Posted by 
The Only Problem With This Smooth Ride Is Fighting The Kids For Equal Time
By Scott Kramer
“Which do you like better, your electric bike or the electric scooter,” my neighbor asked. I didn’t even have to think before responding: “The e-bike seems safer, but the scooter rocks!”
I have a feeling many more people feel the same way about the EcoReco L5+ Electric Scooter. I got this scooter just as the gravity of COVID-19’s scope reached the March quarantine point, and it has become my go-to mode of pandemic transportation. Even now, as lockdown restrictions have eased up, the Eco remains perfect for zipping around the neighborhood when I want to get out of the house, even if I don’t really have anywhere to go. It would appear that I am not alone; there has been a spike in the sale of personal-transportation devices, such as electric scooters and bicycles, for people who need to get around but either don’t own a car or want to avoid the masses on public transportation. It might not inspire “Born to Be Wild” or Easy Rider comparisons, but the EcoReco is a blast when you want to get some fresh air without having to hop in the car to do any short-range errands.
My family and I live on a pretty steep street. As I effortlessly cruise up and down the hill, the EcoReco keeps me grinning up — and down — the hill. This scooter also makes me forget my electric bicycle, which over the last few years I’d often have to pedal for about 200 yards before it got enough of a kickstart to start moving on its own. And even then, it puttered along at 5 mph. The EcoReco, on the other hand, covers that same patch of concrete by topping 20 mph, with no pedaling required. I am blown away by its power. And torque. And smooth ride. And miles per charge. It’s been an eye-opener. My e-bike must be feeling neglected because I have cast it aside in favor of the hop-on-hop-off ease of the EcoReco for all my post-office and FedEx drop-offs, grocery store pick-ups, and Redbox rentals.
This scooter conveniently folds up and can even be locked to a bike rack. At 37 pounds, I probably won’t want to carry it around very often, but I could easily see myself taking a train to our downtown area and then using the scooter to get around from that point.
It took about a half-hour to master this great ride. The throttle works so well that I initially kept jerking the machine forward. But I eventually figured out how to smoothly get it into gear and moving down the road. The handbrake took a little bit to master, but I learned to alleviate that hard stop by just stepping gently on the rear wheel cover to slow down the wheel until working the handbrake became second-nature.
The ride is so smooth on the top-of-the-line L5+ (suggested retail: $849) that I’ve caught myself cruising along faster than 25 mph. That’s nothing for a motorcycle, of course, but it’s quick enough to make sure the kids get properly adjusted to it. EcoReco also makes two other options (S5, $499; M5, $799), each of which also delivers gradual-but-speedy sneaky power on these well-built and appointed scooters. I especially like the throwback-cool bell and the telescoping main handlebar, which adjusts to people of pretty much any height. The blue-glowing odometer has several modes and is well lit to display in bright sunshine or dark night. The handlebars even fold inward if you’re stowing the scooter, then lock into place when you’re using it.
The only downside to the EcoReco L5+ scooter in the middle of a pandemic, the whole family is home together — and everyone wants to use it. The kids love taking it out, and gladly follow the two house rules: 1)Wear a helmet (that’s non-negotiable), and 2) Easy on the throttle.
Hopefully, they’ll leave me some more time to ride it.
Scott Kramer is a Dad and a writer, based in Southern California. Primarily versed in golf and personal technology, he is a high-end gadget geek. He is always on the lookout for the latest and greatest technology and, even if it’s not right for him, is here to share it with anyone who might need it to shape the future and make life easier for every Dad. He’s here to be the eyes and ears for every Dad who needs the latest and greatest in gear.
