Hiboy S2 Vs. Unagi Model One Voyager

We compare two of the best budget lightweight electric scooters, the Hiboy S2 and the Unagi Model One Voyager, to determine which is best for your needs.

The Hiboy S2 feels like it’s been around since the dawn of the electric scooter age, yet it was only released in 2021. It’s constantly featured as the fastest budget electric scooter and one of the most portable, making it just right for regular commuters.

Right alongside, we have the equally fast and affordable Unagi Model One Voyager. However, people are lining up to get the Model One Voyager electric scooter for far more than weight and price. To give you a hint, it concerns the All-Access Plan.

Let’s break it down.

Hiboy S2 Vs. Unagi Model One Voyager Comparison Table

Here's a table highlighting the scooters' specifications:

Cost

The Hiboy S2 is a good budget scooter with just the basic features. It is an alternative seated scooter if you get the seat attachment. However, without any mods, the scooter retails for $299.99, making it one of the few models worth purchasing under $400.

The Model One Voyager electric scooter, on the other hand, costs $79 per month under the membership plan. All-Access, Unagi’s membership plan, is a subscription-based retail model that allows members to pay monthly scooter ownership payments. Members can cancel anytime without penalty.

Other benefits of membership include:

• Free and express delivery, 2-3 days after successful subscription
• Upgradability to the latest model
• Theft coverage
• Maintenance
• Monthly meetups with fellow riders
• Discounts for bundled monthly payments
• 10% off student’s discount
• A $59 alternative–the Unagi Model One Classic.

Performance

The Hiboy S2 features a front 350 W powerful motor, while the Model One Voyager electric scooter has dual 250 W motors. The Hiboy S2 and Unagi Model One Voyager electric scooters are rated to carry a max rider weight of 220 lbs, but how do they perform with an average adult rider behind the cockpit?

Speed and Acceleration

The Hiboy S2’s tested top speed of 19 mph aligns with the manufacturer-issued specs. Given its cost, this is an excellent speed per dollar. The acceleration to 15 mph is average at best, with the scooter crossing the mark in 6.2 seconds. Holding down the throttle for a few seconds activates cruise control, and you can customize speed control by setting different riding modes.

Meanwhile, the Model One Voyager electric scooter has quicker acceleration courtesy of the dual motors. It reaches 15 mph in 4.4 seconds and clocks the manufacturer-stated max speed of 20 mph. Both scooters are ideal for bike lane riding as per the ordinances of most US states.

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Check out the laws, scenic routes, and riding tips if you live in or visit these areas.

Range and Battery

The Hiboy S2 has a small 270 Wh battery that charges in 4-5 hours. The battery has a tested range of about 13 miles at full capacity, though Hiboy says it should get to 17 miles in ideal conditions.

The Model Voyager alternatively has a 360 Wh battery that powers the scooter for 12-25 miles. It can be charged quickly in 1 hour to 50% and achieves maximum capacity in 3 hours.

Additionally, the Unagi scooter’s energy-efficient cells and smart BMS guarantee extended battery life, ensuring the scooter will serve you for a long time.

Hill Climbing

The Unagi Model One Voyager electric scooter is the better hill climber, thanks to the dual motors. On a 200-foot 10% gradient, the Model One Voyager reaches the top in 17.3 seconds, while the Hiboy S2 reaches the top in 19.3 seconds. Hiboy rates its scooter with a max climbing capability of 15 degrees.

Braking

Given their mild top speeds even in sport mode, the scooters don’t have the aggressive brakes seen on high-performance models. The Model One Unagi scooter leverages dual electronic braking, while the Hiboy S2 has a double braking system: front regenerative braking and a rear disc brake. They have a near-similar registered stopping distance.

Build Quality

The Unagi Model One Voyager electric scooter has superior build quality, as evidenced by the materials used in construction and members’ reported reliability.

Materials and Durability

The Hiboy S2 electric scooter has the same blueprint we saw on the early scooters, like the famous Xiaomi M365. The aluminum frame is durable enough for daily commuting and can survive a few tumbles and falls without sustaining permanent damage.

The Model One Voyager, on the other hand, was built to last. The scooter has a carbon fiber stem, magnesium alloy handlebars, a single-piece machined aluminum frame, and reinforced plastic fenders, making it one of the most high-strength, lightweight electric scooters we have.

Aesthetics

As stated, the Hiboy S2 is a basic electric scooter. It is black and gray, with red accents of the brake cable and reflectors. It doesn’t stand out like the Unagi, with its sleek, modern design and attractive color options: cobalt blue, latte, cool mist, and matte black.

Ride Quality

Both scooters deliver a similar ride quality. They are designed for city riding and will not be as forgiving on ill-maintained roads or rough terrain.

Tires

The Hiboy S2 and Unagi Model One Voyager popularized honeycomb solid tires. Honeycomb tires are solid tires with hollow pockets within them. The solid nature makes them flat-free, while the air pockets add to their shock absorption quality and marginally improve traction. The Model One Voyager has smaller 7.5 wheels, while the Hiboy S2’s are 8.5 inches in tire diameter.

Suspension

The Hiboy S2 has a basic rear suspension. The dual rear shock absorbers slightly absorb the shock from large bumps, making for a more smooth and comfortable ride. Good suspension systems cost a ton of money, and you’ll hardly see them on budget scooters. The Model One Voyager foregoes suspension altogether.

Deck Space

The Hiboy S2 electric scooter has a small deck, just enough for the average adult. It measures 17.5 inches by 6 inches, which means riders with larger feet might feel crowded on the deck. The Model One Voyager’s is slightly roomier, measuring 19.2 inches by 5.04 inches. Both decks are lined with rubber covers that give decent traction and are pretty easy to clean.

Ride Ergonomics

The Hiboy S2 is a seated scooter, but you have to purchase the scooter seat separately. Unlike purpose-seated scooters like the Gotrax Flex, the ride comfort on such seat attachments tends to be more hype than practical. Check out our best seated electric scooters if you want to ride seated.

Portability

Both scooters are featured in our best lightweight electric scooters; however, the Unagi Model One Voyager is more portable than the S2. The Hiboy S2 weighs 31.9 lbs and folds to 45.7 inches x 16.9 inches x 19.3 inches. Meanwhile, the Unagi weighs only 29.6 lbs and folds down to 37.8 inches x 16.5 inches x 15 inches.

Water-Resistance

Both scooters have a water resistance rating of IPX4, meaning they can withstand sudden light showers and splashing through a couple of light puddles. However, seek immediate shelter if there’s a heavy downpour and avoid using a water hose to clean the scooter.

App and Controls

The Hiboy S2 electric scooter has a neat integrated display showing vital riding stats. It has a single power button that turns the scooter on/off, controls the lights, and switches between the dual riding modes: Eco mode (13 mph) and Sport mode (19 mph). The right handlebar has a regen throttle, while the left has a mechanical brake lever and a thumb throttle.

The scooter also connects to the Hiboy app, where riders can customize speed and cruise control settings, set brake response, customize the speed modes, and remotely lock and unlock the scooter. You can also message customer support via the app.

The Unagi Model One Voyager also has a clean, integrated display and the same one-button setup. The cockpit has the electronic brake lever on the right and the speed thumb throttle on the left. Additionally, the Unagi app lets you access remaining range estimates, set the scooter to single or dual motor modes, customize top speed settings, remotely lock and unlock the scooter, and manage your membership subscription.

Lights

The Hiboy S2 and Unagi Voyager electric scooters have basic lighting set-ups, comprising high-mounted headlights and a fender taillight that also serves as a brake light. Additionally, the scooters have reflectors that aid in night visibility.

Verdict

The Hiboy S2 and Unagi Model One Voyager are electric scooters for commuters who need affordable first—and last-mile means of transportation.

Both scooters have decent top speeds, good braking, are highly portable, have decent apps, and are very affordable. The Hiboy S2 has an edge with the optional seat attachment, which favors riders who want to ride seated, and the rear spring suspension, which marginally improves ride quality in light of the solid tires. These features and cruise control deliver a smooth and comfortable ride.

However, the Unagi electric scooter has an even bigger advantage with its durable and aesthetic build, excellent hill climbing, guaranteed long battery life, and the star of the show, the All-Access membership. Besides the affordable, low monthly payment options, you also get theft insurance, maintenance, upgradability options and monthly meetups.

Therefore, despite their similar offerings, the Unagi presents better value for money and is the better pick—unless you’re keen on the seated option and the low one-off payment, in which case the Hiboy S2 is your scooter.

See how both scooters compare to the best electric scooters for adults.