RE90

About

If the electric scooter world were a high-stakes poker game, Rion Motors has just walked in, slammed a suitcase of cash on the table, and declared "all in" with a straight flush. The Rion RE90 is not just another electric scooter; it is widely considered the "Bugatti" of the personal electric vehicle industry. Designed, manufactured, and hand-assembled in Los Angeles, California, this machine represents a complete departure from the mass-produced commuters we see cluttering city sidewalks. It is a hyper-scooter in the truest sense of the word, built with a singular, obsessive focus: speed.

The philosophy behind the Rion RE90 is closer to Formula 1 racing than it is to urban mobility. While other manufacturers are trying to add bells and whistles like turn signals, horns, and RGB lighting, Rion has stripped everything away in the name of weight reduction and aerodynamics. The chassis is crafted almost entirely from carbon fiber, a material chosen for its incredible strength-to-weight ratio. This isn't a scooter designed to help you get groceries; it is a precision instrument built to shatter records and induce a level of adrenaline that few other vehicles on two wheels can match.

What makes the RE90 truly special is its exclusivity and its uncompromising nature. It positions itself at the very top of the food chain, catering to a niche group of enthusiasts who demand the absolute best and are willing to pay a premium for it. It is a machine that commands respect. When you stand on the deck of an RE90, you aren't just riding a scooter; you are piloting a piece of engineering art that pushes the boundaries of what electric motors and battery technology can achieve in a compact form factor. It is a statement piece, a technological marvel, and quite frankly, a terrifyingly beautiful beast.

Safety

When we talk about safety on a scooter capable of hitting speeds in excess of 100 km/h, the conversation shifts from "does it have a bell?" to "will it keep me alive?" The Rion RE90 approaches safety through mechanical grip and high-end components rather than electronic nannies. The most critical safety feature on this beast is the braking system. Rion has equipped the RE90 with Magura MT7 hydraulic disc brakes. For those in the mountain biking world, these are legendary. They feature 4-piston calipers that clamp down on the rotors with immense force, providing the kind of stopping power you absolutely need when you are moving at highway speeds. The modulation is exquisite, allowing you to scrub off speed with a single finger, but make no mistake: you need to know how to use them to avoid going over the handlebars.

Stability is another massive factor in the safety equation of the RE90. Most scooters become wobbly and terrifying above 50 km/h due to poor geometry and loose stems. The Rion, however, is built with a rigid, race-inspired geometry. The carbon fiber stem and chassis are incredibly stiff, eliminating the "stem wobble" that plagues lesser scooters. Furthermore, the scooter is glued to the road by PMT slick racing tires. These Italian-made tires are the gold standard for grip. Unlike hard, plastic-feeling off-road tires found on other high-power scooters, the PMT slicks heat up and become tacky, providing motorcycle-levels of traction on asphalt. This mechanical grip is your primary safety net when cornering at speed.

However, it is important to be transparent about what the RE90 lacks in terms of traditional safety features. You generally won't find headlights, taillights, or turn signals on the stock racing setup, as Rion assumes you will be riding this during the day on a track or closed course. There is no electronic ABS and no regenerative braking-the scooter free-wheels when you let off the throttle. This means the rider is 100% responsible for control. The lack of water resistance is also a safety factor; this machine is dangerous on wet pavement due to the slick tires and high torque. Safety on an RE90 comes down to the rider's skill, the maintenance of the Magura brakes, and the immense grip of the chassis, rather than electronic safeguards.

Performance

Describing the performance of the Rion RE90 requires a whole new vocabulary because words like "fast" or "zippy" simply don't cut it. We are talking about a machine that delivers an experience closer to teleportation than transportation. With dual brushless motors capable of peaking at a mind-bending 100 000 W (though often rated continuously around 12 000 W depending on the controller setup), the torque is instantaneous and violent. When you pull the specialized "Curve" throttle, you aren't just accelerating; you are being launched. The acceleration pulls your arms straight and forces you to lean your entire body weight forward just to keep the front wheel on the ground.

The top speed is the headline figure here, and for good reason. The RE90 is capable of reaching 128 km/h. To put that in perspective, you are standing on a board, inches from the ground, moving faster than traffic on the Autobahn. In the real world, this speed feels absolutely visceral. The wind noise is deafening, the world blurs into a tunnel of color, and your focus narrows to a singular point on the horizon. Unlike other scooters that struggle and wheeze to hit 70 km/h, the Rion keeps pulling and pulling. It feels like it has endless reserves of power, and it remains shockingly stable while doing so, thanks to its low center of gravity and aerodynamic profile.

Hill climbing is, quite literally, a non-issue. The RE90 does not see hills; it sees flat ground that happens to be tilted. You can accelerate up the steepest urban inclines faster than most cars. The dual controllers, often running massive amperage (up to 400 amps per phase), ensure that the motors never starve for power. The sensation of carving up a mountain road on an RE90 is euphoric. The lack of regenerative braking means the scooter coasts freely when you let off the gas, maintaining its momentum beautifully, which adds to the fluid, race-like feeling of the ride. It is pure, unadulterated kinetic energy.

Design

The design of the Rion RE90 is a masterclass in functional minimalism and material science. It looks like something that fell off a stealth bomber. The aggressive angles, the matte or glossy black finish of the carbon fiber, and the exposed mechanical components give it a raw, industrial, yet futuristic aesthetic. Every curve and edge serves a purpose. The chassis, stem, and handlebar are crafted entirely from carbon fiber, which is not just for looks-it is the secret sauce that keeps the weight down to a staggering 27.2 kg. For a scooter with this much power, that weight is incredibly low, giving it a power-to-weight ratio that rivals supercars.

The build quality exudes premium craftsmanship. You won't find cheap plastic fairings or rattly fenders here. The front and rear arms are precision-machined aluminum, often anodized in custom colors to match the rider's preference. The deck is wide and long, often customized with the owner's name or specific logos, providing ample room for a racing stance. The folding mechanism is robust, designed to lock the stem rigidly in place without any play, though the folded footprint is still quite long due to the racing geometry. It doesn't fold into a compact square like a commuter scooter; it folds into a lower, longer profile, more like collapsing a piece of artillery.

Owners often rave about the "jewelry-like" quality of the components. The wiring is often routed with care (though some early teardowns sparked debates about internal layouts, the external presentation is flawless). The use of high-end cycling components, like the carbon handlebars and Magura brakes, reinforces the feeling that you have purchased a high-performance vehicle, not a toy. The lack of a traditional display screen on some configurations-relying instead on a smartphone app or a simple voltage meter-further emphasizes the "cockpit" feel where the only thing that matters is the road ahead.

Comfort

Comfort on the Rion RE90 is a polarizing topic because it redefines what "comfort" means in the context of a hyper-scooter. If you are looking for a plush, cloud-like ride that absorbs every pothole and crack in the sidewalk, this is not the scooter for you. The RE90 is a "hardtail" by design. It lacks traditional spring or hydraulic suspension arms. Instead, Rion relies on the natural flex properties of the carbon fiber chassis and the pneumatic cushioning of the high-volume PMT tires to dampen vibrations. This is a deliberate choice to maximize stability and road feedback at high speeds.

The result is a ride that is incredibly "connected." You feel the texture of the asphalt through your feet. On smooth tarmac, this is sublime; the scooter feels like it's gliding on a rail of air. The lack of suspension eliminates the "bounciness" or "dive" under braking that can unsettle a rider at 100 km/h. However, on rough city streets, cobblestones, or pothole-ridden avenues, the ride can be harsh and unforgiving. Your legs become the suspension. Experienced riders actually prefer this rigidity for high-speed runs because it provides predictable handling-there is no suspension rebound to surprise you mid-corner.

The standing position helps mitigate the stiffness. The deck is spacious, allowing you to spread your feet wide for stability. The carbon fiber deck has a slight, engineered flex that acts as a micro-suspension, taking the edge off high-frequency vibrations (road buzz). While you wouldn't want to take the RE90 on an off-road trail or a crumbling Roman road, for its intended purpose-high-speed asphalt riding-the "comfort" comes from the confidence and stability the rigid frame provides. It is a sport-tuned ride, stiff and responsive, much like a track car.

Range

Range anxiety is a real thing for electric vehicle owners, but the Rion RE90 tackles this with a massive battery pack relative to its weight. The scooter is typically equipped with a high-voltage system (often 80V to 96V nominal) using premium 21700 cells, such as the Molicel P42A, known for their high discharge capabilities. The stated range varies significantly based on how you ride. Rion claims around 96 km (or roughly 60 miles) under optimal conditions. In "Eco" mode, cruising at a pedestrian 25 km/h, you could theoretically achieve this, but nobody buys a Rion to ride at 25 km/h.

In the real world, where riders are tapping into that addictive acceleration and sustaining speeds of 50-80 km/h, the range is naturally lower. Community feedback suggests a realistic aggressive riding range of 40 to 60 km. This is still impressive given the power output. The high voltage ensures that the scooter maintains its top speed and torque deep into the discharge cycle, meaning you don't feel a massive power drop-off when the battery hits 50%, which is a common issue with lower-voltage scooters.

Charging the beast requires patience and the right equipment. The RE90 usually ships with a high-amperage smart charger (often 10A), which can top up the substantial 2 898 Wh (approximate) battery in about 4.5 hours. This is incredibly fast for a battery of this size. The external Battery Management System (BMS) on some models is a unique feature, designed to keep the sensitive electronics away from the heat of the battery pack and allow for easier servicing. While it won't cross a continent on a single charge, it has more than enough juice for a long, adrenaline-fueled Sunday morning ride or a high-speed commute across the city.

Use and Practicality

Let's be honest: the Rion RE90 scores low on traditional practicality metrics, but that is by design. It is not a practical "last mile" solution for hopping on a bus or train. While it is incredibly light for its class at roughly 27 kg, its shape is long and cumbersome. Carrying it up a flight of narrow stairs is possible thanks to the carbon fiber weight savings, but maneuvering it through a revolving door or storing it under a coffee shop table is out of the question. It takes up space, and it demands attention.

As a daily commuter, it presents challenges. The lack of water resistance (IP rating is essentially non-existent) means that if it rains, you are grounded. Riding slick racing tires on wet pavement is a recipe for disaster, and the open motors and air intakes are designed for cooling, not for repelling water. Furthermore, the lack of integrated lights means you need to strap on aftermarket bicycle lights if you plan to ride past sunset. There is no kickstand on many race-spec setups (though some owners add them), meaning you have to lean your 7 000 € carbon fiber artwork against a wall.

However, for the specific use case of "weekend thrill machine" or "dry weather inter-city interceptor," it is unmatched. It fits in the trunk of a car with the rear seats down, making it easy to transport to a track or a nice stretch of road. Its practicality lies in its simplicity-there are fewer parts to break. No suspension pivots to squeak, no complex folding latches to fail. It is a pure riding machine. If your commute involves long stretches of dry, open bike lanes or roads, it turns a 40-minute bore into a 15-minute blast. Just don't expect it to be a grocery getter.

General Assessment

The Rion RE90 occupies a legendary status in the electric scooter community. It is widely regarded as the pinnacle of performance engineering, a machine that set the benchmark for what a "hyperscooter" could be. The general consensus among owners and reviewers is one of awe mixed with a healthy dose of respect (and fear). It is often described as the most exhilarating thing you can do with your clothes on. The combination of the featherlight carbon chassis and the monstrous power creates a riding dynamic that heavy, steel-framed competitors simply cannot replicate.

However, the ownership experience is not without its quirks. Rion is a boutique manufacturer, and waiting times for these hand-built machines can be long-sometimes stretching into many months or over a year. Communication varies, and parts availability can be a challenge compared to mass-market brands like Dualtron or Segway. There have also been community discussions regarding the internal finish of the battery packs and wiring in earlier models, contrasting with the flawless exterior. Despite this, the brand loyalty is fierce.

Ultimately, the RE90 delivers on its promise: speed. It doesn't try to be a jack-of-all-trades. It doesn't care about your comfort, your wet weather needs, or your budget. It cares about getting from point A to point B as fast as physics allows. For the riders who own them, the flaws are easily forgiven the moment they pull the throttle and the rest of the world disappears in the rearview mirror. It is an imperfect, expensive, dangerous, and absolutely magnificent masterpiece.

Who Is This Scooter For?

The Rion RE90 is for a very specific type of rider. It is for the adrenaline junkie who has graduated from standard 60 km/h scooters and is looking for the ultimate thrill. It is for the automotive enthusiast who understands the value of carbon fiber and power-to-weight ratios. If you drive a Porsche GT3 or ride a Ducati, you will understand the RE90 immediately. It is for the rider who has disposable income and wants the "Rolex" or "Ferrari" of the scooter world-a status symbol that backs up its looks with terrifying performance.

This scooter is NOT for beginners. If this is your first electric scooter, do not buy it; you will likely hurt yourself. It requires a mature rider who understands throttle control, body positioning, and the physics of braking at high speeds. It is also not for the all-weather commuter. If you need a reliable vehicle to get to work rain or shine, look elsewhere. This is a fair-weather friend, a weekend warrior's weapon, and a track-day toy.

It is also for the DIY tinkerer to some extent. While the machine is robust, owning a boutique exotic vehicle often requires a level of mechanical sympathy and the ability to maintain high-end components like hydraulic brakes and slick tires. If you are the type of person who wants to plug in and forget, the maintenance schedule of a racing machine might annoy you. But for those who love the machine as much as the ride, the RE90 is the holy grail.

Community Feedback - Pros

• Insane Acceleration: Users consistently describe the torque as "mind-blowing" and "relentless," pulling hard all the way to top speed.
• Featherlight Weight: At around 27 kg, it is drastically lighter than competitors with similar power (which often weigh 50-60 kg).
• Handling and Stability: The stiff carbon chassis and PMT tires provide a planted, confident feel at triple-digit speeds.
• Braking Power: The Magura MT7 hydraulics are universally praised for their stopping ability and modulation.
• Aesthetics: The carbon fiber weave and aggressive lines make it a head-turner; owners love the way it looks.
• Premium Components: Riders appreciate the use of brand-name parts (Magura, PMT, Molicel) rather than generic alternatives.
• Silent Operation: Despite the power, the motors are surprisingly quiet, adding to the "stealth" vibe.
• Customizability: The ability to choose arm colors and deck height allows for a personalized fit.
• Hill Climbing: Owners report that it accelerates up steep hills as if they weren't there.
• Resale Value: Due to rarity and desirability, used Rion scooters tend to hold their value well within the enthusiast market.

The most frequently praised aspect of the RE90 is undoubtedly the power-to-weight ratio. In a market where high performance usually equals heavy, cumbersome lead-sleds, the Rion stands alone. Riders love that they can have a machine capable of 120+ km/h that doesn't require a ramp to load into a car. The feeling of the scooter disappearing beneath you because it's so light, leaving just the sensation of speed, is something owners claim you cannot find on any other brand.

Community Feedback - Cons

• No Water Resistance: The biggest complaint is that it cannot be ridden in the rain or through puddles without risking damage.
• Ride Comfort: The lack of suspension means you feel every bump; it is exhausting to ride on poor quality roads.
• Wait Times: Customers have reported waiting months or even over a year to receive their custom-built units.
• Price: It is undeniably expensive, pricing out the vast majority of riders.
• Lack of Features: No lights, no horn, no turn signals, and often no kickstand out of the box frustrates some users.
• Tire Wear: The soft compound PMT racing slicks wear out faster than standard hard scooter tires.
• Maintenance: Sourcing proprietary parts can be difficult, and you often need to deal directly with the manufacturer.
• Throttle Sensitivity: The immense power can be jerky at low speeds, making it hard to ride slowly in pedestrian areas.
• Internal Build Aesthetics: Some teardown videos have criticized the internal wiring management as looking "messy" compared to the pristine exterior.

The most significant deal-breaker for the community is the lack of versatility regarding weather and road conditions. Many users express frustration that such an expensive machine is essentially a "toy" because it can't handle a sudden rain shower. The "hardtail" ride is also a frequent point of contention; while purists love the stability, many riders admit that for long rides on average city streets, the vibration and impact fatigue can be significant. It demands a smooth road to truly shine.

Value for Money

At a price point hovering around 7 706 €, the Rion RE90 is an investment comparable to a decent used car or a brand-new high-end motorcycle. Is it "worth" it? If you look at it purely from a utility standpoint-getting from A to B-the answer is a resounding no. You can buy a reliable electric scooter for 1/7th of the price that will get you to work just fine. However, value is subjective. If you are buying a Rion, you aren't paying for utility; you are paying for exclusivity, engineering, and performance dominance.

When you compare it to its direct competitors in the "hyperscooter" category, such as the Weped SST or the Dualtron X Limited, the Rion offers something unique: lightweight performance. The competitors often weigh twice as much. For the rider who values handling and the ability to lift their scooter, the Rion offers value that the heavyweights cannot match. You are paying for the carbon fiber fabrication, which is a labor-intensive and expensive process.

Ultimately, the Rion RE90 is a luxury good. It is the "Rolex" of the scooter world. It holds its value well, it turns heads, and it offers an experience that is hard to quantify in dollars and cents. If you have the budget and the desire for the absolute fastest, lightest machine on the market, the price is justified by the sheer grin-inducing performance. It is overpriced for a scooter, but fairly priced for a record-breaking racing vehicle.

About the Brand

Rion Motors is a boutique manufacturer based in Los Angeles, California. They have carved out a unique space in the electric micromobility world by refusing to compromise. While other brands churn out thousands of units from factories in China, Rion positions itself as a bespoke builder. Their approach is closer to a custom motorcycle shop or a hypercar manufacturer. They focus on R&D, using exotic materials like carbon fiber and aerospace-grade aluminum to push the envelope of what is possible.

The brand has a cult-like following, but it also faces the challenges typical of small-batch manufacturers. Their reputation is built on performance, but they have faced criticism regarding production delays and communication. However, they are also known for being active in the community and standing behind their product when it counts. Rion doesn't try to appeal to everyone; they are unapologetically focused on the high-end enthusiast market.

Their "Thrust" and "Apex" models have followed the RE90, continuing the lineage of speed. Owning a Rion is like joining an exclusive club. You aren't just a customer; you are a pilot. The brand mystique is a huge part of the appeal, representing an American-made challenge to the dominance of Asian manufacturing in the e-scooter space.

Specifications

• Weight: 27.2 kg
• Max Speed: 128 km/h (capped at lower speeds in some regions/modes)
• Range: 30 km (Turbo) / 96 km (Eco/Theoretical)
• Motor Power (Peak): 100 000 W (Theoretical Peak) / 12 000 W (Rated)
• Battery Capacity: 2 898 Wh (approximate)
• Battery Voltage: 96.6 V (varies by specific configuration)
• Charging Time: 4.5 hours
• Brakes: Hydraulic Magura MT7 (4-piston) front and rear
• Tires: PMT Slick Racing (90/65-6.5 Front, 105/50-6.5 Rear)
• Suspension: None (Rigid Carbon/Aluminum Frame)
• Max Load: 110 kg
• Price: ~7 706 €

Known Alternatives

The Rion RE90 is in a league of its own, but not everyone wants to spend nearly 8 000 € or wait months for delivery. Furthermore, not everyone wants a rigid racing scooter. There are other options on the market, though they cater to very different needs. For those who want a powerful scooter but perhaps need something more versatile for daily riding, or perhaps something significantly more affordable to start their journey, consider these alternatives.

For riders who want a robust, dual-motor scooter that offers great performance but is far more manageable for daily use and significantly cheaper, you might look at the MUKUTA 8 Plus. While it doesn't come close to the Rion's top speed, it offers a suspension system that makes it infinitely more comfortable for city riding, and it includes the safety features (lights, turn signals) that the Rion lacks. It is a "real world" scooter versus a "fantasy" scooter.

If you are just getting into the sport and the Rion seems like an alien spaceship, brands like CECOTEC offer the CECOTEC BOOSTRIDE SERIES. These are entry-level options that are perfect for learning the basics of electric riding without the risk of launching yourself into orbit. They are practical, affordable, and water-resistant-everything the Rion is not. Comparing them is like comparing a fighter jet to a bicycle, but sometimes, a bicycle is exactly what you need.