Hiboy S2 Review: Keeping Pace with the Xiaomi Mi M365?

Hiboy S2: Overview

Can the Hiboy S2 conquer the reigning king of electric scooters, the Xiaomi Mi M365? In this Hiboy S2 review, see how this budget commuter competes with popular scooters in its class.

Summary

In a hotly-contested class of scooters, the Hiboy S2 takes a big swing at well-known budget commuters, with considerable speed, acceleration and range for its 29 lb size. While it gains points with power, it lacks the smooth ride quality you need when nearing 20 mph due-mostly to its fairly narrow 8.5 in honeycomb (solid) tires.

A clone in a sea of other Mi 365 clones, the Hiboy S2 seems like a better buy given the promise of a “rear shock absorber” with similar specs at a lower price point. It beats the M365 with a tested top speed of 19.0 mph and only has a slightly shorter range of 12.7 miles. However, the serious brain massage you receive on the Hiboy S2 along with the audibly, annoyingly rattly fender are somewhat difficult to overlook. The shock absorber on the rear of the scooter did little-to-nothing to stop even the tiniest grooves in the pavement from sending vibrations up our legs, meaning the S2 does best when kept on smooth terrain.

The S2 has a rubber-covered deck that can accommodate larger riders up to 270 lbs and has an electronic front brake and rear disc brake. You activate both brakes using the brake lever on the right handlebar, or you can activate the electronic brake independently via the thumb control on the left handlebar. The brakes feel strong but work best if you are in an active rider stance, carrying your weight to the rear of the scooter and leaning back hard, when braking. If you don’t shift your weight rearward during hard braking, you’ll feel the rear wheel lock up on you (and that can be unsafe and scary).

Although the S2 does not have folding handlebars, it has a compact folded footprint of 45 in long by 16 in wide by 19 in high, and a hook at the rear of the dashboard conveniently latches to a clasp on the rear fender for carrying when folded. It takes a little practice to aim the stem at the clasp, but works very well once secured. The Hiboy S2 has pretty good portability features, and the stem folding mechanism is very solid when locked in the riding position, producing minimal stem flex.

The S2 has a simple, streamlined cockpit, with rounded handgrips, a centered, easy-to-read display, and thumb controls on either side of the stem. There’s also a high-mounted headlight, the ideal position for visibility. There is no taillight or brake light; just a reflector on the rear fender, so it’s a good idea to get a red blinking light to attach to your backpack or helmet for safety.

The mechanical bell on the right handlebar provides an audible warning device for occasions when you’re riding with traffic, and is our favorite style of bell for durability. However we wish they would have mounted it on the left side, so in an emergency you could ding with your left hand while your right hand is busy operating the brake lever or thumb throttle.

Performance Summary

Overall, the Hiboy S2 is a solid entry-level electric scooter for a first-time buyer, packing a satisfying level of power and speed. The thumb controls are also great for beginners, providing smooth acceleration and braking at lower speeds, but the scooter is let down by a bumpy, rattly ride. Although the S2’s performance lets it hang with both the king and the sea of clones, it lags behind in overall ride quality due to the lack of responsiveness from the barely-there suspension and solid, narrow tires.

Other Scooters to Consider

• To keep it simple, check out our Editor’s pick of best electric scooters
• For a little less weight and a touch more range, try the Xiaomi Mi M365
• For 5 inches more deck length, check out the Hiboy Max V2

** Based on our performance tests which may differ from the manufacturer’s claims.