Horizon V2 Review

Cockpit

At 23.2 inches, the handlebars are among the widest seen on entry-level scooters. They’re 47% wider than those sported by the Mosquito and 41% broader than a typical budget scooter. The benefit of this added width can be felt in the scooter’s handling and balance.

Along the bar, it’s here that you’ll find what is perhaps the V2’s biggest upgrade: the new display and thumb throttle. Whereas the previous Horizon featured a QS-S4 finger throttle unit that forced you to shape your hand into a claw, the new version is satisfyingly ergonomic. The display, meanwhile, is now protected by an IP66 rating, meaning it can withstand high-pressure water jets from all directions.

It’s worth noting that while the display is waterproof, the rest of the scooter isn’t. It snowed and rained while filming our review, resulting in the scooter getting wet, but it continued to perform and is still working today. Nevertheless, it’s best to avoid riding while it's wet out.

As for the rest of the cockpit, there’s a brake lever on the left, and both sides of the handlebars fold parallel to the stem (we’ll take a closer look at this in the ‘Portability’ section of the review).

Frame

There’s nothing flashy or superfluous about the aluminum frame. It’s simple, sturdy, and with a matte black finish, not lacking in style, either.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Deck

I’ve seen some reviewers say that the deck is short in length. I think it's just right. When compared to its most fierce rivals – including the EMOVE Touring and Fluid Mosquito – it measures 4.5 and 1.7 inches shorter, respectively. But, this isn’t taking into account the new carry handle which doubles as a footrest. With this addition, there’s another 3 inches of available foot space, and even without it, there’s enough room to adopt an L-shaped stance.

There are also two strips of grip tape that run the entirety of the deck to give your feet something to latch onto.

Tires

The Horizon V2 picks up where its forebear left off by featuring two tires that perform different roles. At the front, you have an air-filled tire that both cushions your ride and aids the scooter’s maneuverability with its narrow, rounded profile.

The tire at the rear, meanwhile, is solid, squarer, and 0.5 inches thicker. This not only affords protection against punctures but delivers more traction; it works with the rear-mounted motor to channel the torque produced and propel you forward.

Portability

We wouldn’t vaunt the Horizon’s commuter cred if it wasn’t wonderfully portable – but what’s its secret?

Well, aside from its relatively lightweight mass of 42 lbs, there are its foldable handlebars, telescopic stem, and cantilevered folding mechanism that makes a reassuringly loud audible click when it’s locked in place. It’s no exaggeration to say that you can have the scooter collapsed and ready to fit in the trunk of your car in mere seconds – especially if you choose to keep the handlebars locked in place.

On the other hand, if you want to compact the Horizon down to its smallest form of 38.6 (L) x 7.1 (W) x 14.6 (H) inches, then you’ll need to spend 20-30 seconds unscrewing the threaded cuffs of the handlebars so that they can be folded. While this takes significantly longer than the likes of the Mosquito and EMOVE Touring – which have spring-loaded cuffs – the benefit is that the handlebars are free from wobble.

What’s more, the carry handle at the rear of the deck is a neat upgrade when it comes to navigating public transport or office buildings. You can even purchase trolley wheels for a few extra bucks if you want to up the portability stakes.

Load

With a capacity of 265 lbs, it performs where we would expect it to – especially considering that its rivals – the EMOVE Touring and Mosquito – both support 308 lbs and 265 lbs, respectively.

Based on our tests, the optimal max load (i.e. the weight at which the Horizon continues to deliver a good level of performance) is 235 lbs.

Lights

The Horizon V2 isn’t short of lights. The problem is, they’re poorly positioned and not bright enough. The headlight is mounted too low, which leaves the street ahead shrouded in more darkness than is necessary.

As well as the headlight, there are button lights at the front and rear of the deck, with the latter also functioning as flashing brake lights.

My honest assessment: invest in an extra clip-on headlight if nighttime rides are likely to be on the agenda. This is a common issue for the majority of scooters, particularly those on the lower end of the price spectrum.

Build Quality

The Horizon has always been a tough cookie – and the second iteration is no different. It’s designed to be a low-maintenance everyday scooter that can take a scrape or two. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.

The telescopic stem is assuredly sturdy and wobble-free, while the cabling has been bunched and threaded neatly through the frame to ensure there are no obstructions or vulnerabilities.

There are no creaking, clanking, or rattling sounds while riding, and the mix-and-match approach to its tires (pneumatic upfront and solid at the rear) significantly reduces the risk of flats.

The front and rear fenders do a good job of protecting you from rogue flicks of water and mud and don’t flap against the tires, either.

My only two gripes are a lack of an overall water resistance rating, and that the handgrips can be twisted.