VMoto Citi test: our full opinion –

Sister brand of Super Soco, Vmoto offers a new urban electric scooter, the Citi. True to its name, this one is built for the city, although it is offered in both 50 and 125 cc versions.

It is the brand’s first scooter intended for individuals, although it was developed with specific B2B constraints. This approach made it possible to design it as a scooter with maximum fluidity in an urban environment, but also increased durability, thanks to the use of robust components.

Here is our full test.

Technical sheet

This test was carried out using a model loaned by the brand and the Maze Voltaire garage.

A futuristic design that doesn’t overdo it

With the Citi, Vmoto offers a design that is both futuristic and sober. The first aspect is reflected by U-shaped LED optics at the front and rear, as well as angular shapes, giving it a racy look. However, the brand doesn’t overdo it, and the scooter easily fits into the crowd, without attracting too much attention. This modesty is also due to its reduced size and bulk: the Citi remains a small scooter.

Source: Source: Hagop Kavafian for Frandroid Source: Hagop Kavafian for Frandroid

Source: Hagop Kavafian for Frandroid

At the front we find rims with open spokes, similar to those of the CPx Pro, while the rear wheel is solid, the motor being in its hub. The profile of the two-wheeler is particularly interesting, in particular the part under the saddle, with marked lines and shapes, without being ostentatious.

On a more practical aspect, a package holder is offered as standard above the rear wheel, probably a habit of the brand from its models intended for delivery. In addition, two side bars protect the fairing on the lower part, ensuring better daily safety, but also avoiding rubbing in tight turns.

However, this attention is also due to the absence of storage space, since the one under the saddle is almost entirely dedicated to the battery and charger, leaving almost no space to carry anything else. There is certainly a hook to hang a bag between the legs, but not even a storage compartment, which almost requires adding a top box.

Beyond the carrying capacity, the Citi offers good seating and driving comfort. The driver is well installed and enjoys a pleasant position. The space for the feet is satisfactory, but the fairing is partly closed at the front, which means you have to keep your feet inside. This is certainly safer, but somewhat limits foot position and comfort.

The passenger seat is enough for an adult, at least for fairly short journeys. This benefits from footrests integrated into the fairing, as well as notches for holding on.

The ergonomics of the handlebars are generally good, with the light selector, horn and indicators on the left, and the kill switch, mode selector and reverse on the right. However, it is a shame that there is no central button for canceling the indicators, and the placement to the right of reverse gear is not wise, since it requires activating the button and the gas simultaneously. with the same hand.

Source: Hagop Kavafian for Frandroid

Source: Hagop Kavafian for Frandroid

Finally, let’s finish with the finishes and the quality of the materials which are very good. The plastics appear durable and of good quality, in line with the brand’s philosophy. The alignments are also good, in addition to the safety elements and reinforcements mentioned previously.

Few on-board technologies

The Vmoto Citi does not currently have an application, which could have allowed it to be located or the status of the battery to be viewed remotely. However, this should change in the coming months, with the arrival of a connected app.

The scooter, however, has other on-board technologies useful in everyday life. Note for example the presence of a USB-A socket for recharging your phone, although you must purchase an optional support.

A remote control is also provided as standard, allowing the two-wheeler to be unlocked remotely.

Let’s finish with the central screen, which is readable both in direct sunlight and at night, despite some occasional reflections. However, it only displays very little information, namely speed, battery level and a trip meter. We would have liked to know the estimate of the remaining range in kilometers, the temperature or even the time, especially since there is a little space left. Damage.

Unbelievable agility in the city

In its L1 version, i.e. a 50 cc equivalent, the Vmoto Citi is powered by an engine brushless of 2,000 watts. The scooter has three driving modes, which is quite rare on such an engine. The first is almost useless, since it limits the speed to 28 km/h, which can even be dangerous.

The second is a little more useful, limiting the two-wheeler to 38 km/h, useful for not being flashed in town. In fact, mode 3 is the one I used during the majority of my test, with a speedometer of 47 km/h, or around 2 km/h margin compared to the actual speed.

Source: Hagop Kavafian for Frandroid

Source: Hagop Kavafian for Frandroid

As for power, acceleration is sluggish and acceleration is sorely lacking in punch. Of course, I didn’t really expect more from a 2,000 W motor, but I regret that Vmoto reproduces the same error as with the first CPx, namely too low power.

It’s all the more a shame as the driving pleasure is very good. Indeed, the handling is excellent, the scooter is very easy to handle and particularly stable. The driving position is also very good and quite comfortable.

The suspensions are correct, despite some perceptible vibrations at around 50 km/h. In addition, potholes and other road imperfections are transmitted into the saddle and handlebars, without being annoying.

I also found the brakes a little too soft, requiring a firm grip on the lever when needed to brake powerfully. I am also disappointed by the absence of regenerative braking, which is both a driving pleasure, but also a safety advantage.

On the road, the Citi makes the city its playground. It weaves between cars with such disconcerting ease that it’s not even necessary to have to make a path. This ease is partly due to the mirrors which are quite high and only protrude very little, making it easy to slalom. Their visibility is also very good, which is quite rare on a 50 cc.

This ease is also made possible thanks to the impressive maneuverability of the two-wheeler, which is driven with remarkable ease and stability. As for parking maneuvers, they are child’s play for the Vmoto Citi, it is so handy and light.

Average autonomy

The Vmoto Citi is equipped with a 60 V 45 A battery, given for a range of between 50 to 80 km. I was able to obtain an average of around sixty kilometers during my tests, which is low average for an equivalent 50 cc electric scooter.

Recharging the battery is relatively complex, since you have to turn off the circuit breaker, unclip and disconnect the battery, then connect it to the charger. It is also not silent, and can be noisy when recharging.

Source: Hagop Kavafian for Frandroid

Source: Hagop Kavafian for Frandroid

Source: Hagop Kavafian for Frandroid

It is still possible to connect the charger directly to the two-wheeler, without having to remove the battery. This method avoids having to open the saddle and complete the procedure mentioned, but requires connection in a garage or a secure location. In fact, as the cable is not secure, anyone can unplug it and leave with it, which prevents charging at a public terminal.

Price and availability

The Vmoto Citi is sold for 3,390 euros, excluding ecological bonus, a price slightly above average for a 50 cc equivalent. However, it has a national ecological bonus of 675 euros, reducing its price to 2,715 euros.