EVOLV Tour XL-R Electric Scooter Review

The Evolv Tour XL-R, released around 2020, was a swift, all-around single-motor scooter aiming for strong performance without excessive bulk. It was similar to the Apollo Explore and Zero 10 but used LG battery cells. This review is based on over 250 miles I put on the scooter when it was current.

Motor & Battery

• Motor: 52V 1000W rear-wheel hub motor (1300W peak)
• Battery: 52V 18.2 Ah LG Cells Li-Ion (946.4 Wh)

Original Performance Test Data

The Tour XL-R offered impressive performance for a single-motor scooter at the time.

Tested Top Speed & Performance Retention

I clocked a top speed of 31.3 MPH (50.4 KMH). The high-quality LG battery cells resulted in good performance retention as the battery depleted.

Tested Top Speed vs. Battery Level:

Acceleration Test

Acceleration was strong for a single-motor setup.

Tested Hill Climb Ability

The scooter handled inclines well, managing up to 25% grades at full speed during my tests.

Tested Range

Real-world range was solid, comparing well against similar scooters from its era.

Key Features Overview

• Suspension: Front spring suspension and rear dual spring suspension provided good comfort. Felt slightly tight but handled bumps well.
• Tires: 10-inch pneumatic tires offered a smooth ride.
• Brakes: Dual mechanical disc brakes combined with electronic regenerative braking provided reliable stopping power.
• Portability: Weighed approx. 50 lbs (measured 49.8 lbs). Featured a convenient folding stem (3 locking positions) and quick-click folding handlebars. Folded dimensions were relatively compact for its power class (48″ x 7.5″ x 15″).
• Build Quality: Solid construction with forged aluminum critical parts. Good cable management (hard plastic coil). IP54 water resistance.
• Deck: Usable space measured 21.7″ x 6.1″. Noted as being narrower than competitors like the Explore/Zero 10, which might affect riders with larger feet. Deck-to-handlebar height was adjustable up to 41.3″.
• Lights & Safety: Good visibility with front headlight, dual front deck lights, dual rear deck lights, rear fender brake light, and side acrylic tube lights. Included a loud electronic horn.

Conclusion

When it launched, the EVOLV Tour XL-R was an excellent all-around electric scooter. It had a great mix of speed, range, comfort, and build quality, thanks to its reliable LG battery cells.

However, the scooter market moves fast, and the Tour XL-R is now a dated design with very limited availability. While the original performance data might still look appealing, be extremely cautious if considering this scooter second-hand. You’ll likely face significant battery degradation after 4-5 years, heavily impacting real-world range and power. Finding specific replacement parts for the suspension or motor could also be difficult, and you won’t find any manufacturer warranty or official support anymore.

Today’s electric scooters often feature better technology like integrated apps, improved displays, turn signals, and more refined suspension and braking systems.

Unless you find a Tour XL-R second-hand for an exceptionally low price and can thoroughly verify its condition (especially the battery), we recommend investing in a newer scooter model instead.