The Alpha shines with turn signals, a built-in lock, and solid performance, yet falls short in price-to-performance against some competitors.
Our review score is based on thorough real-world testing and is always held up against comparable models.
How We TestValues marked with '*' are based on our independent testing and may differ from those specified by the manufacturer.
We tested and benchmarked the performance of the new Atomi Alpha across 300 miles. Tag along as we give our full review of this futuristic electric scooter.
Atomi scooters are a relatively new player in the game. The Alpha is their first electric scooter. Right out of the box, it looks like an interesting piece of tech that seeks to elevate the user experience with adjustable lights, turn signals, app control, and a built-in lock.
We have spent a month with the Atomi Alpha, testing its capabilities using pro-grade GPS data logging gear to measure:
In this review, we'll share all our exclusive data and findings, along with our thoughts on the build and design as a whole. We'll also be comparing it to other electric scooters in the entry-level category.
First, let's establish the main specifications as described by the manufacturer.
| Motor & Power | 350W rear motor (700W peak) |
| Battery Type | 36V 10Ah Li-ion |
| Battery Capacity | 360 Wh |
| Weight | 36.8 lbs (16.7 kg) |
| Max Load | 264 lbs (120 kg) |
| Tires | 9 inches, tubeless synthetic rubber |
| Suspension | Air tires only |
| Brakes | Front drum brake, E-ABS |
The Atomi Alpha falls into the portable commuter category. Atomi tries to set itself apart from the competition with high visibility, turn signals, and a smartphone app - and it may just be the only electric scooter to feature a built-in physical lock.
The Atomi Alpha has a single 36V 350W rear motor with a max-rated output of 700W. They advertise an 18.6 MPH (30 KMH) top speed.
I put the top speed claim to the test. As a 170 lbs (77 kg) rider, I was able to reach a measured top speed of 20.8 MPH (33.5 KMH) on a flat, straight road.
| Model | Top Speed |
|---|---|
| Atomi Alpha | 20.8 MPH (33.5 KMH) |
| TurboAnt X7 Max | 19.55 MPH (31.5 KMH) |
| Unagi Model One E500 | 19.57 MPH (31.5 KMH) |
| Hiboy S2 | 18.9 MPH (30.4 KMH) |
| NIU KQi2 Pro | 17.3 MPH (27.8 KMH) |
| Segway Ninebot Max G30P | 18.4 MPH (29.6 KMH) |
Many scooters in this category boast 350W of nominal power, but very few performed on par with the Alpha. It slightly exceeded expectations and felt zippy yet safe throughout.
We measured the acceleration of the Atomi Alpha to see how fast it got up to speed. Here are the results from 10 separate runs.
| Interval | Average | Best |
|---|---|---|
| 0-15 MPH (24 KMH) | 6.71 s | 5.97 s |
| 0-20 MPH (32.2 KMH) | 11.82 s | 11.32 s |
| 0-20.8 MPH (33.5 KMH) | 13.5 s | 12.35 s |
The Alpha accelerates from a standstill to 15 MPH in just 6.71 seconds (fastest time 5.97 seconds). It reaches its top speed in 13.5 seconds (fastest time 12.35 seconds).
| Model | 0-15 MPH | 0-20 MPH |
|---|---|---|
| Atomi Alpha | 6.71 s | 11.82 s |
| TurboAnt X7 Max | 8.29 s | - |
| Unagi Model One E500 | 4.34 s | - |
| Hiboy S2 | 6.89 s | - |
| NIU KQi2 Pro | 8.83 s | - |
| Segway Ninebot Max G30P | 5.85 s | - |
For a scooter of its caliber, these results are impressive. Rarely do I see this level of acceleration for a single-motor unit. It does not hold up against the Unagi Model E500, but it is no surprise since the E500 runs two motors.
The NIU KQi2 Pro and Segway Ninebot Max are praised as two of the best purchases in this price range, but the Alpha does beat them on motor performance.
The Hiboy S2, which is an entry-level acceleration king, still can't quite keep up with the Alpha.
We tested this portable electric scooter on a 250 ft (76 m) hill with an average incline of 8%. The Atomi Alpha electric scooter completed the hill climb in 25.3 seconds with an average speed of 6.7 MPH (10.8 KMH).
| Model | Time | Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Atomi Alpha | 25.3 s | 6.7 MPH (10.8 KMH) |
| TurboAnt X7 Max | 26.3 s | 6.5 MPH (10.4 KMH) |
| Unagi Model One E500 | 22.4 s | 7.6 MPH (12.2 KMH) |
| Hiboy S2 | 26.7 s | 6.4 MPH (10.3 KMH) |
| NIU KQi2 Pro | 30.48 s | 5.6 MPH (9 KMH) |
| Segway Ninebot Max G30P | 28.8 s | 5.9 MPH (9.5 KMH) |
Once again, the Atomi Alpha comfortably outperforms several popular models at similar price points. The Unagi wins again but with a notably higher price tag.
The Atomi Alpha electric scooter has a 36V 10Ah lithium-ion battery in the deck. With a 360Wh capacity, it has an advertised range of 25 miles (40.2 km).
The battery uses 18650 cells from EVE (supplier for BMW, Jaguar, Hyundai, etc.). The battery is located in the deck.
Using the bundled 2A charger, we were able to charge the scooter in 5 hours and 30 minutes. The charging port is located behind the kickstand. This offers a bit of protection for the port when riding.
| Model | Battery Capacity |
|---|---|
| Atomi Alpha | 360 Wh (36V, 10Ah) |
| TurboAnt X7 Max | 360 Wh (36V, 10Ah) |
| Unagi Model One E500 | 281 Wh (31.2V, 9Ah) |
| NIU KQi2 Pro | 365 Wh (48V, 7.6Ah) |
| Hiboy S2 | 270 Wh (36V, 7.5Ah) |
| Gotrax Xr Ultra | 187 Wh (36V, 7Ah) |
| Segway Ninebot Max G30P | 551 Wh (36V, 15.3Ah) |
Looking at raw battery capacity versus price, Atomi Alpha finds itself nicely in the middle of its competitors. Some options - like the G30 & KQi2 Pro - give you more juice for your money, but the Alpha looks to offset that with a wider feature set that I'll get into later.
Arguably more important than raw battery capacity is the real-world range performance. Some scooters are more efficient than others, and some perform poorly due to low-quality battery cells.
We tested the Atomi Alpha electric scooter's range at various speeds:
| Test (#) | Range | Avg. Speed |
|---|---|---|
| #1: Speed Priority | 16.3 miles 26.2 km | 17.9 MPH 28.8 KMH |
| #2: Regular | 18.9 miles 30.4 km | 15 MPH 24.1 KMH |
| #3: Range Priority | 21.2 miles 34.1 km | 12.9 MPH 20.8 KMH |
In the first test, we prioritized speed, flooring the throttle as much as possible. At an average speed of 17.9 MPH (28.8 KMH), we got 16.3 miles (26.2 km) of range.
The second test is focused on regular riding. This is also the result we note and compare between other scooters as the real-world range. Averaging 15 MPH (24.1 KMH), we got 18.9 miles (30.4 km) of range.
In the last test, we tried to push the battery as far as possible. Holding an average of 12.9 MPH (20.8 KMH) we got 21.2 miles (34.1 km) on a single charge.
How does the Atomi Alpha fair against the competition regarding real-world range? We conducted the same tests on all the other models to compare.
| Model | Range | Avg. Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Atomi Alpha | 16.3 miles (26.2 km) | 17.9 MPH (28.8 KMH) |
| TurboAnt X7 Max | 13.4 miles (21.6 km) | 17.9 MPH (28.8 KMH) |
| Unagi Model One E500 | 8.32 miles (13.4 km) | 14.7 MPH (23.7 KMH) |
| NIU KQi2 Pro | 17.2 miles (27.7 km) | 16.4 MPH (26.4 KMH) |
| Hiboy S2 | 9.4 miles (15.1 km) | 17.1 MPH (27.5 KMH) |
| Segway Ninebot Max G30P | 27.6 miles (44.4 km) | 17.0 MPH (27.4 KMH) |
| Model | Range | Avg. Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Atomi Alpha | 18.9 miles (30.4 km) | 15 MPH (24.1 KMH) |
| TurboAnt X7 Max | 15.4 miles (24.8 km) | 14.8 MPH (23.8 KMH) |
| Unagi Model One E500 | 9.33 miles (15 km) | 12.6 MPH (20.3 KMH) |
| NIU KQi2 Pro | 19.8 miles (31.9 km) | 14.9 MPH (24 KMH) |
| Hiboy S2 | 11.4 miles (18.3 km) | 14.3 MPH (23 KMH) |
| Segway Ninebot Max G30P | 30.3 miles (48.8 km) | 14.7 MPH (23.7 KMH) |
| Model | Range | Avg. Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Atomi Alpha | 21.2 miles (34.1 km) | 12.9 MPH (20.8 KMH) |
| TurboAnt X7 Max | 18.2 miles (29.3 km) | 12.5 MPH (20.1 KMH) |
| Unagi Model One E500 | 11.12 miles (17.9 km) | 10.4 MPH (16.7 KMH) |
| NIU KQi2 Pro | 22.3 miles (35.9 km) | 12.7 MPH (20.4 KMH) |
| Hiboy S2 | 13.2 miles (21.2 km) | 12.1 MPH (19.5 KMH) |
| Segway Ninebot Max G30P | 34.5 miles (55.5 km) | 11.9 MPH (19.2 KMH) |
The Atomi Alpha comfortably beats all four compared contenders despite having the same battery capacity as the Turboant X7 Max and slightly less than the NIU KQi2 Pro. This stands as a testament to an efficient ride with high-performing battery cells.
The Segway Ninebot Max G30 obviously yields more range with its larger battery capacity, but the difference isn't enormous, and the price bump is notable.
The Atomi Alpha scores well in portability. It ticks the major boxes and follows suit with the market, but there is a slight room for improvement.
The Atomi Alpha weighs 36.8 lbs (16.7 kg), which is relatively light considering its hardware.
| Model | Weight (lbs) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Atomi Alpha | 36.8 lbs | 16.7 kg |
| TurboAnt X7 Max | 34.2 lbs | 15.5 kg |
| Unagi Model One E500 | 26.5 lbs | 12 kg |
| NIU KQi2 Pro | 40.6 lbs | 18.4 kg |
| Hiboy S2 | 31.9 lbs | 14.5 kg |
| Segway Ninebot Max G30P | 41.2 lbs | 18.7 kg |
There are lighter scooters out there in the ultra-portable category, but most will have inferior acceleration, speed, and range. If you desperately need to cut pounds, there are other options, but the Atomi Alpha balances performance and portability excellently.
The Atomi Alpha electric scooter has an incredibly convenient folding mechanism at the stem. It is well-designed and requires little to no effort or finesse to secure or unlock. This is among the best of the many folding systems I've tested.
A hook on the left handlebar slots into the rear fender for easy carrying. The weight distribution is great as the battery is located in the deck, making it less of a hassle to carry.
The only problem I have with the folding system is the asymmetry caused by the fender hook. Because it enters the slot in the rear fender at an angle, it grinds a bit on the plastic, making it a bit awkward to secure.
This is mostly an aesthetic issue but slightly increases the form factor when folded. Ideally, we would've liked to see the hook centered on the handlebars, but that'd require a major design change which would probably compromise more important functionality.
The Atomi Alpha delivers on ride quality. Efficient braking, low-maintenance tubeless tires, and hidden rear suspension make this scooter a joy to ride.
The Alpha is configured with two 9-inch pneumatic tubeless tires. They're fairly narrow but provide decent traction with the road and cushioning, giving you a better ride.
Tubeless tires - like on the Alpha - are generally considered superior to tubed ones as they're less prone to punctures. This means there will be less maintenance than with tubed tires as well as better longevity.
One of the things that contribute to making the Atomi Alpha a bliss to ride is the hidden rear suspension. Covered by the outer shell, this electric scooter has dual spring suspension at the rear. This works in conjunction with the air tires to decrease felt road vibrations and combat uneven roads.
It is very rare we see any type of suspension apart from air tires on a scooter in this price range.
The Atomi Alpha uses two braking systems: electronic braking (E-ABS), and a front drum brake.
Both braking systems synergize to provide ample stopping force at your fingertips using the lever at your left handlebar.
While drum brakes aren't quite as performant as disc brakes, they're much less maintenance and are typically the preferred no-frills choice for single-motor scooters in this power range.
| Model | Braking Distance |
|---|---|
| Atomi Alpha | 15.9 ft (4.8 m) |
| TurboAnt X7 Max | 15.2 ft (4.6 m) |
| Unagi Model One E500 | 22.6 ft (6.9 m) |
| NIU KQi2 Pro | 14.6 ft (4.5 m) |
| Hiboy S2 | 14.6 ft (4.5 m) |
| Segway Ninebot Max G30P | 12.6 ft (3.8 m) |
In general, we found the braking performance to be solid. The electronic braking isn't overpowering but you can feel it working together with the mechanical force from the drum brake.
The deck is quite narrow, but it makes up for that in its length. The average person should have sufficient room to stand comfortably, but bigger riders may find the deck too narrow.
It is covered by a textured silicon surface to promote foot grip even in wet conditions. It is the type of surface that quickly gets ugly from dirty footprints, but it is relatively easy to clean, and its longevity of it should be good as it is a forgiving and flexible material.
The cockpit boasts more features than most.
First off, we have a highly comfortable thumb throttle. It is resemblant to the ones found on newer Apollo scooters. We found acceleration to be very smooth, and the throttle only has very limited dead space.
The handlebars themselves are rugged for better grip, but we prefer something that fits the shape of the hand more ergonomically.
On the left, you have the brake lever and a bell. Both are easy to access, and the brake lever also feels smooth to engage with limited dead space.
Next to the left handlebar, you'll find turn signals. They're fairly easy to reach, but the buttons could be more tactile and slightly larger. Reaching out for them does make it awkward to hold your hand on the brake lever properly. For that reason, we prefer the turn signal button setup seen on high-end scooters like the Apollo Phantom V3.
Lastly, we have the display. It is fairly bright but can be hard to read at an angle. Speaking of angle, we feel that the display favors short riders. As a 5'11" (180 cm) rider, I found that it was hard to read the display without bending/lowering my body slightly.
The data on the display itself is both intuitive and well-organized. We also found the mileage meter, speedometer, and battery estimate quite accurate. Everything from speed modes and lights to cruise control and zero-start can be controlled with a single button below the display.
The Atomi Alpha is a well-built machine that seeks to elevate your commuting experience with generous lighting and turn signals.
All electric scooters rise and fall with their built quality. We've found the Alpha to be a solid machine through extensive riding and some stress testing.
The Alpha uses a mixture of heat-treated aluminum alloy (6061-T6), hardened plastic, and stainless steel bolts.
The folding mechanism works particularly well. Despite being easy to operate without much force, it locks firmly into place without introducing stem play.
Both the front and rear mudguards are made from really thick plastic. Many entry-level scooters have poor-quality mudguards, but it is actually one of the most common things to break on a scooter so it is nice to see Atomi didn't cheap out on it.
The kickstand does feel a little flimsy. It could do with a little more length as the scooter will only stand up on even surfaces.
This electric scooter has an IPX5 weather resistance rating. This effectively means it has been tested to withstand low-pressure water jets from any direction.
In a real-world scenario, this means you should be able to ride in light rain without an issue. However, with any scooter, we recommend avoiding water as much as possible and wiping your scooter dry after each use in wet conditions.
The X means it hasn't been tested in relation to dust protection, but this is common for electric scooters. Water is typically the bigger culprit, hence it isn't of much importance. Based on our knowledge and experience, we would suggest that the Alpha is protected from any harmful dust ingress.
The Atomi Alpha excels in low-light conditions. If you find yourself commuting in the dark hours, the Alpha is a great option.
This electric scooter has a standard headlight, a rear brake light, two rear turn signal lights, a floor light, and a front stem light. Most in-class electric scooters only have the first two.
The hue and intensity of the stem light and floodlight can be configured to your liking via the app or the settings button. You can also cycle through several presets that have cycling/moving lights. Not only do they look cool, but they increase visibility.
Turn signals are an essential component of a true commuting scooter. It helps you navigate traffic more safely and lets you communicate turns and lane changes to other road users.
The turn lights blink and are visible from a distance.
The Atomi Alpha sets itself apart from competitors with a built-in combination lock and smartphone connectivity.
The Atomi Alpha features a smartphone app (available on iOS and Android).
The app integrates seamlessly with the scooter via Bluetooth and has an array of useful features. It lets you do the following:
Through our tests on Android, the app ran smoothly from start to finish and never caused any issues. Connecting and setting up the link to the scooter was easy and quick and the input delay was minimal.
We particularly like the battery info screen along with the vehicle positioning. This way, you can check up on the health of your battery and see its current voltage as well as pinpoint the location of your scooter, should you ever be in doubt about where you left it.
A lot of the functionality available to the Atomi Alpha can be controlled using the settings button below the display, but remembering how many presses are needed to access certain settings and features is difficult so the app definitely elevates the user experience.
The Atomi Alpha challenges generic electric scooter design with an integrated combination cable lock.
In practice, the lock works much like an external cable lock would. The big change here is that the cable is hidden within the scooter, meaning you always have a physical lock on the go.
The 3-digit combination can be set to your desired value, but we would've liked to see 4 digits for increased security like you'll find on most cable locks.
While we cannot comment on the actual strength of the cable lock itself, it is a definite step towards safer electric scooter storage. The hassle of carrying a lock with you is enough for some to skip it completely.
The cable itself is quite thin so we don't think it'll provide the same level of safety as a proper A-grade cable lock, but for quick stops in safe areas, it should be enough to avoid theft.
In conclusion, the Atomi Alpha is an excellent electric scooter just above the entry-level range. Solid motor and battery performance synergizes with excellent safety features and a unique built-in lock.
The Atomi Alpha is for commuters who emphasize safety and don't want to deal with too much maintenance. While more affordable scooters are in this scooter category, the Alpha offers value in a wide feature set.
If you value app connectivity, a built-in lock, and ample lighting above cutting costs, the Atomi Alpha is a solid choice for you.
If you're interested in Atomi but find the Alpha model beyond your budget, check out its little brother - the Atomi E20.
P settings refer to pre-programmed settings that can be adjusted to your liking to alter how the electric scooter functions. On the Atomi Alpha, several settings can be accessed using the main button below the display. Here is a list of the features and how to access them:
| Feature | How to access |
|---|---|
| Power on / off | Short press power button (1s) to turn on Long press power button (2s) to turn off |
| Speed modes | Double-click power button |
| Kick / zero-start | Press power button 7 times |
| Cruise control | Press power button 3 times |
| Head light | Press power button 1 time |
| Atmosphere lights | Press power button 5 times to enter setting mode. Press brake to toggle modes. Press throttle to confirm. |
| Turn signals | Press left/right button on left handlebar to enable. Press again to disable. |
| Metric/imperial system | Press power button 6 times |
| Trip vs total mileage | Press power button 4 times |
| Electronic lock | Press power button 8 times |
| Top speed | 20.8 MPH (33.5 KMH) |
| Acceleration 0-15 MPH | Avg: 6.71 s Best: 5.91 s |
| Acceleration 0-20.8 MPH | Avg: 13.5 s Best 12.35 s |
| Hill climb 250ft @8% | 25.5 s |
| Range (speed priority) | 16.3 miles (26.2 km) |
| Range (regular) | 18.9 miles (30.4 km) |
| Range (range priority) | 21.2 miles (34.1 km) |
| Top speed | 18.6 MPH (30 KMH) |
| Range | 25 miles (40 km) |
| Weight | 36.8 lbs (16.7 kg) |
| Max load | 264 lbs (120 kg) |
| Battery type | Li-ion 18650 cells, EVE |
| Battery voltage | 36V |
| Battery capacity | 10 Ah, 360 Wh |
| Motor power (nominal) | 350 W |
| Motor power (max) | 700 W |
| IP rating | IPX5 |
| Folded dimensions | 44.5" * 21.9" * 41.6" (113 cm * 55,5 cm * 121 cm) |
| Unfolded dimensions | 44.5" * 21.9" * 19.5" (113 cm * 55,5 cm * 49,5 cm) |
| Brakes | E-ABS, drum brake |
| Throttle | Thumb style |
| Lights | Front, stem, floor, rear |
| Riding modes | Yes (3) |
| Cruise control | Yes |
| Smartphone app | Yes |
| Tires | 9" tubeless air tires |
