Kukirin G4 Review: The Affordable Speed Demon That’s Worth Every Penny

Mar 25, 2026 by KUKIRIN Australia

Let me start by saying this: I just got home from work, and there was a brand-new package from Kukirin waiting for me—and I couldn’t tear it open fast enough. As someone who’s tested two Kukirin scooters before (the G2 Master and G3 Pro), I was eager to see what their most affordable performance model, the G4, had to offer. Spoiler: It’s not perfect, but for under $900, it’s hard to beat. Let’s dive into everything—unboxing, controls, ride tests, and whether you should buy it.

First Impressions: Unboxing the Kukirin G4

Let’s start with what comes in the box—no surprises here, but Kukirin included all the essentials: a rear fender with a reflector, a user manual, a toolkit, a 60-volt 2-amp charger, a seat, and a two-piece seat bracket. The seat is optional (you can bolt it on or keep it as a standup scooter), and I initially planned to stick with standup—though I later changed my mind (more on that later). Right out of the box, the G4 feels solid, but it’s lighter than Kukirin’s dual-motor models (which makes sense, since this is a single-motor scooter).

Controls 101: Simple, Slick, and (Mostly) Intuitive

Before hitting the road, I spent a few minutes familiarizing myself with the controls—and I was pleasantly surprised by the upgrades. First, the key ignition (it comes with two keys) is straightforward: a long press on the power button turns it on/off. To switch between modes, you double-click the same button—there’s Eco, Sport, and Race, each with different speed caps. Eco tops out at around 17 mph (no load, just for demo), Sport at 31 mph, and Race? The display free-spins to 56 mph, but Kukirin rates it at 42 mph. I was determined to test that real-world top speed with a load (me, 5’8” and 180 lbs).
A single press of the power button toggles the headlight on/off, and there’s a “zero start” feature (you can accelerate from a standstill) that you can disable by holding the set button if you prefer. The biggest upgrade here is the touchscreen dash—something I haven’t seen on Kukirin’s standup scooters before. My old G2 Master and G3 Pro had outdated displays, so this was a nice change. It shows speed, charge, mode, headlight status, turn signals, and even has a horn (though let’s be real—it’s the least intimidating horn I’ve ever heard). The only downside? It’s a little laggy, especially when I’m wearing gloves—but it’s still a huge improvement.
The brakes are configured like my electric motorcycles (Talaria, Surron): left lever for rear brake, right for front. The throttle is unique too—it’s a thumb throttle integrated with a quarter throttle, so you can use whichever feels more comfortable. Personally, I stuck with the thumb throttle for standup riding.

Ride Test: Speed, Stability, and Surprises (Good and Bad)

Let’s cut to the chase: The Kukirin G4 is fast. Like, faster than I expected for a single-motor, sub-$900 scooter. First, I tested the speedometer accuracy—13 mph on the display matched 13 mph on GPS, so that’s a win. Then I switched to Race mode, and… well, let’s just say things got wild. “A little bit of a speed wobble there—so the speedo showing 47, oh my God.” That’s exactly what I thought when I hit 44 mph (GPS-confirmed) on a main road. The speed wobble at over 40 mph was noticeable and a little sketchy—definitely something to watch out for if you’re a speed demon.
Quick note: I’m not being paid to review this. Kukirin sent me the scooter, but they didn’t tell me what to say—so I’m being 100% honest. The speed wobble is a flaw, but it’s not a dealbreaker (more on that later). Compared to the G2 Master (which had a milder wobble), the G4’s instability at high speeds is more pronounced, but it only kicks in above 40 mph—so if you stick to 35-40 mph, you’re good.
Other ride observations: The G4 has a 2,000-watt rear hub motor that’s super quiet. It doesn’t have the torque of Kukirin’s dual-motor models, but it makes up for it with speed. I hit 44 mph easily, and lighter riders (teens, 150 lbs) could probably hit 43-44 mph too. Heavier riders (over 200 lbs) might struggle to hit 40 mph—Ginger on Wheels (230 lbs) had trouble, for reference.
The suspension is decent, but the front suspension compresses more easily than Kukirin’s other scooters. That’s not a big issue for me, but if you weigh over 200 lbs, it might feel too soft. The 11-inch street tires ride smooth on pavement, but they’re not great for off-roading—they have less traction on gravel (a slight pushing effect) but handle grass fine. I tested a steep trail that’s been closed for 5 months, and the G4 climbed it without breaking a sweat—impressive for a single-motor scooter.
Brakes: Mechanical disc brakes (140 mm rotors front/rear) that work surprisingly well. I tested stopping from 40 mph, and the stopping distance was short—no need to upgrade to hydraulic brakes here. Battery life is another win: After 5 miles of zipping around (mostly in Race mode), I only used one bar of charge. I’ve been stranded on a Kukirin scooter before (24 miles, dead battery), so this was a nice surprise.

The Seat: A Game-Changer for Long Rides

I initially planned to keep the G4 as a standup scooter, but I decided to install the seat—and I’m glad I did. It takes just a few minutes to install, the bracket is sturdy, and it makes long rides way more comfortable. With the seat mounted, the handlebar height (which felt too low for standup) suddenly makes sense. I’m 5’8”, and sitting down feels natural—plus, riding seated adds more weight to the back, which helps with stability (I even hit 40 mph seated without a wobble). The only downside? You can’t fold the stem with the seat installed—it’s bulkier, so throwing it in your trunk is a little harder.

Pros and Cons: The Honest Breakdown

Pros

  • Insane value: Under $900, hits 44 mph (GPS) with a single 2,000-watt motor.
  • Smooth ride on pavement with 11-inch street tires.
  • Useful touchscreen dash (even with gloves, it works well).
  • Key ignition for extra security (a nice upgrade from my old Kukirin scooters).
  • Built-in headlight (higher up, better night visibility) and turn signals (front/rear).
  • Decent battery life—5 miles used just one bar of charge.
  • Optional seat makes long rides comfortable.
  • Solid mechanical disc brakes that stop well at high speeds.

Cons

  • Speed wobble at over 40 mph—unstable and sketchy.
  • Less torque than Kukirin’s dual-motor models.
  • Soft front suspension—may not be ideal for riders over 200 lbs.
  • Non-adjustable handlebars that are too low for taller riders (I don’t recommend it for anyone over 5’10”).
  • Not portable—weighs over 81 lbs, hard to fold and carry.
  • Seat installation makes folding impossible (bulkier for storage).
  • Touchscreen can be laggy at times.
  • Poor off-road traction with street tires.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Kukirin G4?

Short answer: Yes—if you’re looking for an affordable, fast electric scooter and you fit the profile. Let’s be clear: The Kukirin G4 is not for everyone. It’s best for riders who are on the lighter side (under 200 lbs), shorter (5’10” or under), and prioritize speed over portability or off-roading. If you want a scooter that’s fun to zip around town on, hits 40+ mph, and doesn’t break the bank, this is it.
For $899, you’re getting a scooter that outperforms most others in its price range. The speed wobble is a flaw, but it’s manageable if you don’t push it over 40 mph. The touchscreen, key ignition, and optional seat are great extras, and the battery life is solid for daily commutes or weekend rides. I’ve tested a lot of electric scooters, and I can’t think of another one under $900 that hits 40+ mph on GPS—if you know of one, drop it in the comments!
If you’re interested in the Kukirin G4, I’ll link to their listing in the comments (just like I would in my YouTube video). Overall, it’s a great value, and I’m happy to recommend it—just keep its limitations in mind. It’s not perfect, but it’s a whole lot of fun for the money.
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