Leger

About

If you have been following the electric scooter scene for any length of time, the name "Minimotors" likely rings a bell. They are the South Korean giants behind the legendary Dualtron series-machines known for tearing up asphalt and hitting speeds that make pedestrians gasp. But not everyone needs a twin-motor monster that weighs as much as a small motorcycle. Enter the SPEEDWAY Leger. Designed to be the sophisticated, civilized younger sibling in the lineup, the Leger (often pronounced "Ledger" or with a French flair as "Le-zhay") represents a strategic pivot for the brand. It was built to replace the aging Speedway Mini 4 Pro, aiming to capture the hearts of urban commuters who want that premium Minimotors build quality without the back-breaking weight or the wallet-breaking price tag.

The philosophy behind the SPEEDWAY Leger is all about finding the "sweet spot." In a market saturated with generic, low-powered commuter scooters and terrifyingly fast hyper-scooters, the Leger plants its flag firmly in the middle. It is designed for the rider who has outgrown their entry-level Xiaomi or Segway and is craving something with actual suspension, a bit of torque, and a ride quality that doesn't feel like a toy. It is marketed as a "lightweight city explorer," though "lightweight" is relative in the world of performance scooters. It strikes a balance between portability and power, offering a single-motor setup that is punchy enough to make your morning commute thrilling, yet controlled enough not to intimidate a casual rider.

What makes the Leger truly special is that it brings the enthusiast-grade customizability of high-end scooters down to a mid-range commuter. It features the famous EY3 dashboard-the same brain found on scooters costing three times as much. This means you aren't just buying a scooter; you are buying a machine you can tune. From acceleration curves to ABS settings, the Leger allows you to tailor the ride to your exact preferences. It is a scooter designed by enthusiasts for people who want to enjoy the journey, not just endure the commute.

Safety

When you are zipping through city streets at speeds that can exceed the typical bicycle pace, safety is not just a feature; it is a necessity. The SPEEDWAY Leger takes a somewhat old-school but reliable approach to braking. The standard model is equipped with a rear drum brake coupled with an electronic regenerative brake. The "Pro" variants often add a front drum brake to the mix. While disc brake enthusiasts might turn their noses up at drums, there is a very practical reason for this choice on a commuter: maintenance. Drum brakes are virtually sealed from the elements. You can ride through puddles, dust, and grit without hearing that agonizing "shing-shing" sound of a warped or dirty rotor. For a daily driver, this reliability is gold.

However, the real star of the safety show is the electronic braking system with ABS. This isn't the ABS you know from cars; it is a rapid-fire electronic pulsing that prevents the wheel from locking up during hard stops. On the Leger, this system is adjustable. If you set it to the max, the motor drags you to a halt with surprising authority, saving wear on your physical brakes and putting juice back into the battery. It takes a few rides to get used to the sensation-it can feel a bit like a vibration under your feet-but once you master it, you will find yourself using the mechanical lever less and less. It provides a safety net that is rare in this price bracket.

Visibility is another area where the Leger tries to stand out-literally. The scooter features the signature "runway" lighting on the sides of the deck. The SPEEDWAY logo illuminates, making you visible from the side profile, which is critical when crossing intersections at night. While the headlight is mounted low (a common grievance in the scooter world) and might require supplementation for pitch-black unlit paths, the overall lighting package ensures you are seen by cars. Furthermore, the stability provided by the 8.5-inch pneumatic tires gives you the confidence to handle imperfect road surfaces without being thrown off balance, a crucial aspect of active safety.

Performance

Let's talk about what happens when you pull the trigger. The SPEEDWAY Leger is powered by a rear brushless DC hub motor with a nominal output of 500 W, but don't let that modest number fool you. In the world of Minimotors, "nominal" is just a suggestion. The peak power output hits around 1 360 W, and you can feel every bit of it. When you are in the highest speed mode with the acceleration settings dialed up, the Leger doesn't just roll forward; it surges. It has that characteristic "Minimotors kick" that enthusiasts love. It makes overtaking cyclists or merging with city traffic not just possible, but genuinely fun.

In terms of speed, the Leger comfortably sits in the 45 km/h to 50 km/h territory (on private land or unlocked versions). For urban commuting, this is the magic number. It means you aren't holding up traffic on 30 km/h or 40 km/h residential streets. You have the headroom to cruise comfortably at 35 km/h without the motor screaming for mercy. The single-motor setup is efficient and quieter than dual-motor beasts, providing a stealthy "gliding" sensation. However, it is important to manage expectations regarding hills. While it crushes flat ground, the single motor will slow down on steep inclines (above 15-20 degrees), especially if the rider is on the heavier side. It will get you up, but you won't be breaking speed records on San Francisco-style slopes.

The throttle response is managed by the EY3 display, which is widely regarded as one of the best in the business. It is snappy and direct. There is zero lag between your finger moving and the motor responding. This direct connection gives you a sense of control that cheaper scooters with "mushy" throttles simply cannot match. Whether you are weaving through bollards or accelerating out of a turn, the Leger does exactly what you ask it to do, instantly. It transforms a mundane commute into a dynamic riding experience.

Design

The design language of the SPEEDWAY Leger is best described as "industrial chic." It moves away from the tubular, bicycle-like stems of entry-level scooters and embraces a boxier, more robust aesthetic. The stem is substantial, the folding mechanism looks like heavy machinery, and the deck is a solid slab of metal. It looks like a tool built for a purpose. One of the most distinct design features is the raised rear footrest (or spoiler). This isn't just for looks; it is a functional game-changer. It allows you to place your rear foot at an angle, locking your body into a stable stance for acceleration and braking. Once you ride a scooter with a dedicated kick-plate, it is very hard to go back to a flat deck.

The folding mechanism is a critical part of the design. Minimotors moved away from the mechanism used on the older Speedway Mini 4 Pro to a new, more robust system for the Leger. It folds down compactly, and crucially, the handlebars also fold inward. This turns the scooter into a neat, rectangular package that is surprisingly easy to slide under a desk or tuck into the luggage rack of a train. The grips are rubberized and ergonomic, and the overall finish-usually in matte black or white-feels premium to the touch. It doesn't feel like a toy; it feels like a vehicle.

However, the design isn't without its quirks. The industrial look means exposed bolts and wires are part of the charm (or clutter, depending on your taste). The deck, while wide enough for comfortable cruising, houses the battery and controller, giving it a bit of thickness. The side lights, while cool, are encased in plastic that can be prone to scratches if you are careless when parking. But overall, the Leger projects an image of durability. It looks like a scooter that can take a beating and keep on rolling, which is exactly what you want in a daily commuter.

Comfort

Comfort is where the SPEEDWAY Leger truly separates itself from the budget crowd. If you are coming from a scooter with solid tires and no suspension, riding the Leger will feel like floating on a cloud. It utilizes a dual suspension system-typically a spring setup in the front and a hydraulic/spring combination in the rear. This setup is tuned for urban comfort rather than off-road stiffness. It soaks up vibrations from cobblestones, cracks, and manhole covers remarkably well. You don't feel that brain-rattling vibration traveling up the stem into your hands.

The tires play a massive role here as well. The Leger rides on 8.5-inch pneumatic (air-filled) tires. While they are susceptible to flats (a common trade-off), the ride quality they offer is superior to any solid tire on the market. The air cushion works in tandem with the suspension to smooth out the road. The tires are wide enough to provide good traction in dry conditions, though one should always be cautious on wet painted lines with smaller wheels.

Standing comfort is excellent thanks to the aforementioned rear kick-plate. It effectively extends the usable deck space, allowing taller riders to stretch out. You aren't forced into an awkward "feet side-by-side" position. You can adopt a snowboard-style stance, which is not only more comfortable for long rides but also safer. The handlebars are height-adjustable, a feature that is becoming rarer on modern scooters. This means whether you are 160 cm or 190 cm tall, you can find a handlebar height that prevents you from hunching over, saving your back during those longer 15 km+ commutes.

Range

Range anxiety is the enemy of every electric vehicle owner, and the SPEEDWAY Leger fights back with a respectable battery capacity. The standard model usually comes with a 48 V 15.6 Ah battery, while the "Pro" or upgraded versions can go up to 52 V 20.8 Ah or even 25.6 Ah with Panasonic or LG cells. Let's talk about the standard 15.6 Ah version first. The manufacturer might claim a range of 55 km, but in the real world, physics always wins. For an average rider (75 kg) riding at realistic city speeds (25-35 km/h) with some stop-and-go, you can expect a solid 35 km to 40 km of range. If you are heavy on the throttle and maxing out the speed, expect closer to 30 km.

If you opt for the larger battery versions (often labeled Leger Pro), the range becomes a true standout feature. A 25.6 Ah battery on a single-motor scooter is massive. With that setup, real-world ranges of 60 km to 70 km are achievable, which is incredible for a scooter of this physical size. This allows you to charge just once or twice a week for typical commuting, rather than plugging in every single night.

Charging is one area where patience is required. The standard chargers provided are usually 2 A slow chargers. Filling up a 15.6 Ah battery can take 7 to 8 hours, and the larger batteries can take over 12 hours. The scooter has a single charging port (unlike Dualtrons which often have two). Many owners invest in a faster 5 A charger to cut these times in half, which is a highly recommended upgrade if you plan on doing high mileage. The battery management system is generally reliable, and Minimotors uses decent cells, so degradation over time is less of an issue than with generic budget scooters.

Use and Practicality

Living with the SPEEDWAY Leger is generally a joy, but it does come with a few caveats regarding weight. At approximately 19 kg to 20 kg for the standard model and creeping up to 23 kg for the Pro, it sits on the borderline of portability. It is light enough that most people can lift it into the trunk of a car or carry it up a short flight of stairs. However, if you live in a fourth-floor walk-up apartment with no elevator, carrying this scooter every day will become a workout you might not want. It is significantly heavier than a Xiaomi M365 (12.5 kg), and you feel that density.

That said, its folded footprint is excellent. The ability to fold the handlebars down makes it much narrower than most of its competitors. This is a huge practical benefit if you need to take it on a crowded train or store it in a narrow hallway. The folding mechanism is easy to operate once you get the hang of it, usually requiring a push on the stem while pulling a lever. It locks into place securely, allowing you to pick the scooter up by the stem.

For daily errands, the Leger is fantastic. The deck is grippy, the kickstand is sturdy (and properly placed so the scooter doesn't tip over easily), and the trigger throttle is easy to modulate at low speeds when navigating through pedestrians. It doesn't have an official IP water resistance rating that you should trust blindly-Minimotors is notorious for advising against wet riding-so it is best used as a fair-weather friend. If you live in a city where it rains 300 days a year, you might need to do some DIY waterproofing (silicone sealing the deck) to ensure longevity.

General Assessment

The SPEEDWAY Leger occupies a unique space in the electric scooter community. It is widely regarded as the "gateway drug" to high-performance scooters. Owners generally adore the ride quality, citing the suspension as the primary reason they chose it over stiffer competitors. It has a reputation for being a reliable workhorse. It doesn't have the complex problems of dual-motor controllers or the maintenance nightmare of hydraulic disc brakes. It is a "get on and go" machine that offers a premium feel without the premium headache.

However, it is not without its critics. The most common complaint in the community revolves around the stem and folding mechanism. Over time, some users report a bit of "wobble" or play developing in the handlebars. While this is often fixable with tightening or aftermarket shims, it is a reminder that this is a folding vehicle. Another point of contention is the use of tubed tires. Flats happen, and changing a tube on a rear motor wheel can be a frustrating rite of passage for new owners. Despite these niggles, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive. It is seen as a scooter that punches above its weight class.

Ultimately, the Leger feels like a mature product. It isn't trying to be a racing scooter, and it isn't trying to be a toy. It is a serious transport tool. The combination of the EY3 display's customizability and the plush suspension makes it feel like a luxury vehicle compared to the rental scooters littering city sidewalks. It commands respect on the road and brings a smile to the rider's face, which is the most important metric of all.

Who Is This Scooter For?

The SPEEDWAY Leger is the perfect upgrade for the rider who started with a budget scooter (like a Xiaomi or Gotrax) and realized they love riding but hate the bone-shaking vibration. It is for the commuter who has a 10 km to 20 km round trip and wants to do it comfortably and quickly, without arriving at work sweaty or stressed. It is ideal for someone who needs to mix their ride with a car journey-folding it into the trunk-but perhaps less ideal for the multi-modal commuter who needs to carry it onto a bus (due to the weight).

This scooter is also for the tinkerer who wants to adjust their settings. If you like the idea of controlling your acceleration curve, torque settings, and electronic braking strength, the Leger is for you. It is not for the speed demon who wants to race cars at 70 km/h-get a Dualtron for that. It is also not for the heavy off-roader; the small 8.5-inch wheels are strictly for tarmac and light gravel. If you are a heavier rider (100 kg+) living in a very hilly city, you might want to look at a dual-motor alternative, as the single motor will struggle to maintain speed on steep ascents.

Community Feedback - Pros

• Plush Suspension: Consistently praised for smoothing out rough city streets better than competitors.
• EY3 Display: Users love the deep customization options (P-settings) and the trigger throttle response.
• Rear Footrest: The raised rear deck is a favorite feature for stability and riding stance.
• Lighting: The side logo lights are a hit for their cool factor and side visibility.
• Compact Fold: Folding handlebars make it much easier to store indoors than fixed-bar scooters.
• Torque: surprisingly punchy acceleration for a single motor, especially in high settings.
• Build Quality: Feels solid and durable, typical of the Minimotors lineage.
• Adjustable Stem: Great for accommodating riders of different heights.
• Quiet Motor: The operation is nearly silent, which many urban riders appreciate.

The community most frequently highlights the ride quality as the Leger's defining victory. Riders moving from solid-tire scooters often describe the experience as "night and day." The combination of the rear hydraulic suspension and the pneumatic tires creates a floating sensation that makes long commutes feasible rather than fatiguing. The ability to customize the acceleration via the EY3 display is also a huge plus, allowing users to switch between a chill "eco" mode for crowded areas and a snappy "sport" feel for open roads.

Community Feedback - Cons

• Drum Brakes: Some users feel the rear drum lacks the "bite" of disc brakes, especially for emergency stops.
• Stem Wobble: Long-term owners often report play developing in the folding mechanism that requires maintenance.
• Tire Changes: Changing a tube on the rear motor wheel is described as difficult and time-consuming.
• Single Motor Limits: Struggles on steep hills compared to similarly priced dual-motor options.
• Charging Time: The stock charger is slow, making a full charge an overnight affair.
• No IP Rating: Lack of official water resistance makes riders nervous in the rain.
• Front Light Position: The headlight is mounted too low to be effective for seeing far ahead at night.
• Weight: Heavier than it looks, surprising some users who expected a "lightweight" scooter.

The most significant gripe involves the braking and tires. While the drum brake is low maintenance, aggressive riders often wish for the stopping power of a disc brake. The "Pro" version adding a front brake helps, but the standard rear-only mechanical brake relies heavily on the electronic assist to stop quickly. Additionally, the fear of flats is real with 8.5-inch tube tires, and many community members recommend immediately adding tire slime or upgrading to higher-quality reinforced tires to avoid the headache of a roadside repair.

Value for Money

At a price point typically hovering around 850 €, the SPEEDWAY Leger sits in a very competitive segment. It is more expensive than the mass-market commuter scooters but cheaper than the high-performance dual-motor entry models. Is it worth it? The general consensus is yes, primarily because of the brand heritage. You are paying a premium for the Minimotors name, but that comes with better quality control, easier access to spare parts, and a massive community of knowledge compared to generic "clone" scooters.

When you compare it to scooters with similar specs on paper, the Leger might seem slightly overpriced. You can find faster, dual-motor scooters for the same money from lesser-known brands. However, those often come with stiff suspension, jerky throttles, and questionable reliability. The Leger offers a refined, cohesive experience. You are paying for the smooth controller, the excellent suspension geometry, and the resale value. It holds its value better on the used market than obscure brands, making the total cost of ownership quite reasonable over a few years.

About the Brand

SPEEDWAY is a sub-brand of Minimotors, a South Korean company established in 1999. Minimotors is arguably the most famous name in the high-performance electric scooter industry, largely due to their flagship "Dualtron" line. They were among the first to push the boundaries of what an electric scooter could do, moving from simple toys to 80 km/h racing machines. The Speedway line was developed to offer that same engineering DNA in a more accessible, commuter-friendly, and budget-conscious package.

The reputation of Minimotors is built on performance and community. They have distributors all over the world, which is a massive advantage. If you need a new controller, a throttle, or a suspension arm for a Leger, you can usually find it. This contrasts sharply with "drop-ship" brands where you might be left stranded if a part breaks. While their customer service depends largely on the local distributor you buy from, the global community of Minimotors owners is vast and helpful, providing endless tutorials, mods, and advice.

Specifications

• Motor: 500 W Nominal (1 360 W Peak) Rear BLDC Hub
• Battery: 48 V 15.6 Ah (Standard) or 52 V 20.8 Ah / 25.6 Ah (Pro options)
• Max Speed: 45 km/h (often capped to 25 km/h for regulations)
• Max Range: 45 km to 55 km (Standard) / up to 75 km (Pro high capacity)
• Weight: 19 kg to 23 kg (depending on battery size)
• Max Load: 120 kg
• Brakes: Rear Drum + Regenerative Electric ABS (Pro adds Front Drum)
• Suspension: Front Spring + Rear Hydraulic/Spring
• Tires: 8.5 inch Pneumatic (Tube)
• Charging Time: 8 hours (Standard) to 12+ hours (Pro) with 2 A charger
• Dimensions (Folded): 1 040 x 206 x 380 mm
• Price: ~849 € (Standard Model)

Known Alternatives

If the SPEEDWAY Leger doesn't quite tick all your boxes, there are several strong competitors in this price and weight class that are worth considering.

For those who want the absolute latest technology and smart features, the SEGWAY ZT3 Pro is a fierce rival. It brings a more modern, automotive-grade build quality and app integration that Minimotors lacks. While it might not have the raw "tuner" feel of the Leger, it offers incredible weather resistance and a very polished user experience, making it a "safer" bet for non-technical riders.

If you are looking for more power for the same money, the KUKIRIN G2 Master is a dual-motor alternative that will crush hills the Leger struggles with. It is heavier and perhaps a bit rougher around the edges in terms of refinement, but for pure adrenaline per Euro, it is hard to beat. It moves you from the "commuter" class into the "performance" class, with all the weight penalties that come with it.

Finally, for a stylish and low-maintenance option, the OKAI NEON Ultra ES40 offers a very different vibe. It focuses heavily on aesthetics with customizable neon lighting and a sleek, futuristic design. It may not have the suspension travel or the raw grit of the Leger, but for city riders who prioritize style and visibility, it is a compelling modern alternative.