With gas prices rising faster than my BPM climbing up stairs, its no wonder that people are turning to Personal Electric Vehicles (PEVs) in droves. As of March 2022, the US has now crossed a milestone that none of us, even in 2008, could've seen coming with the average cost per gallon reaching a staggering $4.43. Combine that mind blowing number with the fact that people are looking for more eco-friendly, cost effective, and enjoyable ways to commute and what you have is an all-out blitzkrieg of innovation in the scooter world.
This industry, although still gaining traction in the mainland US, has some clearcut leaders in the marketplace like ZERO, Dualtron, VSETT, Apollo, Inokim, and Segway. These early industry titans have set the bar for others that wish to enter in the market which has furthered innovation and made it a buyers market for scooter enthusiasts.
With how many people are entering the PEV marketplace as quickly as they are, we thought we'd take a look into the industry leaders and the new guys alike to see how they stack up against one another. For today's deep dive we've paired one of the most popular models, the VSETT 10+ 60V 28Ah vs. "the new guy on the block" The Blade GT+ 60V 30ah.
For this comparison, we'll be comparing them side by side on four main areas; Performance, Design, Durability, and Affordability. Before we start the deep dive, a quick disclaimer for transparency. Personally, I am 6'3 tall and weigh 240 pounds, so my evaluation is based solely on how the scooters perform under the amount of stress those metrics put them under. It's an important distinction that needs to be made because the industry standard for testing is based on a 170 pound rider.
1. Performance
The VSETT 10+R
The VSETT 10+R boasts impressive performance across all categories which is one of the main reasons it's become so popular among newer and veteran riders alike. Performance specs are below:
Battery: 60V 28ahMotor: Dual 1400W
Max Speed: 46-50mph
Range: up to 70 miles
Load: 285 lbs
VSETT 10+R Performance Pros:
- Acceleration is instant and accurate to the throttle. This can also be adjusted based on preference in the P-Settings.
- Climbing ability is great, even up steep hills
- Zoom Braking provides ample stopping power
- Suspension gives nice feedback and comfort.
- Motors are both powerful and silent which cannot be said with other brands.
VSETT 10+R Perfomance Cons:
- Stem wobbling at high speeds for smaller riders
- Suspension can be soft at times for larger riders
Overall Performance of the VSETT 10+R
There is no denying that the VSETT 10+R is an incredible machine. The performance is well rounded and provides the rider with an incredible experience across all areas of performance. Being that it's the standard bearer for the category and the industry leader at this price point, it stands to reason that hoards of people can't be wrong. Overall, the VSETT 10+R is definitely worth checking out. Performance Rating : 9.5 out of 10
The Blade GT+
The Blade GT+ comes equipped with a slightly larger battery and a similar motor configuration to the VSETT. Like the VSETT, the Blade GT+ boasts a well rounded performance with excellent rider comfort and smooth acceleration.
Battery: 60V 30ahMotor: Dual 1500W
Max Speed: 46-52mph
Range: up to 56 miles
Load: 265 lbs
Blade GT+ Performance Pros
- Lightning fast acceleration with thumb throttle
- Increased stability with larger tires
- Solid handling with built in steering damper
- Speed customization on each gear via TFT
- Puncture Proof Tires
- Excellent braking on 160mm disc brakes
Blade GT+ Performance Cons
- Electronic braking can be aggressive if not adjusted down on TFT
- Some experience throttle dead zone on Gen 1 throttles
- Gear 1 is for motor testing and kick start which causes confusion with new riders
Overall Performance of the Blade GT+
The Blade GT+ comes out of the gate swinging. It boasts incredible all around performance and face peeling acceleration. An easy comparison to the likes of the VSETT 10+R and Dualtron Thunder, the Blade GT+ has all the performance you could ever ask for. Overall Performance Rating: 9.5 out of 10
2. Design
While the basic elements of the scooter remain the same, the overall ascetic and how it translates to rider stability and comfort can vary widely with a few subtle changes to the design. In this section we'll be taking a look at how small design differences can make a huge impact on the overall experience.
The VSETT 10+R
The measurements for the VSETT 10+R are as follows:
Height: 51"Length: 49"
Width: 8.5"
Deck Length: 27"
Handle Bar Height: 41.5"
Tire Size: 10x3 Street Tires
VSETT 10+R Design Pros
- Classic Bumblebee Paint Scheme
- Molded rubber floor mat looks great and provides optimum grip
- Overall Streamlined look and excellent ascetics
- Fenders provide adequate protection from dust, debris, and moisture
- Collapsible Handlebars make for easier transport in tight spaces
- Stem Folding/Locking Mechanism is very well designed and solid
VSETT 10+R Design Cons
- Trigger Throttle
- Display can be difficult to read in sunny conditions
- Headlight/Horn need an upgrade
- Original two piece footrest wasn't well designed for long term use.
Overall VSETT 10+ Design impressions
The classic bumblebee look paired with the design detail put in all over the scooter make the overall appearance of the VSETT 10+ a winner. Aside from the color scheme and solid design element, what stands out is the comfort the added deck room affords the rider. Standing either front to back or side to side, the additional room makes for a pleasurable riding experience. Overall Rating: 9 out of 10
The Blade GT+
The measurements for the Blade GT+ are as follows:
Height: 51"Length: 50"
Width: 8.5"
Deck Length: 27"
Handle Bar Height: 41.5- 51"
Tire Size 11x3 Puncture Proof Street Tires
Blade GT+ Design Pros
- The metallic orange and black paint scheme stands out
- The overall appearance looks aggressive and performance driven
- The adjustable stem is a huge bonus
- Built in Steering Damper is awesome
- The TFT screen is centered and 3.5" making it easy to read
- Thumb Throttle adds rider comfort
- Integrated Headlight/Horn combination is bright and loud
Blade GT+ Design Cons
- Slightly Shorter Deck
- Stem Clamp takes longer to tighten
- Kickstand could be better designed to blend into frame
- Fenders could be larger to protect riders from dust and debris
Overall Blade GT+ Design Impressions
The Blade GT+ designers did an awesome job learning from prior iterations of scooters and making subtle improvements for riders. Overall, the black and orange is stunning and the overall rugged and performance based look is sure to turn heads. Overall Rating: 9.5 our of 10
3. Durability
Before diving into the durability portion, it's important to note that after owning both of these models for more than a year, I have experienced zero issues with either. The durability issues described with both are from research and consumer feedback found within the industry, from social media scooter groups, and reddit threads where these models are frequently discussed.
The VSETT 10+R (9 out of 10)
Overall, like I've stated before, the VSETT 10+R is the industry leader for a reason. But, it doesn't come without its issues. A recent poll of VSETT riders was conducted and the most common issues experienced with the VSETT 10+R are as follows:
#1 Controller Issues. Having worked on many VSETTs, I can confirm that MOSFET seizes up sometimes in some of the earlier models of the 10+, but VSETT has since revamped their controller, so the issue should be behind us.
#2 Handlebars. Although folding handlebars make it easier to transport, the tightening mechanism leaves some to be desired and there is little doubt that solid handlebars are both safer and more durable.
#3 Tires. The stock tires and tubes on the 10+ are a blowout waiting to happen. Upgrades for both are needed and recommended.
The Blade GT+ (9 out of 10)
#1 Electronic Brake Sensor. The EBS on the Blade GT+ sometimes requires adjustment because of it engaging without the brake lever being pulled. To fix it requires an open ended wrench and 30 or so seconds for finding the sweet spot on the brake lever.
#2 The Stem Locking Mechanism. The locking clamp on the Blade GT+ if not properly tightened can slide along the stem.
#3. TFT voltage not matching. The earlier software versions of the Blade GT+ TFT screens have issues calibrating the voltage number readout with the battery meter icon. This causes riders to be unsure of their voltage. (tip: always use the voltmeter not the battery icon)
Durability Summary
It's import to discuss the durability of these scooters, but it's equally important to discuss what role regular maintenance and overall care of them can play in their durability. Electric scooters. regardless of brand, are high performance machines and should be treated as such. You wouldn't race in Nascar without first checking the tires for condition and air or without checking the oil and tightening the lug nuts. It's my recommendation that riders always go through a checklist of things before riding to ensure their investment lasts as long as possible, As with anything else though, even with a maintenance schedule, things do happen and fixes will need to take place. With this in mind, familiarize yourself with your scooter, learn about how the electrical system works, how the motors work, what the error codes are, and some troubleshooting tips for each of them. Things will pop up, so be ready.
4. Affordability
For the pricing section of the review, this will be purely based on consumer feedback and their thoughts on the bang for their buck. The typical price range riders would expect to pay for a scooter of this caliber is typically in the $2,100-$3,300 range. Given this range, both of these options stack up favorably to the competition.
VSETT 10+R (60V 28ah Version)
MSRP: $2590
The VSETT 10+R has a slightly higher price point than many of the comparable models competing with it. This has caused a consumer purchasing shift away from the 10+R 28ah version towards the smaller 10+ 25.6ah version which comes in at an MSRP of $2190. With that nearly $300 cost savings and slight range difference many consumers have opted to buy the smaller 25.6ah version and then add a range extender. For this reason, coupled with the need to upgrade the tires and tubes, the bang for the buck score comes in at a 8 out of 10.
Blade GT+
MSRP: $2299
The Blade GT+ provides an excellent comp performance wise to the VSETT 10+ at an MSRP that's almost $300 lower. On top of the cheaper price point, it also comes with features that alleviate the need for some of the most common upgraded parts on the 10+R. Stock steering damper, thumb throttle, and puncture proof tires make the bang for the buck score a solid 9.5 out of 10
Summary:
The 2 models have very similar performance, rider comfort, agility, and stability. In either case, what you're getting is a high performance machine that is capable of keeping up with the best of them. My 240 pound frame can push both of these scooters pretty hard, but nowhere near the brink. Both the VSETT 10+R and the Blade GT+ are amazing scooters and owning them is nothing short of fantastic. Whether you're a commuter heading into work in the mornings, a weekend warrior looking to fly down the road to parts unknown, or a trailblazer looking to conquer a nearby mountain, these scooters are exactly what you're looking for. With that being said, you didn't read all of this to hear that they're both amazing and equal to each other. Most likely a decision lay in the balance and that's why you're here, so let's get down to it.
Below are the final scores in each category
Performance
VSETT 10+R (9.5 out of 10)
Blade GT+ (9.5 out of 10)
Design
VSETT 10+R (9.5 out of 10)
Blade GT+ (9 out of 10)
Durability
VSETT 10+R (9 out of 10)
Blade GT+ (9 out of 10)
Pricing
VSETT 10+R (8 out of 10)
Blade GT+ (9.5 out of 10)
Overall Winner
VSETT 10+R (9 out of 10)
Blade GT+ (9.25 out of 10)
In this two horse race it's neck and neck, but when the finish line is crossed, it's the Blade GT+ that edges out the VSETT 10+R by a nose. With all things equal, the amount of raw performance, rugged styling, tank like toughness, and most importantly bang for your buck that you get with the Blade GT+ is tough to beat.
Till next time...Happy Riding
