Successor to the V40 (here the review) and newly arrived together with the V40 Pro, Vessel V50 it is a relatively cheap electric scooter that stands out not only for the excellent quality/price ratio to which the brand has accustomed us, but above all for its portability animated by a double folding mechanism, which profoundly optimizes the overall dimensions when closed.
Its handlebar rotates on the axis and can be positioned parallel to the vertical axis and, as we will see, it is probably one of the best solutions on the market.
But this is not only its flagship feature: in reality Vessel V50 it is a perfectly legal model, which focuses heavily on driveability and autonomy.
Index
Navee V50 review: the rotatable handlebar changes the rules of the game
Design and materials
The style of the Vessel V50 it is very similar to the previous model. The frame, the cable management, the colors are practically identical to those introduced with the V40. The design therefore continues to be minimalist, with a double front bar frame: what changes is the shape of the structure on which the handlebar rests which, given the presence of the rotation mechanism, is no longer curved but squared: internally there is a safety mechanism thanks to which the entire handlebar area can be rotated 90 degrees.
The on-board display has been integrated into the center of the handlebar, positioned on a small structure which makes it almost "independent" from the handlebar, and in addition to the characteristic of being perfectly visible even in direct light conditions, it shows all the most important information in a clear and precise. It also integrates a tire pressure indicator, with which you will be alerted if there is something wrong.
As always, the cable management is well done and a very bright LED headlight has been positioned in the center of the handlebar, albeit with rather compact dimensions. The entire design of the handlebar has been designed to improve ease of use, starting from the bell positioned on the left grip, up to the positioning of the accelerator on the right side, which is very simple to reach and which integrates the power button : the performance modes will be managed directly from this button, via a double click, as will turning the front light on and off. It is also equipped with directional arrows, as required by current legislation, although I would have preferred if the indicators had also been positioned at the rear and not just on the knobs.
We are therefore talking about a scooter designed for the city, which makes compactness one of its main characteristics: it weighs 17 kg and is able to support a maximum weight of 120 kg. What might not please everyone is the width of the platform which for the smaller ones it shouldn't be a problem, but it is certainly not among the most generous on the market. It is true, however, that if you focus on compactness, the first thing that needs to be compact is the platform itself.
The folding mechanism is also very solid but continues to use a somewhat spartan locking method: when you fold the handlebar, you will need to fit a small plastic structure that has been positioned on the bell onto the hook positioned on the back of the scooter, but this time rotated 90 degrees to allow attachment with the handlebar "closed".
And as seen in the V40, a small invisible compartment has been integrated near the folding mechanism in which you can insert an AirTag, thanks to which you can always locate the scooter via Apple's Where Is service.
Engine and brakes
To animate the NAVEE V50 a front brushless motor takes care of it with a maximum power of 350w which can reach a peak of 650w, limited to a maximum speed of 20 km/h. All in all, the general configuration of the propulsion is rather balanced especially with regards to acceleration, which is linear but decisive, and guarantees good management even on climbs: the brand guarantees optimal management up to 20%, and personally in my tests I haven't had any problems whatsoever.
The braking system is good although, in addition to good regenerative braking which can be activated, deactivated and customized via the application and which is integrated into the front wheel, overall I found it a little "soft". Nothing dangerous, let's be clear, but we'll have to get the hang of it.
The torque is also well distributed, so that "abrupt" starts are avoided and which underlines how the brand, even with this NAVEE V50 wanted to focus on safety and driving comfort, as well as portability.
Application
even the NAVEE V50 it is accompanied by an application that must be used upon first activation, otherwise you will not be able to ride the scooter. Everything is managed by Xiaomi Home, which not only will connect to the device very quickly via Bluetooth, but which upon first activation will automatically set all the settings necessary to ensure that the scooter "adapts" to local regulations (such as maximum speed).
With the app, in addition to seeing all the information relating to the scooter, it is possible to adjust the intensity of the regenerative braking, activate the brightness sensor for the automatic switching on of the headlight and set that the front position light is always active or less.
As always, then, the app can also be considered as a sort of virtual "key" to the device, and will be able to block it in such a way that all systems are unusable until a 6-digit numeric password is entered.
Driveability
Compared to rear-wheel drive models, the NAVEE V50 (with its engine positioned in the front wheel) is a particularly stable model when cornering but a little less so on very wet road surfaces. The wheels are inner tube but tires of the right size have been used which are not only quite stable, but also manage the vibrations of uneven road surfaces well.
There are 3 travel modes: there are two gears that will make the scooter go at 15 km/h or 20 km/h, and then there is the walk mode which will stop at 6 km/h: in this way you will always have a help from the engine even when you are pushing the scooter.
The handling is typical of a city scooter: NAVEE V50 it is very easy to handle and the solidity of the frame, together with the width of the handlebars, make it very comfortable to ride. Of course it is not equipped with shock absorbers, so the ditches and vibrations are still perceptible but, if the brand had integrated any type of shock absorbing system, not only would the selling price have increased, but both the lightness and compactness would have been affected.
Finally, a final note: the ratio of power delivery to residual charge is excellent. This means that, regardless of the residual charge, the motor will always deliver the same torque.
Battery life
The battery integrated in the NAVEE V50 it is a 10 Ah at 36 V which, according to the company, should guarantee around 50 km of autonomy in "ideal" conditions, i.e. in conditions that will never happen.
Using it in "real life", i.e. always with the fastest mode and on city streets full of ups and downs, in my tests I managed to travel a maximum of 30/35 km on a single charge. And they are performances perfectly in line with the city nature of this place NAVEE V50.
Selling price and considerations
The sale price of NAVEE V50 it costs 469,00 euros from Unieuro and yes, it is a figure that places it in a segment full of alternatives, none of which, however, is equipped with a double rotation handlebar locking system, which really improves the portability of the product.
The disc brake, the ergonomics, the possibility of tracking it with an AirTag and the general driving comfort make the NAVEE V50 one of the best alternatives for its price range, but it is right to remember one thing: if you need a product for the city it is perfect, but if you want a "long range" scooter for longer journeys and perhaps for off-roading, you should think of some other alternative.
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