Thrust

About

If the electric scooter world were a high-stakes poker game, the Rion Motors Thrust would be the player going "all in" before the cards are even dealt. This isn't just another commuter gadget to get you from the metro station to your office; it is a statement piece, a technological marvel, and quite frankly, a terrifyingly beautiful machine designed for one purpose: unadulterated speed. Hailing from Los Angeles, Rion Motors has carved out a niche that sits somewhere between high-end boutique manufacturing and underground racing culture. The Thrust (often referred to as the 2RE70 in previous iterations) represents the brand's attempt to make a "civilized" hyperscooter, though their definition of civilized might differ wildly from yours or mine.

The philosophy behind the Thrust is minimalism meets maximalism. You get maximum power, maximum carbon fiber, and maximum exclusivity, paired with minimal creature comforts. There are no lights, no kickstand, and no bells and whistles. The designers at Rion decided that anything not directly contributing to making the scooter go faster or handle better was dead weight. This approach has polarized the community; for some, it is the purest driving experience available on two small wheels, akin to a Formula 1 car. For others, it is an impractical, expensive toy. But regardless of where you stand, you cannot ignore the presence this machine commands.

Positioned at the very top of the food chain, the Rion Thrust is often described as the "Bugatti of scooters." It is hand-assembled, made to order, and utilizes materials more commonly found in aerospace engineering than in personal mobility devices. With a chassis crafted almost entirely from carbon fiber and sub-frames of aluminum, it achieves a power-to-weight ratio that is frankly ludicrous. It targets the rider who has graduated from the likes of Dualtrons and Kaabos and is looking for something that feels less like a consumer product and more like a piece of precision sporting equipment.

Safety

When you are piloting a carbon fiber missile capable of speeds exceeding 100 km/h, safety stops being a checkbox feature and becomes a matter of survival. The Rion Thrust approaches safety through mechanical grip and stopping power rather than electronic nannies. The braking system is the absolute highlight here. The scooter is equipped with hydraulic Magura MT7 disc brakes on both the front and rear wheels. For those not in the know, Magura MT7s are legendary in the downhill mountain biking world for their modulation and immense stopping power. On the Thrust, they are non-negotiable. The bite is immediate but controllable, allowing you to scrub off speed rapidly when a corner tightens unexpectedly.

However, the safety conversation around the Rion Thrust is a double-edged sword. While the brakes are world-class, the scooter lacks almost all other safety features we have come to expect. There is no electronic braking or regenerative braking; it is pure freewheeling. This means if your brake pads fade or a line fails, you have no backup motor braking to slow you down. Furthermore, the complete lack of integrated lighting-no headlights, no taillights, and definitely no turn signals-means that riding this at night or in traffic requires you to strap lights to your body or the stem yourself. Visibility is entirely the rider's responsibility.

Stability is the other major safety factor. The Rion Thrust uses PMT Slick Racing tires (90/65 6.5 front, 105/50 6.5 rear). These are not your average hard rubber scooter tires; they are soft-compound Italian racing rubber that glues the scooter to the asphalt. This provides immense confidence in corners and under braking. However, because they are slicks, they are incredibly dangerous on wet surfaces. This is a fair-weather machine only. Community feedback emphasizes that while the scooter feels planted at 80 km/h, the rider needs to be hyper-aware of road conditions, as the lightweight chassis can be deflected by potholes that heavier scooters might plow through.

Performance

Let's talk about the elephant in the room: the power. The performance of the Rion Thrust is, simply put, violent. While some spec sheets float theoretical peak numbers that sound impossible (like the 100,000 Watt figure which is likely marketing hyperbole for the theoretical burst of the battery/motor combo), the reality is that this scooter pushes out enough raw kilowattage to shame small motorcycles. Powered by dual brushless motors and controlled by the highly acclaimed Tronic controllers (often the Tronic 500 or similar variants), the acceleration is blistering. It doesn't just accelerate; it teleports. The 0 to 80 km/h time is measured in mere seconds, often leaving high-performance cars in the dust at traffic lights.

The top speed is rated at around 120 km/h to 128 km/h (approx. 80 mph). In the real world, reaching these speeds requires a long stretch of tarmac and nerves of steel, but the capability is there. Unlike mass-market scooters that struggle to maintain top speed, the Thrust pulls hard all the way to its limit. The "Curve" throttle is a specific innovation for Rion, utilizing a jog-wheel style thumb control rather than a trigger. This allows for incredibly precise modulation of power. Users report that despite the insane power, the throttle curve can be programmed to be gentle enough for cruising, although "cruising" on a Rion usually means 50 km/h.

Hill climbing is a non-issue. The Thrust flattens steep inclines as if they were level ground. The dual motors, running on a high-voltage 84V system, deliver torque instantly. However, this performance comes with heat. The motors and controllers can get hot under sustained maximum load, and while later models explored water cooling, most units rely on air cooling. Riders need to be mindful of their thermal limits if they are pushing the scooter to its absolute maximum for extended periods. But for short bursts of adrenaline, there is very little on the market that can touch it.

Design

The design of the Rion Thrust is automotive art. It abandons the utilitarian, boxy shapes of traditional scooters in favor of aggressive curves, sharp angles, and exposed carbon fiber weave. It looks fast standing still. The chassis is a monocoque-style carbon fiber design, which serves two purposes: it drops the weight significantly to around 31 kg, and it provides the structural rigidity needed for high-speed stability. The battery compartment is integrated into the deck, keeping the center of gravity extremely low.

One of the most striking design choices is the folding mechanism. It's robust and stiff, eliminating the dreaded "stem wobble" found on cheaper scooters. However, the folding process is manual and requires removing a pin, emphasizing that this scooter is designed for transport in the back of a car, not for folding up on a bus. The aesthetics are dominated by the matte black of the carbon and the metallic accents of the aluminum arms, often customizable in color. It screams "racing prototype."

However, the design is not without its critics. Some detailed teardowns by independent reviewers have pointed out a contrast between the stunning exterior and the internal assembly. There have been reports of "messy" wiring and battery packs wrapped in basic heat shrink rather than hard casings, leading to the "beautiful on the outside, trash on the inside" comments in some forums. While the chassis is aerospace-grade, the internal cable management in some units has been described as feeling a bit like a DIY project, which is a point of contention given the price tag.

Comfort

If you are looking for a cloud-like ride to float over cobblestones, look elsewhere. The Rion Thrust does not have a traditional suspension system. There are no springs, no hydraulic shocks, and no swing arms with travel. Instead, Rion relies on the natural flex of the carbon fiber deck and the pneumatic cushion of the PMT tires to absorb road vibrations. This is a deliberate choice to keep the scooter low, light, and aerodynamically stable, mimicking the setup of a go-kart or a Formula 1 car.

For the rider, this means you feel the road. On smooth asphalt, the ride is sublime-connected, responsive, and direct. You feel exactly what the tires are doing. But on rough city streets, potholes, or cracks, the ride can be harsh. Your legs become the suspension. The carbon deck does an admirable job of dampening high-frequency vibrations (the "buzz" of the road), but it won't save your knees from a deep pothole. This setup dictates a very active riding style; you cannot simply stand lazily on the deck; you must be engaged, with knees bent, ready to absorb impacts.

The deck size is generous, offering plenty of room to find a stable stance, which is crucial when accelerating at 2G force. The lack of a rear kick plate (on some configurations) or the specific angle of the rear fender allows for a locked-in foot position. While not "comfortable" in the touring sense, the ergonomics are perfect for aggressive, sporty riding. It's a machine that demands physical input, and after a long ride, you will feel like you've had a workout.

Range

The Rion Thrust houses an 84V 30Ah battery (some specs suggest variants up to 35Ah or 88.2V fully charged). In terms of capacity, roughly 2 500 to 2 900 Watt-hours is a significant amount of energy. The manufacturer claims a range of up to 80 km in "Eco" mode. However, "Eco" mode on a Rion is a bit of an oxymoron. Nobody buys a Rion to ride in Eco mode.

In real-world usage, where the rider is enjoying the acceleration and maintaining speeds of 40-60 km/h, the range is more likely to settle around the 40 km to 50 km mark. If you are pushing for top speed runs or riding aggressively in "Turbo" mode, that range can drop drastically to 25-30 km. High speed consumes energy exponentially. The massive power draw of the controllers means you can drain the battery very quickly if you are heavy on the throttle.

Charging is another consideration. With such a large battery, standard charging can take a long time, often cited around 5 to 10 hours depending on the charger amperage. Most owners invest in fast chargers to cut this down. The community consensus is that the range is adequate for a "Sunday drive" or a track day session, but it is not a long-range tourer like some of the heavy Dualtrons that boast 100 km+ real-world range. You are trading range for weight savings and power.

Use and Practicality

Practicality is the Rion Thrust's Achilles' heel. In fact, it almost seems to disdain practicality. The most glaring omission for daily use is the kickstand. You cannot park this scooter. You have to lean it against a wall or lay it on the ground (which you won't want to do to your beautiful carbon fiber). This makes simple tasks like running into a shop to buy a drink incredibly awkward. It effectively rules the scooter out for running errands.

Weighing in at roughly 31 kg, it is significantly lighter than its competitors in the hyperscooter category, which often tip the scales at 50 kg or 60 kg. This makes it technically possible to lift into a car trunk or carry up a short flight of stairs. This is one of its biggest practical advantages. The folded footprint is long but manageable for a vehicle of this power. However, the length of the scooter can be an issue in small elevators or tight hallways.

Storage is non-existent, and weather protection is minimal. This is a fair-weather vehicle. Riders report that the lack of water resistance means you really have to watch the forecast. Furthermore, the waiting list to get one can be up to a year, meaning you need immense patience just to become an owner. It is not a "grab and go" commuter; it is an event vehicle. You plan your ride, you gear up like a motorcycle racer, and you go out for the thrill, then you come home and plug it in.

General Assessment

The Rion Thrust is a legend in the scooter community, surrounded by an aura of mystique. It is widely regarded as one of the fastest, most exhilarating machines ever built. For the adrenaline junkie, it is the holy grail-a machine that offers a power-to-weight ratio that is hard to comprehend until you experience it. The driving dynamics, thanks to the stiff chassis and slick tires, are often cited as best-in-class for smooth, fast riding.

However, the ownership experience can be mixed. The long wait times and the "garage builder" nature of the internal assembly have frustrated some buyers. It is a high-maintenance machine that requires a knowledgeable owner. You need to be comfortable checking bolts, monitoring tire pressure, and understanding lithium battery care. It is not an appliance; it is a hobby.

Overall, the sentiment is that if you have the money and the patience, and if you understand exactly what you are buying (a racing scooter, not a commuter), there is nothing else like it. It evokes emotion in a way that mass-produced scooters do not. It is flawed, expensive, and impractical, but absolutely magnificent at doing the one thing it was designed to do: go fast.

Who Is This Scooter For?

The Rion Thrust is for the elite enthusiast. It is for the rider who already owns a practical scooter for getting to work and wants a second (or third) machine purely for the joy of riding. It is for the person who appreciates carbon fiber craftsmanship and wants to show up to the group ride on something that makes everyone else's scooter look like a toy. If you have a background in motorcycles or track days, you will appreciate the Rion.

It is also for the wealthy technician. You need deep pockets to afford the 8 800 EUR+ price tag, and you need a bit of technical know-how (or a willingness to learn) to maintain a bespoke machine. It fits the profile of someone who buys a Porsche GT3 RS for the weekends-it's overkill for the street, but that's exactly the point.

Conversely, this scooter is absolutely NOT for beginners. The throttle response and lack of safety aids make it dangerous for inexperienced riders. It is also not for the pragmatic commuter who needs to ride in the rain, lock the scooter outside a café, or navigate bumpy city centers comfortably. If you need utility, look elsewhere. If you need a dopamine hit, look here.

Community Feedback - Pros

• Insane Acceleration: Users consistently rate the torque and pick-up as unmatched in its weight class.
• Handling: The low center of gravity and slick tires provide a "corner-carving" experience.
• Weight: At ~31 kg, it is surprisingly liftable compared to other 80+ mph scooters.
• Aesthetics: The carbon fiber finish and aggressive stance get universal praise for looks.
• Brakes: The Magura MT7s are frequently cited as the best brakes on any stock scooter.
• Throttle Control: The Rion Curve / Tronic controller setup is praised for being smooth yet powerful.
• Exclusivity: Owners love having a rare, head-turning vehicle.
• Stability: No speed wobbles at high speeds thanks to the stiff frame and geometry.
• Noise: It runs surprisingly quietly for such a powerful beast.

The most praised aspect of the Rion Thrust is undoubtedly the "ride feel." Owners describe a sense of connection to the road that dampens, heavy-suspension scooters lack. The combination of the lightweight chassis and the immediate power delivery creates a riding experience that is often described as "telepathic"-the scooter goes exactly where you look and gets there instantly.

Community Feedback - Cons

• No Kickstand: The single most common annoyance for daily use.
• Wait Times: Delivery times of 6 to 12 months are a major frustration for buyers.
• Internal Build Quality: Reports of messy wiring and "DIY" battery wrapping have disappointed some tech-savvy owners.
• No Suspension: The harsh ride on bad roads limits where you can comfortably ride.
• No Lights: The lack of integrated lights is seen as a safety hazard and an extra expense.
• Range at Speed: Battery drains very fast when riding aggressively.
• Price: It is incredibly expensive for a scooter with no features.
• Tires: The slicks are dangerous in the wet and wear out relatively fast.
• Customer Service: Mixed reports on communication during the long waiting periods.

The most significant deal-breaker for the community tends to be the practicality-to-price ratio. Many users find it hard to justify spending nearly 9 000 EUR on a scooter that arrives with messy internal wiring and cannot even support itself when parked. The "trash on the inside" review has stuck with the brand, making potential buyers wary of what lies beneath the carbon fiber shell.

Value for Money

At a price point hovering around 8 862 EUR (approx. $10,000), the Rion Thrust is in the stratosphere of scooter pricing. To put that in perspective, you could buy a decent used car or a high-end motorcycle for that money. From a purely utilitarian standpoint, the value for money is terrible. You get less range, fewer features, and less comfort than scooters costing half as much (like a high-end Dualtron or NAMI).

However, value is subjective. If you view the Rion Thrust as a bespoke, hand-crafted hypercar, the price begins to make more sense. You are paying for the R&D, the carbon fiber molding, the specialized controllers, and the brand exclusivity. It holds its value relatively well on the used market because the wait times for a new one are so long.

Ultimately, you are not paying for "transportation" per Euro; you are paying for "thrills" per Euro. In that metric, it delivers. But for 99% of the population, it is vastly overpriced. It is a luxury good, plain and simple.

About the Brand

Rion Motors is a US-based company located in Los Angeles, California. They established themselves as the first true "hyperscooter" brand, pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible for standing electric vehicles. They have a reputation for being innovators, particularly in the use of carbon fiber and high-voltage systems. Their collaboration with Tronic Systems for controllers has pushed the industry forward regarding smooth power delivery.

The brand's reputation is a mix of awe and frustration. They are revered for their engineering ambition and the sheer beauty of their products. However, they are also infamous for production delays and long periods of radio silence with customers waiting for their orders. They operate more like a small, custom garage than a major manufacturer. This adds to the exclusivity but can be a headache for customers used to Amazon-prime levels of service. Rion is the brand you go to when you want the absolute maximum performance and are willing to wait for it.

Specifications

• Weight: 31 kg
• Range: 30 km (Turbo) - 80 km (Eco)
• Max Speed: 120 km/h (proven up to ~128 km/h)
• Peak Power: 3 000 W (rated) - Real world output significantly higher via Tronic controllers
• Battery: 84 V 30 Ah (approx. 2 520 Wh)
• Motors: Dual Brushless
• Brakes: Hydraulic Magura MT7 disc brakes (Front & Rear)
• Suspension: None (Chassis flex & Pneumatic tires only)
• Tires: PMT Slick Racing (Front: 90/65 6.5, Rear: 105/50 6.5)
• Max Load: 110 kg
• Dimensions Folded: L 128.27 x W 29 x H 52 cm
• Charging Time: approx. 5 hours (with fast charger)
• Price: ~8 862 EUR

Known Alternatives

If the Rion Thrust sounds a bit too extreme (or too expensive) for your tastes, there are several other high-performance scooters that might fit the bill better. These alternatives offer a balance of speed and practicality that the Rion intentionally ignores.

First, consider the VSETT V10 (or specifically the Super 72 or similar high-performance variants in the VSETT line if looking for speed). While the standard V10 is more of a commuter, the brand VSETT is known for robust build quality. For a closer performance match to the Rion but with actual suspension and lights, many riders look toward high-voltage "hyper" alternatives that are more mass-produced and user-friendly.

Another serious contender is the MUKUTA Mukuta 10 Plus. This scooter offers a robust dual-motor setup and a very distinct aesthetic. While it may not reach the carbon-fiber exotic levels of the Rion, it provides a thrilling ride with significantly more practical features like suspension and lighting, all at a price point that won't require a second mortgage.

Finally, for those who love the boutique, exotic look, the WEPED mini MONG is a worthy alternative. Like Rion, WEPED is known for unique, industrial designs and high speeds. The mini MONG offers a distinct "cyberpunk" look and impressive performance, catering to the same enthusiast crowd that appreciates a machine that stands out from the sea of generic black scooters.