Kugoo Kirin S2 Electric Scooter Review

One of the best entry-level electric scooters in the market with a top speed of around 15.5 mph and a range of up to 15.5 miles.

While the Kugoo Kirin S2 Electric Scooter is not designed to replace a car or public transportation, it can be an affordable and convenient alternative for short trips around the neighbourhood, running errands, and commuting to work. The Kugoo Kirin S2 electric scooter is an engineering marvel that blends style and functionality into a trendy ride for the modern rider. It is affordably priced, with some of the specs on this scooter only featuring on higher-priced models. Moreover, with the success of the Kugoo brand and more so the smart technology of the Kirin models, the scooter guarantees riders the highest quality of standards. This scooter is designed for teenagers and adults; however, younger riders can opt for the Kirin S2 Mini for fun rides around the block.

Kugoo Kirin S2: The Lowdown…

Kugoo has come to change the way we look at scooters. They do this with one goal in mind: create an ideal ride for every customer. By designing and manufacturing the best scooters around, Kugoo has been able to earn a loyal fan base that makes them one of the fastest-growing brands on the market. Every Kugoo product is designed and manufactured in-house to ensure the highest level of quality control. And thanks to this dedication to design, Kugoo products have been consistently ranked among the most stylish and high-quality scooters on the market. Notably, constant innovation by Kugoo’s leadership team has led to a continual flow of new products that have kept the brand ahead of the curve, resulting in over 100,000 units sold globally in less than six years.

Electric scooters are gaining momentum in the UK, and The Kugoo Kirin S2 is a good bet for those wanting something from a reputable brand. Kugoo’s electric scooters are a revolution in the travel industry. Kugoo’s Kirin S2 is one of the brand’s budget models, featuring a lightweight design that is easy on the arms and high-performing parts that are durable and reliable. The S2 is a clear indication of Kugoo’s commitment to constant innovation and engineering prowess. The scooter bears a sturdy frame, beautiful spacious deck, combined with ergonomic handlebars and an impressive pair of wheels that make the scooter fun and safe to ride. The S2 is an excellent choice for entry-level riders, urban commuters and as a last-mile commuting option. It is easily manoeuvrable through tight urban spaces and performs well on flat paved roads. 

Overall, the S2 from the Kirin series leverages the latest innovations in the scooter industry to deliver a smooth and effortless riding experience at an affordable price of  £259.11/ $ 359.99. You can also bet on the Kirin’s quality with the scooter’s CE verification. Read on for a more comprehensive review. 

Kirin S2 Specifications

Kugoo Kirin S2 Cons

Lacks cruise control

It doesn’t have a mobile app/ Bluetooth connectivity

Lacks waterproof rating

The solid rear wheel lacks the comfort pneumatic tyres offer

Kugoo Kirin S2 Summary

Kugoo is a top electric scooter brand, and it is not hard to see why. The company offers a wide variety of top-of-the-line electric scooters for adults and children with excellent features and functionality. These models exhibit industry-leading technology focusing on performance and versatility, while offering a smooth riding experience with increased acceleration and battery life. Kugoo’s electric scooters are created to make them as practical, comfortable, and powerful as possible. Whether you are looking for an electric scooter for daily commute or your kid is after a new toy to ride around on, Kugoo has you covered.

The Kugoo Kirin S2 electric scooter is an affordably priced scooter with all the hallmarks of a premium scooter: a cutting-edge ergonomic design, industry-leading performance,  high-quality build, and user-friendly features. But what makes it truly stand out is its outstanding value for money. The S2 scooter is crafted from aluminium alloy, and comes in either black or white. The material facilitates the scooter’s durability and lightweight.

The handlebars are lean with few controls. An LCD display is centrally located to give riders the speed and battery readings while on the go. You will also spot a bell, a thumb activated brake and a thumb throttle on the length of the handlebar. On the hand grips, a rubber coating keeps riders hands firmly in place for a comfortable ride experience. The wiring on the scooter is internally routed in the stem to maintain that minimalist, elegant look.

The S2 comes with an expansive deck that allows for comfortable standing. Additionally, the deck plate is lined with grip tape, and the Kirin logo is accentuated on the middle run of the deck. You can also spot the red Kirin logo on the forks that hold the wheel in place. Speaking of wheels, the S2 sports a large 8’’ air-filled front tyre and solid rear tire. The front wheel works wonders in absorbing bumps on the road and ensuring a smooth ride, while the maintenance-free rear rubber tire ensures that you have less punctures to worry about. 

The Kugoo Kirin S2 has a top speed of 15.5mph, which is pretty much standard on electric scooters these days, and maximum battery life is 25km, again not that impressive when compared to the Powerboard One Plus at 35km and Segway KickScooter at 40km but decent for its price. These performance specs are attributed to the scooter’s 250 Watt brushless hub motor and the robust 36 V, 10 A battery. The battery charges in under 4 hours, making this a truly on the go scooter.

For added ride comfort, the scooter is fitted with a front shock absorber. The scooter is also safe with an integrated stem LED light, dual-front electronic and rear fender brakes, and a bell. But what makes the Kirin S2 a great buy is how easily it can improve your commute and overall quality of life. Taking up minimal space and weighing little on your shoulder, this scooter easily folds so you can store it in your car or bring it along for travel, making it very effective for city commutes.

If you’re not sold on the Kugoo Kirin S2 electric scooter, read on to discover more about this entry-level scooter with a head-turning design and features.

Performance Overview

The Kugoo Kirin S2 electric scooter is outfitted with a 250W  brushless rear hub motor that delivers a high power output and excellent torque. The motor capacity allows for maximum speeds of 15.5 mph (25 Km/h) on urban roads while hauling a maximum weight of 264.5 lbs (120 Kg).

The scooter has a dual-braking system that delivers maximum stopping power in all weather. Depending on the speed, the two brakes are independently controlled and can bring the scooter to a complete stop in just 3-5 meters.

Speed & Acceleration

The Kugoo Kirin S2 is an urban commuter’s dream come true: a safe and speedy scooter that will take you to your destination in no time. With a top speed of  15.5 mph (25 km/h), it is perfect for speeding through crowded streets or avoiding heavy traffic on your way home. 

The responsive thumb throttle on the scooter is engineered to provide the rider with a smooth, efficient ride, letting them easily zoom through congested city streets. In addition, the throttle makes rides better and more comfortable with a greater sense of control.

Hill Climbing

The Kugoo Kirin S2 Electric Scooter can easily cope with hill climbs of up to 14 degrees incline. It’s one of the few high-power, lightweight, compact scooters that can tackle light hill climbing with ease. Moreover, its maximum hill climbing angle closely matches the Gotrax XR Elite, which can ascend 15 degrees of incline.

Battery & Range

The Kugoo Kirin S2 Electric Scooter runs on a 21.6V,10A lithium battery that lets riders travel through a longer range of up to 15.5 miles (25 km) on a single charge. This is decent mileage and more than enough for short urban commutes and in-campus rides. Moreover, its incredible battery life is paired with a fast charge time, so you won’t be left waiting for hours when your battery runs out.

Lithium batteries are a staple of modern technology. With one-thousand-times the power density of alkaline batteries, they have enabled scooters and other devices to store large amounts of energy. They are also the only batteries that can deliver consistently long life. 

Motor Configuration

Kugoo’s Kirin S2 Electric Scooter boasts a rear 250-watt brushless motor that lets you effortlessly glide through city streets with excellent efficiency. The brushed motor is sealed inside a weather-resistant hub to protect it from the elements and keep it running smoothly for the scooter’s lifespan.

The Kirin S2’s motor has a strong driving force that pushes the scooter to a maximum speed of 15.5 mph (25 km/h) and hauls up to 264.5 lb (120 kg) of weight. Its powerful torque enables it to handle inclines and quick accelerations. And the best part about the motor is its whisper-quiet operation.

Construction & Quality

The Kugoo Kirin S2 scooter is made of high-quality materials that are sturdy, durable and roadworthy. The S2 is constructed from a combination of aluminum alloy, ABS and PC materials that are moulded into an elegant design. It is available in black and white colour schemes that look great on any street and make it stand out from the crowd. 

The frame is crafted from high-quality aluminium, carefully polished for long-lasting durability. Aluminium is known for its incredible strength and lightweight. No wonder this elegant-looking scooter weighs a mere 24.7 lbs (11.22 Kg).

The Kugoo Kirin S2 Electric Scooter’s handlebar is a sight to behold. Designed with a unique intuitive LCD display centrally located on the lean ergonomic handlebar, the intuitive control panel gives you a few essential controls while keeping wiring neatly routed so your scooter looks elegant. The handlebar ends are covered in soft ribbed grips for comfortable riding.

The deck is spacious enough to accommodate riders with larger feet, and it sports a pair of fenders to protect you from splashes when it runs through puddles. Its sturdy kickstand keeps the scooter upright, even when parked on an incline, and prevents the scooter from tipping over.

Suspension & Comfort

The S2 scooter features a front spring suspension to deal with bumps and irregularities in the road. This suspension complements the shock absorption properties of the pneumatic tyres to provide a smooth ride. Jointly, they make for a much more enjoyable experience when commuting or riding on rough roads. The suspension effectively limits the vibrations that would otherwise be felt through the stem, affecting the scooter’s ride quality. While some riders would have hoped for a suspension on both wheels, it is essential to note that other similarly priced scooters lack any type of suspension at all. For example, the entire range of Gotrax scooters, including their performance models like the XR Elite, Ninebot Max, Inokim Light and the ultra-popular Xiaomi M365.

Ride Quality

The Kugoo Kirin S2 electric scooter offers an incredibly smooth ride on paved urban terrain. It combines an 8-inch air-filled pneumatic front tyre and front spring suspension to deliver incredible comfort even over pavements and smooth urban terrain.  Pneumatic tyres provide a more comfortable ride and better traction as compared to solid rubber tyres. 

The Kirin S2 electric scooter deck provides plenty of room to stand and features sandpaper-like grips that ensure riders have a secure foot placement. Its rubberised handle grips also work to secure riders’ hands while cruising and are so grippy that the rider’s hands remain firm even when sweating.

The rear in-hub motor on the Kugoo Kirin S2 electric scooter is smooth and whisper-quiet, making the bell necessary for other road users’ safety. Further on driving safety, the scooter features an innovative stem-integrated front headlight. However, the scooter lacks brake lights, tail lights and reflectors. 

Lights

The S2 has a single, high-powered front LED headlight embedded on the top of the stem. It illuminates the road so that the rider won’t run into any unexpected potholes. However, it doesn’t have any reflectors, tail lights, or brake lights, making this scooter hard to spot by other vehicles or road users. Riders should wear reflective attire to ensure visibility at night.

Braking

The Kirin S2 scooter boasts an incredible dual braking system that delivers superior stopping force. The scooter features an electronic front brake that is thumb activated and the rear footbrake operated by pressing the foot on the rear fender. With such reliable stopping power, you can stop on a dime even when it is raining or if you are going down incredibly steep hills. The brakes offer a 3-5 meter stopping distance depending on the speed.

Portability

The Kirin S2 electric scooter model is designed to be foldable, which makes for economic space occupation. It is lightweight and can fit in the back of most cars at just 24.7 lbs (11.22 kgs) and with space-saving, folded dimensions of 105 x 42 x 30 cm, so you will never have to worry about transporting it around.

The scooter can be easily grabbed and carried upstairs when folded up. In addition, the scooter has an easy folding mechanism that facilitates portability. All you have to do is flip the kickstand using one foot and pull the locking mechanism on the bottom of the stem – and your scooter is ready to go anywhere!

Tyres

The Kugoo Kirin S2 Electric Scooter provides a comfortable ride all day long. Its plush 8-inch front pneumatic tire is wide and treaded, making for a firm and comfortable ride that glides over cracks and bumps while providing superior cornering. On the other hand, the solid rear tire provides a puncture-free ride, providing its rider with peace of mind. The reason Kugoo probably went with a solid rear tire is that the motor is rear located, and fixing punctures on pneumatics would significantly interfere with the integrity of the motor.

Deck

The Kugoo Kirin S2 scooter features a roomy deck that caters to all foot sizes, allowing riders to grip the footrests and enjoy their ride. The deck has a sandpaper-like coating which provides for optimal riding control. In addition to making the ride more enjoyable, this material also prevents slipping and sliding when cornering or turning.

Controls & Display

The Kugoo Kirin S2 electric scooter blends style and functionality in a package suited best for the urban commuter.  The scooter’s handlebars are neat, with the thumb-activated throttle on the right side and the thumb-controlled brake on the left side.

The unique round digital display sits in the centre of the handlebars. The LCD display has an on/off switch. Although it is small-sized, it’s still legible even under direct sunlight, and it relays the current speed and battery level. You can also spot the bell on the left side.

Water Resistance

The Kugoo Kirin S2 Electric Scooter is not water-resistant, so you should avoid riding this scooter in the rain or through still water. However, other releases by Kugoo typically feature an IPX4 – IP54 rating.

Reliability

The Kugoo Kirin S2 is a perfect balance of form and function. Its eye-catching industrial design is matched only by its excellent performance. This electric scooter is fast and rides for a long time thanks to its powerful motor and battery. In addition, this folding electric scooter has a sturdy, durable frame and is also lightweight and highly portable. Riders will also enjoy the front suspension and front pneumatic tire that offer a smooth ride experience. The quick charge time makes it suitable for on-the-go use- simply charge it, pick it up, and go!

Warranty 

Kugoo provides a 12-month warranty on fuselage parts, six to 12 months on electronic accessories, and a 14-day to a 90-day warranty on moving parts. The warranty only covers manufacturer defects and not damage caused by accidents. The warranty period begins the day that Kugoo delivers the product to you. The Scooters have RoHS and CE certification, which is sufficient insurance of their high-quality standards.

Kugoo has a responsive customer service team that can be reached through diverse channels, including social media platforms, e-mail, and the contact form on kugoo.eu.

Known Issues

A few users have mentioned an issue with the scooter stem – it tends to wobble. Unfortunately, this is a common problem with most budget electric scooter models. To avert this problem, most manufacturers have included an added safety lock or safety pin that holds the stem in place when riding. This safety feature is also meant to prevent accidental folding of the stem.

Maintenance

To ensure the best performance of your Kugoo Kirin S2, keep it in tip-top shape by performing regular maintenance. This will not only help the machine last longer, but it will also ensure that it can operate smoothly. Fortunately, Kugoo has provided a maintenance schedule for you in the user manual. Your scooter might outlive the initial warranty if it is regularly maintained.

The following maintenance routines should be observed;

• Clean the unit regularly using a wet cloth and dry it. However, avoid the use of corrosive chemicals or solvents.
• Charge the scooter using the charger supplied by the manufacturer and within the prescribed time.
• Inspect your scooter regularly and replace any damaged parts to ensure smooth, accident-free rides.
• It is necessary to check and tighten the nuts and bolts of your scooter from time to time.
• Maintain proper tyre pressure and replace worn or cracked tyres

Kugoo Kirin S2: Is it worth the money and is it worth buying?

The Kugoo Kirin S2 is a satisfying e-scooter for people who pride themselves on fine craftsmanship and unbeatable value. Crafted with high-quality full aluminium parts, the scooter has a sleek design and is built to last. The small but powerful electric scooter is great for zipping around the city. The brushed motor can deliver higher speeds of up to 15.5 mph (25km/h), and the combination of a front electric brake and rear foot brake makes it easy to control your speed with precision.

You will love the smooth ride, great speed, and comfy fit this scooter offers. Its compact design allows you to easily transport it in any vehicle; fit it behind your desk or in the trunk of your car! Thanks to its grippy wheels and roomy deck, you will stay safe and steady when riding this invigorating scooter. For the price of £259.11/ $ 359.99, the scooter delivers on quality.