Riley RS2 Electric Scooter Review

One of the performance-oriented entry-level commuter scooters with a top speed of around 15.5 mph and a range of up to 28 miles.

The RS2 from Riley scooters dethrones the RS1 as the best-seller from this scooter company. The scooter offers a classic design with powerful performance features in a sleek, compact package. It is an elegant, refined and innovative e-scooter that delivers on performance, safety and comfort. For a person that’s just getting into the fantastic world of electric scooting, the Riley is a great pick and at a price point that you’ll be hard-pressed to leave.

Let’s get into the heart of what makes the Riley a superb scooter.

Riley RS2: The Lowdown…

The Riley RS2 is a British-branded scooter assembled in one of China’s mass assembly plants. However, China has made a name for itself in mass production without compromising quality. Riley’s innovative approach is to build a premium product with quality components and designs that look sleek and refined.

The RS2 is their second iteration of the RS1 – which was well-received by consumers. Riley RS2 performs well across the board, offering an excellent combination of speed, range, comfort and more. It is ideal for commuters who need to cover some distance but do not want to travel so fast that they cannot enjoy the scenery during their commute. It is available in two colour choices of aviation black and brilliant black. 

But what are some of the improvements Riley made from the RSI? This unit comes with an improved battery that delivers an increased range compared with its predecessor. However, the modifications come with an increase in weight from 13 kgs to 15 kgs. You will also be spending £100 more to get the RS2. They both feature durable frames, while the sleek body design is aerodynamically enhanced to deliver optimal performance. The range and top-speed on both scooters are also reliable for commuters’ needs.

Read on for a detailed review of the RS2 scooter and find out if it is worth the $700/ £499 you part with to acquire it.

Riley RS2 Specifications

Riley RS2 Cons

It performs dismally on inclines

It lacks a Bluetooth connection and smartphone app

Lacks suspension

Riley RS2 Summary

Riley has not been in the scooter game for long, yet it is making a splash with its line of high-quality, affordable electric scooters. The UK-based brand is committed to developing products that redefine the urban commuter experience, making it more fun and environmentally friendly. Their first offering, the RS1, quickly rose as one of the most sought-after units in the market. The Riley RS2 electric scooter represents their second iteration of the electric scooter, and it is an improvement to its predecessor. It offers a more extended range than the RS1, a powerful brushless front hub motor, a zippier speed and a slew of features that deliver superior performance.

At first sight, the Riley RS2 looks like Levy Plus or Turboant X7 Pro. The RS2 offers an enhanced riding experience without compromising on style and design at a reasonable price. The electric scooter is designed with the commuter in mind, and it does not disappoint on this front. Its slim profile and sharp lines deliver a stunning appearance, while its lightweight construction and responsive design add to the joy of riding. It is made from quality components built for durability, giving it a long lifespan. 

This electric scooter features 10-inch puncture-resistant tyres and front and rear LED lighting for all-weather, day and night riding. It has a decent maximum speed of 15.5mph (25 km/h), and the high capacity swappable battery provides an impressive range of 28 miles (45 km). It also comes with a triple braking system for optimum stopping power. The scooter is lightweight with a total weight of around 33lbs (15 kgs ), making it easy to manoeuvre when the rider needs to navigate through crowded city streets. 

The electric scooter has enhanced its design with an easy-to-read LCD display that provides the rider with information such as speed, odometer, range, battery usage, etc. The 350W motor is powerful enough to haul 265 lbs maximum weight but really struggles when going up a hill.

Overall, it is a welcome update to an already reputable line of e-scooters, improving on what its predecessor offered and doing a great job at it. Read on to find out how this scooter fares against its competition.

Performance Overview

When it comes to performance, the RS2 Electric Scooter is one of the most impressive middle-range electric scooters on the market. It is powered by a 350-watt brushless hub motor that generates 700w peak power and 480w nominal power. This brushless scooter motor is much more efficient and generates consistent performance, unlike brushed motors that suffer from efficiency degradation over time. 

The motor propels the scooter to a maximum speed of 15.5mph (25km/h), while the battery range is an impressive 28 miles/ 45 km. The motor also enables the scooter to haul a rider with 265 lbs (120 kg) max weight. The scooter has 3-drive modes (Beginner, Std and Pro) that allow the user to customise their riding experience. Beginner mode limits the scooter’s top speed to 6 mph (10 km/h), Std mode tops out at 9 mph (14km/h), and Pro mode allows the rider to push the scooter up to 15.5mph (25km/h).

Another feature Riley got right is the braking system on the scooter. The triple braking system provides excellent stopping power and quicker response time than similarly priced scooters ensuring the rider is always in control with three brakes at their disposal. The scooter has a braking distance of about 6 meters from a top speed.

Speed & Acceleration

This is not a racing machine by any means and also won’t break any speed records in its price range. The RS2 Electric Scooter has a top speed of 15.5mph (25km/h) which is more than adequate for the average rider. This speed is standard for this price category and similar to other scooters like the Xiaomi M365 pro, Segway Ninebot ES2 and GoTrax XR Ultra. However, riders probably expected a higher top speed from this scooter with a higher motor rating than the scooters mentioned above.

The acceleration is responsive, and it is easy to get up to speed. The thumb-controlled acceleration trigger is easy to use and responsive. It is straightforward to roll on and off the throttle making the scooter a joy to ride.

It is also worth mentioning that the RS2 is equipped with a cruise control feature that enables the rider to maintain their current speed even when they let go of the throttle. You can activate the cruise control by keeping a constant speed for about six seconds, and the feature will automatically engage. 

Hill Climbing

The RS2 electric scooter is a dismal hill-climber. The scooters struggled with hill grades as easy as 10 degrees in real-world tests. Therefore, stick to flat riding tracks, or be prepared to hop off the scooter and push it alongside you should you take it to sloppy areas.

Battery & Range

The battery life of the RS2 is undoubtedly its most vital selling point. It comes with a powerful Panasonic battery pack rated at 36V, 12.8Ah that can provide a rider with a maximum range of 28 miles (45km). Panasonic is a reputable brand whose batteries outperform the generic ones on most scooters. This is evidenced by unique features such as its anti-fire battery case.

The detachable battery pack is an excellent feature that allows you to purchase additional batteries and extend the overall range of the scooter. This is extremely helpful for commuters who can’t always charge their battery at their place of work or study after riding it back home or vice versa. Some of the other scooters with this kind of battery include; Turboant X7 Pro, Levi Plus, Ninebot ES4 and Hiboy NEX5.

A fully charged battery will provide enough juice to get you through your daily commute comfortably while still giving you the option to extend the range a little further by purchasing a spare battery. You can also extend the battery range by riding on Beginner and Standard riding modes. The battery takes 5 hours to charge fully using a 42v/ 2A charger.

Motor Configuration

The RS2 uses an efficient 350W front brushless hub motor powered by the 36V removable Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery pack. The motor is housed inside the front hub, providing quick acceleration and equal power transfer to the rear wheel. Also, the motor generates 700W of peak power and 350W of continuous power. 

Construction & Quality

When you first take the Riley RS2 out of the box, it is evident that this electric scooter is built to last. It has a solid feel with high-quality materials used for most of its construction and can easily handle riders up to 265 lbs. (120kg). Upon first glance, you notice that the battery is housed in the stem, unlike most other scooters. 

The sturdy stem design on the RS2 is awe-inspiring and looks good. It has an esthetically appealing sleek design with a matt finish. The frame is made from lightweight aviation-grade aluminium, which adds durability to the overall construction while keeping it light enough for easy lifting and transportation. The wires are neatly tucked away and well hidden to give it a clean look. There’s also a shopping hook with a weight capacity of 10 kgs for your luggage convenience.

The puncture-resistant tyres are designed to last and provide a smooth ride while reducing vibration and offering a lower rolling resistance. The alloy rims on the RS2 are solidly built with sealed bearings, reducing maintenance costs and making the ride smoother and more comfortable.

The front LED headlight is a nice added touch that comes in handy for commuters who need to use their scooters at night. In addition, the deck of the electric scooter is expansive enough for comfortable handling and foot placement. The deck is draped in a rubberised grip, making it easier to handle and reducing slippage even in wet conditions. A robust kickstand is attached to the deck, which adds to the overall sturdiness and ensures that it won’t tip over when you rest the scooter.

Overall, this e-scooter has exceptionally high attention to detail and quality parts used throughout its construction. 

Suspension & Comfort

The RS2 e-scooter lacks suspension, but the 10-inch puncture-resistant tyres do an excellent job of absorbing vibrations and bumps.  

Ride Quality

Riding this electric scooter is a surprisingly pleasant experience, even with the absence of a suspension system. The 10-inch puncture-resistant tyres deliver a smooth and comfortable ride with good shock absorption, while the scooter’s frame design offers better handling and overall stability. However, the lack of a suspension system limits this scooter’s appeal for riders who intend to use it off-road.

The scooter’s in-hub motor manages to keep the ride quiet and smooth. The ergonomic handlebars are very comfortable to grip, and the ergonomic throttle is easy to operate. The aluminium construction of the frame is lightweight, making it easy to carry around after use. 

It is lightweight but solid and sturdy, making it easy for the rider to manoeuvre when navigating through large crowds or tight spaces. The deck of Riley RS2 is spacious enough for a comfortable standing position while riding around town or campus areas. The 2-way lighting system and the bell are adequate for riding safely at night.

Lights

The scooter is equipped with front and rear LED lighting that illuminates the route ahead during night riding and makes for a great and safer ride in low visibility conditions. The front is highly mounted under the handlebars and is powerful enough to illuminate the path in front of the rider. 

The rear light unit incorporated into the scooter is a nice add-on that makes it easy for other road users to spot you from behind, especially during nighttime riding. The lights can be activated and deactivated by double-clicking the menu button on the throttle.

Braking

The scooter comes with one of the best braking systems found on e-scooters of this size. It has a triple braking system that comprises a rear hydraulic disk brake, a front E-ABS brake and a rear pedal brake. This braking system is well loaded with enough stopping power to bring you safely to a stop when needed.

The brake lever activates the rear high performing disc brake, is easy to pull, and offers adequate braking power even when wet or dirty. The pedal brake helps the rider regulate speed when riding. 

Portability

The Riley RS2 weighs 33 lbs (15 kgs ), and it is not the lightest scooter in its category. It is slightly heavier than the Hiboy S2 scooter, which weighs 29.5 lbs (13.4 kgs), and the Glion Dolly weighs 28 pounds (12 kilos). However, the weight does not limit the portability factor, considering the scooter weighs just a few kgs above the lightest scooter in its category.

This electric scooter folds down in a few simple steps with a couple of pins and clips that click into place. The process is quick, easy and requires no tools. You just release the safety latch, then drop the lever from the stem.

You can then drop the handlebar. It folds to scooter dimensions of 105.6 x 42 x 45 cm (L x W x H) when folded to ensure it fits perfectly when storing it in the house, office or stacking it in your car trunk. Detach the battery and throw it in your backpack to relieve some of the carrying weight for increased portability. 

Tyres

Even when riding in wet conditions, the RS2 rolls on 10-inch puncture-resistant tyres with an excellent tread pattern for better traction. The pneumatic tyres are wrapped around the scooter’s alloy rims, enhancing overall stability when riding at high speeds.

Puncture-resistant tyres are ideal for commuters who ride their scooters every day and can withstand any weather condition.

Deck

The Riley RS2 electric scooter features a large deck that is long enough to accommodate even riders with large feet and can easily handle weights of up to 265 lbs (120 kg).

The deck is also expansive enough for a balanced standing experience which equals better control and stability when riding. The deck is slim and sleeker than most decks on other scooters with their batteries underneath it. The ground clearance is only great for city riding as it stands at 14 cms. The surface is also rubberised for enhanced grip.

Controls & Display

The Riley RS2 features simple handlebars with just a few buttons and controls. The handlebars are ergonomically designed for a comfortable riding experience. The LCD display sits at the centre of the handlebars. The digital display consolidates all relevant information such as speed, riding mode and battery usage into one concise display allowing the rider to keep an eye on their ride.

The brake lever that activates the rear hydraulic disk brake and a bell is located on the left side of the handlebars to ensure the rider’s safety. The thumb-activated throttle sits pretty on the right side of the handlebars. There is an on/off and menu button on the throttle. 

Water Resistance

The RS2 has an IP54 standard rating for water and dust resistance. This means the scooter can withstand the splashing of water, but it cannot be immersed in water bodies or puddles, so don’t plan on riding your RS2 through a swamp!

However, in true sense, the IP rating is higher, but the stem-embedded battery lowers the ability to withstand water for too long.

Reliability

The Riley RS2 is a sturdy, well-made scooter with excellent features to back it up. It not only offers a smooth urban ride but also delivers on durability and reliability. The frame is made from aviation-grade aluminium, making it durable and lightweight. The motor delivers a decent top speed. The scooter has an IP54 rating against water and dust, making it a reliable choice for daily transportation. It also meets standard testing regulations. 

Warranty 

The warranty period for this scooter is 12 months from the date of purchase, which gives you some peace of mind. However, the warranty is limited to manufacturing defects. For instance, it does not cover damages resulting from accidents, misuse or modifications to your scooter, such as overloading.

The customer support is excellent, with a vast network of dealerships across the UK offering replacement consultation, service, parts and repairs.

Maintenance

The RS2 requires regular maintenance to stay functional. The scooter has an in-hub motor that is maintenance-free, and you only need to check the tyre pressure once or twice a week.

The Lithium-Ion batteries are very durable, but monitoring them while charging, storing, and riding the scooter is still necessary. You should ensure you observe all the safety precautions to prevent overheating or overcharging.

The manufacturer recommends charging the scooter after each use and before storage to ensure maximum lifespan for your Lithium-Ion batteries. Although, they can last up to 3 years with proper usage and safety measures.

You should also store the scooter in a dry place at room temperature as high or low temperatures can affect its longevity. You shouldn’t leave the scooter discharged for a long time as this can affect the battery life.

You should also regularly check for loose screws, bolts, and nuts that can affect the scooter’s safety. In addition, it is necessary to periodically check for cracks in the frame, which could cause a sudden structural failure. This will ensure that you ride your scooter safely and with peace of mind.

Known Issues

Understanding that the scooter is in the budget category, you expect a few minor operational issues. Here is what some riders have to say against manufacturer claims:

• Some customers have complained that the scooter produces squeaky noise during high-speed braking.
• The throttle sometimes sticks, which is dangerous as it affects speed control.
• The scooter struggles with inclines, unable to haul heavier riders up the slightest incline.
• The manufacturer-cited speed is way below the actual speed.
• The aesthetics as the scooter ages are less than pleasant as the paint peels off quite easily.
• You need a very specific pump to inflate the tyre as you need one that fits into very miniature parts of the wheel.
• The braking system has been subject to the majority of complaints.

Riley RS2: Is it worth the money and is it worth buying?

The RS2 features a stylish design and innovative features that deliver a smooth and comfortable ride. It has a top speed of 25 mph and can travel up to 28 miles per charge, making it a good choice for daily commuting and riding through the neighbourhood.

The battery life is average, and the ergonomic handlebar offers better comfort for different riders. It has a removable battery, making it easy to charge and travel with. The RS2 also has an IP54 rating against water and dust.

However, riders should expect some shortcomings as this is a budget scooter. It lacks suspension, therefore, is unsuitable for offroading. Again, the brakes are not best-in-class, so riders should leave significant room for emergency braking. The paint peels off; hence, the aesthetics depreciate with time. But for $700/ £499, the offerings are within budget.