Kugoo S1 Electric Scooter Review

Riding the Kugoo S1 Electric Scooter feels like a step into the future of urban commuting. With agility and convenience at its core, this scooter has been a delightful experience from the get-go. Here's an in-depth look at what it's like to zip around the city on the Kugoo S1.

Assembly and First Impressions

Out of the box, the Kugoo S1 required minimal assembly. With a few simple snaps and clicks, I was ready to hit the pavement. The sleek, black design exudes a modern vibe, while the sturdy frame gave me confidence in its build quality. Initially holding the handlebars, the grips felt secure, and the control dashboard was intuitive to navigate.

Performance and Handling

The Kugoo S1 is a kick-start scooter, meaning you'll need to push off to get it going. Its 350W motor is quite powerful for its class, offering a top speed of around 30 km/h (18.6 mph), which I found to be plenty for weaving through city traffic and getting to my destination swiftly.

Acceleration is smooth, thanks to the throttle control on the right handlebar, but it's the three speed modes that provide flexibility based on my riding conditions. I can easily switch between a leisurely pace or the need for speed, making the S1 suitable for various urban environments.

Handling is another area where the S1 shines. The 8-inch wheels, while not as large as some other models, provide a surprisingly smooth ride. Handling rough patches and small obstacles isn't seamless, and you can feel the bumps, but it's manageable, especially considering the compact form factor and the added front and rear shock absorbers.

The braking system, which features a disc brake at the rear and an electronic brake upfront, gives sufficient stopping power. It's responsive, but I always ensure to give myself ample braking distance to come to a safe stop.

Comfort and Ride Quality

The Kugoo S1's deck is compact, requiring a narrower stance. While this aspect took a bit of adjusting, particularly on longer rides, it's a trade-off for the scooter's portable design. Taller riders or those with larger feet might yearn for a bit more real estate, but for short to medium commutes, it gets the job done.

The folding mechanism for portability is straightforward and reliable. I can quickly fold down the scooter and transport it on public transport or carry it into the office. The overall weight is not the lightest on the market, but it's still well within the manageable range.

Battery Life and Range

The promised range of up to 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) is optimistic, and in practice, I found it to depend greatly on rider weight, terrain, and speed mode. Riding at top speed with my average build, I could comfortably get about 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) before considering a recharge — not industry-leading, but sufficient for most daily commutes.

Recharging takes around 4 hours, so topping up the battery while at work or overnight is convenient enough to ensure the S1 is always ready to go.

Display and Features

The LED display is crisp and provides all the necessary information at a glance, including speed, battery life, and speed mode. At night, visibility is decent, although I wished for a bit brighter backlight. The inclusion of a built-in headlight and rear reflector adds to the safety features, though I’d recommend additional lights for anyone frequently riding after dark.

The scooter also comes with an app, which is a nice bonus, but it's not essential for the operation of the scooter. The app allows you to track your ride stats and customize certain settings, an extra that tech-savvy riders will appreciate.

Durability and Build Quality

After several weeks of rigorous use, the Kugoo S1 has stood up well. The frame has borne the brunt of daily commutes with no major signs of wear and tear. The materials feel robust, and the construction is solid. However, it's important to note that while the scooter is advertised as waterproof with an IP54 rating, I've been cautious with wet conditions and would advise against heavy rain as a precaution.

Conclusion

The Kugoo S1 Electric Scooter is a competitive option in the bustling e-scooter market. While it might not boast the fanciest features or the longest range, its solid performance, decent comfort, and strong build make it a compelling choice for those looking to navigate the urban jungle with ease.

Users should be cognizant of the slightly stiffer ride due to the size of the wheels and the relatively basic suspension. But for its price point, it's hard to argue against the value the Kugoo S1 provides.

I would recommend the Kugoo S1 to any urban dweller looking for a reliable, stylish, and fun-to-ride electric scooter for their daily commute or quick trips around town. It's a straightforward electric scooter that gets you where you need to go, with a smile on your face.

Update After Six Months of Usage

After having the Kugoo S1 for over six months, my experience has broadened in several ways. Riding it has become a part of my daily routine, offering both conveniences as well as a few challenges along the way.

Long-term Performance and Durability

The Kugoo S1 has reliably gotten me through countless commutes with minimal issues. The battery's performance has moderately declined, which is typical after regular use, slightly reducing the range.

One critical observation is the wear and tear on the tires and brake pads which have required more attention than initially anticipated. Regular maintenance has become essential to keep it running smoothly.

Additional Insights

The scooter's portability continues to be a standout feature, especially in an urban environment. I appreciate being able to fold it quickly and carry it into public transport or up a flight of stairs with reasonable ease. However, the weight might not be suitable for everyone, especially if you need to carry it frequently over longer distances.

The ride quality over time has shown that it can be tough on rougher surfaces. The small wheel size and basic suspension, which I mentioned earlier, have made some rides less comfortable, especially on poorly maintained roads.

Community and Support

The community around Kugoo scooters and the customer support provided by the company have been surprisingly helpful. Online forums and groups have been invaluable for troubleshooting minor issues and enhancing the user experience with custom tweaks suggested by other owners.

Conclusion

Overall, the Kugoo S1 remains a solid choice for its price range despite some drawbacks that became more evident over time. It's suitable for users looking for an affordable, reliable, and easy-to-handle scooter for short daily commutes. My long-term experience has reinforced the importance of considering the total cost of ownership, including maintenance and occasional parts replacement, when choosing an electric scooter.