Another of the electric scooters that we had the opportunity to test is Inmotion S1. It has a 500 W motor, a powerful battery, suspension and a large display. Based on the parameters, it is a very interesting urban model.
In the review, we will traditionally look at the quality of processing, comfort while driving, performance and also measure the maximum range per charge. The manufacturer claims a range of up to 95 km, which is certainly an above-average value in this category. We will see what the reality will be.
Where to buy Inmotion S1?
Electric scooter Inmotion The S1 is currently available at the verified Ninebot Global Store on the DHGate marketplace. Delivery from the Polish warehouse is extremely fast, so you can expect the package within a few days of dispatch without any additional customs fees.
Inmotion S1
Important: Order from DHgate exclusively via the Chrome browser (preferably via incognito mode) on your computer or on your smartphone via their application. Purchasing via the DHgate app already works correctly.
Technical specifications
| Model | S1 |
|---|---|
| Dimensions when folded | 1264 x 541 x 512 mm |
| Dimensions in disassembled state | 1264 x 1219.5 x 512 mm |
| Weight | 24 kg |
| Tires | 10" pneumatic tubeless |
| The maximum load | 140 kg |
| Performance motorboat | 500 W (max. 1000 W) |
| voltage | nominal 54 V / max 63 V |
| The maximum speed | 30 km/h |
| up climb | 30% |
| Drums | 12.5Ah / 675Wh |
| charging | 7 h (with one charger) / 3.5 h (with two chargers) |
| Address | to 95 km |
| IP protection | IP55 |
Content and quality of packaging
Electric scooter Inmotion S1 was delivered to us by DPD courier. The scooter was packed in a box with dimensions of 120 x 25 x 56.5 cm and was unusually protected with a transparent foil, which makes it impractical to transport. The straps, which are also used to hold the box more easily, are under the outer silo.
Opening the box is also unusual. While most scooters are removed from the top of the box, here we had to choose a different method according to the instructions on the box. The box opens from the longer edge, so we let it lie on the ground and flipped it upwards. This way, the front part and sides also fold out, so we actually opened up the whole box nicely.
Inside is a large polystyrene box, in which a surprise awaited us. The scooter was disassembled into more parts than usual. The contents of the package are the steering rod, handlebars, chassis, front wheel with shock absorbers, screws, charging adapter with cable, pump tube, Allen keys and instructions in English.
Despite the unconventional packaging, its quality is excellent. All parts of the scooter have their place in polystyrene, which is protected by another piece of polystyrene from the top. You will also be pleased with the outer film, which at least protects the box from dirt or moisture.
Folding the scooter
As we indicated in the previous chapter, the scooter is far from ready to ride right out of the box. It consists of several parts that need to be put together according to the attached manual. If you don't want to read the manual, we recommend looking for an unboxing video on YouTube, where you can simply see how the scooter is assembled.
So we started with attaching the handlebars to the main steering rod. For this operation, 5 screws are needed, which simply fit into the prepared holes. However, pay attention to the front side, where there are 3 holes, but we only use one, the middle one, to attach the handlebars. The rest are used to fix the hook for folding.
The second step is to insert the front wheel into the structure of the scooter. Here, it is necessary to pay particular attention to the upper bearing, which easily pushes the rod from the front wheel out. The bearing must remain in place in the structure. A metal ring is placed on it, which partially fits between the rod and the bearing. Subsequently, we put a black cover over the hoop and then we could store the entire steering rod with the folding mechanism.
Here we recommend paying attention to the cables so that they run in the right direction. After storing the folding mechanism with the rod, this mechanism is secured using the included screw with a washer. While tightening, make sure that the handlebars and the front wheel are straight.
We also tighten a pair of side screws in the folding mechanism from the outside. The last step was to attach the aforementioned hook to the front part of the steering rod using a pair of screws. You can also use this chapter as an assembly guide if you were to buy the scooter.
It is not the easiest process. We were particularly troubled by putting the front wheel in place together with the bearing and metal rings so that they fit together nicely. It requires patience, but according to the video, anyone can definitely do the folding.
It won't work without a smartphone app
Similar to the case with the recently reviewed scooter Ninebot D28ENor Inmotion The S1 is not usable without activation via a smartphone app. So the first steps lead to the installation of the application Inmotion and finding a scooter using Bluetooth.
Until the scooter is activated and paired with the app, its side lights flash, there is an occasional beep and it does not respond to the throttle at all. We understand that this is a security feature, but we are not in favor of having to use an app on a smartphone.
During registration, we had to enter the email address to which we received the verification code. Next, click on the "Activate" button, which activates the scooter. From this moment it is ready to ride.
Quality of workmanship and design
Electric scooter Inmotion The S1 has a metal construction with a similar design that we already know well from other city scooters. At first glance, however, it is larger overall and especially longer. Its dimensions when unfolded are 1264 x 1219.5 x 512 mm and the weight is 24 kg. If you are looking for a compact and light scooter for frequent transport, this model from Inmotion it won't be quite the real nut.
The handlebars are at a height of 125 cm from the ground and the foot platform measures approximately 49 x 16 cm. The space for the legs is therefore quite generous, and the tall handlebars are particularly pleasing to taller people.
As for the quality, it is excellent. The scooter does not creak, there is no play in the handlebars, and overall we appreciate the high-quality workmanship and solid construction.
Large but unused display
In the center of the handlebars we find a relatively large element that is home to the lights and the display. It has an effective blue backlight around its perimeter and mainly displays the current speed and battery capacity.
Unfortunately, the battery capacity is only displayed graphically in the form of five parts. The display also shows the current driving mode and several symbols presenting the status of individual elements such as lighting, turn signals or Bluetooth.
This display, which is relatively large, but its area is not fully utilized, deserves some criticism. On such a large display, we would welcome at least a percentage display of the battery status, battery voltage and information on kilometers traveled.
Suspension, tires and brakes
Inmotion The S1 will surely please many thanks to the front and rear suspension. There is a suspension fork at the front and at the back we can notice a pair of spring shock absorbers that can be seen from the underside of the scooter. The suspension is not too stiff, but not too soft either. It is set just right for a comfortable ride even over bumps on roads or sidewalks.
With larger potholes on the roads, the front shock absorbers will of course hit their limits and at this point they will knock slightly. You don't need to expect miracles from them, it's still not an off-road scooter, and the front fork already has a short stroke.
The shock absorbers are also helped by 10-inch pneumatic wheels, which are tubeless and should be highly resistant to punctures. The combination of pneumatic wheels and suspension works great in this case and we have to admit that it is one of the most comfortable city scooters among those we had the opportunity to test.
One of the few negatives of this scooter is the front drum brake. The brake is weak and requires more maintenance than a classic disc brake. Its braking distance is long, which may not be enough for emergency braking. It's a shame that the manufacturer didn't reach for disc brakes in the front and back.
There is also engine braking, which has been improved with the update. We hardly felt it until then, but after the latest update at the end of July 2022, the electronic brake has improved so much that now you can hardly feel the front drum brake. However, it reacts quite aggressively and you have to get used to it.
Performance and driving modes
Electric scooter from the brand Inmotion it has a 500 W motor located at the back. The maximum power it can develop is up to 1000 W. The maximum speed of the scooter is 30 km/h in the highest "S" mode and its acceleration is excellent. In addition to this mode, we also have ECO mode and "D" available. In ECO mode, the maximum speed is set to 15 km/h, and in “D” mode, it is 25 km/h.
Realistically, with an 80 kg rider, the ECO mode reaches a little over 13 km/h, the D mode about 24 km/h, and the highest mode 28-29 km/h. We reached exactly 30 km/h only with a fully charged battery. There is also the so-called Walk mode (walking mode), which is activated only through the application.
On paper, the scooter can handle a maximum gradient of up to 30%, which we could not verify, but it did not show any problems with a lack of power on a 15% gradient. We rode the scooter in Košice, where we tried several hills and all with minimal deceleration.
Battery and range
The manufacturer also attracts potential customers with a high range, up to 95 km per charge. The battery is located in the lower part and has 12.5 Ah / 675 Wh. It is built on a 54 V system with a maximum voltage of 63 V.
We tested the range in the streets of Košice and its suburbs using the Runkeeper application and compared the result with the data in the application Inmotion. We went exactly on one charge 51.61 km.
According to the application Inmotion that was slightly less, but based on multiple rides we found that the measurement in the app is not very accurate. The route shown by the app Inmotion it often crosses different streets and buildings.
Disregarding the value given by the manufacturer, which is of course unrealistic in normal conditions, the range of 56 km is very decent.
Charging and battery status indicator
During the test ride, when we measured the range per charge, we started to notice that the graphic battery status indicator on the scooter's display is very inaccurate. It consists of five parts, so each of them should represent 20% of the battery. In reality, it didn't work that way, but the last update solved this problem as well.
The dual charging port will please, with the help of which the battery can be charged in just 3.5 hours. However, there is only one charger in the package, with which it takes almost 7 hours to charge. The scooter's charging ports have an unusual shape, which also includes an impractical cover that is difficult to close, as you have to hit the individual holes precisely. Honestly, it was getting on our nerves.
Application Inmotion
Application home screen Inmotion it shows the current speed, the remaining range in kilometers and the battery capacity in percentage. There are several symbols for quick access to settings such as turning the light on or off or locking the scooter.
Drag your finger across the screen to the right to access information about the current ride. Here, the mileage, average speed, maximum speed, driving time, battery status, head unit temperature and total mileage are displayed. The next screen serves to record the activity even with the route on the map.
In the settings, we can choose the driving mode, turn on or off the lights or side LED strips, turn signals, cruise control, lock the scooter or even run the scooter diagnostics.
Lighting and turn signals
An interesting element of the scooter from Inmotion there is also a backlight on both sides of the platform, which primarily glows blue. These LED strips also serve as turn signals. If you turn the handlebars to one of the sides, the corresponding LED strip is activated, which starts flashing red. Just like in a car, an arrow flashes on the scooter's display.
Such a representation of the direction of travel is effective, but not very effective. All you have to do is gently turn the handlebars and the direction light will be activated immediately. The direction lights, as well as the general backlight, can be deactivated in the application.
It goes without saying that there are also standard reflectors along with front white and rear red lighting, which are turned on by a short press of the button to turn on the scooter.
Inmotion S1: Final evaluation
Electric scooter Inmotion The S1 is a great city scooter. We especially praise the excellent comfort during driving thanks to the front and rear suspension, great acceleration, higher handlebars and sufficient power, which is provided by the 500 W motor in the rear wheel. We will also be pleased with the sufficiently powerful battery, with which we traveled 51 km on one charge.
We only have reservations about the front drum brake, which is rather weak and the electronic brake takes over. It's a shame that the manufacturer didn't go for a disc brake instead. Overall, however, it is a very successful scooter that we enjoyed riding with and would recommend it to anyone who wants a high-quality city scooter with an excellent range.
Inmotion S1
