Razor EcoSmart Cargo review: A clever 2-seater e-scooter, but with some problems
Razor is no latecomer to the micromobility world, having produced awesome scooters for over two decades now. Following on the heels of reviewing the brand’s fun-loving and nostalgic Razor Icon electric scooter, I’ve now gotten a chance to try my hand (and rear end) at a two-person seated electric scooter known as the Razor EcoSmart Cargo.
When I first covered the news of EcoSmart’s launch late last year, I was definitely excited.
A seated electric scooter that could carry two adults, zoom around at up to 20 mph (32 km/h), and do double duty as a utility scooter for cargo? All for just $1,099?! Sign me up! (And no, I’m not ignoring the fact that it’s kind of a scooter rip-off of homage to the RadRunner.)
Having fully tested the scooter now, though, I see that there are some serious downsides to this setup. The quirky little EV has some great selling points still, but I’m not sure this is the utility platform I’d choose for myself.
See what I mean in my video review below, then keep reading for complete specs and all of my thoughts on the EcoSmart Cargo.
Razor EcoSmart Cargo video review
Razor EcoSmart Cargo tech specs
- Motor: 1,000W chain-driving mid-motor
- Battery voltage: 48V
- Top speed: 20 mph (32 km/h)
- Range: Up to 16.6 miles (27 km)
- Weight: 76.5 lb (34.7 kg)
- Load capacity: 300 lb (136 kg)
- Brakes: Rear disc brake
- Wheels: 16″x3.0″ tires on spoked rims
- Extras: Front and rear LED lights, LED display with 5-speed settings, center kickstand, folding footpegs in rear, adjustable height seat, rear bench is replaceable with basket, underseat storage section, UL-listed battery
First, what did I like?
There are some really cool things about the Razor EcoSmart Cargo.
First of all, it’s a zippy little scooter. Despite the small size, you can easily cruise around at 20 mph (32 km/h) on this petite runabout. And since it’s got a long bench seat with rear footpegs, you can bring along a friend for the ride. The rear includes clear skirts that protect the pillion rider’s ankles or pant legs from coming in contact with the rear wheel.
Under that rear seat is a small storage compartment that is large enough to fit the charger and some tools, or perhaps your wallet and keys. And if you don’t want to bring a friend along for a ride, you can remove the rear seat and instead install the included cargo basket.
There’s a wide center kickstand to keep the Razor EcoSmart Cargo scooter nice and stable when it’s parked. There’s a pretty bamboo inlay found in the scooter’s deck. The fenders are standard equipment. There’s even a headlight and tail/light brake light. For barely over $1K, they give you a lot of stuff.
And it’s convenient too! The low seat height makes it perfect for shorter riders, and the ability to put your feet flat on the ground at stops makes it more confidence-inspiring for new riders.
Taller riders can raise the height of the seat, though it won’t be in line with the rear bench anymore. Or you can just scoot back on the bench to give yourself more legroom if you leave the front seat in the lowest position.
So there are some nice little features that get built into this rather unassuming e-scooter. And considering the price of just $1,099, that’s a pretty cool setup.
OK, so what are the problems?
Well, there are a few.
Let’s start with the Razor EcoSmart Cargo’s central motor. Despite proving to be a powerful and torquey setup with 1,000W of power, it sounds like a chain saw coming down the road. This is the loudest electric scooter motor I think I’ve ever heard. Check out my video above to hear what I mean.
The motor also doesn’t freewheel, which means that you can push the scooter forward just fine while walking next to it (due to the freewheel in the rear wheel), but you can’t push it backward without serious resistance from having to turn the motor while pushing the scooter in reverse.
That’s not a common occurrence, but each time I would want to maneuver the scooter while parking or any other time I just needed to push it backward a few feet, I found that you really have to put your back into it since you’re turning the motor and the wheels. You can push the scooter forward with one finger if you wanted to. But going backward requires a firm two-handed grip to pull it.
Next, let’s talk stopping power. While the scooter has good pickup from a peppy motor, the braking is very weak. I’ve ridden other e-bikes and scooters with just rear-wheel brakes, and they can stop just fine. So it’s not only that there’s a single brake. Instead, the brake just seems insufficient. Between the heavy weight of the scooter (75 pounds!) and the weak brake, I found that I would really have to plan ahead for my stops to make sure I didn’t overshoot a stop sign or red light. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t lock up the rear wheel. I’d pull the brake lever as hard as I possibly could and just kind of drag to a slow stop.
To be fair, after about a week or so, the brakes slightly improved as the discs started bedding in better. But they never got to a point that didn’t worry me. And having reviewed literally hundreds of two-wheelers with disc brakes, I can say without a doubt that these simply don’t cut it.
The steering also doesn’t turn as far as I would have liked, lock to lock. I’m not sure if that is supposed to be a safety feature (I’m guessing so), but it means that when moving the Razor EcoSmart Cargo around at low speed, you might have to do a couple more back-and-forth movements since you can’t turn the bars as far as you will want to. And since rolling backward is difficult (as described above), it makes the issue even more frustrating.
So then, what’s the verdict?
Look, I’m in an interesting position. As perhaps the most prolific reviewer of e-bikes and e-scooters on the internet, I’m a rare breed of being a professional rider of weird little EVs. I ride basically every day, sometimes all day. And so, while there were some faults with the Razor EcoSmart Cargo, I could ride it just fine and get by.
But this isn’t a scooter I’d put my mom on if that puts things into perspective. The weak brakes are a safety concern for me. The other issues, like motor noise and annoying maneuverability, are quality-of-life issues. They aren’t deal breakers, but they definitely go in the “con” column.
In its current state, I could ride this scooter, but I wouldn’t recommend it to most people, which is unfortunate because it’s such an awesome little platform with so much potential. Two small changes could totally fix this: a rear hub motor and a higher-quality disc brake. That’s it. Those two parts would solve most of the downsides I see here. And they’re both in Razor’s wheelhouse, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see an EcoSmart Cargo Version 2 at some point. In fact, I’d love to because I’m all in on seated electric scooters like these. It’s just that this one has a few issues that are hard for me to look past.
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The redesigned 2026 Genesis GV70 EV is arriving with significant discounts of up to $14,000. Genesis upgraded the luxury electric SUV with a longer driving range and a refined design, both inside and out. Here’s how you can score some savings.
Genesis introduces 2026 GV70 EV discounts
After launching the updated model in Korea earlier this year, the new GV70 EV is now arriving in the US. The new 2026 Genesis Electrified GV70 is an improvement in nearly every way compared to the outgoing model.
Like the gas-powered model, the EV version features a revamped design with a new Crest grille, a revised bumper, and MLA technology added to the Two-Tone headlights.
Inside, the GV70 EV has been “reborn” with more space and luxury. A new 27″ screen combines the infotainment and driver display, while the climate control now has a separate screen. Other premium features like the crystal electronic shift dial remain.
Powered by a larger 84 kWh battery, the new GV70 EV offers a driving range of up to 423 km (263 miles) in Korea, an increase from 400 km (249 miles) in the outgoing model with a 77.4 kWh battery.
Although US specs have yet to be announced, the 2026 model is expected to feature slightly more driving range than the current 236-mile EPA rating for the 2025 GV70. It’s expected to provide closer to 250 miles of range. It will also include an NACS port for charging at Tesla Superchargers.
According to a recent note sent to dealers viewed by CarsDirect, the 2026 Genesis GV70 EV is already available with discounts of up to $14,000 for a 24-month lease.
The savings vary by trim, with up to $3,500 in lease cash available on the Standard trim and up to $ 5,250 on the Advanced trim. Meanwhile, the range-topping Prestige trim features up to $14,000 in lease cash discounts.
Although the discount is significantly higher, the Prestige model also has a higher lease rate of 5.4% compared to 0.1% for the Advanced trim.
If you choose the 36-month loan, lease cash drops to just $500 for the Advanced and $3,250 for the Prestige. The base Standard trim offers no lease cash, but has a lease rate close to 0%. Other special finance rates include 5.99% APR for 60 months and 6.49% for 72-month loans.
The national lease offer is $679 for 36 months based on the Standard trim with an MSRP of $65,830. With $5,999 due at signing, the effective monthly cost is $845. The offer ends on April 30.
If you’re looking for a cheaper lease option, the upgraded 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 is one of the most affordable EV lease deals right now. It starts at just $199 for 24 months with $3,999 due at signing.
Ready to score some savings while they are still here? We can help you get started. You can use our links below to find deals on the Genesis GV70 EV and Hyundai IONIQ 5 in your area.
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The 2025 edition of the ACT Expo hasn’t even started yet, but there’s already at least one big takeaway wort talking about: the Tesla-fighting Windrose electric semi truck from China Belgium is not coming to America … it’s already here. And it’s already in customers’ hands.
The Chinese Belgian heavy truck manufacturer announced plans to build its R700 Class 8 electric truck in the US in a bid to sidestep the heavy tariffs and trade restrictions on imported HDEVs last year – and last week, the company delivered the first-ever all electric, long-haul sleeper truck to a US fleet customer.
The trucks are deployed by JoyRide Logistics, a Phoenix-based carrier and the first US regional trucking company to operate fully electric sleeper trucks on long (-ish) distance routes that include overnight drives. The initial rollout is happening in Arizona, California, and Nevada, with nationwide expansion already “in sight,” according to both companies.
“This isn’t just a prototype or promise-this is a fully operational, long-range electric truck that’s ready to haul freight today,” says Wen Han, founder and CEO of Windrose. “We’ve validated our technology globally and are proud to bring it to the US – one of the most important logistics markets in the world.”
Meeting the needs
JoyRide Logistics LLC partners with a number of its Fortune 500 customers, many of whom have public ESG goals and are actively working to reduce Scope 3 emissions. The integration of the Windrose R700 electric semis into their fleets is a targeted effort to help achieve their stated sustainability goals.
“Partnering with Windrose allows us to stay ahead-not just on sustainability, but on total operational performance,” said Adis Danan, President at JoyRide Logistics. “We’re talking fuel savings, reduced maintenance, and a future-ready fleet that our customers can get behind. We want to make electric logistics efficient, scalable-and cool.”
Windrose brought one of its all-electric R700 Class 8 trucks to this year’s ACT Expo, giving journalists and fleet buyers a chance to see the truck first hand. At last year’s show, Windrose impressed with a preproduction truck featuring what appeared to be a slick UI, well-finished interior, and solid construction.
The R700 packs a 729 kWh battery is reportedly good for about 420 miles of range on a single charge with a full, 49 ton GVW. The company has shown concepts (some renderings, some mules) in long-haul, severe duty, and dump body configurations.
Windrose is backed by HSBC, Citi, Fountainvest, GSR Ventures, HITE Hedge, Goodman Group, and other world-renowned investors, and has now worked with Decathlon, Remy Cointreau, Nestle Wyeth Nutrition, and many other top brands. Watch this space for more.
Electrek’s Take
In a bid to shake the “Chinese truck” stigmas in the west, Windrose has moved its corporate offices and is now based in Antwerp, Belgium – but it doesn’t matter if they say they’re based on Venus. The fact remains they have a capable, competent battery electric sleeper truck in the US and in customers’ hands right now … and they are absolutely full speed ahead.
SOURCE | IMAGES: Windrose; via Access Newswire, CleanTrucking.
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Toyota is preparing to launch two new electric vehicles in China by mid-2026. The flagship Toyota bZ7 and Lexus ES are part of Toyota’s effort to regain market share from domestic electric vehicle (EV) leaders like BYD. Here’s our first look at the sleek new electric cars.
Meet the new Toyota bZ7 and Lexus ES EVs
At Auto Shanghai 2025 last week, Toyota announced plans to expand its electric vehicle (EV) lineup in China. According to Toyota, China is a “highly advanced market that leads the way in electrification.”
To keep pace, Toyota unveiled its new flagship electric sedan, the bZ7. The new bZ7 was developed locally with Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC), Guangzhou Toyota Motor Co, and Intelligent ElectroMobility R&D Center by TOYOTA.
The bZ7 is over 5 meters long and will compete with the BYD Han L, Tesla Model S, BMW i5, and other premium EV models in China.
Toyota said the electric sedan will feature its “safe, reliable, and high-quality manufacturing” while infusing “China’s advanced tech.”
Although no other details were offered, Toyota said its new flagship EV will be equipped with the latest intelligent tech and is expected to launch within a year. The bZ7 will join the bZ4X, bZ3, bZ3X, and bZ5 in Toyota’s expanding EV lineup for China.
Toyota also unveiled the new Lexus ES at the event. The new model will be the first next-gen Lexus with EV and HEV powertrain options.
The eighth-gen ES is based on the LF-ZC concept, marking the beginning of the next generation of Lexus. The EV version will be available with FWD and AWD powertrain options, offering driving ranges of up to 685 km (425 miles) and 610 km (379 miles) on the CLTC cycle, respectively.
Inside, Lexus said the ES will debut with the world’s first Responsive Hidden Switches, which “seamlessly blends physical controls into the interior” for added convenience. It will also include a Lexus-first, Sensory Concierge, for a personalized in-car experience.
Lexus’ new electric sedan is 5,140 mm long, 1,920 mm wide, and 1,560 mm tall, approximately the same size as BYD’s Han L model (5,050 mm long, 1,960 mm wide, and 1,505 mm tall).
The ES is the second of three new Lexus electric vehicles set to debut by March 2026. It will follow the RZ and UX in the luxury brand’s EV lineup for China.
What are your thoughts on the new Toyota bZ7 and Lexus ES? Can they compete in China’s intensifying EV market? Let us know in the comments below.
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