Riley RS2 Summary
Riley has just recently entered the scooter market, but already it is creating a name for itself with its line of premium, reasonably priced electric scooters. The UK-based company is dedicated to creating goods that transform urban commuting and make it more enjoyable and ecologically responsible. Their initial product, the RS1, became one of the most sought-after models on the market very soon. The Riley RS2 electric scooter is their second design for the product and is an advance over the model that came before. In comparison to the RS1, it provides a longer range, a strong brush less front hub motor, a faster speed, and a host of performance-enhancing features.
The Riley RS2 first resembles the Levy Plus or Turboant X7 Pro. The RS2 provides a better riding experience at a fair price without sacrificing elegance or design. The electric scooter excels in this area despite being built with commuters in mind. Its sleek silhouette and angular lines produce a gorgeous look, while the lightweight material and responsive design increase the fun of riding. It has a lengthy lifespan since it is constructed with high-quality, long-lasting components.
For all-weather, day or night riding, this electric scooter has 10-inch puncture-resistant tyres and front and rear LED illumination. Its top speed is a respectable 15.5 mph (25 km/h), and its outstanding range of 28 miles is made possible by a large capacity swappable battery (45 km). For the best stopping force, it also has a triple braking system. The scooter is lightweight, weighing only around 33 pounds (15 kilogram mes), making it simple for the user to manoeuvre through congested city streets.
An easy-to-read LCD display that gives the rider information about the speed, distance traveled, range, battery life, and other metrics has improved the design of the electric scooter. The 350W motor can carry a maximum weight of 265 lbs, however it struggles to climb hills.
Overall, it is a pleasant upgrade to an established brand of electric scooters that does a wonderful job of building on what its predecessor delivered. Continue reading to learn how this scooter compares to the competition.
Performance Overview
One of the most outstanding middle-range electric scooters on the market in terms of performance is the RS2 Electric Scooter. A 350-watt brush less hub motor that produces 700w of peak power and 480w of nominal power powers the device. In contrast to brushed motors, which experience efficiency deterioration over time, this brush less scooter motor produces constant performance and is significantly more efficient.
The scooter’s motor can accelerate it to a top speed of 15.5 mph (25 km/h), and its battery can go an amazing 28 miles (45 km) on a single charge. The scooter’s motor also enables it to carry a rider weighing up to 265 lbs (120 kg). The scooter’s three drive settings—Beginner, Standard, and Pro—let the rider personalize their riding experience. The maximum speed for the scooter in beginner, standard, and pro modes is 6 mph (10 km/h), 9 mph (14 km/h), and 15.5 mph (25 km/h), respectively.
The scooter’s braking mechanism is another element Riley got right. The three brakes available to the user ensure that they are always in control. The triple braking system offers superior stopping force and quicker reaction time than scooters of comparable price. The scooter can be stopped from a high speed in around 6 meters.
Speed & Acceleration
By no means is this a racing vehicle, and it won’t set any speed records in its price bracket either. The highest speed of the RS2 Electric Scooter is 15.5 mph (25 km/h), which is more than enough for the typical user. This speed is typical for this price range and comparable to that of other scooters as the GoTrax XR Ultra, Xiaomi M365 pro, and Segway Ninebot ES2. Although this scooter has a greater motor rating than the scooters discussed above, users undoubtedly anticipated a better peak speed from it.
It is simple to get up speed and the acceleration is quick. The sensitive acceleration trigger may be used with just the thumb. The scooter is easy to ride since it is simple to roll on and off the throttle.
It’s also important to point out that the RS2 has a cruise control option that allows the rider to keep going at their current pace even when they ease off the gas. Keep your speed constant for roughly six seconds to engage the cruise control; otherwise, you can deactivate it.
Hill Climbing
The RS2 electric scooter performs poorly on hills. In actual tests, the scooters had trouble climbing hills even as easy as 10 degrees. Stick to level riding surfaces instead, or if you must ride in muddy regions, be ready to get off the scooter and push it behind you.
Battery & Range
The RS2’s battery life is without a doubt its main selling feature. It includes a potent Panasonic battery pack with a 36V, 12.8Ah rating that has a maximum range of 28 miles for the rider (45km). Batteries from the reputed brand Panasonic beat the generic ones found in most scooters. This is demonstrated by distinctive elements like its anti-fire battery casing.
An amazing feature of the scooter is the removable battery pack, which lets you add more batteries to increase the scooter’s overall range. For commuters who often can’t charge their batteries at their place of work or study after riding it back home, or vice versa, this is quite beneficial. The Turboant X7 Pro, Levi Plus, Ninebot ES4, and Hiboy NEX5 are a few more scooters with this type of battery.
A fully charged battery will have enough power to carry you through your daily commute without feeling drained, and it will still give you the option to buy a backup battery to increase the range a little bit. Riding in the Standard and Beginner riding modes will help increase battery life. It takes the battery 5 hours.
Motor Configuration
The 36V detachable Li-ion (Li-ion) battery pack powers the RS2’s effective 350W front brush less hub motor. Due to the motor’s location inside the front hub, the rear wheel receives an equal amount of power as well as quick acceleration. The motor also produces 350W of continuous power and 700W of peak power.
Construction & Quality
The Riley RS2 electric scooter is clearly made to last from the moment you take it out of the box. The majority of its construction was done using high-quality materials, giving it a robust feel. It can readily support riders weighing up to 265 lbs (120kg). On initial inspection, you note that, in contrast to most other scooters, the battery is placed in the stem.
The RS2’s robust stem design is both impressive and appealing. It has a matt finish and a sleek, aesthetically pleasing design. The entire structure is made more durable by the use of lightweight aviation-grade aluminium, which also keeps the frame’s weight low enough to facilitate lifting and transportation. To give it a clean appearance, the cables are properly disguised and tucked away. For the convenience of your bags, there is also a shopping hook with a weight capacity of 10 kg. The puncture-resistant tyres are made to last, give a comfortable ride, and reduce vibration while lowering rolling resistance. The RS2’s alloy rims are sturdily constructed and equipped with sealed bearings, which lowers maintenance costs and improves ride quality and comfort.
A wonderful extra that is useful for commuters who must ride their scooters at night is the front LED headlight. The electric scooter’s deck is also roomy enough for comfortable handling and foot positioning. The deck is covered with a rubberized grip, which reduces slipping even in damp weather and makes it simpler to handle. The deck is equipped with a sturdy kickstand that assures the scooter won’t topple over when you rest it. This contributes to the scooter’s overall durability.
Overall, the building of this e-scooter was done with a remarkable attention to detail and high-quality materials.
Suspension & Comfort
The 10-inch puncture-resistant tyres on the RS2 e-scooter do a fantastic job of absorbing vibrations and shocks despite the absence of suspension.
Ride Quality
Despite the lack of a suspension system, riding this electric scooter is surprisingly enjoyable. A smooth, pleasant ride with strong shock absorption is provided by the 10-inch puncture-resistant tyres, and the scooter’s frame design provides improved handling and overall stability. For riders who want to utilise this scooter off-road, the absence of a suspension system reduces its attractiveness.
The in-hub motor of the scooter keeps the ride comfortable and quiet. The ergonomic throttle is simple to use, and the ergonomic handlebars are quite pleasant to hold. The frame’s lightweight aluminium structure makes it simple to transport it after usage.
Its lightweight yet strong construction makes it simple for the rider to manoeuvre through dense crowds or confined locations. A comfortable standing posture may be achieved on the Riley RS2’s deck while travelling through urban or college regions. The bell and two-way illumination are sufficient for nighttime riding safety.
Lights
The scooter has front and rear LED lighting, which makes for a great and safer ride in low visibility conditions. The lighting illuminates the road ahead during nighttime riding. The front is strongly positioned beneath the handlebars and has considerable power to light the rider’s way ahead.
The scooter’s built-in rear light unit is a good addition that makes it simple for other drivers to see you from behind, especially while travelling at night. Double-clicking the menu button on the throttle will turn on and off the lights.
Braking
One of the best braking systems for e-scooters of this size is included with the scooter. A rear hydraulic disc brake, a front E-ABS brake, and a rear pedal brake make up its triple braking system. When necessary, our braking system is fully equipped with adequate stopping force to bring you to a safe halt.
The brake lever is simple to operate, provides appropriate braking force even in wet or filthy conditions, and engages the rear high performance disc brake. The pedal brake aids the rider in controlling their pace.
Portability
Although not the lightest scooter in its class, the Riley RS2 weighs 33 lbs (15 kg). It is a little heavier than the Glion Dolly, which weighs 28 pounds, and the Hiboy S2 scooter, which weighs 29.5 lbs (13.4 kgs) (12 kilos). The scooter’s weight, which is only a few kilogram mes more than the lightest scooter in its category, does not, however, restrict its portability.
With a few pins and clips that click into place, this electric scooter can be folded down in a few easy steps. The procedure is quick, simple, and toolless. To drop the lever from the stem, just release the safety clasp.
The handlebar may then be released. When folded, the scooter measures 105.6 x 42 x 45 cm (L x W x H), ensuring that it fits nicely when being stored in a home, office, or vehicle trunk. Take the battery out and place it in your bag to reduce the weight and improve portability.
Tyres
The RS2 has 10-inch puncture-resistant tyres with great tread patterns for increased grip even while riding in rainy weather. The alloy rims of the scooter are encased in pneumatic tyres, which improve overall stability when travelling at high speeds.
For commuters who use their scooters every day and need to be able to handle any weather, puncture-resistant tyres are excellent.
Deck
The Riley RS2 electric scooter has a spacious deck that is long enough to fit even riders with wide feet and is capable of supporting up to 265 lbs (120 kg).
The deck is also big enough to allow for a balanced standing position, which improves riding control and stability. The deck is thinner and more streamlined than the majority of decks on comparable scooters with batteries beneath. With a 14 cm ground clearance, it is only suitable for city riding. Additionally rubberized for improved grip, the surface.
Controls & Display
Simple handlebars with a limited number of controls and buttons are a hallmark of the Riley RS2. The ergonomically built handlebars make for a comfortable riding experience. At the centre of the handlebars is the LCD display. The rider can keep an eye on their trip thanks to the digital display, which compiles all pertinent data, including speed, riding mode, and battery use, into one clear display.
To protect the rider, there is a brake lever on the left side of the handlebars that engages the rear hydraulic disc brake and a bell. On the right side of the handlebars, the throttle is operated by the thumb. The throttle has an on/off and a menu button.
Water Resistance
The RS2 is water and dust resistant and has an IP54 certification. This implies that while the scooter can tolerate water splashing, it cannot be submerged in bodies of water or puddles. As a result, avoid riding your RS2 through a swamp.
In actuality, the IP rating is greater, but the stem-embedded battery reduces the device’s capacity to survive water for an extended period of time.
Reliability
The Riley RS2 is a reliable scooter that has top-notch features to support it. It provides a comfortable urban ride in addition to being durable and dependable. The frame is strong and lightweight since it is built of aviation-grade aluminium. The motor’s peak speed is respectable. The scooter is a dependable option for daily mobility because of its IP54 protection against water and dust. Additionally, it complies with testing standards.
Warranty
You may feel secure knowing that this scooter includes a 12-month warranty starting on the day of purchase. The warranty, though, only covers manufacturing flaws. For example, it doesn’t cover harm brought on by mishaps, abuse, or changes to your scooter, such overloading.
With a broad network of dealerships offering replacement consulting, service, parts, and repairs throughout the UK, the customer assistance is superb.
Maintenance
For the RS2 to continue working, routine maintenance is necessary. The scooter’s in-hub motor requires no maintenance; the only thing you should do on a weekly or biweekly basis is check the tyre pressure.
Despite the Lithium-Ion batteries’ high level of durability, it is still vital to keep an eye on them when the scooter is being charged, stored, and used. To avoid overheating or overcharging, make sure you follow all safety procedures.
To ensure that your Lithium-Ion batteries last as long as possible, the manufacturer advises charging the scooter after each usage and before storage. Although, with appropriate care and safety precautions, they may live up to three years.
The scooter should also be kept dry and at moderate temperature because extremes in temperature might shorten its lifespan. The scooter’s battery life may be impacted if you drain it for an extended period of time.
Additionally, you should routinely inspect the scooter for any loose screws, bolts, or nuts that can compromise its security. Additionally, it’s important to routinely inspect the frame for fractures that might suddenly fail the structure. By doing this, you may ride your scooter with confidence and safety.
Known Issues
Considering the scooter’s price point, you anticipate a few small operating hiccups. Here are some riders’ responses to manufacturer claims:
- Customers have expressed complaints that the scooter makes squeaky noises while braking quickly.
- Sometimes the throttle sticks, which is hazardous since it impairs speed control.
- When there are any inclines, the scooter struggles and can’t lift bigger users up them.
- The manufacturer’s stated speed is far slower than the real speed.
- Due to how readily the paint comes off as the scooter ages, the looks are less than appealing.
- To inflate the tyre, you need a very specialised pump that can fit into incredibly tiny spaces on the wheel.
- The bulk of the strain on the braking system
Riley RS2: Is it worth the money and is it worth buying?
The RS2 offers a smooth and comfortable ride thanks to its attractive appearance and cutting-edge technologies. It is a wonderful option for everyday commuting and neighbourhood riding because it has a peak speed of 25 mph and a range of up to 28 miles per charge.
The battery life is average, and various riders will find the ergonomic handlebar to be more comfortable. Its replaceable battery makes charging and transporting it simple. The RS2 is also dust- and water-resistant, with an IP54 rating.
However, given that this is a cheap scooter, users should be prepared for certain drawbacks. It lacks suspension, making it unfit for off-road driving. Once more, the brakes are not the finest in their class, so motorcyclists should provide enough of space for emergency stopping. Over time, the aesthetics deteriorate since the paint starts to flake off. But for $700/£499, the options are affordable.
Specification: RILEY RS2 REVIEW
Type | ||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||||||||||||||||||
Performance | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||
Design | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
Dominic –
I would advise purchasing this item.
Xavier –
fantastic scooter I adore the two I purchased. Also simple to assemble. Amazing customer support when I had questions.
Jaxson –
This item exceeded all expectations. Long lasting and efficient battery life. Perfect for getting somewhere you need to go or for commuting.