ZERO 8 DEEP DIVE
This Zero 8 review dives deep into the entry-level little brother to the Zero 9, one of the most popular Zero electric scooters. The Zero 8 is a direct competitor with both the Apollo Light and Fluid Freeride Horizon — differently configured scooters made by Unicool.
Tech Specs
| Tested top speed: 37.2 kmh* | |
| Tested range: 35.9 km* | |
| Weight: 18 kg | |
| Max rider weight: 100 kg | |
| Water resistance: None |
* Based on our performance tests which may differ from the manufacturer’s claims.
Highlights
| Great range | |
| Folds compactly | |
| Good hill climbing ability | |
| Weight makes it less portable | |
| Solid rear tire |
Summary
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The Zero 8 is Zero’s basic entry-level electric scooter and an attractive offering for riders who love the basic Xiaomi M365 or shared scooter, but want a faster top speed, better range, better ride, and more compact folding.
The Zero 8 is a tuned-down budget version of the formidable Zero 9 electric scooter, the Best Electric Scooter Under $1200.
Other Scooters to Consider
- To keep it simple, check out our Editor’s pick of best electric scooters.
- More comfort: The EMOVE Touring has a bigger deck, is slightly faster, but still folds compactly
- More range: Segway Ninebot Max has 28 miles of real-world range, but no suspension and is slower
- More power: The Zero 9 is faster and has dual disc brakes
| Model | Top Speed** | Range** | Weight | Price |
| Zero 8 | 37.2 kmh | 35.9 km | 18 kg | $799 |
| EMOVE Touring | 34.6 kmh | 30.1 km | 18 kg | $899 |
| Segway Ninebot Max | 28.7 kmh | 45.2 km | 19 kg | $799 |
| Zero 9 | 45.7 kmh | 34.9 km | 18 kg | $1099 |
** Based on our performance tests which may differ from the manufacturer’s claims.
Zero 8 Review
Introduction
Performance Tests
Results below are based on our independent testing and not data provided by the manufacturer. Read about our testing methodology or compare with other scooters on our electric scooter performance testing page.
| Acceleration (0 to 24 kmh) | 4.9 seconds |
| Acceleration (0 to 32 kmh) | 8.4 seconds |
| Top speed | 37.2 kmh |
| Braking distance (24 to 0 kmh) | 7.0 meters |
| Range | 35.9 kilometers |
| Hill climb | 16.3 seconds |
Acceleration
The Zero 8 has a 500 watt electric motor that is powered by a 20-amp controller. It accelerates to 24 kmh in 4.9 seconds and reaches 32 kmh in 8.4 seconds. This feels quick, but not fast.
For comparison, a typical shared scooter like the M365 accelerates to 24 kmh in 6.3 seconds. and tops out at 26.9 kmh.
Compare the tested performance of this scooter with others we’ve tested on our performance data page.
Hill Climbing
The motor is powerful enough to take you up steep inclines (though don’t expect top speed). It is also a great scooter for heavier riders for whom a 250 watt motor (from models like the GXL V2 or Xiaomi M365) is underpowered for practical use.
For even more power and better hill climbing capability, consider the Zero 9 which has a 600-watt motor and 624 watt hour battery pack.
Top Speed
We tested the top speed of the Zero 8 to be 37.2 kmh.
Range
The Zero 8 has a 624 watt hour lithium-ion battery pack. We tested the range of the Zero to be 35.9 kilometers, under real-world riding conditions.
We test all scooters on the same urban loop, which includes stops and hills, with a -. The scooter is ridden as quickly as possible in the fastest (least energy-conserving) mode.
You can compare with the tested range of other electric scooters on our performance comparison page.
Braking
The Zero 8 features high quality cable-activated rear drums brakes. The brake functions well and is one of our preferred brake types due to its strength. Additionally, drum brakes are one of the most durable and robust owing to the fact that the brake is fulling enclosed in the hub. The Zero 8 has a somewhat unique design that incorporates both the motor and drum brake into the rear hub.
Ride quality
The Zero 8 has smallish tires, one of which is pneumatic. It also has both a front and rear spring suspension to provide additional cushion to the ride. This does help to make up for the lack of additional pneumatic cushion in the rear.
Zero 8 Electric Scooter: Features
Portability
The Zero 8 tips the scales at 40 lbs and is quite portable. This is light enough for most to carry up a flight of stairs or lift occasionally.
Where the Zero 8 really shines is in its various mechanisms that allow it to fold down into a very compact 99-centimeter by 18-centimeter by 99-centimeter package.
The Zero 8, like the Zero 9, its beefier older brothers, has multiple mechanisms for reducing the size of the scooter. These are:
- Folding handlebars
- Stem folding mechanism
- Stem telescoping mechanism
We note that these mechanism are all of excellent quality. When fully expanded and locked into position, they are solid and you won’t notice any slop or wobble. The folding handlebars, once expanded, use an additional screw mechanism to lock solidly into place. The folding mechanism connected to the stem and deck collapses quickly via a beautiful anodized tab. When fully expanded, this mechanism is tight and completely solid. Finally, the telescoping stem also collapses down completely, further reducing the dimensions of the Zero 9.
Cockpit
The display LCD, similar to that of other Zero and Dualtron models, integrates the power button, mode button, and throttle control. The display features a speedometer, trip odometer, battery level, and “gear” display. The “gear” refers not to a physical gear setting, like in an automobile, but the speed controller mode. You can adjust how aggressive the Zero 8 is through the gear setting, at a cost of decreased range.
Learn more about Zero 8 P-Settings.
The rear drum brake is controlled with a left hand brake lever. The fairly wide handlebars, which fold for storage and transportation, allow for a very natural position and give the rider excellent stability and control over the scooter.
Additionally, the handlebar height is completely adjustable via the telescoping neck of the electric scooter.
Lights
The Zero 8 has a forward-facing fender and deck lights as well as rear (red) deck lights. The lights are decently bright, but their low position is not optimal for lighting up dark roads or being visible to other vehicles at a distance. For riding safely at night, consider additional lighting.
Read more about riding safely at night.
Tires
The Zero 8 features an 21.6-centimeter pneumatic (air-filled) front tire and solid (airless) rear tire. We would prefer dual pneumatic tires, due to the performance benefits.
Learn how to reduce your risk of flats or even repair them using tire slime.
Deck
The Zero 8 has 49.0-centimeters by 20.8-centimeters of usable deck space. The deck also has 13.2 centimeters of ground clearance. The deck-to-handlebar height is adjustable from 91.4-centimeters to 99.1-centimeters.
Warranty / Post-Purchase Support
The Zero 8 has a 6-month warranty.
Build quality
Zero has an excellent reputation for build quality and the Zero 8 is no different. The entire scooter is solid, even the adjustable and foldable joints.
Zero 8: Review Conclusions
The Zero 8 is the least expensive entry into the Zero line of electric scooters scooters. It is a well-rounded model with a powerful motor, deep battery capacity, and great range. The Zero 8 crushes its nearest Joyor electric scooter competitors, which have underpowered motors.
If the Zero isn’t the right scooter for you, see our alternative suggestions. You can also check out our Editor’s pick of best electric scooters.
Zero 8 Technical Specifications From Manufacturer
Note: This may differ from our tested specifications.
| Make | Zero |
| Model | 8 |
| Weight | 18 kg |
| Folded dimensions | 99 by 18 by 36 cm |
| Motor power, continuous | 500 W |
| Top speed | 35 kmh |
| Range | 40 km |
| Battery capacity | 624 Wh |
| Battery recharge time | 5 to 7 hrs |
| Max rider weight | 100 kg |
| Brake type | None + Drum |
| Tire type | 21.6 cm Pneumatic (Inner Tube) + Solid |
| Built-in lights | Front + Rear |
| Water resistance | None |
