Hiboy S2 Pro Review
$709.99 Original price was: $709.99.$399.99Current price is: $399.99.
PUBLISH DATE
March 11, 2021
‘The flagship’, that’s where the S2 Pro sits in Hiboy’s S2 line, with a model evocative of the Xiaomi Mi 365, it does, at points, achieve that title. The key aspects differentiating the Pro from the rest of the S2 range are the battery life and 10 inch solid tires which complement the rear dual shock absorbers. The battery allows for a max range of 25 miles and the 500W motor propels the S2 Pro to 19 mph when in ‘Sport’ mode. Combined with an IP54 resistance rating, cruise control, an integrated mobile app, and the option of attaching a seat, the S2 Pro promises a lot of extra features.
Hiboy S2 Pro Review: 11 Things You Need to Know
Video Review
Hiboy S2 Pro Review: The Best Budget Electric Scooter?
From the integrated mobile app, nippy acceleration, and the option to add a seat, to the sleek LED display and effective braking setup, the Hiboy S2 Pro offers a lot. However, whether or not you think the Hiboy S2 Pro is the best budget scooter will depend on if you can let its flaws slide.
Who is it Best For?
Will the Hiboy S2 Pro Be a Good Fit For You?
With a top speed of 19 mph and a max load of 220 lbs, the S2 Pro has the pedigree to satisfy most first-time riders’ needs. But, for those looking for a versatile scooter that can tackle varying urban terrain, it falls short.
Despite its 10 inch solid tires and rear dual shock absorbers, the S2 Pro doesn’t manage to tackle cracks and crevices as well as scooters with air-filled tires.
Whilst the 25 mile range is up there with the best budget scooters, it struggles to deliver a smooth ride outside of pristinely kept roads and sidewalks – especially at high speeds. If you have your eyes firmly set on the S2 Pro, make sure you stick to inner-city riding rather than exploring suburban areas for the best possible ride.
Pros and Cons
- Quick acceleration curve
- Design inspired by the Xiaomi MI 365
- Mobile app
- Option to attach a seat
- IP54 water-resistant rating
- Flat-resistant tires
- Heavier than similar scooters
- Lacks smooth ride quality
Value for Money
Is the Price Tag Worth it?
For the features on offer, you get a pretty neat scooter, but when it comes down to overall performance – which, at the end of the day, is the determining factor of whether a scooter is worth its salt – it depends on what you want from a scooter.
If a nippy acceleration rate, respectable range, and elegant folding frame are what you are after, then the S2 Pro will suit your needs.
Plus, where the S2 Pro adds value is in the welcome addition of adding a seat. With some very simple steps, you’ll have the luxury of sitting back and having a far less taxing commute or a ride around town. The next best option for a good quality seated scooter is the Zero 8 which costs $894 (with the seat).
On the other hand, if you plan to traverse the city beyond the realms of pristine roads and sidewalks, it won't be the scooter for you since it isn’t capable of delivering a comfortable riding experience, especially when hitting the top speeds of 19 mph.
Alternatives
What Other Scooters Should You Consider?
Turboant X7 Pro
- Speed: 20 mph
- Range: 30 miles
- Weight: 33 lbs
- Load: 275 lbs
Why is it Better Than the Hiboy S2 Pro?
- Longer range (+5 miles)
- Superior ride quality
- Lighter (-3.6 lbs)
- Supports heavier riders (+15 lbs)
- Has a removeable battery
Why is it Worse Than the Hiboy S2 Pro?
- No option to add a seat
Price:
-
549.98
$699.98
Turboant M10
- Speed: 20 mph
- Range: 18 miles
- Weight: 29.8 lbs
- Load: 220 lbs
Why is it Better Than the Hiboy S2 Pro?
- Superior ride quality
Why is it Worse Than the Hiboy S2 Pro?
- Shorter range (-7 miles)
- No option to add a seat
Price:
- 449.98
Horizon 10.4
- Speed: 25 mph
- Range: 20 miles
- Weight: 40 lbs
- Load: 265 lbs
Why is it Better Than the Hiboy S2 Pro?
- Faster acceleration and top speed (+6 mph)
- Front and rear suspension
- Superior ride quality
- Extremely portable
- Supports more weight (+45 lbs)
Why is it Worse Than the Hiboy S2 Pro?
- Costs more
- Heavier (+3.7 lbs) - but made up for by enhanced portability
Price:
-
739.00
$799.00
Design
Handlebars
The handlebars on the S2 Pro are similar to most of the S2 range. Textured rubber grips afford good control, whilst also being resistant to wear and tear. This adds a layer of durability to the scooter, setting it apart from other cheap models (that use foam grips).
You’ll find brakes on both sides of the handlebars. The manual handbrake is on the right and this controls the rear disc brake. On the left, is the electronic thumb brake. Switching back to the right, you also have the thumb-operated accelerator. Both thumb paddles and the handbrake are smooth to operate.
It’s unusual to see dual brakes that can be operated independently on a budget scooter – they are more commonly reserved for performance scooters that boast blistering top speeds and have powerful brakes on each wheel to match. Whilst the addition of two brakes looks great, the electronic brake alone lacks the power needed to bring you to a quick stop, meaning both brakes need to be engaged.
In the center of the handlebars, you’ll find the neatly designed LED display, which is reminiscent of the popular Xiaomi Mi 365 and keeps track of your speed, rider settings, battery level, and cruise control. At the back of the display, is a little hook that loops into the rear fender when folded for easy carrying.
Frame
Whilst the S2 Pro is in the top 23% of scooters for weight – where it is lighter than 77% of all other scooters (based on my independent research of 99 scooters) – it, unfortunately, holds the title as the heaviest scooter under the $550 mark.
This is because it is made from an aviation-grade aluminum alloy, which is pretty standard among electric scooters. However, there is a benefit to its chunkier weight and that’s enhanced durability, making the S2 Pro’s frame more than capable of dealing with the wear and tear of daily use.
In terms of design, it fashions the understated matte-black finish that has become synonymous with electric scooters.
Deck
The deck has enough room to give riders the space to find a comfortable stance without awkward feet or body positions.
Like the rest of the S2 range, the Pro has a grippy rubber matting that ensures a safe and secure cruise. Some budget scooters install flimsy grip tape material that can easily peel off, the S2 Pro is not one of those.
Here’s where things get weird…on the back of the deck, you’ll find the reinforced rear fender. The majority, if not all, entry-level scooters let you use the rear fender with a dual purpose. The first being a mudguard, and the second being a foot brake that you can stomp on in case of emergency stops. The S2 Pro’s designers clearly chose to break the established norms of entry-level scooters. Whether this is good or not, is entirely dependent on your perception. Here’s mine:
On one hand, the bracket prevents you from wearing the rear solid rubber tire down. On the other, it requires a change of riding behavior – especially if you’ve previously ridden a scooter and used the foot brake. Ultimately, the S2 Pro forces you to adopt a new riding style which makes it less easy to ride straight off the bat.
Wheels
Despite the honeycomb design, there is little cushioning from the 10 inch solid tires. The S2 Pro is, therefore, confined to smooth urban roads and sidewalks. This especially holds true when pushing the S2 Pro to its peak performance – anything other than pristine riding conditions will leave your wrists vibrating and knees shaking.
There is one upside to solid tires, though. They are puncture-proof, so you can forget about frustrating flats and tire changes. However, solid tires do tend to wear after a while. Nevertheless, the reinforced rear fender takes care of eliminating this as much as possible.
Build Quality & Durability
Overall, the S2 Pro is durable and robust – the aviation-grade aluminum alloy holds up against the pressures of daily use. However, you do need to be careful not to take on any hard hits to the underside of the deck since the battery is stored here.
It’s also worth noting that the frame is sealed with an IP54 water-resistant rating, making it one of the scooters to fall into the 40% of those that are protected from the rain. This will give you a level of reassurance to know that if your scooter does take on a few splashes that it will be protected. But, as with all electric scooters, I don’t advise riding in the rain.
Weight & Load
As previously mentioned, the S2 Pro is in the top 23% of scooters for weight – where it is lighter than 77% of all other models (based on my independent research of 99 scooters) – but, it, unfortunately, holds the title as the heaviest scooter under the $550 mark.
At 36.3 lbs the S2 Pro can still be picked up and carried with relative ease – though, carrying it around for long periods will be a drag.
In terms of load, the S2 Pro can carry the industry standard of 220 lbs of rider weight.
Folding & Portability
The S2 Pro manages to fold in 3 simple steps.
First, flip down the folding locking lever.
Then collapse the stem and click the hook on the back of the handlebars to the latch on the rear fender.
Here's the latch embedded into the fender:
The result is a compact and secure scooter that's perfect for stowing away at home, in the office or the trunk of a car.
It’s also worth pointing out that the stem has a thin diameter making it easy to hold.
A Guide to Foldable Electric Scooters (Lightest & Most Compact)
Assembly
Just like the rest of the S2 range, the Pro is straightforward to assemble.
You just need to attach the handlebars to the stem and put 4 screws in with the Allen wrench. All the tools you need for assembly are included in the box.
Ride Quality
Is the Hiboy S2 Pro Comfortable to Ride?
Whilst the S2 Pro has been equipped with dual rear shock absorbers, there’s no substitute for the solid 10 inch tires. You can confidently glide over smooth urban roads and sidewalks with ease but as soon as you up the ante, and put the pedal to the metal, the solid tires’ weaknesses are laid bare as your wrists vibrate, knees shake, and brain rattles.
As with all my reviews, I like to show you the good and bad, so with that in mind, let’s take a look at the former.
The addition of the cruise control function – which has now become a standard feature for electric scooters – means you can give your thumb a rest and enjoy the scenery around you. Plus, if you want a more relaxed ride, there is the option to add a detachable seat.
For those of you looking to explore beyond the confounds of pristine riding environments, you might want to consider the Turboant X7 Pro, or if you can afford to splash the cash, the Horizon 10.4 for a superior riding experience.
Performance & Safety
Speed & Acceleration
With a top speed of 19 mph – when in ‘Sport’ mode – the S2 Pro is up there with the fastest of the budget scooters. It also has a surprisingly nippy acceleration rate considering its motor is mounted up front – which typically leads to a slower start off the line.
If you are looking to zip around your local neighborhood, then the speeds of the S2 Pro might just be what you need.
Alternatively, if you just want to cruise or have a long commute ahead of you, the ‘Comfort’ mode, which caps your speed at 13 mph, will come in very handy. You simply need to double-tap the button on the LED dashboard to change between the ride mode– red light for ‘Sport’, and green for ‘Comfort’.
With three clicks on the button, you can also activate cruise control which gives an extra level of comfort and ease to your ride.
Speed vs Price Comparison
So, we’ve seen how the fast the S2 Pro can go, but how does this stack up against its closest competitors when you apply the factor of price.
Using a $500 range with the S2 Pro’s price in the middle, there are 21 comparable models. Of these, it’s the pair of Horizon models hogging the plaudits, and as we’ll soon see in the next section, the rear-wheel-drive of these models makes all the difference.
Following the Horizon duo are another duo of Turboant models – the M10 and X7 Pro. Joining these is the GoTrax G4 which is closely followed by the Hiboy S2 Pro. Ultimately, there’s not too much difference between all of these models but if you want to save a little money, the Turboant M10 – which is available for $100 less may be worth considering.
Acceleration
Against the backdrop of the scooters that I recommend as alternatives, the Hiboy S2 Pro performs well.
Capable of hitting 15 mph in 5.2 seconds, it is on the tail of the Horizon 10.4 which takes just 4.7 seconds. This is hardly surprising, though. Both of these scooters sport 500W motors. However, the reason why the Horizon beats the S2 Pro is because it’s motor is mounted on its rear wheel, as opposed to the front one, as is the case with the S2 Pro. Just like with cars, a rear-wheel-drive vehicle of the same weight, power, gearing, and tire size will accelerate quicker than its front-wheel-drive counterpart – so the numbers make sense.
Similarly, the larger 500W motor of the S2 Pro beats that of the small 350W motors found on both Turboant models.
Range
A full battery and economic riding will give you a maximum range of 25 miles.
However, it is unlikely that you will hit the max range every time you ride. The 25 mile stat is based on a best-case scenario – all electric scooters use the maximum range spec to advertise their scooters. The best-case scenario often includes a 165 lbs rider and the scooter being ridden in the lowest speed setting on flat terrain. Realistically, if you ride the scooter at full speeds, you can expect between 12 and 14 miles.
Mileage vs Price Comparison
Applying the $500 range that we used in the Speed vs Price comparison, the S2 Pro comes up trumps against the 21-strong list of comparable models.
Here, the maximum 25 mile range narrowly falls short of the Turboant X7 Pro’s 30 miles. The defining difference between these models, though, is that the X7 Pro features a removable battery that makes charging the scooter extremely convenient and gives you the option to purchase an additional battery to double the maximum mileage.
Ultimately, though, ride quality plays a big role in how comfortable a scooter is to ride for long periods and since the S2 Pro only has solid rubber tires, it does, unfortunately, fall short of the X7 Pro which has big plush 10-inch air-filled tires. For maximum comfort, though, either the Horizon 13 or 10.4 – depending on how much you want to spend – are fantastic options with their dual suspension systems.
Hill Climbing
The 500W motor has enough torque to push the S2 Pro up the majority of gradual inclines. The manufactured quoted hill-climbing credentials put it at 15 degrees but under my tests, I found that it was able to cope with inclines of between 8 and 10 degrees.
Plus, if you weigh towards the upper end of the 220 lbs weight limit, the scooter will crawl sluggishly up the more challenging inclines.
For a single motor scooter that costs less than $600, the S2 Pro does surprisingly well.
Electric Scooters For Climbing Hills: Breeze Up the Steepest of Inclines
Shock Absorption / Suspension
Hiboy has fitted the S2 Pro with two rear spring shock absorbers, but they leave you wanting more. The solid tires are at fault here. They have no ‘give’, meaning they can’t effectively soak up cracks, bumps, and lumps in the terrain underfoot. This is highlighted further when compared to the likes of the Turbaont X7 Pro which has big, plush 10 inch air-filled tires, and the Horizon 10.4 which sports a superior spring suspension system.
The S2 Pro will be better equipped if Hiboy moved one of the springs to the front of the scooter. The front wheel is always the first to feel the impact from the ground below.
Braking
The S2 Pro flaunts an electric thumb brake on the left and a manual handbrake (that operates the rear disc brake) on the right. When combined, the S2 Pro has effective stopping power. It is able to come to a stop in 4.3 meters from 15 mph which is better than the average braking distance of most other budget scooters. By comparison, the Turboant M10 takes 4.9 meters to stop while the X7 Pro and Horizon both take around 5.2.
Surprisingly, the electronic brake is strong and this plays a pivotal role in slowing your momentum.
Charge Time
In 6 hours you can go from empty to full. This is reasonably standard for the size of the battery and range on offer.
As we’ve seen with other Hiboy models, like the S2 Lite, the charging port is, unusually, located at the top of the handlebar post as opposed to in the deck, where the battery is stored. The upside of this is greater protection from the elements (i.e. rain).
Extra Features
LED Panel
The Hiboy’s frame is almost a replica of the popular Xiaomi Mi 365, and this extends to the LED dashboard. Located neatly in the center of the handlebars, the dashboard sports a sleek aesthetic that is hard to come by on budget scooters.
Aside from looking cool, the dashboard shows your speed and battery level as well as indicator lights for your chosen speed setting (red for ‘Sport’ and green for ‘Comfort’). It also shows you the status of the LED lights and cruise control function (i.e. on/off).
Compared to other budget scooters, like the GoTrax Apex – which is plagued by a dark screen that is hard to see in direct sunlight – S2 Pro’s dashboard is bright and easy to read.
LED Lights
Coming home late from work or going for a nighttime ride shouldn’t pose too much of a problem with the S2 Pro. It is equipped with a high-mounted headlight – which is an improvement on most – but as with most scooters, I still recommend investing in a more powerful lighting setup if you plan on regular excursions at night.
Plus, the integrated side lights and taillight are a couple of other nice features that keep those around you alert to your whereabouts.
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 coasting. Whilst this function makes for a fun riding experience, it also promotes a more economical use of battery power and therefore, prolongs battery life.
Pressing the button three times can be slightly awkward, especially if you find yourself riding over bumpy terrain. So a slight improvement would be if the cruise control automatically kicked into action after a sustained period of constant speed – like on all GoTrax scooters.
Mobile App
The mobile app is a modern feature that you don’t see too often. It allows you to see real-time riding statistics and keep track of battery power. I’ll let you in on a little secret – you can even adjust acceleration strength and the responsiveness of the electronic brake.
It is available on both iOS and Android. You simply download the app then pair it via Bluetooth which is quick and easy.
The app is a nice-to-have feature but certainly not a need-to-have. It’s the cherry on top of the cake.
Water-Resistance Rating
If you find yourself caught in the rain, you needn’t panic thanks to the IP54 water-resistance rating.
While this may appear like a feature you would come to expect to find on an electric scooter, my independent research of 99 scooters shows that 60% of models don’t have official water-resistant certifications.
Despite its protection against water splashes, I don’t advise riding in the rain. The slick, solid rubber tires have almost no traction when used in subpar conditions.
Waterproof Electric Scooters: The Best Scooters For Riding in the Rain
Digital Lock
The S2 Pro packs a digital lock to bolster security. It certainly ups the ante when compared to its main rival, the Turboant X7 Pro, but misses a trick when compared to the GoTrax G4, which not only matches the S2 Pro with a digital lock but also sports an in-built cable lock for enhanced security.
Once enabled, the throttle will be disengaged and the front tire will lock into place – preventing someone from pushing it away. However, let’s not forget that the scooter only weighs 36.3 lbs so if a thief wanted your scooter, they could still pick it up and run.
Optional Seat Attachment
What differentiates the S2 Pro from other scooters in its price bracket is the option to attach a seat.
It slots conveniently into the deck and fun fact, it makes the S2 Pro the cheapest seated electric scooter.
Bell
The bell, found on the right side of the handlebars, between the accelerator and handbrake, is a simple addition but does what it pledges – gives pedestrians a heads up as you glide by.
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Warranty & Post-Purchase Support
Warranty
The S2 Pro comes with a 12-month warranty that covers scooter defects from the date of purchase. Hiboy only covers purchases of the S2 Pro when ordered from Hiboy directly or any other authorized distributors and retailers, so I would suggest doing your research before ordering.
After replacing a defective item, the warranty remains for the same timeframe as the original defective item.
The S2 Pro 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, as mentioned in my other reviews of Hiboy scooters, I found that this 24-hour reply window was not met. I’ve 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 with any issues, this can be found under the deck.
See What the Hiboy S2 Pro Has to Offer
From close-ups of the frame to feature highlights, discover whether the S2 Pro is right for you.
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$709.99 Original price was: $709.99.$399.99Current price is: $399.99.