MotoTec Groove

The MotoTec Groove is a big-wheel, sit-or-stand electric scooter with a simple goal: easy neighborhood rides. It blends a retro push-scooter look with a brushless hub motor, a wood deck, and balloon-style tires. And it suits casual riders who want stable, low-stress transport for short trips and campsite loops. It is not a high-speed machine, and it stays friendly to first-time riders.

What Is the MotoTec Groove?

The MotoTec Groove is a 36-volt, 350-watt hub-motor scooter with a steel frame and a long deck. The front tire measures 14 inches, and the rear tire measures 12.5 inches, both air-filled. And because the motor sits in the rear wheel, the drive system stays quiet and low-maintenance.

You get three selectable speed limits, a key switch, a battery meter, and a twist throttle. A single rear disc handles stopping. And the 36 V, 10 Ah lithium pack charges in four to six hours. The deck is wide enough for a natural stance, and the stem has a simple tiller layout.

So the package favors comfort and stability at modest speeds. It fits short commutes, paved paths, and campground cruising. And it keeps setup and upkeep simple for new riders.

How the MotoTec Groove Works

The Groove works like a simple electric bike without pedals. And the controls are easy to learn.

Motor. A 350 W brushless hub motor sits in the rear wheel. The brushless design cuts noise and wear, and it delivers smooth torque from zero. And torque arrives quickly at low speed, then flattens as you approach the limiter.

Controller. A compact controller manages current flow from the battery to the motor. It smooths starts and enforces the selected speed cap. So starts feel predictable, and the scooter does not surge.

Battery. The 36 V, 10 Ah lithium battery stores about 360 Wh. That capacity supports short to medium rides, then you plug it in for a top-off. And the battery meter gives a simple read on the remaining charge.

Throttle. A twist grip controls power. You roll on for more current and roll back to ease off. And it behaves like a moped grip, so most riders learn it in minutes.

Brakes. A mechanical rear disc supplies stopping force. Brake feel depends on cable tension and rotor condition. Keep the rotor clean and the cable set correctly, and you get firm, predictable bite at half-lever pull.

Key Specifications

Below are the headline facts that define the model. Figures reflect the maker’s published details and consistent retailer listings for size and weight. And where the maker does not list an item, it is marked accordingly.

Motor: 350 W brushless rear hub • Battery: 36 V 10 Ah (≈360 Wh) • Top speed: up to 15 mph (24 km/h) with three selectable caps near 8, 14, and 21 mph • Range: 12–18 miles (19–29 km) • Max rider weight: 220 lb (100 kg) • Charge time: 4–6 hours • Tires: 14×2.125 in front, 12.5×2.25 in rear • Rear disc brake • Steel frame • Wood deck.

General

Performance & Power

Battery, Charging & Electrical

Build & Dimensions

Safety & Control

Features & Extras

Warranty & Compliance

Note on speed figures: some literature shows three selectable speeds including 21 mph, but many listings cite a 15 mph top speed. So treat 15 mph (24 km/h) as the realistic cap for everyday use. And view the selectable “21 mph” value as an unconstrained or unloaded reading rather than a sustained road speed.

Design & Build Quality

The Groove looks like a classic kick scooter with a motor. The long stem keeps the bars high, and the 14-inch front tire helps roll over cracks and joints. And the smaller rear tire shortens the wheelbase and keeps the motor protected inside the hub.

The frame uses steel, so the chassis feels solid at low speed. Welds and joints are basic but serviceable. The deck is a flat piece of wood with a clear finish. It offers good grip with shoes that have firm soles. And the battery meter and key switch sit within easy reach near the cockpit, so you can check charge and lock the scooter without bending down.

Cable routing is simple. The rear brake cable runs along the frame and into the caliper. And the harness to the throttle and meter is tidy, so it stays out of the front tire’s path through a clean loop.

Fit-and-finish reflects the scooter’s price tier. Paint layers are even, and hardware is generic but easy to source. So the result is a simple machine that a home mechanic can service with common hex keys and a basic wrench set.

Performance Fundamentals

The MotoTec Groove favors smooth starts over raw thrust. Roll the throttle, and the scooter eases forward without a jerk. And that helps new riders learn balance. The first mode caps speed around walking pace plus, which suits crowded paths. The second mode feels like a brisk jog. And the third mode opens the controller and lets the motor breathe.

Stability is the star. The big front wheel filters small gaps and keeps the line calm at 10–12 mph (16–19 km/h). The smaller rear wheel follows without hopping. And stem flex stays light under normal loads. With a heavier rider, you may notice a small weave near the top of the limiter on rough pavement. So bend your elbows and keep a light grip, and the front end settles.

Hill behavior matches the power rating. On 7–8% neighborhood rises, the Groove slows but holds a steady crawl with a light to medium rider. On 10% grades, it needs a running start. So plan your route with rolling approaches rather than sharp climbs. Then take wider lines at the base of hills, and feed in throttle as the motor finds momentum.

Battery, Range & Efficiency

The 36 V, 10 Ah pack gives you a practical window of 12–18 miles (19–29 km) in mild weather. Lighter riders on flat paths land near the top of that range. Heavier riders or hilly neighborhoods land near the low end. And headwinds, low tire pressure, and frequent stops trim miles.

Charge time runs four to six hours from low. So an evening plug-in covers most daily use. If your rides are short, partial charges work fine. Lithium cells prefer shallow cycles over deep ones, especially in hot weather. And if you can, keep the pack between about 20% and 80% for everyday trips. Then give it a full charge before a longer loop.

Cold weather cuts range. At 5–10 °C (41–50 °F), expect a noticeable drop in delivered watt-hours. So plan shorter routes in winter and store the scooter indoors. Heat does the opposite for short rides but can stress cells over time. And shading the scooter during summer stops helps slow pack aging.

Ride Quality & Comfort

Air-filled tires are the Groove’s main comfort feature. The large front tire softens cracks, seams, and small patches of gravel. It also helps the scooter hold a line through shallow dips. The rear tire is smaller, so it sends a bit more feedback to the deck. And if you keep both tires inflated to the printed range on the sidewall, the ride stays stable and efficient. Low pressure adds drag and rim-strike risk. High pressure sharpens handling but can feel skittish on brick or tile.

There is no suspension. So the tire volume does the work. On smooth asphalt, the ride feels steady and calm. On broken concrete, slow down and let the front tire do its job. And because the deck is long, you can change stance and relieve pressure on your ankles. Tall riders can offset the rear foot slightly to open the hips and relax the back.

The cockpit is basic and readable. The twist grip is smooth, and the meter is easy to glance at while keeping eyes up. And because the stem height is fixed, you set comfort by hand placement rather than clamp adjustments.

Braking & Safety Features

A rear mechanical disc keeps the system simple. It needs periodic cable checks and a clean rotor. And when set right, the lever firms up after a short take-up and gives consistent bite. Most stops from neighborhood speeds take a short, straight line without drama. Wet rotors need a brief scrub to dry. So feather the lever before the main stop if you ride through puddles.

Lighting is not documented by the maker. So plan to ride in daylight or add lights rated for road use. Reflectors vary by retailer bundle and local rules. And because an IP rating is not published, you should avoid deep puddles and high-pressure sprays. Wipe the scooter after wet rides, and dry the brake rotor to prevent surface rust.

Portability & Daily Usability

At about 40 lb (18.1 kg), the Groove is carryable for short steps or a trunk lift. The long front wheel and tall stem make it awkward on stairs, so plan ramps where you can. And the shipping box is compact enough for most hatchbacks if you pick up in-store.

Storage is simple. Keep the scooter on a stand or lean it safely against a wall. Do not rest it on the rotor or throttle side. And park indoors when possible. Then lock the frame to a fixed object if you must leave it outside. A simple U-lock through the frame and rear wheel blocks easy grabs. Remove add-ons and keep the key separate from the scooter.

Daily tasks are light: check tire pressure each week, cable tension each month, and deck hardware each season. And if you keep a 5 mm hex key and a small torque wrench in your drawer, you will stay ahead of rattles.

Maintenance & Care

Weekly:

• Tire pressure check. Top off to the sidewall range.
• Visual scan for loose fasteners and cable rub.

Monthly:

• Brake test. If the lever pulls close to the bar, adjust cable tension.
• Rotor clean with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth.
• Lube the brake lever pivot with a tiny drop of light oil.

Seasonal:

• Hardware torque check on stem bolts, deck screws, and caliper mounts.
• Deep clean: wipe frame, deck, and wheels; inspect tire tread and sidewalls.
• Battery health: run one full cycle and note any sharp voltage sag at start.

Charge the scooter after rides rather than letting the pack sit empty. If you store it for weeks, leave it around half charge and top it once a month. And keep the charger in a cool, dry place, then avoid covering it while in use.

Weather & Seasonal Considerations

Light rain happens, but the model does not claim a water-ingress rating. So slow down on wet days and avoid standing water. Paint stripes and metal plates get slick. The big front tire helps, yet grip still falls on smooth surfaces. On cold mornings, ease into throttle and braking until the rubber warms.

Heat speeds battery drain at high speeds. So plan a calmer pace during midday rides, then enjoy longer range in the evening. In winter, store the scooter indoors and charge at room temperature. Do not charge a frozen battery. And let it reach room temp first.

MotoTec Groove vs Alternatives

The Groove fits a comfort-first niche. It is not a compact last-mile folder, and it is not a high-power hill climber. So it makes sense when your routes are flat to rolling, and your priority is a calm, stable feel.

• Versus commuter class: Commuter scooters in the same price band often roll on 8–10 inch tires and fold more tightly. Those models win on weight and daily carry. And the Groove answers with a bigger front tire, a longer deck, and a steadier line on rough patches.
• Versus performance class: Higher power scooters sprint faster and hold speed better on hills. They add dual brakes and heavier frames. And while those models pull harder, the Groove rides lighter, costs less to maintain, and asks less from a new rider. If you want more power in the MotoTec lineup, review the MotoTec 2000W 48V Electric Scooter.
• Versus off-road class: Off-road models add suspension, knobby tires, and a lot more mass. The Groove is paved-path friendly, easy to store, and quiet in a neighborhood. And it stays simple to service.

Pick the Groove if your daily loop is short, paved, and simple. Pick a commuter folder if you carry on transit. And pick more power if you need speed headroom on open roads.

Who the MotoTec Groove Is (and Isn’t) For

Great for:

• Short commutes at calm speeds.
• Students who want a steady, simple ride.
• Campers who need quiet loops around a site.
• Multi-modal riders who lift the scooter into a trunk rather than a train.

New to e-scooters? Read our beginner’s guide to choosing your first electric scooter to set expectations and safety habits.

Not ideal for:

• Riders who face long, steep hills.
• Anyone who wants strong braking at high speed.
• Daily transit users who need a tight fold and low weight.
• Night riders who need built-in lighting and a published water rating.

FAQs

1) Is the MotoTec Groove street legal where I live?
Local rules vary by city and state. Many areas allow low-speed scooters on bike paths and neighborhood streets. So check your local code for helmet and age rules.

2) What range can I expect in real life?
Plan on 12–15 miles (19–24 km) for an average rider on flat ground. Wind, hills, and low tire pressure can trim that number. And colder weather reduces range further.

3) How fast is it?
The maker lists three speed caps and a claimed top around 15 mph (24 km/h). The higher selector value near 21 mph is best seen as an unconstrained or unloaded reading, not a road speed. So treat 15 mph as the everyday figure.

4) Can I ride it in rain?
There is no published IP rating. Light splashes are common in real life, but you should avoid heavy rain and standing water. And dry the rotor after wet rides.

5) What does a “MotoTec Groove overview” include?
It covers the motor, battery, braking, range, size, and rider fit. And it clarifies what the scooter does well and where it has limits.

6) Does it have cruise control or an app?
No cruise control is listed, and the scooter does not ship with an app interface. So plan to set pace with the twist grip.

7) What is the warranty?
Many vehicle pages show short parts-replacement coverage in this class. So confirm coverage at purchase time and keep the receipt for service claims.

Glossary

Ah (amp-hour): A measure of battery capacity. Multiply by pack voltage to get watt-hours.

Wh (watt-hour): Total energy in the pack. A 36 V, 10 Ah battery stores about 360 Wh.

Brushless hub motor: A motor built into the wheel that uses electronic switching rather than brushes for commutation.

Controller: The module that meters current from the battery to the motor. It shapes throttle response and speed limits.

Regen: Short for regenerative braking. Not present here; the model uses a mechanical rear disc.

Stem flex: Small bend or wobble you feel in the steering column under load.

IP rating: Ingress Protection code for dust and water. This scooter does not publish one.

Grade: The steepness of a hill. A 10% grade rises 10 feet over 100 feet of run.

Disc brake: A brake that squeezes pads against a metal rotor for stopping force.

Torque: The turning force that gets you moving from a stop.

Speed limiter: A controller feature that caps top speed for safety and range.

UL2272: A safety standard covering electrical systems on personal e-mobility devices.

Sidewall pressure: The pressure range printed on the tire casing. It sets safe inflation limits.

Cable stretch: The slight lengthening of brake cable over time that softens lever feel.

Wattage rating: The nominal power the motor can deliver without overheating in standard use.

Specifications

Price Comparison

Price History