THE-URBAN x

THE-URBAN xR1 and xT1 is a latest series electric scooter made by THE-URBAN brand (Walberg Urban Electrics GmbH). This model lets you choose between two wheel sizes. In addition to that, it has two very important benefits, namely resistance to splashing water and an electronic immobilizer in the form of a PIN request, which secures the scooter and protects it from being accessed by unauthorized persons. Whether you opt for 8.5-inch or 10-inch air-filled wheels, the comfort and good feeling are further enhanced by the fact that the scooter features two disc brakes. The maximum load capacity of this scooter is significantly higher compared to the xC1 model as it can comfortably carry a rider weighing 120 kg. However, this comes at the expense of slightly bigger weight of 16 kg. Its range reaches about 25 km and that is why we rank it among scooters rather suitable for short routes around the city.

Use and practicality

Compared to other models made by this brand, this model is not particularly known for its range. It is also suitable for shorter routes and we recommend it for daily trips around the city over distances up to 12 km. The range may be 25 km, however it is influenced by multiple factors, such as road condition, inclination, rider’s weight and, last but not least, his/her riding style. We should keep in mind that fully discharging the battery has a significant negative impact shortening its serviceable life. If you are looking for a practical, reliable city scooter, you are at the right place. Among scooter’s advantages are its compact dimensions when fully folded, as this model allows easy and quick folding of the entire scooter. It is equally easy and intuitive to unfold it in a few seconds and make it ready for taking yet another unforgettable ride. Its weight of 16 kg positions the scooter outside the category of ultra-light scooters. Despite that, you can still carry it up the stairs or load it into a car or a tram without too much hassle. Thanks to its excellent compactness, you can take it with you folded to the office or restaurant where it will not bother anybody, which means you won’t have to leave it locked in the street. However, when necessary to leave it outside, you do not have to worry about it since it is protected from people with “sticky hands” by a PIN request. You can also easily fit it inside the trunk of a regular car with enough space left for other necessary luggage. When it comes to “practicality” topic, it is certainly necessary to mention that as one of the few scooters, it is resistant to splashing water. Meaning, in case of wet roads or light rain, you do not have to leave it resting at home.

Range, performance and safety

The scooter is supplied with 36 V and 7.8 Ah battery, corresponding to 280.8 Wh of stored energy, and is capable of 25 km range per single charge. As we have already mentioned, it depends on circumstances that definitely include road condition, inclination, rider weight and, naturally, his/her riding style. That is why we would rather rely on slightly shorter routes not exceeding 20 kilometers. The scooter is driven by a motor installed directly in the rear wheel, delivering maximum power of 500 W (300 W sustainable), which is definitely enough for normal riding around the city. Charging the battery from 0 to 100% takes about 3 - 4 hours. The mechanical disc brakes on both wheels contribute to safer and reliable riding. With this model, you do not have to worry about wet roads or light rain as the scooter is resistant to splashing water. The road in front of you is clearly visible thanks to the scooter’s lighting system. At the same time, you are properly visible to other road users. The scooter features 8.5-inch or 10-inch, air-filled wheels, which is why we recommend avoiding large potholes that could lead to getting a flat tire. At first, the air-filled wheels might seem this scooter’s weakness. However, the opposite is true as they represent an effective and reliable solution compensating for the lacking suspension.

Comfort and design

The scooter is produced in an interesting color combination consisting of a black frame jazzed up by small elements made in fresh green or chicory blue color depending on the selected wheel size. Unlike most of the models made by the Walberg Urban Electrics, the xR1 and xT1 looks rather futuristic because of the square shape of the platform and the folding mechanism. The rear fender not only looks functional but it is precisely what it is. You can definitely throw away any fear of your pants or calves (in case of women) getting muddy while riding. The design looks simple but purposeful, underlining the practicality of the scooter itself. The design of the folding mechanism matches the rest of the scooter body and looks elegant. This model offers either 8.5-inch or 10-inch, air-filled wheels and those are these very wheels that make riding the scooter comfortable. Naturally, the larger wheels make the ride even more comfortable. They help filtering out vibrations and bumps. However, you should rather go around any large potholes to avoid getting a flat front or rear tire. The relatively low weight also contributes to comfort, thanks to which you can easily carry this scooter when necessary.

Our rating

We were pleasantly surprised by several features offered by this model. Starting with its pleasantly fresh color design, option to choose between two wheel sizes, but mainly by the fact that the manufacturer made progress in fighting theft by introducing electronic immobilizer. Given its range and power, this model is predestined to be used in the urban environment where you can simply and effortlessly carry it up the stairs or even take it with you to the office or restaurant. You can easily fold this scooter in a few seconds and put it either into a car trunk or, for instance, under your desk. Another important feature of this scooter is surely its resistance to splashing water. There are very few scooters out there that can “boast about” being splash-proof. Easy handling and a thumb lever control system make every ride fun and a genuine experience. The scooter has a practical kickstand, thanks to which it can stand on its own. Similarly to the xC1 model, you should keep in mind this scooter’s maximum range of 25 km. For longer distances, even around the city, we would definitely recommend considering buying some other model, such as Egret TEN V3 X. If you are on limited budget, or if you simply decided not to invest a ton of money, this model is surely a good compromise. However, if you have no spending limit and sympathize with this brand, we definitely recommend taking a peek at the xH1 model.

Service

We are the official importer and dealer of THE-URBAN brand in Slovakia, Czechia and Ukraine. We offer direct warranty and post-warranty servicing, which is provided in our branches in Prague, Brno, Bratislava and Uzhhorod. We keep spare parts in stock and we are a certified provider of warranty repairs. Therefore, when buying this scooter, you do not have to worry about servicing or unavailability of spare parts. Thanks to representing the manufacturer directly, we can handle difficult repairs or diagnostics.

About the brand

The German company Walberg Urban Electrics has been selling THE-URBAN lifestyle brand since 2017. This is the “younger sibling” of the premium EGRET brand, which the company has been offering since 2012 and has already distributed more than 60 000 units. Its founder, Florian Walberg, started as an ordinary user of electric scooters. Based on his personal experience, he realised the huge potential of this new form of mobility. According to him, in the coming years the cities will have to adapt the roads and pavements in a new manner – shifting from internal combustion vehicles towards alternative mobility forms. The electric scooters, especially folding ones, can be easily combined with public transport or one’s own car. We completely agree with Florian on this. The EGRET and THE-URBAN brands are very popular, particularly in Germany, thanks to their German quality, reliability and stylish design.