Versatility at its core, the Horizon has been a go-to urban commuter for years. But is it still relevant in 2024?
Our review score is based on thorough real-world testing and is always held up against comparable models.
How We TestValues marked with '*' are based on our independent testing and may differ from those specified by the manufacturer.
After putting the Fluid Horizon V2 (13Ah) through its paces over 250 miles across varied terrains, I'm ready to dive deep into this electric scooter's performance. Is it a good purchase in 2024? Read on to find out.
Through dozens of commutes on the Horizon, I've measured top speed, acceleration, hill climbing ability, real-world range, and braking performance.
In this comprehensive review, I'll not only detail its performance and durability but also put it into the context of the current market.
Unsure which electric scooter to get? I'm here to help. Take my free 2-minute quiz and get personal e-scooter recommendations in 24 hours.
I've hands-on tested 70+ models and know what works and doesn't. I'll find the best electric scooters based on your needs, budget and preferences.
The Fluid Horizon boasts excellent motor performance. With a tested top speed of 23.1 MPH (37.2 KMH), fast acceleration, and solid hill climbing, it offers some of the best value in its class.
The Horizon has a 500W rear hub motor with a peak output of 800W. Thanks to the 48V battery, it comfortably beats most 36V competitors across the board.
This electric scooter offers plenty of customization to its motor performance. Via settings, you can toggle between kick-start and zero-start and limit the top speed (0-100%). You can also enable/disable cruise control and dial the acceleration strength to your liking.
I am a big fan of high customizability in electric scooters - everyone prefers their ride in a specific way, and having the ability to "grow into" its performance before going full power is great. A lot of scooters at this price point have limited customizability, so that's a big win for the Horizon V2.
The Fluid Horizon has a specified top speed of 23 MPH (37 KMH), but in my tests, I clocked a top speed of 23.1 MPH (37.2 KMH).
| Model | Top Speed | $/Speed |
|---|---|---|
| fluid Horizon (13Ah) $779 USD | 23.1 MPH (37.2 KMH) | $33.72/MPH |
| fluid Mosquito $899 USD | 25.6 MPH (41.2 KMH) | $35.12/MPH |
| NIU KQi3 Max $674.99 USD | 23 MPH (37 KMH) | $29.35/MPH |
| Segway Ninebot Max G30P $799.99 USD | 18.4 MPH (29.6 KMH) | $43.48/MPH |
| NIU KQi3 Pro $599 USD | 19.7 MPH (31.7 KMH) | $30.41/MPH |
Looking at the competition, the Horizon is notably faster than the Segway Max G30P and NIU KQi3 Pro despite carrying similar price tags. It is only superseded by the Fluid Mosquito, but its speed-to-price ratio is some of the best you'll find.
I tested the acceleration from zero to top speed and averaged the results from 10+ runs.
| Interval | Average | Best |
|---|---|---|
| 0-15 MPH (24 KMH) | 4.82 s | 4.72 s |
| 0-20 MPH (32.2 KMH) | 8.92 s | 8.26 s |
| 0-23.1 MPH (37.2 KMH) | 13.5 s | 12.9 s |
The Fluid Horizon averages 15 MPH in 4.82 seconds (best: 4.72 seconds) and 20 MPH in 8.92 seconds (best: 8.26 seconds).
| Model | 0-15 MPH | 0-20 MPH | 0-25 MPH |
|---|---|---|---|
| fluid Horizon (13Ah) | 4.82 s | 8.92 s | - |
| fluid Mosquito | 4.36 s | 8.44 s | 18.3 s |
| NIU KQi3 Max | 4.36 s | 8.89 s | - |
| Segway Ninebot Max G30P | 5.85 s | - | - |
| NIU KQi3 Pro | 4.82 s | - | - |
In context, it beats the KQi3 Pro and Max G30P again but loses out by a hair to the Mosquito and NIU KQi3 Max. Still, acceleration is A-tier - some of the best at its price.
I tested the Fluid Horizon electric scooter on a 250 ft (76 m) hill with an average incline of 8%, which it completed in 11.4 seconds with an average speed of 15 MPH (24.1 KMH).
| Model | Time | Speed |
|---|---|---|
| fluid Horizon (13Ah) | 11.4 s | 15 MPH (24.1 KMH) |
| fluid Mosquito | 10.9 s | 15.6 MPH (25.2 KMH) |
| NIU KQi3 Max | 11.5 s | 14.8 MPH (23.9 KMH) |
| Segway Ninebot Max G30P | 28.8 s | 5.9 MPH (9.5 KMH) |
| NIU KQi3 Pro | 24.4 s | 7 MPH (11.2 KMH) |
The 48V system really benefits the Horizon on hills. Again, it's ever-so-slightly behind the Mosquito but puts its 36V peers to shame.
Based on further testing on other hill grades, I've found that its maximum incline is around 20% (depending on several factors), while it starts to struggle above 15%.
Its hill performance is sufficient for versatile commuting in hilly areas and leaves a bit of headroom for heavier riders (>220 lbs).
With 23.1 miles (37.2 km) tested range per charge, the Fluid Horizon V2 (13Ah) delivers competitive battery performance for its price, standing strong in a crowded market.
I tested the Fluid Horizon's 48V, 13Ah model, but for those on a tighter budget, the 10.4Ah version shaves off about $80 in price.
| Model | Battery Capacity | $/Wh |
|---|---|---|
| fluid Horizon (13Ah) ($779.00 USD) | 624 Wh (48V, 13Ah) | $1.25/Wh |
| fluid Horizon (10.4Ah) ($699.00 USD) | 499 Wh (48V, 10.4Ah) | $1.40/Wh |
| fluid Mosquito ($899.00 USD) | 461 Wh (48V, 9.6Ah) | $1.95/Wh |
| NIU KQi3 Max ($674.99 USD) | 608 Wh (48V, 12.7Ah) | $1.11/Wh |
| Segway Ninebot Max G30P ($799.99 USD) | 551 Wh (36V, 15.3Ah) | $1.45/Wh |
| NIU KQi3 Pro ($599.00 USD) | 486.7 Wh (48V, 10.1Ah) | $1.23/Wh |
The Fluid Horizon (13Ah) has one of the highest battery capacities of any scooter in its price range. It has one of the best $/Wh ratios, too, meaning it is excellent value for the money. The 10.4Ah is slightly behind on battery value but remains competitive.
Battery capacity is one thing, but lots of hardware factors contribute to real-world range. To understand the Fluid Horizon's capabilities, I conducted three range tests at varying speeds and gauged the mileage.
| Test (#) | Range | Avg. Speed |
|---|---|---|
| #1: Speed Priority | 18.7 miles 30.1 km | 20.1 MPH 32.3 KMH |
| #2: Regular | 23.1 miles 37.2 km | 15.3 MPH 24.6 KMH |
| #3: Range Priority | 26.9 miles 43.3 km | 12.5 MPH 20.1 KMH |
In the speed priority test, I was able to cover 18.7 miles (30.1 km) before running dry. In the regular test - the most accurate real-world comparison point - I got 23.1 miles (37.2 km) on a charge. In my range priority test, the scooter managed 26.9 miles (43.3 km).
| Model | Range | Avg. Speed |
|---|---|---|
| fluid Horizon (13Ah) | 18.7 miles (30.1 km) | 20.1 MPH (32.3 KMH) |
| fluid Horizon (10.4Ah) | 15 miles (24.1 km) | 20.1 MPH (32.3 KMH) |
| fluid Mosquito | 16.1 miles (25.9 km) | 21.1 MPH (34 KMH) |
| NIU KQi3 Max | 24.6 miles (39.6 km) | 19.5 MPH (31.4 KMH) |
| Segway Ninebot Max G30P | 27.6 miles (44.4 km) | 17.0 MPH (27.4 KMH) |
| NIU KQi3 Pro | 17.9 miles (28.8 km) | 18.1 MPH (29.1 KMH) |
| Model | Range | Avg. Speed |
|---|---|---|
| fluid Horizon (13Ah) | 23.1 miles (37.2 km) | 15.3 MPH (24.6 KMH) |
| fluid Horizon (10.4Ah) | 18.5 miles (29.8 km) | 15.3 MPH (24.6 KMH) |
| fluid Mosquito | 18.9 miles (30.4 km) | 15.8 MPH (25.4 KMH) |
| NIU KQi3 Max | 31.1 miles (50.1 km) | 15.1 MPH (24.3 KMH) |
| Segway Ninebot Max G30P | 30.3 miles (48.8 km) | 14.7 MPH (23.7 KMH) |
| NIU KQi3 Pro | 23.5 miles (37.8 km) | 14.9 MPH (24 KMH) |
| Model | Range | Avg. Speed |
|---|---|---|
| fluid Horizon (13Ah) | 26.9 miles (43.3 km) | 12.5 MPH (20.1 KMH) |
| fluid Horizon (10.4Ah) | 21.5 miles (34.6 km) | 12.5 MPH (20.1 KMH) |
| fluid Mosquito | 22.9 miles (36.9 km) | 12.8 MPH (20.6 KMH) |
| NIU KQi3 Max | 35.9 miles (57.8 km) | 12.2 MPH (19.6 KMH) |
| Segway Ninebot Max G30P | 34.5 miles (55.5 km) | 11.9 MPH (19.2 KMH) |
| NIU KQi3 Pro | 26.9 miles (43.3 km) | 12.5 MPH (20.1 KMH) |
In range tests against its closest competitors, the Fluid Horizon V2 (13Ah) delivers slightly above-average mileage. It's outperformed by alternatives like the KQi3 Max and G30P, which offer longer distances but lack suspension. It's still comfortably ahead of both the Mosquito and KQi3 Pro.
Despite having the highest battery capacity among compared models, the Fluid Horizon slightly lags behind market leaders. Why? Given the proven reliability of its battery cells, the answer likely lies in a less efficient drivetrain.
It's still highly competitive on battery performance, but if range is your primary focus when picking the right electric scooter, there are better alternatives.
How much range does the Fluid Horizon offer relative to its weight? Weighing 42 lbs and with a tested real-world range of 23.1 miles, the Fluid Horizon has a range-to-weight ratio of 0.55 miles/lb.
| Model | Range | Weight | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| fluid Horizon (13Ah) | 23.1 miles | 42 lbs | 0.55 miles/lb |
| fluid Mosquito | 18.9 miles | 29 lbs | 0.65 miles/lb |
| NIU KQi3 Max | 31.1 miles | 46.3 lbs | 0.67 miles/lb |
| Segway Ninebot Max G30P | 30.3 miles | 41.2 lbs | 0.74 miles/lb |
| NIU KQi3 Pro | 23.5 miles | 44.8 lbs | 0.52 miles/lb |
Holding it up against the competition, the Fluid Horizon is relatively heavy for its range. It is beaten by the Fluid Mosquito, KQi3 Max, and Segway G30P, but it edges out the KQi3 Pro.
The Fluid Horizon comes with a UL-certified 48V 2A charger. At 96W, it takes roughly 6 hours to charge the 13Ah version and 5 hours to charge the 10.4Ah version. This is a bit slower than the Segway and NIU scooters, but still manageable for me.
FluidFreeRide also has a fairly affordable 48V fast charger that runs 5A. If you're in a rush, it'll cut charge times in half.
The Fluid Horizon is a comfortable ride. It's one of the cheapest full-suspension scooters but has small compromises due to its low-maintenance nature and foldability.
The Horizon has an interesting tire setup that is rare, but I think it's a smart design choice. It sports an 8.5-inch pneumatic tire at the front and an 8-inch solid tire at the rear.
This tire setup captures the best of both worlds: the front pneumatic tire carries most of the load, improving shock absorption, handling, and traction where needed most. The solid rear tire reduces maintenance hassles.
Most flats happen on the rear tire, so it's a practical compromise that doesn't sacrifice a lot in comfort. I find the tires small for a 23.1 MPH scooter, but it feels much better to ride than the Mosquito and CityRider.
The Horizon is equipped with spring suspension both at the front and rear, making it one of the most affordable full-suspension scooters on the market.
Through my tests on more than 60 electric scooters, I've found that the quality of suspension setups varies greatly. I can confidently say that the front spring on the Horizon is great. There's plenty of smooth travel without sacrificing stability, and it helps tackle rough roads.
However, the rear suspension has its limitations. It bottoms out quite easily under loads above 200 lbs, which means heavier riders won't feel a notable benefit from the rear springs. That said, the majority of the scooter's handling occurs at the front, so the rear suspension doesn't significantly impact the overall ride quality.
All in all, it is a smart and unique tire and suspension setup that works wonders at improving ride quality while remaining fairly low maintenance.
This electric scooter combines a rear drum brake and regenerative braking to achieve a measured stopping distance from 15 MPH in 15.9 ft (4.8 m).
| Model | Braking Distance |
|---|---|
| fluid Horizon (13Ah) | 15.9 ft (4.8 m) |
| fluid Mosquito | 15.1 ft (4.6 m) |
| NIU KQi3 Max | 10.4 ft (3.2 m) |
| Segway Ninebot Max G30P | 12.6 ft (3.8 m) |
| NIU KQi3 Pro | 10.4 ft (3.2 m) |
For a scooter of its speed, the braking performance of the Fluid Horizon is not good. The electronic brake kicks in more abruptly than more refined Segway and NIU models, and changing its strength in the P-settings doesn't make a lot of difference.
Its stopping distance is more than 40% longer than the NIU KQi3s, which makes sense as they have dual disc brakes, but it's still 23% worse than the Ninebot Max G30P, which also has a drum + regen setup. There's clearly room for improvement, so I advise riders to stay alert and prepare ahead when going full speed on the Horizon.
The Fluid Horizon's deck measures 18" x 6.5" (45.7 cm x 16.5 cm), which I consider fairly small.
In comparison, the NIU KQi3 Max and Segway G30P both have wider and longer decks at 20" x 6.8" (50.8 cm x 17.3 cm) and 20" x 6.7" (50.8 cm x 17 cm), respectively.
The space is sufficient for average-sized riders, but larger riders may find foot placement challenging, leading to discomfort on longer rides.
The scooter has two rough grip tape strips to keep your feet in place. While it looks sleek, I had issues with the adhesive. They would come loose every once in a while before finally setting properly after about a week of riding.
The Horizon has 4.2" (10.7 cm) of ground clearance, which is fairly high. This makes it a breeze to ride down curbs, over potholes, or through uneven terrain without having to worry about scratching the housing under the deck.
The deck's rear has a convenient carrying handle that's great for portability. I also discovered it's perfect for placing my foot on to balance myself when braking.
The Fluid Horizon has a fairly vanilla handlebar setup that measures 23" (58.4 cm) across.
The wide handlebars conveniently fold for compact carrying, but as with any telescopic handlebars setup, they loosen from road vibrations as you're riding. It doesn't compromise safety, and retightening is quick and easy, but it's worth noting as fixed handlebars generally feel better.
There's a bit of cable clutter, and the mechanical bell struggles to find its place, but the grips are ergonomic and textured for grip and comfort.
The display does its job, but it's small, off the side, and lacks brightness in direct sunlight, making it hard to read. It displays important ride information such as speed, speed modes, battery level, odometer, and trip mileage. The display is somewhat in the way of the right handlebar folding mechanism, which is annoying when folding.
Like on most electric scooter displays, the default battery gauge isn't very accurate. For a more precise gauge, I recommend switching the display to show the battery voltage. Use the following chart as a battery percentage reference.
Lastly, the handlebar height is adjustable (from 27.5 to 39 inches), which is a feature I love. For riders like me, at 5'11" (180 cm) or above, you'll want its height fully extended. Shorter riders will be able to lower the height to ensure proper posture, which is something not a lot of electric scooters offer. That makes the Fluid Horizon a short-king winner in my books!
The Fluid Horizon scores high on portability. It folds into an extremely compact size, but the folding mechanism can be a headache to operate.
The Fluid Horizon weighs a mere 42 lbs (19.1 kg).
| Model | Weight (lbs) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| fluid Horizon (13Ah) | 42 lbs | 19.1 kg |
| fluid Mosquito | 29 lbs | 13.2 kg |
| NIU KQi3 Max | 46.3 lbs | 21 kg |
| Segway Ninebot Max G30P | 41.2 lbs | 18.7 kg |
| NIU KQi3 Pro | 44.8 lbs | 20.3 kg |
While it can't compete with the most lightweight models, it's a tad lighter than both of the KQi3s and about the same as the G30P.
What truly sets it apart from those scooters is its compact dimensions. It measures 42.5 x 46.8 x 23.2 in (129.5 x 142.6 x 70.7 cm) unfolded but a mere 38.6 x 14.6 x 7.1 in (117.7 x 44.5 x 21.6 cm) when folded.
Taking up less than 25% of the area footprint of the NIUs and Segway, the Horizon opens up a new world of possibilities. It easily fits into a small car trunk, and it can be stored in tight spaces or even brought on public transport without causing a nuisance.
The stem folding mechanism on the isn't the best. It requires some practice to get the hang of and may require adjusting to ensure it isn't too hard to operate. However, once folded, the Fluid Horizon is highly compact and fairly easy to carry.
I am a big fan of the handle at the rear of the deck, which helps with carrying whether it is completely folded. With a more streamlined folding mechanism, the Horizon would be a portable world-beater.
Over the years, the Fluid Horizon has proven itself as a durable scooter with solid structural integrity. There is one big oversight in the design, though.
The Fluid Horizon is based on Unicool T8 from Titan. If it doesn't ring any bells, it's one of the most reputable scooter OEM distributors in the scooter world, with brands like Apollo, ZERO, VSETT, and Kugoo all carrying their products.
Some will call the design dated, but I prefer to call it proven. This design has been around for more than 4 years, and thanks to several iterations based on rider feedback, you're getting a proven scooter.
The scooter is largely made from aluminum alloy - a go-to material for its lightweight strength and corrosion resistance, and there are very limited reports in the community of any structural issues or weaknesses.
The Fluid Horizon has large coverage from the thick plastic fenders. They effectively disperse water from the wheels so you don't end up with a wet back or water buildup on the deck.
The rear fender could do with an additional contact point with the scooter frame for improved strength, but in my tests, the fender stays clear from coming in contact with the tire no matter how rough you ride.
I am not a big fan of the folding mechanism. While it's sturdy and doesn't flex, it's difficult to operate compared to the newer scooters we're seeing today.
Most importantly, there is no safety pin to hold the mechanism in place if you accidentally press the folding lever while riding. Although unlikely, most scooters have one or two layers of extra safety; the Horizon has none.
I can only recommend paying extra careful attention to the folding mechanism and double-checking that it's actually fully fixed before riding. If FluidFreeRide makes an updated version of the Horizon, a safety pin is a must.
The kickstand is positioned well for the scooter's weight distribution. Its length gives it the right lean level, so you don't have to worry about it tipping over on slightly slanted surfaces.
The kickstand does feel a little flimsy, but that's something I see in almost all electric scooters under $1,000, so it's a norm rather than an exception.
The Fluid Horizon has no official IP weather resistance rating. However, the display has a standalone IP66 rating, and based on FluidFreeRide's support cases, the Horizon is the scooter from their portfolio with the least water damage problems.
I've tested the Fluid Horizon in the rain on multiple occasions (light to medium), and it has held up well with no electronic damage. I found no obvious weak points in the design. Cable openings are insulated well, and metal connections are super tight.
Keep in mind that an IP rating is only a comparable guideline, not an insurance. Retailers and manufacturers do not cover water damage in their warranty, so riding in the rain is at your own expense.
The light and visibility setup on the Fluid Horizon is not the best. With three small front-facing low-mounted headlights, it struggles to illuminate the road ahead, and a lack of side reflectors makes for low visibility.
There are two red deck lights at the rear, but depending on the angle you're viewing it from, they may be blocked by the rear tire. On a positive note, they're decently bright and blink when you're braking.
If you plan to do any low-light riding on the Horizon, I recommend getting an after-market headlight to mount on the handlebars and several reflective stickers for the sides.
FluidFreeRide offers a solid 12-month warranty on the Horizon (and any of their other scooters). Fluid has service center partnerships around the US, and their support is happy to help even after the 12 months have expired.
As a nice bonus and commitment to serving their customers even after the 12 months expire, you can use their Lifetime Service Program. This gives you 50% off parts and labor for the lifetime of your scooter.
The Fluid Horizon is ideal for commuters who want a versatile ride for varying terrains and prioritize bang for your buck over new features and app control.
With a tested top speed of 23.1 MPH (37.2 KMH) and a real-world range of 23.1 miles (37.2 km), the Horizon is highly competitive in both price and performance.
The essence of the Fluid Horizon scooter is its proven no-frills design. While not flawless, it's practical, highly compact, and appeals to a broad range of users and needs, embodying the principle of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."
| Top speed | 23.1 MPH (37.2 KMH) |
| Acceleration 0-15 MPH | Avg: 4.82 seconds Best: 4.72 seconds |
| Acceleration 0-20 MPH | Avg: 8.92 seconds Best: 8.26 seconds |
| Acceleration 0-23.1 MPH (37.2 KMH) MPH | Avg: 13.5 seconds Best: 12.9 seconds |
| Hill climb 250ft @8% | 11.4 s (Avg Speed: 15 MPH) |
| Range (speed priority) | 18.7 miles (30.1 km) |
| Range (regular) | 23.1 miles (37.2 km) |
| Range (range priority) | 26.9 miles (43.3 km) |
| Braking distance 15 MPH - 0 MPH | 15.9 ft (4.85 m) |
| Handlebar width | 23" (58.4 cm) |
| Deck-to-handlebar | 37" (93 cm) or 40.3" (102 cm) |
| Unfolded size | 42.5 x 46.8 x 23.2 in (129.5 x 142.6 x 70.7 cm) |
| Folded size | 38.6 x 14.6 x 7.1 in (117.7 x 44.5 x 21.6 cm) |
| Ground clearance | 4.2" (10.7 cm) |
| Deck | 18" x 6.5" (45.7 cm x 16.5 cm) |
| Charging time | 6 hours |
| Brand | Fluid |
| Top speed | 23 MPH (37 KMH) |
| Motor power (nominal) | 500W |
| Motor power (max) | 800W |
| Motor Voltage | 48V |
| Range | 30 miles (48.3 km) |
| Battery | 48V, 10.4Ah or 13Ah |
| Battery capacity | 624 Wh (13Ah version) 499 Wh (10.4Ah version) |
| Charging time | 6 hours |
| IP rating | Body: None Display: IP66 |
| Weight | 42 lbs (19.1 kg) |
| Max load | 265 lbs (120.2 kg) |
| Tire type | Tubed front, solid rear |
| Tire size | 8.5" front, 8" rear |
| Suspension | Front and rear springs |
| Brakes | Rear drum brake, regen |
| Throttle type | Thumb throttle |
| Lights | Headlight, brake light |
| Additional features | Speed modes, E-ABS adjustment, foldable handlebars, carrying handle, speed limiting |
