Ah Mercane, you’ve done it again

This story first appeared in the August issue of EvTalk – CLICK HERE to download the magazine FREE

Storm Rides has another fat-wheeled electric cruiser – a Mercane WideWheel e-scooter, just out in New Zealand.

The scooter comes with dual or single motor option, but we’d suggest sticking with the dual motor (total 1000W) as there’s plenty of power on tap.

Although governed to 25-30km/h, with an unlock sequence you can toggle off and on the speed limiter to get more.

A “beast mode” allows you hit about 40km/h on the flat.

With the option of turning “kick and go” off it is also great for quick getaways at traffic lights, but keeping this mode on will chew through the battery.

Dual motors enable heavier riders to get about.

The e-scooter is designed for those up to 110kg, but is capable of taking people nearer the 130kg mark uphill quickly, without using the legs to push like on lower powered scooters.

It also means you won’t arrive sweaty and puffed.

The 1000W version truly does, as the marketing says, “Eat hills alive”, even with a heavy backpack (laptop, lunch, tools, charger, etc).

The Mercane WideWheel has about a 32km real-world range (tested) and easily handles a 23km one-way commute, mostly along the northwestern cycleway.

It could do nearly 50km on a single charge over even terrain.

A key turns on the scooter (providing security when at a cafe or shop) via a voltage meter which shows about 54V when fully charged and under 40V when going flat – a new addition.

It has a battery meter, but voltage meters provide better battery performance accuracy.

The manual suggests avoiding using the e-scooter on “rainy and snowy days”.

It has an IP54 rating, meaning it is water resistant in normal rain and through most puddles, but it’s not recommended for heavy rain or being immersed in water.

Riding in heavy fog didn’t deter it.

The signature wide wheels (10cm) provide stability but you need care on wet surfaces, especially when turning.

The wide wheels give it a different ride feel, more akin to carving, and coupled with the dual swing arm suspension make it less harrowing on uneven footpaths.

Care in the wet was illustrated by an electric skateboard rider, luckily in protective gear, taking a nasty spill ahead on a damp downtown Auckland pavement.

E-scooter riders should wear helmets and some protection too.

Slow down around other shared path users, and use the bell provided.
Check e-scooter (or e-bike) etiquette.

Disc brakes stop it quickly.

A front LED light and rear tail light provide some visibility, but it’s best to wear high-vis gear and carry more front and rear lights – especially in winter.

The tail light flashes when braking.

The scooter quickly and easily folds so it can be lifted into a vehicle or on the train.

Both handlebars can drop and the steering column-mounted knob turns to lock or unlock it – but make sure it’s properly tightened.

Our column was slightly loose – a fault with the test scooter as it had already undergone some severe testing before we got it, Storm Rides assures.

By comparison, the column was rigid when locked on the single motor 500W Mercane WideWheel we checked.

The dual motor e-scooter weighs about 20kg (the single motor almost half that), which is often less than an e-bike.

A thumb throttle keeps the speed up and cruise control can be activated for longer stretches.

The throttle took some getting used to as it is jerky to operate when depressed, probably due to the instant acceleration.

It didn’t do that on the single motor scooter, however, making us wonder if the jerky throttle is perhaps also a fixable fault on the test dual motor scooter – which Storm Rides is checking.

No app is involved in accessing this scooter, unlike e-scooter rentals.

A control panel mounted on the handlebar column top also takes a few goes to get used to, but a guide is provided with the scooter – and YouTube has tutorials.

Pushing a button on it for a required number of seconds opens the display (four lights) and alters the mode from eco to power or back.

You can use it to select more speed (beast mode) once you learn how.

The display is minimal, Mercane focusing on the scooter itself rather than extras.

There’s no speedo – unless you attach one.

You can get a mobile phone attachment as well or wear a smart helmet for hands-free cell phone use or listen to music, and with rear lights.

A battery charger is provided (along with an e-scooter user manual, Allen keys and a spanner), and full charging takes about four hours.

A seat can be fitted with four bolt holes already in the deck.

Korean designed and made in China, the Mercane WideWheel can go off-road if you wish.

The dual motor version sells for about $1995 and the single motor for $1595.

It’s a goer – and we think with a few refinements the e-scooter will rate very highly with users.

Storm Rides reports the first order sold out within a fortnight, with a second order is on its way and selling fast as pre-orders offer a $200 discount.

If you are looking for an e-scooter with power, stability and a smooth ride for under $2000 then check out the Mercane WideWheel.

Visit www.mercane.com or www.stormrides.nz for more information.