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Best Of 2024 Josh Testing the Horizon V2 (13Ah)
Horizon V2 Being Ridden Josh Riding the Horizon V2 Josh Carrying the Horizon V2 Horizon V2 Chassis Horizon V2 Handrip Electric Scooter Insider Award - Horizon

Horizon V2 Review

Original price was: $899.00.Current price is: $599.00.

9/10 (Expert Score)

PUBLISH DATE

March 31, 2023

Price When Reviewed: $799.00
IMPORTANT: Scooter not available. Check out the VMAX VX2 Pro.

New to electric scooters? Or perhaps you’re simply looking for a reliable all-rounder to revitalize your daily commute? Either way, you’re in luck, because Fluid Free Ride has once again shaken up the entry-level market with the Horizon V2.

 

Channeling the snappy power, compact design, and refreshing simplicity that made the original Horizon one of the market’s most popular scooters, the V2 glides into the limelight with a smattering of excellent upgrades. Among these are an improved waterproof display, ergonomically superior thumb throttle, and a carry handle that moonlights as a footrest.

 

But, the Horizon’s main USP remains the same: value for money. Available with either a 10.4Ah or 13Ah battery, the V2 is the cheapest scooter with front and rear suspension – whichever model you pick.

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Horizon V2 Review: A Perfect Union of Performance, Practicality, and Affordability

The good and the bad

Who we recommend it for

Is it worth its price tag?

Look, feel, and functionality

Results from our tests

Other scooters to consider

The Good and The Bad

Pros & Cons

PROS:

  • Extremely popular
  • Top performer in its price class
  • Great ride quality
  • Cheapest scooter with full suspension
  • Nippy acceleration
  • Collapsible handlebars make it extremely compact when folded
  • Telescopic stem allows riders to adjust the handlebar height
  • Ergonomic controls
  • Low maintenance


CONS:

  • No water-resistance rating
  • Brakes could be better calibrated

Is It Right For You?

Who It's Best For

One of the reasons behind the original Horizon’s popularity was its inclusive design. Sporting a telescopic stem and 265 lbs load-bearing capacity, it was accessible to a wide variety of riders. The good news is that Fluid Free Ride has retained these features on the new V2. However, it’s worth knowing that the max deck-to-handlebar height is 38.5 inches meaning it runs a little short for riders over 6 ft.

Horizon V2 vs EMOVE Touring Handlebar Height

(Horizon V2 on the left, EMOVE Touring on the right)

It has also preserved all the key ingredients that made the V1 such a simple, low-maintenance pleasure to ride. Because of this, I recommend it to anyone starting on their e-scooter journey. It's the perfect mid-ground between a budget and premium model, meaning you get the best of both worlds with an affordable price and a feature set that’ll keep you entertained for years to come.

Josh Riding the Horizon V2

Is It Worth Its Price Tag?

Value For Money

The Horizon V2’s main appeal lies in its union of performance, practicality, and affordability.

Finding a scooter for under $800 that has a top speed of 23 mph, a maximum range of 23 miles, and a full suspension setup is rare, so it's fair to say that the V2 represents outstanding value.

Horizon V2 Sleek Chassis

Further Information:

Best Cheap Electric Scooters

Look, Feel & Functionality

Design & Features

Cockpit

At 23.2 inches, the handlebars are among the widest seen on entry-level scooters. They’re 47% wider than those sported by the Mosquito and 41% broader than a typical budget scooter. The benefit of this added width can be felt in the scooter’s handling and balance.

Horizon V2 Wide Handlebars

Along the bar, it’s here that you’ll find what is perhaps the V2’s biggest upgrade: the new display and thumb throttle. Whereas the previous Horizon featured a QS-S4 finger throttle unit that forced you to shape your hand into a claw, the new version is satisfyingly ergonomic. The display, meanwhile, is now protected by an IP66 rating, meaning it can withstand high-pressure water jets from all directions.

Horizon V2 Display

It’s worth noting that while the display is waterproof, the rest of the scooter isn’t. It snowed and rained while filming our review, resulting in the scooter getting wet, but it continued to perform and is still working today. Nevertheless, it’s best to avoid riding while it's wet out.

As for the rest of the cockpit, there’s a brake lever on the left, and both sides of the handlebars fold parallel to the stem (we’ll take a closer look at this in the ‘Portability’ section of the review).

Horizon V2 Brake Lever

Frame

There’s nothing flashy or superfluous about the aluminum frame. It’s simple, sturdy, and with a matte black finish, not lacking in style, either.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Horizon V2 Frame

Deck

I’ve seen some reviewers say that the deck is short in length. I think it's just right. When compared to its most fierce rivals – including the EMOVE Touring and Fluid Mosquito – it measures 4.5 and 1.7 inches shorter, respectively. But, this isn’t taking into account the new carry handle which doubles as a footrest. With this addition, there’s another 3 inches of available foot space, and even without it, there’s enough room to adopt an L-shaped stance.

Horizon V2 vs EMOVE Touring Decks

There are also two strips of grip tape that run the entirety of the deck to give your feet something to latch onto.

Josh Standing on Horizon V2

Tires

The Horizon V2 picks up where its forebear left off by featuring two tires that perform different roles. At the front, you have an air-filled tire that both cushions your ride and aids the scooter’s maneuverability with its narrow, rounded profile.

Horizon V2 Rear Tire

The tire at the rear, meanwhile, is solid, squarer, and 0.5 inches thicker. This not only affords protection against punctures but delivers more traction; it works with the rear-mounted motor to channel the torque produced and propel you forward.

Horizon V2 Chassis From Rear

Portability

We wouldn’t vaunt the Horizon’s commuter cred if it wasn’t wonderfully portable – but what’s its secret?

Well, aside from its relatively lightweight mass of 42 lbs, there are its foldable handlebars, telescopic stem, and cantilevered folding mechanism that makes a reassuringly loud audible click when it’s locked in place. It’s no exaggeration to say that you can have the scooter collapsed and ready to fit in the trunk of your car in mere seconds – especially if you choose to keep the handlebars locked in place.

Horizon V2 Being Carried

On the other hand, if you want to compact the Horizon down to its smallest form of 38.6 (L) x 7.1 (W) x 14.6 (H) inches, then you’ll need to spend 20-30 seconds unscrewing the threaded cuffs of the handlebars so that they can be folded. While this takes significantly longer than the likes of the Mosquito and EMOVE Touring – which have spring-loaded cuffs – the benefit is that the handlebars are free from wobble.

Horizon V2 Folded Handlebars

What’s more, the carry handle at the rear of the deck is a neat upgrade when it comes to navigating public transport or office buildings. You can even purchase trolley wheels for a few extra bucks if you want to up the portability stakes.

Carrying the Horizon V2 By the Carrying Handle

Load

With a capacity of 265 lbs, it performs where we would expect it to – especially considering that its rivals – the EMOVE Touring and Mosquito – both support 308 lbs and 265 lbs, respectively.

Based on our tests, the optimal max load (i.e. the weight at which the Horizon continues to deliver a good level of performance) is 235 lbs.

Horizon V2 Deck

Lights

The Horizon V2 isn’t short of lights. The problem is, they’re poorly positioned and not bright enough. The headlight is mounted too low, which leaves the street ahead shrouded in more darkness than is necessary.

Horizon V2 Lights

As well as the headlight, there are button lights at the front and rear of the deck, with the latter also functioning as flashing brake lights.

My honest assessment: invest in an extra clip-on headlight if nighttime rides are likely to be on the agenda. This is a common issue for the majority of scooters, particularly those on the lower end of the price spectrum.

Horizon V2 Taillight

Build Quality

The Horizon has always been a tough cookie – and the second iteration is no different. It’s designed to be a low-maintenance everyday scooter that can take a scrape or two. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.

The telescopic stem is assuredly sturdy and wobble-free, while the cabling has been bunched and threaded neatly through the frame to ensure there are no obstructions or vulnerabilities.

Horizon V2 Handlebars

There are no creaking, clanking, or rattling sounds while riding, and the mix-and-match approach to its tires (pneumatic upfront and solid at the rear) significantly reduces the risk of flats.

The front and rear fenders do a good job of protecting you from rogue flicks of water and mud and don’t flap against the tires, either.

My only two gripes are a lack of an overall water resistance rating, and that the handgrips can be twisted.

Horizon V2 Handgrip

Results From Our Tests

Performance Report

Performance Report Summary

CategoryHorizon 10.4Horizon 13
Top Speed23 mph23 mph
0-15 MPH4.7 s4.7 s
Max Range (Riding Slow)23 miles30 miles
Max Range (Riding Fast)17 miles23 miles
Braking5.0 meters5.0 meters
Max Incline15 degrees15 degrees
Optimal Incline9 degrees9 degrees

Top Speed

Armed with a sprightly 48V 500W motor, a peak power output of 800W, and a 20A controller, the Horizon V2 can summon a top speed of 23 mph. Compared to the rest of the scooters in the sub $800 price category, the 10.4 model tops the charts.

Horizon V2 Rear Chassis

Where the Horizon’s real piece de resistance comes into play, though, is its ability to remain stable even when riding fast. Thanks to the evenly distributed weight of the frame, everything from the handlebars to the chassis feels aligned. Paired with the suspension system, vibrations are softened making the Horizon feel secure underfoot.

Top Speed vs Price

Compared to 13 other models within a range of $500, both Horizon scooters sit firmly in the top five. They would easily qualify for playoff spots if this was the NFL.

ScooterPriceTop Speed
SPLACH Twin
$999
28 mph
EMOVE Touring
$829
25 mph
Mosquito
$899
25 mph
Horizon 13 V2
$699
23 mph
Horizon 10.4 V2
$599
23 mph
Apollo Air
$749
21 mph
INOKIM Light 2
$399
21 mph
Turboant V8
$549.98
20 mph
Turboant X7 Max
$429.98
20 mph
Turboant X7 Pro
$399.98
20 mph
GoTrax G4
$399
20 mph
Unagi Model One E500
$990
20 mph
AnyHill UM-2
$899
19 mph
Cityrider
$399
18 mph
AnyHill UM-1
$599
16 mph

Two of the three scooters ahead of it – including the SPLACH Twin and Mosquito – cost up to $200 more, while the third – the EMOVE Touring – shares a similar price to the Horizon.

In practice, there’s not a lot of difference between the Mosquito, EMOVE Touring, and Horizon models where speed is concerned. They also all have similar acceleration rates (as we’ll find out next), so it comes down to your preference between the three.

The opposite is true for the SPLACH Twin. Boasting an equally compact design with a telescopic stem, foldable handlebars, and cantilevered folding mechanism, yet with dual 48V 600W motors, there’s no denying that it leaves the Horizon and the others in the dust.

Acceleration

Capable of accelerating from 0-15 mph in 4.7 seconds, the Horizon models are wedged between the EMOVE Touring and the Mosquito with just 0.2 and 0.3 seconds between them.

ScooterPrice0-15 MPH
SPLACH Twin
$999
3.0 s
EMOVE Touring
$829
4.5 s
Horizon 13 V2
$699
4.7 s
Horizon 10.4 V2
$599
4.7 s
Mosquito
$899
5.0 s

However, when we compare the Horizon to the SPLACH Twin, it’s easy to see the impact on performance that the latter’s dual motors have. It surges to 15 mph in just 3.0 seconds, making it 36% faster.

Mileage

The maximum range you get depends on which model you purchase.

Josh on the Horizon V2

If you opt for the 10.4Ah unit, you can expect a max of 23 miles – or 17 miles under realistic riding conditions.

If, however, you plump up the extra $80 for the 13Ah battery, your maximum range is elevated to 30 miles – or 23 miles in real-world environments.

Charging the scooter takes 6-8 hours.

Further Information:

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Mileage vs Price

Placed against 13 other models that sit within a $500 range, the Horizon models have to settle for a middle-of-the-pack ranking.

ScooterPriceMax Range
Turboant V8
$549.98
50 miles
SPLACH Twin
$999
35 miles
EMOVE Touring
$829
32 miles
Turboant X7 Max
$429.98
32 miles
Apollo Air
$749
31 miles
Horizon 13 V2
$699
30 miles
Turboant X7 Pro
$399.98
30 miles
AnyHill UM-2
$899
28 miles
GoTrax G4
$399
25 miles
INOKIM Light 2
$399
24 miles
Horizon 10.4 V2
$599
23 miles
Mosquito
$899
22 miles
AnyHill UM-1
$599
18.6 miles
Unagi Model One E500
$990
15.5 miles
Cityrider
$399
15 miles

It should be noted that the Turboant V8 has two batteries (one of which is detachable) but its overall package – including power, build, and ride quality – is subpar compared to the Horizon.

Ultimately, if range, as well as power, are important to you, then the SPLACH Twin and its 15.6Ah battery is your best bet.

Or, if you want a scooter with a small form factor, superior portability credentials, and a well-balanced spec sheet of performance, then the Horizon 13 would be our top pick.

Hill Climbing

With its single motor, let’s just say that the Horizon is no mountaineer when it comes to slopes. Both models are, however, top performers in our hill tests when compared to the rest of the sub $900 category.

Horizon V2 Being Ridden

The Horizon can handle gentle inclines easily enough, but if you call somewhere like San Francisco home then it may not be the scooter for you.

Shock Absorption

Thanks to its dual-pronged rear springs, the otherwise bumpy ride from the solid rear tire is compensated for. Meanwhile, the front spring and air-filled tire work together to soak up the brunt of the impacts from irregularities in the road. Combined, the comprehensive system delivers a balanced ride that smoothes out vibrations.

Horizon V2 Front Spring

To put its shock absorption capabilities into perspective, the Horizon 10.4 is the cheapest scooter to have a full suspension system.

Horizon V2 Rear Suspension

Braking

When we tested the Horizon V1, we felt a little let down by its braking performance. Unfortunately, there’s been no improvement in this department.

From a speed of 15 mph, it takes 5.0 meters to stop. This is pretty much on par with the EMOVE Touring (4.9 meters) and Mosquito (4.8 meters) – which makes its performance acceptable. But, when compared to scooters like the SPLACH Twin (2.9 meters) and some less expensive models, like the Turboant X7 Max (3.0 meters), it falls short.

Horizon V2 Drum Brake

Nevertheless, the rear drum and regen brake combo are extremely low maintenance. It’s unlikely that you’ll ever have to replace the drum, a quality that is on brand with the rest of the scooter.

Ride Quality

With the Horizon V2, you get a scooter that delivers exceptional ride quality for an equally exceptional price.

From the wide, control-inducing, handlebars and ergonomically designed thumb throttle, to the wobble-free stem and decently-sized deck, the Horizon is equipped with all the components needed for a comfortable ride – not to mention its dual suspension setup.

Horizon V2 Front Tire

But what makes the Horizon stand head and shoulders above its competitors – especially those in the sub $900 category – is its weight distribution. You see, some scooters can fall victim to being top-heavy, and others can be bottom-heavy, but with the Horizon its even distribution of weight creates a perfect equilibrium. This ensures stability at all times throughout the ride – no matter if you're carving around corners, hitting speed runs on the straights, or cruising.

Compare With Other Scooters

Alternatives

SPLACH Twin Frame

SPLACH Twin

Holiday Sale: $999.00 $1,699.00 – Get Extra $100 Off With Code: ESI100

Specs:

Why is it Better Than the Horizon V2 (10.4)?

Why is it Worse Than the Horizon V2 (10.4)?

Side Profile of Mosquito Frame

Mosquito

Holiday Sale: $899.00 $1,099.00

Specs:

Why is it Better Than the Horizon V2 (10.4)?

Why is it Worse Than the Horizon V2 (10.4)?

EMOVE Touring Frame

EMOVE Touring

Holiday Sale: $829.00 $899.00 – Get Extra $50 Off With Code: ELECTRICSCOOTERINSIDER

Specs:

Why is it Better Than the Horizon V2 (10.4)?

Why is it Worse Than the Horizon V2 (10.4)?

Post-Purchase Support

Warranty

Every scooter purchased from Fluid Free Ride comes with a standard 12-month warranty, as well as a Lifetime Service Commitment that entitles you to 50% off parts and labor once your warranty expires.

During the warranty period, Fluid Free Ride will diagnose any issues you have and ship spare parts free of charge for self-repair. However, in circumstances where a repair is more complex, these will be completed free of charge at one of their service centers or service partners in your area. It’s worth noting, though, that you’ll have to pay the shipping costs to and from the service center.

As to be expected, parts prone to wear and tear – including brake pads, tires, tubes, fenders, kickstands, and cosmetic plastic covers – aren’t covered. Similarly, damage caused by misuse, collisions, fire, environmental factors, and overloading also sit outside of the warranty.

Horizon V2 Lights From Side

Manufacturer Specs

Specification Sheet

Specification: Horizon V2 Review

Brand
Brand

FluidFreeRide

Type
Terrain

Street

Design
Portability

Folding Frame, Folding Handlebars

Weight (lbs)

42

Rider Weight (lbs)

265

Tire Size (inches)

8.5

Tire Type

Pneumatic (Inner-Tube), Solid (Rubber)

Performance
Top Speed (mph)

23

Max Range (miles)

23

Charge Time (hours)

6

Suspension Type

Front & Rear

Brake Type

Drum, Regenerative

Extra Features
Extra Features

Battery Management System, Cruise Control, Lights, Adjustable Handlebar Height

Specification
Max Incline (degrees)

15

Water Resistance Rating

None

Where to Buy:*
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Specification: Horizon V2 Review

Brand
Brand

FluidFreeRide

Type
Terrain

Street

Design
Portability

Folding Frame, Folding Handlebars

Weight (lbs)

42

Rider Weight (lbs)

265

Tire Size (inches)

8.5

Tire Type

Pneumatic (Inner-Tube), Solid (Rubber)

Performance
Top Speed (mph)

23

Max Range (miles)

23

Charge Time (hours)

6

Suspension Type

Front & Rear

Brake Type

Drum, Regenerative

Extra Features
Extra Features

Battery Management System, Cruise Control, Lights, Adjustable Handlebar Height

Specification
Max Incline (degrees)

15

Water Resistance Rating

None

Horizon V2 Review

Original price was: $899.00.Current price is: $599.00.

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