VSETT 8R Review

Design

Handlebars

The handlebars are where you’ll find pretty much everything you need to control and operate your scooter. To the right, you’ll notice the QS-S4 display – a device for monitoring your speed, distance travelled, and configuring the scooter’s array of customizable settings – as well as a battery voltage meter.

The handlebars are also where the scooter’s NFC key-lock immobilizer is located, and where you’ll access the front and rear hand-operated drum brakes. Since the 8R is much lighter on features (and motors) than its bigger brothers, there aren’t any of the additional buttons for toggling between motors and riding modes that you’ll see on the 8+, 9+, 10+, and 11+ models.

Somewhat frustratingly, the handlebars lack the curved, ergonomic shape I’m such a fan of on other VSETT scooters. The 8R’s handlebars, conversely, are straight – though this may still suit the ride style preferences of some riders.

More importantly, however, they fold. This is something you’ll see across the entire VSETT line – except for the VSETT 11+.

Size-wise, the handlebars are 24 inches wide. Unsurprisingly given the scooter’s size relative to VSETT’s other models, this is the smallest. However, they have something unique to offer. They’re the only kind in the VSETT line to offer a telescopic stem that's completely customizable to the height of the rider.

The handlebar height can be adjusted anywhere between 29.5 and 40 inches, making it a comfortable ride for the majority of riders.

Frame

Though it may look grey at first glance, the 8R is a deceptive khaki green colour. Unlike VSETT’s later models – which lurch from Aquaman teal to Bumblee yellow, then to an ill-advised red and blue Spiderman getup – the 8R keeps it refreshingly simple.

The army-issue colouring gives the 8R a mean, almost militaristic, feel that’s reminiscent of the armour of ‘Master Chief’ – the main character in the Halo video game series of my youth. It won’t suit everyone, but the 8R’s dual-tone palette affords the scooter a touch of class that will win it many admirers – myself included.

The aesthetes out there will also love the LED lighting strip running the length of the steering column. It won’t help you see any better at night, but it’s the perfect complement to the frame’s design. The bulky, bunched exposed cords protruding from the top and bottom of the stem also add to 8R’s brooding look and feel, and reinforce the scooter’s central statement – that this is not a machine to be trifled with.

Deck

Measuring up at 8 inches wide and 26.5 inches long, the deck – despite being the shortest in the VSETT lineup – is plenty big enough to feel comfortable while riding. This is aided by the 8R’s kickplate, which – located at the rear of the deck – provides an additional platform to lean into the ride. Offering around 5 inches of extra space, you can feel more secure when pushing higher speeds.

What’s more, with a 5.5 inch clearance from the floor, you’re unlikely to bottom out (unless you try and ride up curbs).

Oh, and any discussion of the 8R’s deck needs to include the positioning of the scooter’s charge ports. As is the case with the rest of the VSETT range, the 8R’s ports are located on the top of the deck, rather than the sides.

While their placement at the top left of the deck could be better – I’d prefer to have them behind the folding plate for greater protection against water – you shouldn’t have any worries about the ports getting damaged as a result of rain.

They have resealable covers to keep them protected from the elements. It is worth noting, though, that although I think their placement could be improved, they are nestled next to the base folding plate meaning you’re unlikely to accidentally kick them or knock the covers off while riding.

Wheels

Usually in a VSETT review, here’s where I’d talk about how the scooter’s suspension is given a boost by a pair of pneumatic tyres. In the 8R’s case, however, I can’t – because it only has one.

Let me explain. While the 8R’s front tyre (which sizes up at 8.5 x 3 inches) is pneumatic, its rear tyre (slightly smaller, at 8 x 2 inches) is solid rubber. The VSETT 8 models are the only scooters in the entire VSETT line to take a ‘mix and match’ approach to tyres, and while it doesn’t impact too much on ride quality, it’s not ideal.

After all, pneumatic tyrescare my preferred variety. Thanks to their pliable nature, they’re far better at soaking up the vagaries of cracks, crevices, and off-road terrain, which insulates your ankles, knees, and wrists from the uncomfortable rattle you can experience on less forgiving surfaces. Pneumatic tyres also offer more traction on slippery surfaces.

While you won’t get these benefits with solid tyres, the 8R’s rear rubber wheel still has something going for it – no air, no punctures.

Build Quality & Durability

The 8R is cut from the same cloth as the rest of the VSETT range, and that’s very good news.

An aviation-grade aluminium forging alloy makes up the 8R’s frame. Called 6082-T6, it’s a mainstay in the world of civil engineering and is used everywhere from bridges to cranes to… well, anything that needs to be equipped to handle the pressures of extreme weight and stress. It’s fair to say, then, that you shouldn’t have any concerns about the 8R’s frame’s ability to handle whatever you can throw at it.

Elsewhere, the scooter’s shaft is composed of SCM400. Technicalities aside, this is a kind of carbon chromium alloy steel that’s been designed to withstand the duress of regular use across a range of environments.

For the suspension, a bouncy polyurethane material has been used to back up the 8R’s front and rear springs, while the scooter’s straight handlebars are coated with rubber for grip to control the scooter.

Unlike VSETT’s later models – which mostly rely on silicone to give the surface of their decks more traction – the 8R has two thin strips of grip tape. These aren’t as easy to clean as silicone decks, but they do offer a good level of grip, no matter the weather.

The only questionable design quirk of the 8R is the placement of the exterior cables. The rear drum brake wire is positioned outside of the swingarm, meaning it is more susceptible to damage.

Weight & Load

The 8R weighs in at 20.9 kg – the lowest in the VSETT range.

While this is by no means light – it’s heavier than similar models, such as the Horizon 13 (19 kg), that have been built for commuters. Unfortunately, I can’t consider the VSETT 8R to be a true commuter scooter – I cap the weight limit for these at 19 kg.

The 8R does pack a punch for its weight when it comes to mileage, though. The same can’t be said for speed. More on this in the Performance section of the review.

When it comes to rider weight, the 8R can support up to 120 kg. This matches a wide range of scooters both within and beyond the 8R’s bracket of comparison. The only similarly-priced scooters to support more weight are the Apollo Ghost (136 kg) and EMOVE Cruiser (160 kg).

Folding & Portability

The VSETT 8R sports a telescopic stem, foldable handlebars, and an easy-to-use folding mechanism.

While this certainly gives it points for portability, it's too heavy to be considered the best folding electric scooter – this title belongs to the INOKIM Light 2.

That’s not to say it won’t work for all commuters – it’s just that you’re unlikely to want to lug this thing up a flight of stairs, or on and off trains or buses.

Plus, when there’s a range of electric scooters that are more or less tailor-made for last-mile commutes, such as the Apollo City, there’s no point in trying to make a square peg fit a round hole.

Assembly

Similar to the rest of the VSETT range, the 8R is simple to assemble.

And I use the word ‘assemble’ here lightly because the scooter arrives pretty much ready to go. You’ll just need to unpack it and tighten the handlebar controls (brake levers and display). You’ll also want to ensure that you’re familiar with how the scooter folds, as well as spend some time studying the manual (there isn’t a digital copy online, so treat your paper version like the Holy Grail).

You can ride the 8R out of the box with the factory settings but if you can hold back, I recommend getting to grips with the QS-S4 display’s full scope of features and functionalities. Remember, that your front tyre is air-filled, too, so it’s worth checking its pressure before hitting the road.

The VSETT 8R comes with a basic multitool to cover the assembly.

Ride Quality

Is the VSETT 8R Comfortable to Ride?

While the 8R’s rear solid tyre doesn’t give it the same level of shock absorption as other models of its ilk – or of VSETT’s more premium performance scooters – it’s still a comfortable ride.

This is thanks to its swingarm spring suspension. It is a rarity to find suspension of this quality on scooters this cheap. The only other similarly-priced scooters to boast swingarm setups are the VSETT 8, 9R, 9+ (15.6Ah), and Apollo Ghost.

The same can be said for the kickplate. Located at the back of the deck, it affords a comfortable stance while accelerating and riding at high speeds. It does a good job of elevating the quality of your riding experience.

The 8R’s telescopic stem is a nice feature that helps increase ride comfort, too. By being able to raise or lower the handlebars to suit your height, you’ll immediately feel more at home on the scooter, and won’t have to settle for a ‘one size fits all’ approach.

Performance & Safety

Speed & Acceleration

Just like its twin (the VSETT 8), the 8R has a maximum speed of 26 mph. While this is by no means an earth-shattering velocity, it’s not a complete letdown – and, as we’ll see shortly, is plenty speedy enough not only to get you from A to B but to tackle some relatively imposing inclines, too.

Speed vs Price Comparison

In the world of electric scooters – which, trust me, is enormous – the easiest way to compare a machine’s specs is to compare it against those in a similar price bracket. So just how does the 8R’s maximum speed weigh in against the competition?

Well, let’s apply a £500 price range, with the 8R’s £930 in the middle. Of the 23 scooters in this catchment area, the 8R’s 26 mph top speed places it in the upper end of the pack, alongside its sibling's the VSETT 8 (19.2Ah) and 8 (15.6Ah), as well as the WideWheel Pro.

However, it’s important to note that, despite boasting an identical top speed to its big brother, the VSETT 8 (19.2Ah) is a significant £135 cheaper. Moreover, while the WideWheel Pro matches the 8R for top speed, its dual 500W motors give it the edge when it comes to acceleration – hitting 15 mph in just 3.2 seconds.

Out of those 23 comparable models, the Dualtron Mini models take first place, with its 52V 500W motor and a top speed of 32 mph. However, if you can stretch your budget to £1,499, I highly recommend opting for the Apollo Ghost which has dual 800W motors, a rapid acceleration rate, and a top speed of 34 mph.

Speed vs Weight Comparison

Price isn't always the determining factor when it comes to choosing an electric scooter, weight plays a pivotal role too. So, if weight is important to you, this next section details which scooters pack the most punch for their size.

Taking into account the 8R’s 20.9 kg weight, we assessed the speed to weight of all the models that sit within a 5 kg bracket (18.4 – 23.4 kg).

Out of the comparable 14 models, it places in the mid-ground joint with its siblings, the VSETT 8 (19.2 Ah) and 8 (15.6 Ah).

The scooter that packs the biggest punch is the Dualtron Spider with a top speed of 37 mph. This is 42% faster than the 8R but it is also over 2.6 times more expensive (£2,499).

The slowest model is the Ninebot Max (15.5 mph). The 8R is 68% faster here.

Acceleration

The 8R suffers from the same drawbacks as the similarly priced VSETT 9R – namely, that it’s not a particularly speedy starter.

Because the 8R has just one 48V 600W motor, it’s not able to generate quite as much torque as scooters with dual motors with higher voltages such as the Apollo Ghost.

Compared to the scooters that I recommend as alternatives, the 8R’s acceleration goes toe-to-toe with the Apollo City’s 0-15 mph 4.1 seconds but is slower than the Apollo Ghost’s 2.3 and EMOVE Cruiser’s 3.4.

Range

Just as the ‘+’ in the name of a VSETT scooter indicates dual motors, an ‘R’ means it’s been built for every scooter enthusiast’s favourite ‘R’ word – range.

Accordingly, the 8R delivers. Its maximum 42 miles of range is pretty much unparalleled in its price class. This is borne out in the data too.

Mileage vs Price Comparison

Applying a £500 price range – with the 8R’s £930 in the middle – the scooter places first amongst 23 comparable models. That’s enough to beat the likes of the laudable Apollo Ghost, which falls just short of the 8R with a range of 39 miles.

All told, the VSETT 8R’s 42 mile range is one of the best around. If you want to enjoy long rides – and are the kind of person who enjoys being on your scooter more than off it – the 8R will certainly pique your interest.

Alternatively, if you want to save a little cash, then opt for the VSETT 8 (19.2 Ah) and take advantage of its 38 mile range.

As with all electric scooters, maximum mileage is based on a best-case scenario that includes a 165 rider, flat terrain, and keeping the scooter in its lowest speed setting. As a result, if you push any scooter to its max you can expect a 35-45% reduction in mileage. With this in mind, the 8R has a realistic mileage of 23-27 miles.

Mileage vs Weight Comparison

As with the speed to weight comparison, price isn't always the determining factor when it comes to choosing an electric scooter, weight plays a pivotal role too. So, if weight is important to you, this next section details which scooters pack the most punch for their size.

Taking into account the 8R’s 20.9 kg weight, we assessed the mileage to weight of all the models that sit within a 5 kg bracket (18.4 – 23.4 kg).

Out of 14 comparable models, it has the second-longest range, narrowly missing the top spot to the INOKIM Quick 4 Super with 43 miles. It is, therefore, one of the most efficient scooters in its weight bracket.

It's also worth noting that the INOKIM Quick 4 is void of a suspension system and so when you consider ride quality over long stretches, the VSETT 8R is victorious.

Hill Climbing

The 8R’s top speed and acceleration are no great shakes, but at least you’ll be able to scale the majority of inclines up to 18 degrees.

However, don’t expect to fly up inclines. The 48V 600W simply isn’t powerful enough to propel you up hills at pace.

The 8R’s incline tackling capabilities are inferior to those of the Apollo Ghost when it comes to the pace it can hold but also the maximum 25 degree incline rate. If you can’t stretch to the Ghost’s £1,499 price tag, the EMOVE Cruiser (£1,249) is your best bet with a larger 52V 1000W motor and hill-climbing capability of 20 degrees. For context, the Apollo City and VSETT 8R share the same hill-climbing performance.

Shock Absorption / Suspension

The VSETT 8R’s shock-absorbing capabilities come from its adjustable front and rear spring suspension.

While this type of spring suspension isn’t my favourite – and doesn’t hit the heights of the hydraulic-powered shock absorption of the 10+R and 11+ – it’s well-suited to the smaller, lighter frame of the 8R. And, more importantly, the lack of heavy-duty suspension helps keep the 8R in an affordable price bracket (to see how much you can expect to pay for scooters with hydraulic piston suspension, check out my reviews of the Wolf King, Wolf Warrior, and VSETT 11+).

The shock absorption is also aided by a front pneumatic tyre. This cushions some of the impact of more demanding terrain, though it’s not helped by its rear counterpart – which, being solid, isn’t as forgiving when it comes to leaving the well-paved roads of the city behind.

Overall, the VSETT 8R is well equipped for urban riding, especially when you consider that it is a rarity to find swingarm suspension of this quality on a scooter this cheap.

Braking

Unlike later VSETT models – which rely on either disc or hydraulic brakes – the 8R sports front and rear drum brakes. These are activated via a pair of hand-operated brake levers mounted on the scooter’s handlebars.

While drum brakes are never going to be my top pick, they’re more than powerful enough for the top speed on offer. They’re also extremely low maintenance which makes them ideal for beginners.

However, if you’re looking for a scooter in a similar price range to the 8R, but with a great deal more stopping power, you’re better off paying a little more, and opting for the EMOVE Cruiser. It boasts a pair of hydraulic disc brakes and is available for just £319 more.

Charge Time

With two chargers plugged in, you can have your 8R re-energized and road-ready in as little as 7 hours. With just a single charger, that time doubles to 14 hours – so it’s fair to say that extra charger is worth the outlay.

It’s worth noting that this charge time is one of the longest in the VSETT range. This is due to the 8R’s boosted LG battery, which, at 21.0Ah, is on par with that of the VSETT 9+R. It’s larger than the batteries powering the 8, 9R, and 9+ models. This, of course, equals more range – but means you’ll have to put up with a longer charge time accordingly.

Extra Features

QS-S4 Display & Throttle for Customized Performance Configuration

Anyone with more than a passing interest in electric scooters (or who has read my reviews of the rest of the VSETT range) will be familiar with the QS-S4 display.

Mounted on the right side of the handlebars, the QS-S4 doubles as both a finger throttle and a display screen. The finger throttle – which you’ll use to accelerate and toggle your speed while out riding – speaks for itself. So what can the display do?

The answer is a lot. The QS-S4 shows you how fast you’re riding, how much distance you’ve covered both on your current trip and all time, and what riding mode you’re in. It also works in tandem with the scooter’s battery voltage meter to help you understand how much fuel your 8R still has in the proverbial tank.

And the features don’t stop there. From the QS-S4, you can also customize the strength of your 8R’s acceleration and regenerative brake, configure it to auto-turn off after a time of your liking, and activate cruise control. You can even tinker with the brightness of the screen’s display – a handy feature for when hitting the streets at night.

Battery Voltage Display

Located below the QS-S4 display (and just above its NFC key-lock immobilizer) is the scooter’s battery voltage display.

These nixie tubes (electronic devices used for displaying numerals or other information using glow discharge) provide a more accurate reading of your battery’s current life than the battery bars on the QS-S4. Knowing exactly how much juice your 8R has left is great for when you’re out on the road and helps you plan for when it might be time to turn back for home.

NFC Key-Lock Immobilizer (Anti-Theft Function)

All VSETT scooters come with an NFC key-lock immobilizer – even the ones at the lower end of the scale when it comes to specs and features.

NFC stands for near-field communication, and it’s the same sort of technology you see in contactless credit and debit cards. Unlocking your 8R works identically – you simply wave the included card (let’s call it a ‘mobilizer’) in front of the small reader, that’s located on the right side of the scooter’s handlebars.

There are no keys (which, in my experience at least, are easy to lose), and no fingerprint scanner to push up the scooter’s price up to Dualtron X levels of excess.

Nope – just a single, flat card that can live in your wallet, making it less easy to forget when you leave your house. There are great anti-theft functions involved, too. Not only is the 8R’s NFC reader discreet (unlike a lock, which can be tempting to thieves looking to pick it), it’s also very hard to hack; even for the most dedicated sets of sticky fingers.

Cruise Control

No self-respecting scooter could show its face on the streets without some kind of cruise control function.

On the 8R, this feature is accessible via the scooter’s QS-S4 display; simply navigate to the P17 setting to activate it. Once this function is engaged, you’ll be able to maintain a constant speed, without having to keep your index finger pulled down on the throttle the whole time.

Just like it is on long car drives – and anyone that’s ever tackled hundreds of miles of monotonous cross-country highway will back me up here – the 8R’s cruise control function is a lifesaver. While not huge in the world of performance scooters at large, 42 miles is still a long way; so if you’re planning to push the 8R to the limit of its impressive range, setting P17 is a must.

Adjustable Suspension

While it’s not made for off-roading, the 8R is no steadfast city slicker. The scooter can still hold its own when away from the smooth tarmac surfaces of an urban environment, and that’s thanks in large part to its adjustable front and rear swing arm suspension.

Both of the 8R’s front and rear coil-springs can be customized to fit the type of road you’re riding on – it’s just a matter of tightening or loosening them to your liking.

Telescopic Stem for Adjustable Handlebar Height

One hard and fast rule about VSETT scooters is that the higher the number in the name, the more features they’ll have. It’s fair to say, then, that the extra stuff the 8R is capable of doesn’t come close to the features in the repertoire of the 10+R or 11+.

However, there is one thing that all VSETT 8 models can do that none of the other scooters in the VSETT range can. I’m talking, of course, about the telescopic stem. This allows you to adjust the height of the handlebars from between 29.5 and 40 inches – making it ideal for riders of all heights, as well as folding it down into a compact package.

You can adjust the height of the 8R’s stem by way of a single quick-release clamp.

Foldable Handlebars for Enhanced Portability

Like the majority of the VSETT line (with the only exception being the crowning jewel, the 11+), the 8R’s handlebars fold.

As I mentioned earlier, the 8R is just a little too heavy for me to class it among the best commuter scooters. However, if you do select the 8R as the transport to get you over that last mile to the office, its foldable handlebars at least go some way to making your journey that little bit easier when you need to fold and carry it on public transport or store under your desk.

Sometimes, foldable handlebars can have wiggle room around the tension cuffs that lock them in place. This can cause them to wobble and it can be unnerving when riding at top speeds. The good news is that the 8R’s tension cuffs screw into place making them tight and secure.

LED Lights and Turn Signals

I’ll cut to the chase – the lights aren’t sufficient for nighttime rides. Let’s take a look at the good stuff first and then move on to the bad.

The 8R is one of the few scooters to boast turn signals. What’s more, because these indicator lights are located on the front and back of the 8R – rather than the sides – they’re more visible than the somewhat pointless turn signals on other scooters (VSETT 11+, I’m looking at you).

It’s also equipped with a slick vertical LED strip running the length of the front of its stem. This strip reminds me of the LED strips on the Zero 9 and 10, as well as the Segway Ninebot Air T15. However, with a high price, zero suspension, and a severely limited speed and range, the Air T15 – unlike the 8R – isn’t able to back up all that style with any kind of substance.

Not only does the stem lighting add an element of flair to the scooter, but it also increases your visibility to other road users and pedestrians.

Despite its versatility, my only gripe with the setup is that it lacks a bright headlight positioned high up on the scooter. Even with front and rear button lights, rear brake lights, turn signals, and the stem strip, its illumination capabilities are still not quite enough for riding in the dark.

If you’re planning to ride in low-light conditions, investing in a powerful attachable headlight is a must. A fluorescent jacket may not win you style points, but I’d recommend one of those, too – especially if you’re riding on roads with traffic.

IP54 Water-Resistance Rating

If there’s one thing you can rely on the VSETT range for, it’s, well… reliability. And, like the rest of its siblings, the 8R boasts an IP54 water resistance rating, meaning you can depend on it anytime, anywhere – regardless of the weather.

If you’re new to the world of electric scooters, water-resistance ratings probably seem like a feature that should be included as standard… and I agree.

Sadly, though, this isn’t the case. With brands as big as Dualtron, INOKIM, and Kaabo all flunking out when it comes to water resistance, the 8R’s IP rating more than makes the grade.

The IP54 certification protects the scooter against dust ingress and water spray from all angles. Whether it’s a drizzle or a more heavy-duty deluge, you can be confident that your scooter is protected from the effects of rain.

However, it’s still worth noting – and I’ll unpack this a bit more in the ‘Warranty’ section up next – that water damage isn’t covered under the standard 12-month guarantee. Should the REV Rides’ team discover that any malfunctioning parts you’ve discovered are a result of water damage or submersion, they’ll be sending it straight back. Alternatively, they’ll fix it – but you’ll be charged.

Warranty & Post-Purchase Support

Warranty

When you buy your VSETT 8R through an authorized distributor in the UK its frame will come with a 24-month warranty, while the battery, controllers, LED lights, motors, display, throttle, and electrical wiring is all covered for 12-months.

The fine print states that no damage caused by accidents, collisions, abuse, or misuse will be covered. Likewise, any damage that results from rain, wind, fire, or other elemental forces won’t be covered, nor will anything related to any unauthorized modifications you may have made to the scooter.

Perhaps most annoyingly, wear and tear isn’t included – so it goes without saying that it’ll pay to take good care of your shiny new 8R.

Overall, the warranty is very good, especially considering the 2 years of cover.

Discover What the VSETT 8 Has to Offer

With a steely khaki colour palette, telescopic stem, and mileage that’s almost the best in its class, discover why the VSETT 8 straddles the worlds of entry-level and performance scooters.