Outisan has introduced the “e-Wagon Air,” an electric utility wagon with power-assisted movement. They sent me one to test this fall, and with their Kickstarter campaign running until November 7th, I wanted to share my thoughts for anyone considering supporting the project.
Outsian e-Wagon Features
- Effortless Hauling: Equipped with dual quiet brushless hub motors, the e-Wagon does 90% of the hauling for you, taking the effort out of transporting heavy loads.
- Adaptive Speed Assistance: The wagon features a built-in motion sensor that detects your walking speed and the terrain’s slope, adjusting the powered assistance accordingly to match your pace.
- Conquer Steep Inclines: Designed for challenging terrain, the wagon can handle slopes up to 10 degrees, even while loaded with up to 200 pounds.
- Controlled Descent: The motors automatically regulate the wagon’s speed when going downhill, matching your pace and preventing it from running away.
- Automatic Stop for Safety: If you let go of the handle, the wagon instantly detects it and stops quickly, even on a downhill grade.
- Effortless Reverse: To back up, simply push the wagon instead of pulling it—the powered assistance kicks in to move the wagon in reverse.
- Durable Construction: Built with a strong aluminum alloy and stainless steel frame, the Outisan Air is designed to endure heavy use.
- Smooth All-Terrain Ride: The 6.5-inch wheels feature durable natural rubber tires, offering a comfortable ride with excellent traction across various terrains.
- IP66 Waterproof Rating: The entire wagon is IP66-rated, meaning it’s fully waterproof and can withstand rain or a hose spray without risking damage to the wagon, battery, or motors.
- Removable Battery: The detachable 130Wh battery provides a range of over 4 miles on a single charge, and can be charged while removed from the wagon.
- Compact and Portable: When in use, the wagon measures 38.19 x 19.69 x 42.72 inches and folds down to 12.20 x 19.69 x 32.87 inches, making it easy to transport and store.
- Lightweight Design: Weighing under 40 pounds, the Outisan Air is easy to lift, carry, and maneuver, even when powered down.
- High Torque for Heavy Loads: With a maximum torque of 30 Nm, the dual hub motors ensure you can push or pull heavy loads with ease, even on rough or uneven ground.
Initial Impressions
On a recent car-camping trip before getting the e-Wagon, I had to make several trips back and forth, hauling loads of gear—including a baby!:
It was a heavy load, took ages, and left me exhausted by the time we finally set up camp. In contrast, during my first outing with the e-Wagon, I was amazed at how effortless it felt to haul, even with a 25-pound child in tow.
In subsequent outings, I’ve taken the e-wagon on asphalt, sand, and light-duty trail with no issues whatsoever.
The motorized wheels, equipped with rubber tread, provided excellent grip on all surfaces and maintained traction throughout my use. Even on steep inclines and declines, the motor kept a consistent speed, ensuring stable control.
The front of the wagon features an LED light bar to brighten the trail in low-light conditions, along with a removable battery that includes a charge indicator. I appreciate the versatility of the battery—it can be charged in place or removed and charged separately using a USB-C cable. After using it for about two hours in one day, the battery level barely dropped!
Operation of the e-wagon is controlled by a switch on the handle. When depressed, you can either tug lightly on the handle to move forward, or push back toward the wagon to reverse. Having the ability to back up was a feature I did not expect, but found myself using often!
The e-Wagon is designed to collapse easily, making it convenient to fit in the back of a car or SUV for trips to the beach or campground. I found it simple to fold, and for a battery-powered device, it’s surprisingly lightweight and easy to lift and maneuver.
Overall Thoughts
One area for improvement would be adding a variable-speed, lighter-touch trigger system. Currently, the wagon operates with a single button on the handle that activates it at a fixed speed, which works but feels a bit slow for my natural walking pace. A pressure-sensitive switch that adjusts speed based on how far it’s pressed would make the wagon more versatile and better suited for different types of terrain.
Aside from this minor issue, I was pleasantly surprised by how well the wagon performed. It made hauling heavy supplies (and kids) noticeably easier, and I’m excited to continue using it on future trips.
If you’d like to support this project, visit the Kickstarter page here.
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Brandon Chase is a writer, endurance athlete, and guide based in Maine. He is a former Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Department of State and spent nearly a decade overseas serving at embassies in Egypt, Cyprus, and Pakistan.
Along with a 98-day thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, he has summited Mt. Kilimanjaro, hiked the West Highland Way, fastpacked in the Himalayas, and trekked around New Zealand and South Africa. He also regularly competes in ultramarathons at the 50k, 50-mile, and 100-mile distances. He is a Lead Guide for Andrew Skurka Adventures and the New England Outdoor Center.