Dualtron 3 Review
$3,590.00 Original price was: $3,590.00.$2,969.00Current price is: $2,969.00.
Want to go far, take on all types of terrain, and zoom your way up even the steepest of hills with ease? Try the Dualtron III.
Channeling almost everything we love about the design and innovation of Dualtron’s most premium scooters – such as the Thunder – the 3 is a versatile scooter that’ll give scooter enthusiasts everywhere something to get excited about.
There is one major caveat, though…there are plenty of other scooters that offer far better value for money.
Dualtron 3 Review: 11 Things You Need to Know
Who is it Best For?
Will the Dualtron 3 Be a Good Fit For You?
As the specs and price point depict, the Dualtron 3 isn’t for beginners. It’s a performance scooter through and through, meaning it’s made for riders who are looking to push the limits when it comes to speed and distance.
Unlike the Dualtron Ultra – which sports chunky, knobby tire treads – the 3 isn’t tailor-made for off-roading. But it’s still made of tough stuff and boasts the power, specs, and functionality to handle off-road dirt and forest trails as easily as it can city streets.
Make no mistake, though – the 3 is a far cry from the more basic, velocity-challenged commuter scooters produced by the likes of Segway, GoTrax, and Hiboy. If you’re thinking about the 3 as a step up into something a little more powerful, I’d at least recommend experimenting with a scooter in the range of 30 mph. The Apollo Explore, Apollo Ghost, and even the Mantis 8 Pro are all good gateways here.
But even for seasoned scooter stalwarts, there’s one reason in particular that the Dualtron 3 may not be the right fit…it’s expensive. Of all the scooters offering 40 mph of speed, the 3 will cost you the most. As a result, there are plenty of other scooters that offer far better value for money.
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Pros and Cons
- Folding handlebars for enhanced portability
- Semi-hydraulic disc brakes
- Comfortable rubber cartridge suspension
- Chunky tubeless tires
- Good range
- Color-changing LED swag lighting
- Expensive
- You can get better value elsewhere
- Suffers from stem wobble
- No water-resistance rating
Value for Money
Is the Price Tag Worth it?
Don’t get me wrong – the Dualtron 3 is a fantastic scooter. But does that mean I can give it my blessing as being worth the entirety of its $2,969 price tag? No.
If you’re committed to spending that kind of money, there’s better value elsewhere.
The Wolf King and Wolf Warrior, for instance, are two faster scooters, and both support superior acceleration rates, hill-climbing abilities, and deliver better build and ride quality than the 3. Elsewhere, the VSETT 11+, and even 10+R, bring more to the table.
Alternatives
What Other Scooters Should You Consider?
Wolf King
- Speed: 60 mph
- Range: 50 miles
- Weight: 105 lbs
- Load: 400 lbs
Why is it Better Than the Dualtron 3?
- Faster (+20 mph)
- Supports more rider weight (+135 lbs)
- Motorcycle-grade hydraulic suspension
- Chunkier tires
- IPX4 water-resistance rating
- Superior build and ride quality
- Better quality LG battery vs the 3’s cheap Chinese cells
Why is it Worse Than the Dualtron 3?
- Heavier (+26 lbs)
- Harder to fold
Price:
- 2,999.00
Wolf Warrior
- Speed: 50 mph
- Range: 70 miles
- Weight: 101 lbs
- Load: 330 lbs
Why is it Better Than the Dualtron 3?
- Faster ( 10 mph)
- Supports more rider weight (+65 lbs)
- Motorcycle-grade hydraulic suspension
- Chunkier tires
- Better at taking on hills, with more explosive acceleration
- Superior build and ride quality
- Better quality LG battery vs the 3’s cheap Chinese cells
Why is it Worse Than the Dualtron 3?
- Heavier (+22 lbs)
- Harder to fold
Price:
- 2,999.00
VSETT 11+
- Speed: 53 mph
- Range: 85 miles
- Weight: 128 lbs
- Load: 330 lbs
Why is it Better Than the Dualtron 3?
- Faster (+13 mph)
- Better range (+10 miles)
- Superior acceleration and hill-climbing capabilities
- Supports more rider weight (+65 lbs)
- Superior build and ride quality
- IP54 water-resistance rating
- Better quality LG battery vs the 3’s cheap Chinese cells
Why is it Worse Than the Dualtron 3?
- Costs more
- No swag lighting
- Heavier (+49 lbs)
- Garish blue and red color scheme
Price:
- 3,199.00
VSETT 10+R
- Speed: 50 mph
- Range: 74 miles
- Weight: 79 lbs
- Load: 285 lbs
Why is it Better Than the Dualtron 3?
- Cheaper
- Faster (+10 miles)
- Supports more rider weight (+ 20 lbs)
- Boasts a triple stem locking mechanism to prevent stem wobble
- IP54 water resistance rating
- Sports a ‘Turbo’ mode button, which provides an extra 5Ah shot of speed when you need it
- Better quality LG battery vs the 3’s cheap Chinese cells
Why is it Worse Than the Dualtron 3?
- No swag lighting
Price:
- 2,790.00
Design
Handlebars
The 3’s handlebars – 23.6 inches of durable aluminum alloy, finished at the ends with a set of rubberized grips – offer just as high a level of comfort and style we’ve come to expect from the rest of the Dualtron range. Yet the 3’s handlebars also crank the feature dial up a notch, with a slick folding functionality not seen on some of Dualtron other models releases, including the Ultra, the Spider, and the Mini.
What’s more, the handlebars provide a convenient hub for many of the scooter’s classy features. It’s where you’ll find the smart EY3 display – which allows you to activate cruise control, and toggle the scooter’s range of customizable performance settings – as well as push the buttons that allow you to choose between your motors and driving modes.
There’s even room to add a fingerprint scanner, to immobilize your 3 when you’re not around.
From the handlebars, you can also easily squeeze the hand-operated semi-hydraulic disc brakes, while using the EY3 (which doubles as a finger throttle) to control speed and acceleration. Aesthetics-wise, the handlebars complement the established visual style of the Dualtron brand while offering up a healthy serving of space where you can mount accessories, such as a phone or GoPro holder.
Frame
The 3 doesn’t reinvent the wheel when it comes to the look and feel of its frame. Slotting into the Dualtron line’s established color palette (midnight black, with splashes of red and chrome highlights), it’ll appeal to lovers of the stripped-back, no-nonsense aesthetic it exudes.
That’s not to say the 3 doesn’t sport its fair share of flair, though. With customizable, color-shifting swag lighting running the length of its stem – and plenty of strategically placed LEDs to light your way at night – you’ll be catching plenty of eyes as you glide by.
Deck
Let’s start with the good: that the deck – which spans over 12 inches wide – is easily large enough to offer a secure, comfortable ride. There’s a huge amount of clearance at the bottom, too, so you won’t have to worry about bottoming out when going toe to toe with troublesome terrain.
As for the bad, my main issue – and this, I should note, is a design flaw that a whole bunch of other Dualtron models fall prey to – is the lack of a kickplate. While I can understand why this is (the 3 has an optional seat attachment, which fixes to the deck in about the same location you’d expect a kick plate to be), it doesn’t help me compare the 3 favorably to models such as the Wolf King and Warrior, and VSETT 11+ and 10+R.
Having tried and tested scooters with and without kickplates, I can personally attest to how much of a difference they make when it comes to your riding experience. Kickplates not only extend the amount of standing area you have to work with (which offers more traction and stability while in motion), they also offer a sense of confidence that you don’t get when riding scooters without them. (This only applies to scooters that exceed 30 mph).
Ultimately, kickplates help keep you grounded to the scooter so you’re not bouncing up and down on a flat platform.
Wheels
The Dualtron 3 is a big unit – so it comes as no surprise that its chubby 10 x 3-inch tubeless tires follow suit.
Designed to give you a large contact patch with the road – increasing both handling and traction – they are also of the pneumatic tubeless variety. Because they’re filled with air (rather than rubber, or a kind of polyurethane foam), they offer better shock absorption than solid tires. However, unlike true pneumatics, they don’t have an inner tube and are therefore thicker and able to provide increased protection against puncture.
The tubeless design works in tandem with the responsive rubber suspension system to provide a smooth ride across all on and off-road trails. However, it is worth noting that because the tires have a slick tread, as opposed to a three-dimensional pattern (like off-road tires have), they deliver the most traction on roads and have a tendency to cause wheel spin on loose off-road terrain.
Build Quality & Durability
When a scooter’s built more like a tank than a scooter, you know it’s going to stand the test of time.
Fortunately, the 3 is made of the same stuff as the rest of the highly-lauded Dualtron line. The frame and handlebars are composed of a hard-wearing, aerospace-grade aluminum alloy. And – like fellow powerhouses, such as the VSETT 10+R and 11+ – the stem is made from SCM440. This is the same carbon chromium alloy steel used to forge bridges, cranes, and other heavy-duty structures, and is picked for its ability to withstand extreme pressure.
However, while the materials are all top-notch, the 3 has a significant Achilles Heel. It suffers from stem wobble. Because the folding mechanism uses a small locking ring and just a single lever to tighten it into place, the long, elongated, and hefty stem can be cranked forward and back meaning it feels loose. Considering this spoils the overall ride quality, I can’t recommend the Dualtron 3 as a go-to scooter.
Plus, like the rest of its Dualtron siblings, the 3 doesn’t sport a water-resistance rating. This is a poor show from such an expensive scooter. Even the cheaper VSETT 10+R sports an IP54 water-resistance rating.
Weight & Load
The Dualtron 3 weighs in at 79 lbs, which means it sits bang in the middle of the Dualtron range.
For instance, here are some Dualtron models ranked by weight:
Scooter | Weight |
---|---|
Mini | 48 lbs |
Eagle Pro | 66 lbs |
3 | 79 lbs |
Thunder | 95 lbs |
X 2 | 145.5 lbs |
Looking further afield, the Dualtron 3 is heavier than the average weight (71 lbs) of the other 40 mph models that we have in our database. Ultimately, if you want the lightest 40 mph scooter, the Mantis Base (61 lbs), Pro (65 lbs), or Pro SE (65 lbs) are your best options.
The Dualtron 3 supports a reasonable 265 lbs of rider weight. This is fairly standard for performance scooters like the 3 but there are a bunch of models that beat it, including the Wolf King (which, supporting a maximum 400 lbs of rider weight, is also the ‘king’ of load capacity), Wolf Warrior (330 lbs), VSETT 11+ (330 lbs), and VSETT 10+R (285 lbs).
Folding & Portability
The Dualtron 3 has (ironically), three mechanisms that make it portable:
- The handlebars fold via two quick-release locking rings (more on this in the Extra Features section).
- The steering column folds in half at the base of the stem.
- Handily, there’s a latch on the back of the handlebars that locks into a small hook at the rear of the deck. This keeps the scooter in one piece when it’s folded, preventing it from swinging open when you’re transporting it from place to place.
I can’t fault the various folding mechanisms. But, do they make the scooter truly portable?
At 79 lbs, the answer is… no. The 3 tips the scales at almost double the maximum weight I recommend for a commuter scooter, so – while it’ll get you from A to B in record time – it’s not for the casual Monday to Friday rider. You won’t be squeezing this one onto trains or buses, and you’ll have a hard time fitting it in the trunk of your car.
A scooter this proud and powerful belongs on the road in perpetuity – so you won’t want to leave it folded or stored for long.
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Assembly
It arrives almost ready to go, although you will have to unfold it and tighten the handlebar controls into places.
I’d also recommend getting on a first-name basis with the smart EY3 display’s range of intelligent P-settings. This console is a vital part of your scooter, so it’s worth putting in the hard yards and getting to know it. You should also check the air pressure of your tires and ensure it’s fully charged before you hit the road.
Ride Quality
Is the Dualtron 3 Comfortable to Ride?
When it comes to ride quality, the Dualtron range rarely disappoints. And – without sounding like a broken record, the 3 lives up to the high standards set by its predecessors.
With the tubless, wide tires offering a substantial buffer against the vagaries of difficult terrain – plus a wide deck, grippy handlebars, and strong braking – the 3 offers a comfortable electric scooter experience.
However, where the 3 gets the crux of its smooth ride is from the rubber suspension system. Instead of using vertically aligned springs, the 3 opts for rubber blocks that do a fantastic job of compressing and rebounding. The only way to describe how the rubber blocks feel is that they provide a more soft and pliable sensation as opposed to a rigid one.
The soft riding sensation isn’t limited to urban terrain though, it goes for just about all kinds of trails you can throw at it.
Oh, and there’s even an optional seat attachment you can add, for a different type of comfort. It’ll cost you extra, but mean that you can at least give your legs a rest, and enjoy the scenery in style.
The one major letdown, though, is the dreaded stem wobble that is a result of the subpar stem locking ring. It’s a shame because this detracts from the sublime suspension.
Performance & Safety
Speed & Acceleration
Capable of hitting top speeds of up to 40 mph, it’s on a par with fellow Dualtron models such as the Compact and Eagle Pro, as well as scooters such as the INOKIM OxO, EVOLV Pro, Varla Eagle One, and Mantis Pro SE.
That’s a lot of scooters with the same speed – so is the 3’s 40 mph worth the money you’re paying? Sorry, Dualtron fans… but the answer is a resounding no.
All the scooters that the Dualtron 3 shares its 40 mph top speed are available for a considerably cheaper price.
If you want pure, unadulterated speed, but on a tight budget, you’re best off lumping for the Mantis Pro SE. At $1,899, it offers just as much speed but costs 36% less (the equivalent of saving $1,070).
Speed vs Price Comparison
When we place the Dualtron 3’s $2,969 at the center of a $500 price range – measuring it against five comparable models – it places dead last.
Unsurprisingly, it’s Kaabo’s Wolf King – which, thanks to its dual 72V 40Ah controllers and pair of 1500W motors – boasts a blistering top speed of 60 mph and comes out on top. I should also point out that the Wolf King benefits from having MiniMotors components (i.e. the same brand behind Dualtron models). The best way to think about the King in this regard is that it takes all the top-performing parts from the Dualtron line and packs them into a more affordable ultra-performance scooter.
The VSETT 11+’s 53 mph follows closely, but that top speed is only available for a mad two-minute burst (you’ll have to sit through a sedate ten-minute cooling-off period before you can go again). The Wolf Warrior and Dualtron Ultra grab joint third place, but – if I had to choose between them – I’d go for the Warrior, courtesy of its zippier acceleration rate (it goes 0 to 15 mph in just 1.9 seconds).
Speed vs Weight Comparison
The Dualtron 3 doesn’t exactly come out smelling of roses when we compare it against 19 comparable models in a 74 to 84 lbs weight range.
Here, the best value goes to the scooters of the entire VSETT 10+ range, which – though they share the summit of these rankings with the Dualtron Ultra – win out thanks to their rapid acceleration.
For those of you wondering what the differences are between the VSETT 10+ models, it’s simply the battery size. The VSETT 10+R has the largest battery (21 Ah and 74 miles) – hence the ‘R’ for range – while the 25.6Ah version delivers 66 miles, and the 20.8Ah model keeps the wheels rolling for 52 miles. All three models share the same motors, controllers, and everything else that makes them faster and overall superior scooter to the Dualtron 3.
Acceleration
The Dualtron 3 ‘s maximum 3600W output allows it to go 0 to 15 mph in 2.7 seconds, and 0 to 25 mph in 5.4 seconds. Now, compared to the wider electric scooter market at large, that’s quick. But the 3’s lofty $2,969 price point means that, for better or worse, I’ve got to compare it to the kingpins of the high-performance scooter world..and it doesn’t look so good for the 3.
Scooter | 0-15 MPH (Seconds) | 0-25 MPH (Seconds) |
---|---|---|
VSETT 11+ ($3,199) | 1.7 | 3.2 |
VSETT 10+R ($2,790) | 1.7 | 3.6 |
Wolf King ($2,999) | 1.9 | 3.6 |
Wolf Warrior ($2,999) | 1.9 | 3.9 |
Dualtron 3 ($2,969) | 2.7 | 5.4 |
The Dualtron 3’s acceleration rate pales when faced with the explosive torque and power offered by the industry’s top guns. The 3 is a fast scooter but if brisk acceleration is at the top of your priority list, you’re better off looking elsewhere.
Range
With a 75 mile maximum range, mileage is very much the Dualtron 3’s strong suit…on paper at least.
While it has a whopping 60V 28Ah battery, the cells that make up the battery aren’t the best quality. It uses cheap Chinese battery cells as opposed to better quality and longer-lasting LG cells. To put this into perspective, when it comes to the endurance capabilities of electric scooter batteries, LG cells can maintain maximum performance for around 600 charge cycles – which equates to 4 years of use if you charged your scooter 3 times a week. The same can’t be said for Chinese battery cells – these deteriorate faster. So, while the Dualtron 3 appears to have a long range on paper, the realistic performance tells a different story
To paint a picture of how the Dualtron 3’s maximum range stacks up against its closest competitors when it comes to both price and weight, see the comparisons below.
Mileage vs Price Comparison
Of a comparable five models (that is, all the scooters within $250 on either side of the 3’s $2,969 price tag), the 3 places second, alongside the 75 miles of the Dualtron Ultra. On paper, that beats out the likes of the highly-praised Wolf Warrior (70 miles), but if we circle back to the fact that the Dualtron 3 uses lower-quality battery cells, the Wolf wins the race with its superior LG battery.
Ultimately, though, all scooters in this price bracket fall short of the titanic endurance boasted by the VSETT 11+’s 85 miles.
Mileage vs Weight Comparison
When it comes to comparing the 3 with all the models that sit within 5 lbs on either side of its 79 lbs weight, it comes out on top.
Joint with its fellow Dualtron model, the Ultra, it beats out 17 other models to claim gold. The 3 even pips the laudable VSETT 10+R to the post here – or does it?
When we consider the VSETT 10+R’s superior speed, acceleration, ride quality, top-of-the-line LG battery, and cheaper price tag, there’s no question about which scooter is best. The 10+R takes the crown here.
The INOKIM OxO – which sports a comfortable rubber suspension system similar to the Dualtron 3 – closes out the prized podium positions with a thoroughly respectable range of 68 miles.
Hill Climbing
Capable of shrugging off hills of up to 25 degrees, the Dualtron 3 can handle pretty much any slope you put in front of it.
With dual brushless motors providing a circuit-chomping amount of torque, the 3 can take on everything, from Pittsburgh’s Canton Avenue (20 degrees – the steepest street in the US) to Filbert Street. Based in San Francisco, Filbert’s 17.5-degree incline makes it one of the most severe residential roads the world has to offer – but it’s still no match for the Dualtron 3.
Despite its impressive gradient-guzzling capabilities, the 3 isn’t the best hill climber in its price bracket. That particular award is shared by the Wolf King and VSETT 11+’s 45 degrees, while the Wolf Warrior’s 30 degrees is also worth a shoutout.
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Shock Absorption / Suspension
The Dualtron 3 relies on adjustable rubber cartridges – in tandem with its jumbo 10 x 3-inch pneumatic tubeless tires – to provide superlative shock absorption.
Better still, these cartridges range from soft to hard, meaning you can customize them to fit the type of terrain you’re tackling. The same suspension we see on some of Dualtron’s most expensive models, the patented technology offers an incredible 45 levels of personalization. But more on that in the Extra Features section.
Still, I should point out that the 3 – despite its soft ride – still doesn’t quite measure up to the hydraulic setups on models such as the Wolf King and Wolf Warrior. Both these scooters sport industry-topping front hydraulic forks (something you’re probably more used to seeing on a motorcycle than an electric scooter), as well as dual rear springs for an added dose of insulation.
Likewise, the VSETT 11+ – which pairs an equally impressive pair of hydraulic forks with rear hydraulic shocks – tops the Dualtron 3’s capabilities when it comes to absorbing the bumps and bruises of the road. After all, hydraulic suspension on a scooter is pretty much unbeatable.
Braking
The Dualtron 3 derives its stopping power from a set of semi-hydraulic brake calipers, with ventilated 140mm discs. If that sounds impressive, wait until you see how responsive they are.
Front and rear hydraulic brakes are the best you’ll find on any scooter in the 3’s price bracket. They’re robust, responsive, and – most importantly – reliable. The 3’s brakes bring you to a complete stop in 3 meters from a speed of 15 mph. We consider this to be very good, placing it in the upper echelon of braking performance.
As you’d expect, this highly-rated hydraulic system is something that’s duplicated across most of Dulatron’s scooters. The only notable exception is the original Ultra which has a standard disc brakes.
Luckily, the 3 also comes fitted with ABS (anti-lock braking system). Long story short, this prevents your wheels from locking up causing you to lose control when braking. It’s a handy feature to have, especially on a scooter as fast as the Dualtron 3.
Charge Time
There are three ways to charge the Dualtron 3.
Firstly, you can use just a single charger – which comes included – but it’ll take up to 16 hours. Alternatively, you can cut that down to 8 hours by purchasing a second standard charger.
The third option involves buying a fast charger. It’ll cost you more, but will allow you to charge up in just 4.5 hours.
Extra Features
Smart EY3 Display & Throttle For Customized Performance Configuration
Sitting at the pinnacle of MiniMotors’s technical innovation is the smart EY3 display. A finger throttle that moonlights as a comprehensive dashboard for everything you need to know about your battery life, ride time, speed, and driving mode, the smart EY3 display is as intelligent as its name suggests.
Enshrined in a circle of thick, military-esque black plastic, the EY3’s radioactive display (which also happens to be luminescent, making it ideal for visibility on night-time rides) tells you your:
- Speed (available in miles or kilometers).
- Battery life and current-voltage.
- Ride time (that is, the distance you’ve traveled on today’s ride).
- Odometer (your accumulated mileage, or the total distance you’ve traveled on your Dualtron 3).
You can also tinker with the information the display shows to choose exactly what you want to see at a glance. This is one of the smart EY3 display’s biggest strengths – its levels of customizability.
Through the vast array of ‘P-settings’, you can customize virtually every facet of your Dualtron 3’s capabilities to your preferences. This includes:
- Choosing from between three battery saver modes (max save, mid save, and no save).
- Toggling between the two start modes of either kick or acceleration.
- Turning the Dualtron 3’s anti-lock braking system on or off, and adjusting the strength of its electronic regenerative brakes.
- Selecting exactly when you want your scooter to auto-turn off after a period of inactivity (between one and 30 minutes).
- Adjusting the scooter’s max output from anywhere between 5 and 100%.
- Setting the unit of speed (miles or kilometers), and the brightness of the EY3’s LCD screen.
There’s plenty more where that came from, too. The EY3 even allows you to self-diagnose any issues with your Dualtron 3 by using fault-type codes. These advise whether any problems with the scooter lie with the motor, controllers, and so on. This makes error finding easier so you can seek assistance sooner, rather than later, to avoid further damage.
Though you could be forgiven for confusing the EY3 with the QS-S4 display preferred by models such as the VSETT 11+ and 10+R, rest assured that the EY3 is superior. Unlike the QS-S4 – which is a standardized device used far and wide across the scooter industry – the EY3 has been engineered by MiniMotors to deliver peak performance from its top-of-the-range Dualtron and Speedway scooters.
Not only is the EY3 far more customizable than the comparatively limited QS-S4, but it’s also nicer to look at, and easier to use. The EY3’s chunky black buttons are more clicky and interactive than the glossy acrylic panel of the QS-S4.
Driving Mode & Motor System Selection Buttons
It takes two to tango – and, as we’ve already seen, the pair of brushless motors combine brilliantly to provide an electrifying amount of torque and power.
Yet you’re not going to want all that power, all the time – so here’s where the motor system selection button comes into play. Located to the left of the handlebars – next to its partner in crime, the yellow driving mode button (which I’ll get to in a second) – the red motor system selection button allows you to engage either both or just one of the 3’s dual hub motors.
Pushing it so it stays depressed activates both motors – which you’ll need to hit the top 40 mph speeds and crest the more ambitious hills in your neighborhood – while leaving it out engages the rear motor only. The latter won’t leave you with as much brute force to play with, but it’ll conserve your battery. This will give you the best shot of achieving the Dualtron 3’s stated top range of 75 miles (which under realistic conditions is more like 40 miles).
Sitting alongside the motor selection button is the driving mode button. Pushing this in puts the scooter into ‘Eco’ mode, which caps your speed at around 15 mph. Hitting it again – so it’s out, rather than in – will engage the aptly named ‘Turbo’ mode. This enables you to reach the scooter’s top speeds.
The driving mode and motor system selection buttons should be used together to deliver maximum performance. For instance, for maximum speed and torque, you’ll need both motors switched on and the scooter set to Turbo.
Cruise Control
As you’d expect from a scooter of the 3’s caliber, a cruise control feature is included as standard.
Once you’ve engaged this function, you’ll be able to maintain a constant level of speed without having to keep the finger throttle pulled down. This helps you to avoid finger fatigue throughout a long ride and increase your chances of hitting the apex of the 3’s maximum range.
Simply navigate to setting P6 on your 3’s smart EY3 display and gently accelerate – the scooter’s cruise control will kick in when you’ve maintained a speed for a few seconds. To come out of cruise control, just give the brakes a little squeeze, and the feature will disengage.
LED Lights & Color Changing Remote Control
With front and rear (brake) LEDs combining with the sexy swag lighting we’ve come to expect from the Dualtron range, the lighting setup is fairly well-equipped to handle conditions of poor visibility.
You can customize the color of the scooter’s under-deck mood lighting and while it won’t be everyone’s thing, it’s hard not to appreciate the bombastic, pulsating light display that the stem flaunts.
Like several other models in the range, the stem showcases the illuminated letters of Dualtron’s logo in shifting, kaleidoscopic patterns. Unsurprisingly, it’s hard to miss – but if you’re the kind of rider that’s not shy about showing off your scooter’s brand to the world, it might be just the design feature for you.
Plus, all this swag lighting is customizable. Courtesy of an included remote control, you can choose from 20 different colors, and adjust both the density of the hues and the brightness of the LEDs. Once you’ve created a color palette that’s to your liking, it’s simple to save these as preset colors, so you can flaunt them again and again.
Your remote also gives you full control over the speed at which the flickering stem lights move, as well as the option to turn it off altogether.
All in all, the LED setup is a satisfying one – particularly if you love a scooter that you can customize to match your style. The only things I’d perhaps like to see here (particularly given the 3’s high price point) are the emergency hazard lights and turn signals boasted on Dualtron’s top-tier models, such as the Thunder.
45-Step Adjustable Rubber Suspension System
Offering 45 levels of customizable rubber suspension, MiniMotors’s patent-pending shock absorption technology is one of the finest on the market.
The 3’s system enables you to adjust your level of shock absorption across three metrics. These include the arm angle (3 steps), motor shaft distance (3 steps), and the interchangeable rubber cartridges (5 steps). 3 x 3 x 5 = 45… an equation which also just happens to add up to one of the most comfortable rides money can buy.
With so many levels of versatility, the suspension can be customized to just about whatever terrain you’re taking on. Whether you’re seeking a firmer approach for flatter, more compact surfaces, or a softer one for off-road trails, the 3 delivers plenty of options to help you make the most of your ride.
The only downside is a logistical one. To adjust the suspension, you need to loosen several nuts and bolts to change the rubber cartridges and adjust the angle of the suspension arms. This is a time-consuming process, and you need a few technical skills in your locker to do it. It’s not the most user-friendly – or convenient – process.
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
The Dualtron 3 owes plenty of its impressive stack of features to the world of motorcycles, and its anti-lock braking system (ABS) is a prime example.
Complementing the semi-hydraulic brakes like a fine wine, the ABS is a nifty extra safety feature that prevents the scooter’s wheels from locking up and skidding. While this is a superb value-adding function, it may not be right for all riders. When engaged, it sets off vibrations that can be felt throughout the scooter – so you’ll certainly know about it.
It’s a good thing, then, that the ABS is completely optional. Head to setting PD on your smart EY3 display lets you toggle it on or off.
Folding Handlebars for Enhanced Portability
Like fellow Dualtron models such as the Thunder, Eagle Pro, and Compact, the 3’s handlebars fold. The mechanism is the same as that utilized on the 3’s siblings, with two quick-release locking rings.
Located on either side of the central part of the handlebars, the locking rings – once loosened – can be squeezed inwards, allowing you to collapse the handgrips.
This is a neat feature and not one you see on all performance scooters. However, my personal preference is to have solid handlebars that can’t fold on scooters that exceed 30 mph. From my years of riding experience, I’ve always found one-piece handlebars provide a greater level of control. Plus, you only have to look at some of the most popular scooters to get a sense that this viewpoint is shared – take the Mantis Pro, Wolf King, and Wolf Warrior, for instance.
Optional Fingerprint Scanner (Anti-Theft Function)
For an additional $125, you can add a fingerprint scanner to the handlebars. In the same way that biometrics are used to lock and unlock smartphones, this stylish piece of tech allows you to deter thieves by securing your scooter with your fingerprint.
At 79 lbs, it’s unlikely any sticky-fingered onlookers are going to be able to lift the 3 and walk away with it. The only way they’re prying this scooter off you is if they unlock it and ride away, and – unlike a traditional key-start ignition – a fingerprint scanner is all but impossible to breach.
Of course, shelling out that extra $125 isn’t the most appealing – particularly after you’ve already dropped $2,969 to get your hands on the scooter itself. Nevertheless, I’d still recommend it to all riders. It’ll provide peace of mind and an additional layer of security while ensuring you avoid those ‘what if?’ moments, should anything happen.
Optional Seat Attachment
In many ways, the fast-paced, turbo-charged machines of the Dualtron range resemble mopeds and motorcycles as much as – or even more than – they do other electric scooters.
And the Dualtron 3 – which, like the Compact, Thunder, Ultra, and X, sports the option to add a seat – blurs that particular distinction between scooter and moped even further. The seat, which you can purchase for $125, provides an extra layer of comfort for long-range rides.
The seat attaches to the rear of the deck and takes just a couple of minutes to install.
Specification: Dualtron 3 Review
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Warranty & Post-Purchase Support
Warranty
MiniMotors USA – Dualtron’s supplier and chief distributor within the country – stocks all parts and accessories. They offer a 6-month warranty across all the scooters in the Dualtron range, including the 3.
I should note here that, while 6 months might seem relatively reasonable, it’s just half of the length of the warranties offered by Voro Motors (which distributes top-shelf models such as the Wolf King and Wolf Warrior) and REV Rides – purveyor of the esteemed VSETT line of electric scooters.
You can also expect no small amount of fine print with MiniMotors USA’s warranties – and they’re not light reading, either. The Dualtron 3’s coverage under warranty is limited to manufacturing defects only. That includes the motor, battery, controller, and throttle. What it doesn’t include is wear and tear – so, basically, any damage Dualtron’s engineers deem to be your fault or issues that arise as a result of your regular daily usage of the scooter.
The warranty also excludes damage caused by – and these are MiniMotors USA’s words, not mine – ’acts of God’.
For insurance purposes, these are typically defined as ‘accidents or events that are not influenced by man’. As you can imagine, this trashes any hopes of claiming environmental damage (rain, sun, wind, etc.) against your warranty. This policy (along with the Dualtron 3’s lack of a water resistance rating) also gives you even more motivation to keep your scooter inside on rainy days.
Accessories – which, as far as this warranty is concerned, include rubber caps, grips, screws, tires, brakes, and brake pads – are also not covered under warranty.
Post-Purchase Support
MiniMotors USA offers both phone and email-based support to help with all your queries. You can give their team a call on (917) 688-4318 for quick help, or drop them an email at sales@usaminimotors.com for everything else.
Aside from a blog and some information about its warranty policy, MiniMotors USA doesn’t offer many support resources online.
Ultimately, I’d like to see MiniMotors take a leaf out of Fluid Free Ride’s (distributor of scooter brands such as Kaboo and Apollo) book, and create something similar to their support hub that provides a wealth of self-help resources for the scooters they stock.
Specification: Dualtron 3 Review
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$3,590.00 Original price was: $3,590.00.$2,969.00Current price is: $2,969.00.