Futuristic design, premium features, and class-leading motor performance in a surprisingly affordable package.
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.
I've spent months testing the Punk Rider Pro electric scooter hands-on. In this electric scooter review, I'll discuss its performance, build, and ride quality based on careful high-precision tests. Is the Punk Rider Pro the right scooter for you? Let's find out.
Punk Electric is a relatively new player in the electric scooter industry, but its flagship model, the Punk Rider Pro, is quickly becoming a household name.
The Punk Rider Pro looks like it would be more expensive than it is. It's got an impressive array of features (360-degree lights, turn signals, self-healing tires, and app control, to name a few), all integrated into a sleek, futuristic design that could have you fooled it'd be double the price.
This begs the question: Is the Punk Rider Pro too good to be true, or is it the new mid-range champion to beat?
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At ERideHero, I put each electric scooter through a series of more than 30 tests to quantify and compare performance between models. Here are a few of the most important results:
The Punk Rider Pro has 1200W of nominal power coming from its dual motors. In my tests, it hit a top speed of 31.5 MPH (50.7 KMH). The acceleration and hill climbing performance is also among the best at its price.
The Punk Rider Pro all has the essential motor features you want in a modern dual-motor scooter, including cruise control, zero-start, adjustable acceleration, and speed limiting—controllable via the app.
Weighing 175 lbs (80 kg), I clocked a top speed of 31.5 MPH (50.7 KMH) on a smooth, flat road. This is right around the advertised manufacturer-claimed top speed.
Model | Top Speed |
---|---|
Punk Rider Pro | 31.5 MPH (50.7 KMH) |
Apollo City | 32.3 MPH (52 KMH) |
Inokim OxO | 36.5 MPH (58.7 KMH) |
Varla Pegasus | 27.75 MPH (44.7 KMH) |
Splach Twin | 28.6 MPH (46 KMH) |
In comparison, it's ever so slightly behind the more expensive Apollo City Pro, but with a notably better $/MPH (meaning, you get more speed for your money with the Punk Rider Pro).
It doesn't peak as high as the Inokim OxO, but once again, it's much lower priced, leading to arguably the best speed-to-price ratio in its class.
I benchmarked the acceleration from a standstill and noted the average and best results from 10+ runs.
Punk Rider Pro tests:
Interval | Average | Best |
---|---|---|
0-15 MPH (24 KMH) | 2.7 s | 2.51 s |
0-20 MPH (32.2 KMH) | 4.37 s | 4.21 s |
0-25 MPH (40.2 KMH) | 6.35 s | 6.21 s |
0-30 MPH (48.2 KMH) | 13.5 s | 13.1 s |
0-31.5 MPH (50.7 KMH) | 16.2 s | 15.8 s |
Comparison:
Model | 0-15 MPH | 0-20 MPH | 0-25 MPH | 0-30 MPH |
---|---|---|---|---|
Punk Rider Pro | 2.7 s | 4.37 s | 6.35 s | 13.5 s |
Apollo City | 2.33 s | 4.6 s | 7.41 s | 12.4 s |
Inokim OxO | 3.63 s | 5.01 s | 6.92 s | 9.81 s |
Varla Pegasus | 4.57 s | 7.45 s | 11.1 s | - |
Splach Twin | 2.33 s | 4.4 s | 6.46 s | - |
Once again, the Punk Rider Pro is among the best in its class. Its initial acceleration is a bit more forgiving than the Apollo City Pro and Splach Twin, but it beats them both to 20 MPH before flattening out above 25 MPH.
As someone who has ridden thousands of miles on electric scooters, I personally prefer the smooth acceleration curve of the Punk Rider Pro over abrupt take-offs. It just feels safer and more controlled. If you want to do wheel skids and burn rubber, the City Pro has a slight edge in that department.
So, how well does the Punk Rider Pro handle hills and inclines? I tested it on a 250 ft (76 m) incline with an average grade of 8%. The Punk Rider Pro really flexed its muscles by completing it in 7.28 seconds with an average speed of 23.4 MPH (37.7 KMH).
Model | Time | Speed |
---|---|---|
Punk Rider Pro | 7.28 s | 23.4 MPH (37.7 KMH) |
Apollo City | 7.1 s | 24 MPH (38.6 KMH) |
Inokim OxO | 7.6 s | 22.4 MPH (36.1 KMH) |
Varla Pegasus | 8.19 s | 20.8 MPH (33.5 KMH) |
Splach Twin | 7.6 s | 22.4 MPH (36.1 KMH) |
In comparison, it only loses out (slightly) to the more expensive Apollo City Pro. It even outperformed the more powerful Inokim Oxo, which showcases the Punk Rider Pro's efficiency and power delivery.
I put the Punk Rider Pro to the test on the steepest hill in my city, which peaks at a 17% grade, knowing it would be up for the challenge. Once again, it performed impressively, flying to the top without losing much speed. Punk Electric advertises a max climbing angle of 20 degrees (not percentage), and although I don't have such steep hills to test it on in the incredibly flat Denmark, I believe that claim holds true based on my experience.
This scooter is beyond capable on hills. If you're looking for something that easily climbs steep inclines, the Punk Rider Pro is where it's at.
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The Punk Rider Pro delivered of real-world range in my regular test. This is well above average, but not where the Punk Rider Pro sells itself.
This electric scooter is powered by a 52V, 18Ah battery with a total capacity of 936Wh. Unlike many electric scooters that use the industry-standard 18650 cells, the Punk Rider Pro uses 21700 cells, which are generally considered superior due to their higher energy density, so big props to Punk for fitting next-gen tech into such an affordable design.
The Punk Rider Pro comes with a standard 2A charger and takes about 10 hours to charge fully (9 hours in my case). It would be nice to see fast chargers available on their website in the future.
As with any electric scooter at ERideHero, I ran three range tests at different speeds to see how much mileage you can get out of the Punk Rider Pro. All range tests were conducted in dual-motor mode in the highest speed setting but holding different average speeds using cruise control.
Test (#) | Range | Avg. Speed |
---|---|---|
#1: Speed Priority | 20.7 miles 33.3 km | 25.2 MPH 40.6 KMH |
#2: Regular | 23.2 miles 37.3 km | 19.8 MPH 31.9 KMH |
#3: Range Priority | 28.6 miles 46 km | 15.1 MPH 24.3 KMH |
Model | Range | Avg. Speed |
---|---|---|
Punk Rider Pro | 20.7 miles (33.3 km) | 25.2 MPH (40.6 KMH) |
Apollo City | 24.7 miles (39.8 km) | 24.4 MPH (39.3 KMH) |
Inokim OxO | 34.2 miles (55 km) | 27.1 MPH (43.6 KMH) |
Varla Pegasus | 15.6 miles (25.1 km) | 24.2 MPH (38.9 KMH) |
Splach Twin | 22.4 miles (36 km) | 23.4 MPH (37.7 KMH) |
Model | Range | Avg. Speed |
---|---|---|
Punk Rider Pro | 23.2 miles (37.3 km) | 19.8 MPH (31.9 KMH) |
Apollo City | 29.8 miles (48 km) | 20.5 MPH (33 KMH) |
Inokim OxO | 39.11 miles (62.9 km) | 20.9 MPH (33.6 KMH) |
Varla Pegasus | 18.3 miles (29.5 km) | 19.8 MPH (31.9 KMH) |
Splach Twin | 25.7 miles (41.4 km) | 20.4 MPH (32.8 KMH) |
Model | Range | Avg. Speed |
---|---|---|
Punk Rider Pro | 28.6 miles (46 km) | 15.1 MPH (24.3 KMH) |
Apollo City | 34.6 miles (55.7 km) | 15.1 MPH (24.3 KMH) |
Inokim OxO | 44.21 miles (71.1 km) | 15.72 MPH (25.3 KMH) |
Varla Pegasus | 21.8 miles (35.1 km) | 15.2 MPH (24.5 KMH) |
Splach Twin | 29.8 miles (48 km) | 15.3 MPH (24.6 KMH) |
In comparison, the Punk Rider Pro delivers reasonable mileage for its price. It can't compete with OxO, which has a larger battery, but it's well ahead of the Varla Pegasus and only a hair behind the lighter Splach Twin (which isn't nearly as comfortable to ride).
Battery performance definitely isn't a weak point here. It's not where the Punk Rider Pro sets itself apart from the competition, but you still get ample range for your money's worth.
Model | Range | Weight | Ratio |
---|---|---|---|
Punk Rider Pro | 23.2 miles | 69 lbs | 0.34 miles/lb |
Apollo City | 29.8 miles | 65 lbs | 0.46 miles/lb |
Inokim OxO | 39.11 miles | 74 lbs | 0.53 miles/lb |
Varla Pegasus | 18.3 miles | 66 lbs | 0.28 miles/lb |
Splach Twin | 25.7 miles | 52 lbs | 0.49 miles/lb |
My independent range test data across various models shows that the Punk Rider Pro is relatively heavy compared to its range. with a 0.34 miles/lb ratio, it isn't a range-first ride.
To some, the Punk Rider Pro's weight-to-range ratio matters; to others, it doesn't. However, I can confidently say that its extra weight is justified by its comfortable dimensions, sturdy build, and suspension.
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The Punk Rider Pro is surprisingly comfortable—especially considering how affordable it is. Its spacious deck and tall, wide handlebars make it a winner for medium and tall riders.
This dual-motor electric scooter rides on Innova's 10" x 3" tubeless pneumatic tires. The tires come pre-sealed with an anti-puncture gel, which increases their durability and longevity. Less maintenance, more fun. They're mainly geared for urban use but have enough tread to grip hybrid roads confidently.
Based on my experience with various e-scooters and e-bikes with Innova tires, they seem to hold up great. At 45 PSI (tire pressure), they do a great job absorbing small vibrations from uneven roads. Like most of the e-scooter scene, I prefer the tubeless setup over tubed tires.
The Punk Rider has rubber suspension in the front and rear, which helps absorb larger bumps but doesn't quite match the performance of spring suspension.
While the rubber suspension improves ride quality and offers a more comfortable ride than many scooters without suspension, it has limited travel. It feels a bit stiff compared to spring suspension and overall less responsive.
This is one of the minor trade-offs that come with such a competitively-priced scooter. Still, with everything else it has going for it, the Punk Rider Pro is one of the most comfortable dual-motor scooters at its price.
Note: Early batch owners reported experiencing speed wobbles at high speeds. The issue has since been addressed by Punk Electric by adding a rubber sleeve to dampen and create friction between the steering column and the stem.
The Punk Rider Pro has two drum brakes and electronic regenerative braking.
Drum brakes have the benefit of being close to zero maintenance while still providing good stopping power—perfect for a scooter that tops around 30 MPH.
The electronic regen brakes integrate smoothly with the drums. While the regen is almost as refined as NIU and Segway's, the kick-in can sometimes be a bit too sensitive as it engages before the drum brakes.
The regen brake strength can be set via the app (0-9). I personally found 3 to be the sweet spot between comfort and strength.
Model | Braking Distance |
---|---|
Punk Rider Pro | 12.6 ft (3.8 m) |
Apollo City | 11.1 ft (3.4 m) |
Inokim OxO | 9.2 ft (2.8 m) |
Varla Pegasus | 9.73 ft (3 m) |
Splach Twin | 11.6 ft (3.5 m) |
Based on my tests, the braking distance could be better, but we're still within the safe range (everything under 15 ft is good). You have all the stopping power you need, but check if the brake cables need tightening upon arrival.
I'm absolutely in love with the aesthetics of the deck. It measures 18.3" x 7.9" (46.5 cm x 20.1 cm) and has an angled footrest at the rear, so there's plenty of space for riders of all sizes.
The rubber mats grip well and are much easier to maintain and clean than regular grip tape, but I found that the footrest mat would unglue. A few drops of super glue did the trick for me, though.
The Punk Rider Pro has a whopping 5.6" (14.2 cm) ground clearance. It effortlessly handles curbs, bumps, potholes, and any other road variations you may encounter on your ride.
Despite the high ground clearance, the center of gravity feels relatively low and grounded. Steering and balance aren't compromised; I always felt in control during the tests.
I'm a big fan of the handlebar setup/cockpit on the Punk Rider Pro. It's 25.2" (64 cm) wide across, and the deck-to-handlebar distance is 41.7" (106 cm). The sizable dimensions make this electric scooter a clear winner for tall riders who value more space.
I really like the swept-back handlebar design on the Punk Rider Pro. This design promotes a more natural and upright riding position, reducing strain on your back, shoulders, and wrists during longer rides.
The grips are ergonomic, and the buttons are tactile. The thumb throttle and regen brake response are smooth, gradual, and lag-free. The dead zone is minimal, which means more refined control without compromising safety.
The colored LED display is sleek and handles direct sunlight surprisingly well. There's a handy sun shield at the front, too. It won't do much if the sun is directly overhead, but at the right angle, it definitely helps. The shield can be a bit tricky to install, especially the spacers, but with a little patience and finesse, you'll get it aligned in no time.
I'd like to see Punk Electric lower the beeping sound volume whenever you interact with the buttons. Don't get me wrong—it's great for the electronic horn, which is loud and clear; they're a bit excessive when simply swapping modes or settings.
Lastly, the turn angle stops at around 45 degrees to protect the cables. I don't mind this at all., but if you often navigate really tight spaces that require a narrow turn radius, it's worth noting.
At 69 lbs (31.3 kg) and with sizable dimensions, the Punk Rider Pro isn't the most portable scooter on the block. The folding mechanism is great, but the folding hook could be better.
It's no secret that the Punk Rider Pro prioritizes comfort over portability. It may not be the most compact scooter on the market, but I believe the high weight is justified by its features, performance, and comfort.
Model | Weight (lbs) | Weight (kg) |
---|---|---|
Punk Rider Pro | 69 lbs | 31.3 kg |
Apollo City | 65 lbs | 29.5 kg |
Inokim OxO | 74 lbs | 33.6 kg |
Varla Pegasus | 66 lbs | 29.9 kg |
Splach Twin | 52 lbs | 23.6 kg |
When looking at the weights of similar scooters, the Splach Twin is the only real outlier: portability over comfort. In reality, it's still lighter than the OxO and about the same as the Varla Pegasus and Apollo City Pro.
It comes down to personal preference, as finding a scooter that checks every box is virtually impossible. But for most people shopping in this price and power range, I think comfort will be the top priority, and the Punk Rider Pro delivers on that front.
The Punk Rider Pro's folding mechanism is rock-solid. To simulate wear and tear, I've put it through its paces by operating it 100 times, and it has held up perfectly.
It's a simple release lever mechanism with a safety pin on the side. It is super easy to operate and is an industry standard for a reason. There's no flex or give in the folding point, either.
The only issue I have with the folding setup is the rear hook that connects with the footrest. It can easily unhook, which is annoying when carrying the scooter around. It most typically happens when you set the scooter down and pick it up again, in which case you have to make sure it's aligned right.
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The Punk Rider Pro is built to last, with a sturdy frame and components that punch above its price class. The overall build quality is noticeably better than most other scooters in the same price range, which often compromise on materials and construction to keep costs down.
The scooter's frame is mostly made from aluminum alloy, which is industry-standard. The dimensions are appropriate, and there are no overly clunky parts with unnecessary dead weight.
Everything feels well-constructed and sturdy. There are no obvious weak points, and the parts are zero-flex when riding. The stem is slanted at a good angle that promotes healthy riding posture and makes you feel in control.
Big props to Punk Electric—it's a beautiful scooter.
The fenders are really rigid. They're made from thick plastic and are angled rather than rounded, which increases their strength.
They've got multiple contact points at each side of the tires, and from testing, I found they disperse water from the tires really well.
The Punk Rider Pro continues to impress on build quality when it comes to the kickstand. It's perfectly positioned to support the scooter's center of gravity and is anchored firmly in the deck with two 4mm stainless steel bolts.
I flipped it 500 times to simulate wear and tear, and it held up just fine. It didn't loosen or deteriorate in stability. The scooter stands perfectly fine on its own on slanted surfaces up to 10%.
One of the things that makes the Punk Rider Pro truly unique is its high weather resistance. It's got an IPX6 rating, which is incredibly rare at this price point.
From what I've read online and from my own tests in the rain, it handles water really well. I've tested it in medium-heavy rain on several occasions, and it has held up perfectly. There aren't any obvious gaps or weak points in the design, so that's a big plus.
Along with its suspension and large pneumatic tires, the Punk Rider Pro is a highly dependable rain commuter scooter.
The visibility on the Punk Rider Pro is A+. There are accent lights on the sides of the deck and stem, a bright dual headlight that can be angled, and a sizable brake light along with reflectors. In other words, you're visible in traffic from any angle.
Safety is a key concern for Punk Electric which is why they've implemented turn signals. Turn signals are crucial for communicating your intentions to other road users, making the Punk Rider Pro a safer choice for navigating busy urban environments. It's another rare sight at this price point, so the Pro continues to deliver where a lot of the competition falls short.
The only point I want to bring up is that the accent lights aren't particularly visible in the daytime (they're somewhat faded by nature), but that's hardly a con since the competition doesn't have any.
The Punk Rider Pro can be customized via a free app available on Android and iOS. It's not a proprietary app, but for me, that doesn't matter as long as it gets the job done. Punk Electric plans to bring their own app with further customization in the future, though.
The app functions pretty well. I had some trouble with Bluetooth connectivity on my first try, but a simple restart did the trick. The app has all the features and options I'm typically looking for:
I'm excited to see what the team ends up developing. For now, this app does everything I need personally.
The Punk Rider Pro is truly special. It's rare to see an electric scooter tick so many boxes at such an affordable price. The Punk Rider Pro stands out from the competition by offering a compelling blend of high-end features, impressive performance, and rider-centric design, all at a price point that won't break the bank.
With some of the best motor performance across the board at its price and a 23.2 miles (37.3 km) real-world range, the Punk Rider Pro is perfect for commuters and recreationists alike.
The spacious deck, sizable dimensions, and tall, swept-back handlebars make this an ideal choice for medium to tall riders. The anti-punture tubeless pneumatic tires and rubber suspension deliver a smooth ride, even on less-than-perfect roads.
The IPX6 water resistance rating and full suite of lights make the Punk Rider Pro an extremely reliable and safe choice for all-weather commuting. Whether you're navigating city streets, tackling hills, or riding in less-than-ideal weather conditions, the Punk Rider Pro has the performance and features to handle a wide range of scenarios.
Although the Punk Rider Pro may not be the most portable scooter on the market, its weight is a testament to its sturdy construction, reliable components, and commitment to rider comfort and safety. It was obvious to me from the get-go that this scooter was designed by riders.
For me, the Punk Rider Pro is easily the most versatile and capable dual-motor scooter at its price. Incredibly excited to see what's to come from Punk Electric!
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Top speed | 31.5 MPH (50.7 KMH) |
Acceleration 0-15 MPH | Avg: 2.7 seconds Best: 2.51 seconds |
Acceleration 0-20 MPH | Avg: 4.37 seconds Best: 4.21 seconds |
Acceleration 0-25 MPH | Avg: 6.35 seconds Best: 6.21 seconds |
Acceleration 0-30 MPH | Avg: 13.5 seconds Best: 13.1 seconds |
Acceleration 0-31.5 MPH (50.7 KMH) MPH | Avg: 16.2 seconds Best: 15.8 seconds |
Hill climb 250ft @8% | 7.28 s (Avg Speed: 23.4 MPH) |
Range (speed priority) | 20.7 miles (33.3 km) |
Range (regular) | 23.2 miles (37.3 km) |
Range (range priority) | 28.6 miles (46 km) |
Braking distance 15 MPH - 0 MPH | 12.6 ft (3.84 m) |
Handlebar width | 25.2" (64 cm) |
Deck-to-handlebar | 41.7" (106 cm) |
Unfolded size | 25.2 x 51.2 x 48.8 in (76.8 x 156.1 x 148.7 cm) |
Folded size | 25.2 x 21.7 x 48.8 in (76.8 x 66.1 x 148.7 cm) |
Ground clearance | 5.6" (14.2 cm) |
Deck | 18.3" x 7.9" (46.5 cm x 20.1 cm) |
Charging time | 9 hours |
Brand | Punk Electric |
Top speed | 32 MPH (51.5 KMH) |
Motor power (nominal) | 1200W (2x600W) |
Motor power (max) | 2300W |
Motor Voltage | 52V |
Range | 43 miles (69.2 km) |
Battery | 52V, 18Ah |
Battery capacity | 936 Wh |
Charging time | 10 hours |
IP rating | IPX6 |
Weight | 69 lbs (31.3 kg) |
Max load | 260 lbs (117.9 kg) |
Tire type | Tubeless, pneumatic, self-heading |
Tire size | 10" x 3" |
Suspension | 4x rubber suspension arms |
Brakes | Dual drum brakes, regen |
Throttle type | Thumb throttle |
Lights | Headlight, deck lights, turn signals, brake light, stem lights |
Additional features | Speed modes, app connectivity, electronic horn, performance customization |