VSETT 9+R Review

Design

Handlebars

The handlebars measure 25.5 inches – the same as those on the VSETT 9 and 10, as well as the ultra-wide handlebars of the Varla Eagle One, but still two inches shy of the VSETT 11+’s whopping 27.5-inch span.

However, the handlebars can do a couple of things those of the VSETT 11+ can’t. Firstly, they fold. While this, in reality, has more to do with storage than portability, it’s still a very handy (pardon the pun) feature to have.

The second way the handlebars put those of its high-spec successor to shame is its stability. The 9+R forgoes the woes of the collar clamps seen on many high-performance scooters, and instead introduces a secure triple stem locking mechanism. The result of which is to eliminate the annoyance of stem wobble which can be extremely unnerving when riding at top speeds. Ultimately, it gives you peace of mind knowing you have a stable, secure ride ahead of you.

The handlebars’ ergonomic shape also makes controlling the scooter’s steering column and hand-operated front and rear disc brakes a breeze.

To the right, you can view your speed and mileage via the QS-S4 display, check on your battery life, and use the finger throttle to accelerate. On the left, you’ll find buttons to activate both motors and toot at unsuspecting pedestrians with the horn.

Frame

The 9+R’s frame is said to tout “aggressive styling” and it’s hard to disagree.

With explosive bubblegum blue accents complimenting a solid black frame, the VSETT 9+R is an assault on the eyes. That’s not entirely a bad thing, though – while I’m personally a fan of scooters with a more conventional look, I’m full of praise for those that prefer to push the style envelope in weird, wonderful directions.

The eye-watering bright accents adorn the scooter’s front and rear swingarms, its deck, the triple stem locking mechanism, and parts of the handlebars. While these aquatic trimmings don’t have a patch on the 10+R’s bold yellow and black colour scheme, they’re still nicer to look at than the VSETT 11+’s cartoonish red and blue getup – bleurgh.

The motor hubs – which, if you look closely, are edged with chrome highlights – add a touch of class, and there are even three silver stripes adorning the scooter’s swingarms. I’m a sucker for this kind of attention to detail when it comes to design – so props to VSETT for going the extra mile here.

Deck

The deck – which measures up at 8 inches wide, and 28 long – is similar in size to the previous 8, 8R, 9, and 9R models. Like those scooters, the 9+R offers plenty of room to strike a wide, comfortable stance, while a reasonably generous six inches of clearance help prevent you from bottoming out.

As for the deck’s surface, it’s made of hard rubber, with a silicone strip that is emblazoned with a striking teal VSETT logo. As you’d expect, this rubber surface makes the 9+R’s deck a cinch to clean.

One another thing to note about the deck is where the charge ports are located. As I noted in my reviews of the 10+R and 11+, this can subject the ports to more potential damage from the elements, as water can pool up inside and cause them to malfunction.

However, this isn’t as much of a flaw with the 9+R – which utilizes seals, rather than sliding covers, to protect the ports – as it is with the 11+. Plus, you could probably argue that ports located on the side of the deck are more likely to become damaged – particularly from curb sideswiping – so having them located on top is a stroke of genius.

Wheels

The wheels have a similar profile to the much-loved Mantis 8 (8 x 3.1 inches). There are many reasons why the Mantis 8 is a popular scooter, and its tyres are one. The VSETT 9+R repeats this winning formula to deliver exceptional ride quality. While they share an almost exact width of 3 inches, they boast a slightly larger diameter of 8.5 inches. There are a few benefits to this.

First, the tyres are pneumatic and engineered to help out the scooter’s swingarm suspension. Like all pneumatic tyres – which, as you might know from my other reviews, I’m a big fan of – they are filled with air, allowing them to absorb uneven terrain.

Second, because these tyres are diminutive in size – a whole 2.5 x 1 inches smaller than the VSETT 11+, for instance – they make for a more nimble ride; meaning you can pull off sharper turns, and enjoy greater agility at acute angles.

Third, when we look at the tyre sizes of some of the VSETT 9+R’s competitors including the Apollo Ghost (10 x 3.25 inches), Apollo Phantom (10 x 3.25 inches), and Mantis Base (10 x 2.5 inches), it is clear to see that the 9+R tyres have a stockier profile. The wide profile alongside the smaller diameter means that the tyres have a large contact patch with the ground below. This increases the amount of traction the tyres can generate, which improves grip and braking performance.

Sure, pneumatic tyres do have one or two downsides – namely, that they’re more prone to punctures than their solid counterparts. This isn’t too much of an issue with the 9+R’s setup, though – because as we’re about to see, this scooter is made of tough stuff.

Build Quality & Durability

Anyone that’s done their homework on the VSETT line will know that the brand doesn’t even belong in the same conversation as words like ‘flimsy’ or ‘fragile’.

These scooters are built to last, and the 9+R is no different. Its frame is made of a hard-wearing aerospace-graded aluminium alloy known as 6082-T6. You can be forgiven if that seemingly random collection of numbers and letters doesn’t mean anything to you, just remember this:

• The metal is lightweight
• It’s the same material used by some of the biggest scooter brands in the industry, including Kaabo (the brand of the Manti models)
• It’s strong – in fact, it's used to build bridges and cranes because it can withstand extreme stress. Not bad, huh?

The 9+R’s shaft, on the other hand, is made of SCM400 – a kind of carbon chromium alloy steel that’s made to withstand the elements (and used by the oil and gas industry for heavy-duty applications) – while you’ll find grippy silicone coating the deck, and rubberized handlebars for safety.

One thing that’s great about the VSETT 9+R is its kickplate. There are three reasons why:

• Placing one foot on the kick plate allows you to lean into the ride which makes you feel more confident when ripping top speeds.
• Being able to apply your weight over the rear tyre further increases the traction of the already well-equipped wide tyre.
• The hook on the rear of the handlebar post hooks into the kickplate meaning the scooter locks into place when folded, making it easier to carry.

Another thing I love about the 9+R’s build – and something you don’t get with other performance scooters – is its wobble-proof triple stem locking mechanism. I’ll address this neat feature in the ‘Extra Features’ section further down the page – but for now, let me just say that if you’re not a fan of collar clamps, you’ll find plenty to love here.

Weight & Load

The 9+R weighs in at 24.9 kg. This ranks favourably against scooters in a similar bracket when it comes to price and specs, and – as we’ll soon see – it is almost top of the standings when it comes to ratios of both speed and range to weight.

Not only does the 9+R punch above its weight, its lightness – combined with its folding frame and handlebars – means that it’s more portable than other performance scooters.

However, I can’t in good faith recommend it as a commuter scooter. I’ve reviewed plenty of scooters and find that the maximum weight of this type of scooter is around 19 kg. The 9+R’s 24.9 kg tip the scales a little too much to be considered a true commuter scooter. However, if you need a scooter to get you door-to-door and don’t have much folding or carrying to do in between then it’ll be perfectly fine.

As for load, it supports a maximum rider weight of 120 kg. This is about standard for scooters in the 9+R’s niche and is matched by models such as the Mantis Base, Zero 8X & 10, INOKIM Ox Hero, and a few EVOLV models.

Lo and behold, it’s also the same amount of rider weight supported by some of the high-performance scooter big guns, including the Dualtron Eagle Pro, Thunder, and Ultra.

Putting the load-bearing capabilities under scrutiny, there are a bunch of scooters in the same performance bracket that beat the 9+R including the EMOVE Cruiser (160 kg), Apollo Phantom (136 kg), and Apollo Ghost (136 kg).

Folding & Portability

Although it weighs 24.9 kg it is – when it comes to performance scooters – lightweight and portable.

The 9+R folds in half at the stem, with a hook – located at the top of the stem – that locks into the kickplate, making the scooter easier to carry as opposed to models that don’t lock into place (like the Varla Eagle One, Zero 8X and 10X, for instance).

Here's the stem hooked into the kickplate:

It also has foldable handlebars, which adds an extra layer of portability and makes storage more convenient.

Assembly

Like the rest of the scooters in the VSETT lineup, you’ll struggle to find a manual online. Rest easy, though – the scooter comes pretty much fully assembled.

Your main duties will be to unbox, unfold it, and follow the paper manual to tighten up a few nuts and bolts here and there. While you’re at it, you’ll also want to familiarize yourself with the triple stem folding mechanism and get to grips with the QS-S4 display.

You won’t require any other equipment to get your 9+R road-ready – it comes with a multi-tool for assembly, and a single standard charger. You’ll want to check the pressure of the tyres before you hit the streets, though – there’s nothing like a flat tyre to kill the joy of a new purchase. And, if you’re riding at night, I’d advise strapping on a couple of additional lights for safety.

Ride Quality

Is the VSETT 9+R Comfortable to Ride?

Absolutely. This thing is a dream to ride.

The 9+R achieves this through a combination of fat, pneumatic tyres, and adjustable front and rear swingarm suspension. You can also adjust the springs at both the front and back to ensure that your scooter is fully customized to the type of terrain you’re going to be traversing.

On top of this, the 9+R’s design – like that of the rest of the VSETT range – is one oriented specifically towards comfort. VSETT’s scooters are built with ample-sized decks that offer plenty of clearance, while their handlebars, across the board, are amongst the widest on the market for increased control over the steering column.

The 9+R’s triple stem locking mechanism also helps prevent stem wobble, while the lock on its range of stem turning motion means you won’t ever have to run the gauntlet of being forcibly ejected from your scooter. Comfortable, indeed.

Performance & Safety

Speed & Acceleration

Okay, so the 33 mph top speed – particularly for those well-versed in exactly just how fast high-performance scooters can go – isn’t much to write home about.

However, when we take a more methodical approach – applying a £500 price range to compare the 9+R with scooters in a similar cost bracket – its top speed and overall level of performance become clear as day.

From a comparable 17 models – with the Varla Eagle One, Evolv Pro, and Mantis Base topping the charts at 40 mph, and the INOKIM Quick 4 Super bringing up the rear with a paltry 25 mph – the 9+R is comfortably ensconced in the middle ground.

However, when we dig deeper and bring the metric of weight into the equation, the 9+R almost emerges on top. Taking into account the weight of the 9+R (24.9 kg), we assessed the speed to weight ratio of all models that sit within the 22.4 – 27.4 kg bracket.

Whilst the 9+R boasts the highest top speed alongside the Mantis 8 Pro (33 mph and 27.2), it has a speed to weight ratio of 1.33 (meaning that for every kilogram of the scooter’s weight, there’s 1.33 mph of power).

Based on the speed to weight ratio, the 9+R sits joint second in the charts here – tied with the Apollo Explore and Zero 10 – beaten only by the EVOLV Tour XL-R (1.35).

What does this all mean for you? Well, I guess what I’m trying to say is don’t judge a book by its cover – though that 33 mph may immediately seem lower than comparable models, the VSETT 9+R packs a surprisingly (yet demonstrably) powerful punch for its lightweight frame. This makes it among the top scooters in the 22.4 – 27.4 kg bracket. Plus, in an analysis of 100+ models, it places joint 14th in the speed stakes – so it’s certainly not one to be sniffed at.

Range

Powered by a 48V 21Ah Li-on LG battery, it has a maximum range of 40 miles which is enough to earn it a spot in the top 20 of our 100-strong database of electric scooters.

To be more precise, the 9+R places joint 18th, tied with similar performance scooters including the Varla Eagle One, the Apollo Phantom series, the Mantis 8 Pro, and a couple of others.

Now, let’s utilize a similar logic as we did with speed to add more context.

Again applying that £500 range – with the 9+R’s £1,250 price tag in the middle – the best value for money scooter when it comes to range is the EMOVE Cruiser. At £1,249, it costs ever-so-slightly less than the 9+R but delivers a whopping 22 extra miles (62 miles in total). So, if range is important to you, then the EMOVE Cruiser is your best bet.

Don’t write the 9+R off just yet, though. Just as it shined with its impressive speed to weight ratio, its range to weight ratio – which I make to be 1.61 (where for every kilogram of scooter weight there are 1.61 miles) – is excellent. With this key metric, the 9+R takes second place, losing out only to the phenomenal 2.63 of (you guessed it) the EMOVE Cruiser.

The bottom line? If range is at the top of your priority list, you can’t do much better than the 9+R – unless you opt for the 62-mile range of the EMOVE Cruiser.

Hill Climbing

Okay, so the 9+R doesn’t come close to sporting the kind of insane mountain-munching qualities as its bigger brothers. However, the dual motors are still capable of putting out an impressive amount of torque, allowing the scooter to boss inclines of up to an impressive 25 degrees with ease.

This is on a par with some of the models from renowned scooter makers MiniMotors – such as the Eagle Pro – and outperforms the 20 degree capability of the Dualtron Mini, Spider, and Compact.

It also matches that of the similarly-priced Apollo Ghost and Phantom (both 25 degrees), whilst outperforming the EMOVE Cruiser (20 degrees).

In summary, the 9+R is never going to compete with the big players in the hill-climbing category – its motors simply aren’t powerful enough. However, when looked at in the light of its immediate competition it still packs a punch and has the pedigree to tackle even the most menacing of urban undulations (think San Francisco’s steepest street, Filbert street, which clocks in at 17.5-degrees – the 9+R can handle this).

Shock Absorption / Suspension

On balance, the spring suspension has more in common with the 8, 8R, 9, and 9R models than it does with the more ambitious hydraulic systems on the 10+R, and the mighty 11+.

This is evidenced in the 9+R’s front and rear swing arms. These are fully adjustable, and – in cahoots with the 9R’s pneumatic tyres – soak up what urban roads and forest trails can throw at you.

I should also note here that – while you can tinker with the springs to enjoy a more forgiving ride over rougher surfaces – the 9+R’s suspension isn’t made for extreme off-road rides. Sticking to smoother terrain delivers a buttery-smooth riding experience.

Braking

It derives its considerable stopping power from a pair of hand-operated dual mechanical disc brakes.

While these aren’t always my preferred option when it comes to brakes – that particular spot in my heart is reserved for those of the hydraulic variety – they’re well-suited to the 9+R.

For comparison, out of the three scooters we recommend as alternatives (Apollo Ghost, Apollo Phantom, and Mantis Base), all of them come equipped with similar disc brakes. But, you can choose to upgrade the Apollo Phantom to feature hydraulic discs – we have the hydraulic version of this scooter and have been very impressed with the braking power. To widen the net even further and paint a bigger picture, the cheaper EMOVE Cruiser sports a dual hydraulic braking system.

While there are cheaper scooters with superior brakes, the lightweight frame and moderate top speed mean that there will rarely be too many forces acting against its disc brake setup. Plus, they are highly responsive, so you should have no worries about being able to stop quickly – even when pushing the 9+R to its limits.

Charge Time

With a single charger, it takes around 14 hours to reach full charge.

When you add another charger into the mix (the 9+R has a couple of ports), you can have your scooter juiced up and back on the road in around 7 hours.

As previously mentioned, the charge ports are located on top of the deck below the neck. While there’s some contention around their placement, I think they’ve been well-designed – especially when you compare them to the ports on the VSETT 11, which are also located on the top of the deck but have port covers that can easily slide off.

As long as you keep your scooter well-maintained and check that the rubber charging port seals are in place, then you’ll be fine. Plus, you no longer have to worry about the ports grinding down and becoming malformed as a result of scraping them against curbs and other treacherous obstacles.

Extra Features

QS-S4 Display & Throttle for Customized Performance Configuration

The VSETT 9+R may not boast quite the same range, power, or full scope of features as the likes of the 10+R or 11+, but it does have the same QS-S4 display. This is a kind of two-in-one device, that doubles as both an LCD screen and a finger throttle.

For those new to the world of high-performance scooters, the QS-S4 is a standardized device. It’s not specific to the VSETT range, but also appears on a bunch of scooters from Fluid Free Ride’s entry-level scooter, the Horizon, to performance models like Kaboo’s Mantis 8 Base.

The QS-S4 has plenty of pedigree, and it’s not hard to see why. Easy-to-read and backlit for night-time riding, the QS-S4 offers up digestible, at a glance, insights into your speed, battery life, and riding mode. Handily, it also functions as an odometer, allowing you to see how far you’ve travelled on your current trip, as well as overall.

Sure, the most discerning scooter enthusiasts out there will be quick to point out that the QS-S4 display isn’t quite as customizable or feature-rich as the EY3 display you’ll see on scooters in the Dualtron and Speedway lines – although, it has been encased in a moulded plastic that could be mistaken as a doppelganger.

However, the QS-S4 still offers a whole bunch of settings to keep you occupied. By flicking through an enormous amount of P-settings, you can play with the scooter’s auto-turn off modes, set the strength of its acceleration and regenerative brake settings, and even enable/disable cruise control.

DDM Button to Control Dual Motors

Ever wondered what that ‘+’ sign means when you see it in the name of a VSETT scooter?

The ‘+’ indicates that the scooter has dual motors. Indeed, one of the key ways in which the 9+R improves on its predecessor, the 9R – in addition to boasting a bigger battery – is by doubling down on the latter’s 650W motor.

But, of course, you won’t want (or need) to have both those motors engaged every time you leave the house – particularly if you’re in no rush to get to your destination, or are just out for a casual cruise. After all, by utilizing just one motor, you’ll extract the most distance out of the maximum 40-mile range.

Here’s where the DDM button comes in. Pushing it allows you to toggle between either using one or both of the motors. It’s located next to the horn, to the left side of the handlebars, but don’t mistake it for its neighbour – you might frighten an innocent passerby.

For maximum torque, acceleration, and speed, engage both motors.

Battery Voltage Display

A mainstay of the VSETT line and pretty much all performance scooters, the 9+R sports a battery voltage display. You’ll find it tucked under the QS-S4 display.

Designed to give you a more accurate reading than the QS-S4’s battery bars, voltage displays always come in handy – particularly when it comes to long rides.

Cruise Control

Another feature you’ll want under your belt for those longer adventures is cruise control.

It’ll allow you to maintain a constant speed while riding, simultaneously relieving your finger of the burden of keeping the trigger throttle pulled down.

You can activate cruise control by navigating to the P17 setting on the QS-S4 display.

NFC Key-Lock Immobilizer (Anti-Theft Function)

One thing I love about the VSETT range is that it comes equipped with a pretty neat anti-theft function.

Chief among these is the key-lock immobilizer. Powered by slick NFC technology (near-field communication – the same stuff that makes contactless bank cards work), a small reader to the right side of the handlebars allows you to unlock your scooter simply by waving your scooter’s card in front of it.

This doesn’t just bring the benefit of style (how many people can say they unlock their scooters with a card, after all?), but also security. Unlike traditional key-ignitions – which sticky fingers can pick the lock of, or clone the key for – the NFC reader is one of the more robust anti-theft features. Handily, you can store the card in your wallet, too, so there’s less chance of losing it.

LED Lights and Turn Signals

With a front headlight, responsive rear taillights, and button lights, the 9+R’s LED light setup is one of the most comprehensive in the performance scooter bracket.

There are even turn signals – a rarity on scooters of this ilk – which are ideal for when you’re navigating traffic-clogged roads. What’s more, these are located on the front and back of the scooter – rather than the sides, as is the case with the VSETT 11+. As you can imagine, side-located turn signals are extremely difficult to see, so this is a big bonus, and just one of the things VSETT’s earlier scooters get right that its later models don’t.

Using the turn signals is seamless, too. Instead of there being a slider which you move to the left, right, or keep in the middle, the buttons to activate the lights have been cleverly built into the handgrips, meaning you can turn either one on by clicking with your thumb.

The headlight, conversely, suffers from the same issue that afflicts pretty much all scooters across the board – it isn’t bright enough to give you the visibility needed for nighttime rides. Sure, it shines a beam in front of you but because of its low mounted placement on the front fender, its ability to cast light is hindered. I recommend purchasing an additional headlight to attach to the handlebars.

However, credit where credit is due, we should be applauding the 9+R for even having a headlight in the first place. It’s rare to see both button lights and a headlight, after all – most similar models, like the Apollo Ghost and Mantis models, just stick to button lights. On the other hand, the Apollo Phantom, one of our recommended alternative scooters, has a powerful 1000-lumen headlight mounted on the handlebars with front and rear deck lights alongside a brake light on the kickplate and turn signals – this is fully equipped for night time riding.

Adjustable Suspension

While adjustable suspension is fast becoming a must-have – rather than a nice to have – in the world of performance electric scooters, I still love to point out when a brand gets it right.

VSETT does – and, while the swing arms aren’t quite as gnarly as the hydraulic suspension of the later models (VSETT 10+R and VSETT 11+) – you can still customize them to fit the terrain you’re taking on.

Wave Goodbye to Collar Clamps, Say Hello to a Secure Triple Stem Locking Mechanism

There’s nothing worse than when you’re out riding – wind whipping through your hair and pavements passing by in a blur – than when your handlebar stem starts to wobble.

Sadly, it’s a fun-sapping quality that – here’s the bad news – far too many electric scooters have, and it’s down to a rather unreliable little invention called a collar clamp.

Thankfully, the good news is that, for the most part (the 11+ isn’t included here) the VSETT range scraps the collar clamp, replacing it with a savvy, secure triple stem locking mechanism.

The locking mechanism is as solid as they come. There’s no stem wobble whatsoever, so you can forget about unnerving rides and focus on enjoying your new ride (and that cool breeze, of course).

Range of Stem Turning Motion is Locked to Prevent Accidents

If you’ve ever experienced turning too tightly causing your scooter’s handlebars to rotate at a 90-degree angle, it’s unlikely you’ll ever want to face it again.

Having your handlebars and front wheel facing a different way from the rest of your scooter isn’t exactly ideal for keeping you on the road, which is why it can cause accidents when it happens.

Fortunately, when the VSETT line emerged, phoenix-like, from plans to extend the Zero range, its focus wasn’t just on performance – it was on safety, too. The 9+R’s steering column has been designed to prevent it from over-rotating, making sure that you get a smooth, safe ride.

Horn

It comes equipped with a loud electric horn, which you can access by pressing a button to the left side of the handlebars (it’s next to the DDM motor system selection button).

Sadly, the horn doesn’t feature the same earth-shaking, 105 decibels, motorcycle-grade honk you’ll find on the VSETT 11+, but it’s still plenty loud enough to be heard by pedestrians.

Foldable Handlebars for Enhanced Portability

Just like the rest of the VSETT models that came before the 9+R, and the 10+R that came after, the handlebars fold down neatly for convenient storage and make the scooter easier to manoeuvre when being carried.

What makes the 9+R’s foldable handlebars so interesting, though, is that this ability isn’t something I’m accustomed to seeing on the curvy, ergonomic handlebars of the 9+R. Foldable handlebars typically have to be straight, so to see them here is a refreshing twist on the classic formula.

When locked into place, they perform the same as any solid, one-piece handlebar would – kudos to the designers.

IP54 Water-Resistance Rating

The VSETT 9+R isn’t just one of the few performance scooters you can buy on a budget – it’s also one of the few you can ride in the rain.

With an IP54 water resistance rating, it has the credentials to withstand splashes of water from all angles, making it a reliable ride – even when the weather isn’t.

And, as I implied, the world of high-functioning scooters is surprisingly devoid of water resistance ratings. IKOKIM, Dualtron, and Kaabo, for instance, are all renowned brands producing scooters that aren’t water-resistant – and who, quite frankly, should know better.

With the 9+R, you’ll get basic protection from the elements. However, I still wouldn’t hit the streets too gung ho the next time it’s wet out. If you're unlucky, and your scooter does pick up water damage, it won’t be covered under warranty and you won’t be riding it at all – rain or shine.

Warranty & Post-Purchase Support

Warranty

When you buy your 9+R from Ride and Glide – VSETT’s official distributor in the UK – it’ll come with a 24-month warranty on the scooter's frame and 12 months on the rest of the components that make up the scooter.

The warranty isn't exactly a thrilling read (though certainly one I’d recommend at least flicking through before making a purchase), so I’ve summed up your main need-to-knows below.

This warranty doesn’t cover any damage caused by yourself. That includes – but isn’t limited to – collisions, accidents, abuse, or anything that results from unauthorized modifications. The warranty also won’t cover water damage, nor will it cover wear and tear.

As to be expected, manufacturer defects are covered. This includes the battery, controllers, LED lights, motors, display, throttle and electrical wiring.

All in all, it’s pretty good, especially when you consider that 24 months is double the standard warranty and other retailers make you pay to extend it. 

Post-Purchase Support

Ride and Glide's commitment to customer service is something I’ve witnessed.

Early in the year, I spoke with Duncan– the Marketing Director at Ride and Glide – who shared with me the elaborate quality checks that take place before these scooters get anywhere close to your doorstep.

As a result, their customer support is fantastic.

In addition to being able to call and email them, they have live chat on the site which is great for pre-sales questions.

Discover What the VSETT 9+R Has to Offer

With explosive bubblegum blue accents complimenting a solid black frame and a dynamic swing arm suspension system that makes it a dream to ride, discover why you won’t want to step foot off the VSETT 9+R until you’ve run the battery dry.