EZGO Wallet Review
A rugged, minimalist wallet born from Kickstarter that favours function over form with a design unlike anything else.
Wallets come in all shapes and sizes, and I’m constantly surprised by what a bit of creativity and innovation can produce. The EZGO Wallet is a perfect example of this. At first glance, it doesn’t even look like a wallet, more like a component stripped from a piece of machinery or an industrial design prototype. The surface is filled with intricate cutouts, but these aren’t just for show. Every detail serves a purpose, helping to create a minimalist wallet that makes the most of its limited space. In this review, I’ll share my honest thoughts on the EZGO Wallet and whether it deserves a spot in your everyday carry.
It’s hard not to say the EZGO Wallet was ahead of its time with its unconventional design and construction. Emerging during the golden age of Kickstarter wallet campaigns an era where minimalist and tech-forward designs dominated crowdfunding- the EZGO first launched in March 2013 and raised a respectable $25,000. The brand behind it, based in Renton, Washington, has been around since 2008 and continues to operate to this day, quietly offering one of the more unique wallet concepts to come out of that Kickstarter wave.
Look & Design: A Distictive Looking Wallet
As I touched on earlier, the EZGO Wallet looks more like a block of plastic than a traditional wallet. I get that doesn’t exactly sound flattering, and honestly, it doesn’t do the wallet much justice. It’s essentially a solid cardholder machined from low-density polyethylene, which is just a fancy way of saying it’s made from a tough, flexible plastic. Plastic certainly has its practical upsides, but it’s not a material you often see in the wallet world, and there are reasons for that - these style of wallets are often known as hard case wallets.
My main gripe is how the material affects both the aesthetics and feel. Personally, I think the EZGO is a pretty ugly wallet. The plastic doesn’t just look cheap it feels it. We’ve all handled enough plastic products to know exactly what I mean. There’s a certain hollowness, a lack of refinement that you just don’t get with metal or leather alternatives. There’s also the sustainability side of things, which doesn’t sit right when you compare it to brands using recycled metals or vegetable-tanned leathers.
That said, there’s a silver lining and it’s a big one. The EZGO is an absolute tank. Yes, it’s chunky. Yes, it’s a solid, uniform object with no moving parts. But because of that, it’s ridiculously durable. I’ve dropped it repeatedly, smashed it with a hammer, and generally tried to rough it up - and it came out the other side barely showing a scratch.
Compare that to something like the Ridge Wallet, which I’ve also tested pretty thoroughly, and the EZGO actually holds up better under abuse. Like it or not, this thing is built to last and then some. If durability is your top priority, I honestly don’t think you’ll find much better.
Functionlity & Utility
Where the EZGO Wallet really comes into its own is in how it functions. While its unusual shape and jagged-looking cutouts might seem a bit chaotic at first, everything has been purposefully designed. Those curves, slots, and edges are all doing something useful, this isn’t just a design for the sake of being different.
The wallet is split into three main sections. The most obvious are the card slots on either side essentially recessed cutouts in the plastic where your cards slide in securely. You can fit up to three cards on each side, giving you a total capacity of six. Getting them out is a breeze just slide your thumb upwards, and the cards glide out with minimal effort. It’s quick, clean, and works far better than I expected.
The third compartment is a top slot that runs through the middle of the wallet, designed for folded banknotes. It’s surprisingly efficient you just slide your notes in and they stay put. I found it comfortably held anywhere from a single note up to about 15 bills without any issues.
But the standout feature and something I’ve never really seen on a wallet like this is the built-in storage for SD and microSD cards. On one side, you’ll find two tiny cutouts that perfectly fit one standard SD and two microSD cards. It’s a clever little addition, especially if you’re someone who regularly uses digital storage for cameras or other devices. They fit snugly, stay secure, and it’s honestly just a cool and practical touch that sets the EZGO apart.
Final Verdict: Is The EZGO Wallet Worth it?
I came away from the EZGO Wallet genuinely impressed. It’s a wallet that quietly does everything it sets out to do, and does it well. It nails the fundamentals of what a minimalist wallet should be compact, functional, and surprisingly durable, thanks to its choice of plastic. Sure, I’ve got my criticisms when it comes to how it looks and feels. The material doesn’t scream quality, and handling it never quite feels premium. But the EZGO isn’t trying to win design awards it’s a wallet built on the principle of function over form, and in that regard, it succeeds.
Where I see the EZGO really shining is as a backup or secondary wallet - something you can take on a hike, camping trip, or anywhere that your usual wallet might be at risk. It’s the kind of wallet you throw in your bag and don’t worry about. It can be dropped, soaked, scratched and it’ll keep going. The inclusion of SD card slots also makes it a handy option for photographers or anyone needing portable digital storage.
Price-wise, it’s hard to argue. The original grey version can be picked up for under $15, while coloured versions like the red or blue are still only around $25.00. At that price, it’s an easy recommendation. Even if you never end up using it day to day, it’s a solid bit of kit to have lying around just in case. If you’re after something no-nonsense, ultra-durable, and don’t care much about fancy finishes or premium materials, the EZGO Wallet delivers far more than its price suggests.