Razor EcoSmart Metro HD Electric Scooter Is a Fun Yet Practical Ride

I had previously reviewed the e Prime Air, one of Razor’s motorized scooters. It’s a fun way to get around, but between our hilly roads and my being 185 pounds, the motor couldn’t always keep up. The new Razor EcoSmart Metro HD Electric Scooter I received for review is even more fun and has a more powerful motor.

Razor EcoSmart Metro HD Electric Scooter Is a Fun Yet Practical Ride

The Razor EcoSmart Metro HD Electric Scooter is designed for riders age 16 and up and can handle up to 220 pounds. It has a maximum speed of 15.5 miles per hour, and it gets up to 12 miles per charge or sixty minutes of continual use. That makes it not only a lot of fun to ride, but it also means that, for someone like me, the scooter can be used to commute or run errands. You see, my office is just one mile from my home. The town center is about the same distance. And while my building remains closed due to the pandemic, the idea of able to hop on an electric scooter to run into the office or do a quick errand without needing turn on my car and its internal combustion engine is rather appealing. That’s something I wanted to do with the scooter I previously reviewed, but it wasn’t up to the task; the EcoSmart Metro HD Electric Scooter is.

Razor EcoSmart Metro HD Electric Scooter Is a Fun Yet Practical Ride

Razor’s EcoSmart Metro HD Electric Scooter is a vastly different animal than the first scooter I reviewed, and that is a good thing. For example, while the other scooter requires you to stand the entire time, the EcoSmart Metro HD Electric Scooter has a seat.

As a result, it is much more akin to riding a bicycle than a scooter. In addition, while the motor on the first scooter only engaged once you “kicked off” and got some movement under it, the EcoSmart Metro HD Electric Scooter starts to move as soon as you pull down on the throttle. To my mind, that makes for a far more refined experience.

Razor EcoSmart Metro HD Electric Scooter Is a Fun Yet Practical Ride

The scooter’s frame is made from steel, and the deck is a lovely piece of bamboo. Its light color does mean that it will collect dirt from your feet quite easily, but … it’s a freaking scooter, so who cares?

Specifications:

  • Distance: Up to 12 miles (19 km) on a single charge
  • Speed: Up to 15.5 mph (25 km/h)
  • Run Time: Up to 60 minutes of continuous use
  • Motor: 350-watt, variable-speed, high-torque, brushless, rear-wheel hub-driven
  • Throttle: Twist-grip
  • Brake: Hand-operated, rear
  • Frame: Steel
  • Grips: Soft, rubber
  • Deck: Bamboo
  • Front Wheel: Spoked with 16” (406 mm), pneumatic tire
  • Rear Tire: 16” (406 mm), pneumatic
  • Kickstand: Retractable
  • Seat: Padded
  • Storage: Luggage rack and basket
  • Battery: 36V (three 12V) sealed lead-acid, rechargeable
  • Includes: Battery charger
  • Age: 16+
  • Max Rider Weight: 220 lbs (100 kg)
  • Assembled Product Dimensions: 57.28? x 20.67? x 45.28? (145.5 cm x 52.5 cm x 115 cm)
  • Product Weight: 72.89 lbs (33.13 kg)

Razor EcoSmart Metro HD Electric Scooter Is a Fun Yet Practical Ride

The front wheel is 16” pneumatic tire, and its spokes give it a bike-like appearance.

Razor EcoSmart Metro HD Electric Scooter Is a Fun Yet Practical Ride

The rear wheel also has a 16” pneumatic tire but, instead of spokes, it is connected to the motor. More on that shortly.

Razor EcoSmart Metro HD Electric Scooter Is a Fun Yet Practical Ride

STYLE AN COMFORT: The soft padded seat and wide bamboo deck for plenty of foot room make the ride on EcoSmart Metro HD Electric Scooter both comfortable and stylish.

The padded seat is wider than any of the bikes I have ridden since childhood, and it quite comfortable. The height can be adjusted.

Razor EcoSmart Metro HD Electric Scooter Is a Fun Yet Practical Ride

Instead of using a thumbscrew, which would make adjustments on-the-go simple, a wrench is required to increase or decrease the height. I didn’t think this would be an issue, but when Raina wanted to try it out and needed me to lower the seat, I discovered what a pain this could be.

Razor EcoSmart Metro HD Electric Scooter Is a Fun Yet Practical Ride

The grips are made from soft rubber and comfortable to hold.

Razor EcoSmart Metro HD Electric Scooter Is a Fun Yet Practical Ride

The right handlebar has the “twist-grip” throttle. As mentioned previously, to start moving, you grab the throttle and pull it toward you. There is no need to kickstart the process.

Razor EcoSmart Metro HD Electric Scooter Is a Fun Yet Practical Ride

The handlebar on the left side is where you will find the brake, and it is very responsive. In fact, when I was moving quickly and standing rather than sitting on the scooter, I found the brake to be a bit too effective. The first time I rode it, I braked too hard and almost went over the handlebars. I guess Raina insisting I always wear a helmet was and is a good thing.

There is a small kickstand on the left side below the deck. It tucks away when riding but does a nice job of keeping the scooter upright when you are done.

Razor EcoSmart Metro HD Electric Scooter Is a Fun Yet Practical Ride

Next to it, there is an input for the AC charger for the 36V sealed lead-acid rechargeable battery. When you first get the scooter and assemble it, a process only takes a few minutes, you’ll need to charge it overnight. This isn’t ideal for those looking for immediate gratification, but it makes sense to follow Razor’s instructions to make sure you get the longest life possible from the scooter. As mentioned, a fully charged scooter can run for up to an hour and will go up to twelve miles on a charge.

One place where my first scooter has a bit of an edge over the Metro HD was its weight. The first scooter was light but could be folded into a smaller package that could easily be brought on a subway or train. The metro HD, in contrast, weighs a whopping 73 pounds, and it doesn’t fold. It is for riding around town, and not a good scooter choice for commuters who also take public transportation.

Razor EcoSmart Metro HD Electric Scooter Is a Fun Yet Practical Ride

STURDY AND STABLE: EcoSmart Metro HD Electric Scooter is built with a tubular steel frame for a solid ride. Rear-wheel drive shifts weight to the rear, enhancing both traction and ease of steering.

Not only does the Metro HD weigh an impressive 73 pounds, but it is incredibly well-made. The solid construction provides a solid base. I’ve experienced zero “creaks” from the solid frame steel frame.

SMOOTH RIDE: EcoSmart Metro HD Electric Scooter has standard bicycle size 16? (406 mm) pneumatic tube tires, which provide a smoother ride on uneven terrain

In addition to the steel frame, the air-filled tires add to the solid feeling you’ll get from the Metro HD. When I’m seated while riding the scooter, I feel quite comfortable thanks to the solid feel, and that’s even true when moving quickly down a hill! You will, however, have to keep an eye on the tire pressure!

Razor EcoSmart Metro HD Electric Scooter Is a Fun Yet Practical Ride

NEW HUB MOTOR: The EcoSmart series is now with a maintenance-free hub-driven motor! The quiet, high torque, 350-watt motor boasts an up to 15.5 mph (25 km/h) max speed with a range of up to 12 miles (19 km) and up to 60 minutes of continuous use.

I had my eye on the original Razor Metro, but I’m glad I waited to review one until the new version arrived. And while I can’t speak to all the changes that made an appliance in this new model, it is clear that the Metro HD’s motor is one of, if not the, most impactful updates. The hub-driven 350-watt motor is apparently quieter, faster, and more reliable than the one it replaces. As noted, I can’t make a comparison, but I can report that it does the job. The scooter is silent, accelerates quickly, and maintains its speed unless you are going up a steep hill.

CARRY YOUR CARGO WITH YOU: Whether it’s reusable grocery bags or your backpack or purse – use the luggage rack or detachable basket to transport your stuff.

I love using the Metro HD scooter. There is, however, one aspect of it that was of slight concern. Due to a stroke shortly after he retired, my father, of blessed memory, was in a care facility for the last few years of his life. For part of that time, once his mobility had declined even further, he rode a medical scooter. I worried that when riding the Metro HD, it would look like I was riding the same type of mobility device. Without the basket attached, the Metro HD looks more like a bike than my dad’s scooter ever did, but when the basket is attached it does have a strong resemblance to a medical scooter — albeit a two-wheeled one instead of the typical four-wheeled medical version. Even so, having the option to attach the basket and carry groceries or my laptop bag is good.

Features:

  • Sit and Ride: Soft padded seat and wide bamboo deck make for plenty of foot room and a cushy, stylish ride.
  • Smooth Handling: Air-filled 16? tires (406 mm) provide a smoother, safer ride on uneven terrain. Comfortable, twist-grip hand throttle and hand brake provide ease of control.
  • Cargo Carrier: Tote your groceries, books, or bags with the handy detachable luggage rack and basket.
  • Fast and Powerful: The EcoSmart series is now with a maintenance-free hub-driven motor! The quiet, high torque, 350-watt motor boasts an up to 15.5 mph (25 km/h) max speed with a range of up to 12 miles (19 km) and up to 60 minutes of continuous use.
  • Safety and Stability: Rear-wheel drive shifts weight to the rear, enhancing both drive traction and ease of steering.

I enjoyed using and writing about the first Razor Scooter I reviewed. It is a ton of fun but it was more of a flat-land toy than a tool. As a commuter ride, it fell short. The Razor EcoSmart Metro HD Electric Scooter is a different animal. Like that first scooter, the Metro HD is a lot of fun to ride. It, however, is also practical transportation for anyone who moves within a fairly small geographic circle. It is also easy to set up. Although my review sample arrived with a bent front fork, I was able to straighten it with a few hand tools. It was also easy to learn to use. In fact, riding the Metro HD is remarkably intuitive, and, within a few minutes, it felt like I had been riding it for years. The thick, air-filled tires offer a smooth, stable ride. In all, the Razor EcoSmart Metro HD Electric Scooter delivers all the fun of riding a standing motorized scooter, but it can also serve as serious local transportation. I am quite taken by this scooter and, while there are only a few weeks left before the New Jersey weather might make using it impractical, spring is not that far off.

The Razor EcoSmart Metro HD Electric Scooter sells for $469.99; it is available directly from the manufacturer and other retailers including Amazon [affiliate link]. 

Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample

What I Like: Easy to set up; Solid build and a stable ride; Comfortable seat but you can also ride standing up; Simple controls mean there’s almost no learning curve; Powerful, quiet motor; Includes a basket so you can bring groceries home; Moves quickly and can support someone up to 220 pounds; One of those rare products that are total fun, but it also offers practical uses, too

What Needs Improvement: I glad they include the basket, but it does make the Metro HD look a bit like my dad’s scooter

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About the Author

Dan Cohen
Having a father who was heavily involved in early laser and fiber-optical research, Dan grew up surrounded by technology and gadgets. Dan’s father brought home one of the very first video games when he was young and Dan remembers seeing a “pre-release” touchtone phone. (When he asked his father what the “#” and “*” buttons were his dad said, “Some day, far in the future, we’ll have some use for them.”) Technology seemed to be in Dan’s blood but at some point he took a different path and ended up in the clergy. His passion for technology and gadgets never left him. Dan is married to Raina Goldberg who is also an avid user of Apple products. They live in New Jersey with their golden doodle Nava.