BUY DUCATI PRO III SCOOTER IN IRELAND

Ducati, the historic motorcycle brand, have branched out into electric scooters. Let’s see how their latest 2022 model.

Good for

• All round leisure riders
• Design fans

Pros

• Long range
• Distinctive style

Cons

• Ride over rough ground
• Heavy-ish

Expert verdict

This is a great looking foldable scooter, with design callbacks to Ducati’s motorbike heritage - such as the chunky platform, dual brake handles and the design of the electronic displays, featuring an odometer and speed dial.

It feels like every decision has been made in order to eke out as much range as possible, while still building a nimble and quick e-scooter befitting of a motorbike company. The result is a very impressive 50km range.

There are also some nifty features like cruise control, a security token and regenerative braking. 

There’s always a “but” of course - and here it’s the ride quality on rough ground. This is a good scooter off-road - but in order to keep the weight down (partly caused by the great battery), they’ve skimped on the suspension. So you do feel the bumps when you’re riding. But at £700 (down from £800), this is a great all-round scooter. 

Specs

Ducati Pro III in detail

Power and performance

The Ducati Pro 3 has a 350W motor on its back wheel - 100W more than many cheaper models and which I found gave a lovely boost when speeding up - and it does handle hills of up to 20 per cent as claimed (I weigh 65kg but even with a heavy bag it had no trouble).

The 468-watt hour battery you're looking to get a range of up to 31 miles on one charge - double that of some of its rivals. It’s a beefy battery and stowed in the thick deck, which adds to the feeling of robustness.

You also get cruise control - just hold your thumb down to activate it. I didn’t use it much as I prefer to be completely in control but if you do use it, it cancels the moment you hit the brakes or adjust the throttle.

You can choose between four riding modes offering 6, 15, 20 and 25 km/h respectively:

• The lowest level is an assistance mode for when you're pushing.
• Eco mode maxes out the range but you don’t get the instant acceleration in the other two riding modes.
• Comfort mode offers a good balance between performance and energy efficiency.
• Sport mode - to be honest I mostly left it in this mode. That big battery means you don’t need to compromise on power due to range worry.

Ride and comfort

On smoother terrain and tarmac, this scooter really sings. But ride comfort is the one area where I did notice a compromise. The 10-inch tyres are pneumatic which absorbs some shock but there’s no suspension. So you do feel potholes and rougher terrain through the deck.

When riding, it’s really responsive and I found it super dynamic. I could lean into turns and corners and never had any worries about skidding - the chunky wheels (larger than a lot of everyday scooter wheels) really help here.

One nice touch is the throttle is a really lovely size for your thumb. This might sound a bit niche but I've ridden a lot of scooters where there's a tiny little button - with this, you don't lose your thumb position as you go over any bumps.

Build

Maximum load is a fairly standard 100 kilograms. The scooter itself weighs 17.5kg - the top end of a middle weight. You can carry it but you might struggle if you had to go too far (although it does have that walking power-assist mode if you just want to wheel it). It’s presumably to keep this weight from rising any further that high-end suspension isn’t used, but this has affected the ride. The scooter frame is magnesium - lighter than the more common aluminium but which adds to the expense.

if you're based in a wet country like the UK then the waterproof rating is ipx4 meaning the Pro 3 is resistant to all splashes from any direction but shouldn’t be used in heavy rain.

Brakes

Some Ducati quality here - front and rear disc brakes with regenerative braking to help that battery last longer. You use a left-and right-hand levers to apply them, part of that motorbike-like feel.

Features

Ducati haven’t skimped on the extras. You get integrated lights front and rear, a locking clamp that acts as a bag hook, and my favourite feature, a USB port for on-the-go charging of my mobile phone.

The LED display is one of the best I've ever seen on a scooter. A lot of e-scooter displays suffer from glare in sunny conditions, but the Pro-III's display was highly visible in all conditions I tested it in.

There’s added security via a fob that you need to unlock and ride (it comes with a spare but try not to lose them, although the app also allows for Bluetooth keyless unlocking).

The Ducati Pro III electric scooter has been making waves in the market with its sleek design and powerful performance. As a leading brand in the motorcycle industry, Ducati has brought its expertise to the electric scooter realm, and the Pro III is a testament to their commitment to innovation. Let's delve into a comprehensive review of this electric scooter.

Design and Build Quality

The Ducati Pro III boasts a futuristic and sporty design that is instantly recognizable. The scooter's lines are clean and aerodynamic, and the Ducati branding adds a touch of luxury. The build quality is exceptional, with high-grade materials used throughout. The scooter feels solid and well-constructed, giving you confidence in its durability.

Performance and Range

The Pro III is equipped with a powerful electric motor that delivers ample acceleration and top speed. It can effortlessly navigate through city traffic and handle inclines with ease. The scooter's range is impressive, allowing you to cover significant distances on a single charge. This makes it a practical choice for daily commuting and short trips.

Features and Technology

The Ducati Pro III is packed with features that enhance your riding experience. The scooter features a digital display that provides essential information such as battery level, speed, and mode. It also comes with regenerative braking, which helps to recharge the battery while slowing down. Additionally, the Pro III offers multiple riding modes to suit different preferences and conditions.

Comfort and Ride Quality

The Pro III offers a comfortable ride thanks to its well-tuned suspension system. The scooter absorbs bumps and vibrations effectively, ensuring a smooth journey. The ergonomic design of the seat and handlebars contributes to a relaxed riding position.

Battery and Charging

The Pro III is powered by a high-capacity battery that provides a long-lasting charge. The charging time is relatively quick, allowing you to get back on the road in a short period. The battery is easily removable for convenient charging or replacement.

Conclusion

The Ducati Pro III is a premium electric scooter that delivers on performance, style, and comfort. Its powerful motor, long range, and advanced features make it a compelling option for those seeking a high-quality electric scooter. If you're looking for a stylish and reliable mode of transportation, the Pro III is definitely worth considering.