The Hiboy S2 shines in acceleration and value, but suffers from poor ride quality.
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.
Over 6 months, we have put the Hiboy S2 through its paces, testing its performance and ride quality. Could this be your next electric scooter? Find out in this review.
The Hiboy S2 is an enticing scooter for the budget-conscious buyer. The scooter delivers an impressive punch for its class.
However, this entry-level gem is not without its rough edges. Despite its affordability and solid motor performance, the S2 misses the mark when it comes to ride quality.
Before we take a deep dive into the scooter, let's establish the main tech specifications:
| Motor & Power | 350W front motor |
| Battery Type | 36V, 7.5Ah lithium-ion |
| Battery Capacity | 270 Wh |
| Weight | 31.9 lbs (14.5 kg) |
| Max Load | 220 lbs (99.8 kg) |
| Tires | 8.5" x 2" solid honeycomb tires |
| Suspension | Rear dual springs |
| Brakes | Rear disc brake, E-ABS |
The Hiboy S2 runs a 36V system with a 350W front motor. It has an advertised top speed of 18.6 MPH (29.9 KMH).
At ERideHero, no claim goes without testing. We measured a top speed of 18.9 MPH (30.4 KMH) using highly accurate GPS logging gear.
The Hiboy S2 electric scooter definitely lives up to its promise. Most scooters in this price range will fluctuate between 15-20 MPH so the S2 doesn't fall short.
| Model | Top Speed |
|---|---|
| Hiboy S2 | 18.9 MPH (30.4 KMH) |
| TurboAnt X7 Max | 19.55 MPH (31.5 KMH) |
| NIU KQi2 Pro | 17.3 MPH (27.8 KMH) |
| TurboAnt V8 | 19.41 MPH (31.2 KMH) |
| Segway Ninebot Max G30P | 18.4 MPH (29.6 KMH) |
| Atomi Alpha | 20.8 MPH (33.5 KMH) |
When holding the S2 up against similar scooters, we can see it follows along nicely with the competition.
Most of the models that are faster are also more expensive. In terms of price, the closest competitor is the Turboant M10, which it beats on speed.
We tested the acceleration of the Hiboy S2 by doing ten runs and calculating the average.
| Interval | Average | Best |
|---|---|---|
| 0-15 MPH (24 KMH) | 6.89 s | 6.75 s |
| 0-18.9 MPH (30.4 KMH) | 11.9 s | 11.2 s |
In our sets, the Hiboy S2 averages 15 MPH in just 6.89 seconds (6.75 s best) and reaches its top speed in 11.9 seconds (11.2 s best). These are impressive numbers for such an affordable scooter.
| Model | 0-15 MPH | 0-20 MPH |
|---|---|---|
| Hiboy S2 | 6.89 s | - |
| TurboAnt X7 Max | 8.29 s | - |
| NIU KQi2 Pro | 8.83 s | - |
| TurboAnt V8 | 8.51 s | - |
| Segway Ninebot Max G30P | 5.85 s | - |
| Atomi Alpha | 6.71 s | 11.82 s |
Stacking it up against popular competitors, the S2 puts many of them to shame on acceleration. More expensive models such as the Turboant V8, Turboant X7 Max and Segway MAX G30 can't keep up.
It loses to the Atomi Alpha by a hair, but that is a more expensive model.
All in all, I was pleasantly surprised by the zing the Hiboy S2 has right off the bat.
We tested the S2 on a 8% incline over 250 feet (76 meters).
| Model | Time | Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Hiboy S2 | 26.7 s | 6.4 MPH (10.3 KMH) |
| TurboAnt X7 Max | 26.3 s | 6.5 MPH (10.4 KMH) |
| NIU KQi2 Pro | 30.48 s | 5.6 MPH (9 KMH) |
| TurboAnt V8 | 29.2 s | 5.8 MPH (9.4 KMH) |
| Segway Ninebot Max G30P | 28.8 s | 5.9 MPH (9.5 KMH) |
| Atomi Alpha | 25.3 s | 6.7 MPH (10.8 KMH) |
Once again, the Hiboy comfortably outpaces notable models with a higher price tag. The X7 Max catches up to it while the Atomi Alpha remains slightly more performant.
All in all, however, a very small list of electric scooters can beat the Hiboy S2 on motor performance at the same price.
The S2 has a 36V, 7.5Ah lithium-ion battery in the deck with a capacity of 270 Wh. Hiboy advertises a max range of 17 miles (27.4 km).
The battery is located in the deck. In our tests, it takes around 4 hours to fully charge the Hiboy S2 using the stock charger it comes with.
How does the battery capacity of the Hiboy S2 compare with other scooters?
| Model | Battery Capacity | $/Wh |
|---|---|---|
| Hiboy S2 ($389.99 USD) | 270 Wh (36V, 7.5Ah) | $1.44/Wh |
| TurboAnt X7 Max ($429.98 USD) | 360 Wh (36V, 10Ah) | $1.19/Wh |
| NIU KQi2 Pro ($486.98 USD) | 365 Wh (48V, 7.6Ah) | $1.33/Wh |
| TurboAnt V8 ($549.98 USD) | 540 Wh (36V, 15Ah) | $1.02/Wh |
| Segway Ninebot Max G30P ($799.99 USD) | 551 Wh (36V, 15.3Ah) | $1.45/Wh |
| Atomi Alpha ($329.00 USD) | 360 Wh (36V, 10Ah) | $0.91/Wh |
The Hiboy S2 finds itself at the lower end of the spectrum for entry-level scooters in terms of battery capacity. It does, however, match the Turboant M10 with is 270Wh.
The entry-level range king has always been the Segway Ninebot MAX, so it is no surprise it has more than double the juice in the tank.
We tested the S2 at three different speeds to understand its expected range in various riding scenarios.
| Test (#) | Range | Avg. Speed |
|---|---|---|
| #1: Speed Priority | 9.4 miles 15.1 km | 17.1 MPH 27.5 KMH |
| #2: Regular | 11.4 miles 18.3 km | 14.3 MPH 23 KMH |
| #3: Range Priority | 13.2 miles 21.2 km | 12.1 MPH 19.5 KMH |
In the first test, we prioritized speed, maxing out the throttle as much as possible. This resulted in 9.4 miles (15.1 km) of range.
In te second test, we cruised like we would normally do on commutes and got 11.4 miles (18.3 km) of range. This is the most accurate real-world comparison.
Lastly, we did a run prioritizing range, maintaining a low speed. This resulted in 13.2 miles (21.2 km) of range.
By all means, these are decent numbers. It is what you'd expect from 270Wh, but there are definitely models out there that'll offer more range if you can stretch your budget a bit.
Let's hold our real-world tests up against the results we've gotten on similar models:
| Model | Range | Avg. Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Hiboy S2 | 9.4 miles (15.1 km) | 17.1 MPH (27.5 KMH) |
| TurboAnt X7 Max | 13.4 miles (21.6 km) | 17.9 MPH (28.8 KMH) |
| NIU KQi2 Pro | 17.2 miles (27.7 km) | 16.4 MPH (26.4 KMH) |
| TurboAnt V8 | 18.9 miles (30.4 km) | 17.8 MPH (28.6 KMH) |
| Segway Ninebot Max G30P | 27.6 miles (44.4 km) | 17.0 MPH (27.4 KMH) |
| Atomi Alpha | 16.3 miles (26.2 km) | 17.9 MPH (28.8 KMH) |
| Model | Range | Avg. Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Hiboy S2 | 11.4 miles (18.3 km) | 14.3 MPH (23 KMH) |
| TurboAnt X7 Max | 15.4 miles (24.8 km) | 14.8 MPH (23.8 KMH) |
| NIU KQi2 Pro | 19.8 miles (31.9 km) | 14.9 MPH (24 KMH) |
| TurboAnt V8 | 21.3 miles (34.3 km) | 15.1 MPH (24.3 KMH) |
| Segway Ninebot Max G30P | 30.3 miles (48.8 km) | 14.7 MPH (23.7 KMH) |
| Atomi Alpha | 18.9 miles (30.4 km) | 15 MPH (24.1 KMH) |
| Model | Range | Avg. Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Hiboy S2 | 13.2 miles (21.2 km) | 12.1 MPH (19.5 KMH) |
| TurboAnt X7 Max | 18.2 miles (29.3 km) | 12.5 MPH (20.1 KMH) |
| NIU KQi2 Pro | 22.3 miles (35.9 km) | 12.7 MPH (20.4 KMH) |
| TurboAnt V8 | 25.4 miles (40.9 km) | 12.6 MPH (20.3 KMH) |
| Segway Ninebot Max G30P | 34.5 miles (55.5 km) | 11.9 MPH (19.2 KMH) |
| Atomi Alpha | 21.2 miles (34.1 km) | 12.9 MPH (20.8 KMH) |
It is evident that the Hiboy S2 doesn't provide a whole lot of range. Despite having the same battery capacity as the Turboant M10, it falls way short in our test. This can likely be attributed to its more performance-tuned motor that draws more juice.
Looking at sheer range, the S2 is not a beast. But if you need a scooter for a shorter commute, the Hiboy S2 will serve you well, maintaining decent performance until it runs out of battery.
At just 31.9 lbs (14.5 kg), the Hiboy S2 is a truly lightweight scooter. An effective folding mechanism, a rear fender latch, and even weight distribution make it easy to carry around.
| Model | Weight (lbs) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Hiboy S2 | 31.9 lbs | 14.5 kg |
| TurboAnt X7 Max | 34.2 lbs | 15.5 kg |
| NIU KQi2 Pro | 40.6 lbs | 18.4 kg |
| TurboAnt V8 | 47.6 lbs | 21.6 kg |
| Segway Ninebot Max G30P | 41.2 lbs | 18.7 kg |
| Atomi Alpha | 36.8 lbs | 16.7 kg |
If weight is a deciding factor for you, the Hiboy S2 is a featherweight worth considering. It is 25% lighter than the Ninebot MAX and is only really beaten by the Turboant M10.
The scooter measures 47.2" * 16.7" * 45.7" when upright and 19.3" * 16.7" * 45.7" when folded. That is a much smaller footprint than the majority of competitors.
The Hiboy S2 has a convenient folding mechanism at the base of the stem. It is easy to operate without using too much force. Below the display is a hatch that locks the scooter into place at the rear fender, making it easy to carry and transport.
The weight distribution throughout the build makes it a breeze to carry. Some scooters with stem-mounted batteries (like the Turboant X7 Pro) suffer from weight imbalances, making them awkward to handle when you aren't riding.
The ride quality is the downfall of the Hiboy S2. Despite its efforts to add comfort while staying low-maintenance, it struggles on roads that aren't smooth.
The Hiboy S2 electric scooter has two 8.5" x 2" solid honeycomb tires. While it is convenient not having to worry about flat tires, the scooter lacks the cushion that air tires can provide.
In their best effort, Hiboy opted for honeycomb tires which are intended as a zero-flat solution that should be superior to fully solid tires. However, despite testing dozens of honeycomb-fitted scooters, we haven't noticed any clear improvement in comfort.
The tires are also narrow. The combination of solid and narrow tires is the recipe for losing control on wet roads - therefore, we cannot recommend riding the S2 in the rain despite its IPX4 weather resistance rating.
The Hiboy S2 further tries to combat the ride quality issue with two rear springs. However, from our experience, they do little to nothing to minimize road vibrations and absorbing shocks.
All in all, the S2 is a rough ride on anything but smooth pavement. If you live in an area with poor road conditions, we recommend getting an alternative with pneumatic tires like the M10.
The Hiboy S2 electric scooter has a rear disc brake and electronic regenerative braking. Unlike many competitors, these braking methods can be used either stand-alone or together.
Disc brakes are considered the most performant, and along with E-ABS, braking ability looks promising. So, we put it to the test.
| Model | Braking Distance |
|---|---|
| Hiboy S2 | 14.6 ft (4.5 m) |
| TurboAnt X7 Max | 15.2 ft (4.6 m) |
| NIU KQi2 Pro | 14.6 ft (4.5 m) |
| TurboAnt V8 | 13.9 ft (4.2 m) |
| Segway Ninebot Max G30P | 12.6 ft (3.8 m) |
| Atomi Alpha | 15.9 ft (4.8 m) |
With a braking distance of 14.6 ft (4.5 m) from 15 MPH (24.2 KMH), the S2 does indeed have very reliable braking performance. In this scooter class, everything below 15 ft is considered great.
I often found myself using the electronic brake exclusively except when I had to make a hard stop. In doing so, you avoid excessive wear on your brake pads and get as much out of the regen functionality as you can.
The usable deck space on the Hiboy S2 measures 20.5" x 6.15" (52.1 cm x 15.6 cm). The surface is covered with patterned rubber to ensure your feet grip firmly to the scooter.
We consider the deck to be fairly spacious. It has a decent length and isn't too narrow for the average rider. However, bigger riders with large feet may find it too small for their needs.
The scooter only has 2.6 inches (6.6 cm) of ground clearance. As there isn't a lot of dampening action from the springs or tires, it isn't a big issue, but keep it in mind if you ever decide to go down/up a curb.
The deck-to-handlebar height is a fixed 39.4" (100 cm) making it comfortable for riders up to around 6'4" (193 cm).
The handlebars are only 16.7" (42.5 cm) wide, however. This may be limiting for some people. Personally, I prefer slightly wider handlebars as I feel it makes steering easier and I feel safer.
The grips are fairly standard. They aren't shaped to 'hug' the hands, but their rugged surface allows you to maintain a strong grip comfortably.
On the left side, you have a thumb-controlled electronic brake. I find the electronic braking to be smooth and strong, albeit a little abrupt until you get used to it.
On the right side, you have a thumb throttle, a manual bell, and a brake lever to control the rear disc brake.
The acceleration was smooth, and there wasn't any notable dead space on the throttle. It doesn't jump in steps but rather accelerates smoothly throughout the speed spectrum.
In the middle, we have the display. It shows you important information such as battery level, speed, speed modes, cruise control status, and whether lights are on or not.
Like on most scooters, it does lack a bit of brightness in direct sunlight, but it is angled surprisingly well for riders of any height to read it clearly.
Despite being a little rough around the edges, the build of the S2 is sound, and visibility is solid in the dark.
If the Hiboy S2 looks familiar, there is a good reason. It is based on the incredibly popular Xiaomi design, hence why some would classify it as a clone. It does more than the Xiaomi did, though.
The fact that it is based on another brand's design is both good and bad - and not at all a new thing in the industry.
First and foremost, the Xiaomi was popular for a reason. It is one of the most sold scooters ever, and its design has stood the test of time. It is cheaper and easier to source spare parts, and there is plenty of info about it out there already.
On the flip side, it hinders innovation a bit that we're seeing regurgitated models with a new label, and the design is beginning to show its age.
The S2 is rated for a max load of 220 lbs (100 kg), so it will accommodate most riders. However, people finding themselves at the upper end of the weight limit will experience a drop in performance.
The scooter frame is made partly from industrial-grade aluminum alloy which is seen in a vast array of electric scooters. It is a reliable and lightweight material that is easy to work with.
The deck is reinforced with steel to hold the rider and keep the critical electronic components safe.
The fenders are made from plastic.
While fairly thin, both the front and rear fender are strongly mounted so they don't feel flimsy. The rear fender has three contact points for added strength.
Slightly thicker plastic wouldn't hurt, but they aren't going to break unless they come under notable force.
The kickstand is - to no surprise - quite flimsy. It is the same stock kickstand that seems to have a 50% market share on entry-level scooters. It could do with some innovation and improvement, but it does keep the scooter upright well.
The placing of the kickstand is crucial. The closer to the middle of the deck, the better. Some scooters have kickstand all the way to the back of the deck and others all the way to the front. In those cases, it can be hard to set the scooter right, and there's an increased chance it'll tip over.
The Hiboy S2 electric scooter has an IPX4 weather resistance rating.
IP refers to Ingress Protection. The following two characters refer to the actual score.
The X indicates that it has not been rated for protection against solids (dust and other particles). This does not mean there is no protection, merely that tests haven't been done.
The 4 means it is protected against water splashes from any direction. However, in the real world, a score of 4 typically means you should be careful riding in the rain and that prolonged exposure will eventually damage electronic components.
Note: Electric scooter warranties do not cover water damage. Tread carefully in the rain for the safety of yourself and your pocket.
The Hiboy S2 shines bright in the night. With a taillight (that blinks when you break), deck-mounted LED strips on each side, and a handlebar-mounted headlight, the S2 is up there with the best in its class.
There are also reflectors on each side of each wheel, which too many brands sleep on.
The tail light and headlight could both be brighter, but I was surprised to see just how much of a difference the LED strips on the side made compared to a regular Xiaomi scooter.
The Hiboy S2 electric scooter is great for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize speed, acceleration, and motor performance.
Despite its limited range, it suits those with shorter commutes or casual riders seeking a zippy, reliable scooter. It's lightweight and portable, making it ideal for those frequently on the go.
However, the S2 is not the best option for those residing in areas with poor road conditions due to its limited ride comfort or for those who need more than 10 miles of range.
We recommend looking at the NIU KQi2 Pro or the Turboant M10 if you prioritize range and ride comfort.
| Top speed | 18.9 MPH (30.4 KMH) |
| Acceleration 0-15 MPH | Avg: 6.89 s Best: 6.75 s |
| Acceleration 0-18.9 MPH | Avg: 11.9 s Best 11.2 s |
| Hill climb 250ft @8% | 26.7 s |
| Range (speed priority) | 9.4 miles (15.1 km) |
| Range (regular) | 11.4 miles (18.3 km) |
| Range (range priority) | 13.2 miles (21.2 km) |
| Handlebar width | 16.7" (42.5 cm) |
| Deck size | 20.5" x 6.15" (52.1 cm x 15.6 cm) |
| Ground clearance | 2.6" (6.6 cm) |
| Deck-to-handlebars | 39.4" (100 cm) |
| Brand | Hiboy |
| Released | 2021 Q1 |
| Top speed | 18.6 MPH (30 KMH) |
| Motor power | 350W |
| Range | 17 miles (27.4 km) |
| Battery | 36V, 7.5Ah lithium-ion |
| Battery capacity | 270 Wh |
| Charging time | 4 hours |
| IP rating | IPX4 |
| Weight | 31.9 lbs (14.5 kg) |
| Max load | 220 lbs (100 kg) |
| Tire type | Solid, honeycomb |
| Tire size | 8.5nches |
| Suspension | Dual rear springs |
| Brakes | E-ABS, disc brake |
| Folded size | 49.3" x 16.7" x 45.7" |
| Unfolded size | 47.2" x 16.7" x 45.7" |
