Horizon 10.4 Review

Design

Handlebars

The handlebars are one of the scooter’s best features. This is because they are foldable which makes storage and carrying the scooter easier than scooters with fixed handlebars. The height of them can also be adjusted as a result of the telescopic stem. This further amplifies the versatility of the Horizon making it more accessible to riders of different shapes and sizes, whilst also benefiting from having one of the most compact folded frames.

In addition to being versatile, the handlebars are home to the display unit where you’ll find your speed, riding mode, and battery level. The light controls are next to the smart display as well as the trigger-style throttle. There’s also a USB port located on the back of the display for charging your phone and other accessories but be warned that there have been reports of current-hungry devices frying the unit (this is not unique to the Horizon, but instead an issue with the QS-S4 display). My advice here is to avoid charging your devices using the USB plug and you’ll be just fine.

To finish off the handlebars, the ergonomically shaped textured rubber grips provide the right amount of grip to stop your hands from slipping but are also non-abrasive against your palms so you can ride in comfort.

Frame

The frame boasts a classic electric scooter design that we’ve all come to know and love. It is coated with a smooth black finish that oozes style, while the silver wheel trimmings give it a simple, sleek aesthetic.

The materials used to forge the frame are robust which, in turn, produces a scooter that is equally durable and very low maintenance. For example, the solid rear tire and drum brake have been designed so that they can endure daily wear and tear, making the Horizon a favorable choice for those who don’t have time to commit to regular scooter upkeep.

Deck

Although the Horizon sports an agile and slender frame, its deck is reasonably spacious, allowing enough room for riders of all sizes (below the maximum 265 Ib weight limit) to ride in the position that best suits them.

For comparison, the available space on the deck to place your feet measures 18.3 inches in length which matches most budget scooters, including most GoTrax models, the Turboant X7 Pro, ZERO 8, and EVOLV City. The width (7 inches), on the other hand, is around 1.2 inches wider than the budget scooters mentioned.

For a commuter scooter, the size of the deck is what you would expect.

The extended length of the rear mudguard works well to deflect water and flicks of dirt – often this is a design aspect that is overlooked meaning that most are ineffective.

Whilst I prefer scooter decks to be coated in grippy rubber, the Horizon’s is mostly metal with thin strips of grip tape that keep your feet secure as you ride.

Wheels

At the front, there is an 8.5 inch air-filled pneumatic tire which is ideal for providing the additional shock absorption needed to cushion you from bumps in the road. At the rear is a smaller 8 inch solid rubber tire which doesn’t have the same level of dampening as the pneumatic. However, the hydraulics in the rear act as yet another buffer between you and the bumpiness of the road, eliminating instability and vibrations. As far as comfort goes for budget scooters, the Horizon brings its A-game.

The rear tire is also 0.5 inches wider than the one at the front (for clarity: 2.5 vs 2 inches). Alongside the smaller diameter (8 vs 8.5 inches), the wider profile means that the rear tire has a larger contact patch with the ground below. This increases the amount of traction the tire can generate, which improves grip and braking performance – after all, all the braking power is directed to the rear tire.

However, because the rear tire is solid, it can be easier to skid when you apply the brakes sharply. This is one of my few criticisms of the Horizon, if both tires were fitted with brakes then this would make a considerable difference to the scooter’s otherwise sound braking performance. Although, a massive bonus to this solid rear tire is that it’s particularly low maintenance since there’s no risk of flats.

Compared to its closest rivals, the ZERO 8, EVOLV City, and Apollo Light, the Horizon matches the first two models for wheel size and type, but the Apollo takes the crown with dual 8.5 inch pneumatics.

Build Quality & Durability

The Horizon 10.4 follows a stylish design that uses durable materials to ensure a sturdy and reliable ride.

Even down to the small details such as the chords wrapped in a protective casing, it strives to be long-lasting and robust in the face of wear and tear.

When riding, there are no creaking or clanging sounds from the spring suspension, and the telescopic stem is secure so long as you tighten the locking lever into place.

As previously mentioned, it is a direct competitor with the ZERO 8 and EVOLV City, yet a little unknown fact is that all three models are made by Titan/Unicool, who are scooter manufacturers. As a result, the build quality is ubiquitous across all models (i.e. there are no disparities).

However, when we consider the Apollo Light, which, until recently shared the same frame and design as the models mentioned above, the improved build quality means the Apollo takes the crown. For clarity, it was upgraded to feature an improved fork suspension system (as opposed to a single spring) and dual pneumatics (as opposed to a pneumatic in the front, and a solid rubber tire in the rear). However, these improvements come with an extra cost attached ($799). Here, ride quality is better than the Horizon.

Weight & Load

Weighing in at 40 Ibs, the weight of the Horizon is on par with the ZERO 8 and EVOLV City, but slightly heavier than the Apollo Light (37 lbs).

When it comes to load-bearing, it sits in the top third of our scooter database. To put this into perspective, for every pound of the scooter’s weight, it can support 6.63 pounds of rider weight, with a total load capacity of 265 Ibs.

For comparison, looking at scooters that weigh a similar amount (38-42 lbs), the Horizon sits just above the middle of the pack out of 11 comparable models, where the EMOVE Touring takes the crown with a ratio of 8.46 (39 lbs and 330 lbs), and the WideWheel Single in last place at 5.24 (42 lbs and 220 lbs).

Folding & Portability

In terms of its folded size, the Horizon 10.4 measures 38 (l) x 7.1 (w) x 14.6 (h) inches when fully folded. The added touch of foldable handlebars and telescopic stem, alongside the simple folding mechanism, make it the perfect companion for commuters. It collapses down to an ultra-compact size meaning it can be tucked away in the office or stored in tight spaces around your home.

To fold the scooter, it is equipped with an easy-to-use lever located on the neck that connects the deck to the stem. You simply pull on the lever to fold the stem down, and once it becomes parallel to the deck, the folding mechanism locks into place meaning you can lift and carry the scooter with ease.

The only downside to the scooter’s portability is its weight. At 40 Ibs, it isn’t the most lightweight scooter and not one that you’ll want to carry for long stretches. But, for the average rider, carrying it short distances isn’t too much of a struggle. Nevertheless, as previously mentioned, it is on par with the likes of the ZERO 8 and EVOLV City when it comes to weight and portability. The only example I’ve seen where a scooter combines foldable handlebars and a telescopic stem with a lightweight frame (30 lbs), is the INOKIM Light 2, but this scooter is less powerful and more expensive ($999).

If you think the Horizon may be a little too heavy for you, you can always opt for the carrying handle and trolley wheels to make it easier to maneuver when folded.

Assembly

When your Horizon arrives it will be fully assembled and folded. Note that the folding mechanism has three states. When folded down, the stem is locked into place. Then, once unlocked, the stem can move freely as you move it upright to unfold it. As you push the stem completely upright, it will lock into place again. Make sure you hear an audible clicking sound when locking the scooter stem into place.

Both hand grips are secured with large tension cuffs which will need to be twisted each time you want to fold them down or lock them into place while riding. Fastening them by twisting gives you peace of mind knowing that the handlebars are securely in place without the risk of them collapsing in on you mid-ride.

Once you have the stem locked into place and either side of the handlebars fastened into the cuffs, you can then adjust the height of them by loosening the quick release lever, pulling the stem up, and then fastening it into place.

The final step of assembly requires you to secure the brake lever and QS-S4 display on the handlebars using the Allen keys provided.

Ride Quality

Is the Horizon 10.4 Comfortable to Ride?

With the Horizon, you get a scooter that gives exceptional ride quality for an equally exceptional price.

The spacious deck and positioning of the rear hydraulics keep you well balanced, whilst the front spring and pneumatic tire combination soak up the brunt impacts of rough urban terrain. Not only will you enjoy a smooth ride but a steady one too.

Compared to all other scooters in our database of 100+ models, the Horizon 10.4 has the best ride quality under $700 (this encompasses a total of 26 scooters).

Performance & Safety

Speed & Acceleration

Powered by a 48V 500W brushless hub motor, it boasts a maximum speed of 25 mph which is more than enough power to get commuters from A to B quickly and efficiently.

In terms of acceleration, you’ll hit 0-15 mph in 5.2 seconds and 0-20 mph in 8.7 seconds which is impressive for a scooter of its price. There’s a slight delay in acceleration from pulling the trigger throttle to the motors kicking in but it remains the fastest scooter under $700.

What’s more, the maximum speed is equally softened by the Horizon’s suspension system, meaning that if you hit a bump when riding at 25 mph the scooter absorbs the shocks to keep you stable. Ultimately, the Horizon’s suspension system levels out the ride by reducing vibrations, even at top speeds. This is what sets the Horizon apart from all other scooters under $700. For instance, the Hiboy MAX V2, a cheaper scooter ($549) that is equipped with a spring in the front and dual rear shock absorbers suffers from poor ride quality. As you increase the speed, the ride quality equally nose dives leaving your wrists vibrating, knees shaking, and brain-rattling – there’s no sign of this with the Horizon.

Range

It has a maximum 20 mile range. Realistically though, it amounts to around 16 miles which is on par with the cheaper Turboant X7 Pro (30 miles max and 16 under realistic conditions).

If you have a particularly long commute or are simply searching for a scooter for long leisurely pursuits, then the Horizon 13 will have you covered. It boasts 5 more miles than the Horizon 10.4. It will cost you $779 which is a little more of an investment but, in comparison, it is $220 cheaper than the Apollo City which provides you with 8 more miles (28 miles in total).

Hill Climbing

The Horizon boasts the best hill-climbing ability of all scooters under $700.

Powered by its trusty 48V 500W motor that has a peak power output of over 800W, it has enough torque to scale the majority of gradual inclines. For the average urban ride, it can see you through.

However, if you live in an area that is littered with steep hills, it will struggle.

Shock Absorption / Suspension

The combination of the front spring with the rear hydraulics delivers a smooth and comfortable ride across urban terrain.

Often with cheap scooters, the springs used tend to be lower quality but with the Horizon, they are superior so you don’t need to worry about any offensive clanking noises being produced at every bump in the road. It’s not only luxurious to ride in terms of comfort, but also noise.

It must also be noted that hydraulic suspension systems are usually reserved for more expensive models that surpass the $1,300 mark. So, having a hydraulic system on a scooter that is nearly half the price clearly displays the value for money the Horizon has to offer.

Braking

Reliability is one of Horizon's strongest suits and you only need to look at its braking system to see why.

With a maximum speed of 25 mph, you’re not exactly going to be winning the Grand Prix, but it’s still important to know you have quality brakes.

The braking system consists of a rear drum brake which performs particularly well and is very low maintenance. However, because all the braking power is directed towards the rear wheel, braking performance isn’t as strong as those scooters which apply brakes to both wheels. There’s also the fact because the rear tire is solid and can skid when you apply the brakes sharply.

All in all, the braking mechanism gives you plenty of control for the top speed. The regenerative braking is a nice touch, too. It injects wasted power into the battery when braking to extend the range. To be precise, it kicks into action automatically when you engage the rear drum brake with the lever – which I also might add is particularly sensitive.

To put the braking power into perspective, the use of effective dual braking systems comes into play around the $900 mark. For example, the VSETT 8 ($899) and Apollo City ($999) boast braking systems on both wheels for enhanced stopping power.

Charge Time

The charge time for the 10.4 Ah battery version of the Horizon is an impressive 4 to 6 hours. With a charge time as quick as this, the Horizon is a true plug-and-play scooter which further adds to its versatility.

For maximum efficiency, charge the battery after every use and if not in use, make sure to keep it topped up every 3 months to prevent the battery from deteriorating.

The charging port is located at the front of the deck and has a cover to ensure no dirt or water gets into the port when not in use. Simply lift the cover and insert the power cable when needed.

Extra Features

QS-S4 Display & Throttle for Customized Performance Configuration

One of the Horizon’s key features is the ability to customize the ride settings to fit your personal preference. The advanced display allows you to tune your acceleration and regenerative braking strength whilst keeping tabs on your speed, riding mode, and battery level.

The QS-S4 console is common among top-tier electric scooters and is even used on models upwards of $3,000, like the VSETT 11+.

Cruise Control

Cruise control will allow you to maintain the Horizon’s brisk speeds on the longer stretches of your journeys. It’s a welcome addition that’ll give your index finger a rest from the trigger.

LED Lights

The Horizon comes equipped with three front and two rear LEDs. However, it must be said that they aren’t bright enough, nor positioned well enough, for safe night time riding.

The three front lights are low mounted and small, whilst the two-button lights at the rear of the deck are also small meaning visibility is fairly poor.

However, this isn’t something that should put you off the Horizon. This is a common issue for the majority of scooters, particularly those on the lower end of the price spectrum and so, purchasing additional lighting is often a recommendation.

Telescopic Stem for Adjustable Handlebar Height

Located in the middle of the stem is the quick release lever that allows you to adjust the handlebar height. There are two advantages to this. Firstly, it makes the Horizon well-suited to both short and tall riders. Secondly, when fully collapsed, the Horizon lays claim to being one of the most compact scooters.

However, as mentioned earlier in the review, you need to make sure you tightly fasten the lever to prevent stem wobble while riding.

Folding Handlebars for Enhanced Portability

To complement the telescopic stem, the foldable handlebars take the portability factor up another level.

Either side of the handlebars is secured with large tension cuffs that are designed to keep them firmly in place whilst you ride and then collapse down parallel to the stem when folded and not in use.

While this may seem like a small feature, you’ll soon come to realize how indispensable it is if this is your first scooter and don’t have much room for storage.

Warranty & Post-Purchase Support

Warranty

Through Fluid Free Ride, you can purchase your scooter knowing you will receive great customer service.

The warranty covers the scooter for 180 days (6 months) after the delivery date and covers damage from manufacturing defects. This refers to damage that’s the fault of the manufacturer; anything you do to the scooter won’t be covered. This includes wear and tear, and any issues that are the result of accidents, collisions, abuse, environmental conditions (i.e. rain damage), modifications to the scooter, or lack of routine care and maintenance.

Consumables including brake pads, tires, and tubes aren’t covered either.

Unlike other warranties that I’ve seen, Fluid Free Ride covers the cost of labor alongside the parts needed for the repair. They will either ship the parts to you and guide you through how to fix your scooter or refer you to one of their many service partners.

If you claim on your warranty after the first 30 days of delivery, you’ll have to pay shipping fees if you need to send the scooter to one of their service partners.

Overall, the warranty is pretty standard. It would have been nice to see it extended by another 6 months but the fact that Fluid Free Ride pays for labor costs is a nice touch that I haven’t seen from other retailers.

Post-Purchase Support

Fluid Free Ride’s support is great.

My interactions with them have always been friendly and helpful – I highly recommend them.

They have a Help Center that is loaded with a bunch of buyer guides, information about shipping and returns, scooter maintenance, and even troubleshooting manuals. If you can’t find what you need here, you can email, call, or text them for support.

They also offer a 15 day no-questions-asked returns policy for unused products if you change your mind.