I often say that scooters are a great option for people living in a dense urban area. They’re smaller and lighter than E-Bikes, and a great option if you live in an upstairs apartment with a tight staircase.
But a lot of the entry level electric scooters are pretty basic. Sure, they do fine on concrete and asphalt, but what if you feel like leaving the city center and going off the beaten path?
Well TurboAnt claims to have your solution with their newly released R9 scooter.
It claims to have a top speed of 28mph, and be capable of some off roading. You’ll see how it fares later in the article, and in our video review below, But their marketing material shows the scooter on some pretty rugged terrain for a scooter with a single 500 watt motor:
At first glance the R9 has a rugged and tough appearance. It has knobby tires and a blocky, sheet metal front fender. The red springs and accents really give the R9 a unique look amongst it’s competition.
Our Latest Videos on The TurboAnt R9:
Key Features of the TurboAnt R9
The R9 is TurboAnt’s answer to riders who want more power, better suspension, a little off-road capability, and an overall upgrade from their other scooters. Here’s what makes it stand out:
- 500W Rear Hub Motor: Good acceleration and a 28 mph top speed (when unlocked).
- 48V 12.5Ah Battery: Delivers 16-20 miles of range, depending on terrain and rider weight.
- Full Suspension: Front and rear shocks smooth out bumps—no more spine-jarring rides.
- Knobby Pneumatic Tires: Better grip on dirt, grass, and rough pavement than solid tires.
- Dual Drum Brakes + Regen Braking: Three ways to stop (though we wish they were disc brakes).
- Turn Signals & Loud Horn: Extra safety for city riding.
- Foldable: For easy transport in cars and carrying upstairs.
TurboAnt R9 Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Motor | 500W Rear Hub Motor |
| Battery | 48V 12.5Ah Lithium-Ion |
| Top Speed | 28 mph (unlocked) |
| Range | 16-20 miles (real-world testing) |
| Suspension | Front & Rear Coil Suspension |
| Brakes | Front & Rear Drum Brakes + Regen Braking |
| Tires | 10″ Pneumatic (Knobby Tread) |
| Weight | ~40 lbs |
| Max Load | 265 lbs |
| Price | $529 (often on sale for less) |
Performance Review
Speed & Power
The R9’s 500W motor is an upgrade from TurboAnt’s older models. On flat pavement, it hits 25-28 mph (GPS-verified), which is plenty fast for a commuter scooter. Off-road? It’ll handle light trails, but don’t expect dirt bike performance—steep hills will make it sweat (and cut power to avoid overheating).
Ride Comfort
The full suspension and air-filled tires make a huge difference compared to rigid scooters. Bumps and cracks in the road? No problem. It’s not luxury car smooth, but it’s way better than getting rattled like a maraca on a pothole-filled street.
Braking
The drum brakes get the job done, but they’re not as sharp as hydraulic discs. The regen braking helps, though—it kicks in strong at low speeds, almost like engine braking on a motorcycle.
Off-Road Capability
TurboAnt claims the R9 can handle light off-roading, and… they’re kinda right. Grass, packed dirt, and gravel? Yes. Rocky trails or steep hills? Not so much. The motor can overheat if pushed too hard, so keep expectations realistic.
Pros & Cons
👍 Pros
- Great value for $529 – Beats many scooters in this price range.
- Full suspension – Finally, a scooter that doesn’t feel like a jackhammer.
- Turn signals & loud horn – Extra safety for city riding.
- Foldable & portable – Easy to stash under a desk or in a trunk.
👎 Cons
- Drum brakes – Would’ve loved discs for better stopping power.
- No odometer – How am I supposed to flex about my mileage?
- Off-road limits – Fun on grass and packed dirt/gravel, but know it’s limits.
- Overheating under tough off-road conditions
Who Is the TurboAnt R9 For?
- City commuters who want a smooth, fast ride.
- Light trail explorers (think parks, not mountain paths).
- Budget-conscious riders who don’t want to spend $1,000+ on a scooter.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
For $529, the TurboAnt R9 is a fantastic upgrade from basic commuter scooters. It’s faster, smoother, and more capable than TurboAnts other scooters, and the full suspension alone makes it worth considering.
Just don’t expect a true off-road beast—this is still a street scooter at heart. But if you want something that can handle potholes, grass, and the occasional dirt path without costing a fortune? This is it.
Where to Buy the TurboAnt R9
You can grab the R9 directly from TurboAnt’s website. Check for discounts—it often goes on sale!
👉 https://bit.ly/3QUwtrr
Final Thoughts
The TurboAnt R9 is a fun, practical scooter that fixes most of the complaints riders had about older models. It’s not perfect (we’re looking at you, drum brakes), but for the price, it’s one of the best options out there.
If you’re tired of rigid, slow scooters and want something with a little more oomph, the R9 is definitely worth a test ride.
Looking for more e-bike reviews? Check out our latest guides on Amped Cycle for expert insights on electric bikes and PEVs!
Affiliate Disclaimer
Amped Cycle offers objective personal electric vehicle reviews. Some bikes we buy, some bikes are sent by the manufacturer or 3rd party. Any links used in this article and our YouTube channel may be affiliate links, Which means we make a commission that helps support our channel when you buy through those links. It costs nothing extra to you.
Other Bikes You Might Like
Movcan V30 Max: Take You And A Friend Off The Beaten Path
TurboAnt R9: The Ultimate Off-Road Commuter Scooter?
