MotoTec Mad

The MotoTec Mad is a fat-tire electric scooter with a steel frame, a seat, and a wide bamboo deck. It rides steady, it brakes hard when you need it, and it keeps the controls simple. It fits short urban trips, campus errands, and relaxed weekend loops on smooth streets. And the tall bar plus roomy stance make it friendly for bigger riders too.

What Is the MotoTec Mad?

Think mini-bike posture with stand-up scooter handling. You ride on a wide, skate-style bamboo board that sits on a tough steel chassis. A 48-volt power system feeds a 1600-watt motor through a chain. Front and rear disc brakes handle the stopping. A single front shock and twin rear shocks take the edge off bumps. Then a fold joint lets the stem drop for storage in a trunk or closet.

Top speed lands in the mid-20s mph, which is faster than most budget commuters. The 1600-watt trim sits at the top of the Mad line, so it feels punchy at low speed and calm at city pace. Range lives in the short-to-medium band and shifts with rider weight, hills, wind, and temperature. The pack uses sealed lead-acid bricks, so charge habits and storage matter more than with lithium.

How the MotoTec Mad Works

A battery, a controller, and a motor do the heavy lifting. Picture the battery as fuel, the controller as the metering brain, and the motor as the engine.

• Motor: The system runs at 48 V and delivers 1600 W. The catalog language can read like “hub,” yet the final drive is a chain, and the maintenance routine treats it that way. So plan on chain care. The feel is crisp when you roll on the throttle, and service stays simple with basic tools.
• Controller: A matched 48 V controller sends current to the motor as you twist the throttle. It meters power in small steps, so starts feel smooth and repeatable.
• Battery: Four 12 V, 12 Ah sealed lead-acid batteries sit in series for 48 V total. That gives roughly 576 Wh of energy. So the scooter feels strongest right after a full charge and softens near empty.
• Throttle and brakes: A twist grip on the right runs the drive. Two levers run the mechanical discs. The layout mirrors a bicycle, so the learning curve is short.
• Lights and horn: Dual headlights and a horn ship in the box. Use both in daylight traffic. You will get noticed more often.

Key Specifications

The table below groups the core specifications you need for daily use and setup.

General

Performance & Power

Battery, Charging & Electrical

Build & Dimensions (include folded)

Safety & Control

Features & Extras

Warranty & Compliance

Design & Build Quality

At first glance, the Mad looks like a mini-bike. The frame uses thick tubes and plates that feel stout in the hands. Welds favor function over flash, which fits the point of this scooter. The bamboo deck spans the full width between the tires. So you can plant both feet forward for a relaxed stance at speed. Grip tape is coarse and holds shoes well in dry conditions.

The cockpit stays simple and familiar. A twist throttle sits on the right. Two brake levers mirror a bicycle. A key switch sits near the bar. The handlebar raises and lowers, and you can tweak the angle at the clamp. The seat frame bolts into the deck tray. You can remove it in a few minutes if you prefer stand-up rides. Then the stem folds down with a front clamp and knob to cut height for storage.

Fit and finish target daily use more than showroom shine. Cables run cleanly along the stem and frame with clips. The deck bolts to a steel tray, so you can reach the battery bay with hand tools. The whole thing feels planted, and it stays composed on clean pavement.

Performance Fundamentals

The MotoTec Mad steps off with a strong pull. So it clears stop signs without drama, and it merges into bike-lane traffic with a short twist. The fat rear tire adds contact patch. That helps straight-line traction on dry streets. Then the chain drive gives a direct, mechanical feel when you roll into the throttle.

Cruising feels calm at city pace. The wide tires and wheelbase damp little shakes that bother narrow-tire commuters. The single front shock trims the bite from seams and joints. The twin rear shocks help the back tire track across patched asphalt. You still need to pick lines on broken streets. The chassis sits low, and square-edged holes still hit hard if you miss them.

What about hills? Short climbs in the 7–10% range pass without fuss on a fresh charge, and lighter riders keep more speed. Long grades ask for patience. Lead-acid chemistry sags under heavy draw, so the pull fades late in the pack. Plan your route with gentle grades if you are cutting it close on range, and keep speed steady rather than spiking the throttle.

Battery, Range & Efficiency

The pack uses four 12 V, 12 Ah sealed lead-acid bricks in series. That works out to 576 Wh of stored energy. On flat ground in warm weather with a light rider, you can reach the top of the rated band. In cold weather or headwinds, the number drops. So expect a mid-teens mile day in mixed city use, then add a buffer.

Charging takes 4–8 hours. Overnight top-ups fit most routines, and this chemistry likes frequent charges. Plug in after rides, and avoid deep drains. Keep the scooter in the shade while charging on hot days. That small habit gives the pack an easier life. And keep the charge port cap clean, since grit there can cause weird cut-outs.

Pressure and load change miles too. Keep tire pressure inside the sidewall range and check it weekly. Plus, remove the seat and bags when you do not need them. Ride at a steady pace, and roll on the throttle instead of snapping it open. For example, a gentle launch across a week can save you a few miles of energy.

Ride Quality & Comfort

The 135/65-8 street tires feel planted. The wide contact patch holds a line across tar snakes and patched asphalt. Grip stays predictable on clean, dry streets. At or near the marked pressure, the sidewalls resist pinch flats on potholes. They still pass small vibrations to the deck. So the shocks matter.

The front shock takes the sting off sharp seams and alley lips. The twin rear shocks soften bumps that would toss a rigid deck. Large holes still come through. So pick a clean path and bend your knees on rough blocks. The tall stem can show a touch of flex for heavier riders at the highest height setting under hard braking. Drop one notch if you want the tightest bar feel.

The bamboo deck earns real points for size. You can stand shoulder-width with toes forward. That reduces foot fatigue on longer blocks. It also lets you shift weight more naturally while braking, since you can brace over the front wheel.

Braking & Safety Features

Twin mechanical discs bring firm, linear bite. Start with the rear lever to settle the chassis, and squeeze the front as you straighten the bars. Practice hard stops in a dry, empty lot. You will feel the point just before lockup. Then you will know exactly how the levers respond when a car backs out of a driveway.

Lights help even in daylight. Keep the headlights on in bright sun. Drivers notice the flicker at intersections. The horn is there for close calls at parking-lot speeds. The scooter lists no formal IP rating, and the manual advises no rain or snow use. So keep rides dry, and wipe the bike down if it picks up splash or winter street salt.

Portability & Daily Usability

At 106 lb (48 kg), the MotoTec Mad is heavy. Carrying it up stairs is not fun. The fold helps with trunk loading and hallway storage. The stem drops to 22.4 in (570 mm) in folded height. Length stays 52 in (1320 mm), so you still need floor space. The box ships near 150 lb, which is a two-person lift for most people.

Daily habits make life easier. Roll into elevators instead of carrying. Park on level ground and stow the stand before moving. For security, pair a heavy U-lock on the frame with a stout chain through the rear wheel. Avoid locking only the deck. The bamboo board will not stop a saw. Tie off to steel whenever you can, and pick a bright, busy spot.

Maintenance & Care

After each ride

• Wipe the frame and deck, then check for loose bolts.
• Spin wheels and listen for rotor rub.
• Check tire pressure and scan the tread for cuts.
• Top off the battery while it is still warm from the ride.

Weekly

• Inspect the chain for slack and grit.
• Clean and lube the chain, then wipe off the extra.
• Check visible fasteners on the stem clamp, deck tray, and seat frame.
• Spin both wheels and listen for bearing noise.

Monthly

• Check pad wear and rotor surface.
• Snug the stem clamp bolts and fold-knob hardware.
• Inspect shock mounts for play.
• Look for cable rub or pinch points near the fold joint.

Battery storage

• Store fully charged in a cool, dry space.
• Top up every 2–4 weeks while parked.
• Avoid deep discharges.
• Unplug the charger when the cycle completes.

Chain tensioning

Chain care is part of normal service. Keep slack inside the spec band, and recheck after the first few rides on a fresh chain. A snug chain reduces lash when you roll into the throttle. It also cuts rattle at cruise. If you hear clatter at the rear sprocket, stop, then measure slack before the next ride.

Weather & Seasonal Considerations

Ride dry. Water lengthens stopping distances, and wet grit chews on chains and rotors. So keep the scooter out of rain, and dry the chain before storage. If you get caught in a splash, wipe down the frame and deck, and clear the brake rotors with a clean rag.

Cold weather trims range. Voltage sags earlier and grease thickens. Plan shorter rides and charge sooner. Heat brings a different set of problems. Give the charger some airflow, park out of direct sun, and let the scooter cool before charging after a long, hot run.

MotoTec Mad vs Alternatives

Versus slim commuters
The Mad wins on deck space, tire width, and a planted feel. It loses on weight and stairs. It also trades range per pound for stability and a steel frame. So it fits ground-level storage and short trips.

Versus mid-power lithium scooters
The Mad brings a simple drive, thick steel, and big tires. Many lithium models charge faster and weigh less. Those scooters often add flashy displays and phone apps. They also raise price and complexity. Pick your priority first, then match the scooter to your route. If you want a lighter commuter with a lithium pack and a calm ride, check the NIU KQi-200P.

Versus off-road trail rigs
The Mad likes smooth pavement and hardpack. The street profile tires reward clean lines and steady speed. True trail rigs add knobby tires, more ground clearance, and stronger hydraulic brakes. They climb loose hills and descend sketchy sections better.

Inside the MotoTec family
The Raven runs a lithium pack and higher system voltage, so it pulls harder and ranges longer. The MotoTec Mad leans into value and a tough steel build. Pick the Mad if your rides are short and you want wide-tire stability with simple service. For a simpler stand-up option from the same brand, see the MotoTec Metro. It keeps the stand-up vibe with a straightforward setup.

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

Great for

• Urban riders who want a planted stance and wide tires.
• Students with ground-level storage or elevator access.
• Short daily commutes under 8 miles round trip.
• Taller riders who need bar height and a roomy deck.
• Owners who like basic tools and DIY service.

Not ideal for

• Walk-ups with many stairs.
• Rainy climates where wet rides are common.
• Long, daily runs that call for fast lithium charging.
• Riders who carry a scooter on buses often.

FAQs

How fast does it go?
Top speed sits at 25+ mph on the 1600-watt trim, which puts it in the mid-speed city class.

What range should I expect day to day?
Plan for mid-teens miles in mixed city use. In warm weather on flat ground, light riders reach the top of the rated band.

Can I ride it in the rain?
No. There is no listed IP rating, and the guidance says no rain or snow use. Keep rides dry.

What does this MotoTec Mad overview cover?
You get core specs, design notes, ride feel, care tips, and a plain comparison to nearby classes.

Is the motor a hub or chain drive?
Treat it as a chain-driven setup. The maintenance routine covers chain service, and the final drive listing is chain.

What is the weight limit?
The rating shows 310 lb. Heavier riders should expect shorter range and slower hill starts.

What is the warranty?
The coverage lists 60-day parts replacement for this model.

Glossary

• Ah (amp-hours): Capacity measure. Higher numbers store more charge.
• Wh (watt-hours): Energy measure. Volts × amp-hours.
• Controller: The box that meters battery power to the motor.
• Lead-acid: Battery chemistry that is heavy and low-cost. It likes frequent top-ups.
• Brushless motor: Motor type that uses electronics for smooth phase switching.
• Final drive: The last stage from motor to wheel, such as a chain.
• Rotor: The steel disc that the brake caliper squeezes.
• Pad bite: The initial grip you feel at the lever.
• Stem flex: Small movement at the handlebar post under load.
• Wheelbase: Distance between the axle centers.
• PSI: Tire pressure unit printed on the tire sidewall.
• IP rating: Dust and water protection code. None is listed here.
• SLA: Short for sealed lead-acid, the pack chemistry used on this model.
• CEC: California Energy Commission sales compliance tag.
• Torque: Rotational force from the motor.

Specifications

Price Comparison

Price History