Zero 9 Review

7
Expert ScoreRead review
24 mph

Speed

25 miles

Range

18.1 kg

Weight

While its lightweight frame and basic specs will endear it to newbies, its pneumatic tyres, spring suspension, and compact folding frame mean it’ll also appeal to those looking for a comfortable commuter scooter. That said, the Zero 9 is operating in a crowded niche. So, in this review, we’ll explore how it compares to a wide range of similar scooters on the key metrics of speed, mileage, and ride quality, and put the 9’s extra features under the microscope. I’ll also be letting you in on one of the best-kept secrets in the electric scooter industry – so read on to find out if the Zero 9 is right for you.

£695.00

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Who is it Best For?

Will the Zero 9 Be a Good Fit For You?

With a speed of 24 mph and a weight of 18.1 kg, the Zero 9 just about squeezes into the upper limits of what I consider a commuter scooter. Offering a little more oomph than other commuter rides such as the Unagi Model One E250 (17 mph), the Segway Ninebot Max (19 mph), and the Turboant X7 Pro (20 mph), the Zero 9 will suit you if you’re looking for a zippy ride to get from A to B.

Zero 9 Deck and Front Disc Brake

The Zero 9’s natural habitat is the well-paved concrete and tarmac surfaces of the city. It is unlikely to satisfy the speed needs and adrenaline cravings of more advanced riders, or those looking for a strong acceleration rate and well-equipped hill-climbing capabilities.

The biggest thing the Zero 9 has going for it is its portability. It has an adjustable, telescopic stem, as well as a folding frame and handlebars. This combination will suit you if you need to constantly fold, carry, and store your scooter.

Pros and Cons

PROS:

  • Dual suspension that is primed for city rides
  • Light and compact
  • Sports a telescopic stem for adjustable handlebar height
  • Good build quality
  • Foldable handlebars offer portability in spades
  • Mood LED deck lighting adds a touch of class

CONS:

  • Not good value for money when compared to similarly-priced scooters
  • No water resistance rating
  • Headlight is positioned too low and isn’t strong enough for riding at night

Value for Money

Is the Price Tag Worth it?

Make no mistake, the Zero 9 is a popular scooter. But is it worth the price tag?

Before I explain, I want to let you in on a little secret. It’s one that you may already be familiar with – particularly if you’ve read my other scooter reviews and noticed that I haven’t talked all that much about the Zero 9 across the site.

Because the secret is this – the Zero 9 has a long-lost twin.

Separated at birth, the Zero 9 is – at least when it comes to frame and materials – pretty much the same scooter as the Apollo City.

Yep – both models are made by scooter manufacturers Titan/Unicool, and, as a result, the 9 and the City sport the same frame. Zero and Apollo then take these frames, kit them out with their battery of choice, and use colours and logos to brand them with the look and feel of their respective product lines.

This little-known (but important) fact is one of the reasons I haven’t featured the Zero 9 across my site so far – simply because I haven’t, in good faith, been able to recommend the Zero 9 over the Apollo City. Here are the key differences between the two doppelgangers.

SpecsZero 9Apollo City
Motor48V 600W48V 600W
Top Speed24 mph25 mph
Battery48V 13.2Ah LG48V 13.2Ah Dynavolt
Range25 Miles28 Miles
Load100 kg100 kg
Weight18.1 kg17.7 kg
BrakesFront Disc/Rear DrumFront Disc/Rear Drum
Tyres8.5 Inch (Air-Filled)8.5 Inch (Air-Filled)
Water-Resistance RatingNoneIP54
DesignRed, White & BlackBlue, White & Black
Price£695£849

As you can see, the Apollo City tops the Zero 9 when it comes to its range and load-bearing capabilities. The City is also slightly lighter and sports a water resistance rating. One major point of contention is the power and longevity of these scooters’ respective batteries.

The City is powered by Dynavolt cells, which are amongst the most cutting edge on the market. However, the Zero 9’s LG cells do tend to slightly outperform their Dynavolt counterparts over time, so – despite not being able to go as far as the Apollo City on a single charge – the Zero 9 may have the edge when it comes to the endurance capabilities of its battery’s lifespan. For context, both battery types match each other for performance up until around the 5-year point, and the only time at which there is a prominent change in performance is after 9 years.

The point I’m trying to make here is that when it comes to value for money, the Zero 9 is a great option.

However, as we’ll see in our performance comparisons later in the review, there are plenty of better similarly-priced models than the Zero 9. If speed and acceleration are your top priorities, you’re better off shelling out for the VSETT 9+R (21Ah). If mileage is, on the other hand, your key focus, you’ll be better served with the VSETT 8 (19.2Ah).

Further Information:

Best Cheap Electric Scooters

Alternatives

What Other Scooters Should You Consider?

VSETT 9+R (21Ah)

Why is it Better Than the Zero 9?

Why is it Worse Than the Zero 9?

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Apollo City

Why is it Better Than the Zero 9?

Why is it Worse Than the Zero 9?

Price:

VSETT 8 (19.2Ah)

Why is it Better Than the Zero 9?

Why is it Worse Than the Zero 9?

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Design

Handlebars

First up, let’s get to grips with the Zero 9’s foldable handlebars. I’ll discuss their folding functionality a little further down the page (in the ‘Folding & Portability’ section), so all you need to know right now is that the sliding screw-type mechanism used is simple, intuitive, and solid.

Aside from folding, the handlebar height is completely adjustable thanks to the telescopic stem. You can position the handlebar height anywhere between 29 and 39 inches from the deck, and easily adjust it via the quick-release locking lever.

Of course, this cool feature does mean that the Zero 9 runs the risk of stem wobble, as can be the case when a lot of folding or adjustable parts are involved. Indeed, some of my fellow scooter reviewers have highlighted that the handlebars require tightening after every few rides.

Zero 9 QS-S4 Display

Elsewhere, the handlebars play host to a pair of hand-operated mechanical brake levers, as well as its QS-S4 display. This device is something I’ll unpack a little later on, and its main purpose is to serve the dual functions of both a finger throttle (for controlling your scooter’s speed and acceleration) and a display screen.

The QS-S4 is where you’ll view your scooter’s speed, battery life, and riding mode, as well as the distance you’ve travelled both on your current trip, and all-time (odometer). There’s even a hidden USB port, which (while I wouldn’t recommend it) can be used to charge your electronic devices.

To finish off the handlebars, the ergonomically shaped grips are coated in a robust and grippy rubber. These easily top the cheaper, uniformly-shaped, grips that we see other scooters like the Kugoo G2 Pro.

Close Up of Zero 9 Handgrip

Frame

The Zero 9 may have its drawbacks, but style isn’t one of them. It turns heads with a bold two-tone black and red colour palette. The frame is finished to a good standard, while the exposed, bunched cabling protruding from the top and bottom of the steering column helps keep the aesthetic clean.

Oh, and I love the Zero 9’s lighting setup. With strips of vibrant LED lighting embedded into both sides of the deck and the front of the stem, it illuminates the street vertically and horizontally.

Ultimately, there’s nothing not to like about the look and feel of the frame. The red accents are subtle enough to avoid being overbearing, while the Zero branding – despite taking a prominent place on the stem – isn’t as loud as I’ve seen on other scooters. It’s even kind of thrilling how much the red of the Zero 9 contrasts dramatically with the blue branding of its twin, the Apollo City – furthering the narrative of rivalry between these two (almost identical) models.

Deck

Something I appreciate about the Zero 9 is the ample standing room that the deck affords. Measuring up at 19.5 inches long and 7.7 inches wide, it is shaped like a skateboard – I just wish it was as grippy as one.

The deck is sparsely coated in a trio of grip tape columns, which, while they may look cool, don’t offer as much traction as decks that are fully coated in a grippy surface. As a general rule, I prefer my decks to be covered entirely in rubber – it makes them easier to wipe down and provides a uniform grip no matter the placement of your feet.

Rear of of Zero 9 Deck

Another downside of the deck is that it lacks a kickplate at the rear. Kickplates are small platforms that you can place your back foot on, allowing you to lean into your ride and strike a more aggressive, aerodynamic posture when hitting high speeds. The Zero 9 just has a rear fender, but this is built to protect you from mud splashes, and not as a footrest. If a kickplate is as important to you as it is to me, the VSETT 9+R and 8 are great alternatives to the Zero 9.

Despite all this, though, the kickplate isn’t a must-have for a scooter like the Zero 9 which is primed for commuting.

One highlight of the deck is that it offers 4 inches of ground clearance, meaning you can feel comfortable while riding without running the risk of bottoming out.

Wheels

Big, air-filled tyres are king – so it’s a breath of fresh air that the Zero 9 has them. At 8.5 inches, the tyres are big enough to afford you a generous contact patch with the road, which helps when it comes to traction and handling.

Sure, you’ll have to be wary of punctures – but this is the only reason you’d ever choose to avoid pneumatic tyres. They’re superior to their solid counterparts in pretty much every way, but most notably in the added suspension and shock absorptive qualities they offer. This layer of insulation helps safeguard your limbs from the effects of bumps, jolts, and uneven riding surfaces.

Zero 9 Front Tire

Overall, the size profile and tread of tyres make them ideal for navigating city streets. They strike the perfect balance between being nimble and comfortable.

Build Quality & Durability

Build quality is always a key factor, but it’s particularly important for electric scooters that go faster than 20 mph. After all, you don’t want your scooter’s frame falling apart on you – particularly when travelling at speed.

It’s good news, then, that the Zero 9’s sturdy design – which encompasses good quality tyres, a top-of-the-line LG battery, and a durable frame – is perfectly equipped to deliver ride comfort and reliability, even at the upper limits of its 24 mph speed capabilities. There’s no annoying rattling, and the single motor is as quiet as a mouse.

Zero 9 Rear Motor

Refreshingly, the designers have also placed an emphasis on portability. Not only do the scooter’s handlebars and stem fold, but its stem can be compressed by a whole 10 inches from its full height, helping you to pack it down when preparing it for storage or transportation.

The only real letdown here is the scooter’s lack of a water-resistance rating. Many of the Zero 9’s top competitors – which include the VSETT 8 and 9+R models, as well as the Apollo City – all have water resistance certifications. While I wouldn’t recommend riding any of these scooters in heavy rain, an IP rating does give you that extra peace of mind – which you certainly don’t get with the Zero 9.

Weight & Load

The Zero 9 weighs 18.1 kg, which is about what I’d expect given the specs and power on offer. Plus, at under 19 kg – my maximum recommended weight for commuters – the 9 qualifies as an ideal selection for last-mile commutes. In fact, its weight is comparable to the majority of other popular commuter scooters, including:

  • EMOVE Touring (17.7 kg)
  • Apollo City (17.7 kg)
  • Horizon 10.4 (18.1 kg)

In terms of load, it can support up to 100 kg of rider weight. This is fairly standard for entry-level scooters and a few premium modes like the INOKIM Light 2 (which I regard as the most portable scooter), but it falls short of similar scooters.

When we compare the load capacity with its closest competitors – namely, the Apollo City and VSETT 8, both support rider weights of up to 120 kg, making the Zero look a little insufficient. Jump back to the ‘Alternatives’ section to recap the key differences between the models.

If you’re looking for a scooter with excellent load-bearing capabilities, the Zero 9 isn’t it, and you can certainly get more for your money elsewhere. Check out my guide to the best electric scooters for heavy adults to learn which of the top load-bearing models on the market is right for you.

Folding & Portability

As I touched on earlier, the relatively trim 18.1 kg weight makes it a tantalizing proposition for commuters. But what makes it even more ideal for travelling riders is its folding functionality, with the Zero 9 folding both in half, as well as sporting collapsible handlebars.

And, as far as folding mechanisms go, this one’s a doozy. Simply press down the folding lever at the base of the Zero 9’s stem to unlock the scooter’s steering column. From here, simply fold the column up (this works via a pair of deck-mounted hinges), until it locks in place in an upright position.

Zero 9 Folding Mechanism

The Zero 9’s handlebars also fold, via a similarly intuitive method. Simply twist the locking sleeves and then slide them outward to release the grips and fold them inward.

Often, foldable handlebars can fall short of the mark as a result of ineffective locking mechanisms. For example, the EMOVE Cruiser uses spring-loaded tension cuffs instead of locking sleeves that screw into place. This means that the cuffs simply plug over the top of the main handlebar frame and aren’t tightened into place. While this method still keeps the handgrips locked into place (i.e. they don’t collapse inwards while in use), you do tend to experience a little wiggle room which can be unnerving at times. However, this is not an issue with the Zero 9 thanks to its combined tension and screw mechanism. The only thing you have to do is tighten the sleeves every so often since the natural vibrations from riding loosen them over time.

Overall, the foldable handlebars serve to make the Zero 9 portable, meaning you’ll have no issues slotting it into your boot, or out of sight at your home.

Plus, with a fully adjustable telescopic stem (which I’ll unpack in greater detail in the ‘Extra Features’ section below), the Zero 9 can shrink to an even more compact size.

Zero 9 Folded

Assembly

The Zero 9 arrives fully assembled, though you should take some time to ensure that the various nuts and bolts are sufficiently tight, which you can do with a basic Allen wrench.

Once your Zero 9 is ready for action, you’ll want to make sure that there’s sufficient pressure in the tyres, and that it's charged in full before you hit the road. It’s also worth spending time getting to grips with the scooter’s QS-S4 display, particularly the range of P-settings that’ll allow you to plumb the deepest depths of the Zero 9’s customizability.

Ride Quality

Is the Zero 9 Comfortable to Ride?

While the Zero 9’s suspension in and of itself doesn’t exactly reinvent the wheel, the scooter still provides a dependable ride when it comes to comfort.

That, of course, is in no small part down to its wheels. A pair of decently sized pneumatic tyres assist the front and rear suspension, by gobbling up a lot of the jarring impact caused by urban terrain. The scooter’s deck also provides ample clearance, which will help when it comes to propelling yourself (safely) off curbs.

Ultimately, the Zero 9 delivers a good level of ride quality if you stick to well-maintained roads and pavements. While it can cope with rougher urban terrain (i.e. pothole-ridden roads), it doesn’t have the pedigree to absorb the shocks from big impacts meaning your knees and wrists take the brunt.

Zero 9 Rear Suspension

How does this compare to the scooters that I recommend as alternatives?

Well, the same can be said for the Apollo City since it shares the same tyre and suspension setup as the Zero 9. The stand-out scooter for ride quality that delivers above and beyond the Zero 9 is the VSETT 9+R. This scooter utilizes a superior adjustable spring and swingarm suspension system that has better compression and damping. The larger, vertically aligned springs are better equipped to absorb impacts, while the swingarms ensure smooth transitions from the springs compressing and rebounding. The swingarms are the key part of the suspension system that deliver superlative levels of comfort. Plus, because of VSETT 9+R‘s superior design, it can handle light off-road terrain.

Similar to the VSETT 9+R the VSETT 8 boasts a spring and swingarm suspension system that puts it head and shoulders above the Zero 9 when it comes to ride comfort. After all, the VSETT 8 was originally intended to be the Pro line of the Zero 8 and 9, before it was rebranded to VSETT.

Performance & Safety

Speed & Acceleration

The Zero 9 is capable of top speeds of up to 24 mph. But is that good value for money? Let’s take a look at how the 9’s maximum velocity lines up against other scooters in its price range to find out.

Speed vs Price Comparison

Taking the 23 most comparable scooters to the Zero 9’s £695 price point – that is, a £250 range with the 9 in the middle – it emerges at the middle of the pack, tied with the EMOVE Touring.

The fastest scooters in our rankings are the Dualtron Mini 17Ah and 13Ah versions. While both of these boast a peak power output of 1540W – which is 39% more powerful more than the Zero 9 – they only have single motors. The major pitfall of single motor scooters is that they suffer from sluggish acceleration rates when compared to dual-motor models. With this in mind, if you can stretch your budget further the VSETT 9+R is a fantastic, faster alternative.

Zero 9 Speed vs Price Comparison (UK)

The 9+R’s pair of 650W motors don’t just offer it a sumptuous 33 mph of speed – they also empower it with a blistering acceleration rate.

For reference, the VSETT 9+R can hit 15 mph in just 2.7 seconds – a whole 36% faster than the Zero 9’s 4.2 seconds.

And it’s not just on the metrics of speed and acceleration that the VSETT 9+R beats the Zero 9. The former also benefits from a superior suspension system, with its swingarm/spring combination allowing for more shock absorption than standalone springs. This, ultimately, delivers better ride quality across the board.

Speed vs Weight Comparison

Now, let’s assess the Zero 9 against its closest rivals on the metric of weight. Applying a 2.55 kg weight range on either side of the 9’s 18.1 kg – which gives us a bracket of 15.6 kg to 20.6 kg – turns up 18 models in this category. So where does the Zero 9 sit?

Unlike its underwhelming performance in our speed vs price analysis, the Zero 9 recovers for a fairly strong showing, placing joint fourth with a top speed that is above the pack average. This shows that the Zero 9 does a fine job where many other scooters have failed – finding that precious equilibrium between speed and a lightweight frame.

Zero 9 Speed vs Weight Comparison (UK)

That said, there are better options on the market as far as that speed/weight balance is concerned – and it’s the nimble, lightning-quick Dualtron Spider living up to its name, ensconced in a web of speed at the summit of our rankings. With a top speed of 37 mph (that’s a whole 48% faster than the Zero 9), the Spider is a great choice for speed fiends. However, at £1,950, it’s nearly triple the price of the Zero 9 – so it won’t be for everyone.

Placing second in the rankings is the Speedway Leger (28 mph), but this model is hard to get your hands on in the UK, and so, with all of this mind, the next best options are either the Apollo City, Horizon 13, or Horizon 10.4. Ultimately, though, stepping back from the rankings and looking at all the scooters in the list beyond their stats alone, it’s the Zero 9 that emerges as my top choice.

Acceleration

Sporting just a single motor alone, the Zero 9 was never going to have the most rapid acceleration rate. And the numbers bear that out – the 9 takes a full 4.2 seconds to reach 15 mph from a standstill. Here’s how that stacks up against some of the scooter’s fiercest rivals:

Zero 9 Acceleration Comparison (UK)

Just as our speed vs price comparison showed, our data here again shows that the VSETT 9+R’s dual motors make it a better pick than the Zero 9. With a rapid acceleration rate of 2.7 seconds (that’s 36% faster than the 9), it leaves the likes of the Zero 9, the Apollo City, and the VSETT 9+R’s little brother – the 8 – in the dust.

That’s not to say that the VSETT 9+R is without its drawbacks. Unlike the Zero 9, it lacks a telescopic stem, which makes it less portable. It also weighs considerably more (a whole 6.8 kg more, to be exact), and with a lack of mood deck lighting, it isn’t quite as easy on the eye as the Zero 9 at night, either.

Just pipping the Zero 9 to that 15 mph mark is the Apollo City – despite being cut from the same cloth as the 9.

Range

The Zero 9 is capable of a maximum range of 25 miles off a single charge. The caveats here though are that you need to be in the lowest speed setting and weigh no more than 75 kg. You can switch up your riding mode from within the Zero 9’s intuitive QS-S4 display. The realistic mileage for the Zero 9, when ridden in full power mode, is around 18 miles.

Mileage vs Price Comparison

As always, let’s apply a £500 price range – with the Zero 9’s £695 asking price in the middle – to see how the scooter compares to similarly-priced models.

Zero 9 Mileage vs Price Comparison (UK)

It’s a familiar story. Just as it did in the speed vs price comparison, the Zero 9 emerges in the middle of the table. Unfortunately, this shows that – as far as speed and mileage are concerned, at least – the 9 doesn’t offer a whole lot of value for your money.

Another emerging narrative in these comparisons is that the new line of VSETT scooters standsout as excellent alternatives. This time, however, it’s not the 9+R but its little brother – the 8 (19.2Ah) – that emerges in the upper echelons of the rankings. And by a chunky margin – the VSETT 8 (19.2Ah)’s maximum range of 38 miles is 52% more than the 25 miles of the Zero 9.

With its comfy suspension and pneumatic tyres, the VSETT 8 offers better ride quality than both the Zero 9 and the leader of the pack, the Ninebot Max (40 miles). This makes it hands down the best long-range option. But if you want to spend a little less (while still benefiting from a good range), the VSETT 8 (15.6Ah) might be more up your alley.

Mileage vs Weight Comparison

Now, let’s put the Zero 9’s mileage through the microscope but this time, through the prism of weight. Collecting all the scooters in the Zero 9’s weight class (15.6 to 20.6 kg) gives us a large complement of 17 models to compare it with – so how does it fare?

Not bad – but not amazingly, either. Dwelling, once again, firmly in the middle of the pack – joint with five other models, including the popular Horizon 13 and the EMOVE Touring – it’s clear that the Zero 9 doesn’t offer anything special as far as mileage is concerned.

Zero 9 Mileage vs Weight Comparison (UK)

Rather, it’s the Ninebot Max – which boasts a whopping 40 miles of range – that takes the crown (on paper, at least). However, the Max’s inferior 350W motor means it’s a much more sluggish accelerator and hill climber, and its top speed is a whole 5.4 mph slower than the Zero 9’s.

Moreover, the MAX Ultra isn’t primed for long-range rides. So, though it may be capable of hitting long distances, the lack of suspension delivers a subpar riding experience.

With all that in mind, it’s the Dualtron Spider (37 miles) that presents itself as the best option. But as I mentioned earlier, it’s not exactly budget-friendly. If you can’t stretch to meet the Spider’s £1,950 asking price, you’re better off with the Apollo City. (The City is lighter than the Speedway Leger and costs £100 less while still delivering a close match to the formers maximum range – 30 vs 28 miles).

Further Information:

Long Range Electric Scooters

Hill Climbing

As you might have expected, the Zero 9’s lack of dual motors means that it’s no great shakes when it comes to hill climbing.

The Zero 9 is capable of tackling hills of up to a 15 degree incline rate, though this will depend on the weight of the rider, as well as on which riding mode has been engaged.

For perspective, the VSETT 9+R, which we discussed earlier as a fantastic alternative, is capable of handling gradients of up to 25 degrees.

Ultimately, the Zero 9’s hill-climbing capabilities are on par with the scooters of its ilk. It can climb hills twice as fast as entry-level scooters (like models from GoTrax and Hiboy), but it equally climbs hills 50% slower than high-performance models.

Shock Absorption / Suspension

The Zero 9 sports front and rear springs that help insulate you from the vibrations of riding on well-maintained streets. The front, vertically-aligned, spring takes the brunt of impact while dual, horizontally-aligned, springs soak up the ricochet of vibrations from the front spring.

Zero 9 Front Suspension and Lights

That said, the suspension doesn’t have much travel meaning it can feel stiff. It’s also not adjustable, so you can’t customize it to fit the nature of the ground you’re traversing. However, this shouldn’t be too much of a turn-off if you have your eyes set on the Zero 9 – particularly if you only plan to ride on the predictable surfaces of the city.

Fortunately, the Zero 9 backs up its hard-working suspension with a pair of pneumatic tyres. Filled with air, rather than a solid rubber or foam, these offer a first layer of defence against the jarring impacts of harsher roads.

Braking

The Zero 9 is equipped with a front disc complemented by a rear drum. These cable-actuated brakes (which, thanks to a pair of brake levers on the scooter’s handlebars, are always within grabbing distance) enable the Zero 9 to come to a complete stop in 3.3 meters from 15 mph – which is very good.

It’s worth noting that just (29%) of the scooters in the Zero 9’s pricing range have dual mechanical brakes – the Zero 9 being one of them. The 9 is also one of only three scooters to utilize two types of brakes. While the Zero 9 and Apollo City both sport disc and drum brakes, the only other scooter to take this ‘mix and match’ approach is the INOKIM Quick 3, which pairs a front v-brake with a rear disc brake.

While this ‘pick and mix’ strategy may not necessarily seem the most intuitive, there are plenty of benefits to it. Drum brakes, for instance, are lower maintenance than the disc variety – so having a mix and match setup can help limit the amount of time you spend attending to your braking system.

The Zero 9 also comes with a regenerative braking system to back up its responsive drum-and-disc combo. This helps feed otherwise wasted kinetic energy from braking into the battery, prolonging your maximum range. If you don’t like how it feels, you can either turn it off or customize its strength via the scooter’s QS-S4 display.

Ultimately, though, there’s not enough of a distance between the braking performance of the Zero 9 and the scooters I recommend as alternatives to make this facet of the review a deal-breaker.

Charge Time

The Zero 9 takes 6-8 hours to reach a full charge when you use the single charger that comes in the box. However, you can cut that time in half by purchasing the fast charger.

Extra Features

QS-S4 Throttle Display for Customized Performance Configuration

First things first, let’s unpack the Zero 9’s thinking cap – that is, its QS-S4 display.

Playing the dual role of the finger throttle and display screen, the QS-S4 doesn’t just serve as the trigger you’ll use to control your speed and acceleration, it’s what you’ll use for real-time insights into your scooter’s health and current status.

From the QS-S4 screen – which is backlit so you can see it while riding at night and in direct sunlight – you can view your scooter’s speed, riding mode, and battery life. You can also view the mileage you’ve clocked up on your current trip, as well as the distance you’ve travelled in total.

Zero 9 Backlit QS-S4 Display

One of the things I love about a new scooter purchase is deep-diving into all the less obvious features it has to offer. And, if you do too, you’ll love tinkering with the QS-S4’s wide array of P-settings. They’ll take a bit of time to get used to – although this handy guide to your Zero QS-S4 display screen will certainly help.

Here’s where you’ll activate your cruise control feature, adjust the strength of its regenerative brakes and acceleration, and play with its arsenal of battery-saver settings, such as the brightness of its display and auto turn-off feature.

Oh, and if the QS-S4 display looks familiar, that’s because it is. Rather than being unique to the Zero line, the console is a standardized unit used on many other popular scooters. That includes Apollo, Kaabo, and VSETT.

The QS-S4 isn’t quite as customizable as the smart EY3 device that you’ll find on higher performance models, nor does it come close to the eye-watering capabilities that the NAMI Burn-e’s industry-leading console offers. However, the QS-S4 still does a great job and is the perfect match for the Zero 9’s capabilities.

Secret Feature: Hidden USB Port to Charge Your Mobile and Accessories

There’s more to the Zero 9 than meets the eye – particularly as far as its QS-S4 display is concerned.

Because look closer, and you’ll see a subtly tucked away USB port behind the screen’s circular frame. If you’re desperate, you can use this plug in your electronic devices to charge on the go – however, I wouldn’t recommend it. Harvesting your Zero 9’s QS-S4 display for smartphone power won’t only drain your scooter’s battery, but also risks sizzling the very circuits that help keep this device ticking – so charge at your peril.

Cruise Control

Accessible via the multi-talented QS-S4 display is the scooter’s cruise control function. Enable this while you’re out on the road to travel at a steady speed, and ease the strain on your finger by not having to keep the throttle constantly pulled down.

To engage cruise control, head to setting P6 before you set out, and change the ‘0’ on the dial to ‘1’. Once you’ve set off – and have reached the speed you want to stay at – the cruise control feature will do its work, and allow you to release control.

To stop cruise control, simply squeeze the brakes, and you’ll regain manual control over your scooter.

LED Lights (Featuring a Stem Strip and Mood Deck LEDs)

The Zero 9 may not stand out from the crowd so much when it comes to its build or basic specs, but wow – does it look good. This thing’s dolled up in so much swag lighting, it looks straight out of the neon-filled downtown strip from an 80s film – or the movie Tron.

Zero 9 Lighting Setup

Decked out with thin strips of LEDs running the length of its stem and deck, the Zero 9 offers one of the most eye-catching lighting displays you'll see on a scooter of its class. It also sports a responsive tail light, which is embedded into the rear of its deck. It’s exciting stuff, particularly for those with an aesthetic leaning.

Zero 9 Rear Lights

The only disappointment here comes from the headlight. Located low down at the front of the scooter – on the fender – it fails to provide adequate illumination for riding at night. I always prefer to see headlights situated higher up on a scooter’s stem (closer to the handlebars) for this very reason.

Against that backdrop, you’ll need to strap on some extra rechargeable lights to ride the Zero 9 safely after dark.

Telescopic Stem for Adjustable Handlebar Height

As a general rule, the more an electric scooter costs, the more features it will come with.

But one notable exception to that rule is the telescopic stem – a great value add that you’re far less likely to see on more premium scooters, but that you will see on the likes of the Zero 9 and other commuter models. This feature allows you to adjust the scooter’s stem across a 10-inch range (29” to 39”), meaning you can customize it to fit the height that you find most comfortable.

The telescopic stem also offers extra benefits as far as portability is concerned, by enabling you to further reduce the size of the scooter when packing it down into storage or transit.

This feature isn’t without its drawbacks, though. These moving parts can contribute to a lack of stem stability, which means you do run the gauntlet of stem wobble when you’re on the road.

Ultimately, this isn’t something you should worry too much about, nor should it deter you from opting for the Zero 9 (or, better still, the Apollo City). Just make sure to securely fasten the quick-release lever that holds the stem into place to make each ride a safe and enjoyable one.

Foldable Handlebars for Enhanced Portability

The handlebars collapse via a folding screw mechanism. This allows the scooter to benefit from even more portability and looks great to boot.

Perhaps the only thing to watch out for is that the locking rings tend to loosen up after several sojourns. This isn’t a big deal, though, and you can stay on top of this issue by remaining vigilant and checking how secure they are before and after each ride.

Optional Seat Attachment

If there’s one thing better than riding a scooter, it’s riding a scooter sitting down.

And, fortunately, the Zero 9 offers an optional seat attachment that’s available to purchase for £95.99.

Adjustable and with hydraulic suspension in the post, the seat is built for maximum comfort and can be customized to fit your height and preferred riding position.

Zero 8 Seat Parts

Scooters of the Zero 9’s price that can be fitted with seat attachments are all too rare. There’s only a handful that qualify, including the Apollo City, WideWheel Pro, EMOVE Touring, and a couple of others – so an affordable extra seat is an added gem.

What’s more, you won’t require the services of a professional (or need much DIY acumen on your part) to install it. While it comes with some screws, there’s no drilling or overly technical stuff to get it attached.

Specification: Zero 9 Review

Brand
Brand

Zero

Type
Suitable For

Adults

Terrain

Urban

Design
Portability

Folding Frame, Folding Handlebars

Weight (kg)

18.1

Rider Weight (kg)

100

Tyre Size (inches)

8.5

Tyre Type

Pneumatic (Air-Filled)

Performance
Speed (mph)

24

Range (miles)

25

Max Incline (%)

27

Charge Time (hours)

8

Suspension

Front & Rear

Brakes

Disc, Drum

Extra Features
Extra Features

Cruise Control, Detachable Seat, LED Display, LED Lights

Warranty & Post-Purchase Support

Warranty

Buying your Zero 9 through Ride and Glide, the Zero line’s foremost distributor in the UK treats you to a 24-month warranty.

Here, the warranty is split into two defined sections. The scooter's frame is covered for the full duration of the 24-months, while the controllers, LED Lights, motors, battery, display, throttle and electrical wiring is covered for 12-months.

So, what about the small print? Well, much like its competitors, the Zero 9’s warranty doesn’t cover wear and tear, nor does it cover any damage that arises as a result of your abuse or neglect of the scooter.

Predictably, issues that come about as a result of accidents or collisions aren’t covered, either – nor is environmental damage, such as that caused by wind, fire, rain, or taking your Zero 9 anywhere you shouldn’t. Faults that result from any unauthorized modifications to the scooter you may have made will likewise void the warranty.

Impressively, though, Ride and Glide will foot the bill for labour and shipping meaning that if you need to send your scooter in for repair under warranty, it'll be free of charge. This is great to see because some retailers slap you with a cheque for the repair guy’s troubles.

Post-Purchase Support

The Ride and Glide customer care team are available between 9 am and 5 pm Monday to Friday – simply dial 0330 043 1980 to get in touch. You can also take advantage of the company’s stellar live chat on their website. I conducted a few tests to see how fast they were to respond and I was impressed with the level of service.

However, I should note that the live chat is best for top-of-line questions and so, for more technical support you are best off emailing them. 

Ride and Glide's commitment to customer service and attention to detail is something I’ve been lucky enough to witness firsthand. I got a real sense of the team’s passion, and the emphasis they place on quality control. They also have a great YouTube channel that's brimming with content about all the scooters they sell.

Take a Close Look at the Zero 9's Frame & Features

From its eye-catching blue LED strip lights to its foldable handlebars and telescopic stem, feast your eyes on the Zero 9's sleek red, white, and black frame.

Specification: Zero 9 Review

Brand
Brand

Zero

Type
Suitable For

Adults

Terrain

Urban

Design
Portability

Folding Frame, Folding Handlebars

Weight (kg)

18.1

Rider Weight (kg)

100

Tyre Size (inches)

8.5

Tyre Type

Pneumatic (Air-Filled)

Performance
Speed (mph)

24

Range (miles)

25

Max Incline (%)

27

Charge Time (hours)

8

Suspension

Front & Rear

Brakes

Disc, Drum

Extra Features
Extra Features

Cruise Control, Detachable Seat, LED Display, LED Lights

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