The Pure Advance Flex scooter features a unique four-fold design that enhances portability and storage, making it ideal for urban travel. With a robust build, excellent safety features, and impressive maneuverability, it offers an exhilarating riding experience. However, its performance may wane on rough terrains or steep gradients. While it provides decent range with a long charging time, it excels in intermodal commuting. Overall, it’s best suited for experienced riders seeking agility and compactness.
Each year, electric scooters continue to evolve in terms of comfort and power, yet they often fall short in compactness. To address this issue, Pure Electric has innovated with the Advance Flex, designed for ease of transport and storage. With its compact design, this scooter offers portability that may justify its premium price tag. But does it deliver on performance, comfort, and safety?
If you’re interested in exploring other options, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide on the best scooters for urban commuting. Also, remember to familiarize yourself with local regulations since scooters are subject to the same laws as bicycles.
Design and Build Quality: Unique and Impressive (5/5)
The Advance Flex features a sleek aesthetic and outstanding build quality. Unlike other models that typically fold in half or down their handlebars, this scooter folds in four distinct ways.
To begin, users lift the running boards, splitting the frame. Each section then folds neatly on top of the other. The stem can be adjusted in height and also folded down. Lastly, the handlebars can be tucked toward the center.
When ready for action, the Advance Flex measures 104 cm in length, 60 cm in width, and has a maximum adjustable height of 108 cm. In its folded state, it compresses to 62 cm long, 30 cm wide, and 57 cm high—making it highly space-efficient.
In its compact configuration, it resembles a piece of cabin luggage, complete with rolling wheels that are perfectly aligned. Weighing in at 16 kg, it may not be the lightest option available, but its folded shape enhances maneuverability. This model is particularly suitable for individuals who navigate various forms of transport, such as trains, buses, or subways, and for those short on storage at home.
Features and Equipment: Well-Equipped (4/5)
The Pure Advance Flex is a premium scooter, and Pure Electric ensures it comes with top-notch features. Bright reflectors are positioned on the sides and front, alongside large, visible front and rear lights ideal for night rides in urban settings.
For improved signaling, it is equipped with scrolling turn signals on the sides of the running boards and on the handlebars. The handlebars themselves are sturdy at 60 cm wide, providing a comfortable grip similar to mountain bike handlebars.
On the right, the throttle is located, while the left side has a bell, and a straightforward display sits in the center, readable even in direct sunlight. One drawback is the metal center stand, which lacks optimal grip in all conditions.
The associated mobile app offers essential functions such as a dashboard and options for cruise control and scooter lock but misses some features like geolocation and regenerative brake management.
Riding Experience: Requires Familiarization (4/5)
This scooter’s unique folding design results in an unconventional riding experience. Instead of a typical deck, riders stand on two running boards, making the takeoff technique a bit different. Initial acceleration requires balancing on one foot, followed by a slight forward lean to distribute weight properly.
While this might feel surprising initially, it’s ultimately a refreshing change. Once on the move, riders are treated to a thrilling sensation and exceptional agility. Direction changes occur quickly, making this scooter ideal for those who relish a more dynamic city ride.
It can decelerate from 25 to 0 km/h in roughly 4.5 meters, utilizing a regenerative rear brake and a front drum brake. The rear wheel may slip slightly during emergency stops, so riders should be mindful of their lean to maintain control. With a powerful 710 W motor, acceleration is both smooth and steady, reaching 25 km/h in about seven seconds. However, it’s important to note that the Advance Flex isn’t built for steep inclines; it struggles on grades over 10% and isn’t equipped with suspension, resulting in a firm ride at times.
Battery Life: Average Performance (4/5)
The Advance Flex features a 345 Wh 36 V / 9.5 Ah battery, promising a range of up to 40 km. However, actual performance can vary based on rider weight, terrain, weather, and individual riding style.
At a cruising speed of 20 to 25 km/h, a rider weighing around 82 kg can expect to achieve approximately 24 km under favorable conditions. While this range is fairly standard, the lengthy charging time poses a challenge, requiring around five hours to go from 20% to 100%. Planning is essential to avoid running out of battery during your day.