Right then, let me paint you a picture. It’s a drizzly Saturday morning in the Cotswolds. I’m standing in a field, staring at what can only be described as the lovechild of a mountain goat and a Tesla. Before me sits the Edge Scooter I-X5 — an all-terrain 4×4 off-road scooter with a seat — and I am, to put it mildly, absolutely buzzing.
You see, I’ve ridden my fair share of electric scooters. The dinky little fold-up ones that struggle with a speed bump. The middling ones that claim to be “off-road” but whimper at the sight of a gravel path. But this? This is something else entirely. This is the I-X5, and it’s about to completely redefine what I thought an electric off-road machine could do.
The First Impression: “Blimey, That’s Proper”
The chap handing me the keys — let’s call him Dave, because he looked like a Dave — grins at me and says, “Don’t let the word ‘scooter’ fool you, mate.” And he’s spot on. The I-X5 is a beast. We’re talking dimensions of 1,700mm long, 1,010mm wide, and 1,400mm tall. It weighs in at 205 kilograms, which is roughly the same as a particularly well-fed labrador… multiplied by about four. But here’s the thing: despite its heft, there’s an elegance to it. The steel-aluminium hybrid frame looks like it means business, and those 21-inch ATV off-road tyres? They look like they could climb a small house without breaking a sweat.
I run my hand along the adjustable aluminium handlebars, peer at the waterproof smart LCD display, and notice the rather nifty telescoping seat mechanism. “You can stand or sit,” Dave explains. “Or start standing and sit when your legs give out.” I laugh, but I’m already mentally planning to test both modes. Because why wouldn’t you?
The Powertrain: Four Motors, Zero Compromise
Now, let’s talk about what’s actually propelling this machine, because this is where the I-X5 goes from “impressive” to “absolutely bonkers.” Underneath that rugged exterior lies a quad-motor setup — that’s four independent brushless DC hub motors, one in each wheel. Each motor is rated at 1,500 watts, giving a combined output of 6,000 watts. But here’s the kicker: peak power hits a staggering 10,000 watts. Ten. Thousand. Watts.
I remember standing there, doing the maths in my head. That’s enough power to make a small kettle jealous. And because each wheel has its own motor, there’s no need for complicated differentials or drive chains. The power goes straight to the ground. The vector controller — a 60V 160A self-developed unit with dual-control smart technology — coordinates everything seamlessly. It’s like having a tiny, very clever conductor orchestrating a symphony of torque.
Dave shows me the drive mode switch. “2WD for cruising, 4WD for when things get spicy.” I like spicy. I select 4WD.
The Battery: Charge Overnight, Play All Day
Before I even swing a leg over, I need to know about range. We’ve all been there — the dreaded range anxiety. But the I-X5 puts my mind at ease with its 60V lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) battery system. Depending on which capacity you choose — 50Ah, 60Ah, 70Ah, or the premium 80Ah — you’re looking at anywhere from 65 to 100 kilometres of range on a single charge.
“LiFePO₄,” Dave says, noticing me squinting at the spec sheet. “Same chemistry as high-end electric cars. Safer, lasts longer, handles temperature better.” He’s not wrong. We’re talking 2,000 to 3,000 charge cycles before any real capacity loss. If you ride every weekend, that’s years of adventures before you even think about battery replacement.
Charging is dead simple: plug it into a standard wall socket, go to bed, wake up to a full battery 8 to 10 hours later. No petrol stations. No jerry cans. No spilling fuel on your wellies. Just pure, clean electricity. I did a quick calculation later — running costs work out to roughly £2 to £3 per 100 miles. Compare that to a petrol quad bike, and you’re saving enough over a year to fund a rather nice holiday in the Lake District.
Mode One: Standing Tall
Right, let’s actually ride this thing. I start in standing mode because, frankly, it looks more fun. I remove the seat — it detaches easily — adjust the telescoping handlebar to my height, and thumb the throttle.
The first thing that hits me is the instant torque. There is no lag. No revving. No waiting for an engine to find its sweet spot. Just immediate, linear acceleration that pushes me back slightly. The I-X5 surges forward on the grassy field, and I’m grinning like a child who’s just been given the keys to a sweet shop.
Standing up gives me a brilliant vantage point. I can shift my body weight naturally — leaning forward on climbs, back on descents, side to side through turns. It feels more like snowboarding or surfing than operating a machine. The four-wheel independent suspension — front and rear swing arms with progressive damping — soaks up every bump, rut, and rabbit hole. I hit a section of rutted track at speed, and instead of being rattled to pieces, I glide over it. The 21-inch tubeless tyres grip the earth like they’re personally offended by the concept of slipping.
I toggle between 2WD and 4WD mid-ride. In 2WD, the I-X5 feels nimble, almost playful. In 4WD? It’s unstoppable. I point it at a 35-degree grassy incline that I’d struggle to walk up in trainers, and it climbs it without a hint of wheelspin. The motors just… pull. Effortlessly. It’s genuinely mind-boggling.
Mode Two: Taking a Seat
After twenty minutes of standing, my calves remind me that I’m not as fit as I used to be. Time to attach the seat. It’s a doddle — pole telescoping mechanism, clicks into place, adjustable for height. I settle in, and suddenly the I-X5 transforms from an adrenaline machine into a comfortable cruiser.
The seated position is perfect for longer jaunts. The padded seat is genuinely comfortable, and there’s a 40 to 45-litre lockable storage box behind it. I can easily see myself loading this up with a picnic, a thermos of tea, and a good book, then heading off to find a quiet spot in the woods. The handlebars telescope down to suit the seated position, and the whole thing feels surprisingly ergonomic.
I cruise along a woodland trail, the automatic transmission doing all the hard work. D for forward, R for reverse, P for park. Simple. No clutch, no gears to grind, no stalling. Just twist and go. I even try the reverse function when I reach a dead end, and it backs up smoothly, the LCD display showing me exactly what’s going on.
The Silence: Nature’s Volume Control Turned Up
Here’s something I wasn’t prepared for: the silence. I’ve ridden petrol quads before, and they’re brilliant fun, but they’re also LOUD. You can’t hear yourself think, let alone the birds singing or the stream babbling. The I-X5, operating at around 65 decibels — quieter than a normal conversation — changes everything.
As I roll along a riverside path, I can hear the water, the wind in the trees, a woodpecker somewhere in the distance. I pass a deer that doesn’t even flinch. It just looks up, mildly curious, and carries on grazing. Try doing that on a two-stroke engine without sending every living creature within a five-mile radius into a panic.
One reviewer I read later described it perfectly: “I didn’t realise how much the engine noise was ruining the experience until it was gone.” And honestly? They nailed it. Off-roading in near-silence is almost meditative. You feel connected to the landscape in a way that a petrol engine simply doesn’t allow.
Braking and Safety: Stopping Power You Can Trust
Let’s talk about stopping, because hurtling through the countryside on a 205-kilogram machine does focus the mind somewhat. The I-X5 uses mechanical oil hydraulic brakes front and rear. Not cable-operated. Not regenerative-only. Proper hydraulic discs that deliver consistent, predictable stopping power regardless of temperature or conditions.
I test them on a steep, muddy descent. The brakes bite smoothly and progressively. There’s no grabby-ness, no uncertainty. Just confident deceleration that lets me control my speed precisely. Paired with that four-wheel-drive grip, I feel genuinely safe. The BMS (Battery Management System) is constantly monitoring everything in the background — cell voltage, temperature, current — so the electrical side is as protected as the rider.
Real-World Applications: More Than Just a Toy
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “This sounds like a brilliant toy, but what’s it actually for?” Fair question. After spending a full day with the I-X5, I can tell you it’s far more versatile than you’d expect.
For the weekend warrior, it’s pure, unadulterated fun. Sand dunes, rocky trails, snowy fields, steep inclines — the I-X5 devours them all. The 55 km/h top speed is thrilling without being terrifying, and because it’s electric, you can ride in noise-restricted areas where petrol ATVs are banned.
For the angler, it’s a dream. Load up your rods, tackle, and cool box, and ride right to that remote lake. The silent motor won’t spook the fish, and the waterproof electrical systems handle splashes without drama.
For the farmer or landowner, it’s a practical workhorse. That 300 kg load capacity is no joke. You can attach front and rear tool racks, add a trailer hitch for small trailers, and use it for everything from checking fences to transporting feed. One chap I spoke to uses his for patrolling his 50-acre property, and he reckons it’s saved him hundreds in fuel costs alone.
For the hunter, the stealth factor is invaluable. You can approach your ground without disturbing wildlife, and the LED lighting system supports those early-morning or dusk outings.
For anyone with mobility considerations, the four-wheel stability and seated option opens up outdoor exploration in a way that two-wheeled machines simply can’t.
Maintenance: The Joy of Doing Very Little
Here’s another revelation: the I-X5 basically looks after itself. No oil changes. No spark plugs. No air filters to clean or replace. No fuel system to gum up. The only real upkeep is checking tyre pressure, inspecting the brakes occasionally, and keeping the battery charged.
I spent more time maintaining my pushbike last month than you’d spend on this in six months. The sealed hub motors shrug off dust, mud, and water. The LiFePO₄ battery is rated for 2,000 to 3,000 cycles. The frame is built from high-strength steel and aluminium alloy. This thing is designed to last.
The Practical Bits: Transport and Storage
When the fun’s over, the I-X5 is surprisingly manageable. Remove the seat, collapse the handlebar using that clever variable-direction vertical stem, and it fits in a standard truck bed or trailer. Try doing that with a 270-kilogram petrol quad without a winch, a ramp, and a small prayer. The packaging dimensions are 1,600 × 950 × 600 mm, so it’ll tuck into most garages without dominating the entire space.
The Verdict: A Grin You Can’t Wipe Off
As the sun begins to dip below the Cotswold hills and I reluctantly hand the keys back to Dave, I realise something: I’m genuinely sad to see it go. The Edge Scooter I-X5 isn’t just an all-terrain 4×4 off-road scooter with a seat. It’s a gateway to a different kind of outdoor experience. One that’s powerful yet peaceful. Capable yet clean. Thrilling yet thoughtful.
It challenges every preconception I had about electric off-road vehicles. Yes, it’s quiet. Yes, it’s eco-friendly. But it’s also brutally capable, surprisingly practical, and an absolute hoot to ride. Whether you’re standing up and carving through trails like you’re on a snowboard, or sitting back and cruising to your favourite fishing spot with a flask of tea, the I-X5 delivers.
At the end of the day, adventure shouldn’t come with a side of guilt. It shouldn’t require earplugs, a petrol can, and a degree in small-engine mechanics. It should be simple, accessible, and above all, fun. The I-X5 gets that. It gets it in spades.
So if you’re in the market for something that can handle whatever you throw at it — mud, sand, rocks, hills, or just the daily trudge across your property — do yourself a favour. Give the Edge Scooter I-X5 a go. Just don’t blame me when you find yourself making excuses to pop out to the shed at 7 a.m. on a Sunday for “just a quick ride.”
Because trust me, there is no such thing as a quick ride on this thing. And that’s absolutely brilliant.
