I bought the Freego F12 electric scooter a few months ago. I’m not the typical cyclist. I’m older than most bikers I see around, completely untrained, and have poor spatial awareness. Additionally, I feel uneasy about using the same roads and trails as automobiles, cyclists, other scooters, young children, the elderly, pigeons, and dog poop.
I am therefore the ideal candidate to review the Freego F12. Many individuals, including myself, must be considering purchasing an electric scooter. Despite not being complete daredevils, we nevertheless have some money to spare and some adventurous spirit. However, no one is reviewing us.
Actually, “scooter” definitely isn’t the best description of what they’re giving here. Most of the shots make it difficult to understand scale, and the scooter is considerably larger than it seems in most of the pictures. The scooter’s wheels, which are actually 12 inches in diameter and resemble those on a child’s bicycle, are huge, as is the rest of it. Due to the fact that these scooters share more components with bicycles than with rollerblades, some manufacturers refer to them as “kick bikes.”
No, this isn’t a small scooter that can fit in a bag, but if you fold the handlebars down and turn it on its side, you can easily fit it in the back of most automobiles and store it in a closet or corner. There are some significant benefits despite the fact that it is larger and heavier. The entire device seems much more stable since the large 12-inch′ wheels provide far more gyroscopic stability than you would with a little kick scooter with rollerblade wheels.
Let’s chat about packaging and assembly before we move on to riding impressions.
| Motor Power | 500W |
| Max Speed | 35Km/h |
| Climbing Slope | 20% |
| Battery Capacity | 48V,15Ah Lithium battery |
| Riding Distance | 45-50km (28-32 Miles) |
| Brake System | Rear Disc Brake |
| Lamp | Head light, Tail warning light |
| Water Resistance | IPX 54 |
| Smart App | Yes |
| Wheel Size | 12" Inflatable Rubber Tire(with inner tube) |
| Scooter Weight | 20-25KG (44-50 LBS) (depend on battery capacity) |
| Payload Capacity | 120-150KG (264-330LBS) |
| Product Size | 45.3 x 50 x 20.8 Inch |
| Folded Size | 23 x 50 x 20.8 Inch |
Video review of Freego F12
Freego F12: Design and Build Quality
The Freego F12 arrives in a package with some assembly necessary, like the majority of e-bikes. By keeping the box compact, you can save your shipping expenses. It’s not as big a box as you could fit a fat-tire electric bike in, but it’s definitely bigger than the box for a typical kick scooter.
The assembly procedure was really simple and nearly self-explanatory.
The handlebar/steering stalk must be raised and locked into position after everything has been taken out and the bubble wrap has been removed. Two screws must also be removed in order to install the handlebar. A modest forward tilt of the handlebar is advised, according to my tests, to make the brake handles lower than the handlebar. This makes using the brake levers later when you’re riding it much simpler. Look for anything that may have come loose during delivery and plug in or cinch down. The electronics, wires for the brakes, and everything else should be ready to go and linked to the handlebars already.
The rear fender supports do need to be bolted into place, even if the rear wheel is already mounted from the factory.
When it comes to using objects that call for balance and coordination, I’m inherently awkward and cautious.
Despite this, I had no trouble using the Freego F12. After giving the scooter a test spin in a deserted area, I was at ease enough to ride it through traffic. No, not automobiles. I don’t trust vehicles, but I rode a scooter on a path that was also used by people on foot, bicycles, and other scooters.
Even the most affordable electric scooter will cost you a few hundred dollars. It should be used, not just sit about and collect dust in your home.
Take your scooter out there on a regular basis. You’ll have more enjoyment as you get more adept at it.
Try to establish a routine with your scooter so that it becomes more than simply an oversized novelty item in your life. Two times a week, I attend Pilates. Walking time is roughly 25 minutes. Now that I use the scooter, it takes me less than 15 minutes to get there. My regimen now includes using the scooter, which cuts down on the time it takes to get me where I’m going.
After doing all of that, you are prepared to mount the front wheel. To avoid having to hold the scooter up while installing the front wheel, I’d advise turning it over onto its handlebar. Because there are tiny bearing spacers and one is broader than the other, I had to RTFM for this step. The instruction booklet instructs you to install the broader spacer on the side opposite the disc brake and the narrower spacer there (without the disc brake). I won’t include any images here because there are decent ones in the instructions. Once everything is properly positioned on the skewer, tighten the bolts and secure the front wheel.
You should be prepared to ride at this point, but if you live somewhere where there are vines that can cause punctures or other thorns, I’d suggest at the very least adding Slime to the tubes and, if feasible, taking other thorn proofing precautions that you’d do on any e-bike. Wear a helmet and possibly other safety equipment as well. You’ll understand why shortly.
Freego F12: Motor and Driving
The scooter surprised me with how easy it was to use. Because you don’t need them, there aren’t many instructions on how to ride it. Somehow, you have a sense of what to do. I automatically leaned into my turns, bent my knees when I went over a bump, leaned forward when I went up hills, and leaned back when I went downhill without giving it much thought. And the less I gave it a second thought, the more adept I became at scooting.
The ride is also comfortable. I’ve read that this electric scooter is smoother than others. So, if you’re an elderly person who is sensitive, you’ll feel at ease. You might also choose to purchase a seat. I choose not to because I am content to stand, but it is an option for those who would prefer it.
The scooter offers a variety of power assist levels, just like an e-bike. The least powerful level, level 1, shuts off at slower speeds, while level 3, which provides the full 500 watts, allows you to travel as fast as 23 miles per hour. Personally, I’d advise starting off at the lowest speed because initially, riding at full strength can be a little frightening. As you become more comfortable with it, start off at lesser power settings and gradually increase to full power.
In all honesty, the scooter is a little unsettling at level 3. It has a lot of torque and accelerates quickly, so I was happy to find that it is much more stable than other kick scooters thanks to the larger wheels and tires. I was riding around my neighborhood when, as is often the case, some tiny dogs that were on the loose decided to come and bite my ankles because they were upset that I was passing their owner’s house. When I quickly pressed the thumb throttle, I quickly hit the maximum 23 miles per hour, leaving the dogs far behind.
However, I wouldn’t typically advise doing this. You’re approaching the limits of its brakes and at 23 mph, it wouldn’t take much of a mistake to send you skidding across the pavement on your hands and knees. Therefore, I’d advise either slowing down to 10 to 15 miles per hour for much greater stability and safety, or wearing additional protection gear (wrist and knee protectors in addition to your helmet). You won’t likely move that quickly in crowded urban areas either.
Freego F12: Conclusions
These are just my own thoughts after two months of ownership of the Freego F12. I’m not a reviewer for hire. I simply wanted to provide some knowledge that would have been helpful to me while determining whether to get a scooter.
Do your own research, but I hope what I’ve said has been helpful.
If you can avoid it, it’s typically not a good idea to leave a lithium-ion battery outside in the heat or the cold. Because of this, if you have to store an e-bike outside or in a shed without heating and air conditioning, it’s a good idea to bring the battery inside.
If you’re contemplating one, make sure you won’t need to leave it out often because the Freego F12’s battery is not easily detachable. Since the scooter’s handlebars fold, you can tip it up on its edge to store it in a closet or a corner of an office, this is not a major concern.
I believed the cost was fair, and my scooter makes me extremely happy. Although I’m not quite satisfied with my scooter-riding skills, the machine is not to blame. However, it is making me a better rider. It’s cozy, simple to use, functions well, and gives me a sense of security.
Consider the features an electric scooter should have. If the Freego fulfills those requirements, I’d strongly advise buying it.
