If you have been following the electric scooter industry for any length of time, you know that "style" isn't always the first word that comes to mind. Most commuters look like industrial piping welded to a battery box. Enter the VELOCIFERO MAD AIR, a machine that tries-and largely succeeds-to break that mold. Designed by Alessandro Tartarini, a name that carries serious weight in the motorcycle world (think Italjet), this scooter brings a touch of Italian flair to the "last mile" concept. It isn't just a tool for getting from A to B; it is a statement piece. The manufacturer describes the design as being inspired by a "new generation shoe," which sounds abstract until you look at the deck and the lines of the frame. It flows. It looks intentional, rather than assembled from a parts bin.
The philosophy behind the MAD AIR is clearly about bridging the gap between a utilitarian vehicle and a lifestyle accessory. Velocifero has a history of making aggressive, almost brutalist off-road scooters (like the standard MAD), but the "Air" moniker here signifies a shift toward the urban, the lightweight, and the portable. It is positioned directly against the high-end commuter segment, targeting riders who might be tired of the ubiquitous grey clones and want something that feels a bit more premium under their feet. It is built for the city dweller who appreciates ergonomics and doesn't want to sacrifice portability for performance.
What makes this scooter truly special in a crowded market is its construction material. While 90% of scooters are made of aluminum, the MAD AIR utilizes a magnesium alloy frame. This is a choice often reserved for high-end photography gear or racing wheels because it offers a fantastic strength-to-weight ratio. This material choice tells you that Velocifero isn't just slapping a logo on a generic frame; they are engineering a chassis designed to handle the vibrations and stresses of city riding while keeping the weight manageable for the average person to carry up a flight of stairs.
Safety
When we talk about safety on two wheels, stability and braking are paramount. The VELOCIFERO MAD AIR addresses stability with one of the most important features a commuter scooter can have: 10-inch pneumatic tires. I cannot stress enough how much safer a 10-inch tire is compared to the 8 or 8.5-inch solid tires found on budget models. A larger, air-filled tire rolls over potholes, tram tracks, and cobblestones that would send smaller wheels-and their riders-flying. These are tubeless tires as well, which generally offer better puncture resistance and are easier to maintain than tube-types. The grip provided by the 2.5-inch width gives you confidence when cornering, preventing that "skittish" feeling you get on skinny tires.
The braking system is a hybrid setup, which is quite common and effective in this class. You get an electronic brake on the front wheel (which uses the motor's resistance) and a mechanical disc brake on the rear. What does this mean for you? When you pull the lever, the electronic brake kicks in to slow the motor, while the disc brake physically clamps down to stop the wheel. This dual-action provides a redundant safety net. If one system were to fail (highly unlikely), you still have the other. The rear disc brake is particularly welcome because it allows for more modulated stopping power without the risk of going over the handlebars, which can happen if a front mechanical brake bites too hard.
Visibility is another key safety pillar, especially for a vehicle designed for urban environments where you are sharing the road with cars. The MAD AIR comes equipped with bright LED headlights and taillights. The integration is clean, not an afterthought. The taillight also features a brake sensor, flashing or brightening when you hit the brakes, communicating your intentions to the traffic behind you. The scooter is also IPX4 rated, meaning it can handle splashes and light rain. While I wouldn't recommend riding in a torrential downpour (for traction reasons as much as electrical ones), it is safe to ride on damp roads without fearing the electronics will short out immediately.
Performance
Let's get down to the brass tacks of power. The VELOCIFERO MAD AIR is equipped with a 350W brushless rear hub motor. Now, if you are a speed demon looking to drag race cars, this number might seem modest. However, for a legal, urban commuter in Europe and many parts of the world, 350W is the "Goldilocks" zone. It provides a rated torque of roughly 18.9 Nm. In real-world terms, this means the scooter has plenty of zip to get you off the line at a traffic light and keep pace with bicycle traffic effortlessly. The acceleration is smooth and linear, thanks to the quality of the controller, rather than the jerky "on/off" feeling you get with cheap scooters.
Top speed is electronically limited to 25 km/h to comply with EU regulations, though the hardware is capable of reaching 30 km/h if unlocked (where legal, of course). For 95% of city riding, 25 km/h is the sweet spot. It is fast enough to cover 5 km in about 15 minutes, but slow enough that you have time to react to opening car doors or pedestrians stepping off the curb. The scooter features multiple riding modes (Eco, Drive, Sport), allowing you to cap your speed if you are navigating a crowded plaza or want to conserve battery.
Hill climbing is always the litmus test for a 350W motor. The manufacturer claims a climbing angle of 18% (roughly 10 degrees). In practice, this means it will handle bridges, underpasses, and moderate city inclines without much complaint. However, if you live in a city with steep, San Francisco-style hills, you will feel the motor working hard, and you might drop speed significantly. It is a single-motor machine, after all. But for the vast majority of urban topography, the rear-wheel drive provides good traction and pushes you up slopes effectively, which feels more natural than being "pulled" by a front-wheel motor.
Design
Design is where the VELOCIFERO MAD AIR truly separates itself from the pack. As mentioned, the influence of Alessandro Tartarini is evident. The scooter doesn't look like a toy; it looks like a vehicle. The magnesium alloy frame allows for shapes that are difficult to achieve with standard aluminum tubing. The deck, for instance, isn't just a flat plank; it has an ergonomic design inspired by the human spine, according to the marketing materials. In practice, this means it looks sleek and offers a rigid, solid platform for your feet. The wiring is neatly routed, mostly internal, preserving the clean lines of the Italian design.
One of the most striking design features is the folding mechanism and the handlebars. Unlike many scooters where the handlebars are a fixed wide bar, the MAD AIR features folding grips. This is a game-changer for practicality (which we will discuss later), but from a design perspective, it makes the scooter look incredibly compact when folded. The display is beautifully integrated into the stem, providing a digital dashboard that looks modern and automotive, rather than like a cheap calculator glued to the bars.
The battery placement is another design win. It is removable and located in the deck. This keeps the center of gravity low, which is crucial for handling. Many scooters with removable batteries put them on the stem, making the steering heavy and the scooter tippy. Velocifero avoided this trap. The overall aesthetic is "stealthy." It doesn't scream "electric vehicle" with neon lights or gaudy stickers. It has a matte, professional finish that wouldn't look out of place parked in the lobby of a high-end office building.
Comfort
Riding a scooter with small solid wheels on pavement can feel like holding a jackhammer. The VELOCIFERO MAD AIR avoids this by using 10-inch pneumatic tires. These tires are the first line of defense against road vibration. They act as a natural air suspension, absorbing the high-frequency buzz of asphalt and the sharp hits of expansion joints. Because they are tubeless, you can run them at slightly lower pressures for more comfort without risking "pinch flats" as easily as you would with inner tubes.
The scooter is listed as having front and rear suspension systems. In the world of lightweight commuters, "suspension" can range from complex hydraulic shocks to simple spring setups. On the MAD AIR, the suspension is subtle. It isn't a long-travel off-road system like its big brother, the MAD, but rather a system designed to take the edge off. Combined with the magnesium frame-which has better vibration dampening properties than aluminum-the ride quality is surprisingly smooth. You won't be floating over cobblestones like you're on a cloud, but your knees won't be rattling together either.
The riding position is also well thought out. The deck is spacious enough to change your foot position, which is vital for comfort on longer rides. The "spine" inspired footrest is made of rigid technical plastic, providing a grippy and durable surface. The handlebar height is fixed (common for this rigidity), but it is set at a height that accommodates riders from 130cm to 200cm comfortably. The grips are ergonomic, shaped to support your palms, reducing wrist fatigue during that 20-minute commute.
Range
Range anxiety is the nemesis of every EV owner. The VELOCIFERO MAD AIR comes with a 36V 10Ah lithium-ion battery, which translates to roughly 360Wh of capacity (some specs vary slightly between 281Wh and 375Wh depending on the specific sub-model). The manufacturer claims a range of up to 30-35 km. As an enthusiast, I have to be the bearer of realistic news: manufacturer range estimates are usually achieved by a 60kg rider, on a perfectly flat indoor track, riding at 15 km/h, with a tailwind.
In the real world, if you are an average-sized adult (75-85 kg) riding in "Sport" mode with stop-and-go traffic and a few hills, you should expect a realistic range of about 20 to 25 km. This is perfectly adequate for the typical urban commute, which is rarely more than 5-10 km each way. If you ride conservatively in Eco mode, you might get closer to that 30 km mark. The battery system is 36V, which is standard for this class, offering a balance between weight and efficiency.
The ace up the MAD AIR's sleeve is the removable battery. This feature fundamentally changes how you view range. If you have a long commute, you can buy a second battery and carry it in a backpack, effectively doubling your range to a genuine 40-50 km of hard riding. Furthermore, the removable battery means you don't have to lug the dirty scooter into your apartment or office to charge it. You can simply pop the battery out, bring it to your desk, and charge it like a laptop. Charging time is standard, taking about 4 to 6 hours from empty to full.
Use and Practicality
Living with the VELOCIFERO MAD AIR is easier than with most of its competitors. The weight is approximately 15.5 kg to 16 kg. While this isn't "featherweight" (carbon fiber scooters can be 10-12 kg), it is very manageable. Most healthy adults can carry 16 kg up a flight of subway stairs or lift it into the trunk of a car without risking a hernia. The magnesium frame helps keep this weight down without sacrificing structural integrity.
The folding mechanism is robust and easy to operate. The scooter folds down to a compact size of 1110 x 495 x 490 mm. The folding handlebars are a massive practicality bonus. Standard handlebars stick out and get snagged on doorframes, other passengers' legs on the train, or luggage in a car trunk. By folding the grips in, the MAD AIR becomes a streamlined package that slides easily into tight spaces. This makes it a true "multi-modal" transport solution-ride to the train, fold it up, take the train, unfold, and ride to the office.
The IPX4 rating adds to the practicality, meaning you don't have to panic if you get caught in a sprinkle or ride through a puddle. The kickstand is sturdy, and the overall build feels like it can take the abuse of daily use. The removable battery also adds a layer of theft deterrence; if you lock your scooter outside but take the battery with you, it's much less attractive to a thief who can't ride it away.
General Assessment
Overall, the VELOCIFERO MAD AIR is a sophisticated entrant into the mid-range commuter market. It successfully differentiates itself from the sea of Xiaomi and Ninebot clones through superior design language and material choices. It feels like a product designed by motorcycle people, not just electronics manufacturers. The ride quality is confident, the look is premium, and the feature set (especially the removable battery and folding bars) addresses real pain points for commuters.
The community reception has generally been positive, particularly regarding the build quality and aesthetics. Owners appreciate that it doesn't rattle or feel "loose" like cheaper alternatives. The magnesium frame is a frequent point of praise for its stiffness and lightness. While power users might wish for a 48V system or more wattage for steep hills, the 350W motor is recognized as being efficient and sufficient for the intended purpose: urban mobility.
It is not the cheapest scooter with these specs, but you aren't paying for just specs; you are paying for the design, the removable battery system, and the magnesium chassis. If you view it as a long-term investment in your daily commute, it stands as a solid, reliable, and stylish choice. It manages to be fun to ride without being intimidating, making it an excellent ambassador for electric mobility.
Who Is This Scooter For?
The VELOCIFERO MAD AIR is perfect for the urban professional. If you work in an office and need a clean, stylish way to get to work without arriving sweaty, this is for you. The design fits well with a business-casual aesthetic. It is also ideal for apartment dwellers who live on upper floors without elevators. The ability to remove the battery for charging means you can leave the scooter in a bike room or basement storage and just bring the power source upstairs.
This scooter is also a great match for multi-modal commuters. If your journey involves a train or bus ride, the folding handlebars and manageable weight make it far less of a burden than a bulky, wide-handlebar cruiser. It's for the rider who values portability and storage but refuses to ride on tiny, dangerous 8-inch wheels.
However, this scooter is not for the heavy-duty off-roader or the speed freak. If you want to go 50 km/h or tackle muddy trails, you should be looking at the Velocifero MAD (the big one) or other high-performance dual-motor scooters. It is also not ideal for very heavy riders (over 100kg) who live in extremely hilly areas, as the 350W motor might struggle on steep inclines. It is a city slicker, through and through.
Community Feedback - Pros
Removable Battery: Users love the convenience of charging the battery separately from the scooter.
Magnesium Frame: Frequently praised for being lightweight yet feeling incredibly solid and durable.
10-Inch Tubeless Tires: Riders report excellent stability and comfort over city bumps compared to smaller wheels.
Folding Handlebars: A favorite feature for those taking the scooter on public transport or storing it in tight spaces.
Italian Design: Owners often comment on the compliments they receive regarding the scooter's sleek, unique look.
Lighting System: The integrated LED lights are considered bright and effective for night riding.
Braking Feel: The combination of electronic and mechanical disc brakes is described as responsive and safe.
Display: The integrated digital dashboard is noted for being clear and easy to read.
Ride Quality: Generally described as smooth and stable, thanks to the tire and frame combination.
Water Resistance: The IPX4 rating and waterproof cables give riders peace of mind in damp conditions.
The aspect that gets the most love is undoubtedly the removable battery. In a market where most scooters have built-in batteries that require bringing the entire dirty vehicle near a power outlet, the ability to pop out the battery is a massive lifestyle upgrade. It solves charging logistics for people in apartments, offices, and dorms, and effectively extends the scooter's lifespan since the battery is the first component to degrade and is easily replaceable here.
Community Feedback - Cons
Hill Climbing: Some users note that the 350W motor struggles on steeper hills, slowing down significantly.
Suspension: While listed, some riders feel the suspension is stiff and that the tires do most of the shock absorption.
Range Optimism: Real-world range is often reported as lower than the manufacturer's 30-35 km claim, closer to 20-25 km.
Top Speed: Speed enthusiasts find the 25 km/h limit (or even 30 km/h unlock) a bit tame for open roads.
Kickstand: A few users have mentioned the kickstand could be wider for better stability on uneven ground.
App Connectivity: Some users wish for a more robust companion app for customization.
Availability of Parts: Depending on the region, specific spare parts can sometimes be harder to find than for ubiquitous brands like Xiaomi.
Price: Some budget-conscious buyers feel the price is high for a 350W single-motor scooter.
Grip Tape: Minor complaints about the durability of the deck surface material over long-term use.
The most common complaint revolves around power on hills. This is a physics limitation of a 350W 36V system. While it is perfectly adequate for flat ground and mild inclines, riders in very hilly cities often express a wish for a "Pro" version with a 500W or 48V system. It's not a deal-breaker for most, but it is a reality check for those expecting motorcycle-like torque from a lightweight commuter.
Value for Money
At a price point of around 840 €, the VELOCIFERO MAD AIR sits in the upper-mid-range of the commuter scooter market. If you compare it strictly on a "watts per euro" basis, it might seem expensive. You can certainly find 350W scooters for 500 € or less. However, that comparison misses the point of this vehicle.
The value here comes from the build quality and features. You are paying for the magnesium alloy frame, which is superior to the cheap aluminum found on budget scooters. You are paying for the engineering of the removable battery system, the folding handlebars, and the branded components. You are also paying for the design heritage. It's the difference between buying a generic suit off the rack and buying one that has been tailored. Both cover your body, but one feels and looks significantly better.
If you plan to use this scooter every day for a year or two, the extra investment pays off in reliability and usability. The ability to replace the battery easily also adds to the long-term value, as you won't have to discard the whole scooter when the cells eventually degrade. For the style-conscious urban commuter, it offers good value.
About the Brand
///MXBBRNDID:VELOCIFERO/// is not a startup that appeared yesterday on Kickstarter. The brand is deeply rooted in the Italian motorcycle industry. It was founded by Alessandro Tartarini, whose family is royalty in the two-wheel world-his father founded Italjet, a brand famous for its innovative and radical scooter designs (like the Dragster). Velocifero carries this DNA of challenging the status quo.
They are known for creating vehicles that look different. From the beastly "MAD" with its fat tires and wooden deck to the "Beach MAD" electric motorcycle, Velocifero prioritizes design and personality. They aren't just churning out white-label products; they are designing vehicles from the ground up in Bologna, Italy, with manufacturing often taking place in China to keep costs accessible.
The community generally respects Velocifero for their build quality and unique aesthetics. They occupy a niche for riders who want something "cool" rather than just functional. Customer support is generally handled through a network of distributors, so the experience can vary by country, but the brand itself has established a reputation for standing behind its products and providing a steady stream of spare parts.
Top Speed: 25 km/h (Unlockable to 30 km/h where legal)
Range: 25 - 30 km (Real world approx. 20-25 km)
Weight: 15,5 kg - 16 kg
Max Load: 120 kg
Tires: 10-inch Pneumatic Tubeless (10*2.5-6.5)
Brakes: Front Electronic Brake + Rear Mechanical Disc Brake
Frame Material: Magnesium Alloy
Suspension: Front and Rear (Integrated/Subtle)
Display: 3.2-inch LCD Speedometer
IP Rating: IPX4
Charging Time: 4 - 6 Hours
Folded Dimensions: 1110 x 495 x 490 mm
Unfolded Dimensions: 1110 x 495 x 1160 mm
Price: ~ 840 €
Known Alternatives
If the VELOCIFERO MAD AIR catches your eye but you want to explore other options before committing, here are a few worthy competitors in the premium commuter space.
LAOTIE ES18 Lite
While often known for high-power beasts, this model represents a different approach. If you are looking for significantly more power and speed for the same price, this might be on your radar, though it lacks the refined Italian design and portability of the Mad Air. It is much heavier and more utilitarian, trading style for raw specs.
MERCANE G2 Pro
Mercane is another brand that prioritizes design, often with a futuristic, industrial look. The G2 Pro usually offers a bit more power and a very distinct aesthetic. It is a strong alternative if you want something that looks robust and unique, though the ride quality on Mercanes can sometimes be stiffer due to their wheel choices.
MICRO MOBILITY Merlin II
Micro is the Swiss standard for scooters. The Merlin II is a direct competitor in the lightweight commuter class. It focuses heavily on reliability and customer support. It usually features solid tires (unlike the Mad Air's pneumatic ones) and suspension to compensate. It is a great choice if you absolutely never want to deal with tire pressure, but the ride might not be as plush.
OKAI NEON Ultra ES40
Okai is making huge waves with their stylish, light-up scooters. The Neon series is incredibly modern, featuring customizable LED lighting and a very sleek app interface. If the "tech" aspect and visibility are your priorities, the Neon Ultra is a fantastic, stylish alternative to the Velocifero.
HALO KNIGHT T102
This is the "wild card" alternative. It is generally a much higher performance machine, often dual motor. If you realized while reading this that 350W isn't enough for your steep hills, you might look at something like the Halo Knight. Be warned, it will be much heavier and less portable than the Mad Air, but it will conquer any incline you throw at it.
Comparisons
See how VELOCIFERO MAD AIR stacks up against its rivals
If you have been following the electric scooter industry for any length of time, you know that "style" isn't always the first word that comes to mind. Most commuters look like industrial piping welded to a battery box. Enter the VELOCIFERO MAD AIR, a machine that tries-and largely succeeds-to break that mold. Designed by Alessandro Tartarini, a name that carries serious weight in the motorcycle world (think Italjet), this scooter brings a touch of Italian flair to the "last mile" concept. It isn't just a tool for getting from A to B; it is a statement piece. The manufacturer describes the design as being inspired by a "new generation shoe," which sounds abstract until you look at the deck and the lines of the frame. It flows. It looks intentional, rather than assembled from a parts bin.
The philosophy behind the MAD AIR is clearly about bridging the gap between a utilitarian vehicle and a lifestyle accessory. Velocifero has a history of making aggressive, almost brutalist off-road scooters (like the standard MAD), but the "Air" moniker here signifies a shift toward the urban, the lightweight, and the portable. It is positioned directly against the high-end commuter segment, targeting riders who might be tired of the ubiquitous grey clones and want something that feels a bit more premium under their feet. It is built for the city dweller who appreciates ergonomics and doesn't want to sacrifice portability for performance.
What makes this scooter truly special in a crowded market is its construction material. While 90% of scooters are made of aluminum, the MAD AIR utilizes a magnesium alloy frame. This is a choice often reserved for high-end photography gear or racing wheels because it offers a fantastic strength-to-weight ratio. This material choice tells you that Velocifero isn't just slapping a logo on a generic frame; they are engineering a chassis designed to handle the vibrations and stresses of city riding while keeping the weight manageable for the average person to carry up a flight of stairs.
Let's get down to the brass tacks of power. The VELOCIFERO MAD AIR is equipped with a 350W brushless rear hub motor. Now, if you are a speed demon looking to drag race cars, this number might seem modest. However, for a legal, urban commuter in Europe and many parts of the world, 350W is the "Goldilocks" zone. It provides a rated torque of roughly 18.9 Nm. In real-world terms, this means the scooter has plenty of zip to get you off the line at a traffic light and keep pace with bicycle traffic effortlessly. The acceleration is smooth and linear, thanks to the quality of the controller, rather than the jerky "on/off" feeling you get with cheap scooters.
Top speed is electronically limited to 25 km/h to comply with EU regulations, though the hardware is capable of reaching 30 km/h if unlocked (where legal, of course). For 95% of city riding, 25 km/h is the sweet spot. It is fast enough to cover 5 km in about 15 minutes, but slow enough that you have time to react to opening car doors or pedestrians stepping off the curb. The scooter features multiple riding modes (Eco, Drive, Sport), allowing you to cap your speed if you are navigating a crowded plaza or want to conserve battery.
Hill climbing is always the litmus test for a 350W motor. The manufacturer claims a climbing angle of 18% (roughly 10 degrees). In practice, this means it will handle bridges, underpasses, and moderate city inclines without much complaint. However, if you live in a city with steep, San Francisco-style hills, you will feel the motor working hard, and you might drop speed significantly. It is a single-motor machine, after all. But for the vast majority of urban topography, the rear-wheel drive provides good traction and pushes you up slopes effectively, which feels more natural than being "pulled" by a front-wheel motor.
Range anxiety is the nemesis of every EV owner. The VELOCIFERO MAD AIR comes with a 36V 10Ah lithium-ion battery, which translates to roughly 360Wh of capacity (some specs vary slightly between 281Wh and 375Wh depending on the specific sub-model). The manufacturer claims a range of up to 30-35 km. As an enthusiast, I have to be the bearer of realistic news: manufacturer range estimates are usually achieved by a 60kg rider, on a perfectly flat indoor track, riding at 15 km/h, with a tailwind.
In the real world, if you are an average-sized adult (75-85 kg) riding in "Sport" mode with stop-and-go traffic and a few hills, you should expect a realistic range of about 20 to 25 km. This is perfectly adequate for the typical urban commute, which is rarely more than 5-10 km each way. If you ride conservatively in Eco mode, you might get closer to that 30 km mark. The battery system is 36V, which is standard for this class, offering a balance between weight and efficiency.
The ace up the MAD AIR's sleeve is the removable battery. This feature fundamentally changes how you view range. If you have a long commute, you can buy a second battery and carry it in a backpack, effectively doubling your range to a genuine 40-50 km of hard riding. Furthermore, the removable battery means you don't have to lug the dirty scooter into your apartment or office to charge it. You can simply pop the battery out, bring it to your desk, and charge it like a laptop. Charging time is standard, taking about 4 to 6 hours from empty to full.
The VELOCIFERO MAD AIR is perfect for the urban professional. If you work in an office and need a clean, stylish way to get to work without arriving sweaty, this is for you. The design fits well with a business-casual aesthetic. It is also ideal for apartment dwellers who live on upper floors without elevators. The ability to remove the battery for charging means you can leave the scooter in a bike room or basement storage and just bring the power source upstairs.
This scooter is also a great match for multi-modal commuters. If your journey involves a train or bus ride, the folding handlebars and manageable weight make it far less of a burden than a bulky, wide-handlebar cruiser. It's for the rider who values portability and storage but refuses to ride on tiny, dangerous 8-inch wheels.
However, this scooter is not for the heavy-duty off-roader or the speed freak. If you want to go 50 km/h or tackle muddy trails, you should be looking at the Velocifero MAD (the big one) or other high-performance dual-motor scooters. It is also not ideal for very heavy riders (over 100kg) who live in extremely hilly areas, as the 350W motor might struggle on steep inclines. It is a city slicker, through and through.
At a price point of around 840 €, the VELOCIFERO MAD AIR sits in the upper-mid-range of the commuter scooter market. If you compare it strictly on a "watts per euro" basis, it might seem expensive. You can certainly find 350W scooters for 500 € or less. However, that comparison misses the point of this vehicle.
The value here comes from the build quality and features. You are paying for the magnesium alloy frame, which is superior to the cheap aluminum found on budget scooters. You are paying for the engineering of the removable battery system, the folding handlebars, and the branded components. You are also paying for the design heritage. It's the difference between buying a generic suit off the rack and buying one that has been tailored. Both cover your body, but one feels and looks significantly better.
If you plan to use this scooter every day for a year or two, the extra investment pays off in reliability and usability. The ability to replace the battery easily also adds to the long-term value, as you won't have to discard the whole scooter when the cells eventually degrade. For the style-conscious urban commuter, it offers good value.
