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- 14% Josh Testing the AnyHill UM-1
AnyHill UM-1 Handlebars AnyHill UM-1 Chassis AnyHill UM-1 Deck AnyHill UM-1 Folded

AnyHill UM-1 Review

Original price was: $699.00.Current price is: $599.00.

8/10 (Expert Score)

PUBLISH DATE

March 24, 2022

Price When Reviewed: $599.00
IMPORTANT: This scooter has been discontinued – Find an alternative.

The AnyHill UM-1 lets stability guide the ride with a scooter that is reliable, efficient, and a joy to use. The UM-1 nails its assignment as a budget scooter by delivering on every plane that we’d expect from a $599 purchase.

 

Combining a sleek design with a user-friendly set-up, simple one-click folding mechanism, and surprisingly strong brakes, the UM-1 lets simplicity reign supreme.

 

But most importantly, this scooter sports a valuable LG battery that is usually found in scooters of a much higher price tag. The LG battery treats you to hundreds more charge cycles than the average Chinese battery, creating a scooter that is durable and cost-effective.

 

Overall, its performance, portability, and value for money aid its status as one of our favorite budget buys.

Where to Buy:*
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Who is it Best For?

Will the AnyHill UM-1 Be a Good Fit For You?

The title of this scooter might suggest it's crafted for tackling adventurous inclines, but in reality, the AnyHill UM-1 is suited for first-time riders and commuters.

AnyHill UM-1 Frame Front On

Its generously sized and cushioning tires provide a smooth journey that absorbs the jolting vibrations of the road. Its set of brakes also offers extra security and control in built-up environments, and even delivers one of the best stopping distances we have ever recorded.

The specs on offer are finely tuned for casual rides around the city. Plus, portability plays a big role in the UM-1’s lure as it has a simple one-click mechanism. The mechanism even beats the likes of the Unagi Model One and its one-click folding feature, despite the Unagi costing 31% more than the AnyHill (or 65% more if you opt for the dual-motor version of the Unagi).

What’s more, this scooter is the lightest of its competitors and weighs in at a mere 29.7 lbs. Combined with the sublime folding mechanism and thin stem, the UM-1 is extremely easy to lift and carry.

AnyHill UM-1 Folded From Rear

If you are searching for a budget scooter that combines great build quality with practicality, you can’t get much better than the UM-1.

Pros and Cons

PROS:

  • Premium LG battery
  • One-click folding mechanism
  • Extremely strong brakes
  • IP54 water-resistance rating
  • Plush 8.5 pneumatic tires
  • Choice of three colors
  • Well built

CONS:

  • Needs better cable management (the cables protrude from the frame)

Value for Money

Is the Price Tag Worth it?

One of the UM-1’s key selling points is its LG battery which provides far more longevity than cheap Chinese equivalents that can be found on its competitors. With many scooters opting for a lower quality battery to keep prices down, the UM-1 still has a competitive price tag with durability that can’t be matched.

AnyHill UM-1 Chassis

Battery aside, the scooter hits every other mark that you expect from its class. With a design that promotes style, safety, and security, the UM-1 offers low risk for a low price.

If we consider all of the sub $600 scooters that we’ve tested, the UM-1 stands out as one of the best. It outperforms the other models where build quality is concerned. Plus, no other scooter comes close to the UM-’s braking prowess – it even beats models that are seven times its price and boast top-of-the-line hydraulic braking systems.

Overall, the UM-1 has a well-rounded profile of performance and as a result, it delivers exceptional value for money.

Further Information:

Best Cheap Electric Scooters

Alternatives

What Other Scooters Should You Consider?

Turboant M10 Slender Frame

Turboant M10

Why is it Better Than the AnyHill UM-1?

Why is it Worse Than the AnyHill UM-1?

Price:

Turboant X7 Pro

Turboant X7 Pro

Why is it Better Than the AnyHill UM-1?

Why is it Worse Than the AnyHill UM-1?

Price:

Horizon Frame

Horizon 10.4

Why is it Better Than the AnyHill UM-1?

Why is it Worse Than the AnyHill UM-1?

Price:

Design

Handlebars

The UM-1 sports a clean set of handlebars that are made from precipitation-hardened, stress-tested aluminum alloy and feel secure beneath your hands. As expected, the handlebars feature the same IP54 water-resistance rating that the rest of the frame is wrapped in.

AnyHill UM-1 Handlebars

Of course, this isn’t enough to protect your clasp on those wet and wild rides, so the UM-1 features a set of first-rate hand grips. The circular patterned rubber offers excellent control and instills confidence. In fact, they are the best handgrips we’ve tested on a budget scooter – they far surpass those of its competitors in the sub $600 price bracket.

AnyHill UM-1 Handgrip

The throttle (on the right) and electronic brake paddle (on the left) are both ergonomically positioned and comfortable to use even when maxing out both the top speed and range.

AnyHill UM-1 Throttle

Similarly, the brake lever is well placed, comfortable to reach, and complimentary to the UM-1’s minimalist design. Its safety is matched by the scooter’s locked steering, meaning the handlebars cannot be over-rotated.

Front of AnyHill UM-1 Handlebars

Finally, the handlebars come to a center with a small LED display. As with most other displays, it shows your speed, remaining battery, and riding mode. However, it could benefit from being brighter since I found that it was, at times, difficult to read.

AnyHill UM-1 Display

Frame

The UM-1’s frame boasts a simple design that is sleek, stylish, and unrevealing of its affordable price tag. The slim hexagonally-shaped stem gives the scooter a neat and unbulky look while the long and thin deck provides enough space to find a comfortable stance.

AnyHill UM-1 Durable Frame

The combination of the soft curving lines embedded into the frame alongside its geometric form results in a unique aesthetic that is unlike a generic scooter frame. With its matte black paint job and stark white branding minimally applied, the UM-1 sports a satisfyingly neat design.

AnyHill UM-1 Stem

The only area that would benefit from improvement is better cable management. The brake and motor cables glaringly overhang from the frame.

AnyHill UM-1 Front Tire and Chassis

Deck

The UM-1’s commitment to stability continues with its deck where it features a grippy rubber matting. Unlike other scooters in its price class, the matting not only covers the entirety of the deck – meaning your feet are glued firmly in place at all times – but it also features a deep tread for extra grip.

Close Up of AnyHill UM-1 Deck

The deck size is commendable and a standard fitting of a budget scooter. My feet weren’t dancing around the space trying to get comfortable mid-ride but, instead, were comfortably placed with room to spare.

It’s worth noting, though, that whilst the UM-1’s deck has a width of 5.7 inches which makes it slightly narrower than some of its closest rivals, the minimal difference in measurements didn’t impact ride quality.

AnyHill UM-1 Deck

Wheels

The UM-1 features a set of pneumatic 8.5-inch tires.

Their plush design allows for a gloriously smooth ride on most surfaces, with vibrations being almost entirely engulfed by the rubber. It’s touches like these that make the riding experience that much more satisfying.

AnyHill UM-1 Rear Tire

Equally, the criss-cross tread of the tires delivers traction at all times. This goes hand-in-hand with the strong brakes since the tires mold and grip to the ground, providing extra security even during the most abrupt halts.

I also found that the rounded profile of the tires (i.e. the curvature of them front-on) made carving from side to side feel a breeze while instilling confidence even at top speeds.

AnyHill UM-1 Tire Tread

Build Quality & Durability

The aluminum alloy used for the entirety of the frame is well regarded in the industry and is used by the vast majority of brands, while reinforced plastic and rubber is used for the consumables.

AnyHill UM-1 Kickstand

Beyond the materials, the design of the UM-1 impressed us.

It’s not often budget scooters come as well equipped as the UM-1. From the high-quality LG battery to the intelligent battery management system that maintains the health of the battery cells, the AnyHill UM-1 not only sports a durable exterior but quality runs in its veins.

Weight & Load

The UM-1 weighs 29.7 lbs which is light in the world of electric scooters.

AnyHill UM-1 Folded Frame

Compared to its rivals, the UM-1 weighs the least with the Turboant M10 coming in close at 29.8 lbs, the Turboant X7 Pro weighing in at 33 lbs, and the Horizon 10.4 packing a hefty 42 lbs.

The UM-1 finds itself in the higher-end of the load capacity rankings of entry-level scooters and can take on 250 lbs. However, based on our tests, we found that you get the best performance when you weigh below 220 lbs.

AnyHill UM-1 Entire Deck

Folding & Portability

It has one of the best one-click folding mechanisms that we’ve ever tested.

AnyHill UM-1 Folding Lever

Through one simple, sweeping movement, the mechanism, neatly locks the stem in place, making it extremely easy to fold and unfold. When the stem is folded, a latch on the back of the handlebars snaps into a small hook on the rear fender.

AnyHill UM-1 Rear Fender Latch

The motion is rapid, easy, and perfect when transporting the scooter. This well-executed function plays a big role in its victory over other budget scooters for portability.

AnyHill UM-1 Folded

Assembly

The assembly of the UM-1 is extremely quick. Following the trend of most electric scooters, this one comes out of the box more or less ready to go.

All that is required is to attach the handlebars by using four small screws. After that, you’re ready to ride.

Ride Quality

Is the AnyHill UM-1 Comfortable to Ride?

With an ergonomic thumb throttle to control your speed, rubberized handgrips, and a steering column that is locked to prevent over-rotation, the UM-1 instills confidence while riding.

Josh on AnyHill UM-1

Alongside the tires that grip the road and brakes that respond excellently, the UM-1 delivers great ride quality for its price tag.

AnyHill UM-1 Side of Deck

Performance & Safety

Top Speed

The UM-1 has a respectable top speed of 16 mph but how does it compare to other scooters of its price tag? It’s time to find out.

Speed vs Price Comparison

The UM-1 takes a mid to low spot in the table below against 19 comparable models. But whilst this may seem unfavorable at first glance, it’s important to note that the UM-1 shares the same motor power (36V 350W) as 8 other models that seemingly come before it in the rankings. Either these other scooters have inflated their figures or AnyHill is being modest – we think it's a combination of both.

AnyHill UM-1 Speed vs Price Comparison

With this in mind, I wouldn’t be too quick to disregard the AnyHill, especially as it also sports the LG battery that is ultimately responsible for prolonging the amount of time you can enjoy from its motor.

Nevertheless, the Horizon 13 and 10.4 share the top spot for speed, coming in at a nimble 25 mph. Both scooters sport 500W motors which are 43% larger than the UM-1’s 350W, hence their impressive momentum.

The motors within both Horizon models also operate on 48V which trumps the UM-1’s 36V, resulting in faster acceleration.

Speed vs Weight Comparison

We collated a Speed to Weight comparison list of 13 models that sit within 5 lbs on either side of the UM-1’s 29.7 lbs.

AnyHill UM-1 Speed vs Weight Comparison

Again, the AnyHill shares the same size motor as almost the entire lineup of scooters that come before it (except for the Unagi E500 which has dual 250W motors), but as we will soon see, the placement of the motor can make a big difference.

Drawing our eyes to the top of the chart it's the INOKIM Light 2 that is crowned king with a top speed of 21 mph and light 30 lbs super-compact frame. Nonetheless, this extra pace comes at a cost of $999 whilst the UM-1 is a more affordable $599.

Not for the first time in this review, the Turboant M10 gives the UM-1 a run for its money with a cheaper price tag of $450, a similar weight of 29.8 lbs, and a higher top speed of 20 mph. However, where the M10 really shines is in its acceleration, which we will discuss next in the “Acceleration” section of the review.

Acceleration

With a 36V 350W motor, the UM-1’s acceleration is where we would expect it to be.

As you can see from the chart below, the Horizon is hailed champion thanks to its more torquey 48V 500W motor. As a result, it hits 15 mph 31% faster than the UM-1.

Scooter0-15 MPH (Seconds)
Horizon 10.4 ($699)4.7
Turboant M10 ($450)5.4
AnyHill UM-1 ($600)6.8
Turboant X7 Pro ($550)7.3

Despite both the Turboant M10 and X7 Pro having the same size motors as the UM-1, all three models vary in their acceleration. Here, there are two factors at play – weight and motor placement.

Firstly, the X7 Pro weighs more than the M10 and UM-1. The X7 Pro and UM-1 also have front-mounted motors, as opposed to rear-mounted ones. As a rule of thumb, font-mounted motors are slower than those at the rear. Here, the X7 Pro is not only heavier but also suffers from its motor placement causing it to have an acceleration rate that is 7% slower than the UM-1. The M10, on the other hand, is near-identical to the UM-1 for weight, but it has a rear-mounted motor that results in more torque and a 20% faster acceleration to 15 mph.

AnyHill UM-1 Acceleration Comparison

Maximum Mileage

The AnyHill UM-1 has a maximum range of 18.6 miles and a realistic mileage of 13 miles at full pelt and power.

Further Information:

Long Range Electric Scooters

Mileage vs Price Comparison

With 19 comparable models within a $500 price range wrapped around the UM-1’s price tag, it takes a joint-fourth position with the SPLACH Swift and GoTrax XR Elite.

AnyHill UM-1 Mileage vs Price Comparison

It’s also worth noting that it is one of just two models in this lineup (the other is the GoTrax XR Ultra) to have a high-quality LG battery.

While cheaper Chinese batteries are often chosen by manufacturers to bring the cost of a scooter down, they deteriorate quicker than their LG counterparts. Just as your phone battery decays the more you charge it, the cheaper cells used in scooter batteries do the same. So, with the UM-1 you’ll be getting more mileage over a longer period.

Still, the Turboant X7 Pro takes the top spot with a maximum mileage that is 61% greater than that of the UM-1. Plus, by sporting a removable battery, the X7 Pro’s range can be extended indefinitely by swapping the juiced-out battery pack for a fresh one mid-ride. While the maximum mileage of the X7 Pro far surpassed that of the UM-1, its real-world mileage clocks in at 16 miles.

Mileage vs Weight Comparison

Improving on its Mileage vs Price ranking, the UM-1 takes joint-third in our Mileage vs Weight comparison.

AnyHill UM-1 Mileage vs Weight Comparison

For a budget scooter, it succeeds at its purpose of offering respectable mileage for minimal weight.

Yet for only 3.3 extra pounds you could be venturing 11.4 more miles into the distance with the Turboant X7 Pro, which reigns supreme at the top of this list.

Hill Climbing

The UM-1 has a 15% incline grade (8.5-degrees) which is standard for a scooter of this power.

The 36V 350W motor has enough power to glide up gentle inclines but you will feel it becoming sluggish once you venture up anything beyond this.

AnyHill UM-1 Front Motor and Chassis

Flat terrain is where the UM-1 excels and if you want to go roaming up steep gradients, I advise finding a scooter with dual motors.

That being said, the Horizon 10.4 will offers better hill climbing credentials if you are on a budget. The 48V 500W motor has the power to venture up inclines of up to 10-degrees. For comparison, the Horizon can climb hills nearly twice as fast as the UM-1.

Shock Absorption / Suspension

The AnyHill UM-1 doesn’t have any traditional form of suspension but it does feature two air-filled tires that do a good job of soaking up bumps and cracks along roads and sidewalks.

AnyHill UM-1 Front Tire

For rides through urban environments, the AnyHill is well-equipped and it’s on par with the majority of scooters in its price class.

Braking

By now it’s apparent that the UM-1 puts build quality at the forefront of its priorities and its set of brakes are a testament to that. Sporting a rear disc brake and front e-brake, the scooter offers excellent control when coming to a stop at any speed.

AnyHill UM-1 Brake Lever

To find a scooter that spreads its braking power across both wheels in the budget category is rare, and the result of AnyHill’s decision to do so is clear.

The UM-1 stops in just 2.2 meters from 15 mph. This is, hands-down, the best braking performance we have ever recorded. I’ll let that sink in for a second.

AnyHill UM-1 Disc Brake

Usually, we say that a stopping distance between 3.0 and 3.4 meters is good, with anything towards the lower number being great. In the case of the UM-1, its braking power is outstanding. It even beats premium scooters like the INOKIM OxO which costs $2,599, boasts full hydraulic brakes, and has a stopping distance of 2.7 meters.

Similarly, if we compare it to its closest rivals, they don’t come close. The Turboant M10 takes 4.9 meters to stop while the X7 Pro and Horizon both take around 5.2.

I was particularly impressed with the electronic brake. It was surprisingly strong considering that most scooters of this price come to a much more gradual halt. The e-brake reacts to your grip at a sensitivity that is expected and safe.

AnyHill UM-1 Electronic Brake

Simply put, the UM-1 has the best performing brakes out of our 140+ strong database of electric scooters. (I still can’t believe I’m saying this considering we have reviewed models that cost more than seven times the UM-1).

Charge Time

The 36V 7.8Ah battery takes 4-5 hours to charge which is satisfyingly short.

AnyHill UM-1 Charging Port

What’s more, the battery management system detects unusual temperatures and prevents short-circuiting, under-voltage, over-current, overcharging and over-discharging to deliver precise control of the power flow to ensure battery performance and safety.

AnyHill UM-1 Charging Port Cover

Extra Features

Mobile App & Digital Lock

Embracing its status as a modern method of commuting, the UM-1 features a mobile app that allows you to view the same metrics shown on the display, including your speed, battery level, and status of the lights (on/off).

You’re also able to lock the scooter remotely. When enabled, the digital lock engages the electronic brake to prevent the scooter from being rolled away. This adds extra peace of mind but I suggest using a physical lock if you plan to leave your scooter in public.

Headlight and Taillight

The UM-1 sports a K-MARK approved headlight and taillight that offer visibility at night. With the former practically placed below the center of the handlebars, the light illuminates a wide and comforting portion of the path ahead.

AnyHill UM-1 Headlight

Taken from the bicycle industry, the K-MARK headlight comes gets its name from the Road Traffic Licensing Regulation, where the light has been put through various tests to prevent glare to opposing road users. This ensures safe riding of the scooter.

AnyHill UM-1 Brake Light

IP54 Water-Resistance Rating

The UM-1 has a water-resistance rating of IP54, which is the expected standard of most scooters.

That means you can rest assured that dust won’t be entering and damaging the scooter on any rouge pathways. It’s also splash-proof and can fight off a low-pressure spray, so on a rainy day, you’ll still be ready to ride.

AnyHill UM-1 Frame Side On

Specification: AnyHill UM-1 Review

Brand
Brand

AnyHill

Type
Terrain

Street

Design
Portability

Folding Frame

Weight (lbs)

29.7

Rider Weight (lbs)

250

Tire Size (inches)

8.5

Tire Type

Pneumatic (Inner-Tube)

Performance
Top Speed (mph)

16

Max Range (miles)

18.6

Charge Time (hours)

5

Suspension Type

None

Brake Type

Disc (Mechanical), Electronic

Extra Features
Extra Features

Cruise Control, Lights, Mobile App, Water Resistance Rating

Specification
Max Incline (degrees)

8.5

Water Resistance Rating

IP54

Warranty & Post-Purchase Support

The UM-1 has a warranty of 1 year when you purchase the scooter through Anyhill’s official website.

If any defect begins to develop within the first 12 months of your purchase, AnyHill will fix the problem free of charge by sending replacement parts or new product(s). They offer free repairs within the warranty period as well. Whilst this may mean initially paying for delivery, you can claim back these costs if they are deemed what they describe as ‘reasonable’. If the package is going globe-trotting distances, it’s worth checking with them first.

Whilst this is generous from AnyHill, they will not accept repair/replacement requests without the product’s original packaging and receipt, so be sure to keep these safe. You’re also only liable for the warranty if you bought the scooter from an authorized seller, and you’re willing to take responsibility for any loss/damage during its transit.

Additionally, it’s only the vehicle body parts that are covered for a year, with most diminishable items (battery pack, handlebar grips, etc) under warranty for up to 180 days.

Specification: AnyHill UM-1 Review

Brand
Brand

AnyHill

Type
Terrain

Street

Design
Portability

Folding Frame

Weight (lbs)

29.7

Rider Weight (lbs)

250

Tire Size (inches)

8.5

Tire Type

Pneumatic (Inner-Tube)

Performance
Top Speed (mph)

16

Max Range (miles)

18.6

Charge Time (hours)

5

Suspension Type

None

Brake Type

Disc (Mechanical), Electronic

Extra Features
Extra Features

Cruise Control, Lights, Mobile App, Water Resistance Rating

Specification
Max Incline (degrees)

8.5

Water Resistance Rating

IP54

AnyHill UM-1 Review
AnyHill UM-1 Review

Original price was: $699.00.Current price is: $599.00.

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