The Navee S65C seamlessly blends power, versatility, and durability into a single package. This device boasts a strong battery life of up to 40 miles and is astonishing with its dual suspension system and notable build quality for a retail price of $900. I had a great time challenging this device to its limits, and found some surprising results.
I put it through plenty of tough tests, and was impressed on all counts. Cruising down city streets or nature trails, the S65C pushed through. From the simple unboxing and setup to navigating city streets, off-road adventures, and mobile app functionality, the Navee S65C is a capable scooter. But is it right for you?
Navee S65C
The Navee S65C eScooter, priced at $900, boasts a strong 40-mile battery life and a dual suspension system. Setting it up is straightforward, and its features include an IP55 rating, excellent battery life, and a 900W peak power for a top speed of 20 mph in sports mode. The scooter handles urban and coastal city rides well, but struggles in sand, excelling on solid dirt with a 22% incline capability. The mobile app offers basic functionality but lacks customization options. Overall, the Navee S65C provides a smooth, enjoyable ride, suitable for various riders, though off-road enthusiasts may require additional accessories for optimal performance.
Setup and Unboxing
I was slightly surprised with the size when I initially received the box. I just about managed to drag it into the house alone; but this is really a two-person lift.
I managed to get some help lifting onto my table and began the unboxing experience. All you have to do is pull the four plastic tabs out from the bottom corners of the box, and you’re able to get everything unboxed in a matter of minutes. Everything came well packaged, and I would be genuinely shocked to see one get damaged in shipping, so that’s reassuring.
The box includes the four screws needed to install the handlebars onto the base, a hex tool, an extension tube you can use with most pumps, the charging cable, and the manual. In the quick start guide, you’ll find simple instructions on setup. The scooter will come folded in the package. Simply unclip the handlebars, unfold the frame, and start by connecting the cable inside the handlebar.
Once you’ve done that, you screw in four screws and download the Mi Home app. Scroll down to the bottom, and you’ll locate the Navee under the scooter category. Once paired, it will start the process of pushing updates to the device.
Assembling the device was a breeze, and I probably spent more time performing updates, although it took around twenty minutes in totoal to finish the setup process.
First impressions were good and the build quality seems excellent. The device is definitely sturdy, albeit a little heavy. At 60lbs, you’ll struggle to lift the completed scooter upstairs or onto the subway.
Specifications
Admiring the device’s specs, one of the first things that caught my attention was the IP55 rating. I was also impressed with the battery life; Navee advertises a maximum range of 40 miles. I average around 25 miles on a full charge, though it’s important to note I weigh 260 lbs, which is 5 lbs less than the max load. The Navee S65C holds higher weights exceptionally well, and I could likely push to upwards of 30 miles on a charge in drive mode.
The battery has a capacity of 540Wh and holds a UL 2272 certification, signifying compliance with the top safety benchmark for these products.
The Navee S65C motor is powerful as well, peaking at 900w. In sports mode, you can top out at 20mph, and that’s the mode I spent the most time in. The braking system is extremely smooth and utilizes E-ABS and disk brakes.
Navee used ten-inch tubeless self-sealing tires in this, just like many of their other models, which is great for reliability. However, the extended deck length leads to reduced maneuverability on sidewalks, posing challenges to evading traffic. The powerful engine accelerates quickly, so it is best to opt for walking or standard mode and exercise caution while applying the accelerator.
The most impressive feature, hands down, is the dual suspension system. It’s an incredibly smooth ride, though it can’t handle gravel. However, I will talk about some possible fixes for that later on. The stock tires could also have better tread for off-road, specifically in sandy and muddy terrain. Streets, smooth off-road paths, and speed bumps are handled easily.
You have access to three different riding modes with the device. Walk mode will peak around 5 mph, though it has a few quirks. Drive mode peaks at 12 mph, while sports mode will give you a more responsive acceleration and top speed of 20 mph. The walk mode was the only one I had issues with; it felt unresponsive and rarely started on the first push.
Altogether, the specs are solid, and Navee demonstrates their specialty in the escooter market. You can tell a lot of features are well-tuned and refined.
The Navee S65C is a slightly scaled-down version of the Navee S65. The S65C goes for a few hundred dollars less than its predecessor, and you don’t lose much. The most notable differences are a slightly bigger battery, a bit more range, and a little more power.
Located at the top right is the throttle and power button. You can double-tap to change modes or tap once to turn the lights off and on. The LED display between the handlebars indicates your mode, speed, and battery life. It will also show when Bluetooth is connected and if the device is locked.
The Navee S65C is made of an aerospace-grade aluminum frame. With seamless folding capability, you’re able to fold the device in seconds. It’s easy to store in your car trunk or on buses.
While similar to most standard scooter designs with a straight handlebar and support base, the Navee Electric Scooter S65 stands out with its wider measurements. It’s less portable but excels in durability and versatility in all scenarios.
While a relatively small factor, the IP55 rating is reassuring for someone like me living in a coastal city, to aid in overall durability. Light rain shouldn’t be an issue, but you’ll want to avoid deep puddles and never submerge it fully.
Of course, you’ll also find the necessities like a bell, headlight, and tail light.
Urban and Coastal City Riding
The urban environment is where this device shines. From city streets, neighborhoods, and sidewalks, when allowed, this scooter is a beast. I had to test the speed bumps first, and it handled well, though they are much more fun to jump. The device is a little back-heavy when trying to get a good hop.
Taking it to the oceanfront, I felt assured of its reliability and got caught in some light rain a few times, but everything worked out fine. Everything went great on the boardwalk, though it won’t hold up well in the sand. I loved cruising the boardwalk and the oceanfront, and the durability will help you get far in this climate. Depending on your area, it may also be street-legal, but you’ll want to check your local laws and regulations because things are constantly evolving in this sector.
I highly recommend a helmet, whether it’s a requirement or not. Thanks to the headlight and tail light, I felt safe even when driving at night.
Off-road was where I had the most fun. I took the device up to First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach, though I had mixed results. The terrain here is primarily solid dirt, but the sandier and muddier paths proved quite dangerous. These environments are where you should be most aware, and they are the only environment in which I lost control momentarily. Luckily, I could stop safely, but losing traction on smoother and less solid terrain is easy with these tires.
The device can handle up to a 22% incline, and you’ll feel it struggling to climb steep hills. I also noticed slower acceleration when going off-road, though that’s a given. I’d be interested to test the Navee S65C in similar conditions to compare to. You can feel the device slow down almost immediately off-road, and I’d love to try some more heavy-duty tires in the future. You can also find Folding Clamps online to help with the jitteriness and shock from bumps if you’re serious about some dirt trail adventures.
Mobile App Functionality
The mobile app is simple and intuitive, though this is where I had most of my gripes with the device.
On a positive note, the most important feature is present, which is the ability to lock the device. you may check on stats, view the battery status, and an estimate of how many miles are left on a charge. However, I was disappointed that there were no customization options, and there are few things you do with the app other than locking the device and updating it during the initial setup.
I see some tremendous opportunities to give the user some control on their end through the app. I would love to be able to change the max speed for the three different modes and tweak things like acceleration. Besides that, Bluetooth pairing was a little slow, and the range seemed weak.
Was It Worth the Ride?
The Navee S65C is an absolute blast to ride, though if you’re going off-road, you’ll want to consider some additional accessories. If you ride in the city, suburbs, or anywhere in between, it’s a smooth ride.
The app doesn’t do anything special, but it does the job, and I never experienced any bugs. The build quality is fantastic, boasting a high max weight, smooth rides, and durability. The Navee S65C was worth the ride, and it’s an easy recommendation for beginners and pros alike.
This escooter impressed with its robust battery life of up to 40 miles and remarkable dual suspension system, all at a competitive price of $900. The device demonstrated its resilience and versatility through rigorous testing, handling diverse terrains from city streets to nature trails. The unboxing experience was straightforward, with well-packaged components and easy setup instructions.
The scooter’s specifications, including the IP55 rating, solid battery performance, and powerful motor, underscore its prowess. Notably, the dual suspension system provided a smooth ride, though certain off-road conditions posed challenges. The scooter’s design, a compact version of the Navee S65, marries practicality and durability. Ultimately, the Navee S65C offers an enjoyable ride suitable for all urban environments, making it an excellent choice for riders of all levels
