NAMI Burn-e 2 Review: Our All-Time Favorite Electric Scooter (2024)

Design

Handlebars

We were fortunate enough to test the original Nami Burn-e – the godfather of the NAMI brand – and while putting this scooter through its paces, we noted how the handlebars were unusually narrow for an ultra-performance model. They measured 24.4 inches which was more than three inches shy of those flaunted by its competitors. As a result, the original didn’t feel as stable as other scooters at high speeds.

With NAMI taking feedback from the community and reviewers on board, they decided to release their next scooter, the NAMI Burn-e 2 MAX with wider 27-inch handlebars. Thankfully, this upgrade was passed down to the Burn-e 2.

Aside from a generous width, the handlebars are also slightly taller (0.5 inches) on the Burn-e 2 than the original, making it a fantastic fit for even the tallest of riders.

After NAMI graced the Burn-e 2 with these upgrades, we saw a noticeable improvement in its handling. Plus, with NAMI pushing the improvements further, they installed a bracket to allow riders to fit a steering damper for enhanced control.

All combined, the handlebars offer crucial stability. Compared to other scooters we’ve tested, we found it difficult to find another that offers the same reassurance. The only model that can compete with the Burn-e in this regard is the Wolf King GT with its dual stem and ultra-wide 29.5-inch handlebars. Aside from the GT, the Burn-e 2 champions over other models, especially those from Dualtron which have notoriously short handlebars and make the ride feel unstable.

Frame

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again, this scooter is an absolute beast. Its frame is unlike any other scooter we’ve reviewed.

The carbon fiber stem sports a stunning matte black finish that oozes the quality you’d expect from a scooter of this price tag.

Alongside the fierce-looking girders of aviation-grade aluminum fused in a one-piece frame, the Burn-e 2 achieves a design that is rich in texture and style.

Deck

Sporting a humongous deck, the Burn-e 2 provides ample room to achieve any stance that you desire. You can stand with both feet side by side, one in front of the other, or as we prefer, plant your dominant foot at the rear angled up on the kickplate followed by your other at the front of the deck for aggressive riding.

While the deck isn’t slathered in a rubber matting or covered edge-to-edge with grip tape, the strategic placement of the two thick columns of grip tape provides enough traction to keep your feet glued in place.

Besides, the suspension system is so good that the only times your feet leave the deck is when you jump off it – the same can’t be said for scooters whose suspension is bouncy and causes you to lose footing and therefore requires the said model in question to have more grip tape or rubber.

Wheels

As standard, the Burn-e 2 comes fitted with Nylon tires. These are the same tires that are found on most other high-performance scooters. However, we had ours fitted with PMT tires, and the difference in performance was night and day. (Note: PMT tires are available to be pre-mounted if you purchase the scooter from an EU retailer).

In NAMI’s pursuit of creating the best electric scooters, the type of tires used was just one of the areas that was focused on.

To meet their demands for reliability, safety, and durability, NAMI decided to partner with PMT. PMT is recognized as the leader in the design and production of racing tires.

We’ve tested every tire variation under the sun and these are by far the best.

The standard nylon stock tires typically found on high-performance scooters usually create an unsettling amount of excess wheel spin as they struggle to bite and grip the ground – especially when you put the pedal to the metal. With these tires struggling to grip while accelerating, it can feel as though you're riding on ice.

The PMT tires, on the other hand, have outstandingly good grip. Wheel spin is controlled and the tires feel glued to the ground, propelling you forward with a complete sense of control.

Similarly, general riding is vastly improved and the rounded front-on profile of the PMT tires makes the Burn-e 2 more nimble and effective at taking sharp turns at speed – something that models with standard nylon tires can’t achieve. This is further complemented by exceptional braking performance – the results of which shocked us.

One other important, yet overlooked aspect of the tires is their size. Measuring 11 inches high and 3.5 inches wide, they are far larger than other scooters that sport a similar top speed to the Burn-e 2. You see, the vast majority of scooters that can hit 45 mph, rely on 10 x 2.5-inch tires. With the increased tire profile, no other scooter in this speed category comes close to the level of control and stability as the Burn-e 2.

*The photo above compares the NAMI Burn-e 2's tires against 8-inch tires.

Build Quality & Durability

As to be expected, the Burn-e 2 follows in the footsteps of its predecessors delivering outstanding build quality. In fact, we rate the Burn-e 2 as having the best build quality in the entire lineup of our 140+ strong database of electric scooters.

No matter where you look, the attention to detail ticks every box. It even delivers a few improvements over its siblings.

We’ve already mentioned the wider handlebars and built-in steering damper attachment, but there are also new waterproof motor connectors for better serviceability, improved charging ports with a fast 5A charger, and turn signals that can now be seen from the rear and sides.

If we had to pick one area for improvement on future models, it would be the battery. Although it's large and keeps the wheels rolling for an excessive number of miles, there’s no denying that it’s of a lower quality than the LG version on the Burn-e 2 MAX.

The standard FST battery cells will certainly retain a good lifecycle, but you can expect to see more charges from an LG unit. Here, the LG unit will retain peak performance for 100 or so more charge cycles than the FST variant.

Weight & Load

Weighing in at 100 lbs, portability is not one of this scooter's strong suits. But then again, it wasn’t built to be carried.

The Burn-e 2 can, however, support up to 330 lbs of rider weight, making it ideal for riders of all sizes. Plus, you have the option of adding preload to the suspension.

By being able to adjust preload, you can customize the suspension to your weight. For instance, if you weigh towards to upper limit of the 330 lbs load capacity, you may want to add more preload to prevent the springs from bottoming out. The more preload added, the greater the force needed to compress the springs.

Folding & Portability

As mentioned, this scooter is not built to be picked up casually at will, but NAMI has still equipped it with a folding mechanism that manages to be as user-friendly as those you’ll find on portable models.

Unlike its main rival, the Wolf King GT – which has the most cumbersome folding mechanism we’ve ever tested – the NAMI can be easily folded in a matter of seconds.

Via a patented lock taper folding mechanism, you simply loosen the quick release lever, spin the mechanism until it is no longer threaded, and then you can fold the stem.

The only area of its functionality that could benefit from a redesign is how the handlebars lay on the deck once folded. When the stem is folded, the display can become scratched as it comes into contact with the kickplate. We found that covering the display in a glove or sock prevents any undue damage.

Assembly

If electric transport wasn't eco-friendly enough, NAMI treat us to packaging that is better for the planet and the protection of the scooter.

NAMI has ditched the widely scorned styrofoam in favor of thick corrugated cardboard to keep the Burn-e 2 intact. Instead of tackling the never-ending disintegration of plastic foam, you can recycle the packaging almost immediately.

When it comes to assembling the scooter, there are just two parts to the process. Firstly, you need to attach the handlebars and secure the controls. Secondly – and this is optional but we recommend doing it – you will need to attach the steering damper. All the tools required are included. The total assembly time outside of getting used to the controls is around 20 minutes.

As a side note, if you live in Europe, the scooter will come with speed limiters. These can be found on either side of the front of the deck next to the controllers. They cap the top speed of both motors to 15 mph but can be easily removed by unplugging them. Once unplugged, all the power from the dual 72V 1000W motors will be unleashed.

Ride Quality

Is the NAMI Burn-e 2 Comfortable to Ride?

When we previously reviewed the Burn-e, NAMI’s flagship scooter, we were extremely impressed with the new technologies that it introduced and how its ride quality swept the floor with its competitors. The Burn-e 2’s even better.

Because of the many riding modes and the ability to create customized riding profiles, you can wave goodbye to a one-size-fits-all approach and tailor the scooter to your preference. Alongside a trio of preset modes, including Eco, Drive, and Sport, you have the option to configure two new ones from scratch.

Whether you want to cap the top speed, funnel more power to the front motor than the rear, or simply adjust the strength of the acceleration, the options to customize are endless.

Similarly, the industry-crushing adjustable hydraulic shocks enable you to create a riding profile that is perfectly suited to the terrain you’re traversing, while the Sine Wave controllers ensure an equally smooth throttle response. This is the complete opposite of scooters like those from Dualtron. which tend to be extremely torquey and hard to control even for experienced riders.

If you are wondering what Sine Wave controllers do, think of them, for a moment, as a force pushing a bowling ball down a lane. While Square Wave controllers – like those found in Dualtron scooters – jab and nudge, Sine Wave ones administer a smooth, constant push the whole way.

Combined with the wide handlebars, steering damper, and outstanding brakes, the NAMI Burn-e 2 has the best ride quality of any scooter that we’ve tested.

Performance & Safety

Top Speed

The Burn-e 2 can reach a top speed of 45 mph. While this is 15 mph less than its much more expensive sibling, the Burn-e 2 MAX, it is the only scooter in the industry to sport dual 1000W motors that are rated at 72V.

Usually, electric scooters with dual 1000W motors operate at either 52V or 60V, but with the Burn-e 2 breaking new boundaries, it surpasses the performance of its 45 mph counterparts.

Take for example the Mantis Pro V2 – this is an extremely popular performance scooter that has dual 60V 1000W motors. The Mantis accelerates to 15 mph in 2.0 seconds, 25 mph in 4.1, and 30 mph in 5.8. This is fast, however, when we compare it to the Burn-e 2, the impact of its more powerful 72V motors is clear to see. Here, the Burn-e hits 15 mph in 1.8 seconds, 25 mph in 3.2, and 30 mph in 4.2.

Let's see how the Burn-e 2 compares to scooters in its price and weight classes.

Speed vs Price Comparison

As the scooter with the smallest motors, the Burn-e 2 falls to the bottom of the pile. This is opposed to the Wolf King GT which reigns supreme with a 62 mph top speed and enormous 72V 2000W motors.

But don’t be disheartened by this chart. From my experience riding powerful scooters, including the Wolf King GT, I find that riding at 40 mph can be terrifying enough, let alone 60 mph.

The more important element for most riders is acceleration as it gives you that all-important shot of adrenaline, and the Burn-e 2 delivers this by the bucket load.

Despite the Wolf King GT securing the crown, the Burn-e 2 is a close match where acceleration is concerned. Both scooters go toe-to-toe when accelerating up to 15 mph (1.7 vs 1.8 seconds) and the Burn-e closely follows the King GT to 25 mph (3.0 vs 3.2 seconds).

Plus, when you factor in overall ride quality and value for money, none of the scooters in this list match up to the superiority of the Burn-e.

Speed vs Weight Comparison

Here the Wolf King GT takes the gold again with NAMI in final place once more. But, as mentioned above, the Burn-e 2 delivers a level of ride quality that can’t be matched by others on this list, and combined with its blistering acceleration rate, it remains a superb choice.

Without revisiting the points I made in the Speed vs Price comparison, one area that should be considered is how much easier it is to fold and carry the Burn-e 2 compared to its competitors. Here, the Wolf King GT, King, Warrior GT, and Warrior all share the same cumbersome folding mechanism. Plus, when folded they are extremely difficult to lift because of their extended length. As for the Dualtron models, these have folding mechanisms that are easy to use but in all honesty, they are subpar to the overall offering of the NAMI so I wouldn’t consider these.

Acceleration

While it’s easy to look at the spec sheet of the Burn-e 2 and see that it has smaller motors than its closest competitors, this doesn’t paint the full picture. One of the biggest strengths of the Burn-e 2 is its ability to muster an immense amount of torque to deliver an electrifying acceleration rate that goes toe-to-toe with that of its pricer rivals.

The only point at which the King GT and Burn-e 2 MAX pull away is from 25 mph and beyond. As previously mentioned, for me, a rider that has tested countless scooters ranging from budget models designed for first-time riders to ultra-performance models designed for scooter stalwarts, the Burn-e 2’s acceleration represents the perfect blend of adrenaline-filled rides with speeds that are controllable.

Maximum Mileage

With a hulking 72V 28Ah battery, the Burn-e has a maximum range of 90 miles.

Under realistic conditions (i.e. riding in the fastest mode), you can expect a range of 50 miles.

Let’s see how this compares to scooters of a similar price and weight.

Mileage vs Price Comparison

A well-balanced motor to battery power ratio allows this scooter to take the top spot.

The Burn-e 2 proves useful to those that want to balance thrill with practicability on long-haul journeys.

When you add the Burn-e 2’s exceptional ride quality into the equation, you’ll realize that its competitors fall short of this all-around gem.

Mileage vs Weight Comparison

Weighing in at 100 lbs, we compared all of the models that fall within 15 lbs on either side of the Burn-e 2.

NAMI hits another home run on this front and is top of the list again.

Its closest competitors are the Dualtron Thunder and Wolf King GT, but with the Burn-e 2’s stellar ride quality, competitive price, and user-centric design, it snatches the crown to become the king of the castle.

Hill Climbing

Given the exceptional amount of torque that the Burn-e 2 can generate, this scooter is a dream on steep inclines.

With the ability to create customized riding modes, you even have the option to create a mode dedicated to hill climbs. Here, you could change the configuration of the motors to have more power running to the front motor to help pull you up hills as opposed to pushing you up using the rear motor.

Shock Absorption / Suspension

To top off its impressive power, the real pièce de résistance of the Burn-e 2 is its formidable adjustable suspension that delivers a level of ride quality that no other scooter in the industry can compete with. It makes the suspension setups of its competitors look archaic.

It delivers a truly luxurious ride, which is why we awarded it 10 out of 10 on our scale of shock absorption.

Using the red dials at the top of each spring, you can adjust the rebound level (i.e. how quickly the hydraulic shocks bounce back).

It’s best to think of suspension in two facets – compression and rebound. Compression damping helps the suspension to absorb bumps as your wheels roll over obstacles. Here, the springs compress. Rebound damping, on the other hand, helps the springs to return to their original position after compression. Ultimately, rebound damping is used to regulate and control the speed at which the springs bounce back and is therefore vital for a smooth ride.

Despite the shock system, itself, being complex, no other suspension system comes close to how easy and intuitive it is to adjust. Unlike other scooters, no tool (C Spanner/Wrench) is needed. You simply dial in the amount of damping you want. Even new riders will get to grips with it quickly.

Braking

This was our first time testing LOGAN hydraulic disc brakes, and we are pleased to share that they didn’t disappoint. Combined with the PMT tires and adjustable regen brakes, their performance floored us.

From 15 mph, the scooter stopped at an impressive 1.8 meters. It was so impressive that I thought we got the measurements wrong, but after 10 more tests, I realized that my eyes weren’t deceiving me after all.

With the brake tests being verified, the NAMI Burn-e 2 secured itself as having the most powerful brakes that we have ever tested.

Charge Time

The 72V 28Ah battery takes 6 to 7 hours to charge. But given the enormity of its charge capacity, this is a generously low waiting period.

It’s worth noting that scooters with similarly sized batteries can take 16-20 hours to charge. Thankfully, NAMI provides a fast charge for free which is more than can be said for some of their competitors.

And, in true NAMI fashion, even the charger is high-quality with an internal fan to regulate its temperature.

Extra Features

Industry-Leading Interface

In the center of the handlebars, you’ll find the brain that controls the central nervous system – that is the industry-leading interface.

From viewing basic riding stats to reading the temperature readouts of the motors and personalizing almost every kind of performance point imaginable, the display gives you full control over your scooter.

Most scooters, including the Burn-e 2’s competitors – use simple displays to show you how fast you're going, how far you’ve traveled, and how much juice you have left in the tank, but with the addition of this smart display, you have a wealth of customization options at your fingertips.

With the ability to create customized riding modes, you can configure the scooter’s performance settings in a way that makes it unique to you.

Hidden USB Charging Port

Directly beneath the display, there’s a USB charging port.

You don’t often see USB ports on scooters and if you do they come with the risk of frying the unit that they operate from.

Luckily, with the NAMI, you can safely use the port to charge your devices. You simply have to activate it by keeping the ‘M’ button depressed for around three seconds. This will cause a USB icon to appear in the top left corner of the screen, which indicates that the scooter has begun outputting volts to the port and that it’s ready to start charging your devices on the go.

Speed Regulated Cruise Control

Most electric scooters have a form of cruise control, but the difference here is that the NAMI’s can be adjusted while in motion.

Typically, cruise control on scooters maintains a speed, but as soon as you touch the throttle or squeeze the brakes, it is turned off and you need to begin the process of maintaining a constant speed again before it kicks back into action. With the Burn-e, it's so much more versatile.

To activate it, you get up to your desired speed and press the minus button for one second. Once engaged, you can adjust the speed of your cruise by clicking the plus and minus buttons to increase or decrease your pace.

Secret Turbo Mode For Blistering Speed

If you’re in the mood for turning on the jet thrusters and burning some rubber, you can press the plus button for one second to make use of the full 5,040W peak output of the dual 1000W motors.

Ability to Add a Steering Damper

As previously mentioned, the Burn-e 2 comes with the option of attaching a steering damper to the stem and neck for enhanced steering column control.

Using a hydraulic piston, you can adjust the ease at which the handlebars, steering column, and subsequently, front tire rotate. Turning the dial clockwise increases the force needed to rotate the steering while turning it anti-clockwise eases the motion.

The addition of the steering damper is a game-changer when hitting top speeds – it eliminates wobble.

Depending on the retailer that you buy the Burn-e 2 from, you may be able to get the damper included for free, but typically it is an extra cost.

Bright Headlight, Mood LEDs, and Improved Turn Signals

The Burn-e 2 floods any terrain ahead using a bright 2000 Lumen headlight that offers clarity for you and others. It must be noted, though, that to get the best illumination, you will need to position it at a downward, forward-facing angle.

Unlike the Wolf King GT which has two glaring large, owl-eye-like headlights that illuminate everything with equal distribution, the single headlight on the Burn-e 2 directs light in an elongated shape that is very wide horizontally, and narrow vertically. It has a strong beam in the center that gradually dissipates.

Alongside the headlight, NAMI treats us to some impressive mood LEDs that run the entirety of the deck and maintain the scooter’s stylish aesthetic after dark. And, after pining for NAMI to improve the turn signals, the Burn-e 2 delivers. These now wrap around the sides and rear of the deck for overall coverage.

It has one of the best lighting packages that we’ve tested.

Motorcycle-Grade Horn

The horn on the Burn-e 2 is ear-splitting and resembles one of a petrol-fuelled motorbike.

Multiple Water-Resistance Rating

The Burn-e is one of few scooters to come equipped with two water-resistance ratings – IP55 & IP67.

With an overall IP55 certification, it benefits from both ingress protection and safeguards the frame against low-pressure water jets from any direction.

The IP67 rating – which has been applied to the display, connectors, and controllers – is the highest and most comprehensive water resistance rating we’ve ever encountered on an electric scooter. It protects against sustained immersion in water.