare-part support via official channels, especially in Europe.
- Dealers who are used to servicing relatively complex electric devices.
If you're a DIY tinkerer who enjoys modding and doesn't mind hunting parts, the ZERO 9's openness is appealing. If you'd rather just have a well-engineered platform with predictable parts support and less tweaking, the Climber is the calmer ownership proposition.
Pros & Cons Summary
| ZERO 9 | InMotion Climber |
|---|---|
Pros
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Pros
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Cons
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Cons
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Parameters Comparison
| Parameter | ZERO 9 | InMotion Climber |
|---|---|---|
| Motor power (rated) | 600 W (single rear) | 900 W (2 x 450 W) |
| Motor power (peak) | 1.200 W | 1.500 W |
| Top speed (unlocked, approx.) | ~47 km/h | ~35-38 km/h |
| Claimed range | ~45 km | ~56 km |
| Real-world range (typical) | ~30-35 km | ~30-40 km |
| Battery | 48 V / 624 Wh | 54 V / 533 Wh |
| Charging time | ~6 h | ~9 h |
| Weight | 18 kg | 20,8 kg |
| Brakes | Front disc + rear drum | Front electronic (regen) + rear disc |
| Suspension | Front spring + rear twin air shocks | None (rigid frame) |
| Tyres | 8,5" pneumatic | 10" pneumatic (inner tube) |
| Max load | 120 kg | 140 kg |
| Water resistance rating | Unofficial / mixed IP claims | IP56 body / IP67 battery |
| Approx. price | 908 € | 641 € |
Final Verdict - Which Should You Choose?
If I strip away nostalgia and look at what you're actually getting for your money in 2025, the InMotion Climber is the more compelling scooter for most riders. It delivers better torque, better hill performance, far better weather resilience and a more modern, tightly engineered feel-while costing noticeably less. As a daily tool you rely on, it's simply the more convincing package.
The ZERO 9 still has a place, but it's much more niche now. If your priority is comfort over rough roads and you live somewhere that's mostly dry, its suspension makes daily riding kinder to your body, and its performance is still fun enough. You just have to be willing to live with more maintenance, weaker water resistance in practice, and a price that doesn't quite match the now-ageing design underneath.
Boil it down like this:
- Pick the InMotion Climber if you want modern engineering, strong uphill performance, real-world weather capability and maximum value per euro. It's the one I'd buy for a serious, everyday commute.
- Pick the ZERO 9 if your roads are dreadful, you absolutely want suspension over everything else, and you're comfortable paying extra for a softer, slightly old-school ride with a bit more hands-on ownership.
Numbers Freaks Corner
| Metric | ZERO 9 | InMotion Climber |
|---|---|---|
| Price per Wh (€/Wh) | ❌ 1,46 €/Wh | ✅ 1,20 €/Wh |
| Price per km/h of top speed (€/km/h) | ❌ 19,32 €/km/h | ✅ 16,87 €/km/h |
| Weight per Wh (g/Wh) | ✅ 28,85 g/Wh | ❌ 39,02 g/Wh |
| Weight per km/h (kg/km/h) | ✅ 0,38 kg/km/h | ❌ 0,55 kg/km/h |
| Price per km of real-world range (€/km) | ❌ 27,94 €/km | ✅ 18,31 €/km |
| Weight per km of real-world range (kg/km) | ✅ 0,55 kg/km | ❌ 0,59 kg/km |
| Wh per km efficiency (Wh/km) | ❌ 19,20 Wh/km | ✅ 15,23 Wh/km |
| Power to max speed ratio (W/km/h) | ❌ 25,53 W/km/h | ✅ 39,47 W/km/h |
| Weight to power ratio (kg/W) | ❌ 0,0300 kg/W | ✅ 0,0231 kg/W |
| Average charging speed (W) | ✅ 104,00 W | ❌ 59,22 W |
These metrics put cold numbers on things you feel when riding: cost efficiency (price per Wh, per km, per km/h), energy efficiency (Wh per km), how much performance you get for the weight you're lugging around, and how quickly you can refill the battery. Lower "per something" numbers are generally better, while higher power-per-speed and higher charging power mean stronger performance and faster turnarounds.
Author's Category Battle
| Category | ZERO 9 | InMotion Climber |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | ✅ Noticeably lighter to carry | ❌ Heavier dual-motor package |
| Range | ❌ Similar but pricier package | ✅ Comparable range, cheaper |
| Max Speed | ✅ Higher unlocked top speed | ❌ Slower but sufficient |
| Power | ❌ Single motor, less shove | ✅ Dual motors, much stronger |
| Battery Size | ✅ Slightly larger capacity | ❌ Smaller, but efficient |
| Suspension | ✅ Proper front and rear | ❌ None, rigid frame |
| Design | ❌ Older, industrial look | ✅ Modern, clean aesthetic |
| Safety | ❌ Weaker wet performance | ✅ Better brakes, wet manners |
| Practicality | ❌ Fair-weather, more faff | ✅ All-weather, app, easy life |
| Comfort | ✅ Much softer over rough | ❌ Harsh on bad surfaces |
| Features | ❌ Basic electronics, no app | ✅ App, regen, smart extras |
| Serviceability | ✅ Standard parts, lots guides | ❌ More proprietary layout |
| Customer Support | ❌ Very distributor-dependent | ✅ Generally stronger network |
| Fun Factor | ❌ Fun, but dated feel | ✅ Zippy, surprising torque |
| Build Quality | ❌ Wobble, rattles over time | ✅ Tight, rattle-free chassis |
| Component Quality | ❌ Fine, but unremarkable | ✅ Feels better specced |
| Brand Name | ✅ Established scooter veteran | ✅ Strong tech, EUC heritage |
| Community | ✅ Huge, mature knowledge base | ❌ Smaller, but growing |
| Lights (visibility) | ✅ Side swag lights great | ❌ Less flashy, still fine |
| Lights (illumination) | ❌ Low, weak beam | ✅ Higher, more usable |
| Acceleration | ❌ Good, but single-motor | ✅ Dual-motor punchy launch |
| Arrive with smile factor | ❌ Fun, but less wow | ✅ Torque giggles every day |
| Arrive relaxed factor | ✅ Suspension saves your joints | ❌ Rigid, more body effort |
| Charging speed | ✅ Quicker full recharge | ❌ Noticeably slower charge |
| Reliability | ❌ More quirks, water worries | ✅ Better sealing, solid frame |
| Folded practicality | ✅ Narrow with folding bars | ❌ Wider, fixed cockpit |
| Ease of transport | ✅ Lighter, easier short carries | ❌ Heavier on stairs |
| Handling | ❌ Soft, small-wheel feel | ✅ Stable, larger tyres |
| Braking performance | ❌ Good, but old-school | ✅ Regen plus disc combo |
| Riding position | ✅ Comfortable, adjustable options | ❌ Fixed bar less adaptable |
| Handlebar quality | ❌ Folding introduces flex | ✅ Solid, non-folding bar |
| Throttle response | ❌ Trigger fatigue, less refined | ✅ Tuned, adjustable via app |
| Dashboard / Display | ❌ Basic, glare-prone | ✅ Integrated with app data |
| Security (locking) | ❌ No electronic lock | ✅ Motor lock via app |
| Weather protection | ❌ Marginal in real rain | ✅ Designed for wet use |
| Resale value | ❌ Ageing, heavy competition | ✅ Modern, high-demand spec |
| Tuning potential | ✅ Lots of mods, community | ❌ More closed ecosystem |
| Ease of maintenance | ✅ Simple, generic parts | ✅ Split rims, good access |
| Value for Money | ❌ Too pricey now | ✅ Excellent performance per € |
Overall Winner Declaration
In the Numbers Freaks Corner, the ZERO 9 scores 4 points against the INMOTION CLIMBER's 6. In the Author's Category Battle, the ZERO 9 gets 16 ✅ versus 25 ✅ for INMOTION CLIMBER.
Totals: ZERO 9 scores 20, INMOTION CLIMBER scores 31.
Based on the scoring, the INMOTION CLIMBER is our overall winner. For me, the InMotion Climber just feels like the more complete, modern answer to what a daily commuter scooter should be: powerful, stable, unfazed by weather and priced sensibly enough that it doesn't feel like a gamble. Every ride reminds you that you're getting serious capability without the usual dual-motor penalties. The ZERO 9 is still easy to like, especially if you value comfort and don't mind a bit of mechanical babysitting, but it feels more like a fondly remembered classic than the benchmark it once was. If I had to live with one of these every day, in real traffic and real weather, I'd reach for the Climber's handlebars without hesitation.
That's our verdict when we try to stay objective – but hey, riding is mostly about emotions anyway, so pick the one that will make you look forward to your commute every single day.