Dualtron Spider Review

Dualtron Spider electric scooter
Massive brake rotors on an electric scooter
Spider electric scooter LCD display and handlebars
Dualtron Spider front wheel motor
Shot of the lower half of a MiniMotors Dualtron Spider electric scooter
Dualtron Spider electric scooter in the folded configuration
Electric scooter rear hub motor
Dualtron Spider front wheel and disc brake close-up
Close up of Dualtron Spider handlebars
Dualtron spider folded in city setting
Close up of Dualtron Spider rear disc brake and suspension arm
Dualtron Spider in the folded configuration on a street
Dualtron Spider in urban setting
Dualtron Spider electric scooter
Massive brake rotors on an electric scooter
Spider electric scooter LCD display and handlebars
Dualtron Spider front wheel motor
Shot of the lower half of a MiniMotors Dualtron Spider electric scooter
Dualtron Spider electric scooter in the folded configuration
Electric scooter rear hub motor
Dualtron Spider front wheel and disc brake close-up
Close up of Dualtron Spider handlebars
Dualtron spider folded in city setting
Close up of Dualtron Spider rear disc brake and suspension arm
Dualtron Spider in the folded configuration on a street
Dualtron Spider in urban setting

Minimotors Dualtron Spider

$2,550

This review covers one of the most well-balanced and revered electric scooters — the MiniMotors Dualtron Spider. We detail the key features and give our hands-on impression. Read on to learn the key features and drawbacks of this ride.

Technical Specifications

Tested top speed: 40.0 mph*
Weight: 47 lb
Max rider weight: 220 lb
Water resistance: None

Highlights

Incredible power to weight
High quality build
Stem wobble
Stem doesn't lock when folded

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Summary

Our Take

The Dualtron Spider is a high-performance electric scooter that is thrilling to ride and powerful enough to get you into serious trouble. It is durable, beefy, and completely badass. However, its weight and size make it just tame enough to be a practical commuter.

The Spider weighs 47 lbs and is modestly sized when folded. Hauling it up stairs, bringing it onto a train, or into an elevator should be no problem. A few modifications can significantly enhance its portability and practicality. 

The Dualtron Spider is the pinnacle of performance for a lightweight yet powerful electric scooter. It is an awesome commuter scooter, striking an excellent balance between speed, range, weight, and durability. Finally, the Spider is a more practical and tamer family member in the formidable Dualtron line of electric scooters.

MiniMotors Dualtron Spider Review

Performance Summary

Acceleration (0 to 15 mph)2.6 seconds
Top speed40.0 mph

Acceleration

Dualtron Spider front wheel motor

The Spider features front and rear, brushless DC electric motors, each capable of burning 3000-watts peak and 1320 watts continuously of electrical power.

During our acceleration test, the Spider hit 15 mph in 2.6 seconds. This scooter accelerates powerfully, up to about 30 mph.

Top Speed

The Dualtron Spider has a top speed of just under 40.0 mph, based on our top speed test.

Range

The motor is fueled by a 60 V, 17.5 amp-hour battery pack formed of LG MJ1 cells with 1050 watt hour capacity. Note: the LG MJ1 batteries are rated for 400 charge-discharge cycles and for charge/discharge rate of 1 C.

Like all scooters, the range is heavily dependent on how aggressive you are with the throttle. Under the most aggressive riding circumstances (performance mode, powered start, frequent acceleration at max throttle, high-speed riding), the quoted range could quickly drop to a bit more than 50% of that claimed by the manufacturer. In the most eco mode, with care given for extending range (e.g., push start, gentler acceleration, lower top speed), you will more closely approach the claimed range.

Braking

Massive brake rotors on an electric scooter

The Spider has front and rear cable-actuated disc brakes. It also has dual regenerative brakes with an anti-lock brake system (ABS) that can be enabled, disabled, and tuned via the EYE LCD interface. They may need adjustments out-of-the-box. However, once dialed in, they provide excellent braking to keep this speedy beast under control. 

A few simple DIY upgrades can also dramatically improve braking quality and feel. The dual regenerative brakes also add a bit of stopping power. Like other electric scooters, they do not function when the battery is fully charged. 

The Spider also features a dual anti-lock braking system (ABS). However, it is not real ABS, and most Spider owners disable it. When the ABS system activates, it quickly modulates the electronic brake, creating unnerving vibrations throughout the scooter and potentially putting excessive wear on the drive train. 

The best bet for braking safely is to make sure the brakes are dialed in and learn how to modulate them without locking up the wheels. This will require awareness of how grippy the tires are on different terrain and in different conditions.

Rear our guide to Dualtron Spider modifications to learn about tire and brake upgrades.

Ride Quality

At top speed, you will feel surprisingly stable on the Spider. The steering is solid and precise, with no slop or wobble in the stem. This precision gives the rider immense confidence in this machine.

The suspension and modest ground clearance easily handle urban obstacles that could otherwise be catastrophic on a more civilized scooter. Potholes, road debris, uneven terrain are all easily soaked up by the scooter. Dropping off a curb is no problem, and you are at no risk of bottoming out or scraping the undercarriage.

We were skeptical of the dual rubber cartridge suspension, which seems out of place on this high-performance beast. However, if you put a decent number of miles on this scooter, you will appreciate ride quality, quietness, and durability of this dead-simple suspension. Additionally, the cartridge suspension allows customizable ride stiffness by swapping in different cartridges.

Dualtron Spider Features

Portability

Dualtron Spider in the folded configuration on a street

Coming in at 47 lbs, the Spider is manageable for carrying up short flights of stairs or lifting into the trunk of a car. You wouldn’t want to haul this thing around for long distances or hoist it up 10 flights of stairs, but it is surprisingly maneuverable. If you’re on the smaller side or have some physical limitations, then it might be a bit much (check out comparable, lighter scooters).

The Dualtron Spider’s folded dimensions are 44-inches by 9-inches by 19-inches. This is more compact than a bicycle and should be fairly easy to stow at home or work. One drawback is that there is no built-in way to latch, fold, and carry this scooter. This can be readily accomplished with some simple modifications.

Cockpit

Spider electric scooter LCD display and handlebars

The Spider has lightweight carbon fiber handlebars. These can easily be upgraded to folding ones for more portability. One thing to note is that carbon fiber is designed to be lightweight and strong but not necessarily durable. 

If you plan on thrashing the scooter, swapping to a more durable aluminum alloy one may be a good choice. Some riders complain that handlebar position is too low, though this can also be remedied with some adjustments.

The handlebars have laughably bad foam grips, which can be easily and cheaply upgraded.

The EY3 LCD throttle is very functional. It has an accurate battery monitor and speedometer. The EY3 display gives immense control over performance and feel. You can set kick or powered start mode, regenerative brake strength, cruise control, auto power-off, and enable/disable ABS. The EY3 has a button to cycle through three possible power levels.

Located on the left handlebar are two push buttons for Eco/Turbo mode and Single/Dual mode. Eco/Turbo controls the aggressiveness of the throttle. In contrast, the Single/Dual mode controls whether the scooter uses one or both motors. This combination of pushbuttons and the EY3 controller give extensive customization of acceleration, top speed, and overall “aggressiveness” of the throttle. This level of throttle control does seem a little unnecessary and possibly could have been simplified. Overall, the interface is very functional, yet more reminiscent of a 90’s TimeX than the designed user experience that we’ve all come to expect in consumer products.

Lights

Close up view of Spider deck with LED button lights

Forward lighting is provided by two surprisingly anemic white button lights. The rear red lights are similarly weak, and the low mounting position makes them difficult to see.

You should upgrade the lighting if you ride at night or under poor visibility conditions. Love it or hate it, you also get the steering stem mood “swag” multi-colored lighting and remote control with a zillion possible options.

For extra safety, we always recommend using additional lights.

Check out our guide for staying visible while riding at night.

Tires

The 10.0-inch by 2-inch pneumatic inner tube tires also help to cushion the ride and provide good traction on a variety of surfaces. They can be swapped out for wider tires, up to 10-inches by 3-inches, which increases stability and contact patch.

Worried about flat tires? Learn some simple tips for preventing flats.

Deck

The classic wide Dualtron deck permits a good range of possible feet positions for comfort and stability.

Build Quality

The build quality of this electric scooter is superb, with the minor exception of the stem hinge that can be a little bit squeaky. The frame is constructed of 6082 T6-tempered aluminum, a high performance, lightweight, and durable alloy with excellent corrosion resistance. 

The control arm and suspension assembly are super beefy, ensuring this won’t be a point of failure. There are a handful of non-critical plastic components, such as the fenders. Even these are heavy duty and durable. 

This model is known to suffer from out-of-the-box quality control issues, including brakes that may need to be adjusted, fenders, and tire tube valve stem issues. If you have any problems, they are likely to be minor, and a quality distributor should be able to take care of any major ones.

Unlike a decent swath of the electric scooter market, which is akin to disposable electronics, the Dualtron Spider is a piece of equipment that will easily last for thousands of miles and years to come.

Dualtron Spider: Review Conclusions

Shot of the lower half of a MiniMotors Dualtron Spider electric scooter

The Dualtron Spider is a high performance electric scooter that you can ride to the office and thrash on the weekends.

If Spider isn’t appealing, see our alternative suggestions. You can also check out our Editor’s pick of best electric scooters.

Our content is independent, but buying through our links may earn us a commission.

MiniMotors Dualtron Spider Specifications

MakeMinimotors
ModelDualtron Spider
Weight47 lb
Folded dimensions44 by 9 by 19 in
Motor power, continuous1300 W
Top speed37 mph
Range42 mi
Battery capacity1050 Wh
Battery recharge time4 to 9 hrs
Max rider weight220 lb
Brake typeDisc + Disc
Tire type10.0 in Pneumatic (Inner Tube) + Pneumatic (Inner Tube)
Built-in lightsFront + Rear
Water resistanceNone

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About the Author

Chuck

Chuck is the Co-Founder of Electric Scooter Guide and leading authority on micromobility and PEVs.

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