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Hiboy S2 Review

A mid-priced scooter for longer distances and avid commuters
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Hiboy S2 Review
Credit: Laura Casner
Price:  $300 List
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Manufacturer:   Hiboy
By Evan Johnson and Austin Palmer  ⋅  Jan 6, 2022
63
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#8 of 12
  • Range - 25% 5.6
  • Power - 25% 6.7
  • Ride Comfort - 20% 4.0
  • Portability - 15% 7.4
  • Braking - 15% 9.0

Our Verdict

We found a great mid-priced scooter in the Hiboy S2. The approachable price point is just one of the many benefits of this well-rounded package. Speed, range, and braking all shone through on the S2, with only ride quality ranking lower (common among solid tire scooters). With our rigorous testing, we exposed some flat spots on the scooter's solid tires, which are easier to maintain but not as comfortable over rough surfaces. A smooth traveling surface on your commute makes this model a better choice. For those with cracks and bumps along the way, the ride won't be that enjoyable.
REASONS TO BUY
Decent speed and range
Cruise control feature
Rear suspension
Rear brake light and deck lights
Regenerative braking is pretty powerful
REASONS TO AVOID
Solid tires - harsher ride
Carrying latch is complicated to work
Heavier than average

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Price $300 List
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Bottom Line Tackle longer distance rides or big commutesOur favorite budget scooter because of its top speed, range, and weightA decent scooter with a handy app-based locking feature, a fussy carrying handle, and questionable build qualityAn affordable option for shorter commutes on flatter and smoother terrainA 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%)
5.6
6.8
5.9
4.7
4.2
Power (25%)
6.7
6.9
5.6
5.0
4.3
Ride Comfort (20%)
4.0
4.0
5.9
6.5
4.0
Portability (15%)
7.4
8.0
5.6
6.9
4.1
Braking (15%)
9.0
8.5
9.0
7.5
9.0
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

Our Analysis and Test Results

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.

Performance Comparison



hiboy s2 - with a measured effective range of 14 miles, this model should meet...
With a measured effective range of 14 miles, this model should meet most people's needs.
Credit: Laura Casner

Range


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.

hiboy s2 - we measured the hiboy s2's top speed at 17 mph and it maintained...
We measured the Hiboy S2's top speed at 17 mph and it maintained speed well up our test hills.
Credit: Laura Casner

Power


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.

hiboy s2 - solid tires and relatively ineffective rear suspension result in a...
Solid tires and relatively ineffective rear suspension result in a somewhat harsh ride over bumps and cracks. This model does best on smooth surfaces.
Credit: Laura Casner

Ride Comfort


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.

hiboy s2 - with solid latching mechanisms and reasonable weight, the hiboy s2...
With solid latching mechanisms and reasonable weight, the Hiboy S2 is an easily portable scooter.
Credit: Laura Casner

Portability


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.

hiboy s2 - the s2 has confidence-inspiring stopping power with a regenerative...
The S2 has confidence-inspiring stopping power with a regenerative rake in the front and a disc brake in the rear.
Credit: Laura Casner

Braking


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.

hiboy s2 - we feel the hiboy s2 is a good value for the commuter on a budget...
We feel the Hiboy S2 is a good value for the commuter on a budget who rides smooth surfaces primarily.
Credit: Laura Casner

Value


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.

Conclusion


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.

hiboy s2 - when compared to other solid-tire models, the hiboy s2 had a...
When compared to other solid-tire models, the Hiboy S2 had a competitive performance.
Credit: Laura Casner

Evan Johnson and Austin Palmer