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Tomoloo L1 Review

This model would have been a top contender in the class were it not for its inconsistent, seemingly glitchy, behavior
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Tomoloo L1 Review
Price:  $530 List
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Manufacturer:   Tomoloo
By Nick Miley and Austin Palmer  ⋅  Jun 12, 2019
68
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Range - 25% 6.3
  • Power - 25% 5.7
  • Ride Comfort - 20% 7.3
  • Portability - 15% 8.0
  • Braking - 15% 7.5

Our Verdict

Despite the Tomoloo's high marks in all test categories, we declined to bestow any awards upon it due to its erratic behavior and inconsistent performance.
REASONS TO BUY
Long range
Portable
Fast
REASONS TO AVOID
Variable performance

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Tomoloo had testers scratching their heads at its inconsistent comportment. When the scooter was having a good day it was a top performer. Given the reasonable price point, this product would have been up for an award. However, this scooter proved to be temperamental, often refusing to cruise at its top speed, requiring testers to cycle the on/ off button with mixed results. Of particular note was the product's variable max speed; perhaps from a malfunctioning cruise control mechanism.

Performance Comparison


tomoloo l1 - the tomoloo l1 electric scooter
The Tomoloo L1 electric Scooter
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Range


Range tests are comprised of two parts: travel radius and battery charge time. Effective range refers to the number of miles a scooter can cruise at its max speed on flat ground. The maximum range refers to the number of miles a scooter will go at any speed. The distinction is necessary as many scooters' max speed will decrease at the end of their battery's life

The Tomoloo has an effective range of 10.9 and a maximum rage of 11.7 miles. The battery recharges in four hours and forty minutes, close to the average for the class.

tomoloo l1 - the tomoloo cruising at full tilt for a maximum of 10.9 effective...
The Tomoloo cruising at full tilt for a maximum of 10.9 effective miles.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Power


For the purpose of this review, power is defined as hill ascending ability and maximum flat ground speed. The hill-climbing analysis was conducted first on a 3.5% grade. If this hill was surmounted, then the scooter was run up a much steeper 10.5% grade. While the Tomoloo was an average performer in the speed assessment - maxing out at just over 15 mph - the 3.5% grade slowed the scooter by 3-5 mph and the 10.5% grade brought the scooter to a standstill well short of the ΒΌ mile hill crest.

Ride


Ride is an assessment of the vibration a scooter transfers to the rider when passing over bumpy terrain such as cracks in the sidewalk. Having tested many of these scooters we know that this metric is primarily an assessment of the tire type. The Tomoloo's tires are pneumatic and absorb much of the road's inconsistencies. Accordingly, they offer one of the smoothest rides in the fleet.

tomoloo l1 - the tomoloo's electronic front, disk rear brake system actuated by a...
The Tomoloo's electronic front, disk rear brake system actuated by a single hand lever.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Braking


Given the cruising speed of the Tomoloo — which is decently fast — it's a good thing that it has good brakes. With both a front electronic and rear fender brake, testers were happy with the power felt on rapid flat ground stops and the steadiness during controlled descents.

tomoloo l1 - the tomoloo's redundant steering column folding mechanism.
The Tomoloo's redundant steering column folding mechanism.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Portability


Weight, folded dimensions, folding ease, carrying latch utility, transporting, and effort are the focus of the portability assessment. The Tomoloo checks all the boxes in this metric, leaving testers with little in the way of critique.

Value


When this scooter was working properly it was a top performer. However, it often failed to work at its full capacity. As such, we can not assign a high value to the Tomoloo. It's just too frustrating to have a purchase not work when it was just pulled out of the box.

Conclusion


The Tomoloo raised expectations with a top-notch design but ultimately left testers wondering why the thing only worked right some of the time. As a result of our mixed experience with this product, we can not in good faith recommend it; especially at the price.

Nick Miley and Austin Palmer