This Varla Pegasus electric scooter review is crafted through the meticulous analysis of insights gathered from several industry experts.
We’ve delved into comprehensive reviews by seasoned riders and tech enthusiasts to bring you a more rounded, authentic perspective. Our approach is unique: rather than solely relying on personal experiences, we’ve amalgamated the viewpoints of various professionals, ensuring our review resonates with a blend of expert observations.
This method allows us to step beyond the confines of individual experience, offering you a review enriched with diverse opinions and technical evaluations.
So, let’s dive into the world of the Varla Pegasus, exploring its strengths, potential improvements, and where it stands in the ever-evolving market of electric scooters.
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Varla Pegasus Review
Motor: 2x500W |Top Speed: 28 mph |Battery: 15.6 Ah (749 Wh) |Max Range: 28 miles
Pros and Cons of Varla Pegasus
Varla Pegasus Performance
Motor and Speed
The Pegasus has a 500W motor on both wheels. The dual motor can provide 1600W at its peak power output and is powered by speed controllers (2x20A) that always maintain optimal performance.
The motors enable the scooter to reach 28MPH speeds and provide 25Nm or torque, allowing it to climb 25-degree slopes easily.
Real Life Evaluation
Tech4All highlights the scooter’s top speed of around 45 kilometers per hour (approximately 28 miles per hour), a claim supported by real-world testing. This speed positions the Pegasus as a formidable choice for urban commuting and leisure rides.
Jeremiah McIntosh’s review of the updated Pegasus with nine-inch tubeless tires reaffirms this, mentioning a comfortable top speed of 28 miles per hour. He notes, “right on the money with that,” confirming the manufacturer’s speed claims.
MrHtech’s review sheds light on the Pegasus’s acceleration, describing it as responsive, especially in dual motor mode. “The acceleration might be something that you’re like ‘whoa'”, he explains, indicating the scooter’s brisk response. This aspect is particularly appealing for those who favor a lively ride, though it requires a level of caution for new riders.
Tech4All also touches on the versatility of the Pegasus, noting its ability to switch between single and dual motor modes. This feature is not just about power but also about adaptability, allowing the rider to toggle between a more conservative, battery-saving single-motor mode and the full-throttle dual motor setup.
748WH Battery
The Pegasus has a 48V/15.6Ah lithium-ion battery and on paper it can power the scooter for 28 miles.
MrHtech offers a personal testament to the range, noting his experience based on his weight (around 240-250 pounds).
He remarks that achieving 15-20 kilometers on a single charge is satisfactory for him, highlighting the impact of rider weight on range. His experience provides valuable insight into how the scooter performs under the weight stress of a heavier rider.
Jeremiah McIntosh’s experience with the updated Pegasus emphasizes the real-world application of the scooter’s battery.
He points out that while the Pegasus’s range is influenced by terrain and riding style, its performance is reliable. He suggests that the scooter’s range is more than adequate for city commuting, which is less demanding on the battery compared to off-road or uphill riding.
Dual Brakes
Varla Pegasus has dual brakes that provide safe, smooth, and sudden braking. The dual discs offer better heat dissipation making them last longer and have better braking performance.
The brakes provide high-end braking performance, allowing riders to stop quickly and safely, especially when riding in traffic or during emergencies.
Tech4All commends the effectiveness of the dual disc braking system, despite the absence of brand engravement, which initially raised questions about their quality.
The brakes are described as “really decent,” and the reviewer notes the ease of replacing pads, suggesting good maintenance potential.
However, he mentions a slight jingling noise from the brakes, which, while not impacting functionality, could be a minor annoyance.
MrHtech shares a similar sentiment on the braking system. He emphasizes the brakes’ effectiveness, noting they are not hydraulic but still perform well.
This observation is particularly important considering the scooter’s weight (30 kilos or over 60 pounds) and the speeds it can achieve. He also discusses the need for periodic adjustments, a common maintenance aspect for mechanical brakes.
Varla Pegasus Features
Deck and Frame
The Pegasus has a 6.7-inch deck which is wide and provides enough room for riders to stand with both feet side by side. Additionally, it has rear and front fenders that protect riders from mud, water, and debris when riding in rainy conditions.
The Pegasus is a good scooter with dual suspension and a magnesium+aluminum alloy frame. The scooter has a 280-pound maximum payload capacity with a silicon deck pad material and is recommended for riders between 4’1” and 6’7”.
MrHtech emphasizes that the deck is not excessively wide, striking a balance between comfort and transportability. This aspect is particularly important for city commuters who might need to carry or store the scooter in compact spaces.
Dual Suspensions
The Pegasus has front and rear suspension that absorbs any discomfort caused when riding on rough and bumpy surfaces.
However, you’ll notice that the Pegasus has a stiff suspension. It means the scooter’s suspension is perfect for aggressive riders who prefer doing stunts, hard stops and starts.
Tech4All provides valuable insights into the suspension system of the Pegasus. He particularly emphasizes the active suspension’s role in compensating for the solid tires, which are typically less forgiving than inflatable ones.
The presence of both front and rear suspension is praised, as it significantly enhances ride comfort.
MrHtech’s review corroborates these findings. He notes that the suspension system comes in handy over bumps, providing tangible benefits in ride quality.
His emphasis on the effectiveness of both the front and rear suspension indicates that the system is well-tuned for the scooter’s design and intended use.
Updated Model Improvements
Jeremiah McIntosh’s review of the updated Pegasus with nine-inch tubeless tires sheds light on further improvements.
He mentions that the suspension feels slightly smoother, even though it appears visually similar to the previous model.
This improvement could be attributed to the synergy between the larger, air-filled tubeless tires and the existing suspension system, creating a more comfortable riding experience overall.
Handlebar and Display
The cockpit of the Pegasus has a good view and is equipped with a super bright, 4.6” smart LCD display.
The easy-to-read display works great even in the sun and shows vital information you need to see, including the range, remaining battery, and speed.
The scooter has a thumb throttle, allowing you to accelerate by quickly pushing the accelerator with your thumb and two brake levers that activate the scooter’s brakes.
Also, the scooter has good cable management, making it look decent and manageable during transportation.
Wheels and Tires
While the original Pegasus has 8-inch solid tires, the new version has pneumatic 9” tires that provide better ride quality when offroading.
The tires are cushier and have more treads, providing a better experience on rough surfaces. Especially when combined with the scooter’s rear and front springs, which add more shock absorption capabilities.
Varla designed the original Pegasus for on-road riding, which is why they incorporated solid tires designed for riding on smooth surfaces.
Whereas you can use the newer Pegasus on and off-road, you should remember that its tires are less durable and can get punctured by sharp objects.
Varla states that the Pegasus’ pneumatic tires are of better quality and are designed with a grooved surface that provides a better grip.
Additionally, they also say the tires are pressure and abrasion-resistant, durable, and lightweight.
Which Tires to Choose?
You could choose the original version with solid tires if you plan to use your scooter on relatively flat and smooth surfaces or for daily commutes and don’t want to worry about flats.
You should opt for the newer version if you have some off-roading and dirt-riding adventures in mind. Remember, both options are available.
My own choice would be the new 9-inch pneumatic tires. Although my commutes are on smooth roads, there are always some bumps on the road. So pneumatic tires it is.
Lights
The Pegasus has dual LED lights (taillight and headlight), perfect for illuminating your way and reminding others of your presence, especially at night.
The scooter has bright headlights that will help you see the road more clearly when commuting at night, but you should test the light to see whether it’s bright enough and screwed on well.
It also has a taillight that lights up (red) to remind other vehicles of your position and keep you safe.
MrHtech finds the front light not “super bright,” but he acknowledges that it is capable enough to light up the road ahead. This observation points to a functional lighting system for basic visibility needs.
Portability
The Pegasus has an upgraded stem lock, allowing you to fold and unfold the stem in three simple steps. However, the latch can be difficult for some people to open even when adjusted unless they have strong hands.
The scooter has a stem latch at the rear that you can lift with the stem down. However, we advise you to refrain from lifting it this way because it tends to fail after a few uses, even though you get a spare ring.
However, it still comes in handy, and you can use it to secure the stem and keep it from moving from side to side.
MrHtech delves deeper into the portability aspect, discussing the scooter’s folding mechanism. He acknowledges that while the Pegasus is designed as a city commuter, its significant weight (over 60 pounds) makes it less ideal for frequent carrying.
However, he notes that the folding mechanism is efficient and becomes easier to use over time, which is beneficial for transporting the scooter in a vehicle or storing it at home or the office.
Varla Pegasus Review Conclusions
In synthesizing the insights from Tech4All, MrHtech, and Jeremiah McIntosh, the Varla Pegasus emerges as a scooter with a strong character, balancing robust performance with a few trade-offs.
Its dual motor setup delivers impressive power and speed, suitable for both thrill-seekers and practical commuters. The suspension system and updated tire options notably enhance ride comfort, addressing earlier concerns with the original model.
The battery life and range are commendable, fitting the needs of urban commuters. The braking system, while not top-tier in terms of technology, is reliable and effective for the scooter’s power and speed.
While it may not tick every box for every rider, its strengths in performance, comfort, and design make it a worthy contender in the growing e-scooter market.
Read also: Overview of All Varla Electric Scooters
Varla Pegasus Specs
| Motor | 2x500W Dual Motors |
| Top Speed | 28 mph |
| Battery | 48V 15.6Ah (749 Wh) |
| Max Range | 28 miles |
| Recharge Time | 7-8 Hours |
| Brakes | Mechanical Discs |
| Suspension | Dual Shock Absorption |
| Weight | 66 lbs (30 kg) |
| Weight Capacity | 280 lbs |
| Tires | 8″ Solid/9″ Pneumatic |
| Lights | Front and Rear LED |
| Hill Grade | 25 degrees |
| Dimensions | 50.4″ x 20.9″ x 50.4″ |
| Folded Dimensions | 50.4″ x 20.9″ x 20.5″ |
| IP Rating | N/A |
| Display | LED |
The founder and the editor-in-chief of the Electric Wheelers blog. With a previous background in IT, sales, and video editing, he has now established himself as a micromobility expert.
He bought his first e-scooter over 5 years ago and since then has owned dozens of e-scooters and e-bikes. His deep understanding of the technical aspects, coupled with a keen eye for market trends, enables him to provide insightful and reliable content.
His commitment to promoting sustainable and efficient urban mobility solutions has made him a respected voice in the community of eco-friendly transportation enthusiasts.
