2008 QLINK Axon Review

The QLINK Axon 50 is a small scooter from QLINK, a company that is a joint Chinese American venture, with bikes designed by CF Moto in China and distributed by QLINK in the United States. It may be somewhat tempting to think that as an inexpensive Chinese import, these scooters are of lower quality than other models you might buy, but they can actually be a pretty good value. If you want a Japanese scooter, you should pay for a Japanese scooter, but if your transportation needs are relatively mild, an affordable scooter like the 2008 QLINK Axon 50 definitely deserves your consideration.

The QLINK Axon is probably best described as a low-intensity vehicle. You’re not going to be zipping around town on this little putt-putt, which churns only 3.5 horsepower and 2.8 lb-ft of torque out of its 49cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, four-stroke engine with an automatic continuously variable transmission. You’ll be lucky to get up over 30 mpg on this scooter, so it’s probably best used for trips to the local post office or grocery store, and even then you should make sure you’re not going to be in a hurry to get there before closing time. You’ll get a relatively smooth ride out of the QLINK Axon 50, which features a telescopic front suspension, single sided swing arm rear suspension and one shock absorber, and the front disc and rear drum brakes are certainly sufficient to grind the Axon to a halt from its breakneck speed of 10-30 mph.

Unfortunately, features are somewhat limited on the 2008 QLINK Axon. There is a rather large rear rack storage bin and under seat storages as well, but no tank bags or additional storage features, and no stereo speakers, handlebar pads or other luxury features. Still, the Axon is really designed for short trips, so these issues won’t be too noticeable for most riders. Of course, the most appealing feature of the 2008 QLINK Axon may well be its price, with an MSRP of only $1050. That’s less than a high-end bicycle, and you’ll probably find it faster and more comfortable, without all that troublesome pedaling. The construction is plastic on a steel frame, which is what one would expect on a scooter this affordable.

Whether or not you should purchase a 2008 QLINK Axon depends upon what you want in a scooter. If you’re looking for more of an all-purpose scooter, an everyday commuter vehicle that can get you back and forth from work every day and also let you take your loved one out for a picnic in the country on weekends, the Axon may not be exactly what you are looking for. On the other hand, if you just want a scooter for short joy rides or stress-free trips to the local convenience store, the QLINK Axon can be absolutely perfect. And if you want to make those trips with a friend or loved one, the one seat nature of the Axon may actually work to your advantage, because it gives you a reason to buy two, which at this price, shouldn’t be too difficult, and will allow your scooter partner to fully enjoy the scooter experience for him or herself.