The Fluid Mosquito redefines the ultra-portable scooter category with superior motor performance.
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.
Over the last two months, I have tested the pocket-sized Fluid Mosquito electric scooter. Through 250 miles of diverse landscapes, from urban streets to rolling hills, I have benchmarked its performance and analyzed its strengths and weaknesses.
Could the Fluid Mosquito be your next electric scooter? Let's dive into a detailed analysis of my ride experiences and see how the data stacks up against popular competitors.
I used a high-accuracy GPS device to record key performance metrics of the Mosquito, including top speed, acceleration, hill performance, real-world range, and braking efficiency. These are the results:
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The Fluid Mosquito puts all other ultraportables to shame on motor performance. It's blazing fast, accelerates quickly, and climbs 15% inclines easily.
The Mosquito ticks all the boxes of performance-focused commuting scooters. It has a powerful 48V 500W motor, five riding modes, cruise control, and kick/zero-start.
With its 48V 500W front-driven hub motor, which peaks at 700W, FluidFreeRide advertises a top speed of 25 MPH (40.2 KMH).
In my tests, I reached a top speed of 25.6 MPH (41.2 KMH). This means the Mosquito stands tall as the world's fastest electric scooter under 30 lbs (and it isn't even close).
| Model | Top Speed | $/Speed |
|---|---|---|
| fluid Mosquito $899 USD | 25.6 MPH (41.2 KMH) | $35.12/MPH |
| TurboAnt X7 Max $429.98 USD | 19.55 MPH (31.5 KMH) | $21.99/MPH |
| fluid Horizon (13Ah) $779 USD | 23.1 MPH (37.2 KMH) | $33.72/MPH |
| NIU KQi3 Max $674.99 USD | 23 MPH (37 KMH) | $29.35/MPH |
| NIU KQi3 Pro $599 USD | 19.7 MPH (31.7 KMH) | $30.41/MPH |
| Atomi Alpha $329 USD | 20.8 MPH (33.5 KMH) | $15.82/MPH |
The Mosquito occupies a unique place in the market. In fact, it is so unique that I had trouble deciding which electric scooters to compare it to, as no competitors come even close on speed versus weight.
Not only does FluidFreeRide's top-speed claim hold, but it also comfortably beats the Fluid Horizon by 10% and the Turboant X7 Max by 27%.
| Interval | Average | Best |
|---|---|---|
| 0-15 MPH (24 KMH) | 4.36 s | 4.07 s |
| 0-20 MPH (32.2 KMH) | 8.44 s | 7.88 s |
| 0-25 MPH (40.2 KMH) | 18.3 s | 17.7 s |
| 0-25.6 MPH (41.2 KMH) | 19.5 s | 18.9 s |
In terms of acceleration, the Fluid Mosquito averages 15 MPH in just 4.36 seconds and 20 MPH in 8.44 seconds.
| Model | 0-15 MPH | 0-20 MPH | 0-25 MPH |
|---|---|---|---|
| fluid Mosquito | 4.36 s | 8.44 s | 18.3 s |
| TurboAnt X7 Max | 8.29 s | - | - |
| fluid Horizon (13Ah) | 4.82 s | 8.92 s | - |
| NIU KQi3 Max | 4.36 s | 8.89 s | - |
| NIU KQi3 Pro | 4.82 s | - | - |
| Atomi Alpha | 6.71 s | 11.82 s | - |
The NIU KQi3 Max gives it a run for its money to 15 MPH, but the Mosquito pulls away as you reach 20 MPH.
The results speak for themselves. At its weight, the Mosquito is lengths ahead of the competition. The only competitors that challenge it are notably heavier.
Most competitors run their motors at 36V, which doesn't compete with the Mosquito's 48V setup. It yields better acceleration and ensures performance stays high as the battery level decreases because the motor can draw more current.
In my opinion, the Fluid Mosquito is one of the best lightweight electric scooters for heavier riders, thanks to its motor performance (as long as you're within its weight capacity).
Speed and acceleration are all aces, but how does the Fluid Mosquito handle hills?
I tested its climbing ability on a 250 ft (76 m) incline with an average grade of 8%—the incline peaks at 13% in its steepest areas. The test was completed in 10.9 seconds with an average speed of 15.6 MPH (25.2 KMH).
| Model | Time | Speed |
|---|---|---|
| fluid Mosquito | 10.9 s | 15.6 MPH (25.2 KMH) |
| TurboAnt X7 Max | 26.3 s | 6.5 MPH (10.4 KMH) |
| fluid Horizon (13Ah) | 11.4 s | 15 MPH (24.1 KMH) |
| NIU KQi3 Max | 11.5 s | 14.8 MPH (23.9 KMH) |
| NIU KQi3 Pro | 24.4 s | 7 MPH (11.2 KMH) |
| Atomi Alpha | 25.3 s | 6.7 MPH (10.8 KMH) |
Once again, the Mosquito shows that it is the scooter to beat. It handles hills exceptionally well thanks to its powerful front-driven motor and featherweight build with zero deadweight.
It outperforms the Horizon by 4.5%, the KQi3 Max by 5.5%, and is more than double as quick to the top than the Turboant X7 Max, Atomi Alpha, and NIU KQi3 Pro.
If you live in a hilly area with steep inclines, you'll need more motor power than entry-level models offer. For those challenging uphill commutes, I find the Mosquito an S-tier pick.
Despite batteries being heavy, the Mosquito scooter delivers a respectable 18.9-mile tested range thanks to its efficient battery.
The Fluid Mosquito electric scooter sports a deck-integrated 48V 9.6Ah battery with a total capacity of 461 Wh. I'm impressed Fluid has managed to cram so many battery cells into such a slim deck.
| Model | Battery Capacity | $/Wh |
|---|---|---|
| fluid Mosquito ($899.00 USD) | 461 Wh (48V, 9.6Ah) | $1.95/Wh |
| TurboAnt X7 Max ($429.98 USD) | 360 Wh (36V, 10Ah) | $1.19/Wh |
| fluid Horizon (13Ah) ($779.00 USD) | 624 Wh (48V, 13Ah) | $1.25/Wh |
| NIU KQi3 Max ($674.99 USD) | 608 Wh (48V, 12.7Ah) | $1.11/Wh |
| NIU KQi3 Pro ($599.00 USD) | 486.7 Wh (48V, 10.1Ah) | $1.23/Wh |
| Atomi Alpha ($329.00 USD) | 360 Wh (36V, 10Ah) | $0.91/Wh |
While the battery capacity is respectable, it doesn't match range-focused models like the Horizon and NIU KQi3 Max. The Mosquito is also the most expensive option relative to battery capacity by a large margin.
Although the Fluid Mosquito doesn't provide the highest battery capacity for its price, I expect it to have better battery efficiency thanks to its lower weight. Fluid advertises up to of range.
I tested the range of this electric scooter at three different speeds (all in Sport mode, however) to understand its mileage capabilities.
| Test (#) | Range | Avg. Speed |
|---|---|---|
| #1: Speed Priority | 16.1 miles 25.9 km | 21.1 MPH 34 KMH |
| #2: Regular | 18.9 miles 30.4 km | 15.8 MPH 25.4 KMH |
| #3: Range Priority | 22.9 miles 36.9 km | 12.8 MPH 20.6 KMH |
As expected, the Mosquito delivers decent real-world range thanks to its lightweight and efficient setup.
The second test is the most accurate real-world comparison point, so the Fluid Mosquito offers 18.9 miles (30.4 km) of tested range.
With 18.9 miles of real-world range, it's an excellent option for most city commutes on smooth roads, with or without hills. Thanks to its portability, it'll also excel in combination with public transport as a last-mile solution.
The numbers look acceptable, but as noted earlier, the Mosquito is expensive relative to its battery size. So, how does it fare against its competitors in the real world?
| Model | Range | Avg. Speed |
|---|---|---|
| fluid Mosquito | 16.1 miles (25.9 km) | 21.1 MPH (34 KMH) |
| TurboAnt X7 Max | 13.4 miles (21.6 km) | 17.9 MPH (28.8 KMH) |
| fluid Horizon (13Ah) | 18.7 miles (30.1 km) | 20.1 MPH (32.3 KMH) |
| NIU KQi3 Max | 24.6 miles (39.6 km) | 19.5 MPH (31.4 KMH) |
| NIU KQi3 Pro | 17.9 miles (28.8 km) | 18.1 MPH (29.1 KMH) |
| Atomi Alpha | 16.3 miles (26.2 km) | 17.9 MPH (28.8 KMH) |
| Model | Range | Avg. Speed |
|---|---|---|
| fluid Mosquito | 18.9 miles (30.4 km) | 15.8 MPH (25.4 KMH) |
| TurboAnt X7 Max | 15.4 miles (24.8 km) | 14.8 MPH (23.8 KMH) |
| fluid Horizon (13Ah) | 23.1 miles (37.2 km) | 15.3 MPH (24.6 KMH) |
| NIU KQi3 Max | 31.1 miles (50.1 km) | 15.1 MPH (24.3 KMH) |
| NIU KQi3 Pro | 23.5 miles (37.8 km) | 14.9 MPH (24 KMH) |
| Atomi Alpha | 18.9 miles (30.4 km) | 15 MPH (24.1 KMH) |
| Model | Range | Avg. Speed |
|---|---|---|
| fluid Mosquito | 22.9 miles (36.9 km) | 12.8 MPH (20.6 KMH) |
| TurboAnt X7 Max | 18.2 miles (29.3 km) | 12.5 MPH (20.1 KMH) |
| fluid Horizon (13Ah) | 26.9 miles (43.3 km) | 12.5 MPH (20.1 KMH) |
| NIU KQi3 Max | 35.9 miles (57.8 km) | 12.2 MPH (19.6 KMH) |
| NIU KQi3 Pro | 26.9 miles (43.3 km) | 12.5 MPH (20.1 KMH) |
| Atomi Alpha | 21.2 miles (34.1 km) | 12.9 MPH (20.8 KMH) |
Based on my real-world tests, the Fluid Mosquito ranks on the lower end in terms of range. While its lightweight design is advantageous, the more powerful motor consumes battery charge faster than its peers.
It comfortably beats the X7 Max and slightly edges out the Atomi Alpha on average, but both models are notably cheaper. However, it fails to match the cheaper Horizon and KQi3 Pro, and the similarly-priced KQi3 Max outperforms it heavily.
| Model | Range | Weight | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| fluid Mosquito | 18.9 miles | 29 lbs | 0.65 miles/lb |
| TurboAnt X7 Max | 15.4 miles | 34.2 lbs | 0.45 miles/lb |
| fluid Horizon (13Ah) | 23.1 miles | 42 lbs | 0.55 miles/lb |
| NIU KQi3 Max | 31.1 miles | 46.3 lbs | 0.67 miles/lb |
| NIU KQi3 Pro | 23.5 miles | 44.8 lbs | 0.52 miles/lb |
| Atomi Alpha | 18.9 miles | 36.8 lbs | 0.51 miles/lb |
One last positive for the Mosquito's battery performance! Based on the range test #2 results, it delivers 0.65 miles of range per pound of weight. This efficiency outperforms most alternatives and is only marginally outdone by the KQi3 Max.
Still, the Mosquito clearly prioritizes portable power over range. If your main priority is mileage, there are better alternatives. However, the Mosquito is my top choice for riders who highly value compactness.
The Mosquito's ultimate lightness is a double-edged sword. I appreciate the dual suspension, but narrow dimensions and small, solid tires present challenges in ride quality.
The FluidFreeRide Mosquito sports 8" x 2" solid electric scooter tires. While low maintenance, they make for a bumpy ride on less-than-ideal road surfaces.
The Mosquito has dual spring suspension to address this issue, notably improving ride comfort and confidence on bigger bumps. However, it doesn't quite match the fine-tuned road vibration reduction pneumatic tires offer. It isn't the smoothest suspension I have tried, but it has decent travel and bounces back evenly.
In my experience, the Mosquito was comfortable on smooth, paved roads but struggled with cobblestones and loose surfaces due to its small, non-pneumatic tires lacking bounce.
I do not recommend using the Fluid Mosquito in the rain, as solid tires perform poorly on wet roads.
The Fluid Mosquito stays true to its low-maintenance nature by relying on a rear drum brake and electronic regen braking. The scooter also has a rear-fender friction brake, but I don't recommend using friction brakes as they're inconsistent and cause unnecessary wear on the tire.
A drum brake works well for a 500W electric scooter as it requires less maintenance than disc brakes while offering ample stopping power for its limited speed.
I found the E-ABS surprisingly smooth, and I love that it is operated separately from the drum brake. This allows you to make the most of energy recovery while diminishing the wear and tear a drum brake inevitably causes.
A nice feature is that you can dial in the strength of the electric brake in the scooter's P settings (from 0-5). I found level 3 to be a nice balance of strength and smoothness.
I tested the stopping distance from 15 MPH using the E-ABS (on the highest settings) and drum brake simultaneously. The brake distance was 15.1 ft (4.6 m).
| Model | Braking Distance |
|---|---|
| fluid Mosquito | 15.1 ft (4.6 m) |
| TurboAnt X7 Max | 15.2 ft (4.6 m) |
| fluid Horizon (13Ah) | 15.9 ft (4.8 m) |
| NIU KQi3 Max | 10.4 ft (3.2 m) |
| NIU KQi3 Pro | 10.4 ft (3.2 m) |
| Atomi Alpha | 15.9 ft (4.8 m) |
At 15.1 ft, it beats numerous competitors, but considering it is also faster, I would've preferred a disc brake setup to push it below 13 ft.
Its stopping distance isn't bad at all, but you should stay particularly alert when riding at full speed.
Measuring 20.1" x 5.7" (51.1 cm x 14.5 cm), the Mosquito has one of the narrowest decks I've seen on an electric scooter (only surpassed by the Atomi E20).
While the length is adequate, large riders may need more width for comfortable foot placement. I'm a US size 10 (EU 43) and found the deck space sufficient, but size 12 and above will likely need more width.
The deck is covered with a textured silicone mat that provides a comfortable footing with plenty of grip. It is easy to clean and disperses water well.
Lastly, the Fluid Mosquito has a mere 3" (7.6 cm) of ground clearance. This minimal clearance contributes to a low center of gravity, enhancing handling and stability. However, caution is required when facing curbs and other obstacles to prevent scratching the deck's underside.
The Mosquito's dashboard is between the handlebars and features a colored display. This display provides key information like speed, battery level (indicated by both five bars and percentage), trip mileage, and a lifelong odometer. Additionally, it monitors the controller temperature for added safety, although overheating isn't a common issue with the Mosquito.
Four tactile buttons on the dashboard handle power, settings, lights, and a useful electronic horn. The horn is reasonably audible, sufficient to notify pedestrians and cyclists, but not enough to alert cars. Still, it is vastly superior to a mechanical bell.
I find the buttons on the Fluid Mosquito somewhat hard to reach, and a notable drawback is that you can't change speed modes while riding. This adds an inconvenient extra step, which is rare on electric scooters.
The color display is reasonably bright, but, like many electric scooters, it is challenging to read in direct sunlight. The screen and its visual elements are relatively small, which is not ideal for riders with poor vision.
Measuring just 15" (38.1 cm) across, the handlebars on the Mosquito contribute to its compact design. While this adds to its portability, I find wider handlebars more confidence-inspiring, as they offer better stability.
The foldable handlebars are a standout feature, reducing the width to a record-breaking 5.7 inches when folded. However, they introduce some unwanted play and wobbliness that can sometimes be felt when riding.
The grips are excellent. They're shaped ergonomically for a firm grip without being too large to the point where it strains your hands.
Also, the thumb and regen brake throttle are comfortable to use and have minimal input lag. A textured rubber surface would've been a welcome addition, nevertheless.
Lastly, the scooter features an adjustable handlebar height, ideal for riders of various heights. It measures 37 inches (94 cm) at its lowest and extends to 40.3 inches (102 cm) when fully raised. I recommend that riders above 5'9" (175 cm) use the extended height while those below use the lower height for optimal stability and posture.
The Mosquito delivers ultimate portability. At just 29 lbs (13.2 kg), this electric scooter is in a class of its own.
| Model | Weight (lbs) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| fluid Mosquito | 29 lbs | 13.2 kg |
| TurboAnt X7 Max | 34.2 lbs | 15.5 kg |
| fluid Horizon (13Ah) | 42 lbs | 19.1 kg |
| NIU KQi3 Max | 46.3 lbs | 21 kg |
| NIU KQi3 Pro | 44.8 lbs | 20.3 kg |
| Atomi Alpha | 36.8 lbs | 16.7 kg |
No electric scooter delivers as much power as the Mosquito at its weight. It is a whopping 13 lbs (37%) lighter than the Fluid Horizon and more than 17 lbs (45%) lighter than the NIU KQi3 Max.
I am thoroughly impressed at how much power Fluid has been able to fit into such a lightweight package. While compromises are made in ride quality, the scooter achieves its unique goal exceptionally well.
The Fluid Mosquito measures:
When folded, this is the smallest footprint I've measured on any scooter (maybe apart from the Unagi Model One). At a size of 1.912 cubic feet, you could literally fit 5 of these inside the space the NIU KQi3 Max takes up.
The folding mechanism is an area for improvement. It is tricky to operate and feels a bit dated compared to the newer lever designs from Segway Ninebot, NIU, and Apollo.
First off, you have to get down low to pull the lever. At the same time, you need to stabilize the scooter and push the stem forward to release it from its locked position. Although the folding mechanism feels robust, it isn't on par with alternatives in terms of ease of operation.
On a positive note, the rear fender hook works great, and the included carrying handle, while not the most aesthetically pleasing, makes the Mosquito a breeze to carry.
In its quest for ultimate lightweight performance, the Mosquito strikes a balance with a reliable, if not flawless, build.
The Mosquito is primarily made from aluminum alloy, the preferred material in the electric scooter industry. After careful examination, I found no obvious design flaws or weak points in terms of structural integrity.
Testament to its reliable design, the Mosquito has a maximum weight limit of . This is a really good max load for a scooter of this size. It has the motor power to handle heavier riders, but its narrow dimensions are a limiting factor for comfortably supporting larger riders.
The plastic fenders are OK but not great. They disperse water well and are angled appropriately, but there's room for strength improvements.
The rear fender (which also functions as a friction brake) is surprisingly sturdy for having a single contact point with the frame, largely thanks to its thick design.
The front fender is notably thinner and flexes too much for my liking, considering that it closely hugs the tire. It doesn't drag against the tire, but the minimal clearance may pose an issue if the fender loses strength.
The folding mechanism feels a bit dated and is tricky to operate, but from a safety standpoint, its structural integrity is great.
It's solidly built, showing no flex or play, and a safety pin on the side guarantees the scooter won't fold accidentally during use. I simulated wear by folding it 100 times to test its longevity, and the mechanism showed no signs of weakness.
If Fluid ever reworks the Mosquito, I hope they develop a more streamlined and easy-to-use folding setup.
The kickstand on the Mosquito does its job well. It is placed well for the scooter's weight distribution and has an ideal length for the overall design.
I found it easy to use on flat surfaces but struggled to balance it on inlines. It feels a bit flimsy, but that's an industry-wide issue that affects many models.
To see if the kickstand holds up over the long haul, I flipped it 500 times. The result: it performed just as well as initially.
The Fluid Mosquito sports an IPX5 weather resistance rating, above average for electric scooters.
While it isn't rated against dust ingress, the 5 refers to protection against water jets from any direction.
In the real world, the Fluid Mosquito can withstand light to medium rain for short periods (15-30 minutes). However, due to its small, solid tires, I advise against using the Fluid Mosquito in the rain or on wet surfaces. Instead, look for a pneumatic tire solution (preferably 9" or larger).
The visibility setup on the Mosquito could be improved.
The high-mounted headlight is optimally positioned, pointing slightly downwards towards the road. However, it isn't bright enough to illuminate the road ahead in complete darkness. Also, the brake lever partially blocks the light.
The scooter's taillight is neatly integrated into the rear fender, offering a sleek, low-profile design. However, it's relatively small and lacks sufficient brightness. While its brightness increases when the brakes are engaged, I prefer a flashing feature to alert road users more effectively when slowing down.
Lastly, there are two reflectors at the rear tire, but its 360-degree visibility would be improved by adding reflectors at the front and on the stem.
The Mosquito is sold and distributed by FluidFreeRide - one of the largest retailers in the electric scooter space.
They offer a standard 12-month warranty on the Mosquito and 50% off parts and labor once the warranty expires. This is an above-average warranty setup, but they're backed by service centers across the US, a vast self-service support library, and an extensive support team, which makes them a favorable choice.
The Fluid Mosquito is for riders who want the best power for an ultra-portable electric scooter.
In terms of lightweight power, the Mosquito is in a league of its own. It weighs just 29 lbs (13.2 kg) but still manages a tested top speed of 25.6 MPH (41.2 KMH), which is practically unheard of.
It accelerates quickly and handles inclines exceptionally well. With 18.9 miles (30.4 km) of real-world range, it delivers respectable mileage for adventurous joyrides and longer commutes.
The scooter's feathery build adversely affects ride quality. The small solid tires fail to dampen vibrations, and while the spring suspension is decent, it doesn't fully offset the issue. Its ultra-narrow build aids portability and storage but compromises stability and handling, particularly for larger riders.
This scooter is great for smooth road conditions, but the ride comfort deteriorates with road quality. Although fairly water resistant, its tires make it a no-go for wet conditions.
If you want nimble power and don't mind sacrificing some comfort, the Fluid Mosquito is the one to beat.
You can customize several settings on the FluidFreeRide Mosquito.
To enter the advanced configuration settings, follow these steps:
| Setting | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
| P0 | Zero-start (1) Kick-start (0) | 1 |
| P1 | E-ABS Strength (0-5) | 5 |
| P2 | Motor lock (1 = on, 0 = off) | 0 |
| P3 | Cruise Control (1 = on, 0 = off) | 0 |
To change between the five available speed modes, follow these steps:
The speed limits for each mode are:
The Mosquito uses the metric system by default, showing information in miles, MPH, and Fahrenheit.
If you want to switch to the imperial measurement system (km, KMH, Celcius), follow these steps:
| Top speed | 25.6 MPH (41.2 KMH) |
| Acceleration 0-15 MPH | Avg: 4.36 seconds Best: 4.07 seconds |
| Acceleration 0-20 MPH | Avg: 8.44 seconds Best: 7.88 seconds |
| Acceleration 0-25 MPH | Avg: 18.3 seconds Best: 17.7 seconds |
| Acceleration 0-25.6 MPH (41.2 KMH) MPH | Avg: 19.5 seconds Best: 18.9 seconds |
| Hill climb 250ft @8% | 10.9 s (Avg Speed: 15.6 MPH) |
| Range (speed priority) | 16.1 miles (25.9 km) |
| Range (regular) | 18.9 miles (30.4 km) |
| Range (range priority) | 22.9 miles (36.9 km) |
| Braking distance 15 MPH - 0 MPH | 15.1 ft (4.6 m) |
| Handlebar width | 15" (38.1 cm) |
| Deck-to-handlebar | 37" (93 cm) or 40.3" (102 cm) |
| Unfolded size | 15 x 45.7 x 43.7 in (45.7 x 139.3 x 133.2 cm) |
| Folded size | 5.7 x 12.6 x 46 in (17.4 x 38.4 x 140.2 cm) |
| Ground clearance | 3" (7.6 cm) |
| Deck | 20.1" x 5.7" (51.1 cm x 14.5 cm) |
| Charging time | 5 hours |
| Brand | Fluid |
| Top speed | 25 MPH (40.2 KMH) |
| Motor power (nominal) | 500W |
| Motor power (max) | 700W |
| Motor Voltage | 48V |
| Range | 22 miles (35.4 km) |
| Battery | 48V, 9.6Ah |
| Battery capacity | 461 Wh |
| Charging time | 5 hours |
| IP rating | IPX5 |
| Weight | 29 lbs (13.2 kg) |
| Max load | 265 lbs (120.2 kg) |
| Tire type | Solid |
| Tire size | 8" x 2" |
| Suspension | Dual springs |
| Brakes | Rear drum brake, regen, friction |
| Throttle type | Thumb throttle |
| Lights | Headlight, brake light |
| Additional features | Speed modes, E-ABS adjustment, foldable handlebars, carrying handle |
