Hiboy S2 Lite Review

Design

Handlebars

The simple texturized grips provide enough room for your hands to fit comfortably so you’ll always feel in control. Although having rubber grips may seem like a necessity, it’s good to see that Hiboy has invested here since some cheap scooters (mostly found on Amazon), tend to opt for foam grips that have poor wear-resistance. The rubber material will last the test of time and this adds a layer of durability to the scooter, setting it apart from other cheap models.

In the center of the handlebars, you’ll find the neatly designed LED display, which is reminiscent of the popular Xiaomi Mi M365 and keeps track of your speed, rider settings, battery level, and cruise control. On either side of the display are the thumb-operated accelerator (on the right) and electronic brake (on the left). Both paddles are smooth to operate. For extra safety, you’ll find the bell next to the brake which can be easily pinged.

Frame

Do not be fooled by the lightweight (21 lbs) frame, the S2 Lite is robust.

The frame is constructed from an aviation-grade aluminum alloy, which is pretty standard among electric scooters. The benefit of this is enhanced durability, making the S2 Lite more than capable of dealing with the wear and tear of daily use.

To top it all off, the three colorways along with the front stem and deck lighting make it extremely admirable in design.

Deck

A neat deck that manages to find enough room for both feet to sit comfortably.

The rubber textured grip on the deck assures a safe and secure cruise and is another tick in favor of the S2 Lite. Some cheap scooters, as mentioned earlier, sometimes try to cut corners to save on costs and increase profit margins by installing flimsy grip tape material – this is far from what you’ll find on the S2 Lite.

The cool under-deck lights cannot be ignored when exploring the deck of the S2 Lite. It adds to the modern aesthetic of the overall design.

Wheels

Thanks to its 6.5 inch solid tires, it’s safe to say that the S2 Lite is a city scooter, better matched to smooth urban pathways.

A significant bonus of solid tires is that they are flat-resistant, so you can wave goodbye to pesky punctures and inconvenient tire changes. However, if the tires start to wear after a while, you can purchase replacements from Hiboy.

Now for the cons… the solid tires deliver almost no cushioning and struggle when riding over rough terrain, especially because the S2 Lite is void of any inbuilt suspension. This shouldn’t pose too much of a problem if you avoid riding over potholes and sticks to well-maintained roads and sidewalks.

Build Quality & Durability

I’ve mentioned how light S2 Lite is, but that doesn’t mean it comes up short in terms of quality. The aviation-grade aluminum alloy guarantees durability.

However, it is worth noting that the battery is integrated within the deck, meaning that you need to be careful not to take on any harsh hits to the underside of your scooter. Plus, the battery, along with the rest of the scooter, is not protected from the rain. It doesn’t have an IP rating which is a shame but not essential by any means. As with all scooters, I recommend avoiding riding in the rain – this is especially true for the S2 Lite.

Weight & Load

The slender 21 lbs frame makes the S2 Lite one of the lightest electric scooters I have reviewed. Whilst it is as light as a feather (so far as electric scooters go), it still manages to carry 8.5 times its weight with a max load of 180 lbs. So, if you do have some heavy books in your bag on your way to school, don’t panic, the S2 Lite can handle it.

Folding & Portability

The S2 Lite folds with just a few straightforward steps. Simply unlock the folding mechanism at the bottom of the front stem, then collapse the handlebars down and hook the folding latch into the buckle next to the rear fender.

Within seconds, you can go from jumping off the S2 Lite to carrying it. The size of the S2 Lite also means if you’re going away for the weekend, you can throw it in the trunk and take it out for a ride when you arrive at your destination.

Assembly

Luckily, you don’t need to call Bob the Builder for this one. The S2 Lite comes mostly pre-assembled, you just need to attach the handlebars to the stem and put 4 screws in with the Allen wrench, then you’re ready to go. All the tools you need for assembly are included in the box.

Ride Quality

Is the Hiboy S2 Lite Comfortable to Ride?

With the 6.5 inch solid tires, you can enjoy cruising along well-maintained smooth urban roads and sidewalks with ease, especially when you activate cruise control. Plus, the deck has enough room for both feet to rest comfortably – avoiding awkward feet and body positions.

However, the solid tires and lack of shock absorption consequently result in a rough ride over varying terrain. For those of you looking to explore beyond the confounds of your neighborhood, you might want to consider the GoTrax GXL V2 which features 8.5-inch air-filled tires that provide a decent amount of dampening.

Performance & Safety

Speed & Acceleration

The 250W motor in the S2 Lite hits a surprisingly impressive top speed of 13 mph. This isn’t a jet by any means but this is more than adequate for most teens. For those of you that want to go for a ride with your friends on the weekend, you can enjoy zooming around the neighborhood as you push the S2 Lite to its limits.

If you are a younger rider or new to electric scooters, the Comfort (Beginner) riding mode available for selection via the LED display, allows you to cap the speed at 9 mph. Once you become more accustomed to riding, you can up the ante and select Sports mode (green light on the LED display) to take full advantage of the 13 mph max speed.

However, if you are a more experienced rider, 13 mph might not cut it for you and in this case, I would recommend the GoTrax XR Elite which has a 300W motor capable of 15.5 mph and a much larger battery that can deliver a maximum of 18.6 miles per charge.

Range

The max range available on the S2 Lite is 10.6 miles. It is worth bearing in mind that this is the quoted spec on a full battery with economic riding under best-case conditions. Realistically, if you ride the scooter at top speeds, then expect a 40-50% decrease in range (i.e. 5-6 miles).

If you are hoping to go out on long rides, you should probably steer in another direction and opt for the GoTrax XR Elite (18.6 miles). However, if you want a scooter for leisurely riding, then the S2 Lite will be ideal.

Hill Climbing

For a 250W motor, the S2 Lite manages fairly well on hill climbs. Sure, it isn’t the king of the hill but it can scale the majority of gradual inclines.

Steeper hills at the top end of 15% inclines will see the scooter crawl up them at a snail's pace, though, so it's best to avoid these where possible.

Shock Absorption / Suspension

Let’s not beat around the bush here, this is probably the biggest drawback of the S2 Lite. There is no suspension, back or front, and the fact there are solid tires means there is no dampening either. You will have a bumpy ride on anything other than smooth surfaces.

The S2 Lite does manage to go on grass and dry mud, but you get little control and it isn’t very comfortable. The S2 Lite is very much a roadside scooter.

Braking

The S2 Lite boasts a double braking system with a front electric anti-lock brake and a rear foot brake. Both brakes, when used together, manage to combat the top speed of S2 Lite bringing it to a smooth and safe stop.

I do have some qualms with the brakes, though. First off, if the S2 Lite runs out of battery or the power intermittently cuts out, then the electronic brake no longer works, forcing you to use the foot brake alone. I always prefer scooters to have mechanical brakes that you can pull on to manually slow down. If you think this would make you feel safer, then consider the GoTrax GXL V2, Apex, or  XR Elite – both have handbrakes that operate rear disc brakes.

Charge Time

It typically takes between 5 and 6 hours to charge – this is pretty standard for most electric scooters but is on the long side for a scooter that has a range of 10.6 miles. For example, the GoTrax XR Elite takes between 4 and 5 hours for 18.6 miles.

Unusually, the charging port is located at the top of the handlebar post as opposed to in the deck where the battery is stored. This is neither good nor bad but just a slight design quirk.

Extra Features

LED Panel

For the $299.99 price tag, you would think the S2 Lite would miss out on some premium features. But the LED dashboard, located in the center of the handlebars, is one of the features that Hiboy granted us on the S2 Lite.

Aside from just being aesthetically pleasing, the LED dashboard shows your speed and battery level, as well as indicator lights for your chosen riding mode (no light for Comfort mode, green light for Sport mode). Directly, below the display is the control button that lets you turn the LED lights and cruise control functionality on and off.

LED Lights

If you do need to travel in the dark, there is a fairly bright LED light on the handlebars that can brighten the way ahead.

But, what sets the S2 Lite apart from other budget scooters is its alluring front stem light that runs from the very top of the handlebar stem to the folding latch. Even more exciting is the under-deck lighting, which adds a dash of premium flair. To top all that off, there is a rear red spotlight to ensure your visibility from the rear.

Cruise Control

Simply tap the button below the LED dashboard three times in a row to turn cruise control on, relax your thumbs, and enjoy weaving through the streets. Whilst this function makes for a fun riding experience, it also promotes more economical use of battery power and therefore, prolongs battery life.

The only way the cruise control function could be improved is if it automatically kicked into action. On the GoTrax GXL V2 and XR Elite (two alternatives to the S2 Lite), cruise control engages once you have maintained a constant speed for 8-10 seconds. With the S2 Lite, pressing the button three times could be slightly cumbersome, especially if you find yourself riding over bumpy terrain.

Bell

The bell, found on the left side of the handlebars, between the LED display and electronic brake, is a simple addition but does what it promises – gives pedestrians a heads up as you glide by.

Multiple Colors

Unlike the majority of electric scooters, you don’t have to stick with basic black – although, matte-black is, often, the color of choice. Instead, you have 2 other color options to choose from. The baby pink and stone white finishes let you pick the option that best suits your style.

Warranty & Post-Purchase Support

Warranty

The S2 Lite comes with a 12-month warranty that covers scooter defects from the date of purchase which gives you that peace of mind. Hiboy covers purchases of the S2 Lite on orders from Hiboy directly or any authorized distributors and retailers, so I would suggest doing your research before ordering.

After replacing defective items, the warranty remains for however long is left in your original warranty.

The S2 Lite also comes with a 30 day returns policy if you are not satisfied with your scooter (providing it is unused).

Post-Purchase Support

Hiboy states that they “respond to emails within 24 hours”. However, I have found that this 24-hour reply window is often not met. I have previously waited for over a month for a reply despite having reviewed their scooters.

To get in touch with them, email us.support@hiboy.com or use the contact form on the Hiboy website.

Make sure you include your scooter's serial number when contacting Hiboy, this can be found under the deck on the left side.

One perk of ordering the S2 Lite from Hiboy directly is the free delivery for all US orders.

Introducing the Hiboy S2 Lite

Take a look at features on offer and see it in action as it glides the city streets.