 This Product Hiboy S2 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Band for The Buck | ||||
| Price | $300 List | $299 List $220.00 at Amazon | $400 List | $400 List $349.99 at Amazon | $299 List $349.99 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | Tackle longer distance rides or big commutes | Our favorite budget scooter because of its top speed, range, and weight | A decent scooter with a handy app-based locking feature, a fussy carrying handle, and questionable build quality | An affordable option for shorter commutes on flatter and smoother terrain | A smooth-riding, wallet-friendly scooter with some high-end features |
| Rating Categories | Hiboy S2 | Maxshot V1 | Superfun S1-A | Segway Ninebot E2 Plus | Gotrax GXL V2 |
| Range (25%) | |||||
| Power (25%) | |||||
| Ride Comfort (20%) | |||||
| Portability (15%) | |||||
| Braking (15%) | |||||
| Specs | Hiboy S2 | Maxshot V1 | Superfun S1-A | Segway Ninebot E2 Plus | Gotrax GXL V2 |
| Measured Maximum Speed | 17 mph | 17.5 mph | 15.7 mph | 15.6 mph | 12.5 mph |
| Measured Effective Range | 14 miles | 18.2 miles | 14.7 miles | 10.9 miles | 7 miles |
| Measured Charge Time | 5.7 hours | 4.2 hours | 5.3 hours | 7 hours | 4.3 hours |
| Measured Weight | 32.0 lb | 27.5 lb | 31.6 lb | 33.3 lb | 26.0 lb |
| Average Measured Braking Distance | 14.3' | 17' | 15.3' | 21.0' | 12.0' |
| Brake Type | Front regenerative and rear disc | Drum braking and eABS regenerative anti-lock braking | Front electronic ABS brake with a rear disc brake | Electronic front brake with rear drum brake | Front regenerative and rear disc |
| Tire Type | Solid rubber | Solid (honeycomb) | Solid (honeycomb) | Inner hollow, maintenance-free | Pneumatic |
| Tire Size | 8.5" | 8.5" | 8.5" | 8.1" | 8.5" |
| Lights | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Screen | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| App | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Manufacturer Maximum Load | 220 lb | 264 lb | 220 lb | 198 lb | 220 lb |
| Manufacturer Motor Size | 350 Watt | 350 Watt | 450 Watt | 500 Watt | 250 Watt |
| Bell | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion | Lithium-ion | Lithium-ion | Lithium-ion | Lithium-ion |
Hiboy makes of range of electric mobility products including skateboards, hoverboards, and scooters. The S2 is a mid-priced option in their extensive line of electric scooters that impressed us in our speed, range, and braking tests. Due to its solid 8.5" wheels and tires and ineffective rear suspension, we found the ride comfort to be lacking compared to other models. Regardless, we feel this is a decent option for commuters and smoother riding surfaces.
The S2 has a very respectable tested range of 14 effective miles. While this is below Hiboy's claimed range of 17 miles, it is still above the average of the scooters we've tested. The range is complemented with a full recharge in only five hours and forty minutes. This is rare to charge from empty in such a short time, so we feel the slightly above average range and reasonable recharge time make this a solid choice for commuters. The 36 V 7.5 Ah (270 Wh) lithium battery ran for a total elapsed testing time of 1 hour 21 minutes, which is above average.
For this test, we're checking not only how well the scooter can climb hills but also testing how much of their top speed is maintained during climbs. With a 350W motor, the Hiboy S2 was able to hit and maintain a top speed of 17 mph on flat ground. Tackling the test hill in our power metric fairly well, the Hiboy S2 slowed to about half its top speed of 17 mph but still makes it to the top. Overall, the S2 does well on hill climbs, maintaining speed and only slowing a minimal amount compared to most other models we tested.
Rolling on 8.5" solid tires, we expected the S2's ride to provide less comfort on rough or uneven street surfaces. Typically, scooters with pneumatic tires shine in this category, regardless of suspension. As expected, the Hiboy S2 brings more vibration to the ride than some of the more comfortable models we've tested. On top of that, the rear suspension could use some improvement and doesn't offer any significant shock absorption.
The 8.5" wheels couldn't soften out the ride, and the solid tires left us with flat spots after our hard braking tests. These flat spots were noticeable while riding after the braking tests. All in all, you'll likely avoid braking as hard as our testers needed to, and on smooth surfaces, the Hiboy S2 rolls on without a problem. Solid tires also provide the added bonus of freedom from PSI checks and other downfalls of possible low air pressure.
Weighing in at 32 lbs, the S2 is slightly heavier than the lightest models we tested, but it isn't so heavy that it becomes unwieldy. The S2 achieved high marks in the folding and latching categories, with a solid feel and metal latch components.
Beyond the solid mechanisms, we were able to wheel the Hiboy S2 with a little creative angling. There's no specific handle for this, but the standard lift is balanced and easy to maneuver at under 4' in length. Weight was acceptable and most importantly, the transitions felt relatively easy for our testers.
With a scooter as quick as the S2, it's important to match speed with a safe stopping distance. Top marks achieved here are due to a powerful regenerative brake up front and a rear disc brake, that provides a lot of stopping power.
Out of all the scooters tested, the regenerative brake on the Hiboy was the strongest. Offering a solid brake feel through regenerative braking is a confidence builder. With the braking test, we did experience flat spots on the wheels that are common among all solid wheels. Visibility while braking is important in all environments, and the brake light paired with a deck light helps provide a visual warning when you apply the brakes.
With a middle-of-the-road price point, we feel the S2 is a relatively good value given its speed, range, and braking performance. It may not provide the most comfortable ride, but it works well over smooth surfaces. This is a solid mid-priced option for the commuter on a budget.
With the Hiboy S2, we checked the real-life range, power, comfort, portability, and braking. Pleased with what we saw overall, we feel this scooter would make a great choice for a budget commuter. The value in choosing the S2 is clearly the cost savings, but the only real compromise is in the ride quality common among solid scooter tires.
