As more and more creatives flock to cities for networking, collaboration, and other necessary industry amenities, it has never been more critical to the careers of music producers, artists, writers, and other creator types to be mobile and adaptive. And yet, while margins become thinner and the work becomes more competitive, not all these artists can afford or have the space for larger bikes (let alone cars).
New, affordable, and travel-friendly options have been brought to market to meet the rising demand for transportation amongst city-living creatives. Swagtron’s Swagger 5 Boost Scooter is the company’s latest iteration of their lightweight, entry-level scooter that seeks to solve all the problems of the everyday commuter-creative.
We were sent one of Swagtron’s Swagger 5 Boost Scooters to review to determine how it measures up to the countless electric scooters being introduced to the market. So let’s dive into what we liked and didn’t about this travel-friendly and compact travel tool.
Learn More About This Scooter Here
MY FAVORITE FEATURES OF THE SWAGGER 5 BOOST SCOOTER
Regarding the broad strokes, the Swagger 5 Boost Scooter is a souped-up scooter that punches above its entry-level weight class. And if you think that’s easier said than done, these three standout features of the scooter will should you what we mean.
Its Design
From the moment you open this scooter up, it’s evident that the designers thought of almost all the details its users would be mindful of. Its aluminum frame is durable and feels rugged without adding too much to the unit’s weight. Coming in at just under 26 pounds, it’s a bit lighter than many other scooters on the market that you can find at this price point.
The deck where you stand during your ride is water-resistant and has a reasonably solid grip. Having tested this scooter throughout the streets of Portland, Oregon, I had no hesitation taking this thing on the rain-soaked streets of the city, and as long as you don’t try to make it over to your collaborator’s studio in the pouring rain, I am sure that this scooter will get you there safe and sound.
Its Size
A top priority, behind personal safety, with any scooter for this consumer base is its portability and travel-friendly nature. On this front, the Boost scooter knocks it out of the part. It’s light and portable, making it an easy ride across town to my colleague’s music studio for sessions. When there or in storage in my studio, it collapses nicely and tightly to fit comfortably in the studio.
I live in Portland, which is far from a large city. You can get across town without putting in more than a couple of miles on the scooter creatives living in larger cities like NYC or LA doesn’t have this luxury. Still, this scooter opens up many new transportation opportunities for those living in high-population densities.
If you are somebody working out of a studio apartment or do most of your creative work in a bedroom studio, space is your most precious resource. The Boost Scooter maximizes mobility without sacrificing space in your room where other more creative toys (like my guitar amps and synths) could be.
Its Price
At the start of this section, I noted that this scooter is an entry-level device that punches above its weight class, and this is especially true regarding its price point. The scooter comes stock with many unique features and quality-of-life elements that should put it at a price point of $100 or more than what it is.
Being priced similarly to many other entry-level scooters on the market, the Boost scooter gets you way more bang for your buck than many other options. It is an easy recommendation for those creatives, producers, and commuters looking to get their foot in the door of the world of electric scooters without breaking the bank.
WHAT I WASN’T THAT CRAZY ABOUT
As with all entry-level devices, this scooter isn’t perfect, no matter what you want. And while it suited all of the needs I had while commuting around Portland, some things that might bring hesitation to some potential buyers should be noted.
It’s Not The Smoothest Ride
One of the scooter’s most significant selling points is that the wheels are “AIRLESS HONEYCOMB TIRES” which prevents flat tires and ensures you get from point A to point B with as few technical difficulties as possible. And while the airless tires prevent flats, the air absorbs shock and impacts, and the lack of air in the tires is noticeable – although only lightly so.
This on its own isn’t that big of a factor, but seeing as the battery is located beneath the deck instead of on the stem, which is the expected industry standard from my understanding, means that the bumps and jostles of the airless wheels, when passing over debris in the road has the potential of damaging the battery compartment. While I did not notice any noticeable damage in the month I was familiarizing myself with the scooter, I wanted to note it here (as rare as the potential may be).
Its Range Is Only Okay
The range on any electric scooter will vary wildly, as it is far more heavily affected by terrain, carry the load, and other factors than more robust E-Bike counterparts. So while I know the range of this scooter is by no means set in stone, its average range from a full charge is only 12 miles. Living in Portland allows me to get across town, run an errand or two, and get home before it needs a charge.
It hasn’t slowed me down at all. But those twelve miles don’t get you as far if you live in a larger city or metropolitan area.
WHO IS THE SCOOTER FOR?
Over the years, E-scooters’ development has dramatically improved, making them more accessible and affordable than ever before. These devices serve different purposes for different individuals, and the Swagtron Boost Scooter is no exception. And while it shares many of the same qualities as its more robust cousin, the EB7 ELITE+ electric bike, do, its smaller design and more approachable price point make it in a league all its own. Here are three groups of people who can benefit the most from this device:
COMMUTERS
If you need a fast and efficient mode of transportation to get to work, the Swagtron Boost Scooter is an excellent choice. Its powerful motor and various travel modes make navigating through hilly terrains or flat surfaces easy. The device is also lightweight and collapsible, making it easy to carry and store in tight spaces or when taking public transportation.
ARTISTS
Many artists and creators are moving to urban areas to pursue their dreams, and the Swagtron Boost Scooter can provide them with fast and affordable transportation. In this modern world, collaboration is key and being in the same room as somebody creating will always yield better results than chatting on Zoom or its other alternatives. The device is space-saving, making it ideal for those working in small apartments or studios.
STUDENTS
The Swagtron Boost Scooter’s durable build and long-range capabilities make it perfect for students looking for a faster way to get to class. It can make a significant difference, especially during rainy days or when time is of the essence. Its multi-functionality makes it a versatile device that can serve many purposes, from running errands to attending music festivals.
Overall, the Swagtron Boost Scooter is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an easy and reliable way to get around.
SPECS ON THE EEB7 PLUS FOLDING BIKE
Size (unfolded): 41.5 x 17 x 45.3 inches
Size (folded): 41.5 x 17 x 19 inches
Weight: 26 pounds
Motor: Single 300-watt
Wheel size: 8.5-inch, airless honeycomb
Max speed: 18 mph
Range: 12 miles
Max rider weight: 320 pounds
Battery: 37V lithium-ion battery
Will Vance is a professional music producer who has been involved in the industry for the better part of a decade and has been the managing editor at Magnetic Magazine since mid-2022. In that time period, he has published thousands of articles on music production, industry think pieces and educational articles about the music industry. Over the last decade as a professional music producer, Will Vance has also ran multiple successful and highly respected record labels in the industry, including Where The Heart Is Records as well as having launched a new label with a focus on community through Magnetic Magazine. When not running these labels or producing his own music, Vance is likely writing for other top industry sites like Waves or the Hyperbits Masterclass or working on his upcoming book on mindfulness in music production. On the rare chance he's not thinking about music production, he's probably running a game of Dungeons and Dragons with his friends which he has been the dungeon master for for many years.
