Kukirin G2 Review: A Powerfully Built Commuter That’s Heavy on Performance, Light on Portability
There’s a category of electric scooters that prioritizes power and presence over portability. The Kukirin G2 sits squarely in that camp. On paper, its 800W peak motor and 48V15Ah battery promise a thrilling, long-range ride. But specs are one thing; the real-world experience is another.
After a week of using the G2 as my primary commuter, I’ve found it to be a Jekyll and Hyde machine: incredibly capable and fun in motion, but a undeniable handful when it’s not. This KuKirin electric scooter isn’t trying to be the lightest option; it’s trying to be one of the most robust in its class. Here’s what that feels like in practice.
Table of Contents
We Like
- Strong acceleration and real-world power
- Excellent hill-climbing capability
- Stable, comfortable ride from large tires
- Confident braking performance
- Solid overall build quality
We Don't Like
- Very heavy and not portable
- Real-world range is less than advertised (as with all scooters)
- Touch display can be less responsive in wet conditions
Summary
This electric scooter review concludes that the Kukirin G2 is a compelling package for the right user. It delivers thrilling real-world performance and a rugged build that justifies its weight for those who don’t have to lift it often. It’s a powerful, confident machine that makes practical commuting genuinely fun, as long as you know its limitations before you buy.
Specification
Kukirin G2 Review: The Big Scooter for Big Needs
There’s a category of electric scooters that prioritizes power and presence over portability. The Kukirin G2 sits squarely in that camp. On paper, its 1200W peak motor and 48V15Ah battery promise a thrilling, long-range ride. But specs are one thing; the real-world experience is another.
After a week of using the G2 as my primary commuter, I’ve found it to be a Jekyll and Hyde machine: incredibly capable and fun in motion, but a undeniable handful when it’s not. This KuKirin electric scooter isn’t trying to be the lightest option; it’s trying to be one of the most robust in its class. Here’s what that feels like in practice.
The Thrill of the Ride: Power and Acceleration
Let’s cut to the chase: the G2 is quick. The 1200W motor provides a serious jolt of acceleration. Even at a controlled speed of around 25 km/h (15.5 mph), you feel the torque. The initial surge has a noticeable inertia that pushes you back—it’s a sensation that firmly communicates the power on tap and makes every start from a stoplight feel engaging.
For me, at 85kg, this power level felt perfect. It was more than sufficient for confidently merging with city traffic and quickly getting up to speed. I never felt the need to push it to its claimed 28 mph top speed on my urban routes; the available power at the low and mid-range was more than satisfying for daily use. The ride feel is solid and planted, thanks largely to those chunky 11-inch off-road tires that roll over bumps and cracks with authority.
Conquering Inclines: Hill Climb Test
Hill climbing is where a scooter’s motor truly earns its keep. Kukirin claims a 20° climbing angle, and in my testing, that feels accurate. The G2 tackled steep urban inclines without hesitation, maintaining speed and power where lesser scooters would bog down significantly.
I did test it on an extreme ~45° grass hill, and it’s here I reached the limit; the scooter couldn’t make it up at a walking pace, so I finished on foot. However, for every paved road, driveway, and bridge I encountered, the KuKirin G2 had more than enough grunt. You can confidently plan routes with serious hills without anxiety.
The Elephant in the Room: Weight and Portability
This is the most significant trade-off. The Kukirin G2 is heavy. At 57 lbs (approx. 26 kg), it is not a scooter you’ll casually carry up a flight of stairs or onto a crowded train. The design prioritizes a sturdy frame and a large battery, and the weight is the direct result.
Folding it is straightforward, and it fits into a car trunk, but its portability begins and ends there. This is not a “last-mile” solution; it’s a “replace-the-car-for-a-short-trip” vehicle. You must have a secure, ground-floor storage solution at both ends of your journey. For anyone with mobility issues or who lives in a walk-up apartment, this weight is a major consideration.
Build, Brakes, and Usability
The build quality feels substantial. The frame is rigid, the stem has no wobble, and the overall impression is of a machine built to last. The front and rear disc brakes are excellent, providing strong, linear stopping power that inspires confidence, especially after feeling that potent acceleration.
The touch-sensitive display looks modern and provides all the necessary info, though I found it could be slightly finicky in the rain. The inclusion of a seat option (sold separately) is a nice touch for longer, more leisurely rides.
Verdict: Who is the Kukirin G2 For?
The Kukirin G2 electric scooter makes its priorities clear. It sacrifices portability for power, stability, and range.
Buy it if:
- You need a powerful scooter for hilly city commutes.
- You have secure, ground-floor storage at home and work.
- You value a solid, stable ride quality over lightweight convenience.
- You’re a heavier rider (e.g., 85kg and up) who needs the extra torque.
Skip it if:
- You need to carry your scooter up stairs or onto public transport regularly.
- Your primary concern is lightweight, ultra-portable design.
- Your commute is entirely flat and you don’t require extreme power.