MO 125 Seat Performance Test: the best rival to the BMW CE 04?

Designed in Spain, the Chair’s MO is almost identical to the Silence S01 electric scooter appeared in fiscal years 2020 and 2021. After a year of being covered in car sharing in Barcelona,a base, it is joined by a more muscular Performance version. The results of our test are very positive.

Figures revised upwards

With the Performance version, Kiti MO 125 electric scooter Power gain: Up to 11.5 kW maximum and 9 kW nominal, against 9 and 7 kW respectively for the base model. This allows the newcomer to shoot down 0 to 50 km / h in 2.9 seconds, against 3.9 s. The maximum speed goes to him from 95 to 105 km / h, and even more by using the boost function whose use is limited to 30 s in a row. During his tests on the expressway, Maxime Fontanier saw the speedometer rise to 113 km/h in a good wind: “Cit allowed me to pass very easily. This is actually a very good move “.

A brushless motor built into the rear wheel is powered by an LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery common to both versions. At 51 V, it offers a usable energy capacity of 5.6 kWh. It is enough to travel 133 km according to the manufacturer. However it will be in Eco mode.

Performance equipment will reduce these figures within 100 km in the City, and even 80 km in the Sport. If the pack weighs 41 kg, it can be easily removed from the center of the circuit to bring it closer to the power line. Telescopic wheels and a handle, like a suitcase, make this easy. It will take between 6 and 8 hours to recharge.

Retouched circuit section

To shed light on the Performance of the MO 125, Seat has managed to justify 2 achievements in the Guinness World Records. In 24 hours, on shift 2, a distance of 1,430 km was covered at the beginning of October 2022. The next day, one pilot managed to cover 1,158 km per day. To support this, the circuit section was also ready to start. It has actually been retouched on this version compared to the base model.

The rear is suspended by a shock absorber from the Swedish brand Öhlins, adjustable for compression and rebound. Redesigned, the fork offers 10mm more travel and a stiffer spring.

Improvements in braking performance should be sought in terms of new pads and more efficient petal discs. If the system benefits from a front/rear splitter, ABS is still missing. However, we have to come to this, these devices are made by the manufacturer.

A very well made electric scooter

Comfort, the saddle must also contribute. Designed for 2 people but maybe a little short for the rear passenger, that of electric motorcycle seat it is covered with alcantara, with stitching. This coating helps reduce slippage. The wide front shape can make it difficult for short people to keep their feet on the ground while standing. On the other hand, the actual hold is hidden below, with the ability to swallow 2 hats, or just one and a small bag. “ It is one of the best carrying capacity in the 125 scooter category. », assures Maxime Fontanier. It is also possible to place the bag in front, on a flat floor, using the hooks provided for this purpose. There, legroom is particularly generous.

At the front of the MO 125 Seat Performance, a black windshield enhances the profile of the two-wheeler. Two USB sockets are available under the handles. The tested example is installed with Smartphone support, it is not necessary to connect properly: ” We would prefer to have the system in the middle, below the display, like in Honda “. Full LED lighting and the absence of visible electrical wires on the handles add to the feeling of being in front of electric scooter “very nice”.

It is connected

Almost in the form of a waveform, a digital LCD device presents a lot of data. Some are just indications, such as the outside temperature, or the time, shown in smaller letters. On the other hand, more important information benefits from better processing to better recognize it. First of all, the instant speed and the level of energy in the battery are obvious. Then evaluate the range achieved and the distance traveled.

The curved gauge type provides a real-time indication of the usage or regeneration accumulated by the engine. By playing a little with the button, it is possible to access new statistics: average speed calculated for recorded trips, odometer, battery temperature, etc. A smartphone app allows the MO 125 Performance to be geo-located, access various values including battery power level, unlock and start the two-wheeler remotely, and be alerted in case of unexpected movement.

Complete with legibility, the digital display changes the range estimate to the driving mode in use

First rounds

With a slim profile, the Seat electric scooter looks very simple, favoring its insertion between 2 rows of cars. We think it is lighter than 152 kg in running order, to the point of feeling a big difference with the warm Yamaha XMax 125. Operation is facilitated by the presence of a very easy gear to engage. In Eco mode, regeneration is highest at MO Performance 125, and acceleration is smooth: ” It is smooth up to 30 km / h “. But in the absence of traction control, it is rather guaranteed to turn on a greasy or wet road.

The first shortness of the road leads to appreciate the comfort of the rear suspension and the saddle. Brake rebound is less powerful when using City mode. But it’s mainly in Sport that the speed rises, further distinguishing Seat’s electric motorcycle from the petrol competition. The beeps produced by the turn signals can however become annoying after a long time.

“Accelerates like a BMW CE 04”

Users who are used to the vibrating single cylinder of 125 hot scooters, you may be very confused by the quietness with which the Seat MO Performance glides through traffic. ” It brings an incredible level of comfort “, compares Maxime Fontanier. “It even makes less noise than a bicycle, since we have a wheel motor, no chain or belt noise. It’s completely silent “.

Still in Sport mode, the electric scooter is lively and balanced on hills, and the tires hold up well, at least in the dry. Riding with 2 people in its saddle, that is to say about 150 kg of load, does not rob the machine. It’s fun to use, the brakes are sharp and easy to measure accurately. The fork can dive a little at the beginning of the stroke, without damaging the car. If we feel the work done at this level compared to the basic version, there are still small trepidations to delete.

In order to enter the fast lane, the electric motorcycle accepts a fast ride up to 90 km / h: ” It accelerates almost as well as a BMW CE 04and a little bit longer, a little bit more pep “. The increase in performance is clear and Silence S01 tried before, and who ” the fork tended to vibrate above 90 km/h “.

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Test Yamaha E01: the 125 electric scooter that everyone is waiting for

Price

How much for this 125 electric scooter Can you travel 80 km in Sport mode, and 120 km in Eco? The grid starts at 8,900 euros for the Seat MO 125 Performance available in the option of Barcelona gray and Tarifa blue. At this price, you have a machine with the best balance: freedom between the best on the market and those of BMW CE 04, ease of charging, controlled consumption, relatively high performance. A LOA solution is also provided. Invoice of €146/month, this includes an initial contribution of €900 which can be paid by ecological bonus.

For comparison, the basic model is shown for 7,200 euros, and can be dressed in 2 additional colors: Menorca white and Pamplona red. The smartphone support present in the tested copy is an option for 60 euros. The catalog also offers a high protection glass for 210 euros and a top box of 39 liters for 150 euros. The latter requires the installation of a basic support for 140 euros. The difference in the same 50 cc expected for this year 2023. At the time of writing this article, the final one has not yet been released on Kiti’s website.

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We loved it	We liked a little
Good level of finishes and materials Good volume (47 liters under saddle) Full instrument Handling & comfort	There is no ABS Smooth Eco mode when accelerating (up to 30 km/h)

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