
Our Verdict
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Glion Dolly 225-22 stands out in a competitive class of scooters as it is a portable scooter that you can easily tuck in the backseat. The Glion folds up compactly and doesn't have to be carried on account of its “dolly” handle and wheels. The scooter also has a very good range and braking system.
Range
The Glion Dolly has an effective range of 15.6 miles to support different types of commutes.
The Glion only exhibited a slight reduction in power until the end of the test and the full depletion of the battery.
The Glion took five hours to fully recharge a drained battery, which is average for the class. The unit was able to run for a total of one hour and 16 minutes. The runtime is above average within its price class and provides a decent run-to-charge time ratio.
Throughout our testing, we questioned the accuracy of the battery monitor. While riding, the monitor would relay a lower battery level than when it was stopped. Sometimes this was a difference of two bars.
The lithium-ion battery of the Glion Dolly offers an above-average range given the pricing of the scooter. The model is a good option for middle-distance commuting.
Power
With a 13.9 mph max speed, the Glion Dolly isn't the fastest machine in the line-up. However, it does well on all but the steepest hills.
On the first climb, a 3.4% grade, the Glion did quite well, showing little signs of a struggle. The result was similar on the next climb up a 10.5% grade. However, the Glion stopped in its tracks on the 15% grade hill climb. To put this into perspective, only two scooters in the dozens that we have tested can make it up this third climb, and they struggled to do so.
Moving on to the speed trials, the Glion was in the middle of the pack. The max speed is an average of three trials wherein the scooter gets up to speed before being timed as it traverses a 100-foot flat track. While 13.9 mph doesn't sound that fast compared to the leading models' 20+ mph runs, it feels swift when cruising through town.
Ride Comfort
Unfortunately, the ride comfort assessment revealed some shortcomings in the design of this scooter that may give those with long commutes in mind pause. While the Glion is not what we would call uncomfortable, it does have a little rougher ride than much of the competition. To be more specific, testers described it as a bit rattly and, at times, jerky.
While the overall ride of the scooter is pretty good, the honeycomb “never flat” tires offer a far less cushy ride compared to their pneumatic counterparts. Additionally, the plastic handlebars were less dampening and thus less comfortable than others in the class though not by a wide margin.
Portability
If the Glion Dolly suffered in the ride comfort assessment, it excelled in the portability metric. This machine sets the bar for scooters that will appeal to those using their scooter in conjunction with public transportation and easy storage. Moreover, the Glion's excellent folding design and relatively light 30.9 pounds make it fairly easy to carry if needed. However, the namesake dolly feature renders this point far less important than with other models in the class.
The Glion spots a retractable handle and a pair of wheels that make non-riding transport of the device a breeze. The scooter is just 38" x 7" x 12.5" when folded and stands upright in that configuration. This design is great for storing the scooter in tight spots or riding in trains and elevators. All told, there isn't a better scooter for the urban commuter crowd.
Braking
The Glion Dolly has a great braking system with an antilock electronic brake in the rear front hub and a power fender brake on the rear wheel. Surprisingly, this scooter's braking mechanism is competitive with models with front, rear, and fender brakes.
Our testing of the brake systems on scooters consists of analyzing the system, hill braking tests of various steepness and flat ground emergency-type stop tests. The Glion can stop on the steepest of hills (~15% grade). As for flat ground stops, the Glion does slightly better than average, achieving a full stop from 12 mph in 16 feet.
Should You Buy the Glion Dolly 225-22?
If you are a commuter who needs to transport your scooter on trains or elevators, or you will have to walk the unit regularly, the answer is a resounding yes. This scooter has every feature dialed to make it as convenient to carry and store as it is to ride. It also has great range and decent power, making it a good choice for riding long distances or infrequent charging.
What Other Electric Scooters You Consider?
The Glion Dolly 225-22 is the go-to scooter for commuters. However, if you want something with a little more power and comfort, check out the Segway Ninebot Max G2. This machine will blow your hair back with its 22.5 mph max speed, while its beefy 10" pneumatic tire will smooth out all but the biggest cracks in the road. If the Apollo City is a little out of your budget, take a look at the Gotrax G4. This scooter has many of the features of the Apollo but at a more manageable price.