review – Unless you haven’t walked around a city or college campus in a while (I know, there’s an epidemic, etc.), you’ll know that e-scooters are a thing. There are companies that rent them out, and many that sell them directly to end users. ScootHop is one such company, and they sent me their full-size adult model B1, red, with 10-inch tires. They also make scooters for smaller, less powered kids, and a yellow model like the one I tested.
What is it?
The ScootHop B1 is a foldable electric scooter with three-level speed control, rear disc handbrake, and integrated head and brake lights. There is also a small bell.
Design and Features
For those unfamiliar with the scooter concept – where have you been? The scooter has two in-line wheels separated by a deck on which the user stands. The front wheel is articulated and steered by a lever with handlebars that rises from this hinge, which the user holds for stability and steering.
On the ScootHop B1, the handlebars are about 47 inches off the ground, and the axles are about the same length as the axles. The deck is 7.5 inches wide and covered in grippy “popcorn” textured vinyl that can be ridden in almost any type of footwear. (Like pedals you can use on stairs or other places where you need a firm grip.) There’s a hook under the battery/speedometer on the handlebar and a swing-up flapper near the rear wheel to hold Steering column when folded down. You can grab the locked steering column like a toolbox handle and take it to your office or lift it into the trunk of your car.
I’ve been a bike nerd for a long time. When bike sharing came to my city, I was totally hooked. Then, slowly but surely, bicycles were replaced by scooters. I never had a chance to ride a ScootHop B1 electric scooter until I received it. I made a video of my original scooter ride for posterity.
Scooters require far less commitment than bicycles. You don’t climb up, you just step on it. Having never “stepped” before, I found the experience very liberating. Also, the overall “footprint” of a scooter is smaller than a bicycle. You can more easily put it in a car and ride on many of the same surfaces as a bike. However, going all day can be a bit tedious, but it seems fine to go from the car to the restaurant and then to the theatre or music venue. Unless you just want to fold it up and take it with you, a bike lock would be a good thing!
If your town doesn’t have a rental scooter, or you just want the freedom to hop on at any time, the ScootHop B1 electric scooter can provide a very liberating way to get you farther down the road with less effort than walking. You It is possible to switch between three speed modes or levels. They are low speed – up to 10 km/h, medium, up to 20 km/h, and highest, up to 25 km/h. The manual (and common sense!) recommends starting in low speed mode with the white indicator light below the speedometer until you get used to how the ScootHop B1 handles. The median and maximum values are indicated by yellow or red dots, respectively.
What I didn’t realize was an e-scooter’s safety feature: the electric assist doesn’t kick in instantly like a car’s gas pedal or some modes of an e-bike. You have to go a little under your own power and hit the gas. At that point, the motor will take over. This prevents a low speed accident before you have a good balance, or accidentally letting the scooter take off without a rider!
The ScootHop B1’s large 10-inch pneumatic tires soften the road well. You’ll still feel the big bumps, but it’s not as severe as the roller skate wheels, which amplify every bump and gravel you roll over. Long wheelbase for a smooth ride. (I guess I’m comparing smoothness to roller skates here, since I haven’t ridden a bike with a shorter wheelbase in a long time!) It’s a bit bulky if you don’t ride it and have to carry it through a crowd , but it’s a lot more cumbersome than getting the bike through the same type of area. And, if you don’t fold the scooter, it can be pushed or coasted manually with pedestrian traffic with barely anyone noticing. Full fenders protect against street water splashes while riding.
The ScootHop B1’s battery seems to last forever, probably because I usually plug it in after a ride. The cover on the battery port means no water or sand can get in. However, if you’re riding after the rain, you may want to clean the area before opening the port to charge. Dirt and mud can easily get thrown into that area, and between the port cover and the stand hinge, there are plenty of nooks and crannies for debris to stick to. While I would have liked to see the plug move to a less exposed area (e.g. under the rear of the deck, just in front of the rear wheel), this is not enough to degrade the scooter. The weatherproof flap stays securely in place.
The ScootHop B1 electric scooter has a headlight that you can switch on from the same two-button menu used to switch on and switch speed levels. On the rear fender, there is a red taillight, which is also a reflector. It also glows brighter when braking.On the left, next to the brake lever, there is another smaller lever that makes a single sound Ding A bell that reminds the person in front of you of your presence.Not as fun as the old fashioned Lingling Those bells from our childhood bikes, but effective. Very loud.
I’ve seen people ride around town without a helmet, and I’ve been known to do the same. While it’s true that you won’t be riding at the speed of a bicycle, a fall can injure your head, knees, and elbows. Also, note that as long as you hold down the accelerator for about 5 seconds, it can go into automatic mode and it will cruise at the top speed of your class until you hit the brakes. It’s kind of – um – heartening when it first happens. Remember, always brake before jumping off.
set up
The handlebar assembly of the ScootHop B1 electric scooter is separated from the steering column, so it can fit into a more compact box. There’s a 4-wire connector to plug in, four screws to attach the handlebar, and you’re ready to go. There’s an external battery charger that plugs into the port on the front of the stand.
what do I like
- Folding
- Integrated headlights and brake lights
- Heavy duty frame and wheels
- fast, powerful takeoff
- Regenerative braking
what would i change
- can’t think of anything
final thoughts
I’ve wanted to try electric scooters since before the pandemic started. They look fun, but my daughters are always worried that I’ll fall and break something. When the opportunity to review the ScootHop B1 scooter came up, I couldn’t help it. I’m glad I volunteered because it was fun. With three different speed levels, you can control the level a little until you feel better. The video here shows my first ride, and the excitement of getting in without a crash. If you know how to ride a bike, you can ride one of these. The kids in the neighborhood still look at me weirdly, but I had a great time!
price: $349.99
where to buy: Amazon
source: This product sample is provided by Parkour.
