E-TWOW GT 2020
$1,049
In this E-TWOW GT 2020 / UScooters Booster GT Smart Edition (SE) review, discover the surprising performance of this super stable, ultraportable premium commuter that comes with added features via Bluetooth connectivity and the E-TWOW Connect smartphone app.
Technical Specifications
| Tested top speed: 23.4 mph* | |
| Tested range: 15.2 mi* | |
| Weight: 30 lb* | |
| Max rider weight: 280 lb | |
| Water resistance: None |
Highlights
| Considerable top speed | |
| Excellent portability features | |
| Durable lightweight build | |
| Small solid tires for rougher ride |
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Summary
Our Take: The Boss of Ultraportables with Rider-Focused, Smart Upgrades
The E-TWOW GT 2020 SE, also known as the UScooters Booster GT SE, is the smart edition (SE) of the boss of ultraportables, the E-TWOW GT 2020. With the same build, performance and range as its predecessor, the SE enhances its lightweight package with the mobile app, which allows you to control rider preferences and safety features.
Carrying handle, under 30 LB weight, and folds down quick
With an easy-to-carry 29 lbs weight and very compact folded footprint, there aren’t many electric scooters that can compete with the utility, convenience, and last-mile performance of the E-TWOW GT SE.
If you’re looking for a commuter scooter with good speed and excellent portability that’s built like a tiny tank for riders up to 280 lbs, look no further.
The handlebars fold down quickly, the stem telescopes and locks to the rear fender when folded, and it comes with a carrying handle (which is far less common than it should be). The one-step folding mechanism is very easy to use, and the stem clasp locks onto the fender in a snap.
With repeated folding, unfolding, and throwing into car trunks with last-mile scooters, the E-TWOW GT SE has long-term durability that commuters will appreciate.
A small scooter with surprising giddy-up
Looking at the slight profile of the E-TWOW GT SE, you wouldn’t expect it to pack a 23.4 mph top speed, but it absolutely does.
Although it takes a good 5.4 s to go from 0 to 15 mph, it has more speed than most need for keeping up with traffic, and accelerates smoothly with the thumb throttle.
On the E-TWOW GT SE, you can expect a real-world range of 15.2 miles based on the performance of our 165-lb rider.
If you have lots of hills along your daily route, the GT SE does a good job of sustaining a 9.5 mph speed up a 10% average incline, and the dual shock absorbers soak up some bumps on the rather small, 8.0 in solid tires.
Flat-free tires are low maintenance (and low cushion)
Solid tires are awesome for maintenance as you never have to deal with flats, but they generally provide lower traction and less damping compared to air-filled tires.
Although you generally feel bumps beneath you on the GT SE, the further back that you stand on the 20.2 in-long rubberized deck, the less brain massage you experience over rough terrain.
Even though you have a narrow 20.2 in width of standing room, the scooter handles surprisingly well around corners, jumping speed bumps and generally encouraging a fun ride.
Triple braking system could be better
With a triple braking system, including a front regenerative brake, rear disc brake, and foot brake, there are lots of ways to slow down safely. In our tests, the E-TWOW GT SE has a braking distance of 16.4 ft.
If you want a more gradual stop, you can use the thumb control on the left handlebar for the regen brake. If you need to slow down fast, the rear brake, controlled by a lever on the right handlebar, is the most effective method.
However, emergency or long stops exclusively using the rear drum brake may result in you leaving a long stripe of rubber tire burnout on the pavement behind you. This can create flat spots in your tires, and can happen after braking hard only once or twice, so avoid super hard braking whenever possible.
Minimal cockpit with rider-friendly functionality
The cockpit of the E-TWOW GT SE feels cohesive and complete. The small, color LCD display (about 1.1 in²) provides the speedometer, odometer, and battery readouts along with ambient temperature.
There are button controls for an electronic horn, the high-mounted headlight and fender-mounted taillight, display settings, and power. There are dual thumb controls, including a thumb throttle and thumb brake (for regen).
Although the horn is jarringly loud (sounds like a fire alarm), the button is in an awkward position to hit if you’re activating the regen brake, as you would be able to brake or hit the horn with your left thumb (not both). We recommend announcing yourself to pedestrians rather than using the horn, as it’s not a friendly jingle but an emergency-worthy sound.
Connect app controls a security lock, lights and more
Many of the rider features can also be controlled through the Bluetooth-enabled mobile app. Those features allow you to control:
- Speedometer style (metric or imperial)
- Max speed (limiter)
- Zero start (or kick to start)
- Security lock
- Lights
In the app, you can also view industry news from the manufacturer and check out their other products.
The best part about the mobile app is the security lock feature. Once you’ve connected your mobile phone to the scooter via Bluetooth, you can access all the features mentioned above as well as make it very noisy and a little more difficult to steal.
When the lock is enabled and you try to move the scooter, a high-pitched alarm sounds and the electronic brakes activate, making it difficult to roll the GT away. The scooter’s sensors are sensitive enough to also trigger the alarm if the scooter is carried away, so it’s a great addition for a commuter scooter if you ever plan to leave it unattended.
What the GT SE lacks in looks it makes up for in ability
The design of the E-TWOW GT SE isn’t particularly eye-catching, but resembles the true commuter it is rather than a toy kick scooter.
One oversight is the length of the brake cable, which forces you to collapse the stem before folding the handlebars or risk damaging the cable, which is very taut when the handlebars are fully elevated.
The pull-out folding design of the handlebars is very quick to use and functions well, with button releases to keep them from accidental folding. Additionally, the stem has a metal tab to hold the handlebars at one of two heights.
Although this is a small design element, it ensures your stem cannot collapse while riding, which is optimal for safety. One other less-than-perfect feature is the foot brake, which can clack when hitting bumps.
Best Alternatives and Competitors
| Model | Top Speed** | Range** | Weight** | Price |
| UScooters Booster GT SE | 23.4 mph | 15.2 mi | 30 lb | $1,049 |
| Apollo City | 28.6 mph | 17.9 mi | 43 lb | $949 |
| Fluid Freeride Horizon (13 Ah) | 24.0 mph | 26.0 mi | 39 lb | $849 |
| Zero 9 | 28.4 mph | 21.7 mi | 41 lb | $1,099 |
Performance Summary
| Acceleration (0 to 15 mph) | 5.4 seconds |
| Acceleration (0 to 20 mph) | 8.7 seconds |
| Top speed | 23.4 mph |
| Braking distance (15 to 0 mph) | 16.4 feet |
| Range | 15.2 miles |
| Hill climb | 14.4 seconds |
Overall, the E-TWOW GT SE is a seriously solid premium commuter that’s built like a heavy duty piece of luggage. It has a stout, high quality feel with features focused on rider convenience.
It’s a well-designed utility vehicle that’s satisfying to ride, and leaves you feeling smart about your purchase.
Although you may not feel the urge to take it joyriding on the weekends, it’s perfect as an everyday runner and still more fun than riding in a fossil-fueled car.
E-TWOW GT SE Specifications
| Make | E-TWOW |
| Model | GT 2020 |
| Weight | 29 lb |
| Folded dimensions | 45 by 6 by 13 in |
| Motor power, continuous | 700 W |
| Top speed | 25 mph |
| Range | 31 mi |
| Battery capacity | 504 Wh |
| Battery recharge time | 5 hrs |
| Max rider weight | 220 lb |
| Brake type | Regenerative + Drum |
| Tire type | 8.0 in Solid + Solid |
| Built-in lights | Front + Rear |
| Water resistance | None |
