Swagtron Swagger 5S

The Swagtron Swagger 5S is a compact folding electric scooter for short city rides and daily errands. It suits people who want a simple way to cover a few miles to work, school, or the train. The scooter favors low maintenance, quick folding, and easy storage more than top speed or huge range. If you keep that in mind, the Swagtron Swagger 5S feels like a handy city tool, not a racing toy.

What Is the Swagtron Swagger 5S?

The Swagtron Swagger 5S is a folding electric kick scooter aimed at adults. It sits in the light commuter class, not in the big, heavy performance category. The scooter runs a 350W brushless hub motor in the front wheel and a 36V lithium battery with around 7.5Ah of capacity. That gives roughly 270Wh to work with, enough for short and medium rides around town.

Top speed is rated at about 15.5 mph, or 25 km/h, in the fastest riding mode. On paper, range reaches up to about 14 miles, or 23 km, under light load and gentle riding. Real city trips with stops and a heavier rider sit below that, and the range section will go into more detail.

The frame uses reinforced aluminum, so the scooter stays fairly light. The Swagtron Swagger 5S weighs close to 27.5 lb, around 12.5 kg. Many riders can carry it up one or two flights of stairs or lift it into a trunk without a big struggle.

The rated maximum rider load is about 220 lb, or 100 kg, on the common Swagger 5S trims. That places the scooter in the “average adult” range. It feels happier when the rider and backpack stay under that number.

The scooter rolls on 8.5 inch solid honeycomb tires. The rubber shell has holes inside that let it flex a little over bumps. You never deal with punctures, which is great for city use. There is no front or rear suspension. So the tires and deck grip do all the work for comfort.

The cockpit is simple. An LED display in the middle shows speed, mode, and battery bars. A thumb throttle sits on the right, and the brake lever on the left. You get three speed modes, cruise control, and Bluetooth app support. The app lets you lock the scooter, change settings, and see basic ride data. The Swagtron Swagger 5S keeps the feature list clean and focused on daily use.

How the Swagtron Swagger 5S Works

The Swagtron Swagger 5S runs a brushless hub motor in the front wheel. Press the thumb throttle and the controller sends power from the battery straight into that motor. There is no chain and no belt. So maintenance stays simple and quiet.

You can think of the throttle like a volume knob for speed. Press a little and the scooter rolls forward at an easy pace. Press harder and it pulls faster toward its top speed. The controller lives near the battery under the deck. It reads what you do with the throttle, how fast the wheel spins, and whether you touch the brakes. Then it decides how much current the motor receives.

The battery pack uses 36V lithium-ion cells at about 7.5Ah. That gives enough energy for several short trips in a day. A standard charger brings the pack up to around 42V when it reaches full charge. From near empty, a full charge usually takes three to six hours, depending on how far you ran the scooter down.

Braking combines a rear mechanical disc brake with an electronic brake in the front hub. Pull the lever and the controller cuts motor power, triggers electronic braking at the front, and pulls the cable for the rear disc. Some Swagger 5S units also add a rear fender brake as a backup. The feel is firm and direct once you get the cable tension dialed in.

The handlebar display shows current speed, mode, and battery level. Buttons near the screen let you power the scooter on, switch modes, and turn the headlight on or off. The Bluetooth app brings in extras like an electronic lock and cruise control tweaks. That said, the Swagtron Swagger 5S still works fine if you never open the app.

Daily use looks simple. You charge the scooter, unfold it, power it on, pick a mode, and ride. At the other end, you fold it again and bring it inside or lock it outside. The whole setup feels friendly even for people who have never owned an electric scooter before.

Key Specifications

Here are the key specifications for the Swagtron Swagger 5S in one place.

Taken together, these specifications place the Swagtron Swagger 5S firmly in the light, city focused group. It leans hard toward portability and simple upkeep.

Design & Build Quality

The design of the Swagtron Swagger 5S feels familiar if you have seen other 8.5 inch commuters. The straight stem goes up from the front wheel, with a flat bar across the top. The LED display sits in the middle. The thumb throttle rests on the right, and the brake lever on the left. The grips are basic rubber, but they stay grippy with bare hands or thin gloves.

The folding joint lives at the base of the stem. You flip a latch, slide a safety collar, and fold the stem down until it hooks into the rear fender. This takes a bit of practice at first. After a few days, the motion becomes automatic. When the stem locks upright, it feels reasonably solid. There is a little flex when you bounce, yet not enough to feel scary at top speed.

The deck houses the battery and controller. A rubber or rubber-like layer on top gives traction. Deck length and width allow a staggered stance. Front foot near the centre, rear foot across the deck or partly on the fender. Taller riders lean into more diagonal stances, and that works fine for short to medium trips.

Most cables run along the stem and down toward the deck. Plastic covers and clips keep them from snagging. The rear disc brake sits near the wheel with an exposed rotor and caliper. Road dust builds up there over time, so a quick wipe every so often helps keep the brake feeling crisp.

The paint and welds look right for this price level. The frame itself feels sturdy when you stay within the 220 lb rider rating and avoid hard hits into deep potholes. Overall, the Swagtron Swagger 5S looks like a tool for city travel. It is not fancy, yet it feels honest and practical.

Performance Fundamentals

Performance on the Swagtron Swagger 5S leans toward smooth, controlled power rather than wild bursts. In the fastest mode on flat ground, the scooter climbs toward its rated 15.5 mph and holds that speed in a steady way. Off the line, it gives a nice push up to around 10 mph. Then the pull softens and you glide up to top speed.

The lowest mode cuts speed and acceleration. That mode works well for crowded streets, narrow shared paths, and first time rides. The middle mode sits in a sweet spot. You still feel a decent push, and the scooter wastes less battery. Many riders end up leaving it there most of the time.

On modest hills with a 7 to 10 percent grade, the Swagtron Swagger 5S manages fine for a rider close to 165 lb. Speed drops, yet the scooter continues to climb. Very long or very steep hills highlight the limits of a 350W motor paired with a small battery. For that type of route, a stronger scooter makes more sense.

Stability near top speed feels good for this size. The battery under the deck keeps weight low, so the scooter tracks straight on smooth asphalt. Short gusts of side wind do not upset it much. A relaxed stance with bent knees and loose arms helps over bumps and cracks.

Start behavior depends on region and firmware. Some Swagtron Swagger 5S units ask for a small kick before the motor engages. Others allow a pure throttle start. Once rolling, power comes in a clean line. There is no sudden jerk that throws you off balance.

Overall, the Swagtron Swagger 5S performs well inside its lane. Short trips, mild hills, and city traffic flow fit this scooter best.

Battery, Range & Efficiency

The Swagtron Swagger 5S runs a 36V battery around 7.5Ah. That adds up to roughly 270Wh on paper. Real usable energy sits lower after the controller keeps a safety buffer at the top and bottom. Even so, the pack lines up well with the scooter’s weight and motor size.

On spec sheets, the scooter reaches up to 14.3 miles, or about 23 km, on a single charge. That type of claim usually assumes a light rider, low speed mode, warm weather, and smooth ground. Daily rides rarely look that clean.

For an average adult using middle or high mode, a fair range window sits around 5 to 9 miles, or 8 to 14 km. A lighter rider who cruises in middle mode on flat bike lanes gets closer to the high end. A heavier rider in full speed mode on rough city streets comes closer to the low end.

Range depends on several things:

• Rider weight, gear, and any cargo.
• Speed mode and average speed.
• Hills and number of stops.
• Temperature and wind.

To stretch range, you can pick the middle mode for longer commutes, roll off the line a bit softer, and plan routes that avoid the steepest climbs. Keeping your average speed a bit lower helps more than many riders expect.

Charging is simple. Plug the charger into the port on the deck, connect it to the wall, and wait until the light on the charger changes. From low charge to full, expect three to six hours, depending on how far you drained the pack and the charger output. The battery prefers indoor, dry charging at a moderate room temperature.

Battery safety has special weight for this model family. Some Swagger 5 and SG-5S units sold in past years have been recalled in certain markets after reports of packs overheating or catching fire. The Swagtron Swagger 5S shares many parts with those scooters. So owners should check model codes on the deck and charger against any current recall lists in their region. If a scooter ever smells burnt, grows very hot during charge, or shows smoke, charging stops right away and the scooter moves to a safe open space if that can be done safely.

With normal care, indoor storage, and regular yet not extreme use, the battery on a Swagtron Swagger 5S delivers plenty of cycles before range starts to drop.

Ride Quality & Comfort

Ride quality on the Swagtron Swagger 5S depends a lot on the surface. The 8.5 inch honeycomb tires and the aluminum frame do all the work. There is no traditional suspension.

On smooth asphalt, the scooter feels nice and calm. The honeycomb structure lets the rubber give a little every time you pass over a seam or small crack. Noise stays low. The deck grip keeps your shoes planted, even when you hit a manhole cover or a painted line.

On rough concrete, patched streets, or cobblestone, comfort takes a hit. Solid tires do not soak up sharp bumps as well as air filled ones. You feel more of the road through your feet and hands. Short bad sections remain fine. Long rough stretches start to tire your legs and wrists. Dropping speed for those parts and picking smoother side streets helps a lot.

The deck size works for most adults. Riders with very big feet often angle the rear foot and rest a bit on the fender. Grip still feels safe. In light rain, the rubber deck and tires keep reasonable traction, though large puddles and oil patches always deserve extra care.

Stem flex stays moderate. You feel a small fore and aft movement at higher speed over bumps, yet the scooter does not shake or steer on its own. Handlebar width gives a good mix. It feels narrow enough for tight paths yet wide enough for solid control in turns.

Overall comfort sits in the middle for a solid tire scooter. On good pavement, the Swagtron Swagger 5S feels relaxed and smooth enough for daily use. On bad roads, the ride turns firm and a bit chattery.

Braking & Safety Features

The Swagtron Swagger 5S uses a mixed braking system that feels stronger than its size suggests. The rear wheel has a mechanical disc brake. A cable runs from the hand lever to the caliper. The front hub motor adds electronic braking when you pull the same lever. Some units include a rear fender brake that you press with your foot for gentle low speed control.

When you pull the lever, electronic braking at the front usually engages first. The motor resists rotation and slows you down. Keep pulling and the rear disc adds extra stopping power. This layered setup gives a sharp initial bite and a stronger stop if you need it. Cable tension and pad wear have a big effect here, so an occasional check keeps the feel consistent.

On dry asphalt, braking distances from top speed sit in a reasonable range for a scooter of this weight. Riders who shift their weight slightly back and keep the bar straight feel in control. In wet weather, stopping distances grow. Gentle, earlier braking makes rides safer on slick surfaces.

Lighting includes a front LED headlight and some mix of a rear light or reflector. The headlight shines clearly a few metres in front of the scooter. It works well in lit city streets. In very dark paths, many riders add a helmet light for better distance visibility.

Side reflectors or reflective stickers on the stem and deck edges give side visibility in traffic at night. The IPX4 rating covers light rain and light splashes. Deep puddles, heavy storms, or hose blasts fall outside the comfort zone and risk damage to the electronics.

Safety goes beyond hardware. Some Swagtron Swagger 5S and related models have been under recall in certain markets due to battery fire risk. Anyone who owns this scooter should check the exact model code and match it against recall information from local agencies. If the scooter appears on a recall list, the safest path is to follow the repair or replacement steps from the maker or retailer.

Regular checks help too. Brake pads, rotor alignment, folding latch tightness, and light function deserve a quick look every week or two. That small habit pays off in safer rides.

Portability & Daily Usability

Portability is where the Swagtron Swagger 5S shines. At roughly 27.5 lb, it feels manageable for many riders. You can carry it up apartment stairs, lift it into a car, or roll it through a lobby without much stress.

Folding is quick once you learn the motion. You slide the safety collar, release the latch, and lower the stem until the hook on the bar clips into the rear fender catch. The folded scooter lies long and flat. Unfolding is just as fast. After the first week, the whole action takes only a few seconds.

Folded length is around 41.5 in, and folded height sits near 19 in. That makes it easy to slide under a desk, beside a couch, or behind a front seat. Handlebar width stays around 17 in, so the scooter still has some presence when folded but moves through doors without drama.

Daily use benefits from a few small details. The side kickstand lets you park on flat ground without hunting for a wall. The deck grip stays sticky even with damp shoes. The LED display keeps battery levels simple. After a few days, you know how many bars you need for your usual round trip.

Security deserves attention. A locked Swagtron Swagger 5S still draws eyes in city streets. A thin cable through the wheel fails fast under heavy tools. A better approach locks the frame to a fixed point with a strong U lock or chain. Many owners skip outside parking and bring the scooter indoors instead. The weight and folded size make that easy in most buildings.

Cleaning and care stay low effort. A damp cloth and soft brush handle dust and grime. Keeping water away from the deck seams, stem joint, and display protects the electronics. Indoor storage in a dry place keeps rust and corrosion away from bolts and brake parts.

All of this makes the Swagtron Swagger 5S a solid match for mixed travel. Ride from home to the bus stop, fold it, ride the bus, unfold, and finish the trip. Then repeat in reverse on the way back.

Swagtron Swagger 5S vs Alternatives

The Swagtron Swagger 5S sits in a crowded part of the scooter scene. Many 8.5 inch commuters share similar motors and batteries. Even so, a few clear differences stand out.

Against smaller 250W scooters with tube tires, the Swagtron Swagger 5S brings more motor power, often better braking, and flat-proof honeycomb tires. Those lighter models save a bit of weight but feel weaker on hills and during hard stops. If you want more punch from the line and less time worrying about flats, the Swagger 5S feels like a nicer daily ride.

Compared with larger 10 inch commuters that run 500W motors and big packs, the Swagtron Swagger 5S trades away comfort and range for lower weight. Those bigger scooters roll over bad pavement with less drama and climb hills with more ease. They also weigh quite a bit more and take more room in a hallway or car trunk.

Then you have other Swagtron scooters in the same broad family. A model like the Swagtron Swagger 7 leans closer to a higher spec commuter, with stronger performance and a more grown up feel on the road. On the lighter side, a scooter such as the Swagtron Swagger 8 focuses harder on weight and simple portability, which fits shorter trips and smaller riders even better.

Performance and off-road scooters stand in a different universe. Those machines bring dual motors, huge batteries, and heavy duty suspension. They climb steep hills, hit high speeds, and soak up big bumps. They weigh far more than the Swagtron Swagger 5S and cost a lot more.

So the Swagtron Swagger 5S finds its space between basic last mile toys and serious performance rigs. It gives stronger power and better brakes than many entry scoots, yet stays light enough to carry without too much effort.

Who the Swagtron Swagger 5S Is (and Isn’t) For

The Swagtron Swagger 5S fits a clear set of riders and use cases.

City commuters with short, mostly flat routes fit the scooter well. A daily run of three to five miles each way sits right in its comfort zone. You ride from home to the office, fold it, and slide it under a desk. The light frame makes staircases and crowded lobbies less of a hassle.

Students on spread-out campuses match this scooter too. It gets them between lecture halls, dorms, cafes, and bus stops without waiting on shuttles. Then it folds under a classroom seat or tucks in a dorm corner. When the day ends, the charger goes into a wall and the battery fills up for tomorrow.

Multi-modal riders gain a lot from the compact folded size and low weight. The Swagtron Swagger 5S moves easily through train doors, across platforms, and into bus racks. You do not feel like you are dragging a tiny motorcycle around.

Casual riders who want a weekend runabout for parks and short errands also sit in the target group. The scooter turns five minute car trips into quick rides that feel a bit more fun and a lot easier to park.

There are clear cases where the Swagtron Swagger 5S misses the mark.

• Heavy riders above the rated load need a scooter built for higher weight.
• People who face long, steep hills every day need more power and a larger pack.
• Riders who want 15 or more miles in one session need something with far more battery capacity.
• People who live on broken roads or cobblestone streets gain a lot from suspension and full pneumatic tires.

So the Swagtron Swagger 5S works best as a compact, low maintenance city scooter for short and medium range travel. It rewards riders who lean on its folding and carrying strengths and accept its limits on power and comfort.

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