The Pegasus is an affordable dual-motor scooter. It has decent performance but the build is heavy.
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 conducted an extensive performance evaluation of the Varla Pegasus, covering 250 miles spanning 3 months. Here's our in-depth analysis of this electric scooter.
The Varla Pegasus looks like the dream for riders who want premium performance at a fraction of the cost. Varla promotes its impressive speed and range, complemented by a dual spring suspension and robust disc brakes.
We put their claims to the test. We benchmarked acceleration, speed, range, braking, hill climb ability, and more. Join us as we unveil our findings and compare the Varla Pegasus with other mid-range scooters to determine if it is a good purchase.
We tested the 8" solid tire version of the Pegasus. All tests and comments made relate to that version of the scooter. There is a 9" pneumatic tire version that effectively addresses many of the ride issues we proclaim.
These are the main technical specifications and features of the Pegasus.
| Motor Power | 2x 500W |
| Battery | 48V, 15.6Ah = 748Wh |
| Weight | 66 lbs (29.9 kg) |
| Max Load | 280 lbs (127 kg) |
| Tires | 8" solid (other options available) |
| Suspension | Dual springs |
| Brakes | 2x disc brakes |
| Weather Resistance | IP54 |
The Varla Pegasus has two 500W motors with 25 Nm torque. Together they peak at 1,920W with an advertised top speed of 28 MPH (45.1 KMH).
We tested the top speed of the Pegasus using high-precision GPS gear. All tests were completed by a 175 lbs (77 kg) rider.
We recorded a top speed of 27.75 MPH (44.7 KMH). This is a fraction lower than what Varla advertises, but reaching 28 MPH in optimal conditions for a slightly lighter rider is possible.
| Model | Top Speed | $/Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Varla Pegasus $899 USD | 27.75 MPH (44.7 KMH) | $32.4/MPH |
| Splach Twin $999 USD | 28.6 MPH (46 KMH) | $34.93/MPH |
| Apollo City $1699 USD | 32.3 MPH (52 KMH) | $52.6/MPH |
| Apollo Ghost | 36.3 MPH (58.4 KMH) | - |
| Emove Cruiser S $1195 USD | 31.3 MPH (50.4 KMH) | $38.18/MPH |
The Pegasus doesn't quite keep up with the peak mid-range scooters, but interestingly, it offers some of the best speed-to-cost value, only surpassed by the Splach Twin.
At the end of the day, 27.75 MPH (44.7 KMH) is around as fast as you wanna go on a solid tire scooter. It'll be ample speed for most riders not looking for a hyper-scooter.
We tested the acceleration of the Varla Pegasus at max settings and with zero start. After running the test ten times, these were our results.
| Interval | Average | Best |
|---|---|---|
| 0-15 MPH (24 KMH) | 4.57 s | 4.47 s |
| 0-20 MPH (32.2 KMH) | 7.45 s | 7.03 s |
| 0-25 MPH (40.2 KMH) | 11.1 s | 10.53 s |
| 0-27.75 MPH (44.7 KMH) | 16.95 s | 16.57 s |
The Pegasus averages 15 MPH in 4.57 seconds and reaches its top speed in 16.95 seconds.
| Model | 0-15 MPH | 0-20 MPH | 0-25 MPH | 0-30 MPH |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Varla Pegasus | 4.57 s | 7.45 s | 11.1 s | - |
| Splach Twin | 2.33 s | 4.4 s | 6.46 s | - |
| Apollo City | 2.33 s | 4.6 s | 7.41 s | 12.4 s |
| Apollo Ghost | 2.82 s | 4.3 s | 6.23 s | 9.22 s |
| Emove Cruiser S | 4.12 s | 7.2 s | 9.32 s | 15.3 s |
Comparing the results to other mid-range models, we can see that the Pegasus definitely isn't the fastest electric scooter on the block.
The Splach Twin and Apollo City Pro 2022 outperform it throughout the acceleration curve, and the single-motor Emove Cruiser S follows suit (although it is a closer comparison).
Despite this, the Varla Pegasus still feels responsive and should also be able to pull heavier riders at speed.
We tested the Varla Pegasus electric scooter on a 250 ft (76 m) hill with an average incline of 8% and clocked its time and speed. It completed the climb in 8.19 seconds.
| Model | Time | Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Varla Pegasus | 8.19 s | 20.8 MPH (33.5 KMH) |
| Splach Twin | 7.6 s | 22.4 MPH (36.1 KMH) |
| Apollo City | 7.1 s | 24 MPH (38.6 KMH) |
| Apollo Ghost | 6.9 s | 24.7 MPH (39.8 KMH) |
| Emove Cruiser S | 8 s | 21.3 MPH (34.3 KMH) |
Once again, the Pegasus falls short of most competitors. However, with only a 17% difference up to the immensely powerful and more expensive Apollo Ghost, the difference isn't big.
The Pegasus is undoubtedly geared for conquering hills in the 10% to 15% territory for most riders.
The Varla Pegasus has a 48V 15.6Ah battery with an effective capacity of 748 Wh. Varla claims a maximum range of 28 miles (45.1 km).
The battery pack has 78 18650 lithium-ion cells. 18650 cells are commonly used across the industry as they have solid energy density and a high discharge rate, improving performance output.
The scooter comes with a 2.0A charger. Based on our tests, charging the scooter fully takes just over 7 hours. This is not as fast as the City Pro 2022 but on par with the similarly priced Splach Twin.
Let's take a look at the battery capacity in relation to the cost and compare it to other mid-range scooters.
| Model | Battery Capacity |
|---|---|
| Varla Pegasus | 748 Wh (48V, 15.6Ah) |
| Splach Twin | 748 Wh (48V, 15.6Ah) |
| Apollo City | 960 Wh (48V, 20Ah) |
| Apollo Ghost | 946.4 Wh (52V, 18.2Ah) |
| Emove Cruiser S | 1560 Wh (52V, 30Ah) |
While not the biggest battery in the mid-range, it offers better battery value than many competitors. The Emove Cruiser S reigns as the king of battery capacity in this price class.
Battery capacity and actual range don't always go hand in hand. Factors like scooter weight, efficiency, and battery quality can result in surprisingly large differences.
We conducted three range tests at varying speeds to better understand the Varla Pegasus' mileage capabilities.
| Test (#) | Range | Avg. Speed |
|---|---|---|
| #1: Speed Priority | 15.6 miles 25.1 km | 24.2 MPH 38.9 KMH |
| #2: Regular | 18.3 miles 29.5 km | 19.8 MPH 31.9 KMH |
| #3: Range Priority | 21.8 miles 35.1 km | 15.2 MPH 24.5 KMH |
In the initial test, we focused on speed, achieving 15.6 miles (25.1 km) of range with an avg. speed of 24.2 MPH (38.9 KMH).
During the second test, we kept a consistent cruising speed, offering the closest real-world range reflection. The average speed here was 19.8 MPH (31.9 KMH), and the distance covered was 18.3 miles (29.5 km).
The final test was centered on optimizing range. With an average speed of 15.2 MPH (24.5 KMH) we managed a range of 21.8 miles (35.1 km).
Let's hold our range test results up against the competitors.
| Model | Range | Avg. Speed |
|---|---|---|
| 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) |
| Apollo City | 24.7 miles (39.8 km) | 24.4 MPH (39.3 KMH) |
| Apollo Ghost | 20.3 miles (32.7 km) | 27.6 MPH (44.4 KMH) |
| Emove Cruiser S | 40.2 miles (64.7 km) | 24.3 MPH (39.1 KMH) |
| Model | Range | Avg. Speed |
|---|---|---|
| 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) |
| Apollo City | 29.8 miles (48 km) | 20.5 MPH (33 KMH) |
| Apollo Ghost | 27.3 miles (43.9 km) | 21.1 MPH (34 KMH) |
| Emove Cruiser S | 46.7 miles (75.2 km) | 20.1 MPH (32.3 KMH) |
| Model | Range | Avg. Speed |
|---|---|---|
| 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) |
| Apollo City | 34.6 miles (55.7 km) | 15.1 MPH (24.3 KMH) |
| Apollo Ghost | 32.2 miles (51.8 km) | 14.6 MPH (23.5 KMH) |
| Emove Cruiser S | 52.1 miles (83.8 km) | 15.6 MPH (25.1 KMH) |
It makes the most sense to compare it to the Splach Twin as it has the same battery capacity. Despite the similar batteries, the Varla Pegasus averages 33% less range.
By no means are the results of the Pegasus bad. There are just better alternatives if it comes down to range only. At the end of the day, none of the above scooters will match the Cruiser S on range value.
Despite folding at the stem, the Varla Pegasus is a big scooter. It weighs 66 lbs (29.9 kg) and has wide handlebars, making it less portable than some competitors.
When folded, the Pegasus measures 20.9 x 20.5 x 50.4 in (63.7 x 62.5 x 153.6 cm). It measures 20.9 x 50.4 x 50.4 in (63.7 x 153.6 x 153.6 cm) when upright.
The dimensions are on the larger side. Although this makes for a comfortable ride, it poses storage challenges.
| Model | Weight (lbs) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Varla Pegasus | 66 lbs | 29.9 kg |
| Splach Twin | 52 lbs | 23.6 kg |
| Apollo City | 65 lbs | 29.5 kg |
| Apollo Ghost | 66.1 lbs | 30 kg |
| Emove Cruiser S | 59.5 lbs | 27 kg |
The Pegasus is without a doubt on the heavy end of mid-range scooters. There are lots of options that are more lightweight or pack more specs at the same weight.
On the positive, much of that weight can be attributed to its beefy and reliable construction.
The Varla Pegasus folds at the bottom of the stem. Just below the LCD display, a hook connects to a pin at the rear of the deck to make it easy to carry.
The weight is evenly distributed when carrying, which is a benefit. However, its overall heaviness can make it challenging to transport. For those frequently navigating stairs, the Pegasus might become wearisome over time.
The Varla Pegasus has excellent suspension, an awesome display, and highly performant brakes. However, its solid tires provide no cushioning.
It has a max load rating of 280 lbs (127 kg) so it'll support heavier riders with ease. Its dual motor setup will ensure you can still handle some hills even if you're edging close to the max capacity limit.
The Varla Pegasus is equipped with 8" x 3" solid tires. A major benefit of these tires is their maintenance-free nature. However, they come with a significant downside in terms of ride quality.
Solid tires don't offer vibration absorption or cushioning, leading to a noticeably rougher ride. While cruising in a straight line might not present much of a difference, turns and leans are considerably more uncomfortable compared to pneumatic ones.
Moreover, solid tires generally underperform on wet surfaces compared to air-filled ones. They offer reduced traction and increase the likelihood of hydroplaning. Although the Pegasus's solid tires are relatively wide, providing some traction, turns can still feel a bit unstable.
If you're set on a scooter with low-maintenance solid tires, the Pegasus is a great option as these particular tires have plenty of deep thread and a wide contact surface with the road. On ride quality, it beats the similar Splach Twin which only has 2.5" of tire width.
A 28 MPH scooter would be rough with zero suspension. Luckily, the Varla Pegasus has a dual spring setup that admittedly performs very well.
These beefy springs are some of the best we've experienced on a solid tire scooter in this price class. They do make the Varla Pegasus a decent ride, but it won't match a spring + air tire setup.
The Varla Pegasus has some of the best braking ability of any mid-range scooter. With two substantial disc brakes and smooth brake levers, we managed to come to a stop from 15 MPH in just 9,73 feet.
| Model | Braking Distance |
|---|---|
| Varla Pegasus | 9.73 ft (3 m) |
| Splach Twin | 11.6 ft (3.5 m) |
| Apollo City | 11.1 ft (3.4 m) |
| Apollo Ghost | 10.5 ft (3.2 m) |
| Emove Cruiser S | 10.2 ft (3.1 m) |
In our tests, it beats numerous competitors on braking distance - including some much more expensive models. It is safe to say that the Pegasus will bring you to a full stop better than most.
The Pegasus has a rather unique deck with an upward curve at the back that acts as a footrest. The spacious deck measures 23.6" x 6.5" (59.9 cm x 16.5 cm) which is large enough to accommodate both small and large riders alike.
The scooter has 5.1" (13 cm). This is decent but not great. Larger tires would inevitably increase ground clearance, but it isn't an issue unless you're riding up and down steep curbs.
The deck is covered with a rugged silicone surface with plenty of grip. It provides a bit of cushioning to make longer rides more comfortable, and it is fairly easy to clean.
The Varla Pegasus has a beautiful handlebar setup that measures 24.4" (62 cm). The deck-to-handlebar height is 39.9 inches (101 cm). The sizable cockpit and height make the Pegasus a solid ride for bigger riders.
The grips are highly comfortable and ergonomically shaped to put minimal strain on the hands for longer rides. The handlebar itself is curved, allowing you to angle it to your liking. We typically prefer curved handlebars for bigger rides.
The left handlebar holds a mechanical bell, a brake lever, and a mode control. Every component can be positioned and angled to accommodate riders of varying sizes.
The mode control lets you move up and down through the gears, manage dual/single motor mode, and enable/disable lights. This effectively gives you six different speed modes to explore.
The buttons could be more tactile, but they get the job done well.
The right handlebar features another brake lever and a thumb throttle. The throttle is responsive and has minimal dead space. It accelerates smoothly and making small adjustments without the ride jolting is easy.
The M5 LCD display is the star of the show. It is one of the best displays we've seen on a mid-tier electric scooter.
It is large and bright (even in direct sunlight) and can be angled to your preference. Most non-luxury electric scooter displays lack brightness in direct sunlight, but that isn't the case here.
By default, it shows battery level, speed, speed mode, odometer, and everything is easy to visualize at any given moment due to its sheer size.
The Pegasus is a well-built electric scooter, but it required a bit of tweaking out of the box to optimize the ride quality.
The frame is constructed from aluminum and magnesium alloy. The frequent appearance of aluminum alloy in the electric scooter domain is attributed to its formability and superior strength-to-weight ratio.
Despite that, the build is fairly heavy, posing an issue for riders with lightweight needs.
The scooter needed some tweaking out of the box before it was safe to ride. The steering column needed to be tightened for the front wheel to move with the handlebars. It took several tries to get it right, so have an appropriately sized Allen wrench ready.
The scooter has sturdy plastic fenders with multiple contact points with the frame to increase their solidity. Its jagged design strengthens it further.
They do a good job of redirecting water from the tires.
The Pegasus has a generic kickstand. Like most kickstands, it feels flimsy, but it is positioned quite well to handle the scooter's weight at an angle.
It gets the job done but may be one of the first components needing replacement.
The folding mechanism is easy to use and feels reliable. It has a safety pin for added reliability.
The mechanism can be tightened and loosened, and when properly set up, there is no stem flex or wobbling from it.
The Varla Pegasus has an IP54 weather resistance rating. This means it is protected against damaging levels of dust and water splashes from any direction.
In the real world, this means it should be able to handle light rain and wet surfaces without causing damage to electronic components.
However, there is always a risk when riding in the rain. Water damage is not covered by any warranties either (this goes for the entire industry).
Also, solid tires perform much worse in the rain than pneumatic tires. They can't disperse water as fast thus increasing the chance of aquaplaning. On the other hand, the tires are very wide, so they'll handle rain a bit better than scooters like the Splach Twin.
If you plan to ride in the rain on the Pegasus, always use due caution and remember to wipe the scooter dry after each use. You're more prone to accidents in the rain, and solid tires do not help that fact.
The Varla Pegasus has an adequate lighting system. It features a prominently bright, low-situated headlight, paired with a tail light on the rear fender.
The scooter also has orange reflector stickers on both sides of the deck which will increase side visibility to other road users.
We typically favor headlights that are mounted higher with a gentle downward tilt. While the current headlight allows other road users to spot you, its reach in illuminating the road ahead is somewhat limited.
The taillight emits flashes at three distinct intensity levels when you engage the brakes, signaling to those behind you that you're decelerating.
To deem the Pegasus truly commute-friendly, we would have preferred it to feature turn signals and a headlight mounted higher up.
The Varla Pegasus is for riders that seek a mid-tier scooter option at an affordable price point. It features non-pneumatic tires, eliminating the need for frequent air checks and potential punctures. Equipped with dual motors and disc brakes, it offers consistent performance and stopping power.
However, potential buyers should note that its design leans more towards durability and less towards lightweight portability. This scooter is suited for individuals who prioritize function and durability in their daily commutes.
There are scooters that feel better to ride and there are scooters that weigh less and perform similarly, but very few achieve it at this price point. For what the scooter is, the ride quality is great - it only suffers slightly under the solid tires.
The Varla Pegasus has several settings that can be changed to customize your ride. To access the (P) settings menu, do the following:
| Setting | Feature | Note |
|---|---|---|
| P1 | Tail light brightness | 1 = low 2 = medium 3 = high Default: 1 |
| P2 | Speedometer units | 0 = kmh 1 = mph Default: 0 |
| P3 | Battery voltage (do not change) | 24V to 60V Default: 48V |
| P4 | Auto off timer | 0 = disabled 60 = 60 min Default: 5 |
| P5 | Gear number | 0 = 3 gears 1 = 5 gears 2 = 9 gears 3 = 4 gears 4 = 6 gears Default: 0 |
| P6 | Rim size (do not change) | 0-50 Default: 8 |
| P7 | Motor magnets (do not change) | Default: 15 |
| P8 | Power level | 1 = slowest 100 = fastest Default: 100 |
| P9 | Start mode | 0 = zero start 1 = kick start Default: 0 |
| P10 | Running mode (do not adjust) | 0 = only PAS 1 = only electricity 2 = PAS and throttle Default: 2 |
| P11 | PAS sensitivity (do not change) | 1 = lowest 24 = highest Default: 3 |
| P12 | PAS strength(do not change) | 1 = weakest 5 = strongest Default: 1 |
| P13 | PAS sensor type (do not change) | 5/8/12 Default: 12 |
| P14 | Controller limit (do not change) | 10-20 Default: 20A |
| P15 | Controller voltage protection (do not change) | Default: 40 |
| P16 | Lifetime odometer reset | Hold UP for 6 s |
| P17 | Unused | |
| P18 | Unused | |
| P19 | Unused | |
| P20 | Unused |
| Top speed | 27.75 MPH (44.7 KMH) |
| Acceleration 0-15 MPH | Avg: 4.57 s Best: 4.47 s |
| Acceleration 0-20 MPH | Avg: 7.45 s Best: 7.03 s |
| Acceleration 0-25 MPH | Avg: 11.1 s Best: 10.53 s |
| Acceleration 0-27.75 MPH | Avg: 16.95 s Best 16.57 s |
| Hill climb 250ft @8% | 8.19 s |
| Range (speed priority) | 15.6 miles (25.1 km) |
| Range (regular) | 18.3 miles (29.5 km) |
| Range (range priority) | 21.8 miles (35.1 km) |
| Handlebar Width | 24.4" (62 cm) |
| Deck-to-handlebar | 39.9" (101 cm) |
| Unfolded size | 20.9 x 50.4 x 50.4 in (63.7 x 153.6 x 153.6 cm) |
| Folded size | 20.9 x 20.5 x 50.4 in (63.7 x 62.5 x 153.6 cm) |
| Ground clearance | 5.1" (13 cm) |
| Deck | 23.6" x 6.5" (59.9 cm x 16.5 cm) |
| Brand | Varla |
| Top speed | 28 MPH (45 KMH) |
| Motor power (nominal) | 500W x2 |
| Motor power (max) | 960W x2 |
| Torque | 25 Nm |
| Range | 28 miles (45 km) |
| Battery | 48V 15.6Ah |
| Battery capacity | 748 Wh |
| Charging time | 7.5 hours |
| IP rating | IP54 |
| Weight | 66 lbs (29.9 kg) |
| Max load | 280 lbs (127 kg) |
| Tire type | Solid |
| Tire size | 8" x 3" |
| Suspension | Dual springs |
| Brakes | Dual disc brakes (120 mm) |
| Throttle type | Thumb throttle |
| Lights | Taillight, headlight |
| Display | M5 LCD display |
